Author Archive
Renting a Villa – The Costs
Even if you have rented a villa in the past, you probably have questions about costs and how they might compare to a hotel stay. Here are some points to consider:
Price Ranges
One of the many things that sets villa rentals apart from hotels stays is the savings for groups. The more people staying in a property, the greater the savings per person. Average mid-level price ranges for small rentals (2 people/1 bedroom) are $1,000-$2500 per week. A medium-size rental (4-6 people/2-3 bedrooms) is $2500-$4000 per week. A large rental (8+ people/4+ bedrooms) is $4,000-$8000 per week, depending on the quality of the property and the season.
Seasons
The weekly rental price of a countryside villa varies according to season. However, the rental prices of city apartments may not fluctuate as much. Although the price/season breakdowns vary according to property, here is a general guide:
- High season is generally July and August (although, June and September are sometimes included), the three Christmas weeks, and the two Easter weeks. During these periods, prices are highest and crowds are largest.
- Mid-season, or shoulder season, is generally June and September. This is a good time to travel because the weather is warm, but not yet hot.
- Low-mid-season, or low-shoulder season, is generally late April through May, and again in late September to late October. This is a good time to travel, thanks to milder weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices.
- Low season is generally January to the end of April (except during Easter), and late October to Christmas. Prices are at their lowest during this period, though conversely, due to cold weather, heating costs (which are usually extra) must be factored in. See below for more details on heating.
What’s Included
With very few exceptions, all linens and bath towels are included in the rental price. In some cases, utilities (such as gas and electricity, but excluding air-conditioning and heating) are included in the price.
What’s NOT Included
With some exceptions, air-conditioning, heating, gas, and electricity are metered according to consumption and are not included in the rental price. This is because energy costs in Europe are much higher than in the United States. In particular, the laws governing the use of heating are restrictive in the interest of energy conservation. For example, in Italy heating is generally only allowed from the 1st of November until the 1st of April, although this can vary. If your property has a working fireplace, it will be stated in the description whether you need to request and pay for firewood.
Most of our properties are privately owned, so the provisions in the house will vary according to owner. Some villas are well-stocked with basics such as salt & pepper, dish soap, bath soap, paper towels, and toilet paper, while others provide the bare minimum. It’s always a good idea to pack a few small spices, and then plan to stop at a grocery store en route to your villa on Saturday (since smaller stores are usually closed on Sunday).
A Final Cleaning fee applies to most of our villas. This amount covers the cost of cleaning following your departure. Usually, this amount, in addition to any stated extra charges not included in the rental rate, is deducted from the security deposit (paid in Euros upon arrival), which is returned to you upon departure. The total amount of both the security deposit and the final cleaning fee will be specified at the time of booking.
What Savings Can I Expect?
Unlike hotel rooms, all properties are equipped with a furnished kitchen and amenities such as a stove and/or oven and refrigerator. This makes it possible to store groceries and prepare meals both simple and elaborate, therefore eliminating the added expense and hassle of eating out for three meals a day! Calculate that this also includes incidentals, like snacks and drinks. Imagine the pleasure of enjoying a good bottle of wine and local meats and cheeses on your private terrace at the end of a long day of sightseeing! While of course a similar experience could be had at a local bar or café, you’d pay twice the amount (even three times in a touristy locale), and there would be no gorgeous vista or sunset to admire—let alone privacy and space.
If you’re traveling with children, the convenience factor of a villa is extremely appealing. Not only do you have the ease of a kitchen for quick, inexpensive meal preparation and snack storage, but you have the added bonus of ample room for young ones to run around and expend some of that boundless kid energy. Villa rentals provide a degree of flexibility that hotel rooms do not! In this case you may not save a calculable amount, but you certainly gain peace of mind and sanity–which, as only a parent knows, are priceless.
Hop-on, Hop-off in Venice
Explore the modern art treasures of Venice aboard Vaparetto dell’Arte.
Similar to the red hop-on, hop-off touristic buses in Rome and other cities, the new Vaparetto dell’Arte in Venice began service on June 1st, 2012 on the Grand Canal. It runs daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and makes eight stops between Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia and San Giorgio. Two additional stops at Arsenale and Giardini will be added during the Architecture Biennale, August 29th to November 25th, 2012.
