Exclusive Places to Visit, Things to do and Experiences in Italy, Greece, Spain and Croatia

A trip to Tuscany cannot end before making a stop in San Quirico d’Orcia, one of the most famous and photographed villages in the world. Located in the heart of Val d'Orcia, the landscape of San Quirico is simply unique. The grove of cypresses appearing in the middle of the rolling hills and the famous Romanesque chapel standing out in the countryside are two iconic symbols of Tuscany. Countless postcards, magazines, paintings and photographs portray a landscape that has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although you might have seen this scenario somewhere, its charm is so immense that it cannot be described by words. San Quirico d'Orcia and Bagni Vignoni are two magical places that need to be seen and discovered in first person to fully appreciate their charm. Start planning your trip to Val d'Orcia and get ready to fall in love with its beauty! Here is a list of the best things to see and visit during your visit. If you are looking for a vacation rental in this region, choose one of our wonderful villas like Villa Cerretalta or Villa Cassia! San Quirico is a small village with Etruscan origins standing on top of a hill halfway between Pienza and Montalcino, along the Via Francigena. This lovely destination can be easily reached from the main roads and it will allow you to discover the most beautiful corners of the Orcia Valley comfortably. Walking along the streets, you will pass next to Romanesque churches and ancient buildings, which confer to the town a unique Medieval aspect. Entering from the door of the defensive walls called "Porta Cappuccini", you will reach a charming town where time seems to have stopped centuries ago. The tourist attractions are many: further to the Medieval remains of the tower called "Torre del Cassero", you can visit noble palaces such as Palazzo Chigi , the beautiful Italian gardens of Horti Leonini and some important century-old churches. Some of these are the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Church of San Francesco, which contains a splendid statue made byAndrea della Robbia. From the streets of San Quirico, some some breathtaking landscapes open to the eyes of the toursit. The Val d'Orcia presents contrasts of light, colors and shapes that match perfectly. An alternation of Medieval castles, small villages, woods and vineyards covers the sweet hills. Also, some dreamy nature trails cross golden wheat fields and the bright green meadows, which can be traveled both by foot and bike. This is certainly the most beautiful part of Tuscany, a welcoming region that gives wonderful emotions and positive moments of relax to its guests. In addition to the famous cypresses, another tourist attraction is the Chapel of Madonna di Vitaleta , a small stone church built on a hill overlooking an infinite valley. It is a surreal and mystical place that represents one of the most spiritual sites in Tuscany. Looking for some additional relax? Bagni Vignoni is a town near San Quirico d'Orcia and a renowned thermal destination welcoming all types of guests. Its waters have beneficial properties that have attracted some of the most illustrious personalities of all time, such as Caterina de 'Medici and the artists of the Grand Tour. These places also offer many opportunities for fun and entertainment, as they offer a variety of interesting events throughout the year. The Orcia Wine Festival, the EVO Oil Market, the Eroica cycling race or the "Bagno di Birra" festival are events that welcome thousands of tourists making them discover the local culinary delights in a very special way. © Alice Pilastri

Gallipoli is a gem in Salento, as well as a top tourist destination for the young in Southern Italy and one of Apulia's best towns.The stunning beauty of this commercial port derives from the numerous invasions that interested it and left visible traces of architecture in its streets. Today, this tourist city presents a splendid historic center nestled on an island in the middle of the sea, protected by ancient stone walls and connected to the modern district with an arched bridge. This village is made of contrasts, as modernity combines with timeless glimpses and natural wonders mix with modern entertainments. This makes Gallipoli the perfect summer destination for all visitors, as it is suitable for both families and groups of young friends. Would you like to discover more about this town? Here is a summary of the things you need to see and do if you are staying in Gallipoli! Also, don't forget to book one of our holiday rentals near this center, like Cotriero Apartments! Don't worry: Gallipoli will offer you plenty of places to see! The city presents two harbors, located near the Greek Fountain and in the old district. While centuries ago they were important