Destination Spotlight: Florence, Tuscany

No vacation to Tuscany would be complete without a stop in Florence. The beautiful sights, sounds, smells, and of course, shopping attract thousands of visitors to Florence–or Firenze–every year. Here, we’ll discuss what you must see and must do on your next trip to this romantic city.

Must See:

• Art: Some of the world’s most famous works of art are housed in Floence—making it the perfect destination for art lovers. Michelangelo’s David is located in the Accademia Gallery, and the Uffizi Gallery displays works from Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michalengelo, and more Renaissance artists.
• Ponte Vecchio: Translating to “old bridge” in Italian, this icon of Florence was built in ancient times and spans the Arno river. Today, the arched bridge is home to many shop stalls and colorful merchants.
• The Duomo: This cathedral (Cattedrale de Santa Maria del Fiore) has an enormous dome and can hold up to 20,000 people.
• Campinile: The iconic bell tower that looks over Florence was designed by Giotto. The view from the top is stunning, but should be reserved for those willing to climb up the 400+ steps to the top.

Must Do:

• Sip espresso in the Piazza della Signoria: This historic square is the perfect spot for watching Florence’s fashionable citizens—and to take in the sculptures that dot the square.
• Stroll the Boboli Garden: Beautiful fountains and views of Florence await in this garden that sits behind the equally impressive Pitti Palace.
• Shop: From the open air markets to designer boutiques, hours can be spent wondering the streets of Florence and popping into shops to admire the local leather and paper goods.
• Stay: Florence can be easily reached via rail or freeway from Rome or other locations in Tuscany, but we also recommend staying a few nights to get a taste of the city’s full flavor. A new Florence apartment rental has just become available from Homebase Abroad. Find out more information by contacting Homebase Abroad.

What’s on your “must do” list? Leave a comment to let us know!

Travel Alert: New Luxury Florence Apartment for Rent

Why stay in a hotel in Florence when you can book a beautifully finished apartment where you can feel more at home? The luxurious Via Lambertesca has recently become available to Homebase Abroad renters, and it has everything you need to enjoy your stay in Florence:

• 5 beautifully furnished modern bedrooms (sleeps 10)
• Maid service
• Furnished terrace and roof garden
• Fully Equipped eat-in kitchen
• Parking garage and bicycle storage
• Marble-finished bathrooms
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Additional services such cooking and shopping available upon request

If you venture outside of Via Lambertesca’s art-filled walls, you’ll enjoy what is arguably the apartment’s best feature: its location. The world famous Pone Vecchio is just steps away, and the Uffizi and Piazza della Signoria are both within a five minute walk. Spend your days wondering on foot or driving through the Tuscan countryside, but return home to a glass of wine on the garden terrace or a relaxing soak in a modern marble tub. Life could be much worse.

The minimum stay at Via Lambertesca is only three nights making it the ideal long weekend destination or a stopping point on your Italian tour. This new property is so new that we’re still adding it to our property section, but if you would like learn more information and to book, please contact us and check out additional property photos here.

Spring Into Italy: Top 5 Reasons to Visit During the Spring

Sure frigid temperatures still grip most of the country these days, but the fresh warm days of spring are coming—and they’d certainly be well spent enjoying the outdoors in Italy.

We’ve traveled through the seasons with you on our blog; from the fall harvest to summer’s Palio in Siena and even an Italian Christmas—but spring is a great time to visit Italy as well. Here are our Top 5 reasons to visit Italy in the spring:

1) Fewer crowds: Popular sites tend to overflow with tourists during the summer months. Avoid them, and enjoy Italy at your leisure in the spring.

2) Milder weather: The cold of winter has melted away and the heat of the summer has yet to set in, making this time of year perfect for exploring.

3) Festival season begins: From Flower Art festivals to celebrating saints and even the birthday of Rome (April 21st) there are many reasons Italians celebrate all spring long.

4) Wildflowers are abloom: When you get out to the countryside (and you must get out to the countryside), you’ll be greeted with vibrant wildflowers that make the already beautiful landscape that much more appealing.

5) In-season produce: Artichokes, asparagus and spring zucchini all hit peak season in the spring and make fleeting appearances in Italy’s many local markets.

Italian Vacation Villas to take in the spring:

• Casa Laetitia: Beautiful gardens await in this Lake Como Villa
• Casale al Cancello: A restored farmhouse in Tuscany is the perfect home away from home to explore the countryside.
• Villa San Polo: This property’s heated pool and manicured gardens will allow you to enjoy the outdoors—even in the early days of spring.

Tell us readers, what’s your favorite time of year to visit Italy?

