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Posarelli Villas is pleased to announce the opening of its new office in the heart of Cambridge. A strategic choice for a continuously growing company that, with an expanding clientele, has decided to enhance its resources and further refine its services. After years of operation at our Duxford office, the space had become limiting for our ambitions. The move to central Cambridge marks a new phase for Posarelli Villas: not just a larger office, but an opportunity to strengthen our bond with clients and look to the future with even greater clarity. The choice of Cambridge, one of the most prestigious and dynamic cities in the United Kingdom, is no coincidence: being at its center means accessing a lively, international, and cutting-edge environment, in line with our mission to offer exclusive and tailor-made travel experiences. What do we do? Posarelli Villas specializes in creating stays in villas located in dream destinations: from Tuscany to Sicily, from the Greek islands to the Amalfi Coast. Each villa is carefully selected to ensure guests a perfect balance of comfort, exclusivity, and beauty. Our philosophy: "Your home away from home".Our goal is to provide a unique stay experience, where every guest can feel the same familiarity and comfort of home while immersing themselves in the beauty and authenticity of extraordinary destinations. As members of ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents), we guarantee our clients maximum reliability and security in bookings, operating under the highest standards in the tourism sector. A reference point for our clients With the new office in central Cambridge, our team will be even closer to clients, offering personalized support and direct assistance in every stage of the booking process. The office will continue to: ✔ Manage bookings with a dedicated and highly specialized service. ✔ Organize appointments for personalized consultations, upon request, for those who seek direct support in planning their stay. Our direct communication channels  Email: booking@posarellivillas.comPhone: +44-01273-074927 A look to the future The opening of the Cambridge office is just the first step in a broader growth journey. Looking ahead, our goal is to continue improving services and offering clients an increasingly exclusive and personalized experience. The move to the heart of Cambridge marks the beginning of a new chapter for Posarelli Villas. With the same spirit of innovation and dedication that has always distinguished us, we look to the future with enthusiasm, ready to offer a service that increasingly meets the expectations of our clients. } .image-container { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; margin: 20px 0; } .image-container img { width: 30%; height: auto; } .highlight { font-weight: bold; }

The rental world is characterised by crucial moments that mark not only growth and development, but also the building of solid bonds and the celebration of shared successes.The 6th December was an important day for our company, as it was the epicentre of an event that brought together determined employees and common goals.The atmosphere filled with energy and enthusiasm permeated every moment of the day, providing a unique opportunity to reflect on achievements, explore new perspectives and strengthen the bonds that define our corporate identity.In this article, we will explore the highlights of this company meeting, highlighting inspirations and strategies.  WHAT IS A KICK-OFF MEETING?A kick-off meeting represents a crucial and fundamental point within a project or corporate initiative. It is a strategic meeting involving all those involved in the project, including team members, managers and any external partners.During this meeting, the essential details of the project are presented such as:1. Project presentation2. Planning and deadlines3. Resources and support needed4. Communication and reporting channelsTo sum up, the kick-off meeting is a key moment to put all participants on the same wavelength, ensuring a shared understanding of the objectives, expectations and actions necessary for the success of the project. It is a strategic opportunity to consolidate the team. ANALYSIS AND PROSPECTS: KICK-OFF MEETING AT MONTEGUFONI CASTLE REVEALS INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES FOR 2024The picturesque setting of the Montegufoni Castle hosted the kick-off meeting that marked the beginning of a new phase for our organisation. The event opened with a detailed presentation of the staff and their respective positions, outlining the people behind the company's next initiatives.At the centre of the discussions on this intense day were two pivotal topics: the balance of the previous year and the outlook for 2024. The past year was characterised by an uncertain dance in the tourism sector. The data showed significant fluctuations, oscillating between moments of growth and downturns without any real stability. This uncertainty was mainly rooted in the rising cost of money, geopolitical instability due to wars and the widespread use of last-minute booking by travellers.By actively analysing these phenomena, the meeting resulted in an outlined strategy for 2024. This strategy is based on an innovative approach that focuses on enhancing advertising activities, exploring new distribution channels such as Airbnb Luxe and Marriott Bonvoy, and implementing more diversified payment methods to meet the needs of our customers.These changes and developments reflect our willingness to adapt to changing market dynamics and anticipate the needs of the modern traveller. Our main objective always remains to provide extraordinary and tailor-made travel experiences for each customer, while keeping a watchful eye on emerging trends and opportunities in the industry.  