Lucca Summer Festival and beautiful rentals

Last year we briefly mentioned the Lucca Summer Festival in a post about Lucca.

ZZ Top, Seal, Crosby Still & Nash, Simply Red, Placebo, Paolo Nutini and Eros Ramazzotti were a few of the acts present for the 2010 edition.

The Summer Festival takes place in July in the Amphitheater in the historic center of Lucca.

This year’s lineup does not disappoint! Arcade Fire, Elton John and his band, Joe Cocker and B.B. King, Amy Winehouse, Ben Harper, James Blunt, Jamiroquai, Zucchero.  Click here to listen to “You are so Beautiful” from Zucchero.

We have several properties in the Lucca area to accommodate you, should you decide to visit this beautiful area of Tuscany.

Apartments in the center of the town to villas in the countryside, we have the perfect accommodation for
your needs.

Anfiteatro is a beautiful modern apartment that sleeps 6.  It faces the Amphitheater , where the Summer Festival takes place!

The ancient Roman amphitheater was once used for gladiator battles, then fortified through the centuries to protect the city.

Interestingly, the stairs within the apartment from the dining room to the living room are the actual stones upon which spectators would sit to watch the gladiator games!

We also have beautiful properties outside of Lucca, such as Villa La Pergola.

An elegant country residence situated amidst the hills just outside of Lucca, in a panoramic position, with a splendid panoramic view. It sleeps 10-12.

You can visit the following link to view some our offerings in Lucca and in Tuscany.

If you don’t see what you are looking for, make sure to call us at 800.728.8410, we have more options available. You can also reach us at info@instyleabroad.com, if you prefer to email us.

Explore unique vacation rentals and villas in Tuscany, Florence, Umbria,
the Amalfi Coast and Venice at instyleabroad.com

Happening in Florence, Italy in April

 

April 9th-17th – Culture Week – FREE museums!

The XIII edition of Culture Week will take place from April 9^th through the 17^th.

The culture ministry (MiBAC) will open all state monuments, museums (inc. the Uffizi, Bargello, Accademia, Pitti Palace, etc.), archeological sites, libraries for FREE!

Several special events such as free tours, special openings, conferences, book presentations, etc. will be offered.

April 24th – Explosion of the Cart

In Florence, Easter is celebrated with the “Explosion of the Cart” or Scoppio del Carro in the Piazza del Duomo on Easter Sunday. The event will take place on April 24^th this year.

A wooden cart, full of fireworks is lit by a dove-shaped rocket called the Colombina Pasquale, the Easter Dove. The event is a picturesque ceremony dating from the first crusade. Tuscans believe that if the cart burns down properly, their lives will be enriched and their harvest would be plentiful.

 

April 30th - May 8th - Handicrafts Trade Fair

Florence will hold its annual Handicrafts Trade Fair from April 30^th through May 8^th.  Roam through hundreds of booths and find unique crafts and original pieces of arts.

Click on the following link for additional information:
http://www.mostraartigianato.it/eng_pages/presentazione/presentazione.html

Until July 17th – Angry Young Men Picasso, Mirò and Dali on Show

Around 60 paintings from the juvenile work of the three great Spanish artists and over one hundred sketches by Picasso – coming from the most important Spanish museums, from the Metropolitan Museum in New York and from private collections – will be on show at Palazzo Strozzi until July 17^th,  2011

Visit the following link for additional information: http://bit.ly/eZSbPN

We have several beautiful properties available in Florence, including the Villa Tiramisu we wrote about in February. Remember if you stay there until the end of May, a 10% discount applies!

Whether you are interested in learning more about our accommodations or need help planning a visit to Florence, please contact us!

We can be reached at 800.728.8410 or info@instyleabroad.com. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Explore unique vacation rentals and villas in Tuscany, Florence, Umbria,
the Amalfi Coast and Venice at instyleabroad.com

Villa Tiramisu – 4 miles from Florence – 10% discount

We have the perfect accommodation for those wishing to be in Florence, but not wanting to be in the city!