Nothing Spells Romance like I-T-A-L-Y

Last week, Martha’s Italy Travel Blog polled users on the most romantic spots in Italy, but let’s be honest—can you choose just one? As Valentine’s Day approaches, ponder a true act of love: arranging for an Italian vacation villa in one of Italy’s most romantic destinations:

• Amalfi Coast: The stunning seaside towns and sunny beaches along the Amalfi coast make this the ideal couple’s getaway.
• Lake Como: The glistening glacial lake and glamorous villas will transport you and your sweetheart to another world.
• Tuscany: Ancient farmhouses, rolling hills, and some of the world’s best wine are best shared with the one you love.
• Umbria: Sunflower fields and tiny hill towns make this a destination to explore at your own pace—on the arm of your loved one.

Vacation villas complete the Italy luxury travel experience. Look for Italian villas to share with other couples, or enjoy on your own—the experts at Homebase Abroad can help you plan the perfect Valentine’s Day retreat. Some of the amazing properties they may arrange for you include:

• Torre di Clavel: Be the knight in shining armor to her princess at this Amalfi Coast villa that resides in a castle-like stone tower.
• Villa La Cassinella: Luxury and style meet in this Lake Como villa that boasts 3 hectares of pristine gardens.
• Villa La Rocca: The in-town location of this Tuscan villa makes it perfect for couples who love to try new restaurants and explore on foot.

Contact Homebase Abroad for more romantic travel ideas, and let us know your favorite romantic Italian destinations in the comments section below!

Destination Spotlight: Umbria

Travel to Umbria is like traveling back in time. Located east of Tuscany and north of Rome, Umbria is less developed than neighboring regions, and is full of scenic countryside.

Top Sites in Umbria:

• Perugia: Home to a number of Etruscan artifacts and structures, Perugia is a lively college town and is full of beautiful history.
• Assisi: A UNESCO world heritage site, this hillside town is home to two large castles that date back to medieval times.
• Spoleto: Home to world class restaurants and renowned art and architecture, Spoleto is a great stop for anyone who enjoys the finer things in life.
• Orvieto: Located an hour outside of Rome, but feels worlds away, Orvieto has a town center that is closed to automobiles—making it the perfect destination to wander winding cobblestone streets.
• Norcia: Rich cuisine reigns supreme in Norcia, an area known for its truffles, prosciutto, and cured meats.
• Deruta: Being home to 300+ makers of ceramics, this town is the ideal location to pick up majolica merchandise.

The Landscape: From rolling hills and river valleys to hilltop towns and the Marmore Waterfalls, the landscape of Umbria is rich and ever changing. Farms, vineyards, sunflower fields, and more make Umbria great driving country.

The Cuisine: Taste the fresh local produce, prosciutto, and olive oil and you’ll see why Italians in the Umbria region stick to the tradition of eating locally.

The People: Warm and welcoming, natives of Umbria are happy to share local customs and knowledge with visitors.

The Accommodations: Away from the bustling cities, Umbria is perfect villa country. Umbria villa rentals provide privacy and relaxation as well as home bases for your day trips and travel.

• Il Molinazzo is a 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath home with a beautiful view overlooking the rolling countryside.
• The hill-top pool and spectacular gardens of La Rosaccia serve up stunning views with your relaxation and refreshment.
• Contact Homebase Abroad to learn about even more exclusive Umbria villa rentals.

Destination Spotlight: Amalfi Coast

A destination like no other, Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a land of dramatic coastlines and gravity defying dwellings. An Amalfi Coast villa rental offers a unique location to take in the relaxing and luxurious seaside atmosphere — all with an unbelievable view just off your balcony.

Top Sites on the Amalfi Coast:

• Positano, “The Pearl of the Amalfi Coast” and a quaint fishing town through the 1950s, came onto the world stage when John Steinbeck and other writers became enchanted with the area and included Positano in their works.
• Amalfi: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town of Amalfi once rivaled Venice in its prosperity and rich culture—making it a must see along the coast.
• Capri: Off the coast of Sorrento, this island is a stunning spot complete with designer boutiques and ancient ruins.
• Lattari Mountains, known for their hairpin turns and breathtaking views, these mountains are best enjoyed from the backseat of a hired car so you can leave the driving to the professionals while you take in the dramatic coastline.

The Landscape: Land meets the sea through steep, mountainous cliffs that hardly seems hospitable to the charming villages that are built into the sides of the rock. Pebbly beaches dot spots along the coast, and the temperate Tyrrhenian Sea welcomes travelers on warm afternoons.