commercial ports in the Mediterranean, now the ancient port is a tourist attraction hosting cultural events and festival. Above, the imposing Angevin Castle stands on its waters and invites visitors to explore its towers, halls and internal corridors. Another old costruction is the defensive city wall, which now embellish the center's look and protect it from high sea tides. After all, the old town centre hasn't changed much in these centuries. The paved alleys are suggestive streets passing between historical buildings and they all converge in the square of the famous Greek Fountain, a monument built in the Renaissance. Here, the restaurants overlooking the sea are special places to stop to eat some local dishes and to have a tour between beautiful tourist attractions, like the Cathedral of Sant'Agata and the Church of San Francesco d ' Assisi. Don't forget to visit the fish market, where you can buy fresh food from local fishermen to prepare your delicious lunch. Surely, one of the best times to visit Gallipoli is summer, when the sun shines on the white beaches and shines on the walls of the historical buildings. How can you resist the temptation to take a dip in the turqoise water? June and September are the ideal moments to visit Salento, because it is less crowded, temperatures are cooler and you will enjoy your holiday to the fullest. The so-called "Pearl of the Ionian" offers dozens of natural beauties and dreamy beaches in its large gulf, which extends between Punta Pizzo and Lido delle Conchiglie. In addition to these two bays, the most wonderful beaches to see are Punta della Suina, Baia Verde, Lido San Giovanni and Padula Bianca. This stretch of coast is easily accessible and is suitable for families with young children, as it offers many comforts and services. The sea bottom degrading gently and the lovely colours of the sea make the beauty of Gallipoli's beach simply unquestionable. Gallipoli is also one of the most popular destinations for young people looking for nightlife and fun! While the town centre is ideal for an aperitif or an after-dinner cocktail, Baia Verde is where you can find the most exclusive Italian clubs to dance all night long, like Praja and Zen. Music keeps playing during the day on the beach of Samsara, where young people gather to take part to spectacular beach parties. Finally, how can you leave Apulia without immersing yourself in its wonderful culture? In occasion of town events and festival, you will have the chance to listen to the traditional "pizzica" melodies, to dance on its notes and to taste some local food delights, like some "orecchiette" pasta or a delicious fish dish accompanied by an excellent local wine! © Alice Pilastri

We all know that Spanish cuisine is one of the most delicious and rich. Each region presents plenty of fantastic local dishes and ancient traditions that just wait to be discovered by first-time visitors. Among hundreds of unique food specialties, it is not easy to orient. Those who do not arrive informed just wait to taste the two top symbols of Spain, which collect the best Iberian flavours and mix them in an amazing way: paella and sangria. The sangria is a typical Spanish drink made using red wine, fruits and various types of spirits. The name derives from "sangre", a word meaning "blood" that refers to its dark red colour. Each Spaniard make it in a different way, using homegrown products and inventing variants of all kinds. You might even find a "spicy" sangria, a strawberry sangria or a weird white sangria, made with white wine that confers it a transperent colour. But how can you prepare the perfect traditional sangria? The ingredients you need are a bottle or red table wine, various fruits (like oranges, limes, apples, peaches and strawberries), spirits (Brendy, Sherry and/or Porto), some tablespoons of sugar and spices, especially cinnamon. The procedure is easy: cut the fruit in slices and mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. Dissolve the sugar over a low flame and make a syrup before adding it to the drink. The most important thing is to let the cocktail sit for a few hours, at least two to blend all the flavours in the perfect way. Then... get ready to taste your sangria! The amazing taste will certainly surprise you for its intensity. But drink carefully: Sangria has a 4-12% alcohol content! The history of sangria is controversial. Some suppose it was invented by Romans thousands of years ago, when they conquered the Iberian Peninsula and planted vineyards on its territory. As water could contain bacteria and was not a safe drink, they started to prepare alcoholic drinks such as the Hippocras, made with sugar, wine and spices. Instead, other believe that its origin dates back to the 19th-20th century, specifically in 1964, when the Spanish pavillion presented the Sangria for the first time at the New York World's Fair and made everybody fall in love with it, especially Americans. If you are going to visit Spain soon, do not forget to taste this tasty drink! Perfect with tapas, tortillas, paellas and fish, it will accompany your meals in a very special way. In a restaurant, remember to not mistake it with the "tinto de verano", another local drink made with red wine, which can be sometimes offered as a sangria if mixed with fruits and lemon soda when it is served. Still looking for a holiday rental for your stay? Discover our selection of villas for rent in Menorca and visit this wonderful paradise in the Mediterranean! © Alice Pilastri

