Archive for 'Lombardy'

Continuing on from the last post, there are, of course, many more Italian foods that deserve a mention as “must-tries”. In fact, endless books and documentaries are dedicated to the topic and you could make countless trips to Italy where all you did was eat. However, there isn't infinite time or space here to talk about all of those foods and once you have found a vacation rental in Italy, you probably don't have indefinite time or resources to try everything so, this is a whittled down a list of the key foods that you need to try in Italy.

3. Balsamic Vinegar

This is, obviously, not a stand-alone food. However, as it is a key cupboard essential in many homes around the world and Italy is its birthplace, we figured you might want to take the opportunity to learn more and see how delicious the product can actually be.

In our last post, we discussed the value of a good view and how it enriches any vacation, as well as showcasing just two of our incredible properties. Both of those properties had sea views and, while a sea view is always a good thing, there are plenty of others that are just as pleasing. Here are some more of our vacation rentals with incredible views in Italy, some with glimpses of the ocean but always with something lovely to behold, be that mountains, plains or lakes.

3. Villa Ponzano

This beautiful and fully renovated villa boasts an extraordinary panoramic view. Located high up on the hills of La Spezia, in a lovely sunny position, it is surrounded by a fully fenced garden, a private pool and large panoramic terrace, all of which overlooks the Gulf of La Spezia. The surrounding mountains, hills, valleys, medieval towns, the forested hillside and a glimpse out to the coast are all visible from the house. In fact, the view is so sweeping and majestic, with so much to take in, that one could spend endless hours on the terrace just breathing in the fresh air and enjoying it all.

In our final post on our best interiors and our houses with the most intriguing and well-realised décor, here are two seaside properties that make use of their lovely surroundings with style. If the interior of a vacation rental in Italy is as important to you as the location and facilities offered, then these properties will delight. Elegant and stylish, these are rentals that you will look forward to returning to after exploring each day, that will facilitate complete rest and relaxation and in which you could gladly spend your whole holiday.

9. Ruta Di Camogli (Ge) Ill630

This property is an elegant apartment that is located in a complex situated in the incredible National Park of Portofino in Ruta di Camogli. The large windows of the living room and the large natural plot in front of the house offer fantastic sunsets and an awe-inspiring view over the Gulf of Portofino.

Lake Maggiore, or Lago Verbàno, is a large lake located on the south side of the Alps and is both the second largest lake in Italy and the largest in southern Switzerland. Divided between the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy and the Swiss canton of Ticino, it is a popular holiday area and a beyond scenic destination that is bound to take your breath away. It is often considered the most beautiful lake in Italy and is known locally as “Verbena” for the flowers that grow abundantly at its shores. The towns that skirt the lake, meanwhile, are no less lovely and are picturesque places full of wonderful food, charming buildings, boutiques and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. If you are looking for a holiday that combines an Alpine getaway with lakeside pursuits, that would be wonderful no matter what time of the year you choose to visit and that offers stunning surroundings, look no further. Just find a luxury villa in Lombardy or a luxury villa in Piedmont and begin exploring the incredible Lake Maggiore.

Milan is one of the great fashion capitals of the world, this is a well-established fact. For many, Italy and Milan are both synonymous with style and glamour and, as such, a visit to either is bound to involve some bout of shopping.

If you have found a luxury villa in Lombardy and are planning a trip to Milan, there is one destination, in particular, that you need to keep in mind: the Quadrilatero d’Oro district. It has long been considered one of the world’s most important centres of fashion and is home to Milan’s most exclusive stores.

The Quadrilatero d’Oro (or ‘The Golden Rectangle’) is the name given to a tangle of streets located just north of the Duomo. It is often classed as one of the chicest and most expensive streets in the world.