CONCLUSIONSConcluding this report of our recent company kick-off meeting, we would like to extend a warm thank you to all the owners who contributed to the success of this important initiative. Your active participation and commitment made this event a very valuable moment for our company.The kick-off meeting was just the first in a series of crucial meetings that will mark our journey into 2024. We are excited to continue this journey together and to organise more events that will allow us to collaborate, share ideas and achieve new goals.We are grateful for the turnout and enthusiasm shown at this meeting, which makes us look forward to a year that will be full of opportunities and successes for all of us. We look forward to the future with optimism and are confident that, with your support and commitment, 2024 will be an extraordinary year for our company. © Rebecca Taizzani

Our top wedding venues selected to make your wedding day exceptional, from intimate retreats to luxurious villas. A wedding is a special moment in a couple's life, often considered the most significant journey a person can undertake. Choosing the right location and setup requires careful attention and effort, but don't worry, we're here to help. In this article, we want to present the best Wedding Venues where you can organize your big day. From villas in the countryside to historic castles and modern facilities, the possibilities offered by our catalog are endless, thanks to the backdrop of Tuscany. In this article, you will find our selection of villas categorized by the number of guests and the type of wedding you want to organize. We want to remind you that these are general guidelines, and your wedding can be customized down to the smallest detail with the expertise of our Wedding Planner. SUMMARY Why Choose Italy for Your Wedding? Wedding Venues for 100 or More Guests Wedding Venues for 40-50 Guests Wedding Venues for 25-30 Guests Wedding Venues for an Intimate Wedding General Conditions for Organizing a Wedding at Our FacilitiesAverage Wedding Cost in Italy WHY CHOOSE TUSCANY FOR YOUR WEDDING Choosing Tuscany as the location for your wedding will allow you to transform your special day into an unforgettable experience. According to recent statistics, Italy remains one of the most sought-after destinations for dream weddings, attracting couples from all over the world. According to the Italian Destination Wedding Tourism Observatory, in 2024, over 15,000 weddings were celebrated in Italy, marking a 11.4% increase from the previous year. Approximately 900,000 guests attended these weddings. Italy's prominence in the wedding tourism industry can be attributed to: Its rich history and cultural beauty The allure of its landscapes, especially in Tuscany Its romantic ambiance and beauty Its renowned cuisine and wine The weather Famous personalities who chose Italy for their weddings, such as George Clooney, Pierre Casiraghi, Tom Cruise, Kim Kardashian, Neil Patrick, Justin Timberlake, Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, and many more. WEDDING VENUES FOR 100 OR MORE GUESTS MONTEGUFONI CASTLE (164 GUESTS) Tuscany > Chianti > Italy Montegufoni is a historic castle located in the Chianti region in Tuscany. It's a tranquil and elegant Tuscan estate ideal for food enthusiasts and those seeking a truly unique and romantic wedding experience. The magnificent castle dates back to 1100 and was renovated in the 1600s by the Acciaioli family. The property consists of 39 apartments, accommodating a total of 164 guests. Renting this magnificent estate gives you access to large outdoor spaces, including the garden, large inner courtyard, swimming pool, Italian-style garden (perfect for outdoor cocktails), and a covered Lemon House for your after-party. If you prefer an indoor event, the castle offers a spacious frescoed hall with a professional kitchen. Booking all the castle apartments ensures exclusive use of all spaces for your special day. Our concierge will handle the setup, catering, ceremony, and even the day-after brunch to your every desire. The property also features a fine restaurant offering traditional Tuscan cuisine (open every evening from April to October except Tuesdays). Montegufoni Castle is the perfect location for those seeking an exclusive and unique venue with original frescoes, making it an ideal setting for your wedding, especially if you're a lover of culture, history, or beauty in general. VILLA DETAILS CONTACT US WEDDING VENUES FOR 40-50 GUESTS LE FONTI (50 guests) Tuscany > Chianti > Italy Le Fonti is a 16th-century ancient village nestled in the Chianti hills, just a few kilometers from Florence. The village has