If your idea of holiday includes unbridled fun, a crazy nightlife and exclusive clubs, some Spanish islands are the destinations you should definitely take into account for your next adventure. The wild “vida loca” is what makes these paradises unique, blending with the bright colours of the sea and sand. Millions of young tourists come to have an amazing time on the best-known corners of Spain, where the music plays all night long and the party never ends. But which are the best islands to visit to enjoy a fantastic nightlife and an unforgettable summer trip? We selected the top 4 Spanish islets offering a wide range of options to get a kick out of your awesome vacation. Check them out! 1) Ibiza A memorable holiday in Ibiza would not be the same without the special clubs and parties that have made it one of the world's best summer destinations. Right next to dream bays and a charming old town centre, there are super disco clubs, trendy seaside pubs for a good drink and a lot of restaurants where you can get ready for the night. The real soul of Ibiza is in the Eastern coast, where fun and transgression are at the order of the day. The most famous clubs are Pacha, Amnesia and Ushuaia, hosting stunning shows and famous dj sets. There is actually no better place you'd rather be to have a perfect time. 2) Mallorca While Palma is a charming destination for a couple holiday, the close center of Magaluf has recently become one of Europe's liveliest towns. This small city hosts infinite parties and an excessive nightlife all year long, as well a huge open-air disco club. Still not enough? Visit the beautiful beaches on this island, take a boat trip to the charming island of Minorca or have a good time in the amazing water parks! 3) Lloret de Mar Another destination that the young really appreciate in Spain is Lloret de Mar, a seaside town located in Costa Brava. Cheaper than Ibiza but still fun and lively, Lloret offers a large beach, hotels, restaurants of all kinds and many entertainments. One of these is Europe's largest water park, located a few kilometers out-of-town! At night, Lloret de Mar gets animated and its numerous bars, clubs and pubs get crowded with people dancing until the first lights of dawn. If you are looking for a fun and budget-friendly holiday at sea, this is definitely the perfect spot for you! 4) Barcelona How can we forget to include Barcelona? Catalonia's capital is where a great vacation is 100% guaranteed! While at day you can visit interesting museums, beautiful beaches and nice tourist attractions, at night you have the unmissable occasion to dance in some of the best-known clubs and pubs. While you can enjoy some tapas accompanied by a cocktail in the Rambla neighbourhood, it's near the beach that you can find some famous clubs such as Razzmatazz, Moog or Pacha. You won't need anything else to spend a fantastic holiday! Are you ready for your Spanish summer? Start planning your trip and book one of our beautiful holiday rentals in Spain! © Alice Pilastri

Tuscany is art, culture, beautiful countryside, great food and also... amazing beaches! The countless wonders found in this region are concealed all over its territory and make Tuscany one of the most spectacular and diverse areas you might ever see. Landscapes vary incredibly and in each season they become splendid, offering unique feels to its one-time visitors. Summer is one of the best periods to visit Tuscany! There are a lot of seaside localities welcoming tourists in search of natural beauties and pure relax, avoiding stressful visits of the crowded towns of arts. Actually, it's right in Tuscany that you can find one of the most number of "Blue Flag" beaches of Italy! These coves are selected on the basis of their cleanness and environmental compliance, although there are many other wonderful beaches that deserve to be visited to appreciate their charm if you are staying in their neighbourhood. Aren't you curious to know where you can find the most beautiful Tuscan beaches? Here you have a list of the top 5 beaches in Tuscany you deserve to visit in occasion of your next holiday! 