Vaparetto dell’Arte has 80 seats and space for 20 additional passengers to stand. The seats are equipped with multi-language audio visual systems. Each passenger receives a welcome kit which includes disposable earphones, a map and special offers from partners like Punta della Dogana and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
Hop-on, hop-off on the waterways of Venice!
A 24-hour pass costs 24 Euros for adults and 15 Euros for children. If you’re renting an apartment in Venice, it’s a better value to purchase the Vaporetto dell’Arte pass in conjuction with a time-limited ACTV (the public vaparetto) Moving in Venice tourist ticket, which come in 12, 24, 36, 48, 72-hour, 7-day, and 3-day youth card denominations; purchasing one of these tickets brings the Vaporetto dell’Arte ticket down to 10 Euros.
All of these tickets are available for advance purchase through Venice Connected up to a minimum of four days prior to use.
Easy Italia: The Helpline for Tourists
Get real-time tourist info for free in Italy!
The Italian government has launched a new, free service called Easy Italia to provide real-time travel information and assistance via phone to foreign visitors in Italy. The live help is available in 8 languages, including English.
Easy Italia offers tourist information, translation help, advice on travelers’ rights, updates on local and national emergencies, and information for the disabled.
Imagine: You’re stuck somewhere, need assistance, and your rudimentary Italian isn’t cutting the mustard. Call Easy Italia and have the person who answers translate by passing the phone back and forth with whomever you’re trying to communicate.
We recommend entering Easy Italia’s numbers into your cell phone’s contact list so that you’ll have them wherever you travel in Italy.
- If you’re dialing from a cell phone in Italy: Dial 039.039.039
- If you’re dialing from outside Italy: Dial +39.039.039.039
- If you’re dialing from a land line or public phone in Italy, call toll free: 800.000.039
The Easy Italia helpline is available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM seven days a week. From 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, voicemail is available in English and Italian with a return call promised within 30 minutes. During the months of July, August, and December, the number will be answered live until 10:00 PM.
For even greater convenience, there is a free Easy Italia app for iPhone and iPad!
Photo courtesy of .v1ctor @Flickr.
Day Trips From Your Villa: Visiting Archaeological Sites
Ruins in Normandy
In July 2011 our friends at Slow Travel launched Archaeology Travel, a guide to archaeological sites in Europe. We think this is a fantastic new resource for travelers to Europe, especially if you’re renting a villa and wish to plan fun and interesting day trips in the surrounding area. Visits to archaeological sites can be especially great with kids!
This online guide currently features archaeological sites and attractions in France and Great Britain, including prehistoric cave paintings, stone circles, hill forts, and monuments. You can also find information on entire towns created by the Greeks and Romans, as well as medieval castles, monasteries, and market towns. All of Europe is slated to be included in the index; subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates as new countries are added to the guide. Members can search by country and region, leave/read comments on individual sites (some members simply want to share what they enjoyed about a particular site, while others offer helpful tips for finding nearby restaurants), or read the blog.
Renting a Villa in Tuscany? Savor the Experience!
Booking a food or wine experience during your villa stay is a fun, enriching way to truly savor life in Tuscany. Here are a selection of cooking classes and tastings available through RentVillas:
La cucina at Casa del Tartufo
Truffle Cooking Class
Cooking fun with truffles! Learn how to clean, prep, and incorporate fresh truffles into a variety of Tuscan recipes. Giulio and Cristina, professional chef at Casa del Tartufo in Bagno a Ripoli (20 minutes from Florence), will share their passion for these unique “fruits of the soil” during an afternoon and evening of lively instruction and delicious flavors. Class participants will prepare (and enjoy!) an antipasto, primo, secondo, contorno, and dolce. Available Monday-Friday, March-December (except May); 4:00 PM-8:00 PM. Cost per person: 120 Euros (2-5 pax); 110 Euros (over 5 pax). Price includes wine and water. Transportation not included.
