Apparently, there’s more to Milan than just superlative shopping. Some visitors swear that the city’s architectural gems, historical sites and priceless artworks rate amongst the best in the country, yet we still can’t manage to get away from the shopping. Luckily, fantastic flight deals and great holiday apartment rentals in Milan’s city centre means we get to escape often to this gorgeous northern Italian city. More trips means more time to delve deep into the city’s cultural and historical sides and to indulge in the most delectable cuisine in the world. Who are we kidding? More trips means more shopping! Book your luxury Italian apartment in Milan´s city centre on your next short break and, when you want a breather from the tourist trail, head to the following fantastic and rather unique shopping meccas. 10 Corso Como Italy is fast becoming one of the most multi-cultural countries in Europe; never is this more evident than at the exotic market of 10 Corso Como. This exotic bazaar, where you’ll find everything from Arabic spices to tajins, lamps, rugs, pashminas and clothing is a feast for all the senses. The Milanese twist to a bazaar? All the wares here are very much high-end of the shopping ...

Italy’s most famous horserace is an elaborate affair which sees hordes of tourists and locals descend upon the picturesque city of Siena every year. Never mind that the whole thing lasts just over a minute! This is one tradition that’s taken extremely seriously in the Tuscan town and il Palio, as it is known here, is just one more reason to visit one of Italy’s most historic towns towards the end of summer. Book your holiday rental apartment or villa in Siena’s city centre on your next Italian vacation, and not only will you be close to notable cities like Florence and Assisi, but you will also gain a greater understanding of the locals’ passion for their district, their city and their very unique obsession: winning the palio. There are 17 districts which make up Siena, and only 10 of these ‘contrade’ actually make it to the final race. Each contrada is allocated a specific horse, and each must choose a skilled jockey to compete. This tradition, which goes back to medieval times, has assured that local’s allegiances are first and foremost to their district, and subsequently to the city. Although the very first palio was run in 1701 as remembrance ...

When it comes to La Dolce Vita, there is no street in Rome which epitomizes the concept of the ‘good life’ like Via Veneto. Not only did this fashionable stretch of road actually feature in the Fellini classic, but the avenue is indeed one of the Italian capital’s most sought after addresses. Flanked by some of the city’s most prestigious hotels, embassies, boutiques and eateries, Via Veneto is a vibrant hub of activity and one of Rome’s most historical arteries. Book your holiday rental apartment on trendy Via Veneto and indulge in one of Rome’s most interesting walking tours. For a relaxing start to your tour, head to Villa Borghese Gardens on the northern edge of Via Veneto. One of Rome’s largest natural havens, Villa Borghese is a complex of perfectly manicured English style gardens, museums and pavilions, while also being home to Rome’s Modern Art Museum and the Medici Villa. While it may take you the good part of a week to see it all, we suggest you come early in the morning to enjoy the spectacular views of Rome from the Pincio Hill, on the southern end of the park, and keep returning every day to explore it at ...

Elegant, enticing Milano is to Italy what Paris is to France, the epitome capital of culture, fashion and alluring entertainment. The city may be renowned as Italy’s business hub, yet its the cultural and historical attractions which lure tourists all year round as well. This may also have something to do with the superlative shopping! From designer eating to designer shopping, Milan has it all. Wondering what else there is to experience during the cold winter months? Then book your holiday rental apartment near historic Central Station and find out which of the city’s best winter events will be right at your doorstep. November The flavour expo, or Expo dei Sapori, is a delectable feast showcasing the very best of Italian food and wine from all over the country. Held at the Fiera di Milano just west of the Central Station, the expo is a great chance to buy some boutique produce, not meant for general (industrial) production. December The yearly opening night of La Scala Opera House is one of those events Milanesi wait 12 months for. Tickets are hard to get and pricey but, if you do manage to score one, make sure your evening attire is par excellence and come prepared ...

The Spanish Steps, in Rome’s city centre, are quite possibly the most famous stairs in the world and certainly one of Rome’s most treasured landmarks. The impressive sight of 138-step passage joining Piazza di Spagna and the Trinita’ dei Monti Church makes for one of the city’s best photographic opportunities; the views of Rome from the ground of the church are simply breathtaking. But the Spanish Steps represent more than just a stairway to heaven. Beautifully maintained, and adorned with colourful fresh flowers, the Spanish Steps are the city’s best lunch spot! Grabbing a tasty panino nearby and spending some time doing what locals do best (see and be seen) makes for a splendid afternoon indeed. Book your holiday rental apartment near the Spanish Steps and come be in the heart of Roman action. Trinita’ dei Monti Church In case you need a reason to climb up the seemingly endless Spanish Steps, the Trinita’ dei Monti Church would have to be it! This intricately adorned church offers a lot more than just stunning views of Rome, and represents the area’s multi-national history in beautiful form. This land used to be owned by the Kingdom of France, and it was donated to a group of ...