been restored and transformed into a 15-unit apartment complex. By organizing your wedding at Le Fonti, you'll be surrounded by 35 hectares of cultivated land with vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees. Booking all the apartments grants you exclusive use of all outdoor spaces, including the panoramic pool with a whirlpool.Le Fonti is the perfect solution for organizing your rustic-style wedding, immersed in the Tuscan hills and tranquility. VILLA DETAILS CONTACT US IL FRANTOIO + LA SELVA (46 guests) Tuscany > Florence > Italy Il Frantoio and La Selva are two villas located on the same agricultural estate, just 18 km from Florence. Il Frantoio is a large independent farmhouse with a private pool, converted from an ancient olive oil mill. La Selva consists of seven apartments situated within the same estate.The estate also houses a restaurant where you can arrange meals during your stay. The property is surrounded by beautiful vineyards and olive groves that produce excellent wine and olive oil. VILLA DETAILS CONTACT US MONTELOPIO (42 guests) Tuscany > Pisa > Italy Montelopio is a beautiful 18th-century complex perched on a panoramic hill in the Tuscan countryside.The property consists of a main building and an old barn converted into eight comfortable apartments, accommodating up to 42 guests.Montelopio is the ideal solution for your wedding, offering spacious outdoor areas and, upon request, an indoor salon measuring 40 square meters for your reception. If you wish to host a wedding with more than 40 guests, there are two other villas near Montelopio in our program: Insoglio and Angelica. Renting all three properties can provide a total of 66 beds. VILLA DETAILS CONTACT US PALAZZO BELLO + CASALE CHIETENO (40 guests) Tuscany > Val D'Orcia > Italy Palazzo Bello is the ideal location for a dream wedding, featuring a completely stone farmhouse with a stunning 360° panoramic view of the Tuscan countryside. Palazzo Bello has been carefully restored while preserving its original features, such as large fireplaces, terracotta floors, and exposed beam ceilings. The venue is perfect for hosting weddings, with a large hall on the first floor for your dinner or lunch and a spacious veranda outside to accommodate all your guests.If you are planning a wedding with more than 20 guests but have fallen in love with Palazzo Bello, don't worry. You can rent Casale Chieteno, a nearby property in our program, to accommodate a total of 40 guests. VILLA DETAILS CONTACT US PODERE ROMINA(34 guests) Tuscany > Val Chiana > Italy Podere Romina is a beautiful and spacious property nestled among the hills of Gabbiano, a tiny village in Valdichiana in the splendid Tuscan region, near Cortona and Arezzo. The property is immersed in nature and offers marvelous panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including vineyards and sunflower fields. With its five spacious apartments, Podere Romina can accommodate up to 34 guests. The property also offers stunning panoramic views, with vineyards and sunflowers all around. A large common area with a barbecue, kitchen, and table (seats 25) is available upon request. Podere Romina is the ideal location for those desiring an intimate wedding in Tuscany. VILLA DETAILS CONTACT US WEDDING VENUES FOR 25-30 GUESTS SANTA FLORA(40 guests) Tuscany > Val D'Orcia > Italy Santa Flora is a historic property located on the banks of the Arno River. It consists of a main building with rooms, a dining room, a professional kitchen, and a living room, as well as an ancient and charming tower housing four additional suites with private bathrooms.The spacious outdoor areas alternate between green zones and paved areas, providing the perfect setting for your outdoor ceremony. The private pool, accessible from the dining room, offers an excellent backdrop for an open-air aperitif before the wedding dinner.Upon request, guests can also enjoy a wellness center located in an ancient grain depot, featuring a travertine whirlpool, a Turkish bath, and emotional showers—an ideal place to relax after the wedding celebrations. Approximately 2.5 km from Santa Flora there is Villa Lo Scoiattolo, which can accommodate an additional 10 guests thanks to its 5 rooms. VILLA DETAILS CONTACT US TIMO(32 guests) Tuscany > Chianti > Italy Timo is a property located just 35 km from Florence, nestled in the green hills of Tuscany. The property consists of 10 apartments, each with its own private outdoor space. The standout feature of this property is the extensive outdoor area with a well-kept garden, private pool, tennis court, and a private lake—ideal for your wedding photos.For your ceremony, a Glass House is available upon request—an expansive and luminous glass-enclosed location with views of the surrounding garden. If you're seeking a well-maintained, distinctive location with ample green spaces, Timo is the perfect choice. VILLA DETAILS CONTACT US BELLOSTARE(10-14 beds) Tuscany > Florence - Pistoia > Italy Villa Bellostare is an independent villa near Pistoia, perched on a beautiful hill surrounded by nature and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the neighboring cities. There is no better location to exchange your vows. The villa features an exclusive park and a fenced and equipped