Giulio and Edda, Tuscan truffle hunters
The true truffle experience: Join truffle hunter Giulio and his truffle hound Edda on a hunt for black truffles. After your time in the woods, you’ll proceed to Giulio’s Casa del Tartufo in Bagno a Ripoli for a delectable lunch in his Tuscan kitchen featuring truffles in each course. A local Sangiovese will be served with lunch. Available weekdays during March-December (except May) (10 AM - 2 PM). Cost per person: 130 Euros (4-5 pax); 120 Euros (over 5 pax). Transportation not included.
Dining at Casa del Tartufo
Wine and truffle tasting at the Casa del Tartufo in Bagno a Ripoli: Taste four different Tuscan wines (all produced by friends of Casa del Tartufo owner Giulio) and savor light Tuscan fare such as local prosciutto and salame, olives, garden salad, and frittata with truffles. Complete the meal with with homemade dolci. Giulio will discuss the wines and truffles and share insight into regional food culture. Available Monday-Friday March-December (except May). Cost per person: 90 Euros (2 pax); 85 Euros (2-5 pax); 75 Euros (more than 5 pax). Transportation not included.
Montepulciano Wine Tasting (half-day): Start your day in this lovely medieval town with a guided walking tour. You’ll then enjoy a wine tasting at a winery located in the historic center. Your ½ tour will culminate in the countryside, where you’ll be treated to a second wine tasting. Arrive back in Cortona at approximately 1:30 PM. Included in the price is transportation from the Cortona train station, a guided walking tour, and 2 wine tastings. This half-day tour is offered Monday-Saturday (9:15 AM-1:30 PM). Cost per person: 120 Euros (for 2-3 pax); 95 Euros (for 4-5 pax); 70 Euros (for 6-7 pax); 55 Euros (for 8-9 pax); 60 Euros (for 10-11 pax); 55 Euros (for 12 pax). Children 0-6 are free. Children ages 6-10 pay 50% of the adult per person cost. Gratuity is not included in the price.
Wine and Cheese Tour in Montepulciano and Pienza (full-day): Meander through the charming historic centers of Montepulciano and Pienza—and sample wines and cheese as you go! Your tour will commence with a walking tour of Montepulciano. Then, you’ll be transported to the Tuscan countryside where you’ll taste 3 wines and 2 different wineries (wines are available for purchase.) Later in the morning, you’ll travel to Pienza where you’ll visit a cheese maker and sample 10 different aromatic farmstead cheeses. Included in the price is transportation from the Cortona train station, your ½ day guide, 2 wine tastings (3 wines), and cheese tasting (10 cheeses). This tour/tasting is available Monday-Saturday (9:15 AM-2:00/2:30). Cost per person: 170 Euros (for 2-3 pax); 140 Euros (for 4-5 pax); 120 Euros (for 6-7 pax); 105 Euros (for 8-9 pax); 95 Euros (for 10-11 pax); 90 Euros (for 12 pax). Children 0-6 are free. Children ages 6-10 pay 50% of the adult per person cost. Gratuity is not included in the price.
Customer Reviews:
My husband, Paul and I, would like to formally thank you for offering the “True Truffle Experience” to your clients. Never in our wildest dreams did we ever think that we would go on a truffle excursion while vacationing in Italy. Not only are we true foodies, but we are also morel mushroom hunters. This is an experience that we will certainly never forget, and one that we will share will family and friends for a lifetime to come.
We had been in contact with Giulio prior to leaving for our trip. His emails were very helpful and his directions were very easy to follow from our villa. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by him and his lovely partner, Christina, at their beautiful estate La Limonaia. They were very welcoming and spoke great English.
Giulio presented us with an overview of the evolution of truffles as well as his credentials. The knowledge and passion that he has can be seen by a certain twinkle in his eye whenever he speaks of the truffles. We were pleasantly surprised to have an impromptu olive oil tasting. We definitely learned a lot and have expanded our pallets. Unfortunately, we are now spoiled with Tuscan olive oil, and we will probably never be able to use anything else!
When it came time for the actual “hunt”, we first had to meet his partner in crime. Etta or Edda, is his beautiful hunting companion. The very key to a successful truffle experience. After she happily responded to us, we loaded into his car and drove up into the hills. From up top, we had the most amazing view of Florence. We quickly headed into the woods and followed 10 steps behind the hunting duo. Not knowing what to expect, we were very surprised to have found a black truffle 15 minutes into our hunt. We continued up the hills and through the woods for over an hour. The end result was 5 truffles!
