Archive for 'Museums & Galleries'

Continuing our new series of identifying the best and most unique bucket list items to add to your Italian itinerary in addition to the more traditional examples that many will note – the Uffizi, Milan's iconic Cathedral, Vatican City, and more – we have another gem that we think you should make a point to see if you are booking a vacation rental in Rome: the sculptor Bernini's magical and mind-blowing ability to turn marble into flesh.

This incredibly gifted 17th century sculptor and architect left a huge stamp on Vatican City with his designs for St Peter's and his multiple sculptures that are famous for their extraordinary optical illusions and immense skill. He managed to act out full scenes with his sculpted figures through their expressive faces and the changing perspectives viewers were offered as they walked around a piece. However, Bernini's greatest feat might perhaps be on display in his piece, the Abduction of Proserpina.

Many a style-lover will already have a trip to Milan on their bucket list, especially after being yet again displayed so beautifully in The Devil Wears Prada II this spring. However, there is another great reason to book a vacation rental in Milan before December 20th 2026 and that is to see one of the largest and most impressive fashion exhibitions in the world right now. 

Armani's stunning event space in the city, the Armani Silos, is currently playing host to a major exhibition of the fashion house's Haute Couture collections over the past 20 years. A true must-see, this is the most unmissable fashion exhibition in the globe right now!

As if there weren’t already more to see and do in Rome than one might be able to put a dent in in a lifetime, those who book a vacation rental in Rome will find that summer 2026 will see some remarkable temporary exhibitions held in the city. So, for those who can’t get enough of museum wonders, it is a perfect time to take in both the temporary and the eternal in the Eternal City.

Here’s our guide to the must-see exhibitions in Rome for summer 2026:

For fashion lovers and fans of the first movie, the release of the Devil Wears Prada 2 this month loomed large in calendars as a major film event of the year. With a good portion of the plot taking place in Milan, one of the oldest and most celebrated fashion capitals in the world, those planning their summer stay at a villa in Lombardy or a vacation rental in Milan might want to take note of some key locations to add to their travel itinerary.

Set two decades after the original film, this sequel sees Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs return to Runway as their new features editor after every member of staff at her former newspaper is laid off. In need of a job and recently having gone viral for a speech on the continued importance of journalism in the current era, she takes the new role and must once again dive into the world of fashion and face off against Meryl Streep’s formidable Miranda Priestly. 

Florence is not only a beautiful and historic city full of things to see and do but its cinematic good looks and rich heritage ensure that it is also a city full of romance. For those looking to enjoy a romantic city break, therefore, it is a wonderful option. Like Paris, Florence boasts pretty riverside walks and views, parks and the gardens of old palaces that are filled with blooms, picturesque avenues and little streets, charming restaurants where good food and wine complements the mood, stunning panoramas over a distinct and lovely skyline, and much more besides. So, browse our vacation rentals in Florence and come fall in love with the city with the one you love...