Piani di Castelluccio, detail
Posted in: Central Italy Curiosities Events Must See Attractions Pretty Views Summer Tourist Attractions Umbria

Several of Italy’s regions are known for their lush and pastoral landscapes and, among them, Umbria's is one of the most picturesque. Made up of rolling green hills, towering peaks, and lush meadows, it is at its loveliest between May and July, when the countryside goes into full bloom. So, get browsing our vacation rentals in Umbria and come see it for yourself!


The most cinematically stunning and breathtaking part of the entire region during this time of the year is the Piani di Castelluccio, also known as the Plain of Castelluccio. Like something from a scene in the Sound of Music, this ethereal beauty seems almost too remarkable to be real. Composed of three distinct sections, this plain stretches out and becomes one massive and colourful tapestry of flowers.

Last Supper
Posted in: Churches & Religious Buildings Localities Milan Museums & Galleries Tourist Attractions Travel Tips

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...

Sorrento
Posted in: Amalfi Coast Localities Pretty Views Tourist Attractions Villa Spotlights Villas and Farmhouses

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...

A beach in Sardinia
Posted in: Beaches Main Islands Sicily and Sardinia Tourist Attractions Travel Tips
For the third week in a row, Sardinia has been officially declared a "White Zone" and is looking forward to opening up to tourists for the 2021 summer season, while working to continue keeping the region safe and open for business. A perfect summer holiday destination, Sardinia boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is the ideal place for sun, fun, and relaxation. With an even greater emphasis than ever on outdoor activities where there is the necessary space and ample opportunity to have fun safely, locations such as Sardinia in which one can endlessly enjoy its stunning landscape are ideal going into summer 2021. If you are among those considering planning a sun holiday this summer, then a villa in Sardinia is just the thing! Once you've booked your vacation rental in Sardinia and are looking to plan your trip, you will likely be in search of some of those famous beaches to visit across the island. Here is our guide to some of the best beaches in Sardinia...
Santa Maria della Salute, exterior
Posted in: Architectural Gems Churches & Religious Buildings Localities Tourist Attractions Venice
The gorgeous city of Venice is truly just full of iconic and stunning bridges, palaces, churches and more, which line her famous canals and make up the city's distinctive skyline and elegant appearance. For those interested in architecture and design, it is an especially fascinating city but even your average Joe can appreciate the undeniably unique beauty of the wonderful feats of architecture that emerge from the lagoon. Taking it all in with one's own eyes is on the bucket list of many all over the globe as there truly is nowhere else in the world quite like it. To see it for yourself, why don't you browse our villas in Venice and get planning your own trip to this stunning and picturesque city in Italy?

One of the most famous of all the buildings that spring out of the Venetian Lagoon is the lovely Church of Santa Maria della Salute, meaning the Church of Saint Mary of Health. Located on the strip of land that is the Punta della Dogana, between the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal, in the Dorsoduro sestiere of the city, the church is visible when entering the Piazza San Marco from the water. The most recent of the so-called plague churches, it was begun in 1631 after a particularly devastating outbreak of plague in the summer of 1630 that devastated the population of the city, as a votive offering to Our Lady of Health in an attempt to beg help for city in freeing them from the deadly disease.