The smallest region in Italy, Aosta Valley is nestled right in the heart of the Alps between Switzerland and France, and is a stunning destination for a mountain escape. All year round it is a place of incredible natural beauty that is ideal for a peaceful holiday but we do highly recommend a cosy fall getaway in the region in particular as it is a truly magical time to enjoy a vacation rental in the Aosta Valley...
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!
