Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

The incredible birthplace of the Renaissance and capital city of Tuscany, Florence, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is home to extraordinary churches designed by famous architects and filled with masterpieces by world-renowned artists, stunning palaces that housed the noble families of Florence and inspired architects all over the world, museums boasting collections of some of the most beloved and iconic works of art ever made, pretty streets and awe-inspiring town squares, world-class restaurants and bars, ancient markets and chic boutiques, flagship stores of some of the most recognisable fashion brands globally, and much more besides. Those who book one of our luxury villas in Florence, therefore, and spend time in the city will discover that there is no shortage of astounding things to see and do. However, much of these attractions require spending money and, very quickly, that can start to add up. It is always handy to have some excellent free activities to add into your itinerary when on vacation and Florence has some great ones. So, here are the best things to see and do for free while you enjoy a holiday in Florence...

Sicily, in particular, is a region of Italy that is full of incredible architectural gems and great architectural cities from the Arab-Norman wonders of Palermo to the ornate and sumptuous Baroque seen in Noto. As such, many of the towns and cities of the island are well-worth simply wandering while keeping your eyes properly open to all of the beauty all around you. Those who find a villa in Syracuse should definitely take this advice to heart as there are ample world-class monuments to visit but the streets, in general, are dotted with gorgeous buildings both famous and little-known that are true architectural wonders. So, seek out the attractions in town but also explore, get a little bit lost, and take in the beauty of this city during a vacation in Sicily. 

Utterly singular, with incredible local traditions, and truly spectacular landscapes, Sardinia offers vacations in Italy but not as you imagine them. The second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and an extremely popular tourist destination, it is one of those places that you will likely have heard about plenty if you haven’t been yourself already. However, don’t come expecting the culture of mainland Italy but, rather, a distinct culinary scene, history, language, and more. Those who book a villa in Sardinia will come to find that there is nowhere else quite like it…

While picture-perfect colourful seaside towns, the gentle rolling hills and golden scenery of Tuscany and Umbria, and the grand cities of Rome and Florence are some of the images that predominate in our collective imaginings of Italy, the wilder and more dramatic views of Italy’s varied landscapes are equally captivating. Particularly, in the north, where the Alps tower overhead, Italy affords some truly breath-taking and awe-inspiring scenery. These glimpses of the sublime, of nature at its most unchecked, untamed, and wild, offer the perfect chance to escape the mundane, refresh your eyes, and wonder at the majesty of the world. And, one of the best examples of a place to take in such views and scenes is the Gran Paradiso National Park, which can be visited if you book one of our vacation rentals in Aosta Valley or holiday rentals in Piedmont.

Bernini is a name less well-known to most than the likes of Da Vinci or Michelangelo or Caravaggio but the artist was a great genius and multi-talented innovator who created extraordinary things. As an architect, he was impossibly prolific, came to be one of the most important architects of the 17th century, and was the one who gave us St Peter’s Square in Rome as well as the interior decoration of the Basilica, a number of Rome’s most elegant palazzi, and many other great works.

As a sculptor, he was the leading artist of his time and is credited as the one who initiated the Baroque style. However, in this writer’s opinion, it was his ability to breath life into stone that most recommends his work. Those who want to admire the incredible power and lifelike quality of his sculptures as well as his grand and impressive architectural feats should book a vacation rental in Rome and discover wonders like his sculpture, the Abduction of Proserpina in the Galleria Borghese.