Villa Tiramisu is a beautiful 5-bedroom Tuscany villa rental dating back to the 18^th century, which has been recently restored. It is situated only 4 miles from the center of Florence.

The villa is set on the hills around Florence and offers extensive views over the Duomo and over the whole city.

The house, surrounded by a large garden (about 6,500 sq ft), is well equipped and tastefully furnished with beautiful pieces and some antiques.

Villa Tiramisu is within a short walk of the village of La Lastra which has a bar, a small grocery store and a gas station. You can catch the bus to Florence in La Lastra. The villa is only 5 km from the enchanting town of Fiesole and about 60 km from Siena.

Thanks to its proximity to Florence, rich in events at any time of the year, the villa is suitable for winter rentals as well.

At guests’ disposal is the large garden equipped for outdoor meals, a partially above-ground swimming pool, three panoramic terraces, one with wonderful views over Florence.

The villa is equipped with amenities such as Satellite TV, internet access, washing machine, screens on the windows, etc.

Villa Tiramisu is the perfect venue for special events: family reunions, weddings and celebrations can be accommodated and catered. Cooking classes can also be arranged in the owner’s ancient residence in the center of Florence.

Book a vacation at Villas Tiramisu and if you stay there up to the end of May we’ll add to the sweetness! We offer a 10% discount off our listed price. What’s there not to like?

If you’d like to learn more about Villa Tiramisu, please contact us!

We can be reached at 800.728.8410 or info@instyleabroad.com

Explore unique vacation rentals and villas in Tuscany, Florence, Umbria,
the Amalfi Coast and Venice at instyleabroad.com

Self-catering apartments in Venice

Have you ever dreamt of visiting Venice?
Have you been there and can’t wait to go back?

We have an array of accommodations available, among them Foscarini and Candiano.

Whether you are looking for a home away from home in a lively, central location near San Marco and the “Rodeo Drive” of Venice (Foscarini) or a relatively quieter, more local feel (Candiano), we have you covered!

FOSCARINI

Our Foscarini apartment is located on Piazza Santa Maria del Giglio in the sestiere San Marco, within easy walking distance of everything!

The apartment is only a 5-minute walk from Piazza San Marco, the Rialto bridge, and a 2-minute walk from Teatro La Fenice and the best shopping in the city on Calle Larga XXII Marzo.

Santa Maria del Giglio

The architecture and ambiance of the neighborhood is elegant and refined with many boutique shops and art galleries including the Palazzo Grassi Museum and the Accademia Gallery.  The waterbus stop “Giglio” is only about 2 minutes away.

Santa Maria del Giglio is a fabulous location for those wishing to experience the magic of Venice without spending too much time on foot. Cafés and upscale restaurants abound in the vicinity, eclectic boutiques are waiting to be discovered and operatic gondoliers can be heard from small canals all around.

 

 

On warm summer evenings you’ll take pleasure in the cool night air from the apartment’s private terrace which enjoys a nice canal view.

Please visit the following link to learn more about Foscarini.

 

CANDIANO

Venice is small! You’re never very far away from something interesting, tasty, or convenient, and this apartment is no exception.

From Candiano, it is a short walk to the Campo San Polo and Campo dei Frari – 2 main piazzas with lots of activity – and about 12 minutes from the Rialto bridge. San Marco is about 20 minutes away on foot.

The building is just a short distance from San Giacomo dell’Orio, one of the most charming piazzas in Venice.

The immediate area around this apartment is full of wine shops, local restaurants and food shops.

To learn more about Candiano, please visit visit the following link.

Make sure you visit our Venice offerings and if you don’t see what you are looking for, please contact us. We have an extensive offline collection of villas and apartments that we would love to share with you!

We can be reached at 800.728.8410 or info@instyleabroad.com

Explore unique vacation rentals and villas in Tuscany, Florence, Umbria,
the Amalfi Coast and Venice at instyleabroad.com

Carnevale di Venezia – Venice Carnival

From February 26^th through March 8^th, Venice will be transformed for its annual Carnival celebration. The city becomes a hive of activity and entertainment inspired by an annual theme.

