Archive for 'Northeast Italy'

Situated in the North East of Italy, the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia is a hub of activity with many exciting things here for tourists to do and see! This marvellous region is ideal for sports lovers who wish to embark on challenging mountain hikes or take off in paragliding trails from high up in the mountains!

Check out some superb villas in Friuli Venezia Giulia with guest reviews that are close to lots of attractions.

Or for those with a passion for culture, why not take a few days to go on a trail of the magnificent cities of Trieste, Udine and the UNESCO site of Aquileia. Aquileia especially is a haven of history just waiting to be discovered by you!

Jet off to Emilia Romagna, a stunning region overlooking the Adriatic Sea of Italy’s east coast! A haven of culture, cuisine and beauty, tourists will have no end of exciting things to do and see in their vacation here. Stay in a stunning villa in Emilia Romagna where you can live the life of luxury during your vacation!

Why not begin your travels of Emilia Romagna by visiting the capitol of Bologna? The City of Porticoes, Bologna is a beautifully unusual sight to behold with many of its historic buildings lined with porches to shelter its people from the sun, wind or rain as they move through the streets.

The famous Italian dish called Spaghetti Bolognaise originated here but it’s traditionally made using tagliatelle pasta. Enjoy a savoury lunch of this along with some local Parmigiano Reggiano cheese grated on top and a robust glass of fruity red wine to stimulate those taste buds!

This memorable legend is set in the city of Venice and is represented in the form of a carved white marble angel on the façade of an old palace in the city. The story begins with a rich and powerful lawyer in Venice; he was the best in the business but he was ruthless and the people of Venice feared him.

They believed he must have some sort of contract with the devil as he was so evil and cunning in winning his cases. Servants fled his huge palace in fear of him and soon the lawyer was alone with no-one to communicate with. He felt so lonely and became embittered even more in his thoughts.

The Devil smiled in glee at this pitiful sight but wanted to ensure that the lawyer would eventually sell his soul to him as there still remained some good in his heart. So he planned to meet the lawyer in the form of a small but string black monkey. But he acted like no normal monkey, he showed the lawyer that he could cook and fetch things for him and the lawyer, delighted with his new company took him into his home.

Stay in a fabulous holiday rental in Venice and visit the spots where this story is based!

One upon a time in Venice an old fisherman lived and worked. This honest and hardworking man had few possessions besides his boat and nets but he was happy with his lot. Every night when he finished his work, he rowed up beneath the large marble bridge near the palace of the Doges, anchored and slept there soundly till morning. He loved his simple life and regarded this sheltering bridge as his ‘marble palace’!

Storms often hit Venice during the winter months but the fisherman was usually safe tucked under the bridge. But one night in February, a terrible storm brewed and raged for three days; Venice was being battered by angry wave torrents and swollen tides! The swirling waters of the canals broke the moorings of the fisherman’s boat and he was swept out into the open. He finally managed to clamber to shore at the steps beside the Riva of San Marco.

He was forced to wait and watch his tied up boat being battered by the high waves. As he watched the storm, a man came down the steps to stand beside him.

If you’re spending some or all of your Italian vacation in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia then be sure to visit the archaeological area and ancient basilica of Aquileia!

Aquileia was one of the largest and richest cities during the early reign of the Roman Empire before being viciously destroyed by Attila in the 5th century. Book into a charming villa rental in Grado which is only twelve kilometres away from this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here you can relax in scenic surroundings and easily explore all that this exquisite region of Italy has to offer!