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Every July and August, the city of Siena hosts a very popular event. It is broadcasted live by the main TV channels, it draws crowds of spectators and it engages all its inhabitants, even the youngest and the oldest, who share the same huge passion. The inimitable Palio di Siena is not just a 90-seconds horse race, but an important part of Seneses' life, who dedicate soul and body to their own Contrada. But what is the Palio and what is the history of this event? The Palio di Siena is an equestrian competition with Medieval origins that takes place on two occasions every year, precisely July 2nd (Palio di Provenzano) and August 16th (Palio dell'Assunta). It is believed that its origins date back to 1200, when the first entertaining events had been organized in town. The initial meaning of the Palio was political and it celebrated the city's triumph, although it soon lost this allegorical value after the fall of the Republic of Siena in 1559. In the 17th century, the event started to include the figure of the "fantino" (the jockey), the round race, the bareback ride and the "tratta", which is the appointment of the horses to each Contrada. Later, two Palios were organized instead than one, the territorial borders and the colors of Contradas were officially established and the historical parade with musicians, flag wavers and other participants wearing Medieval costumes was introduced once again. In each race, 10 of the 17 contrade compete against each other, including Chiocciola, Drago, Civetta, Pantera, Valdimontone, Onda, Aquila, Giraffa, Oca, Selva, Tartuca, Torre, Nicchio, Istrice, Leocorno, Lupa, and Bruco. .Fierce rivalries and strong alliances exist between the contrade. You cannot simply choose a contrada; you must be born and baptized there. Each contrada has its own baptismal fountain, church, and museum. During the Palio, each district is decorated with flags bearing its symbols. When a child is baptized, they receive a square silk cloth called a fazzoletto, tied with a special knot that can only be untied if the contrada wins a race. This cloth is worn throughout all Palio celebrations for the rest of the child's life. Before the race, a historic procession takes place, during which jockeys prepare for the race and forge alliances. The starting order is determined by the ‘mossiere’. Ten jockeys ride bareback on a track made of tufo—a thick layer of earth—and complete three laps around Piazza del Campo.One of the unique rules of the Palio states that it is perfectly acceptable for a jockey to be thrown or pushed off the horse. What matters is that the horse crosses the finish line, known as the mossa. The winner is the horse—with or without a jockey—that crosses the finish line first after completing the three laps of Piazza del Campo. The victorious contrada receives the coveted cencio or drappellone. The celebrations for the Palio do not really last a single day, but all year long. It is a protracted period of festivities that turns into a hectic week in occasion of the four days before the race, when there are events such as the choice of the horses, veterinarian visits, various rehearsals, religious celebrations and exciting in-Contrada dinners. For the people of Siena, the Palio is a special kind of love, while their Contrada is seen like a big second family. It is not easy to describe or understand a feeling like this, but why don't you try to let this passion carry you taking part to the next Palio? You can either buy a ticket for the podiums and terraces or you can enter the square for free and watch the race from there, although a good visual is not guaranteed. Here, you will not find any toilets, shadow areas or seats, so we recommend getting ready and equipped properly before the beginning of the race. Once you'll be there, nothing else will really matter thanks to the incredible atmosphere of that day! Plan your visit to Siena, buy your ticket and book one of our holiday accommodations! We suggest our San Donnino. © Alice Pilastri

Would you like to plan your just-booked vacation in Tuscany in the best way? Do you want to discover the beauties of this region and its most beautiful places before leaving? Do you have few time and no ideas of where to start to organize your tour? Don't worry: follow our travel tips and your holiday in Tuscany will be amazing! Arts towns, breathtaking views, typical villages and a stunning countryside is what makes Tuscany one of the best-loved tourist destinations in the world. It is the second most-visited region of Italy and it boasts an incredible quantity of things to see, activities to try, panoramas to admire and foods to taste. We propose you a list of the best 10 localities in Tuscany that you cannot miss to see during your stay. And there's more: we will also give you some advice about the properties you might rent to make your experience even more special. 