Archive for 'Northwest Italy'

Portofino is one of those places that seems to be a magnet for the rich, famous and beautiful. Situated on the Italian Riviera, this picturesque seaside village has lots to offer, aside from a bit of potential star-gazing. Once you have found the perfect holiday rental in Liguria, make your way to Portofino and begin exploring its pretty streets, yacht-filled harbour, lush hotel bars, designer shops, churches, castle and underwater statue. Not only is this the perfect place to sit back, relax, luxuriate and forget all about the outside world, there are also countless things to see, do, taste, learn and experience. While it may not be the cheapest destination known to man, it has to be one of the best.

The city of Genoa is an exceptionally beautiful place, a bustling metropolis full of elegant historic buildings, well-planned public squares, dramatic fountains and sweeping thoroughfares. These urban spaces are complemented by the presence of natural oases dotted around the city in the form of public parks. One of these is the park of Villa Durazzo-Pallavicini, a 19th century park in the English Romantic style that is exceptionally beautiful and will completely capture your heart once you step foot inside of it. If you have found a vacation rental in Liguria and are spending some time exploring Genoa, make sure to take a moment for a breather in this beautiful space.

Between 1339 and 1797 the then Republic of Genoa, a state of the Holy Roman Empire, was ruled by the Doges of Genoa. Officially a position one had to earn through a voting system, it was, in reality, an oligarchy. These men resided in the Doge's Palace, a 13th century palace in the city which is now open to the public and houses many different museums and cultural institutions. A striking, large elegant building, it is one of the architectural gems of this exceptionally beautiful city and has been subject to much alteration and addition over the years, reflecting many architectural styles in one structure. The building itself is worth dropping by for a gawk but a cultural mecca is held within, just waiting to be explored. Once you have found a holiday rental in Liguria, be sure to spend a day exploring this extraordinary city and building.

Palazzo del Te is a 16th century villa in Mantua though the title of “palace” does seem more accurate as it is unbelievably grand and combines aspects of palace and villa architecture and function. It has also been called the “greatest of all Mannerist villas”. This astounding building was designed by Giulio Romano, the most gifted of Raphael's students, for Federigo Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, son of the famous Isabella d'Este and famous in his own right as one of the most cultured and learned off all Renaissance patrons of the arts. A villa suburbana, it was built in the countryside close to the city to take advantage of the fresh air and more rural pursuits without having to venture too far away. Why not find a holiday rental in Lombardy and pay a visit to Mantua and the villa for yourself?

Monte Isola is a town and commune in Brescia, Lombardy. However, it is a little bit different to a lot of towns in Italy and a little more special as it is an island on Lake Iseo. In fact, it is actually the largest lake island in Europe. The town and its setting are both beautiful and this area is less swamped by tourist crowds than many of the other lake districts in Italy. Little known outside Italy, it’s smaller than the likes of Lake Como but is quieter and more charming. If you’re looking for a holiday full of lakeside pursuits, water sports, beautiful surroundings and the chance to get well and truly away from it all, then Monte Isola is the place for you! Just find a holiday rental in Lombardy and spend some time exploring this hidden gem of a town.