Archive for 'Localities in Italy'

Florence, as we have noted before, is famous as the birthplace of the Renaissance and for her museums. However, in addition to incredible works of art indoors, many of the former palaces and historic architectural gems also boast gardens outdoors that are works of art in their own right. In fact, Florence is a great city to visit if you love admiring great gardens and beautiful blooms and if you enjoy taking a breather to wander or lounge in pretty parks.

Among the array of incredible parks and gardens that are open to the public in the city, the resplendent Boboli Gardens stands out as utterly magical and unforgettable – a must for any garden enthusiast who has booked a vacation rental in Florence!

Most likely, if you are booking a villa in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, you’re going to want to visit some of her famous museums. Among the list of extraordinary art institutions of the city that are stuffed with masterpieces by many of the most famous names in the history of art, the Uffizi Gallery stands out as probably the must-see example. Of course, you may want to visit more and other galleries and museums throughout your vacation in Florence but this is certainly the best-known option and for good reason. Sprawling, beautiful in its own right, boasting amazing views over the city from its terrace, and full of outstanding works, it is an important tourist attraction for any art-lover coming to the city. Set aside a few hours, make sure you’ve had a snack and something to drink beforehand, and then come dive in so you can put a little dent in the astounding collections of the museum.

The stunning landscape of rolling hills and lush greenery of Tuscany is an innately inspiring place that can border on seeming unreal or like paradise, particularly the gorgeous Orcia Valley. In fact, if you find a villa in the Orcia Valley, you will easily see how beautiful it really is and understand why it was chosen for two very famous and pivotal scenes in Ridley Scott's Oscar-winning masterpiece, Gladiator. An enduring icon in the cinematic world over the past two decades, it was set in Ancient Rome but was filmed in locations across England, Morocco, and Malta, reconstructions of Ancient Roman cities and landmarks, and Tuscany's enchanting Orcia Valley.

The Last Supper, one of the most famous of da Vinci’s world-renowned masterpieces and one of the most instantly recognisable paintings in the history of the modern world, is located  on a wall in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. Despite the disastrous experimental method used in creating the work, the passage of time, damage inflicted during World War II, and inadequate restoration efforts in the 19th century, this iconic wall painting remains and is a must-see while you still can.

In the 20th century, an extensive 22-year restoration project to save the painting was undertaken, finally concluding in 1999. While this endeavour helped extend the lifespan of the piece, the damage remains severe. Nevertheless, visitors continue to flock to see this captivating and stunning work, with many returning time and again. If you have booked a holiday rental in Milan or even if you have just one day in Milan during your vacation in Italy, a visit to The Last Supper is an absolute must but here’s what you should know if you're planning a visit...

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s best-known and most desirable holiday destinations. It is a place that boasts truly extraordinary sea views, incredible weather for perfect sun holidays, picturesque pastel-coloured little fishing villages built into cliff sides overlooking the deep blue of the Mediterranean, chic boutiques and tiny family-run restaurants, panoramic terraces where dinners are enjoyed while taking in the sunset and sipping on a Spritz, some of the most spectacular hiking routes in the country, incredible itineraries from town to town to island that can be enjoyed by boat, and much more besides. In addition, the Amalfi Coast also happens to be home to some of our most amazing vacation rentals in Italy with some of the most incredible views so, if you are looking for sea, sun, style, surprises, and substance, all in one place, look no further. Browse through this selection of some of our favourites among our incredible villas on the Amalfi Coast and come explore this stunning part of the world for yourself on your next Italian getaway...