private pool.If you want to organize your wedding in perfect Tuscan style, Villa Bellostare is the right choice for you. Villa Bellostare accommodates 10 to 14 beds, but don't worry, If you have more guests who want to stay overnight, you can add 4 apartments called Bello Stare, bringing the total capacity to 32 beds. The apartments are located a few hundred meters from the villa and have their own shared pool. VILLA DETAILS CONTACT US VILLA MONTAIONE(30 guests) Tuscany > Chianti > Italy Montaione is a property located in the heart of Tuscany, comprising 5 apartments, each with its own private outdoor space. The property was once a country house, meticulously restored by the owner with attention to detail. The extensive outdoor spaces cover 50 hectares of land, featuring cultivated fields, olive groves, a charming lake, walking trails, and a shared pool. The glass veranda is the perfect place to host your wedding reception, even in cooler temperatures. VILLA DETAILS CONTACT US WEDDING VENUES FOR 15-20 GUESTS PODERE SANT'ANGELO(15 guests) Tuscany > Casentino > Italy Podere Sant'Angelo is an ancient Tuscan farmhouse expertly restored and located in a tranquil and well-kept rural setting. Podere Sant'Angelo is the perfect location for an intimate yet not too small wedding. For your reception, there is a large veranda with a pool view, connected to a fully equipped kitchen with a wood-fired pizza oven (upon request). The highlight of this property is undoubtedly the spa, where you and your guests can relax before and after the wedding. If you need more than 15 guests, another property of ours, Villa Sant'Angelo, is located a few hundred meters away, accommodating a total of 33 guests. Villa Sant'Angelo also offers spacious indoor and outdoor spaces for your reception. VILLA DETAILS CONTACT US OTHERS INTIMATE WEDDINGS VENUES FOR 15-20 GUESTSVILLA LORENZA (22 guests)IL FRANTOIO (18 guests)TENUTA LONCIANO (17 guests)TENUTA CAMBIANO (17 guests)VILLA CAMAIORE (15 guests)VILLA CASENTINO (20 guests)VILLA SIMONE + VILLA IL CAGGIO (apartments + b&b)VILLA ORCHIDEAVILLA GIARE  ORGANIZING A WEDDING AT OUR FACILITIESIt is an honor for us to host weddings at our properties and witness such intimate moments, contributing to making them unforgettable. However, to ensure the perfect success of your big day, we have established general conditions related to weddings: - First and foremost, our wedding planner. We care about the success of your wedding, which is why we offer you the assistance of a professional wedding planner. This expert will help you coordinate all the details of your big day, making sure that nothing goes wrong. We will be happy to put you in touch with our wedding planner, whose input is invaluable in ensuring a flawless celebration. - Secondly, we want to make sure that only personnel authorised by us are involved in the organisation of your wedding. This will help ensure that all suppliers are well prepared and in compliance with our regulations. This is an important step in ensuring the safety and quality of your event. - Finally, we would like to emphasise the importance of respecting the maximum capacity of the venue. We have carefully calculated the maximum number of guests our facilities can safely and comfortably accommodate. Any exceeding of this capacity could jeopardise the safety and comfort of all guests. If for some reason you wish to exceed this capacity, please contact us in advance to obtain permission and assess the necessary measures. These rules are designed to ensure that your wedding is a wonderful and memorable experience for everyone. We are here to help you every step of the way and to answer any questions you may have. WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A WEDDING IN TUSCANY?The average cost of a wedding in Italy can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, number of guests, level of pomp and circumstance, and services included. Here is a rough cost estimate broken down into a few main categories: Location rental for 3 days:Venues can vary widely in price, depending on the region and type of venue. On average, the cost of renting a villa or castle for 3 days could range from around €5,000 to €60,000 or more, depending on the capacity and characteristics of the location.Wedding Planner Services:Hiring a professional wedding planner can be crucial in planning a smooth wedding. The costs of a wedding planner can vary widely, but on average, could be between €500 and €5,000, depending on the services offered and the involvement required.Catering and Drinks:This is one of the most significant costs of a wedding. The price per person for catering can range from €50 to €150 or more, depending on the menu chosen and the drinks included. Be sure to consider the number of guests when calculating this cost.Arrangements and Decorations:The cost of set-ups and decorations will depend on the complexity of the design and the size of the venue. On average, this could cost from €3,000 to €10,000 or more.Note that these estimates are approximate and the actual costs may vary considerably depending on personal choices and negotiations with suppliers. It is important to plan a realistic budget and keep track of expenses to ensure you stay within the limits set.