10 - Livorno Leghorn presents one of the major tourist harbors in Italy and it is one of its most peculiar cities. The "Terrazza Mascagni" is one of its bijoux: this is an elegant open-space in front of the sea where benches and gazebos are placed in front of some wonderful views, especially when the sun goes down. The so-called "Fossi" are instead water canals built by the Medici family that cross the whole city, making it look like a small Tuscan Venice. Discover its museums, the shops in Via Grande, the famous "Monumento dei Quattro Mori" and some culinaries specialities made with fresh fish, like the typical Cacciucco! If you are looking for a holiday accommodation, choose Castello Leopoldo! 9 - Volterra Volterra will surprise you with its ancient charm, embellished with the splendid colors of the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Palazzo Pretorio, Palazzo dei Priori, the Dome and Fortezza Medicea are just some of the magnificent buildings found inside this small town, whose panoramic views will certainly take your breath away. History lovers will have the opportunity to admire the best Etruscan findings inside the Museo Etrusco Guarnacci, the archaeological excavations or simply entering the center through a door of its defensive walls, which date back to the IV century BC. If you are looking for a holiday accommodation, choose Cornocchio! 8 - Elba Island This splendid island of the Tyrrhenian Sea is the biggest of the Tuscan Archipelago. The crystalline sea touches some wonderful beaches (discover the 7 best beaches in our article!), charming coastal towns like Marina di Campo, countless natural beauties and some monuments of historical interest, such as the "Napoleonic Places". Relax and fun will be the highlights of a holiday in this paradise island, where sun shines all year long! 7 - Lucca It is a small city protected by beautiful defensive walls dating back to the Middle Ages, full of ancient churches, historical buildings and charming views. Lucca is a quiet town that welcomes visitors and bikers offering beautiful sites like the Roman Amphitheater, Via Fillungo, San Martino Cathedral and a wonderful pedestrian route on top of the city walls. Not far from here, you will also find a renowned tourist destination on the coast called Versilia, which is very popular in summer. If you are looking for a holiday accommodation, choose Villa De Ranieri! 6 - Chianti Chianti is one of the most visited regions of all Italy and it is especially famous for its beautiful rolling landscape, for the infinite vineyards and the production of a prime-quality red wine. A tour in Tuscany must include a fantastic visit to Chianti Classico wineries to taste this local specialty... so why don't you book it with us to have an amazing time? In this area, there are also some wonderful typical villages like Monteriggioni, Greve in Chianti, Radda in Chianti and Montespertoli, where you have the unmissable opportunity to sleep in our fabulous Montegufoni Castle. 5 - Pisa This ancient Maritime Republic is now a vibrant university city and a wonderful town. Do not skip a visit to Piazza dei Miracoli, which is famous for its Cathedral, its Baptistery, its Camposanto and, obviously, for the Leaning Tower! The historical center is instead a charming puzzle of roads, museums, palaces and local shops around River Arno and it will guarantee you a pleasant and relaxing time immersed in the typical Italian lifestyle. 4 - San Gimignano This "Medieval Manhattan" is a fantastic tourist destination in Tuscany and it is particularily appreciated for the numerous stone towers that distinguish its skyline. It is a historical town where local shops, excellent restaurants, ancient palaces and majestic churches mix together to create a dream atmosphere. If you are looking for a holiday accommodation, choose Poggiluglio! 3 - Orcia Valley Medieval castles, small ancient villages and a landscape that will leave you speechless are just some of the wonders of Val d'Orcia. Here, in this rolling area near Siena, you will find some immense wheat fields, cypresses rows and many green hills that distinguish the well-known Tuscan countryside! Moreover, you will have the occasion to visit some splendid towns such as Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano. If you are looking for a holiday accommodation, choose Villa Campiglia! 2 - Siena The city of the Palio is a jewel located on top of a hill in the Orcia Valley and it is chosen by millions of tourists who wish to see Piazza del Campo, the Dome and its unique old town streets. A visit to Siena is a voyage of discovery of art and architecture , which will surprise you behind every corner. If you are looking for a holiday accommodation, choose Capannino! 1 - Florence Visiting Florence is something you must do if you are travelling to Tuscany! Would you really leave this country without seeing Ponte Vecchio or the Dome of Brunelleschi? Get astonished in front of the hidden beauty of this city starting your tour from Santa Maria Novella Church, passing through roads full of trendy shops, getting to the Dome's square and moving to Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza Santa Croce or Palazzo Pitti. Thanks to the wonderful historical palaces, breathtaking views and its famous museums, your visit will be memorable. © Alice Pilastri