This year’s themes is:  Tribute to Unification of Italy and to Women.
2011 marks the 150^th year since the unification of Italy and the coincidence of Mardi Gras with Women’s Day.

The Carnival of Venice – or Carnevale di Venezia – started as a time for celebration and expression throughout the classes.

In the strictly hierarchical Venetian society, it was deemed necessary to give the most humble classes the illusion of becoming similar to the more powerful classes.  Wearing costumes and masks allowed Venetians and visitors alike to mingle anonymously.

Today, approximately 30,000 visitors come to Venice each day for the festivities.

St. Mark’s Square remains the heart of the Carnival, with its huge stage, although other events take place throughout the city, to help avoid an excessive build-up of people in pedestrian Venice.

Whether you’d like to experience Venice during the Carnival or at a later date, contact us, we will find the perfect accommodation for your needs!

Sources: City of Venice and Venice Carnival

We can be reached at 800.728.8410 or info@instyleabroad.com.

Explore unique vacation rentals and villas in Tuscany, Florence, Umbria,
the Amalfi Coast and Venice at instyleabroad.com

Mercatini di Natale – Christmas Markets

Some of the most famous Christmas Markets in Europe have been running since the Middle Ages. They provide stress-free shopping in an old-world Christmas of heartfelt caroling and handcrafted arts, crafts and decorations. Stroll through the old town’s streets, sipping on mulled wine and enjoy the festive atmosphere!

These markets are where the romance of the holiday comes alive in grand tradition—smells of gingerbread and roasting sausages waft through the cold air, handmade ornaments adorn ancient fir trees, master glassblowers and other artisans ply their crafts in wooden stalls, shoppers bustle past Gothic church facades and half-timbered houses, pausing to sip their glühwein, heavily spiced and mulled “glow wine”—the piping-hot beverage of choice at any self-respecting Teutonic Christmas market.
Travel+Leisure “Best Christmas Markets in Europe”

Germany is known for its Christmas markets. However, Italy has a few good ones of its own! Several of the holiday markets are located in the Northern part of Italy, close to Germany, but you will also find great Mercatini di Natale – holiday markets – in Tuscany and Umbria.

Natale in Laguna takes place on Campo Santo Stefano in Venice from November 29^th through December 23^rd. Campo Stefano is filled with wooden stalls selling Venetian handcrafted items, children’s toys and seasonal treats. Food, drink and music are also part of the festivities.

Not far from Venice, the town of Bolzano holds its Christmas Market from November 26^th through December 23^rd on its magnificently decorated Piazza Walther.  This year will mark the event’s 20^th edition. Eighty stallholders offer seasonal handmade wooden gifts, glass and ceramic products along with charming Christmas trees and Christmas tree decorations. You can also count on seasonal pastries, food specialties and cauldrons of mulled wine.

Located in the beautiful historical setting of Piazza Fiera, surrounded by the medieval walls of the city, Trento, which is also close to Venice, holds its Christmas Market from November 20^th through December 23^rd. Piazza Battisti is completely transformed into a “playground” for children with performances, music and entertainment. Adults, however, enjoy the great offers at the market booths, presenting local products and more.

Florence’s Weihnachtsmarkt, also known as the Mercato Tedesco di Natale, the German Christmas Market, takes place from December 1^st through the 19^th at the Piazza Santa Croce. While German food and crafts specialties are available, you will also find Italian items for sale. A large carousel will surely entertain both adults and kids alike.

The Fiera di San Michele di Natale in Lucca takes place from December 5^th through January 6^th in Piazza San Michele. It boasts more than 70 booths with handmade products, gastronomic treats, toys, decorations and of course, sweets!

Natale in Perugia takes place from December 4^th through the 23^rd in Perugia. This market partially takes place in a very unique setting: the Rocca Paolina, Perugia’s underground city, which certainly adds to the festive atmosphere!

