Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

The Republic of San Marino is an impossibly beautiful little country that is located in Italy, on the border between Le Marche and Emilia Romagna. At Christmas, the country, and its capital (also named San Marino), in particular, is especially stunning.

In the last article, we discussed how the beautiful capital becomes even more lovely during the festive season through the initiatives of a project called The Christmas of Wonders. This involves decorating one street in knitted decorations, another in candles and lanterns and lighting streets all over with projections and light effects on the historic buildings of the old town centre. Musical performances and theatrical presentations by buskers only heighten this lovely Christmas atmosphere. However, this is not all there is to be seen. There are plenty of other activities and things to see and do. Just find a vacation rental in Le Marche or a vacation rental in Emilia Romagna make a day trip (or maybe two) to this incredible little land to experience it all for yourself!

The Republic of San Marino is a tiny country located in Italy that is just over 61 square kilometres in size and has a population of approximately 32,000 people. Located on the border between Le Marche and Emilia Romagna, it is the third smallest country in Europe with only the State of Vatican City in Latium, Italy and the State of Monaco in France being smaller. In 2008, it was officially recognised for its unique charms, historical and cultural value, and scenic beauty and was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

At Christmas, this pretty and historic little country is even more beautiful and full of things to see and do. Why not come and experience San Marino's unique appeal for yourself this festive season for something a little different? Just find a vacation rental in Le Marche or a vacation rental in Emilia Romagna make a day trip (or maybe two) to this incredible little land.

There are many Christmas markets held all over Italy each year and there are many great markets among them. You're spoiled for choice, really, if you're a Christmas market lover that is spending the festive season in Italy.

One particular Christmas market in Bologna, however, stands out amongst the others as especially interesting. This is the ancient Fiera di Santa Lucia, a market that can trace its beginnings all the way back to the end of the 16th century. For a market positively steeped in tradition and history, there is no better option. Just find a holiday rental in Emilia-Romagna and visit Bologna and the market.

If you have found a vacation rental in Florence and are planning a trip to the city in the run up to Christmas, one of the highlights and must-see attractions has to be its Christmas markets. Christmas markets are one of the best things about Christmas. They offer delicious foods, lovely hot drinks, a vibrant Christmassy atmosphere, shopping, festive music and fun in one place (because one can't say “under one roof” in this case, can they?). There are plenty of Christmas markets in Florence to choose from but one of the most famous is the Weihnachtsmarkt, located in piazza Santa Croce in Florence.

Named for, and based on, the style of Christmas markets you can find in Germany, it offers everything you would want from a typical festive market, all with a distinctive Tuscan twist on the model. Running from the end of November until a few days before Christmas, it is a great place to taste Tuscan products and food, mulled wine and beer from all over the rest of Europe as well

This week, we're talking Christmas markets on the blog. They're wonderful things, aren't they? Festive music playing, excited kids running about, happy families smiling, young love all abloom, food being enjoyed, hot drinks warming hands and no reason to rush at all: what could be a more perfect way to spend a day in the run up to Christmas?

While Italy is not as famous as her northern neighbours for her Christmas markets, there are actually plenty of great Christmas markets around the country, including Milan's Oh Bej! Oh Bej! (meaning "oh so nice! oh so nice!" in the Milanese dialect).

Just find a vacation rental in Milan and explore this excellent traditional market for yourself!