1) Cala Rossa (Capraia Island) Capraia is one of those rare islets where nature still grows thriving and unpolluted. Small but splendid, this island is a "secret" tourist destination that preserves a timeless time. Among its lovely beaches, Cala Rossa distinguishes itself for the unique reddish color of its rocky promontory stuck in front of the water, which creates beautiful nuances in contrast with the crystal like sea. 2) Cala del Gesso This paradise is located near Porto Santo Stefano and Monte Argentario, in Southern Tuscany. Cala del Gesso is one of Central Italy's most spectacular bays, as its sea lights up of charming colors and the panoramic road has a breathtaking view. Although it doesn't offer any tourist service, it's tiny and not easy to reach, this beach is really a must-see! Looking for a holiday rental in Argentario? Choose Casale Argentario! 3) Baratti beach Inside a large bay in the middle of Maremma, you will come across a beautiful beach immersed in the typical Mediterranean scrub. The sand is fine and clear, the sea bottom is shallow and the transparent water are what attracts thousands of families to spend a sunny day with their children. However, Baratti doesn't only have a beautiful beach: right behind a green promontory, you will discover a magical rocky bay called "Buca delle Fate", which can only be reached by foot. And how can we forget to mention the unique archaelogical remains dating back to the Etruscan Age? A visit to Populonia's center is something you really cannot miss! Looking for a holiday rental in Maremma? Choose Castello Leopoldo! 4) Forte dei Marmi Beach Young tourists looking for beach parties, nightclubs and fun during their holiday can't do nothing but visit Versilia, one of the best-known summer destinations in Tuscany. Tonfano, Viareggio, Lido di Camaiore, Marina di Pietrasanta and, above all, Forte dei Marmi offer all kinds of entertainment and visitors can have a great time in some of the most exclusive and chis clubs in Europe. Also, the beach in Versilia is a large trait of white sand offering every comfort and it is particularily suitable for families with children. Looking for a holiday rental in Versilia? Choose Villa Oliveta! 5) Sansone beach (Elba Island) Elba is an island full of wonders to uncover and surprising natural sceneries, varying from mountains to splendid gulfs. The beach of Sansone is located on one of the most beautiful traits of coastline and stands out for its white rocks overlooking the sea. Cliffs, undiscovered coves and crystal clear waters make this place amazing and suitable for those who like snorkeling and diving. © Alice Pilastri

No matter if you are looking for a crazy, fun holiday with your friends or for a relaxing escape to a quiet heaven-on-earth, Spanish islands will meet all your expectations. In fact, Spain is among tourists’ favourite summer destinations, as it is suitable for all kinds of visitors. Families, couples and young groups often decide to spend their summer on some unbeatably beautiful island, where fantastic views mix with crystal clear waters. These charming places offer plenty of activities to enjoy Spanish beauty to the fullest and hide corners of indescribable glamour. The Iberic Archipelago is mainly formed by Balearic and Canary Islands, which have very different features. The first ones are formed by four major islands (Ibiza, Formentera, Majorca, Menorca) and some islets and are located in the Mediterranean Sea, near the Andalusian coast. On the other hand, Canary Islands are seven (Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Gomera, La Palma) and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Would you like to discover the best Spanish islands to plan your next holiday? Scroll down, check the top 5 destinations and add them to your bucket list to spend a vacation to remember! 1) Menorca There's no place like Menorca. Much less crowded than the neighbouring Majorca, this small island presents unspoiled landscapes and stunning white beaches. The tw main cities, called Ciutadella and Mahon, contain an unvaluable artistic and archictural heritage including Prehistorical remains, colonial palaces and Medieval buildings. The perfect target are families with children and sports lovers, as Menorca offers countless watersports experiences. However, couples can enjoy the romantic charm of Cala Mitjana and its serene atmosphere. 