If you haven’t had the opportunity to attend a Christmas Market in Europe, we highly recommend you consider it for next year. Nothing puts you in the Holiday Spirit faster than sipping on some warm spiced wine while strolling through booths selling all sorts of wonderful items!
We can be reached at 800.728.8410 or info@instyleabroad.com

Explore unique vacation rentals and villas in Tuscany, Florence, Umbria, the Amalfi Coast and Venice at instyleabroad.com

It’s marathon season in Italy!

If you are looking for an athletic challenge and some of the best sightseeing in the world, running a marathon in Italy has to be the winning combo! Good news, marathon season is officially kicking off this weekend.

One of the marathon that without a doubt fits the bill is the Rome Marathon. The start line is right in front of the Coliseum and the course takes you past St. Peter’s Basilica, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps, among other breathtaking sites. The marathon is surprisingly flat but the uneven cobblestone streets and some of the narrower streets might slow you down a bit. The race takes place in March, when nice days outnumber hot days and the herds of tourists have yet to arrive. More than 15,000 runners participated in the last edition of the race. The next edition will be on March 20^th, 2011.

Another marathon with breathtaking sites is the Florence Marathon. The 2010 edition will take place on November 28, 2010 and it will be marked with a course change, which should make the race more fluid. With only 40 meters of elevation change, it promises to be a fast course. The change will help accommodate the ever growing number of runners participating in the race. The marathon starts at the Piazzale Michelangelo and it will head in the opposite direction from the previous route. The route goes to the old gates of the town toward the Cascine Park, allowing runners to get through the more difficult part of the route at the beginning of the race when legs are still fresh. They will continue into the Oltrarno, then Varlungo before returning to the center of town alongside the Palazzo Pitti, the Cathedral, and Palazzo Vecchio before arriving to Piazza Santa Croce and crossing over the Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge.

This coming weekend will mark the 4^th edition of the Chianti Eco-Marathon. That’s right… running, Italy, AND wine! Although you probably would have enough time to jump on a plane and be on time for the start of the race on October 17^th, 2010, we wouldn’t recommend it since it’s sold out. However, it might be an option for next year? The race starts in Castelnuovo Berardenga, about 15km from Siena. The course will take you through beautiful landscape and historic sites. Best of all, you’ll spend only 2.5 km on asphalt! The course is scenic and will take you through some of the most charming medieval towns, including the fortress of Sestaccia, but it’s not a marathon we’d recommend if you want to set a PR. It’s the Tuscan hills after all!

The following weekend will bring two other sold out marathons:

The Venice Marathon will take place on October 24^th, 2010. The course is reminiscent of the Boston: start in a town 26.2 miles away from the finish line, then runs towards it. The marathon starts at the beautiful Villa Pisan in Stra and goes over the long Libertà Bridge, which connects the island-city of Venice to the mainland. After crossing the Canal Grande on a 160 meter long bridge made of boats just for the occasion, the runners will pass by St. Marc’s Square and go towards Riva dei Sette Martiri, to the finish line. One of the magical city’s trademarks is of course the innumerable bridges. There are fourteen small bridges to cross in the last 3 km. They are built with wooden ramps, in an attempt to make it a bit easier on the legs and they are numbered “Nine bridges to go until the finish line”!

The 2^nd edition of the Lucca Marathon will take place on the same day as the Venice marathon, on October 24^th, 2010. The race debuted last year to rave reviews.  This one is sure to become a must run on the marathon circuit. It boasts a flat course and offers great views. Lucca is a walled city with one of the best preserved fortified walls in Italy. It also has several well-preserved towers.

Last, but not least, is the Coast to Coast Marathon on the Amalfi Coast. The 2^nd edition will take place on December 19^th, 2010. The race starts in Sorrento, it heads inland for a bit and then returns to the coast and goes through Positano and Amalfi, finishing in Maiori. The course promises to be amazingly beautiful, overlooking the sea “suspended between sky and earth”, which in other words, is definitely not a flat course! For a sense of what to expect, click here.

