Archive for 'Localities'

Those looking to really enjoy and make the most of one of the most scenic and charming landscapes in the world on their next vacation would be hard pressed to find a vacation rental in Italy that is better positioned than Casa Insieme. Located 9km (or 5 miles) from the pretty little town of Asciano and 29km (or 18 miles) from the famous medieval city of Siena, in the stunning Orcia Valley in Tuscany, this particular villa is ideally perched on a site in an elevated spot that affords sweeping views over the surrounding area. Many rooms throughout the house have windows and/or doors looking out onto the stunning landscape of the Orcia Valley and these views are framed beautifully, making them look more like paintings than simply openings onto the outside world. In addition to this, the villa itself is a chic, sleek, and spacious gem and ideal for those wishing to plan a relaxing and scenic holiday in Tuscany. 

There are plenty of reasons to find a vacation rental in Venice or to find a villa in Veneto and plan day trips into the city as it stands but every second year there is one more excellent incentive to head to the famous city of canals: the Biennale Arte. This is a massive festival of art, design, and performance that sees artists and countries from all over the globe come to exhibit their creations throughout the city, transforming all of Venice into one massive and fascinating art gallery. For serious art-lovers, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to tick off your bucket list or a regular indulgence depending on your inclination and means but it is certainly worth experiencing for yourself if you get the chance. 

Wes Anderson’s films are immediately recognisable by their distinct visual aesthetic that usually makes use of symmetry, pastel shades, retro elements, and impossibly quaint and scenic settings. Due to the immense popularity of his films and just how specific the look of them is, many people have come to see all sorts of real-life places as Wes Anderson-esque. One example that we have stumbled across recently is Lake Misurina that is a must-see for those considering a vacation rental in Veneto. Looking rather reminiscent of setting of the titular hotel from his movie, The Grand Budapest Hotel, the view across this alpine lake takes in the symmetrical and dollhouse-like Istituto Pio XII. Though this building is actually a healthcare centre specialising in the care of children and not actually a hotel, it is one more element that makes this already scenic and lovely lake a must-see.

Known as the, “Pearl of the Dolomites”, Lake Misurina is the largest natural lake in the Cadore district and is located in Misurina, in the hamlet of Auronzo di Cadore. A truly picturesque part of the world, it is a spot steeped in local legend and boasts a long list of activities and outdoor pursuits, making it an ideal place for a scenic and fun day out while on vacation in Veneto. Just one of many utterly lovely corners of this region full of vineyards, pretty towns, historic villas, rolling hills, alpine peaks, and more, there is much to see, discover, and explore for lovers of the Great Outdoors once they find a villa in Veneto.

Though Milan is famous as a fashion capital of the world, those who have found a luxury villa in Lombardy or a vacation rental in Milan itself, and who are looking to bring a little bit of Italian style home with them, might not know exactly where to head for the best shopping experiences in the city. We have previously put together a guide to some of the city’s most beloved and best vintage boutiques and stores but for those in the market for an upmarket purchase to remember their trip by, an investment piece to indulge in on a special occasion, a little taste of the designer lifestyle, or simply some excellent window-shopping and people-watching, then a visit to the main shopping street of Milan, Via Monte Napoleone, is a must. The third most expensive street in Europe and home to stores for Gucci, Moncler, Roger Vivier, Bulgari, Versace, Armani, Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Prada, Saint Laurent, Rolex, Cartier, Dior, Burberry, Tod’s, Fendi, and many more luxury brands, it is an upscale shopping street that will make fashion-lovers googly-eyed with excitement. So, whether you have the budget to directly shop in this neighbourhood yourself or you simply want to see how the fashionable set of Milan live and dress with your own eyes, be sure to take a wee stroll in this gilded part of the city...

Venice is famously lovely and infamously delicate. Built on partially reclaimed marshlands, with buildings constructed directly over the water, the city has always been under threat and, as sea levels rise, this only becomes more pertinent. Despite this, Venice continues to fight back and live on and protect their city by all sorts of measures, including a new fee and booking system to enter the city that will be introduced later this year.

Should you wish to plan a vacation in Venice and pay a visit, you will potentially take in some uniquely Venetian sights caused by its unusual structure and origins, such as half-flooded bookshops still going about business as per usual and tourists sipping cups of coffee while their legs are encased in protective plastic boots and are lapped by water. For those willing to quite literally go with the flow of it all and to embrace all of the eccentricities and adventures of a holiday in Venice for what it is and the singular experiences that it can offer, this can add to the charm and allow for the making of some rather special memories. However, it is also cause for constant concern and planning, of course, for the city and all of its inhabitants.

Fuelled by these very concerns and the trend in recent years for Venice to flood daily in a different kind of way – with tourists disembarking from massive cruise ships to spend only a few hours in the city before suddenly leaving once more – there have been some new measures considered to help protect the city. 2022 is the year that will see the introduction of one of the main initiatives among these measures: the establishment of a fee and booking system for those wishing to enter the city of Venice, though no exact date has yet been announced.