The Cuisine: Seafood reigns supreme in this seaside area. However, the rich soil along the coast also helps produce rich and sweet fruits and vegetables—including wine grapes that contribute to full-bodied reds like the Taurasi.

The Shopping: Chic shops mix in with Amalfi’s Old World charm. In Positano, you can purchase hand-made linen and famous ‘Moda Positano’ beachwear—or opt for a pair of custom made sandals. Costal ceramic shops feature colorful majolica ware and tiles.

The Accommodations: A variety of accommodations are available to Amalfi Coast visitors, with impressive Amalfi Coast villa rentals topping our list of the best places to stay.

• The centrally located Villa Maura is just 10 minutes (by boat or taxi) to Positano—and is not far from the historic Pompeii.
• Torre di Clavel is a one of a kind Amalfi Coast villa that comes complete with fort-like stone tower and direct beach access.
• Originally constructed in the 19^th century, Villa di Anacapri opened in 2004 as a villa vacation rental for guests who enjoy privacy, luxury, and the stunning 5,000 square meters of outdoor space.
• Discover even more Amalfi Coast villa rentals.

Destination Spotlight: Lake Como

A vacation destination for centuries, Lake Como villas offer unparallel privacy and relaxation—all against a stunning glacial lake backdrop.

Top Sites in Lake Como:

• Como: the largest town on the lake, Como has a lively town square and a handful of museums to explore—as well as beautiful lake front walks.
• Bellagio: known as the “Peal of the Lake”, Bellagio is the perfect strolling destination with many shops, ancient churches, cafés, and coble stone streets to fill your day.
• Managgio: one of Como’s larger towns, golf lovers will flock to the 100+ year old Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club.
• The Lake: a great venue for water sports and boating. Visitors can swim, take a ride on a canoe, sail, spin around on a speedboat, or try their hand at waterskiing and windsurfing.

The Landscape: Pristine natural beauty and ancient alpine peaks boarder Lake Como, one of Europe’s deepest lakes.

The Cuisine: Local freshwater fish and polenta dishes fill the menus of chic restaurants and cafes in Lake Como’s many small towns—most of which are best accessed by boat.

The Shopping: The Lake Como region is known the world over for its silks and other luxurious textiles—and Italy’s fashions and leathers can’t be beat. Small boutiques with unique items offer a one of a kind shopping experience in Lake Como’s Bellagio and Menaggio–and designer shopping destinations Milan and St. Moritz are also only a few hours drive away.

The Accommodations: A variety of accommodations are available to travelers to Lake Como, but some of the most impressive are Lake Como Villa Rentals.

• The beautiful 37 room Villa La Cassinella boasts lake views from nearly every room—as well as the privacy granted by boat-only access.
• Just 5 minutes from Bellagio, the Casanuova di Bellagio is perched 579 feet above the lake, giving it a prime vantage point for Lake Como’s most prized view: all three branches of the lake that sit to the east, north and west.
• A full staff and private pool await at the stunning lake-side Villa Villaggio.
• Casa Laetitia is set against a backdrop of the dramatic Alps and is only a short walk to Lake Como’s shore.
• Discover even more Lake Como Villas.

Destination Spotlight: Tuscany

Tuscany is the land of sun-baked hills, luscious wine country, rich history, culture, and more. Here, get a glimpse at what makes this region so special and check out the Tuscany villa rentals that will make you want to book your ticket today.

Top Sites in Tuscany:

• Florence, the center of the Renaissance and the capital of Tuscany, is city rich in history and culture. Site seeing opportunities abound, so be sure to research the attractions you’d like to see most, or work with a travel consultant to customize your itinerary.
• Val di Chiana, Tuscany’s fertile farmland is dotted with towns where you can sample the local olives, wines, and more.
• Chianti, the source of world famous Chianti wine, this region is a must-see for wine and food lovers alike.
• Sienna, an ancient walled in city that’s perfect for strolling or taking in the scene in the famous Campo in the center of town.
• Cinque Terre and the Tuscan coast, must-sees for their beauty and un-touched fishing village feel.

The Landscape: Rolling hills make up Tuscany’s landscape with vineyards, olive trees, and quaint towns and impressive castles and villas dotting the sun-baked land.

The Cuisine: Fruits, vegetables, and award winning Chiantis, Brunellos, Nobiles and Super Tuscan wines put Tuscany on the culinary map. Dine al fresco–and at a slow, leisurely pace to truly take in the local flavors and enjoy your meal like a true Tuscan.

The People: Tuscans are warm, welcoming, and willing to share their favorite shops, markets, gelaterias and more—just ask.