When we returned to his estate, we were shown the correct way to clean the truffles. Christina then prepared a phenomenal potluck of dishes that were blessed with a generous amount of truffle shavings on top. My husband and I still talk about her Tuscan white bean soup. She is as gifted in the kitchen as he is in the woods. In fact, on our next visit to Tuscany, we want to do the truffle experience again as well as a cooking class with her.
We were very sad to say our goodbyes. It was as if we were leaving old friends. The only satisfaction we had was knowing that we will meet again.
This was definitely one of the highlights of our whole Italian experience.
Thank you again,
Brandy & Paul, October 2011
FOR RESERVATIONS:
Please contact RentVillas at (800) 726-6702.To confirm a reservation, a 20% non-refundable deposit is required. Upon receipt of the deposit, you will be put in direct contact with the Cook or Tour Guide, who will be able to answer your specific questions regarding the details of the meal and/or tour, including balance payment, extra costs, and the meeting time and place. We recommend that reservations be made at least two months prior to your departure.
Tours in Rome
Visit Rome with a native!
Rome is so full of fascinating things to see and do. Where to start? A private, guided tour (1-7 people) with a native, English-speaking guide is an excellent way to see the best of what Rome has to offer, maximize your time, and gain exclusive access.
Here are tours in Rome available through RentVillas:
Driving Tours (Basic and Fully-Guided)
Rome driving tours allow you to enjoy the city’s highlights from the comfort of an air-conditioned private car. Owner/tour manager Fabrizio and his staff of trained drivers are knowledgeable, attentive, and fluent in English.
There are two types of guided driving tours: Basic and Fully-Guided. Both tour types allow you to enjoy “front door” access. There’s no need to make the long trek from parking lot to entrance!
- Basic Tours offer the comfort and convenience of having a local escort and air-conditioned car, but give you the independence of exploring tour stops on your own.
- Fully-Guided Tours offer a complete historical explanation of each stop, as well as additional insider information shared while en route.
Full-Day Basic Tour (7 hours) or Full-Day Fully-Guided Tour (8 hours)
These private driving tours uncover the secrets of the Eternal city and the finest artistic and architectural examples of the Classical, Christian, Baroque and Jewish periods. Please note that both Full-Day tour options include a stop for lunch at a locale selected by your guide; cost is extra.Total cost per Full-Day Basic Tour for 1-7 people: 375 Euros; Total cost per Full-Day Fully-Guided Tour for 1-7 people: 475 Euros.
ADMISSION FEES: Admission fees per person are extra and paid on the spot.
–Coliseum: 12 Euros per person
–Catacombs: 8 Euros per person
PICK UP/DROP OFF: Your guide will meet you at your apartment or at another central location in Rome. This service is included in the tour price.
Half-Day Basic Tour (3 hours) or Half-Day Fully-Guided Tour (4 hours)
These private driving tours includes the Eternal City’s main sights, including examples of the Classical, Christian, and Renaissance periods. Total cost per Half-Day Basic Tour for 1-7 people: 187.50 Euros; Total cost per Half-Day Fully-Guided Tour for 1-7 people: 250 Euros.
ADMISSION FEES: Admission fees per person are extra and paid on the spot.
–Catacombs: 8 Euros per person
PICK UP/DROP OFF: Your guide will meet you at your apartment or at another central location in Rome. This service is included in the tour price.
Just for Kids Walking Tours: There are two guided walking itineraries designed to appeal to children (and their parents!)
- Tour 1 (3 hours): Ideal for kids who are 6+, Tour 1 includes stops at the Coliseum and the Roman and Imperial Forums; a book with overlay (which allows them to see reconstructions) is a helpful learning tool. Also included is a visit to 3D Rome Rewind, an audio-visual learning center where you can view a fascinating video presentation featuring the heart of Imperial Rome in 310 AD, faithfully reconstructed and brought to life in 3D.Total cost per Just For Kids Tour for 1-7 people: 225 Euros. Please note that for an additional cost car service is available: 187.50 Euros for 1-7 people.
ADMISSION FEES: Admission fees per person are extra and paid on the spot.