It's in Campania and not far from the beautiful center of Salerno that you will find one of the major Magna Graecia cities. We are talking about Paestum, an important archaeological site which still fascinates millions of visitors every year. This enormous park is located a few steps away from one of Mediterranean's most wonderful coastlines and from some amazing tourist destinations in Southern Italy, like Amalfi and Sorrento Coast. Ancient temples, splendid monuments, necropolises, pre-historical findings and majestic Roman walls enrich the beauty of the so-called “Archaeological Park of Poseidonia- Paestum”. Along with Cilento and with the National Park of Vallo di Diano, this place has been recognized by Unesco as one of its “World Cultural Heritage Sites”. Start planning a visit to this beautiful place: read our article and follow our travel tips to spend a memorable holiday in Campania! The polis of Paestum was founded by Greeks in 600 BC, when they first arrived to Campania's coast. The area was already inhabited and it is believed that the first human settlements date back to Neolithic Age. The splendid Greek buildings that you can see inside the Park are three temples, one Agora, various assemblies called “Ekklesiasteiron” and other symbolic palaces, such as the "Founder Hero Tomb". The Temple of Neptune is the biggest, the Temple of Athena is located on the highest spot, while the Temple of Hera, also called “Basilica”, is the oldest exemple of Greek architecture in Campania and it dates back to 560 BC. During the Roman period other structures were added: these are the Forum, the Amphitheater, the sport Campus and the charming defensive city walls encircling the whole town for almost 5 km, which are surprisingly still intact. The entrance ticket (9€/ 4,50€ ) includes a visit to the park and to the fantastic Archaeological Museum. Founded in 1952, the latter contains hundreds of findings dating back to Prehistory, Greek and Roman Ages. You will be able to admire the masterpieces found inside the Necropolis of Gaudo (III-IV millennium BC) and the famous “Tomb of the Diver”, a fresco that you have certainly already seen somewhere! This is one of the rarest pictorial evidences belonging to the Greek period, as works of art were usually portrayed on red or black vases. The scene represents a young naked boy diving into the ocean waters and it has a strong symbolic meaning, as it is the allegory of the passage from life to death, where men wish to find the survival of the soul. Paestum is a splendid and unique place, where every visitor is accompanied in a journey back in time, surrounded by a magic atmosphere created by its architectural masterpieces. For this reason, famous artists such as Giovanni Battista Piranesi chose Paestum as a main stop of their “Grand Tour” in the 19th century! This trip was a discovery of the past and it was an intense experience that enriched artists, both spiritually and artistically, as it offered them some incredible sources of inspiration. What are you waiting for? Start planning your holiday! Visiting Paestum and its surroundings, you will have the opportunity to spend some relaxing vacation days with natural beauties, spectacular beaches, art cities and charming places like Amalfi. If you are looking for a property to rent for your stay, book one of our villas choosing between Villa Profumo di Mare! © Alice Pilastri

The incredible story of a wooden puppet called Pinocchio made millions of people go off on flights of fancy. Since more than a hundred years, his tales have passionated children and adults of all ages and they have been translated into more than 250 languages. However, few people know that this famous story was born in Tuscany, in a tiny medieval center near Pistoia called Collodi. Yes, "Collodi" is also the surname of the book's author, Carlo! Actually, he chose this alias in honor of his mother and the place he spent all his childhood at. This lovely center became a well-known tourist destination thanks to the wonderful Pinocchio Park, where visitors can dive into the magic of this timeless story next to its unforgettable characters! The little Fairy, the Cat and the Fox, Stromboli and Geppetto are waiting for you inside a colorful park, where you can re-live the most important episodes of their fable visiting its beautiful locations. So, what are you waiting for? Follow our travel tips and start planning your visit! No matter if you are a large family, a couple or a group of friends: if you'd like to spend a different afternoon feeling like a kid again, this place is certainly the perfect destination for you! The Pinocchio Park is an open-air space that will stun you with its thriving