We do not need to point out the fact that a marathon in Italy means the best pre-race carbo-loading in the world. Did you know that a typical early registration for an Italian full marathon costs about 25 to 30 Euros (about $40)? Some races have a small additional fee to become a temporary member of whatever athletic federation the race is organized under. Other races require a medical certificate.

Another interesting fact it that several races waive the entry fees for disabled athletes, assuming they take advantage of the early registration.

The largest of the marathons mentioned above, the Rome marathon, has only 15,000 runners. Venice caps the race at 6,000 runners, Florence, 4,500 and Lucca, 2,000. The Chianti Eco-Marathon has room for only 500 – a far cry from the 45,000 in New York City or Chicago.

Feedback from American runners having raced in Italy has been nothing but positive. In addition to a flawless organization, expect the typical shuttles to the start line, fully stocked aid station – with typically more than just water and sports drink (one race advertised “water, tea, salt, lemons, fruit”), the typical expo, “pacemakers” (i.e. pace groups) and post race massages. In addition, it’s not uncommon to see sponge stations during the race, changing rooms for before and after the race as well as a post-race pasta party, which more often than not is included in the entry fee.

An espresso shot every few miles might be a nice addition…!

If an Italian marathon is to be added to your race schedule, make sure to contact us! We can help you with the logistics as well as arrange accommodations in Italy. Whether you want to race in Venice, Florence, Lucca, the Chianti region, Rome or the Amalfi Coast, we’ve got you covered.

We can be reached at 800.728.8410 or info@instyleabroad.com

Explore unique vacation rentals and villas in Tuscany, Florence, Umbria, the Amalfi Coast and Venice at instyleabroad.com

Positano, Amalfi Coast

Positano, a small town on the Amalfi Coast, forever captures the hearts and imaginations of tourists the world over. The town became popular with writers and artists in the 1950’s and more recently was featured in the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun”. Its bay is home of three islets, Li Galli islands, residence of the mythical Sirens from Homer’s Odyssey.

If you don’t like steps, Positano is probably not for you. On the other hand, if a few steps don’t scare you, then visiting this breathtaking town on the Amalfi Coast should be on your bucket list.

The town is built-in terraces, into the cliffs, with scalinate – or stairways – that lead up to the center of town and down to the sea. The contrast between the hillside, dotted by small villas, and the azure blue waters of the bay, offers breathtaking scenery. John Steinbeck called it the only perpendicular village in the world.

“Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” John Steinbeck , Harper’s Bazaar, May, 1953

Positano started out as a fishing village. Today it is a fashionable resort, yet it still retains its charm.  The town is a pedestrian zone. It’s pretty pastel colored houses and flowers, its boutiques and renowned tailor shops make it a very picturesque town. Because of its mild climate, Positano can be visited year round although high season is April – October.

Tours, boat trips, cooking lessons, trips to the beautiful island of Capri, shopping and spending time at one of the local beaches are just a few of the activities that you can enjoy in and around Positano.

We have several properties to offer in Positano as well as elsewhere on the Amalfi Coast.

Here are three featured properties to give you a small taste of our offering in the region:

Giovanna is a private villa on 3 levels with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The villa features a large terrace with unparalleled view of the sea and the gulf of Positano. It is located about 10 minutes from the town, by foot. The beaches can be reached by means of a picturesque staircase. Food, restaurants and boutiques are only a few hundred meters away.

Casa Azzurra is a one bedroom apartment with a private terrace. It overlooks the hills of Positano and the Mediterranean Sea. The property is a 15-minute walk from the center of town. From the center of town, a further 10-minute walk through shops and boutiques takes you to the Spiaggia Grande beach. Alternatively, there is a bust stop below the property for the commuter bus which will take you to the top of Positano.

Vista Spiaggia Grande is a luxurious apartment, on 2 floors, located on one of the town’s terraces and offers a spectacular views of Positano and the main beach, Spiaggia Grande, which is about 300 meters away and can be accessed by 250 steps. The rental has 3 double bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Its living room extends for almost the entire length of the house, with large windows that overlook the panoramic terrace. It has been completely renovated in typical Mediterranean style.

