Villa Santini

Villa Santini is an ideal place for celebrations. There are lots of internal and external spaces to choose from whether you want an intimate space to exchange vows, an enclosed courtyard to celebrate or a large room for festive fare. They are able to provide an excellent chef who can liaise about the menu of your choice. And if you need music, a photographer, flowers, a marquee, an event co-ordinator or excursions pre-booked they are happy to help (Sleeps 25 and starts from £30 per person per night).

Villa Rombi

This fabulous property can host private parties or ceremonies for up to 150 guests. At an additional cost, they are able to provide a wide range of services including catering, flowers, music, decorations or even full wedding planning! (starts from £53 per person per night and sleeps up to 19).

Castle Mago Estate

Castle Mago is a spectacular location for a Wedding or celebration. The castle is only available by the week booking in high season, however short breaks are available the rest of the year. We can also help organise catering services at additional cost if required (sleeps up to 20 and starts from £118 per person per night).

Villa Torre

Weddings and special events can be celebrated at the villa but the villa must be rented on a weekly Saturday to Saturday basis so it means that the wedding itself cannot take place on a Saturday unfortunately (Sleeps up to 16, starts from £57 per person per night).

Villa Casella

This fabulous property can host private parties or ceremonies for up to 150 guests. A wide range of services are available at an additional cost including catering, flowers, music, decorations and wedding planning service (Sleeps up to 19 starts from £54 per person per night).

Villa Sole

Villa Sole is the perfect place for your wedding in Tuscany. The Villa can accommodate guests of the ceremony both inside and outside, thanks to the gardens full of flowers and the beautiful countryside. The reception is organized according to your wishes and requirements, with the possibility of having separate open spaces for drinks, lunch or dinner.

The post Top 6 Best Villas for a Wedding in Italy appeared first on Simply Italy Blog.

Italy has produced some of the world’s greatest art, and Italian galleries are unsurprisingly filled with beautiful landscapes and iconic portraits that art pilgrims travel miles to see. The celebrated artist Tiziano Vecelli, more commonly known in English as Titian, was regarded as one of the most important members of the Venetian council in the 16th century, and all around Italy you can find his paintings adorning the walls of galleries – the journey to track them down makes for a fascinating art tour of Italy. Here’s a brief whistle-stop guide.

Venice

Starting your search in the North of Italy, be sure seek out Christ Carrying the Cross, at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco gallery in Venice. This is an early work attributed to Titian (1505) and is a fine example of one of the first “close-up” depictions of gospel subject matter. Nearby is the basilica of Santa Maria della Salut, which plays host to several paintings by Titian, including the altar piece, several ceiling paintings and eight tondi (circular paintings) in the nave.

If you are planning to stay in venice why not stay in Casa Erbe is a comfortable 130 sq meters maisonette located on the waterfront of the widest canal on Giudeca Island, which is only 3 mins away from Venice by boat.

Florence

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is justifiably world famous for its extensive collection. Wandering down the long corridors, it’s impossible not to become engrossed in the vibrant paintings which cover almost every available inch of wall throughout the museum. Titian is awarded his very own room, where you’ll find several of his oil paintings including Flora and Resurrection of Lazarus among many others. The Uffizi also boasts works by Botticelli, Raphael and Da Vinci, so it’s worth setting aside several hours to really do this remarkable gallery justice.

Villa Ambra is one of the oldest farmhouses in Valdambra. It set in a romantic corner of the province of Arezzo in the heart of the charming Tuscan countryside and yet is only a short drive away from Florence. 

Rome

Italy’s capital has an equally impressive array of art galleries, many of which can claim a Titian among their collections. The Borghese Gallery is a stunning villa with spectacular views, and is also home to Sacred and Profane Love, depicting a bride sitting beside Venus and Cupid. The Galleria Doria Pamphili is the largest privately owned palazzo in Rome, where you can find not only Titian’s 1515 masterpiece, Salome, but also a chapel containing the mummified remains of the family saint. Curiosities aside, this is a unique gallery worth visiting, with works by Velazquez and Caravaggio just some of the treasures the family have gained over the centuries.

If you are a history bluff  or seeking a romantic trip, you’ll want to stay in Il Monastero, with more than 800 years of history, Il Monastero used to be a monastic complex of the Mont’Ulivetani di Gubbio Friars, dating back to the late 1100’s.

The post An Artistic Pilgrimage: Best Places To Find Fine Art in Italy appeared first on Simply Italy Blog.

