by Mara Solomon | Feb 15, 2018 | Activities, Cities & Towns, Italy Vacation Activities, Italy Vacation Destinations, Italy Villa Rentals
The Amalfi Coast with its dramatic coastline and seaside charm is a top destination for many travelers to Italy. But the true beauty of Amalfi lies just off the beaten track in our favorite local eateries, hikes and activities. These coastal destinations will offer a...
by Mara Solomon | Nov 15, 2017 | Blog, Italy Travel Advice, Italy Vacation Activities, Italy Vacation Destinations, Travel Advice
Since Roman times the emerald green waters of Lake Como have made it a coveted holiday retreat. Shaped like an upside-down Y, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy. Its waters are lined with ancient villages, ornate villas and gardens bursting with...
by Mara Solomon | Oct 19, 2017 | Blog, Food, Italy Vacation Activities
Once in a lifetime vacations are the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable celebratory meal. Whether you’re celebrating a marriage, a birthday, a retirement or the simple joy of gathering your loved ones together, an excellent culinary experience is sure to create a...
by Mara Solomon | Mar 10, 2017 | Activities, Italy Vacation Activities
We started travelling with our twin daughters when they were 6 months old. OK, so our work gave us good reason to take them along, but to this day we maintain those early experiences helped them grow into the interested, engaged, curious young women they are today....
by Mara Solomon | Oct 2, 2015 | Italy Vacation Activities, Wine
Italian wine lovers take note! The intense heat in Italy this summer– breaking either a 50- or 150-year record depending on who you speak to– was hard on visitors but good for growing the grapes that produce great wine. Optimism for this year’s harvest is...
by Mara Solomon | Jun 19, 2015 | Activities, Cities & Towns, Food, Italy Vacation Activities, Wine
There remain only three working ‘bragozzi’– one of the many types of boats that once plied the waters of Venice. With Homebase Abroad, you will have a chance to get out for a gracious, relaxing day cruise across Venice’s lagoon to understand the...
by Mara Solomon | Apr 25, 2015 | Helpful Hints, Italy Vacation Activities, Travel Advice
1. Let the Days Evolve. Have no more than one concept or destination per day. Reward lingering with ample time to enjoy a meal while watching the street scenes, watch an artisan work or contemplate a fresco in the cool serene of a neighborhood church. 2. Sera or...
by Mara Solomon | Mar 12, 2015 | Food, Italy Vacation Activities, Italy Villa Rentals
Nothing says vacation more than the experience of making and enjoying a hand-crafted pizza baked in a traditional pizza oven. Our villa collection features several properties that are especially well-suited for your own pizza night… La Civetta, Tuscany Sabrina, the...
by Mara Solomon | Oct 17, 2014 | Activities, Helpful Hints, Italy Vacation Activities, Travel Advice
1. Manage everyone’s expectations Travel might be the ultimate test of relationships (besides politics according to my mother). We all do it differently and spend time and money according to our own priorities. Manage everyone’s expectations for time together and...
by Mara Solomon | Oct 1, 2014 | Cities & Towns, Italy Travel Advice, Italy Vacation Activities
For anyone thinking a holiday on Lake Como is only for sitting on the terrace sipping aperitivos enjoy a blazing sunset view, we suggest you consider the following activities: –Wake-boarding just off your villa’s dock followed by a trip up the funicular at...
by Mara Solomon | Jan 24, 2014 | Cities & Towns, Italy Vacation Activities, Italy Vacation Destinations, Travel Advice
Where in Tuscany do the Florentines go on weekends and holidays? The Alta Maremma. This is their Hamptons. Their Malibu. A long sandy coastline with a strong and intact local, traditional Italian economy relatively undiscovered by tourists and largely ignored in...