–3D Rome Rewind: 0-12 years 8 Euros, adults 15 Euros
–Coliseum: 12 Euros
- Tour 2 (3 hours): A nice fit for kids of all ages, Tour 2 includes stops to the Trevi Fountain (kids loving throwing coins and tasting the renowned gelato sold nearby), Piazza Navona, and Explora, Il Museo dei Bambini di Roma, a hands-on educational museum for children. Total cost per Just For Kids Tour for 1-7 people: 225 Euros. Please note that for an additional cost car service is available: 187.50 Euros for 1-7 people.
ADMISSION FEES: Admission fees per person are extra and paid on the spot:
–Explora, Il Museo dei Bambini di Roma: 0-1 years free, 1-3 years 3 Euros, 3+-adult 7 Euros
PICK UP/DROP OFF: According to local custom, your guide will meet you at your apartment or location of your choice in the city center. He/she will then call a taxi and you will travel by taxi to the first itinerary stop. Return transportation is also by taxi. Please note that taxi fares for you and your guide are not included in the tour price and are an extra cost to you. Also, standard-size taxi’s will accommodate 3-4 people; there are also taxi vans available.
Walking Tour of Ancient Rome (3 hours)
Discover the wonders of the Coliseum and the Roman Forum in this 3-hour walking tours. These massive sites were built during the epoch of the Caesars, between the reigns of Augustus and Constantine. Enjoy an informative discussion of the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. Total cost per tour for 1-7 people: 225 Euros.
ADMISSION FEES: Admission fees per person are extra and paid on the spot:
Coliseum: 12 Euros
PICK UP/DROP OFF: According to local custom, your guide will meet you at your apartment or location of your choice in the city center. He/she will then call a taxi and you will travel by taxi to the first itinerary stop. Return transportation is also by taxi. Please note that taxi fares for you and your guide are not included in the tour price and are an extra cost to you. Also, standard-size taxi’s will accommodate 3-4 people; there are also taxi vans available.
See Roma at night!
Rome by Night Driving Tour (2 hours)
Take an after-dinner drive and then stroll through piazzas and admire the fountains under moonlight. You’ll enjoy unmatched views of the Forum Romanum from Capitoline Hill and Michelangelo’s dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Total cost per tour for 1-7 people: 187.50 Euros
PICK UP/DROP OFF: Your guide will meet you at your apartment or another central location in Rome. This service is included in the tour price.
Learn the fascinating history of the Vatican
Vatican Walking Tours (2-3 hours)
These walking tours include exclusive visits to the Vatican Galleries, Papal Art Collection, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Learn the significance of works of Greek and Roman ancient art, as well as the fine works of Raphael, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio. There are two options: Fully-Guided or Escorted (no historical explanation):
- Fully-Guided Vatican Walking Tour with English-speaking tour guide (includes historical explanation; 3 hours): Total cost per tour for 1-7 people: 325 Euros
- Escorted Walking Tour (no historical explanation; 2 hours): Total cost per tour for 1-7 people: 150 Euros
ADMISSION FEES: Admission fees per person are extra and paid on the spot.
–For an additional cost, advance reservations for the Vatican Galleries are available: adults 24 Euros; children ages 7-12: 14 Euros. Children under 6 are free.
PICK UP/DROP OFF: According to local custom, your guide will meet you at your apartment or location of your choice in the city center. He/she will then call a taxi and you will travel by taxi to the first itinerary stop. Return transportation is also by taxi. Please note that taxi fares for you and your guide are not included in the tour price and are an extra cost to you. Also, standard-size taxi’s will accommodate 3-4 people; there are also taxi vans available.
For reservations: Please contact RentVillas at (800) 726-6702. A 20% non-refundable deposit is required. Upon receipt of the deposit, you will be put in direct contact with the Tour Guide, who will be able to answer your specific questions regarding the details of the tour, including balance payment, extra costs, and the meeting time and place. We recommend that reservations be made at least two months prior to your departure.
*Note: Unless otherwise stated, prices for Rome Tours do not include meals, museum entrance fees, transfers, or gratuities. Prices for driving tours include pick-up and drop-off in Rome (at your apartment or other central location). The order of the tour stops may change depending on local conditions.