When talking about Crete, the first thing that comes to mind is the cultural wonders that this island has to offer: from the Labyrinth of Knossos to the archaeological site of Phaestos, nicknamed "the bridge to Egypt", not to mention the beautiful capital Heraklion. Today, however, we want to change the perspective, we want to shift the focus from the immense artistic and cultural heritage to the natural and landscape heritage. In addition to the “Brocchetta di Guarnià” and the paintings with their bright colours and sharp outlines, Crete offers another type of artwork. Flowing brushstrokes, warm colours dipping into shades of turquoise blue, in stark contrast to the sharpness of burnt brown, and again flowing lines intertwining with each other to create bristling, sharp-edged areas. Which work of art are we talking about? The island of Crete itself. Close your eyes and imagine breathtaking panoramas, long stretches of golden sand, colours that mingle to the point of seeming surreal, tongues of white sand connecting beaches with uninhabited islands. If you book one of our houses you will no longer have to dream about it, you can live it. Now all you have to do is put a pair of shoes in your suitcase and read on! Voulisma beach This beautiful beach is located in the south-east of the island in the beautiful region of Lassithi. Thanks to the deep turquoise sea that washes the sandy beach, Voulisma beach is reminiscent of the tropics. Behind it, a high rocky cliff covered with Mediterranean vegetation gives it the unique touch and the rightful reputation it has so far earned. The waters of Voulisma beach are clean and transparent with a gently sloping seabed, perfect for children. This paradise is seven hundred meters long and for the most part is well equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. The bay is ideal for those who love long swims and for those who adore snorkelling: plunge your head under the crystal clear waters and you will find a real playground of marine flora and fauna. If you like to keep your feet on the ground, our advice is to venture to the top of the promontory, where you'll find a snack bar and a breathtaking view. Trust us, the long flight of steps will be well worth it. Elafonisi beach Located on the southwest coast of Crete Island, Elafonissi (or Elafonisi) is also called the 'Caribbean of the Mediterranean' for its white beach with pink hues and warm turquoise waters. The main beach is well-equipped with facilities for renting umbrellas, sunbeds and several bars. The jewel in the crown? The small island of Elafonissi in front of the beach of the same name, which, depending on the tides, is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand on some days, while on others it is a real island that can be reached by walking through knee-deep waters. On the small island, you can relax on the free beach and feel as if you are in the Caribbean, when in fact you are in Europe. If you want to get away from civilisation, venture to the back of the island: the most rural and characterised by small bays where peace and tranquillity reign. At the far end of the island is a promontory where you can find a lighthouse and the small chapel of Agia Irini . Be sure to stay on this beach until sunset - here you can admire the best sunsets in Crete. Preveli beach Preveli beach takes its name from the monastery located at the top of this part of the south coast of Crete. Together with the monastery, it is one of the most visited places on the island. Since the late 1960s, the beach and its surroundings have been inhabited by hippies from all over the world for a long time. The beauty of the landscape and the atmosphere were perfect for their ideals of peace and freedom. The curiosity of this beach lies in the river Megas Potamos: the freshwater stream ends in the sea and the beach of sand mixed with tiny light-coloured pebbles acts as a watershed. It is not every day that one can swim in both the fresh water of the river and the salt water of the sea. In addition, behind the beach is a dense palm grove that lines the river bed creating an exotic atmosphere; hence the name Palm Beach. To get to Palm Beach you have to leave your car in the car park (for a fee) and then walk up almost 500 steps. What are you waiting for? Hurry up and book one of our villas .Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to discover the second part of this guide and much more. © Rebecca Taizzani

Even in winter, some Spanish islands still present a mild climate. Here, nature awakens with the flowering of almond and orange trees and landscape get coloured of unique shades. Yes, we are talking about the stunning Balearic Islands, a small piace of paadise emerging from the Mediterranean Sea. Do you want to discover why visiting the Balearics is an excellent idea? Check out the best things to see and do on these islands during winter months and start planning your holiday! The flowering of the almond and orange trees is always a wonderful sight. The plants begin to bloom in the end of December and landscapes get covered by white small flowers. There are various itineraries that make you admire the beauty of flowering. On the island of Mallorca you can go to Llucmajor or to other central localities like Sierra de Tramuntana and Son Servera, as these towns host the incredible Almond Blossom Festival between the end of January and the beginning of February. otherwise, you can choose to visit Ibiza and take part to "Llum d'Ametller", which is a special night walk between the almond trees of Santa Agnès de Corona, followed by a typical dinner based on torrada and sobrasada (a typical salami). At the end of the walk, you can also stop in one of the lovely traditional villages to taste some almond preparations: one of the best-known dishes are Gatò de