Archive for 'Localities'

  

Americano Cocktail
There is something about Italy that gives birth to great cocktails. Many of the most iconic and popular cocktails in the world were born in Italy during the stylish last hurrah of the Old World and holidaying of the European aristocracy in the 1900s and the Economic Miracle and dolce vita of the 1950s. Still, to this day, there is something in the air and in the way of life that makes Italy the perfect placed to kick back, relax and sip on a well-deserved cocktail.

For cocktail lovers, one of the must-see pitstops on your itinerary is the city of Milan. It is home to Campari, an alcoholic liqueur that was invented by Gaspare Campari in the nineteenth century in Novara but was first produced on a large scale in Milan. Milan is also where Gaspare settled down with his family and where he opened the legendary bar, Caffè Campari.     Read More

  

Tiramisu
One of the things that most commonly attracts tourists to Italy and that people most look forward to when planning their vacations is the food. Pizza, pasta, wine and coffee are probably top of your list of things to try but one shouldn't overlook Italian desserts. There are some iconic treats, in particular, that are a must and taste quite unlike their incarnations abroad.

Tiramisu is a good example of this. It is one of the most famous and beloved of all Italian desserts and the versions that you find in their homeland are far superior to those found elsewhere.

As a result of the popularity and fame of the dessert, many want to stake their claim to it across Italy. Its origins, therefore, have become uncertain. Most accounts, however, attribute the dish to a restaurant called Le Beccherie in Treviso.     Read More

  

Venice
Shopping is, inevitably, part of most holidays, whether you are doing it for fun or picking up gifts for those who didn't get to go on vacation with you. If you have found a holiday rental in Venice and are planning on going shopping, here is a handy guide on the city's best stores and shopping districts to help you out and the key information you need on shopping culture in the city!

1. Venice is not a city of Bargains

Venice is a city where you very much get what you pay for and anything that is cheap is likely to be cheaply made. Venetians have been craftspeople and merchants for longer than some cities have existed and, as such, don't take kindly to haggling.     Read More

  

Ruins of Torre Argentina
Rome is a city that is very much defined by her architecture. In fact, the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and St Peter's are probably the very first thing to come to mind when one thinks of the city. While defining monuments becoming shorthand for a city is not at all uncommon, Rome has just so many that are incredibly iconic and well-known all over the globe. Here are some of the other architectural gems of Rome that you need to check out once you have found a holiday rental in Rome.

1. Torre Argentina

Torre Argentina is a fascinating architectural gem that is both a historic ruin and one of the largest cat sanctuaries in the whole world.     Read More

  

Villa Cerchi
Continuing on from our previous two posts and rounding up our list of ten of our best historic vacation rentals, we have three more amazing properties to discuss.

8. Villa Cerchi

Villa Cerchi is a beautiful villa with private pool that was created from the restoration of an ancient hamlet of houses dating back to the 12th century. Once owned by the prominent Florentine Cerchi family who made their fortune through trade and finance, it is now an incredible rental property that boasts 7 bedrooms and can sleep up to 14. The interiors are simple and modern with a touch of local rustic style in the details. The pool area and courtyard are both particularly lovely and sun spots that catch the warm Tuscan rays. However, it is the tranquil and panoramic location that seals the deal. The surrounding views are stunning and it is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful holiday on the hills surrounding Florence. With prices starting from €450 per night, this is a bit of a steal.     Read More