Archive for 'Sicily and Sardinia'

Italy is an absolute paradise for food lovers and, as a result, we decided that it might be a good idea to compile a list of foodie experiences that are a must for those holidaying in the land of crowd pleasing meals.

If you feel like eating the best ice-cream in the world, for example, you should find a luxury villa in San Gimignano, as, located in the central Piazza della Cisterna, is the Gelateria Dondoli or Gelateria di Piazza. This little shop is known all over the world and has been visited by a large number of celebrities over the years. It has won countless awards, invents flavour combinations that attract gourmet-lovers to the town on a regular basis and has made it World Champion on two occasions. Arguably, this is one of the best places in the entire world to try some ice-cream. Owned by Sergio Dondoli, one of just ten Master Ice-cream Makers in Italy today, the gelateria places importance on passion and creativity and they are constantly innovating new flavours and recipes.

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.

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.

Sassari is Sardinia's sprawling second city; a cultured, bustling university town that can seem a little drab or scruffy at first but which is home to some spectacular surprises.

Once you navigate through the areas of urban sprawl with less personality, you'll find lovely spots to eat and drink, galleries and stores you'll find nowhere else and, at the centre, a historic Old Town that charms.

Medieval alleys, busy piazzas that are alive with the sound of daily life, stunning churches and grand palazzi all await. Once you have found a vacation rental in Sardinia and are planning your itinerary for your trip, be sure to include a visit to Sassari.

Sardinia, by virtue of being an island, has no shortage of beautiful beaches. By virtue of its location in the Mediterranean, it is also assured that those beaches truly are stunning things to behold, all perfect sands contrasted by azure seas. There is, however, a particular stretch of the coast around Sardinia that is well-known for being especially beautiful. This is the Costa Smeralda.

The Costa Smeralda is located on Sardinia's northeastern coast between the Gulfs of Arzachena and Cugnana, the Costa Smeralda or Emerald Coast and owes its name to its particular hue of sea: an emerald blue that almost seems too beautiful to be real. This stretch of coast has much to offer from its beaches to seaside towns and all of the activities and attractions that come with both. If you are looking for a dreamlike holiday, just find a vacation rental in Sardinia and begin exploring this incredible part of the world.