2) Ibiza The capital of European nightlife never disappoints young visitors. It features some of the best-known clubs where music plays until the first lights of dawn and where parties are always at the order of the day. However, Ibiza is above all a wonderful summer destination presenting more than fifty sandy beaches and fine-looking scenarios. What has recently become a major site for spiritual holidays is also renowned for its charming old town, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Have a look at Can Concordia if you are searching for a luxury villa in Ibiza 3) Fuerteventura Fuerteventura is where fun is always guaranteed. Amazing nightclubs, golf courses and water parks entertain children and adults in a stunning scenario where clear waters meet white sand dunes. The strong wind that inspired the island's name excites thousands of surfers, who crowd the coast in every period of the year. Also, Fuerteventura offers some nice cultural attactions, such as Betancuria's cathedral or the eco-museum of La Alcogida di Tefia, to dip into the splendid Spanish culture. 4) Tenerife The largest island of the archipelago is much more than just nature and beaches. It sounds strange, but this is the ideal destination for mountain lovers, who come to hike Spain's highest mountain and volcano called "Pico del Teide". The lively nightlife and the exciting watersports make it suitable for adventurers looking for good feels and strong emotions. And is there a better place to make these thrilling experiences than in this unique scenario? The spectacular cliffs of the beach of Los Gigantes, the natural Oasis of Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz, the infinite nature and never-ending summer temperatures will make you fall in love with this island. 5) Lanzarote Still in the Canaries, Lanzarote charms visitors with natural beauties like the rocky formations of Los Hervideros or the view from Mirador del Rio. Its dramatic landscapes are due to a past volcanic eruption, that trasformed the landscapeinto a unique paradise. Some must-see sites are the UNESCO site of Timanfaya National Park or the sensational Whales and Dolphins Museum. Especially if you are an adventurer looking for beautiful corners to explore, you will love this wild island in the middle of the Ocean! © Alice Pilastri

March 20th marked the beginning of Spring: it's time to seize upon it! This period is perfectly suitable for a weekend trip or for a holiday spent in a wonderful Italian city, enjoying the warm temperatures and sunny days. Arts towns such as Florence, Rome and Venice beautifully flourish and some of Italy's best landscapes like the Orcia Valley light up of charming colors. Things to do in Italy in Spring do not lack! An open-air walk, an afternoon spent on trekking trails, a visit to a museum or the discovery of the best-known old town centres are fantastic ideas to spend dream days. It's not just a matter of weather, as travellers can also enjoy the perks of low season trips, when prices are lower, streets are not too crowded and queues in front of museums' entrances are not infinite. Here is why we have prepared a list of the best 7 Italian towns to visit in Spring and the localities you should not miss during your awesome holiday with your family or friends! 7) Rome Rome is beautiful in every period of the year, but it's in Spring that its glamour becomes indescribable. As well as having the opportunity of visiting this lovely city, from the end of April to June visitors can seize he opportunity of seeing the wonderful Rose Garden. This park contains more than 1100 species of roses coming from all parts of the world, winding the guest with pleasant perfumes and smells. After a tour, you cannot miss a visit to some of the best-known city monuments, such as the Colosseum or Circus Maximum, which are located next to the garden: get ready to reamin speechless in front of their beauty! 6) Saturnia's Baths Did you know that Saturnia's Baths are free? This is an excellent place to go to spend a relaxing day out! Saturnia is a locality situated in the province of Grosseto, in Southern Tuscany. The thermal spring gushes at a temperature of 37,5°C and possesses numerous healthy benefits (discover more in our article!). Yes, Spring is the best moment to visit them! 5) Agrigento Sicily's region is rich of natural beauties and works of art. One of the most renowned arts towns is Agrigento, a locality of the South-Western coast that impresses visitors with its charming Valle dei Templi, a well-knwon tourist attraction including some imposing Ancient Greece temples (discover more in our article!). Another place you need to see in is the beach of Realmonte and the stunning "Scala dei Turchi", a big white cliff in stark contrast with the color of the turquoise waters. Looking for a holiday rental? Choose Villa Agorà! 4) Florence Florence is one of the few cities in the world that is able to offer sensational views in every season, hiding works of art in each corner. However, Spring colours the skyline with a thousand shades and adorns it with flowers of every kind, as the wonderful "Garden of Roses" and "Garden of the Iris" start to blossom. These two parks are located near Piazzale Michelangelo and their gates are not always open. Especially in May, they trasform into magical ambiances where visitors can admire the whole city from its highest spot. Another nice place to spend a relaxing afternoon under the sun is the Boboli Gardens, an immense garden with some extraordinary views (discover more in our article!)