Archive for 'Northeast Italy'

If you have found a vacation rental in Emilia-Romagna and you are a foodie, you’re in luck as there are lots of delicious local treats, eateries, products, and more to get acquainted with over the course of your stay in the area. However, if you are seriously into food and you are looking for a rather unique foodie experience in Italy then you might want to head 20 minutes out of Bologna to FICO Eataly World, a food theme park located just outside of town on a 20-acre plot that was previously home to a fruit and vegetables market.

None of this, however, has to be simply passive. This is a theme park and there are various “rides” involved. Attend one of the 30 events or 50 classes per day that are held in various classrooms, theatres and learning facilities dotted around the park, ride around on three-wheeler bikes specially designed for the park by the Italian bicycle company Bianchi to explore the grounds, meet and pet the animals in their pens, take the mini train around, watch dogs go truffle hunting, go on a guided tour with one of the park’s “biodiversity ambassadors”, sample products, and much more besides. There is lots to do!

When one thinks of art in Italy, it is the grand heritage of art that first comes to mind. One pictures the museums stuffed with works by the likes of Botticelli, Titian, and Caravaggio, the grand churches with art pieces and frescoes by the likes of Michelangelo and da Vinci, and elegant palaces and villas that bring together works by endless lists of talented artisans and artists under one roof. This long-standing history and wealth of cultural heritage is, of course, to be found in Italy, but it is not all there is to offer. It might be hard to imagine at first but Italy is also home to incredible works of art that are outside these lauded institutions, works of art that anyone can enjoy at any time of day and for free. That is to say, it is home to some rather special pieces of street art.

This street art is incredibly varied in size, age, style, and more. Some pieces are even centuries-old and other pieces are being added all the time. Some are by unknowns and some are by some of the most famous names in art history. If you are planning a trip to Italy and are interested in art, be sure to also spend time outside galleries, keeping your eyes peeled for street art surprises as you explore. If you are looking for some particular highlights to specifically set aside time to visit, then these are some of our top street art picks around Italy.

Lake Garda is a major attraction for anyone who has found a vacation rental in any one of the three regions in which it has shorelines. Just find a villa in Trentino, a holiday rental in Lombardy, or a vacation rental in Veneto and come explore this famous beauty and all that it has to offer; from water sports to boat tours, from drinking a glass of wine while enjoying sunset over the lake to picnicking at scenic spots, from exploring different historic villas dotted around the various islands and lakeside villages to hiking around trails located all over the area, and much more besides. If you are interested in hiking, in particular, you are in luck. There are lots of interesting trails to choose from and the most incredible backdrops to enjoy while you’re out there hiking. One of the best routes to explore is the Strada del Ponale.

Trentino is a northern region of Italy, set amongst Alpine backdrops, lush valleys, rolling hills, wide pastures, and little villages that is, undoubtedly, utterly picturesque and completely lovely. However, there are particular corners of Trentino that are especially beautiful and magical and that should be sought out by anyone who has found a vacation rental in Trentino and is thinking about exploring the region. One of those little gems is Arco Castle, a romantic ruin that sits majestically atop a cliff and surveys the surrounding landscape. Come and stretch your legs by hiking to the castle, admire the incredible panoramic view from the top, and explore this stunningly lovely ruin.

Perched over the plain of the River Sacra, just at the point at which it widens, Arco Castle (Castello di Arco) dominates the skyline of the area and is an iconic structure in the landscape. It is the symbol of the town of Arco and a beloved memento of times past. While its exact origins are somewhat steeped in mystery, we know that it existed at least after the year 1000 AD. The area has been inhabited since before the Middle Ages and it is thought that the castle was originally built by the people, only to be later taken over by the local nobles.

Italy is known as a gourmet country and foodie destination and there are lots of different dining experiences that one can enjoy while holidaying in Italy. Some are conventional but elevated and delicious and others are more unique and unusual. If you have found a vacation rental in Veneto and are planning on enjoying some culinary experiences and adventures while in the area, then you should definitely pencil in a visit to the rather special Osteria senz’Oste.

This restaurant offers a very unique dining experience as it famously does not have any chefs or waiters present! The name literally means, “restaurant without hosts” and they aren’t kidding. Located in a picture-perfect and exceptionally pretty 19th century farmhouse, set amongst vineyards on the hills of Cartizze in Veneto, it boasts the most amazing views over the lush landscape that unfolds beautifully below.