Archive for 'Northwest Italy'

Years ago, as an au pair in Piedmont, I sorely disappointed my host family by telling them that I was not a coffee-drinker. They simply could not fathom this news and continuously offered me cups of coffee throughout that summer with them. Politely, I would decline and politely, the would persist in asking.

Later in the summer, on a day off for the mother of the family, the two of us took the train to Turin for the day – a truly perfect spot for a day-trip if you have found a vacation rental in Piedmont. I immediately fell in love with the large piazze, elegant buildings, wonderful museums, ancient ruins, and charming little cafes of the city. And just before we went to get our train home, I was dragged into the famous Caffè al Bicerin for one last attempt to sway me when it came to coffee by introducing me to the Bicerin.

If you are a blue cheese fan and you were thinking of booking a villa in Italy and a vacation rental in Lombardy or a holiday rental in Piedmont, in particular, then you need to make a point to try some Gorgonzola cheese. One of the world's most ancient blue-veined cheeses, it holds the prestigious DOP certification and its production is primarily concentrated in the northern Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. And, although the name Gorgonzola originates from the town of Gorgonzola near Milan, which was once thought to be the cheese's birthplace, this origin story is now a subject that is somewhat up for debate. Read on to learn more about this classic Italian cheese...

Amaretto is a liqueur that is well-known to many as a popular ingredient that is used in several Italian desserts (including Tiramisu), chocolates, ice-creams, and more. It is also, of course, enjoyed in its own right and is used to make cocktails and mixed drinks. For foodies who are planning a vacation in Italy who love to try local tipples, it is definitely a must-try if you have not yet already had the opportunity to sample this classic liqueur.

Originally from the town of Saronno in Lombardy, there are several Italian brands today with Disaronno being undeniably the most well-known among them. Coming from the Italian for, “a little bitter,” this is, funnily enough, actually a sweet Italian liqueur though there is some mild bitterness. Made from apricot kernels, bitter almonds, peach stones, or almonds, depending on the brand, these are all natural sources of benzaldehyde, which lends its almond-like flavour.

The famous Cinque Terre is a beloved tourist area of Italy known for a series of five picturesque towns located along the coastline. Many who find a vacation rental in the Cinque Terre will drive or even hike between the different towns to take them in and enjoy the various attractions in each. However, we think if you’re really going to explore and make the most of this magical part of the world, then the best way to get around is certainly by boat! 

Famously lovely Lake Como is one of the impossibly scenic lakes that makes up the area sometimes known as Italy’s Lake District. Along with the other lakes stretching across this area of Northern Italy (including Lake Maggiore, Lugano, Iseo, and Garda), this beautiful body of water is dotted with islands that house some extraordinary attractions and is surrounded by picturesque shoreside villages and towns as well as impressive peaks and lush greenery and forests. Those interested in taking in beyond gorgeous scenery and in having all sorts of lovely places to explore will find no shortage of wonderful things to see and do but those who find a villa in Lake Como should also slow down, take in deep breaths of that clean and sweet lakeside air, and generally just appreciate the magic all around them. While there are plenty of incredible hiking routes to try out, historic villas to discover, gardens to admire, islands to seek out, concerts to attend, water sports to enjoy, and much more besides, we also suggest taking your time and merely wandering about some of those charming towns, admiring the beauty that abounds all around. One of the prettiest villages in which to do just that is Varenna.