If you would like to view other properties we offer on the Amalfi Coast, please visit the following link In Style Abroad – Amalfi Coast or better yet, call us at 800.728.8410. We’d love to chat with you!

Explore unique vacation rentals and villas in Tuscany, Florence, Umbria, the Amalfi Coast and Venice at instyleabroad.com

Chocoholics unite!

Chocolate AND Italy? A dream come true!

The 17^th edition of Eurochocolate will take place from October 15^th – 24^th in Perugia, Umbria, home of the world-famous Bacio Perugina.

 

The festival takes place in the historic center of Perugia: Rocca Paolina, Corso Vanucci, Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza November IVth, they’re all taken over by chocolate and chocolate lovers.

The festival is an amazing display of chocolate in all forms, from thick hot chocolate and pastries filled with chocolate cream, to enormous chocolate bars and chocolate cups filled with alcohol.

 

In addition to exhibits, tastings and chocolate-themed attractions, Eurochocolate World will be back, a special International section dedicated to countries producing cacao. There also will be a brand new section dedicated to equitable and sustainable chocolate.

A crowd favorite is the chocolate sculptures. On Sunday, October 18^th, artists will be sculpting five enormous blocks of chocolate and crowds get to eat the chocolate discarded by the sculptors.

Another crowd pleaser is the ChocoFarm, a “spa” dedicated to treatments based on chocolate and cacao.

This is obviously a must-see festival for chocolate lovers!

If you cannot resist the thought of combining Italy & Chocolate and would like to see what Eurochocolate is all about, we’d recommend you consider attending the event on a weekday as weekends are extremely busy!

As always, we are available to help you not only with lodging options but as well as insider tips and recommendations. Please contact us via the form below.

P.S. We will gladly accept any chocolate you bring us back!

Explore unique vacation rentals and villas in Tuscany, Florence, Umbria, the Amalfi Coast and Venice at instyleabroad.com

Grape Harvest

The fall is one of the best times to visit Italy. As the days shorten and the weather cools, crowds are thinning, prices and temperatures are dropping. Not only is the weather cooler, the cities are far less crowded. It’s also the season for some of the best food festivals in Italy, including the many festivals surrounding vineyards and truffles.

One of the most anticipated events of the season is the grape harvest, at the end of September. Drive through the countryside in any Italian region during that time and chances are that you will come across groups of people harvesting grapes to make wine.

Grape-picking is just the first step and it is a celebrated occasion throughout Italy, the exact dates varies from one year to the other, depending on when the grapes are ready. For the grape harvesting, called vendemmia, extended families and friends get together, in the early morning hours, snipping grapes off the vines and depositing them into large tubs or other containers.

After hours of hard work among the grapevines, the harvesters share a feast prepared just for the occasion, much like our American Thanksgiving, with its show of appreciation for the year’s crops.

According to Bloomberg.com, Italy’s wine-grape growers expect a good harvest this fall, with the northern Piedmont and Trentino regions poised to produce an “excellent” crop.

Overall, Italy will produce about 46.5 million hectoliters (1.2 billion gallons) of wine, according to Rome-based growers’ lobby Confagricoltura.  “The 2010 harvest will be a good year in terms of quantity and quality”. While weather changes could still affect crops this month, “both climactic conditions and signs from the vineyards allow us to be optimistic about the quality of the new wines.”

The best harvests will probably be in Piedmont, Umbria and Trentino, according to the release.  The central Tuscany region, famous for Chianti red wine, will have a “good to excellent harvest,” as will southern areas such as Puglia and Sicily, Confagricoltura said.

Whether you are ready to taste wine in Umbria, Veneto, Chianti or somewhere else in Italy, give us a call or contact us through the form below. We have the perfect accommodation for YOU!

Explore unique vacation rentals and villas in Tuscany, Florence, Umbria, the Amalfi Coast and Venice at instyleabroad.com