l'Almendra, a flourless cake served with barley or almond ice cream, and Coca de Torró, a sweet made of wafer filled with almond nougat. For sports lovers, the Balearics offer plenty of opportunities to practice outdoor activities. For example, you can jump on your bicycle to enjoy some beautiful rides surrounded by nature! The entire territory of Formentera can be visited by bike, while Mallorca and Ibiza offer hundreds of cycle paths, suitable for all levels of preparation. Nordic walking can also be practiced in all the islands, thanks to the coastal paths connecting the most beautiful beaches. In Formentera, there are 32 "green" itineraries covering a total of 100 kms that can be travelled by foot, bicycle or Nordic walking in order to discover the rosy waters of Ses Salines, Ses Illetes beach, or the beautiful Faro de La Mola. How can we not consider the important historical sites located on these islands? Mallorca and the other smaller islands present some noteworthy places to visit if you like archeology and history. For example, in Menorca, you can take a military path called "ruta fortificada" to discover the history of the island, passing from the port of Maó, the Fortress of the Mola and the castle of San Felipe. Also, don't forget to see the towers of the prehistoric site of Talaiot and to follow the "ruta Britanìca" in search of traces of the English domination! Instead, Ibiza offers you the possibility to visit the Punic necropolis of Puig des Moulins watching a unique thatrical performance: this is surely the best way to appreciate its beauty! Finally, if you like being surrounded by flora and fauna, go visit Menorca's natural park, called S'Albufera d'Es Grau, as you can admire many rare species of birds in a wonderful environment! So take advantage of the winter season to get to know the Balearic islands! Stay away from the crowd of tourists and enjoy the tranquility of these beautiful islands in this period. If you are looking for a property for rent in the Balearics, discover more about our selection of villas and apartments! © Alice Pilastri

Versilia is not just a famous summer destination because of its beautiful sea and entertainments, but also for the various cultural events that it hosts in summer! Located close to the centers of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi, Torre del Lago Puccini is the southernmost city of Versilia. As well as having a beautiful Mediterranean scrub, this town organizes many concerts, events and some world-famous festivals. Almost all of them are dedicated to the works of Giacomo Puccini, a classical music composer who lived in Torre del Lago for more than thirty years. Want to know more about it? Find below all the information, dates and our useful recommendations to take part to the next edition of the Puccini Festival! The Festival is one of the main events in Versilia's summer and this year marks its 65th edition. It takes place within the Massaciuccoli Lake, a magical setting located a few steps from the Tuscan coast where the beauty of the place joins the splendid musical symphonies. It is not just an outdoor concert, but a cultural event of great importance that attracts thousands of international fans with its rich program. The first edition of the Festival took place in 1930, six years after the musician's death. The choice to dedicate an entire event to the artist's works is due to his close connection with the land of Lucca, where Puccini was born and lived for many years . Fascinated by the atmosphere of the place, he composed here many of his works and wished until the last days of his life to see his music represented in this splendid natural setting. It was Puccini himself, in fact, who said: that he would have liked to listen to his own works in the wonderful setting where he usually went hunting or fishing. In honor of the artist, the town chose to change its name to "Torre del Lago-Puccini" and to inaugurate the "Giacomo Puccini Grand Theater" in 2008, in occasion of the 150th anniversary of the composer's birth. In the historical center of the city, moreover, it is possible to visit Villa Puccini, a liberty residence where the artist lived and composed the works. Today, the building houses his burial and has been transformed into a museum conserving an authentic atmosphere, as it displays the piano, the manuscripts and other objects related to the daily life of the "Maestro". The Festival program includes the representation of all the major artist's works, like "La fanciulla del west", "Turandot", "Bohème" or "Aida", as well as some minor works such as "Le Villi ". Under the direction of important orchestra conductors, the show sees the participation of world-famous opera singers and the supervision of great directors. Don't miss the chance to participate in the only festival in the world dedicated to Puccini's works! The ticket price can be purchased online or at the Festival ticket office, and it varies according to the sector chosen in the audience. The cost of an Opera performance is between € 20 and € 160, while the ticket for the "Lago dei Cigni" ballet ranges from € 15 to € 40. Shuttle services are available from Versilia and Lucca and an elegant dress code is required. Looking for a holiday rental for your stay in Torre del Lago Puccini? Discover more about Villa Camaiore, Il Gualdo and Villa Oliveta, some of our wonderful properties in Versilia. © Alice Pilastri