! Looking for a holiday rental? Choose Villa tenuta Lonciano! 3) Venice The best period to visit the most romantic city on Earth is Spring! You will have the luck of visiting the best Venetian museums with few crowds, you can have a "gondola" tour enjoying sun rays and you will look at some sweet sunsets from Ponte di Rialto living some memorable moments. Actually, the feels that Venice can give you are absolutely splendid and need to be appreciated to the fullest choosing the perfect period to visit it! Looking for a holiday rental? Choose Villa Ca' Marcello! 2) Amalfi Coastline Amalfi Coastline corresponds to a trait of coast located near Sorrento paninsula and it is known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Undoubtedly, Spring is a great period to enjoy its incredible charm! Campania's sun is already hot in Spring, so some visitors can also seize the opportunity to dive into the crystalline waters. Low season also guaantees relaxing between the best town of the Coastline, which wrap tourists with clouds of pleasant fruit smells (discover more in our article!). Take a picture from the panoramic terraces, taste the best local dishes and do not forget to go visit the neighbouring sites of Pompei, Ercolano and Naples! 1) The Orcia Valley If you love nature and open-air tours, a trip to the Orcia Valley is something you cannot skip. The infinite landscapes present breathtaking views and the charm of verdant lawns, sunflowers and golden cornfields impresses for its unicity. April and May are ideal moments to discover the flourishing nature of this area and to visit ancient villages such as Pienza and San Quirico d'Orcia. © 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

Greece is not just a beautiful holiday destination for a nice summer holiday, but a country with a unique history and artistic heritage to discover in occasion of a cultural tour. Museums, archaeological sites, temples and ancient findings are everywhere and it is not easy to choose which ones deserve to be seen and visited in a few days. Some of them have even been recognized by UNESCO as "World Heritage Sites" because of the historical and artistic importance that they possess. So why don't you plan to visit some of the best World Heritage Sites in occasion of your next trip? Here is a list of the top 7 places you must see during this amazing Greek tour, as well as some suggestions about the villas you might book during your stay! 1) The Acropolis In the heart of Athens, there is a large hill overlooking the whole city presenting majestic buildings on its top. The Acropolis of Athens is the best-known and largest sanctuary of the town, which was erected in the fifth century BC. It includes some important monuments such as the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the Τemple of Athena Nike, which are some of the most iconic buildings of Ancient Greece. Dedicated to the cult of Athena Polias, it was a religious and political sites that must be seen at least once in a lifetime. 2) The Old Town of Corfu The old town of Corfu was founded in the 8th century BC and is one of the island's main centres, as well as the capital of the Ionian Islands. It presents an important fortification as well as a beautiful port that was used for ancient trade. The mix of civilizations and cultures that influenced the city's development makes its aspect unique and slightly "Italian", as the Venetian influence was great. Walk along the narrow city streets, admire the charming stone buildings and relax staying at one of our holiday rentals in Corfu, like Villa di Giovanni ! 3) Meteora Meteora is a locality near the Plain of Thessaly hosting a unique site composed of various monasteries build 400 meters above the sea level, As well as being a major religious site for Christians and pilgrims, it is also one of the most photogenic places in Greece because of its special architecture. This "stone forest" is a spiritual place with a timeless beauty immersed in a magical landscape... don't miss it! 4) The Archaeological Site of Delphi The beautiful Archaelogical Site of Delphi is located next to Mount Parnassos and was the home of the most famous Greek oracles. It includes two charming sanctuaries, dedicated to Apollo and Athena, and it was a religious, cultural and sports centre in ancient times. In fact, Delphi was considered the "centre of the world"! . 5) The Medieval city of Rhodes Rhodes Old Town is a locality with an unspoiled beauty. Located in the heart of the island, it was largely influenced by the arrival of some knights belonging to the Order of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem in the 14th century, who introduced some Byzantine details to its Gothic Renaissance buildings. 6) Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus Epidaurus is nestled in a lovely valley in the Peloponnese and it was one of the most important healing centres of the Mediterranean. The site included more than 200 healing centres and people came from remote lands to receive the therapic treatments for spirit, body and soul. Epidaurus includes some wonderful temples and altars, among which there is the famous Sanctuary of Asklepios, a valuable testimony of Greek art considered the birthplace of medicine. 7) Olympia Archaeological Site This is maybe one of the best-known archaelogical sites of the world. Olympia is the town were the first Olympic Games were held, and the wonderful stadium is still visible. Located in Western Peloponnese, it was an important religious and athletic centre dedicated to the cult of Zeus. © Alice Pilastri

2019 is Leonardo's year! After five hundred years since his death, innumerable activities and initiatives have been organized throughout Italy to celebrate one of Renaissance's best geniuses. From his birthtown Anchiano to the cities of Florence, Parma, Torino and Venice, each of the events and exhibitions dedicated to the Italian artist is interesting in its own way. So why don't you seize this fantastic opportunity to discover more about one of the most important personalities of all times? Here are all the appointment you cannot miss in Italy...save the dates! In Anchiano, a small town immersed in the countryside of Montalbano, Tuscany, Leonardo spent his childhood and teenage years. His Birth House, where he was born in April 15th 1452, is now open to the public and itpresents an interesting interactive exposition dedicated to his life. It is simple to reach Vinci from Anchiano: there is a tiny road called "Strada Verde" that can be traveled by foot admiring a wonderful rolling landscape. Of course, Vinci is the place that best represents Leonardo's life. He was baptised inside Santa Croce Church and it was here that he invented many of his works. Manuscripts, mechanical clocks, drawings, bicycles and hundreds of other machines invented by the scientist are now conserved in the "Museo Leonardiano di Vinci", a museum structured btween three buildings called Palazzina Uzielli, Conti Guidi Castle and Villa il Ferrale. From April 15th to October 15th 2019, the museum hosts the exhibition called "Leonardo a Vinci. Alle origini del genio", based on the first biographical facts about the artists and organized in collaboration with the Uffizi Gallery. And there's more: check when the other conferences, expositions and events take place during the year in the Museum's official website! Even Florence celebrates this quincentenary! January 2019 correponded to the inauguration of a wonderful and exclusive exhibition in the Uffizi Gallery dedicated to the "Leicester's Code", which was a very special event that concerned the city where Leonardo received his formation. Although it has already ended, it is still possible to see the splendid masterpieces by the painter conserved inside the museum, like the "Annunciation" or "The Baptism of Christ", as well as discovering the hidden secrets in Palazzo Vecchio's Salone dei Cinquecento, where the well-known fresco called "Battle of Anghiari" was once conserved! Milan, which is the town where Leonardo moved in 1482, will instead open the doors of a charming decorated hall called "Sala delle Asse" inside the Castello Sforzesco, which is one of the best artistic evidences of the painter. Until October 13th 2019, the "Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci" will also host a temporary exposition called "Leonardo da Vinci Parade", which will mix the beauty of Pinacoteca di Brera's paintings with the unique scientific drawings made by Leonardo. Further to these initiatives, in Milan you cannot miss a visit to the beautiful Cenacolo, to Santa Maria delle Grazie's Refettorio or to the Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana, which are symbolic places connected with the artistic production of the Genius. The journey retracing Leonard's steps also passes from Venice, conserving the original print of the "Vitruvian Man" inside the "Gabinetto dei Disegni e delle Stampe" of Galleria dell'Accademia; from the National Gallery of Parma, where there is a painting called "La Scapigliata" and finally ends in Rome, especially inside the "Museo Leonardo da Vinci" and the exclusive exhibition called "Leonardo da Vinci Experience". What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip for 2019 and visit the most important places associated with Leonardo da Vinci's life in occasion of his quincentenary! Book one of our holiday rentals in Vinci, in the heart of Florence, in Venice or in Rome for your next vacation and discover the beauties of Italy! © Alice Pilastri