nature, its bright colors, its stunning decorations and other surprises! Get inside the Puppets' Theater, the Fairy's House, the Pirates' Cave or the mythical Dogfish's Mouth! During your tour, you will also meet many bronze statues, some wonderful pieces of art and various ancient carrousels which will embellish a precious atmosphere. Enter the ivy maze and find the exit with your beloved ones, enjoy a snack in a café or pic-nic area, or rather let your children have fun with the games, laboratories and activities offered by the staff. This will certainly make your day memorable! The "older" visitors will be able to spend their time visiting the interesting "Pinocchio Museum" or tasting some delicious local dishes at “Osteria del Gambero Rosso”! And there is more: next to the Park, there are two spectacular places you must visit! The historical Garden of Villa Garzoni was defined as one of Italy's most beautiful parks and it presents many fountains, water games, colorful flower beds and splendid ancient statues. Near this Villa, you will find the charming Butterfly House, an enormous greenhouse inhabited by more than a thousand butterflies! The cumulative entrance ticket allows to visit the Park, the Garden and the Butterfly House and it costs €22/ €18. A single ticket for the Park costs €13. Enjoy a wonderful sunny day in this magical place and feel like a dreamy little child again! Fun is guaranteed and the spectacular location will surely leave you breathless. If you are looking for a property to rent for your stay near Collodi, we suggest booking our Villa Melograni in Montecarlo, Villa Celeste or Villa Fiamma in Segromigno in Monte, which are located just a few kilometers away. © Alice Pilastri

Are you looking for a wonderful place to spend the next summer holiday? Do you want to dedicate to relax surrounded by natural beauties, enjoying some fun and great nightlife? Would you like to visit a new place in Italy, somewhere where the best celebrities and VIP spend their summer? We surely have the solution for you: a stay in Costa Smeralda! The Emerald Coast is a famous trait of coastline found in North-Eastern Sardinia near Sassari and it includes some exclusive localities such as Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo. Its name derives from the amazing color of its emerald waters, which light up of incredible shades thanks to the white sea bottom, to the light effects on the granitic rocks and to the stunning sea transparency. A wonderful natural framework is the background of one of the best-known Italian tourist destinations, where dream beaches mix with luxury villas, huge golf courses and fantastic nightclubs. In fact, the Caribbean-like beaches you must visit here are innumerable! We suggest spending one day on the beach of Porto Pollo, which is 3 km long and features a crystalline sea, on the so-called “Long Beach”, which is one of the major tourist destinations in Sardinia, on the famous “La Cinta” beach in San Teodoro or on “Rena Bianca” beach, where the white sand presents some splendid pink coral shades. Even the island composing La Maddalena Archipelago located in front of the Emerald Coast conceal various wonderful places: visit the amazing natural reserve of Piana Island, go to Cappuccini Island, spend a day at the “Lo Spalmatore” beach on Tavolara Island or visit "Cala Corsara" on Spargi Island to enjoy some breathtaking sea views! The livelier centers on the Coast are definitely Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo, two luxury towns chosen by many VIP as their holiday destinations which are full of charming villas, expensive shops, lovely pubs, typical restaurants and other services of any kind. And what about nightclubs? Obviously, this destination is the perfect choice for those who love to live the night in the best way! Go to the “Ritual Club” in Arzachena, "Phi Beach” in Baia Sardinia, “Country Club” in Porto Rotondo, the “Billionaire” in Porto Cervo, the “Bal Harbour” in San Teodoro or "Estasi’s Disco" in Santa Teresa di Gallura! This wonderful clubs will surely guarantee an absolute fun in one of the best exclusive locations of the Mediterranean. What are you waiting for? Book one of our wonderful villas for rent and spend the holiday of your dreams in Sardinia! We recommend our Casa Adriano and Villa Franca in San Teodoro, Villa Coligu in Porto Rafael or Villa Twin in Golfo Aranci, which are some beautiful properties near the Emerald Coast. © Alice Pilastri