Photos courtesy of:
Titoy’ @Flickr (Colosseum)
HarshLight @Flickr (Roman Forum)
jo.in.pink @Flickr (Vatican City)
Steph & Adam Kahtava @Flickr (Roma at night)
Cell Phones and WiFi in Italy
Staying in touch with family and work is important when we travel. For Italian travelers, there are a number of options available.
First, the cell phone basics:
- Approximately half of American cell phones will work in Italy. Check with your carrier or search the specs for your phone online to make sure your phone has the correct 900/1800 bands to be used internationally.
- If your cell phone will work in Italy, you can either choose to pay roaming charges with your current provider (which can be expensive), or you can rent or purchase an Italy SIM card and put it into your UNLOCKED cell phone.
- To unlock your cell phone, contact your provider. In virtually all cases, US carriers will provide you with the unlock code as long as you have been a customer for at least 60 days.
Italian SIM Cards
There are two Italian SIM cards currently being sold in the US and Canadian markets – TIM and Uno Mobile (Vodafone). Here are the main differences between the two:
- The Uno Mobile SIM card is already registered (no passport information required), has English prompts and customer service. The rates are as follows; free incoming, 0.09 Euros per minute for calls within Italy and 0.35 Euros per minute calling to the US or Canada.
- The TIM service offers free incoming calls, 0.55 to call to North America and local calls vary depending on the “profile” you get. Furthermore, you need to scan your passport in order to activate your SIM card.
As the Uno Mobile SIM card was created for the English-speaking traveler to Italy, it much more convenient than other services and less expensive to use. It is available online through CellularAbroad.
Renting/Buying an Italian cell phone
If you travel to Italy frequently or if you plan to be in Italy for more than 30 days, purchasing an Italian cell phone from CellularAbroad bundled with a prepaid SIM card is an economical option for staying in touch locally and internationally.
- Cell phone instructions, prompts, and live customer service are all in English.
- Incoming calls and voicemail are free.
- Minutes can be added to the phone four different ways: prior to departure from the U.S.; by contacting CellularAbroad from Italy; by texting a code on the phone; or at various storefront locations in Italy.
Renting an Italian cell phone, also available through CellularAbroad, is a smart alternative, especially if you plan to be in Italy no longer than 14 days.
Whether you decide to purchase or rent a phone, you can receive it via UPS prior to departure and it will be ready for immediate use upon arrival in Italy; the cost of the purchase/rental includes one initial call credit voucher worth 28 international minutes or 112 local minutes.
Mobile Hotspot
Another great new option for staying connected while traveling is renting an Italy MiFi device through CellularAbroad. This device provides mobile WiFi access nearly everywhere you go in Italy and unlimited data. If you’re an iPhone user and wish to use your phone in Italy, Italy MiFi will save you money in excess data charges! The device can be used with up to five devices–ideal if you’re renting a villa with friends and family. The MiFi is slightly smaller than a cell phone and has a rechargeable battery life of approximately 4 hours.
- The MiFi allows you to use your iPhone for surfing, roaming, and posting unlimited photos.
- Avoid paying for wireless anywhere you’re staying, or having to coordinate with the hotel front desk to set up access.
Photo courtesy of ElvertBarnes@Flickr
Best Markets in Europe
If you want to truly live like a local in Europe, go shopping! Join the natives buying their daily produce, cheese, bread, fish, fowl, and meat and you’ll get an authentic glimpse of people living life well and enjoying a sense of community. Here are three of our favorite markets in Europe—plus villa picks nearby.
Barcelona – Mercat de la Boqueria
The historic Mercat de San Josep de la Boqueria market is a large public market in the Ciutat Vella district. Truly a feast for the senses, la Boqueria offers all varieties of produce, from fruits and vegetables, to candy and pastries. It has an entrance from Las Ramblas, a long tree-lined pedestrian mall between the Barrio Gótico (Barcelona’s 14th century Gothic quarter) and El Raval. There are hundreds of vendors and a handful of unassuming (but delicious) food stalls for a quick bite. It’s open everyday, 8 AM – 8:30 PM.
Villa Pick – Pedrera
Live like a Local in Barcelona!