There is no better place to celebrate Easter than Greece! Corfu is the most famous Greek island for Orthodox Easter festivities. It is a deeply felt event that is much more cherished than Christmas Day, as emigrants return to their home country to celebrate it with the whole family. It almost never coincides to the Catholic Easter and this year it will take place on Sunday 28th April. Corfu will host beautiful celebrations in the Old Town, offering a unique experience to tourists and worshippers who decide to take part to this traditional ambience. The singular charm of the island, which has nothing to envy to other European cities, attracts thousands of guests during the magic Holy Week. Why don’t you plan your visit to Corfu to celebrate Easter in a different and special manner? Book Villa Jewel, a beautiful property we rent on the island, and discover more about the fantastic Easter celebrations! The reason why the date of the two Easter days do not correspond is linked to the decision that was taken in occasion of the Council of Nicaea in 325. The Orthodox Church decided to use the Julian calendar to determine its date, while the Catholics chose the Gregorian one. The Holy week begins the day before Palm Sunday, called Lazarus Saturday (Savvato tou Lazarou), as the Gospel of John tells that Jesus made the raising of his friend Lazarus eight days before his Resurrection. In remembrance of the miracle, some choirs meet in the churche of Agios Nikolaus ton Geronton and walk in procession along the city streets, singing the so-called “Lazarus’ kalandas”. Palm Sunday begins with “Agios Spyridon Litany”, a procession dedicated to the city’s patron Saint, followed by eighteen philharmonic orchestras. This event occurs every year since 1630, when the Saint freed the island from a terrible plague. Later in the day, citizens expose red curtains on their city windows and some concerts take place after sunset. The city changes its look with the beginning of the week: purple lanterns are located on monuments and palaces as a sign of grief on Monday, while Tuesday is the day of the “Tropario of Kassiani”, a splendid Byzantine hymn sung in churches. Various concerts, musicals and other events liven up these days until the Holy Thursday, when families cook typical Easter dishes and the Twelve Gospels are read inside the Cathedral of Corfu. The day after is the most intense, as cities host processions towards the sepulchres on the notes of the songs played by the Philharmonic Orchestras, while Saturday starts with the representation of the earthquake that accompanied the death of Jesus in Kyra Faneromeni Church. Later, they take part to the litany and procession to Agios Spyridon sepulchre. This is also the day of one of the most singular and funniest Easter events: the “spasimo ton botidon”! According to an old Venetian tradition, people throw red terracotta vases from their terraces in the street as a sign of good luck. Another lucky custom is “Mastela”, the name of a wooden barrel placed in odos Nikiforou Theotoki street where passers-by can leave a coin. Saturday night is an extraordinary moment: to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, the sky fills up with beautiful fireworks and a unique atmosphere of joys pervades the streets! The celebrations end on Easter Day, when Lent’s fast ends and families gather to eat the traditional tsilichourda together. Do not miss the next Easter celebrations in Corfu! Choose your favourite villa among our selection of seaside properties in Corfu and plan your dream holiday! © Alice Pilastri

February is the month of Carnival in Greece and it’s time to get ready for celebrations! Greece will surprise you with its huge celebrations taking place in villages and towns, where thousands of dancers and masked participants have fun together in the name of joy and happiness. There is no better period to enjoy the cheerful Greek life: get accompanied by traditional music and by your fellow masquerades and taste the local food specialities in the best city bars and restaurant! Do you want to know more about Greek Carnival and how it is celebrated? Read more and take part to the next events booking an unforgettable holiday in Greece! The name of Carnival in Greece is “Apokries”, which means “abstention from eating meat”. The festival starts ten weeks before the Orthodox Easter and ends with the beginning of Lent, so it takes place on the three weeks before the so-called “Clean Monday”. Actually, Greece was Carnival’s homeland. The tradition began in Ancient Greece, where people celebrated the god of wine Dionysus with pagan rites that were already associated with earthly pleasures and transgressions. Nowadays, Carnival has adopted a deep religious meaning and it is celebrated in almost every country of the world! In Greece, the first week of Carnival is called “Profoni” and starts with the “opening of the Triodon”, an event referring to the three odes sung in Orthodox churches before Holy Saturday. The second week, called “Kreatini”, is when Greeks cook roasted meat in every house, filling streets’ air with a delicious, irresistible smell. On Thursday, called “Tsiknopempti”, families and friends gather to have a nice meal together, dancing and drinking wine listening to traditional music. With the beginning of the third week, called "Tyrinì", people are no longer allowed to eat meat and “Cheese Week” officially starts! These will be the last days of parties and celebrations, as the following Monday marks the beginning of Lent period. "Kathara Deftera” or “Clean Monday” is a day of purification and sobriety that puts a definite end to the excessive Carnival celebrations. However, Clean Monday is a festive day symbolizing harmony, hope and happiness: traditionally, families spend this day out to have a picnic together, tasting some special foods such as “lagana” bread, “taramosalata” sauce or “halvas” cake. Also, children make their kites fly in the blue sky, as this game is a symbol of the positivity associated with this day. As in other countries, Carnival is a wonderful occasion in which children and adults can dress up in fanciful ways, wearing masks and costumes. Although Carnival is celebrated everywhere