1. Orvieto Cathedral (Piazza Duomo, Orvieto)

Built on a volcanic ‘tuff’ high above almost vertical cliffs, this cathedral (pictured left) was constructed in the 14th century and marries Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, to stunning effect.

2. Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Piazza San Francesco, 2, Assisi)

This beautiful basilica has been around since 1228. The church is filled with remarkably well-preserved frescoes by medieval painters, making this a must-see for art and history lovers.

3. Lungarotti Winery (Viale Giorgio Lungarotti 2, Torgiano)

The Lungarotti Winery in Torgiano, Perugia, was founded by Giorgio Lungarotti in the early 1960s, and is now run by two charming ladies: Chiara Lungarotti and Teresa Severini. Book ahead for enlightening guided tours!

4. Casa Romana, Spoleto (Via di Visiale, Spoleto)

This Roman house is believed to have belonged to the mother of Emperor Vespasian. Atmospheric and other-worldly, the house is built around an atrium which features an ‘impluvium’: a large water reserve.

5. Perugina Chocolate Factory (Van San Sisto, Perugia)

Book a tour of this prestigious chocolate factory and you’ll be able to visit the museum, as well as witness the factory workers in action.

6. Orvieto Underground (Piazza Duomo, Orvieto)

Escape from the heat by venturing into these tunnels under the city, built into the volcanic rock. There are over 440 caves to explore, which were once used as World War II bomb shelters.

7. Azienda Agricola Ragani (Via degli Ulivi, Spello)

If you love walking, follow the route known as the ‘Road of Olives’ out of Assisi – you may catch the Azienda Agricola Ragani open and have the opportunity to taste its famous olive oils.

8. Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria (Corso Vannucci, Perugia)

The National Gallery of Umbria is home to the greatest collection of Umbrian art in the world. The collection is housed in 23 galleries in the Palazzo dei Priori in Perugia.

9. Chiesa dei SS Giovanni e Paolo (Via Filitteria, Spoleto)

Visit this beautiful ancient church in Spoleto to see the earliest depiction of St Thomas Becket’s martyrdom.

10. Paolo Bea (Via Cerrete 8, Montefalco)

Food lovers are guaranteed to enjoy this excursion, as you can taste wine, olive oil and parmesan at this family-run winery on the road from Bevagna to Spoleto.

The post Top 10 Things To Do In Umbria appeared first on Simply Italy Blog.

Produced in the areas of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, Prosecco has risen in popularity over the past few decades to become a real rival to France’s famed champagne, and is now savoured by wine and cocktail connoisseurs all over the world.

If you’re looking for a holiday with a difference, why not follow an Italian Prosecco route, giving you the chance to taste some of the finest varieties that the country has to offer. Staying in one of our luxury Italian villas is also sure to make the trip extra special.

Valdobbiadene is perhaps the best-known Prosecco-producing location in the area, making it a brilliant introduction to both Veneto’s countryside and this delicious sparkling wine. There are several vineyards in the area offering samples of the delectable Glera Prosecco grape, as well as the much-awaited finished product. Try a bottle of Bisol Cartizze in one of the Valdobbiadene’s many cellars, or head to Bar Alpino on Via Mazzini, where you’ll find ample servings of hearty Italian fare to complement your glass of bubbly.

If you’re looking for beautiful surroundings, then take a trip to Rolle, a tiny hamlet of traditional buildings overlooking the stunning north Italian countryside. The cantina Vigne Matte on Via Tea is open to visitors, offering various Prosecco varieties, along with some of the best non-sparkling red and white wines from the region.

Some of the finest Prosecco varieties have been developed over centuries, and one such wine is produced in the Bortolomiol vineyard, now run by the daughters of well-known producer, Giuliano Bortolomiol. The vineyard has a tasting room, La Filanda, where you can sample the fruits of the women’s labour, whilst also learning about the wine’s rich heritage.

Why not combine a countryside Prosecco-tasting tour with a day trip to Venice, where you can enjoy a glass or two in some of the Italy’s best bars. Italian villa holidays with Simply Italy offer a range of stunning accommodation options in the Veneto region, including the glorious Villa Conte, built in the 16th century by the Viennese nobility and now available to rent for up to 8 guests.

Credits:

Photo by jimg944

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Venezia Jazz Festival (Venice)

This beautiful Italian city is sometimes called “La Serenissima” – “the most serene one” – but all that changes in July and August with the Venezia Jazz Festival. Still relatively new, the inaugural event took place in 2008, but the festival is rapidly becoming one of the most hotly anticipated jazz fixtures of the summer. Performances take place in some of the most famous Venetian locations, including Saint Mark’s Square, with numerous family activities to enjoy in addition to the musical concerts.

