Archive for 'Pretty Views'

We always recommend an incredible stay in one of our vacation rentals in Florence to take in the immense cultural wealth of the city but if you’re after that kind of cultural background as well as the sizzling summers and stunning coastline offered to those who book a holiday rental in Salento then just plan a visit to Lecce. The so-called Florence of the South – a nickname that stuck after the Irish bishop George Berkeley came through Apulia in the 18th century and was struck by the splendour of the city – Lecce is a hub of incredible beauty that is full of things to see and do and is basically one giant, outdoor museum. 

But why exactly has Lecce been labelled the Florence of the South?

Located on a lovely hillside, overlooking the verdant valleys and rolling green hills for which Tuscany is so well-known, and just 11km from the famous spa town of Gambassi Terme, Villa Belvedere is a gorgeous stone villa in Tuscany. The name Belvedere refers directly to the breath-taking views offered by the villa and, in addition to these views, the property also boasts a beautiful garden that spreads out over 1000m2 and features a private pool and ample outdoor furnishings. With interiors that are full of character and four bedrooms with three bathrooms, sleeping up to eight guests in total, this gem is a perfect oasis where you can enjoy privacy, peace, tranquillity, and untainted natural surroundings.

For those who might be dreaming of a perfect vacation in Apulia, it would be rather hard indeed to beat the truly lovely Trullo Brenda. Combining incredible modern comfort and luxury with local flavour, charm, and tradition, the property is comprised of a historic trullo building unique to the region with a modern extension added to it for additional space and comfort as well as a separate annex building. Nestled amongst the greenery and olive groves of the peaceful countryside of Alto Salento, near San Vito dei Normanni, this incredible luxury villa in Apulia is ideal for those who want to get away from it all and relax and is also well located for exploring the region. Accommodating up to 8 guests in four en suite bedrooms, there is the option to host 2 additional guests (children or teens) upon request, for a total of 10 guests.

We have previously extolled the virtues of booking a vacation rental in Rome and spending the Christmas Holidays exploring the city and all of its festive delights. Of course, for practising Christians to whom religion is a core tenet of their lives, it would make sense to celebrate one of the biggest religious events in the calendar in the spiritual hub of the Catholic Church. However, for those who are less religious or not even Christian at all, there is still much to recommend a holiday in Rome over the Holidays!

From the food and wine, to the beautiful decorations, to the Christmas markets, to the special events and unique traditions there is even more to see, do, and enjoy in the endless list of attractions already on offer in the Eternal City at this time of the year. Plus, it may be when the city is at its loveliest – with twinkling lights and other decorations adding a festive cheer and pretty addition to the grand monuments and wonders of the past of Rome!

In addition to attending choir services, shopping at markets, going to a play or the ballet, visiting museums and architectural gems, wandering gorgeous historic streets with a sweet Christmas veneer, trying seasonal delights in bakeries and restaurants, chatting over drinks, and more, those who book a holiday rental in Rome and visit at this time of the year might also want to try one very seasonally appropriate and magical activity: ice skating in the charming festive surroundings of Rome! A great way to embrace the season and warm up as you explore the city during the winter, there are a variety of different rinks around the city to choose from each year...

For a true luxury experience that is undeniably specific to Apulia, Masseria Isaia is the perfect way to go. A historic masseria, a type of fortified farmhouse estate typically built in Apulia in the 16th century, this incredible property is spacious, lovely, and abounds in character and style. Located minutes from the gorgeous coastline and the famous, “white city,” of Ostuni, right in the Piana degli Ulivi Monumentali, a large expanse of the region that is cultivated with olive trees, the villa is surrounded by centuries-old and thousand-year-old trees, with the glittering city and sea visible in the distance. It would be hard to imagine a dreamier location for a holiday in Apulia!