Located in the elegant Passieg de Gracia neighborhood, Pedrera is a 2-bedroom apartment within walking distance of the Gothic Quarter (Las Ramblas and La Boqueria). Access to bus and metro lines is 100 meters away. French doors open onto a small terrace—a perfect spot for breakfast or an aperitif.
Rome – Campo dei Fiori
The daily Campo dei Fiori market (held everyday except Sunday in the center of Piazza Campo dei Fiori) is Rome’s oldest. There has been a market in this location for centuries. It offers the best fish and bread in the city, as well as picturesque piles of fruits and vegetables, flowers, and fragrant ethnic spices. You can also find kitchen wares, linens, and toys. We suggest you visit early (the market opens at 6:00 AM), before most tourists are out and about and the majority of customers are Romans.
Villa Pick – Campo dei Fiori – Antonius
Live like a Local in Rome!
Piazza Campo dei Fiori is just a 2-minute walk away from Antonius, a 2-bedroom apartment (sleeps 4-6) in a restored 18th century building. Imagine taking a pre-breakfast stroll to the market for fresh fruit and bread! Also within convenient walking distance are the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain.
Aix-en-Provence – Plâce Richelme
The daily market on Plâce Richelme overflows with the abundance of the Provençal countryside. For locals, shopping at the market is a daily ritual. As with all farmers’ markets, plan on visiting early when selection is at its best and your fellow shoppers are natives, not tourists. The Plâce Richelme offers beautiful, locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as cheese, bread, cured meats, and some of the best olives you will ever taste.
Villa Pick - Maison Perspicace
Live like a Local in Aix-en-Provence!
Maison Perspicace is just 5 km from Aix-en-Provence in the village of Les Milles. It has 4 bedrooms (sleeps 7-9) and a beautiful swimming pool—ideal after a full day trip to Marseille (30 km ) or Avignon (90 km).
Photo of la Boqueria courtesy of Klearchos Kapoutsis @ Flickr
Photo of Campo dei Fiori courtesy of diluvi @ Flickr
Photo of Plâce Richelme market courtesy of anjci @ Flickr
Italy’s Blue Flag Beaches
The Blue Flag is an eco-label awarded to the cleanest, safest beaches with good environmental track records. Owned and run by the non-profit organization Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Blue Flag campaign supports sustainable development at beaches and marinas, monitoring standards in water quality, education, environmental management, and public safety in 41 countries across Europe.
Here are some of our favorite Italian award-winning beaches and marinas in Tuscany (Forte dei Marmi, Pietrasanta, and Viareggio) and Campania (Positano)…plus villa picks nearby:
Tuscany – Blue Flag Beaches in Forte dei Marmi, Pietrasanta, and Viareggio
About the area: If you avoid the August crowds, Forte dei Marmi (or simply “Forte”) is a fashionable, low-profile beach town with a beautiful Blue Flag beach and enticing shops located approximately 1.5 hours NW of Florence. It’s chic, but understated. The beach is accessible via bathing clubs; Alaide and Capri are family-run. Bike rentals are available at Cicli Maggi, a bike shop founded in 1916. It’s a pleasurable spin to nearby Pietrasanta (the medieval town; 3 km inland) and Marina di Pietrasanta (the port), where you can sample renowned biscotti at Fortini and visit marble sculptors’ studios. Viareggio, also a Blue Flag award-winner in 2010, is the main center on the northern Italian riviera. Although very crowded in August (like all beaches in Italy!), it has a beautiful port and historic center, as well as convenient train service to all of Italy’s major cities. Here, sample one of our favorite Versilian specialities: cecina, a chickpea pancake.
Villa picks in Tuscany:
Casa Pietrasanta offers a lush countryside setting with easy access to Pietrasanta (3 km), Forte dei Marmi (10 km), and Viareggio (12 km). It sleeps 6-7, has a swimming pool, and is furnished in an elegant, rustic style.
Tuscany villa with views of Versilian coastline.
Villa Maria is a spacious villa for 6-8 people with pool 3 km from the beach in Viareggio, 13 km to Forte Marmi, and 9 km to Pietrasanta. It’s also 1 km from the village of Piano di Mommio, which offers a good selection of services, and is only 20 km from the beautiful walled city of Lucca.