Umbria Jazz Festival (Perugia)

Jazz enthusiasts from across the globe gather each July at the Umbria Jazz Festival. This is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the world, and each year sees an impressive list of performers take to the stage. Since the first intimate concert event in 1973, the festival has bloomed in popularity and today there are several different stages to enjoy. The festival celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, with a line-up that includes global stars Herbie Hancock and John Legend.

Anyone thinking of booking tickets might consider staying in our nearby luxurious Tower Villa - located just a 20-minute drive from Perugia, this medieval tower villa has room for up to 6 guests, plus a private pool and jacuzzi.

Festival dei Due Mondi (Spoleto)

Also based in Umbria, the operatic Festival dei Due Mondi takes place for three weeks in late June and early July. The small town of Spoleto plays host to a variety of internationally renowned performers from the worlds of opera, theatre and dance. One of this year’s line-up highlights includes a performance from the Mark Morris Dance Group, winner of two prestigious Olivier awards.

Tuscia Opera Festival (Lazio)

The Tuscia Opera Festival takes over the area of Viterbo during the months of July and August, with a huge variety of operatic performances taking place against the impressive backdrop of the Palazzo dei Papi. The festival is also celebrated for its theatre and dance, and the 2012 programme included classic performances of Swan Lake and Carmen.

Credit

Photos by BEYOND BAROQUE

The post Best Summer Music Festivals in Italy for Jazz and Opera Fans appeared first on Simply Italy Blog.

Our friends at simplychateau.com have created this fun Quiz that will not only allow you to discover the property of your dreams but could also allow you to stay there with 7 of your friends for an entire week for free!

Taking the Quiz couldn’t be easier simply log on to Facebook and go to Simply Chateau’s page. Once you initiate the Quiz the answers you will give will narrow the number of properties down to a single one, the single property left will be the most suiting to your personality, wants and likes…

And if you are one of the unfortunate ones not to win, why not turn to our Simply Concierge and ask him to organise an even better vacation experience?

Links:

http://www.facebook.com/simplychateauholidays

http://www.simplychateau.com

http://www.simplychateau.com/#concierge

The post WIN a Holiday in a Luxurious Villa appeared first on Simply Italy Blog.

Florence

When visiting Florence, a climb to the top of the world-famous Duomo cathedral is a must, for spectacular views of the city and surrounding hills. Reward yourself with an oversized gelato while perching on the River Arno’s Wall, watching the crowds cross the medieval Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Art-history buffs will want to visit the Italian Masters at the Uffizi Gallery too. We have a number of properties surrounding Florence, do not hesitate to get in touch with our concierge service for advice or to tailor your holiday to your every need.

Pisa 

Staying in Pisa couldn’t be easier! we have a number of properties that will allow you to sample the luxuries and greatness of Italian life, including Villa Balano and Casa Felice.

Pisa’s iconic architectural wonder, the Leaning Tower, is a marvellous backdrop to the city’s electric nightlife. Bars and cafes buzz with university students on balmy evenings, making it a fun place to mix with locals. For a more unusual day out, be sure to visit the Battistero (Baptistry) – this breath-taking circular Gothic building has been hailed as “acoustically perfect”, generating beautiful echoes that never fail to impress tourists.

Siena

If you’re considering a holiday rental in Italy during the summer, try to catch Siena’s hair-raising bareback horse race. The biannual summer tradition is an unmissable slice of medieval Tuscan life. The city is also well-known for its fantastic food: slip into a trattoria for traditional regional dishes, such as ribbons of pasta in a rich and delicious hare sauce. A lighter choice is ‘nude ravioli’ – spinach and ricotta gnocchi, known as gnudi to the locals. Don’t leave Siena without a traditional panforte Christmas cake tucked under your arm, crammed with warming spices, fruit and nuts.

Tuscan countryside

You can take excellent wine tasting tours around Chianti’s vineyards, or quaff glasses of local Vernaccia and Montepulciano wines in bars throughout the stunning, tiny towns crowning the hills. Hire a car to reach the less-visited spots, like pretty San Quirico d’Orcia or Bagno Vignoni - home to hot springs and a relaxing thermal pool. Villa Fermini, in the Chianti region, offers up to 11 guests its own Chianti wines and extra virgin olive oil from its surrounding agricultural estate.

San Gimignano

Tuscany’s quintessential fairytale hilltop town has charming medieval alleys that make for a delightful wander, especially when all the daytime tourists have left. Sit in one of the cafes under the stars, dipping Tuscan cantuccini biscuits into Vin Santo, a famous local dessert wine. The nearby 11th century Villa Roseto has fabulous views of the town and room for up to 14 guests.