There are ice cream shop galore in the world. However, just a few can be defined real handmade "gelaterie" that pass down the art of ice creams to the new generations, together with one of the main flavors of the authentic Italian tradition. Ice cream is the best "street-food" chosen by tourists who visit italy in summer: sunny days, hot temperatures and the longing to relax after a long walk in the main city centers make it a must-have during a tour! But how can you recognize the "real" Italian ice-cream among theinnumerable shops found along the streets? Discover it with us! Gelato is one of the best-loved sweets in Italy and abroad. It is a preparation made with fresh ingredients brought to a creamy state after a freezing process and it is mixed by the so-called "gelatiere" inside his laboratory. It contains eggs, sugar, milk, cream and other ingredients that define its flavor, such as chocolare, fresh fruit or pistachio nuts. The real ice-cream maker uses its personal laboratory to mix fresh and high-quality ingredients, avoiding thickeners, emulsifiers or food dyers. This product must be prepared and eaten within 24 hours, because it is too fresh to resist longer. Its color is not too bright and the flavours proposed are often seasonal, as they depend on the available products at the moment. The texture is creamy and the temperature is neither cold nor hot. The taste is obviously amazing: since the first bite, you willrealize that this is a Gelato with capital G! Do not make mistakes! In Italy, you will find hundreds of "fake" ice-cream shops that will just disappoint you with their products, so follow our tips! Firstly, don't trust shops whose windows show mountains of ice-cream that reach surreal peaks and whose color is definitely too bright. These industrial preparations are full of food dyers and preservatives and they have nothing to do with Italian Gelato. Moreover, we suggest cunsulting the top Italian ice-cream shop list by Gambero Rosso and starting organizing your dream holiday in Italy! In Liguria, where we recommend Casa al Bosco, the guide advises "Cremeria Spinola" in Chiavari (Ge) and "Profumo" in Genova. In Veneto, where we rent Ca’ Marcello, the guide awards "Golosi di natura" in Gazzo (Pd) and "Zeno Gelato e Cioccolato" in Verona. In Tuscany, it recommends "Carapina" and "Gelateria della Passera" in Firenze, where we propose our Le Fonti, "La Chiccheria" in Grosseto, "De’ Coltelli" in Pisa, where you find our Villa De Ranieri and "Dondoli" ice-cream shop in San Gimignano (Si), where you can book Villa Orchidea. In Latium, the guide recommends "Gretel Factory" in Formia (Lt), "Greed Avidi di Gelato" in Frascati (Rm), "Gelateria dei Gracchi", "La Gourmandise" and "Otaleg!" in Rome, which you will certainly visit when you choose to stay in our Villa Antici or I Gigli di Bolsena. In Sardinia, finally, the guide suggest "Bar Centrale Gelateria Pizzeria" in Marrubiu (Or), while we recommend our wonderful Il Lentischio and Villa Silenis. © Alice Pilastri

There is a small village built on top of a beautiful Chianti hill, right in the middle of the region of Montagnola Senese. Vineyards, olive trees and fields of colorful flowers frame this fairytale town called Monteriggioni, which is surrounded by wonderful Medieval city walls. Tiny but very charming, the ancient Medieval architectures that you will find here will really turn your visit into a trip back in time! Monteriggioni is located a few steps away from Siena and it looks majestic from afar, stunning all those who see the shape of its stone walls. The city walls covering a perimeter of 570 meters are almost intact and date back to the 13th century. They present fourteen huge stone towers and some access doors to the town center, such as Porta Franca or Porta di Ponente. Since 2005, visitors are welcome to walk over the walls’ promenade o admire a stunning panoramic view over the surrounding countryside! The ticket cost also includes a visit to the interesting “Monteriggioni in arme” museum, which contains reproductions of Medieval weapons and armours, reenacting the city history focusing on the peculiar ancient techniques and lifestyles. Visit this museum with your family and children, as kids will love wearing some armours pretending to be a real knight for some time! Do not miss a tour inside the famous Monteriggioni castle, which was erected in the 13th century by the Republic of Siena in order to defend from Florence’s attacks and to control those passing along the Via Francigena! Then, have a good time exploring the historical town center and enjoy its quiet ambiance stopping in one of the pretty local restaurants and shops. The main square is called Piazza Roma and it includes the major city church, called “Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta”. Do not forget to take pictures to the magnificent glimpses on the beautiful Tuscan countryside that you will be meeting during your tour or to taste some local specialties, like the red Chianti Classico wine, the typical saffron or the extra-virgin olive oil! We sincerely suggest visiting Monteriggioni in July, when a famous festival called “Monteriggioni di torri si corona” takes place! It is a historical reenactment which sees the participance of hundreds of participants in typical dresses dealing with some 13th century activities belonging to ceramists, armourers or weavers. This year, it will be organized on July 5th-8th and 13th-15th and you really do not want to miss it! Looking for a villa to rent during your stay in Monteriggioni? Book our Villa Marie! © Alice Pilastri