The Shopping: Ferragamo, Prada, Gucci, and Armani all hail from Italy–where some of the world’s best leather and fashions can be purchased.

The Accommodations: A variety of accommodations are available to travelers to Tuscany, but some of the most impressive are Tuscany villa rentals.

• The Villa La Torre, for example, is centrally located near Florence and can serve as a home base while you explore the rest of Tuscany.
• The Oliveto villa boasts tranquil gardens and luxury—all in the Tuscan countryside.
• The Podere Lucia villa is a restored Tuscan farmhouse that is a day-trip distance away from a number of Tuscany’s impressive sites.
• Find more Tuscany villa rentals here.

Top Reasons to Rent a Luxury Villa (As if You Needed Them…)

With so many accommodation options it can be hard to decide which will be the best for your next getaway. Italian villa rentals offer unique, luxurious experiences. Here, we discuss some of our favorite reasons to book villa vacations:

• They offer more privacy. With rental villas, no thin hotel room walls, housekeeping, or cramped hotel spaces will throw a wrench in the enjoyment of your vacation. Share your villa with friends and family… and leave the crowds to your day trips. Lake Como’s Villa Maria Taglioni offers a prime privacy example being located directly on the lake and in the middle of a 2.5 hectare private park.

• You’ll live like an Italian. What better way to experience Italy than through the eyes of the locals? Staying in a historic villa will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of Italy’s history and culture. Tuscany’s Campitino, for example, is a 300 year old villa that’s been a labor of love of a noted architect who has blended Italian tradition with modern finishes.

• They’re great for groups. Be it a family reunion, retreat or vacation, villas are ideal accommodations for group travelers. Offering ample rooms and the space necessary to comfortably spend time together, villas like  Sorrento’s Villa Il Campo offer room for  children to spend their time at the private pool while the adults hit the tennis courts.

• Superior service. If you select a fully-staffed rental villa, you can rest assured that the service staff will treat you like their only guests– because you are their only guests. Casale di Fiesole in Florence  comes complete with a English speaking maid/chef who prepares local Tuscan recipes that have been passed down over  generations.

• Comfort. There is nothing like feeling like you have a home away from home while you’re traveling. Rental villas in Italy can be luxurious or rustic, but they’re the perfect way to find the comforts of home while you’re away.

• Live in Luxury. Get a taste of some of the finer real estate in life by staying in some of Italy’s most impressive properties.  Lake Como’s Villa della Tremezzina has been a summer escape for Milanese aristocrats since the 17th century.

• You’ll be away from the hustle bustle. Escape the rat race by venturing out to the country, where many villas are located. Here you can stroll to the neighboring village, meet local winemakers or just take in the sunset from your private terrace. Casanuova San Casciano is located in a small hilltop town of San Casciano dei Bagni that offers a true taste of the Italian countryside–while being only a short train ride away from both Rome and Tuscany.

Ready to reserve? Contact Homebase Abroad to locate and reserve the perfect villa for your next vacation.

The Perfect Holiday Gift: Italy Vacation Rentals

‘Tis the season for giving, so why not give the gift anyone would love: vacation. One of the many Italy vacation rentals from Homebase Abroad would make the perfect luxurious gift. Picture yourself in an elegant villa, spending time with your loved ones exploring the sun-kissed countryside—it’s just the imagery you need to get through the long winter months. Does your loved one worship the sun? Look into giving her a “suncation” at one of the many Italy vacation rentals along the Almalfi Coast or in Tuscany. Check out the exquisite Palazzo Santa Croce along the coast, or shoot over to Florence from the nearby Villa Fiorentina and Casale di Fiesole villas in Tuscany. Search more Amalfi Coast villa rentals and Tuscany villa rentals.

Does he prefer to live a life of luxury? Rub elbows with the world’s elite on the shores of Lake Como. Villa Villaggio sits on the shore of Lake Como, while the privacy of Villa La Cassinella is unparalleled with its boat-only access. Search for more Lake Como Villas.

Gift hunting for a history buff? Foodie? Both? Villas dotting the rolling hillsides of Umbria are surrounded by wineries, medieval churches, dairy farms, and more that make them the ideal destination. La Rosaccia’s gardens and hill-top provide the perfect relaxation spots and the expansive gourmet kitchen of Il Molinazzo make it a great place to sample the local delicacies. Find out more about Umbria Villas.

Still not sure what your loved-ones would love? The experts at Homebase Abroad know Italy inside and out, and would be more than happy to help you pinpoint the perfect destination for you and yours. Call (781) 639-4040 or email us for more information.

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