by Mara Solomon | May 17, 2018 | Blog, Cities & Towns, Destination Spotlight, Italy Vacation Destinations, Wine
Whether you are traveling with children, seeking small-production wines or simply looking to soak in the beautiful landscapes, there is much to do in Chianti. Here are 8 things we suggest everyone visiting Chianti should know: Know that ‘Chianti’ is not one town in...
by Mara Solomon | Apr 26, 2018 | Food
In our opinion, one of the best part of villa travel is the luxury of having an in-villa chef. Having a native Italian chef prepare authentic cuisine, catered to your specific needs and tastes, provides memorable experiences as well as the convenience of knowing your...
by Mara Solomon | Mar 14, 2018 | Cities & Towns, Destination Spotlight, Italy Vacation Destinations
Have you ever met someone who is unwilling to return to Italy? Do you ever think you have seen enough? Twirled your last strand of spaghetti? Had your last excellent glass of wine? Admired your last beautiful sunset? No? Neither have we. One of the great marvels of...
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 | Feb 2, 2018 | Blog, Italy Villa Rentals
What could be more relaxing than having all your needs met without having to leave the comfort of your own luxury villa? So many vacations exhaust you with logistics. A villa vacation is where relaxation happens by providing private spaces to enjoy your time together...
by Mara Solomon | Jan 18, 2018 | Cities & Towns, Food, Restaurants & Cafes
Casunziei? Kaiserschmarrn? Canederli? Puccia? This doesn’t sound like Italy but it is. This is the Dolomites and its vibrant village heart, Cortina d’Ampezzo. Here you can get to know this spectacular stretch of Northern Italy with its strong Austro-Germanic...
by Mara Solomon | Dec 8, 2017 | Blog, Food, Wine
Riccardo the Winemaker is one of our colleagues in Chianti, running a small wine and olive oil farm with his father using traditional techniques. They live close to the land, in harmony with nature, even as that very nature changes. A visit to Riccardo at his winery,...
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 | Nov 1, 2017 | Blog, Food, Wine
Italy is the world’s largest wine producer by volume, so it’s no surprise that many consider a trip incomplete without a full wine experience. A trained sommelier, Emanuele Riva specializes in all varietals and aspects of wine service as well as the art of pairing...
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 | Oct 1, 2017 | Food
Here at Homebase Abroad its all about the sauce. Not only do we vividly recall the style and flavors of each sauce we’ve experienced during our Italian villa vacations but its also a practical way to keep your vacation experience alive and fresh. While the idea...
by Mara Solomon | May 3, 2017 | Cities & Towns
Visiting a great city can sometimes feel like it comes with a lot of “shoulds.” Not the least is that you “should” actually find it a “great city” when maybe you won’t. When we work with guests on their plans for visiting Rome, we...