in Greece, usually with the symbolic “Carnival King” figure, there are some towns that organize it in a very special way. Let’s discover where they are! One of the most singular events is the one taking place in Patras, hosting a one-week fantastic party featuring colorful floats, dancing parades, firework shows and traditional events like the “chocolate battle”. This is the largest of its kind in Greece and one of the biggest of Europe! Another nice place to visit in this occasion is Rethimno, a small town organizing a humoristic Carnival with a unique Venetian style. Besides, in Spiros men usually dress up as goats to take part to the singular “Goat dance” in the main streets, while the celebration taking place in Naoussa is beautifully different from all the others, as it’s dedicated to freedom and independence. Take part to the next Carnival celebrations in Greece! Check out our selection of holiday rentals in Greece to book your favourite one and spend a memorable stay in this beautiful country! © Alice Pilastri

Venice is unique. This magical city immersed in the water of its famous Lagoon seems to breathe following the rhythm of the tide. It's a treasure of art masterpieces and wonderful architectures, made with "calle" streets and "campielli", bridges and "gondolas". Obviously, Venice is also its Carnival, a unique celebration organized once a year that deserves to be lived in first person at least once in a lifetime. The word "Carnival" derives from the latin “Carnem levare”, meaning "remove meats from meals". Together with abstinence, this represented one of the behaviors that "good Christians" needed to follow and respect during Lent, which is the forty-days period starting the day after Fat Tuesday. Since ages, Carnival has been associated with words like liberty, fun and freedom of customs, as this popular rite was an occasion to forget about differences between social classes, religions, sexes and hierarchies. This is why transgression and camouflage later became the main aspects of this festivity. Carnival celebrations in Venice reach their moment of splendor in the 18th century, the period of foundation of the well-known Venetian Commedia dell’Arte by Carlo Goldoni. Therefore, the link between the city, Carnival and the Masks of the "Commedia" became very profound. The brillian Lagoon craftsmen started manufacturing beautiful facial masks, adding the rich details and bright colors that soon became the symbol of the lavish celebration. Nothing has changed since those years! In occasion of Carnival, Venice tranforms itself into an enormous theatre stage populated by thousands of masks and costumes that dance, celebrate and have fun enjoying their total anonymity. One of he best-known masks is called “Bauta” and is composed by a black cape, a red cocked hat and a white mask that can be worn both by men and women. Singularily, the shape of the face mask allows to drink and eat with no need to take it off, while the shape of the nose can even disguise someone's voice. Taking part to the Carnival of Venice is indescribable. Walking next to century-old buildings dressed as a "Bauta", dancing with a colorful flow of people in the centre of one of the most beautiful town of the world, is really something priceless! What are you waiting for? Book one of our properties in Veneto, like Ca' Marcello! © Alice Pilastri

Christmas is considered the major festivity of the year, the most sacred and important. As most of the Greeks are Orthodox, they passionately celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25 and associate a strong religious meaning to this day. But how do Greeks celebrate Christmas? Discover the main traditions of this beautiful country and plan your last-minute trip to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of this magic period! In Greece, the Christmas period starts on Agios Nikolaos Day (6th December) and ends on Epiphany’s Day. Saint Nicholas is a well-known Saint in Greece and his popularity is greater than that of Santa Claus, who is almost absent in Greek culture. Another strange aspect is that no Christmas tree is decorated in people’s houses: at its place, there are beautiful wooden sailing ships adorned with lovely details that symbolise the strong link between Greek islands and the sea. Surprising! Even without Christmas firs, Greece presents some charming ambiances. Towns get embellished with colourful light, holiday decorations, music and traditional Christmas markets offering many beautiful gift ideas and handicraft items. The big celebration begins on Christmas Eve, when children receive a bag and a wooden cane and go from door to door playing the “trigona”, a typical musical instrument. They sing some traditional Christmas songs called “calanda” or narrate popular poems about Jesus Christ to obtain some gifts from the other inhabitants. Usually, they receive dried fruit, special cookies called “kourabiedes” or some coins. On the evening, families gather to have a wonderful supper together and get ready to celebrate the day after, although they will abstain from eating meat as the Eve is the day of the fast. Again, the family is the centre of Christmas Day's celebrations: after the Mass, people prepare the delicious Christmas lunch cooking some local food specialities and spend the whole day together. Usually, Christmas tables present “gourounopoulo psito”, a roasted pork, the “galopoula”, which is a tasty stuffed turkey, “kourabiedes” and “melomakarono”, some good sweets made with honey, eggs, oil and flour. The lunch starts with a prayer and the cut of the “christopsomo” bread by the host, who wishes “chronia polla” to his relatives. Are you ready to discover Greece? Have a look to our charming holiday rentals in Crete or in the Ionian Islands to get the best out of your stay! © Alice Pilastri