When it comes to art collections, there are very few cities which could give Venice a run for its money. Never has a city contained more superlative art, or inspired more magnificent artists, than this most breathtaking Italian pearl. The suburb of Dorsoduro, just south of San Marco, is the artistic heart of the city and has the highest concentration of museums, private collections and galleries; ideal for anyone who wants to experience the most creative side of the Venice. Considered by some to be the most picturesque corner of the city, Dorsoduro boasts an enviable skyline, great dining and shopping options and is but a swim stroke away from Venice’s historic centre. Book your holiday rental apartment in Dorsoduro when visiting Venice and enjoy an invaluable journey through the city’s most iconic art museums. Dorsoduro’s colossal art-de-resistance is the Gallerie dell’Accademie, a museum showcasing an insanely large collection of Renaissance paintings and sculptures. Sumptuous feasts for the eyes, the works housed in the gallery span a period of over 400 years, and include works by some of the most prominent Venetian artists of all time including Bellini and Carpaccio. In room 10 is where you can admire Veronese’s famous ...

Spending endless days exploring Florence’s best attractions is a rewarding and soul-reviving experience. The sheer number of architectural gems, priceless art works and enticing boutiques make this one of Italy’s most popular holiday destinations, any time of year. What visitors soon discover is that Florence is indeed a pedestrian paradise; the historic city centre is compact and easy to navigate, and the nearby attractions easily reached on foot. If you’re looking for a central base from which to explore this most amazing city, then consider booking your holiday rental apartment in Santa Maria Novella, the trendiest of all central hubs. From here, not only will you have the best of Florence’s charms at your doorstep, but you’ll also not need to spend hours looking for the best lunch spots in town. They’re all right here! Replenish your energy and revitalise your taste buds while out discovering Florence. Enjoy an Italian-style leisurely long lunch, grab a mouth-watering panino and join young locals on the shores of the Arno River or self-cater for a memorable Italian meal in your very own home. Whatever you choose to do, be assured that your lunches out in Florence will be anything but ordinary. Buon appetito! Cantinetta dei Verrazzano, ...

Sitting snugly between the Vatican City and the Borgo suburbs of Rome, Trastevere is one of the city’s most ancient areas and considered by many to be one of the few remaining authentic nooks of the Italian capital. Trendy and avant-garde yet exuding an unmistakable old-school charm, Trastevere is a brilliant accommodation choice for any visitor wanting to experience the more authentic side of Rome as well as have access to its most prized attractions. Wonderfully close to the Vatican City, the Colosseum and other innumerable gems, as well as being home to some of the city’s most ancient ruins, Trastevere is best known for its vibrant Saturday flea market and the breathtaking views its hilltop location gifts. The suburb’s very multicultural past, and long-held cultural importance, has also ensured it remains one of the most eclectic parts of Rome, and home to some of the best ethnic eateries and flea markets in the entire city. Want a taste of all that Rome has to offer on your next vacation? Then do yourself a favour: book your vacation rental apartment in Trastevere and experience the true essence of Roman life. The area of modern-day Trastevere has been inhabited for thousands of ...

Giudecca, a long and narrow island framing the southern edge of Venice, is often overlooked by tourists, who prefer to be in the city’s uttermost centre. While this is obviously just fine, visitors should keep in mind that sometimes, the most authentic experiences are to be found just outside the most visited areas of town. Giudecca is testament to the fact that every city, especially one as old as Venice, boasts many diverse facets and experiencing just one means you’ll be doing it, and yourself, a great disservice. Throughout its past, Giudecca has been a fishing village, an artists’ playpen and an industrial hub. Its recent revival, back towards the more artistic side of Venice, has seen it flourish once more, and many locals attest that Giudecca is the real Venice minus the tourist crowds and the sellers of glow-in-the-dark plastic gondolas. Want to get a taste of the real Venice before it too disappears? Then book your holiday rental apartment or villa in Giudecca and discover a most authentic side of this Italian treasure. Spend your days exploring the most famous sights, and make sure you dedicate some time discovering the most hidden treasures of Venice found right here ...

Castello is Venice’s largest district and is home to some of the most precious architectural and historical attractions in the whole city. Located north-east of St. Mark’s Square, Castello is a fantastic area to stay in if you want to discover and experience a truly authentic Venetian holiday....of a culinary kind. Book your holiday rental in Castello and you’ll have the very best of Venice right at your fingertips. Follow our guide to the area’s best epicurean treats and you too can enjoy the bella vita during your Venice vacation. Corte Sconta, 3886 Calle Del Pestrin Corte Sconta is renowned as one of Venice’s best seafood restaurants, but it may be a little hard to find. The restaurant’s entry is unassuming and hides its treasures from the outside world in beautiful fashion. Once inside, take a seat in the gorgeous outdoor terrace and step into a heavenly garden enclave. As with most ‘local’ restaurants, Corte Sconta never bothers to print a menu as it uses only the freshest ingredients available at the daily produce markets. What that means for you, is that you need only order the ‘seafood antipasti’ platter and then sit back and drool in anticipation! What you will ...