Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

Gelato is a key ingredient to life in Italy and Italians are discerning judges when it comes to ice-cream. So, when we hear from our Italian friends that there is a new gelato wunderkind on the block, we pay attention! Especially when we hear about flavours such as carbonara sorbet and gelato with ragù sauce...

Ciacco as a brand has actually existed for just over a decade but has really been taking Italy by storm and gaining an even larger loyal following recently. With the original shop based in the foodie destination of Parma and the second location in the impossibly chic Milan, this fascinating culinary adventure is one more reason to browse our vacation rentals in Emilia-Romagna and our holiday rentals in Milan so that you can experience it for itself. 

The Italian Coast is already an impossibly romantic place to spend time but if you book a vacation rental on the Cinque Terre – one of the most especially scenic stretches of the Italian coastline – then you should make a point to head to Italy’s Via dell’Amore, or Path of Love. Refurbished to the tune of almost €24 million over the last 2 years, this iconic, and romantic, walk has been partially closed since 2012 but was fully reopened last month to the glee of both locals and tourists alike. So, plan your romantic getaway on the Cinque Terre and then stroll along the path of love and into a perfect vacation...

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…