Credits:

Photos of Florence by flickr user: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chris-yunker

Photos of Sienna by flickr user: http://www.flickr.com/photos/41099823@N00/

The post How To Enjoy The Perfect Tuscan Getaway appeared first on Simply Italy Blog.

As the former seat of the Roman Empire, Italy is a country with a spectacular history, leaving holidaymakers spoilt for choice when it comes to historical sightseeing destinations. But which sites are an absolute must-visit? Here are our top recommendations…

Pompeii & Herculaneum

There’s little to separate these two fantastically well-preserved Roman towns, both of which fell victim to the volcanic eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Pompeii is the better-known, but both sites offer a tremendous insight into early Roman life, with an incredible number of preserved buildings, streets and even casts of residents that were caught up in the volcanic ash nearly 2,000 years ago.

The Pantheon

There is no better preserved ancient Roman building than the Pantheon in Rome; an epic structure standing an impressive 142 feet in height, built in around 126AD. Originally constructed as an homage to the pagan gods of Rome, it became a Roman Catholic church in the 7th Century and has seen a number of Christian modifications since. This has enriched the site, providing you with plenty of historic sculptures and frescos to take in as you make your way around the hallowed halls.

The Colosseum 

Another of Rome’s top attractions, the Colosseum certainly is an impressive structure. Once a venue for more than 50,000 excited Roman spectators – watching everything from gladiatorial contests to mock sea battles – today it holds the title of the largest amphitheatre in the world, standing as a testament to the imagination and ability of the ancient Romans.

Florence

If you’re considering one of our villas in Italy for rent, Florence should be high up on your must-visit list. Although its stint as Italy’s capital in the 19th century was short-lived, Florence has always been regarded as the birthplace of the Renaissance, which is prestige enough to draw millions of visitors a year. A wealth of history awaits, including the Florence Cathedral – or The Duomo as it is known, thanks to its distinctive dome.

Venice

The city of Venice is unlike anywhere else in the world, with a number of breath-taking historical landmarks, including St Mark’s Basilica, with its awe-inspiring gold and bronze mosaic interior. Located right next to the Basilica is the spectacular Doge’s Palace – once home to the supreme ruling authority of the Republic of Venice, and now a sprawling museum. Visit between April 24 and August 18 this year for a rare exhibition of celebrated artist Manet’s finest works.

Of course, it would be difficult to take in all these unmissable sights in just one holiday – which gives you the perfect excuse for return trips! We specialise in luxury Italy villa rental, with a catalogue of fantastic holiday villas to choose from that are guaranteed to make your next Italian break unforgettable.

The post Top 5 Must-Visit Historical Sites in Italy appeared first on Simply Italy Blog.

When travelling abroad it is important to prepare for everyday conversations and those moments when you might need a hand.

Whether you want to equip yourself in case of problems, ensure you can ask for the nearest train station, or you’re excited to chat with the locals, learning a little conversational Italian can be invaluable.

Learning a few words and phrases is easy and fun. Why not learn a few phrases and test your family or travel group to see who can learn the fastest?

To make things easy for your arrival in Italy, we have gathered some useful words and phrases to help you on your way.

Greetings

Simple Words

Asking for Help

Ciao!

The post Italian Words and Phrases appeared first on Simply Italy Blog.

Italy in my mind’s eye is always beautiful whatever the time of year; Rome with its art, culture and awe inspiring architecture or Sardinia with its emerald green sea. The Lakes are known to be one of the most beautiful places in Italy to visit and attract many famous visitors each year (George Clooney always springs to mind!) artists, poets and musicians have all remonstrated the beauties of the Italian lakes.

The collection of lakes are considered areas of outstanding beauty and are made up of many lakes with the main being Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano, Lake Garda, Lake Orta and the best known – Lake Como.

Lake Como

The third largest lake in Italy is home to the town of Bellagio which is reputed as the most beautiful town in Italy, with its lime trees and Oleanders with brightly coloured flowers which line the main promenade with panoramic views of the lake.

Villa Melzi dates back to 1808 and has stunning gardens to stroll around with gorgeous azaleas and rhododendrons as well as a museum and chapel. It was built for Francesco Melzi d’Eril who was nominated Duke of Lodi by Napoleon. This is a magnificent construction and well worth visiting. There are several buildings of interest in Bellagio with rich historical backgrounds such as San Giacomo church with its mosaics, a 12^th century cross and a 15^th century triptych.