Campania – Blue Flag Beaches in Positano
About the area: Positano is one of the jewels of the Amalfi Coast. It’s an unbelievably picturesque fishing village and has a Blue Flag beach (Spiaggia Grande; pebbled) and port. There are many charming outdoor cafés and narrow, cobbled alleys and endless staircases to meander. Typical fare highlights all types of seafood and local produce such as lemons, peppers, and tomatoes. Don’t miss the anchovies with mint and garlic! Other popular beaches include Fornilla, La Porta, and Arienzo. There’s also an incredible trail that starts in the mountains above Positano called Il Sentiero degli Dei (Trail of the Gods). It follows a high ridge and ends in Vietri sul Mare, east of Positano.
Villa Picks in Campania:
Brezza di Mare is a charming one-bedroom villa in the village of Montepertuso—a 10-minute shuttle bus ride to Positano. It has a large, private terrace with views of the sea.
Positano villa with views of the sea.
Casa Luna is a 2-bedroom apartment within walking distance of Positano. It has a garden terrace, fragrant with jasmine, that overlooks the sea and village.
Finding the right flight: Part 2
When it comes to searching online for airfare to Europe, it’s tough to know where to begin in an ever-expanding sea of travel sites. Here, in part 2 of our 2-part guide to finding the right flight online, we cover the best resources:
First stop: Matrix. This is ITA Software’s public airfare search engine, and it also happens to power many popular travel sites and airlines’ reservation systems. What you can’t do with Matrix: Purchase tickets directly. What you can do: Download a mobile airfare shopping app for iPhone or Android called OnTheFly. Use an interactive calendar to explore date ranges. Refer to color-coded time bars to compare flights at a glance.
Like Matrix, Fly.com, Kayak.com, and Bing.com are so-called metasearch engines. This means you can enter your search criteria in one place and simultaneously get results indexed from multiple engines. These sites are highly efficient, but again, you can’t book tickets directly. Here’s how the three sites are different:
–Fly.com indexes just flights: its data comes from airlines and major travel sites (including discount and international flights, online travel agencies, and airfare consolidators).
–Kayak.com also indexes flights—plus hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages.
–Bing.com is slightly different in that it’s an actual search engine, or “decision engine”, in Microsoft’s words. Its travel search tool, Bing Travel, includes the cool bonus of offering price predictions for each fare (Is the fare likely to go up or down?)
Cheapoair.com functions similarly to the other metasearch travel engines in that results are culled from multiple data resources and reservation systems, but it’s a one-stop shop: Tickets can be booked directly though Cheapoair.com, either online or by phone, 24/7. Its also a full-service travel agency, with deals on hotels, vacation packages, car rentals, and airport parking.
Momondo.com is a great bet for finding cheap airfare to and within Europe. This Denmark-based aggregator indexes more than 450 travel sites—including major booking engines, airlines, and discount European airlines (an inexpensive choice if you don’t mind making a connection and possibly paying additional baggage fees). It also features city guides and a traveler blog.
Yapta.com will actually help you to pinpoint the best time to book by tracking fluctuating prices, and even better, enable you to take advantage of many U.S. airlines’ “guaranteed airfare policies”. According to this policy, if the price of flight you’ve already booked goes down, you may be eligible for a refund. Yapta will track the price of a flight you’ve booked, and alert you if it drops below the purchase price. Word to the wise: Refunds apply only if you book directly through the airline!
Along similar lines there’s Airfarewatchdog.com. What makes this site unique is its staff of dedicated “Dealhounds” (yes, real people!) who are literally sniffing out the fare sales for you. You pick your home airport, and then Airfarewatchdog.com will email you when prices go up or down.
Also worth a mention is InsideTrip.com. It’s an airfare search engine, but it’s unique because each itinerary is awarded a TripQuality score based on 12 criteria: security wait time; legroom; aircraft type; aircraft age; historical load factor; connect time; routing quality; lost bags rank; and gate location. In addition, it provide a FinalAirfare calculation—an estimate of bag and drink fees prior to departure.
Finally, if all of this just sounds like way too much work, consider Tripology.com. This is a free service that puts you in touch with certified Travel Specialists: By submitting a Trip Request online you’ll receive up to 3 Customized Trip Itineraries; you then select the one you want and book your trip.
Photo courtesy AMagill @ Flickr
