Person wearing a carnival mask in Venice
Posted in: August Concerts & Festivals Easter Events February March Must See Attractions Pretty Views Tourist Attractions

As we all get through January post the fun and celebrations of the festive season, it is nice to have something exciting to look forward to and, if you are considering a vacation in Italy in the new year but are not sure when to visit, then an Italian adventure to enjoy carnival might just be the thing! 


Carnival – or carnevale in Italian – is an annual period of parades, parties, and celebrations that is held in various Catholic countries between the religious holidays of Epiphany and Easter, at some point between January and March (depending in when Easter falls that year). Italy is still a very Catholic country and, therefore, is home to some of the most renowned carnevale celebrations in the entire world. So, book a holiday rental in Italy this February and come join in on all of the fun!

La Spiaggetta
Posted in: Lakes Localities Lombardy Must See Attractions Northwest Italy Pretty Views Tourist Attractions Villa Spotlights Villas and Farmhouses

Many people dream of getting away to one of the beautiful lake destinations of Italy and if you are among them and are looking for a perfect lakeside villa in Italy, it would be hard to find a more magical spot than La Spiaggetta. Spacious, well-equipped, with gorgeous views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains, right on the water with its own private pier, and with a charming garden, this is an impossibly scenic escape. 


Located in Porlezza, 2.4km from the centre of town, this three-story vacation rental has a private garden with a lawn and trees, parking for up to two cars, three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and sleeps up to eight guests in total. Not only is La Spiaggetta a perfect property in a prime location when it comes to its waterside position and unhampered views directly over Lake Como and the beautiful scenery of this part of Lombardy but it is also just 400m from the nearest grocery store and walking distance from bars, restaurants, and a bus stop. 

Villa Solaria
Posted in: Must See Attractions Pretty Views Tourist Attractions Travel Tips Villa Spotlights Villas and Farmhouses

Considering booking a vacation but not sure where to even start among our thousands of amazing holiday listings? We understand – it can be hard to narrow it down! Of course, you can always contact us and tell our team of villa rental experts about what you are after and we will be glad to help you find a perfect fit but if you want to hear from fellow travellers about their experiences at some of wonderful properties then checking out our reviews is a great way to go. Get to know directly from customers about rentals that they loved and in which they had perfect vacations so that you can plan one for yourself and maybe even learn about some unique traits that they found particularly helpful or memorable or pleasing.


To get you started, here is a curation of just some of recent five-star reviews so that you can check out vacation rentals that our guests are raving about and where you can expect the most amazing holiday experiences...

Tuscan scenery
Posted in: Central Italy Must See Attractions Travel Tips Tuscany

If you are considering booking one of our villas in Tuscany, you may be wondering about how long you should spend in Tuscany? Plus, should you move around and, if so, how often? 


Many people who come to Italy, decide to plan a big once-in-a-lifetime trip - especially if they are coming from a long distance - where they try and tick off as much as possible in one go. Of course, this is understandable if you do want to fit in as much as you can but we think that you can find one vacation rental in Tuscany that would make for a perfect base and still see plenty in one holiday without totally running yourself ragged and having to move around lots. Book a comfortable, relaxing, welcoming home to return to each evening or to spend lazy days by the pool doing little at all as well as having your big adventure days – that’s the best way to experience Tuscany!

View from the Oblate Library
Posted in: Architectural Gems Central Italy Florence Food and Wine Localities Must See Attractions Pretty Views Restaurants & Cafés Tourist Attractions Tuscany

Are you a serious book worm who is dreaming of a getaway to a perfect villa in Florence? Are you looking for attractions that are a little off the beaten track and suitable for those who love nothing more than a great read and evocative settings? Well, then why not head to a café with an unbeatable view of the city’s Duomo that is located inside an especially scenic public library? Sounds like a perfect bookish adventure on vacation in Tuscany to us!


The Biblioteca delle Oblate, or the Oblate Library, is located inside a former convent building that is right in the historic centre of Florence, mere steps from the city’s grand cathedral and its towering dome overhead. The Oblate complex itself dates back to the 14th century and was transformed into a public library in the 20th century. In 1953 it was named the central municipal library of Florence.