Picturesque walking paths take you along the lake and through the hills where small hamlets and fisherman’s villages can be explored.

Both spring and summer are perfect for taking a boat tour or enjoying the many water sports that are on offer. Each year there is a spring/summer and an autumn festival – Lake Como festival where live music can be enjoyed in beautiful locations around the lake. Winter time can be spent enjoying skiing in the nearby mountains.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is the largest of the Italian lakes. Absolutely stunning with Morainic hills, mountains, sparkling blue waters and an abundance of green vegetation. Scenting the air are lemon groves, cypresses and orange groves. Olive groves, palms and oleanders grow freely and add to the majestic landscapes.

There are many towns around Lake Garda with various activities to take part in. Riva del Gar is the place to be for great windsurfing and swimming. There are many hiking trails and cycling is a great way to explore and enjoy many of the amazing views and landscapes of this area.

In the main square of Riva del Gar is the Apponale tower, climbing the 165 steps is well worth the effort to enjoy the panoramic views over the lake. Again there are many interesting historic buildings to explore and the architecture is fabulous. Riva del Gar is home to Bastione a Venetian fortress that dates back to 1508.

You can get to Verona, Venice or Milan easily from around Lake Garda and a city visit to watch an opera of enjoy some shopping is a great way to spend a day.

For thrill seekers looking for thrills of the non-water sport variety there is Gardaland theme park – one of Italy’s largest theme parks which has a variety of rides and attractions suitable for all ages and a sea life aquarium with exotic fish, octopus garden and interactive rock pools this is an educational experience as well as great fun.

Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is Italy’s second largest lake. On the southern side of the Alps and extending into Switzerland there is plenty to do and see in tranquil and picturesque surroundings. Camelia, azaleas, rhododendrons and magnolias all flourish in the gardens and the lake is a haven for Mediterranean olive and lemon groves.

The town of Stresa is ideally situated for exploring and enjoying Lake Maggiore. The Mottorane cable car will take you to Mount Mottarone where you will have a splendid 360 degree view over 7 lakes and spectacular views of the Alps, where depending on which time of year you visit, you can enjoy some skiing!

From Stresa visit the Borromean Islands just a ten minute boat ride away – three Islands that lie in a wide gulf on the western side of Lake Maggiore, Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre. Isola Bella is much famed for its Baroque palace and elegant and refined Italian gardens. Grand architecture, ornate furniture, sparkling chandeliers and master works of art adorn this elaborate palace. Each of the three Islands is a pleasure to explore with a contrasting experience from each, Isola dei Pescatori has a beautiful village hardly changed by time and Isola Madre is almost over taken with its’ exotic gardens.

The Spirit of Woodstock festival takes place at the end of July/beginning of August – a festival of rock music where nearly every genre of rock music can be heard. Situated in the north-Italian province of Novara in the beautiful hills that run between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta this three day festival is a relaxed fun event.

If you want to enjoy some city life then Milan is only an hour away by high speed train where you can shop or visit one of the many museums or galleries.

Lake Lugano

Lake Lugano is named after the sophisticated and vibrant city Laguno which is in Switzerland. The Lake is part Swiss and part Italian and the city of Laguno is a fusion of both countries with a very Italian accent to all parts of the city’s personality. You can experience wonderful Italian cuisine as well as much acclaimed Italian architecture and art galleries. The Via Nassa shopping centre is a fully encompassing shopping experience.

Lake Lugano is surrounded by pretty towns and villages cloistered amongst the mountains and hills explore and discover medieval churches, parks and gardens, museums and art galleries.

The Lake itself offers a myriad of watersports and the surrounding hills and trails provide perfect opportunity for cycling horse riding and hiking.

For a day out with a difference why not visit the Alprose chocolate factory renowned for producing excellent Swiss chocolate and just a short trip from Lugano with a museum depicting the history of chocolate making a tour of the factory with free samples to delight your taste buds and a factory shop to stock up on some of the delicious chocolate that is made here.

Zoo Al Maglio is a short distance from Lugano on the banks of the Magliasina river and is a lovely day out with over 100 animals and birds, you can learn and appreciate species from around the world.

The Italian Lakes – while beauty is in the eye of the beholder I don’t think anybody would dispute that the lakes and surrounding areas are truly spectacular – book a villa and enjoy the many attractions, outdoor activities, glorious Italian cuisine, art and culture that are in abundance.

Written by Kirsti Banyard, a travel writer for HomeAway. For great accommodation visit Simply Chateau on HomeAway or Homeaway in Italy

photo credit: στρατόςcc

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