Polignano a Mare is one of the best towns to visit in Puglia and its colors, artistic and natural heritage will certainly leave you speechless. It is located along Italy's Adriatic coast, a few kilometers far from Monopoli and from the magnificent Alberobello. It is here that tourists coming from all parts of the world spend their summer holidays, as they wish to capture the white houses, the splendid sea caves, the historical town center and the ransparent sea waters in some magnificent photographs. This is a magical wonderland recognized as one of Italy's most beautiful places! The history of Polignano a Mare is very ancient: in fact, it is believed that the first human settlements date back to the Neolithic and that this harbor was used as a Eastbound ships seaport for long. Some wonderful archaeological artifacts were found in this area and were transferred to some of the world's major museums, like the “Large Vases” decorated with red figures dating back to the 4th century BC conserved inside New York's MET. The old town center is a small labyrinth of charming streets whose walls are decorated with anonymous poems and century-old churches, such as Chiesa Matrice di Maria Assunta or Abbazia di San Vito. You can enter the historical center passing through the majestic Porta Grande, which is part to the big 16th century city walls. nearby, there are some beautiful panoramic terraces we suggest visiting, as you can admire the splendid seafront and the famous Lama Monachile (or Cala Ponte), a charming natural cove separating two steep stone walls highlighted by bright water colors. Try to spot some of the stunning sea caves along the coast, which made Polignano so famous! Unfortunately, the outstanding “Grotta Palazzese” is not visible from any site, but you can see it boarding on one of the tourist boats to look at the best hidden corners of this town! Start planning your visit to Polignano a Mare and fall in love with its poetry, its perfumes, its colors and music! Spend a special holiday on the strains of “Nel blu, dipinto di blu” by Domenico Modugno, who was inspired by the colors of this dream location, and visit one of the most incredible places found in the Mediterranean! If you wish to make your stay even more wonderful, book one of our villas for rent near Polignano a Mare, like Masseria Terra Rossa, Villa Mimosa or Villa Solglime! © Alice Pilastri

Spring just started and it is the right moment to organize a memorable weekend out! Thanks to the pleasant temperatures, to sunny days and to the thousands of colorful flowers that adorn landscapes, the period between April and June is maybe the best one to travel to Italy. The nature lights up of a thousand shades that you will not find in other moments and that will add a unique nuance to your photographs. This is also a great period to travel on a budget, as low season offers that will allow you to spend an unforgettable and cheap holiday! What are you waiting for? Discover which are the best destinations to choose for your next Spring trip and start planning now! 1. Venice and the unmissable events in Veneto The beauty of Venice is always breathtaking. However, it is in Spring that you can really enjoy a pleasant walk near the Canals visiting Piazza San Marco and Ponte dei Sospiri avoiding the usual tourist crowds. We also suggest visiting some close towns that organize some amazing flower festivals such as Noale, which turns into an enormous colorful garden center for just a single day. If you are looking for a property to rent in Veneto, choose one of our villas! 2. Perugia and Umbria's countryside Umbria is the "green heart of Italy" and it is famous for its stunning countryside landscapes, which are even prettier when flowers start to blossom. You should also visit Perugia, a charming Medieval town that organizes a fantastic event in May called “Perugia Flower Show” exhibiting hundreds of hydrangeas, roses and rare tropical plants! If you are looking for a property to rent in Umbria, choose one of our villas! 3. Palermo and the "Infiorata di Noto" This town is the perfect destination for a short trip to Sicily based on relax, history, art and beauty. Visit "Teatro Massimo", the Dome, the magnificent Palazzo dei Normanni and walk along the splendid seafront promenade! Do not miss the traditional "Infiorata" taking place in Noto on the third Sunday of May, which will color town's streets with flower mosaics and petals waterfalls! If you are looking for a property to rent in Sicily, choose one of our villas! 4. Napoli and the stunning Amalfi Coastline An "on the road” trip in Southern Italy cannot skip Naples, where you can visit the beautiful Castel dell’Ovo, San Gregorio Church and you can taste some local delights in its best pizzerias! Spring is the perfect period to fall in love with the colors of Amalfi Coastline and especially those of Ravello, where sparkling flowers decorate the walls of its historical villas. If you are looking for a property to rent on the Amalfi Coastline, choose one of our villas! 