Italy Vacation Rentals

The Ligurian Sea is your companion as you pass the coastal towns of Massa and Livorno. From Livorno, you not only cross over to the island of Elba, but also take the road to the hinterland of Tuscany. Here, numerous scenic cities await you, of which Florence, Arezzo and Siena form the triangle that is the famous Chianti Valley with vast vineyards and olive groves.

You can literally practice farm life at the agriturismo and move into your vacation bungalow in Italy on the hills of Tuscany, where you will be woken up every morning by the sound of goats. Go hiking and enjoy the wonderful smell of freshly pressed olive oil.

Cultural side trips to the capital of Tuscany, to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, are possible within an hour by bike. You can certainly get a good bottle of Chianti for less at the weekly market near the Pontassieve growing area near your vacation rental in Italy.

The bathing-friendly Adriatic coast begins just beyond the Gulf of Venice. If you are passing through by car, a side trip to the gondola city is recommended. The city of the Hundred Bridges, under which gondoliers once glided, has lost none of its charm as a honeymoon destination.

If you want to enjoy a sandy beach and city flair close together, stay at the upper section of the Adriatic and book your private vacation home here: By the hour you can enjoy sunbathing on the beach of Jesolo or Caorle with numerous water sports facilities, while the coastal city of Trieste, for example, is within easy reach for a city tour.

The most stylish way to travel from the sea is with one of the numerous excursion boats. Shortly before sunset, you can catch a glimpse of the alpine horizon from your vacation home.

When you think of Italy, the delicious cuisine automatically comes to mind. As early as the 18th century, the people of Naples were already eating pizza, which were initially topped only with oregano and tomato slices. Legend has it that the legendary Pizza Margherita with white mozzarella, tomatoes and basil came from King Umberto I. He wanted to serve his wife Margherita a new creation.

The second national dish, spaghetti, has also made its triumphal march around the world from Italy. Whether aglio e olio with garlic and olive oil, alla carbonara with egg, cheese and bacon or alla bolognese with minced meat sauce - the pasta dish is one of the classics. Gourmets are also familiar with well-known antipasti such as prosciutto with melon, the white bread slices tramezzini topped with spreads, sausage or cheese, or tomato with mozzarella caprese.

Fish lovers will indulge in the fried squid rings calamari fritti or a seafood risotto. For a dignified meal, indulge in one of Italy's 350 varieties of wine. From Tuscany, for example, comes the red Sangiovese grape. One of the popular white wines comes from the Cinque Terre region of the same name.

1. Colosseum

The Colosseum is one of the wonders of antiquity that you can admire during your vacation in Rome. Built in 79 AD, the rotunda saw up to 50,000 spectators watch spectacular gladiator fights for centuries.

2. St Peter's Basilica

Also when in Rome, explore the world's largest basilica: The 137m-long St Peter's Basilica is known for its 800 columns, magnificent tiaras and liturgical vestments, and impressive grottoes. In the mystical crypt 23 popes are buried. It is also worth climbing up to the dome, which was designed by the world-famous artist Michelangelo.

3. Doge's Palace

The lagoon city of Venice exudes romantic flair with its countless canals. One of the architectural jewels, the Doge's Palace, dates back to the 14th century. Today, the building with an arcade on the ground floor houses the interesting Museum of Modern Art.

4. Florence Cathedral

As a world city of the Renaissance, Florence takes you on an exciting journey through history. Among the most impressive sacred buildings in Italy is the Duomo. You can see the 107m-high dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi from afar. On the famous 4,000m² ceiling fresco, you will discover scenes from the "Last Judgement".

5. Pompeii near Naples

You will get a lasting impression of life in Ancient Rome in the buried city of Pompeii near Naples. The mighty masses of lava that covered the thermal baths, town houses and public buildings during an eruption of Mount Vesuvius provided excellent preservation.