5. Tuscany between Florence, the Orcia Valley and the Medici Villas In Spring, the Boboli Garden shines in a unique way and turns into an open-air museum embellished by flowers. If you are lucky, you will even be present at the blooming of more than 2000 flower varieties in "Giardino dell'Iris", which usually takes place in April/May! We also suggest visiting the ancient Medici Villas and to travel in Orcia Valley, as its hills are colored in electric green and create some wonderful contrasts with the newborn flowers. If you are looking for a property to rent in Tuscany, choose one of our villas! 6. Lecce, Salento and their fantastic events Spring in Lecce is a period of some musical, cultural and artistic events that you cannot miss! Take part to “Cortili Aperti” initiative at the end of May, as you will have the occasion to visit some wonderful historical villas which are usually closed to the public admiring the charming glimpses of their balconies' blossoming. If you are looking for a property to rent in Apulia, choose one of our villas! 7. A dive in Sardinia and its history Why don't you have the first swim of the year in these beautiful transparent waters? Sometimes, Spring temperatures are so warm that it is possible to dive into the amazing Sardinian sea enjoying the tranquility of the empty beaches! Costa Smeralda is certainly the favorite holiday destination of most of the tourists, but we also suggest visiting the inland to see the splendid Nuraghi! If you are looking for a property to rent in Sardinia, choose one of our villas! © Alice Pilastri

Not only chocolate eggs and Easter Dove cakes: celebrating Easter in Italy will be a fantastic occasion to taste various ancient traditional sweets, which vary depending on the Region you will choose to visit! These recipes are transmitted from generation to generation since centuries and they have entered the spectacular world of Italian culture. Follow our tips and discover which are the desserts you need to try on Easter Day! 1) Pardulas Pardulas are a kind of dessert that you will find in Sardinia, while they are called "formaggelle" in the other Regions. In the sweet version, they are made with shortbread, sheep ricotta, saffron and lemon zest. They look like small crunchy baskets and they are so delicious that one leads to another! If you are looking for a property to rent in Sardinia, choose one of our villas! 2) Schiacciata di Pasqua Also called "Sportellina", the Tuscan "Schiacciata di Pasqua" was invented in Pisa but it is now diffused in the whole Region. Despite its name, it really doesn't look like a focaccia, as its shape reminds of a Christmas "panettone". The dough is stuffed with anise aroma, Vin Santo and orange zest and it needs to be left to rise for five times. This is why its preparation times are long, but don't worry: it will be worth it! If you are looking for a property to rent in Tuscany, choose one of our villas! 3) Pastiera Napoletana This famous Neapolitan dessert is made with breadcrumb stuffed with cream and ricotta, seasoned with orange flowers, spices and candied fruit. Numerous variations exist, because every family reinterprets the recipe depending on how their ancestors cooked it. A good Pastiera needs four days to be prepared, but efforts will be rewarded by a delicious surprise at the end of Easter Sunday's lunch! If you are looking for a property to rent in Campania, choose one of our villas! 4) Piccillato You will certainly recognize this Calabrian dish at first sight, as there are some chicken eggs on the top of it! The Piccillato is prepared on the day before Easter and it is made with eggs, orange zest al lemon. Its flavor is incredible and appreciated by people of all ages! If you are looking for a property to book, we suggest choosing one of our villas in Sicily or in Apulia! 5) Bussolai These biscuits coming from Burano are cooked in every period of the year, but the tradition wants that they are added to Easter's lunch menu. Their name derives from "buca" ("hole"), the recipe is very simple and its ingredients are egg yolks, lemon, flour and sugar. Try them alone or dip them in some milk to enjoy them to the fullest! If you are looking for a property to rent in Veneto, choose one of our villas! 6) Cassata Siciliana The Cassata is the ultimate Sicilian pastry and one of the best-loved Italian ones. It was defined as a "Traditional Sicilian Food" and it appears in every pastry shop window. Its recipe is based on sweet ricotta, Victoria sponge, pasta reale, candied fruit and decorations which will make it even more beautiful! In fact, the Cassata can have a simple or baroque look, but what is certain is that "Tintu è cu nun mancia a cassata a matina ri Pasqua" ("Stupid is who does not eat Cassata on Easter's morning")! If you are looking for a property to rent in Sicily, choose one of our villas! © Alice Pilastri