Holiday homes in Italy

Great villas and apartments for rent in Tuscany and throughout Italy.

www.belvilla.org

 

Great Italy bargain holidays

Great offers on holidays to Italy and Sicily. Package holidays and self catering.

www.thomascook.com

 

Lovely villas in Italy

Great choice of elegant villas in Tuscany and throughout Italy

www.jamesvillas.co.uk

 

Italy holidays at great prices

Holidays to suit all pockets in Tuscany and Italy. Fly from all main UK airports.

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Cheap package holidays

Amazing holiday prices. From Leeds. M/chester, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Belfast, East Midlands, Blackpool

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Great holiday savings

Great on line savings on holidays. Many destinations. Think Direct -save money.

www.portlanddirect.co.uk

 

Find a different Italy

Beach, cruises, spas. Find a holiday different from your usual package tours.

www.kuoni.co.uk

 

Bargain flights to Italy

From dozens of UK regional airports to favourite Europe hot spots

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Travel with easyCar

Fantastic car hire deals all areas. Airport pick-ups, all major resorts, keen prices

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Cheap flights to Italy

Check our low cost air tickets to Italy. Great offers. Ideal short breaks, self catering

www.flythomascook.com

 

Bargain flights to Italy

From dozens of UK airports. Ideal for self catering, renting villas

www.thomsonfly.co.uk

 

Book Italy excursions, tours

Hundreds of fantastic excursions and tours. Book now for cheaper rates

www.isango.com

 

Cheap holidays worldwide

Cheap holidays, hotels, flights at prices below market average. Take a look.

www.sunshine.co.uk

 

Cheap flights from the UK

Find the cheapest flights from the UK to Europe and worldwide

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Low cost airlines from the UK

Easyjet, Bmi Baby and other low cost carriers. Search cheap flight tickets

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Low cost holidays worldwide

Dozens of locations. All inclusive, half board or self catering. Great value.

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Holiday taxis worldwide

Book your taxi now from the airport to your villa/hotel. Over 3,000 places incl UK

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Airport transfers

Hassle free transfers from airport to your destination. Thousands of venues.

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Airport parking - save 25%

Great savings at all major UK airports. Save up to 25% on turn-up rates.

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Worldwide reliable car hire

From the biggest, most reliable name in rental cars. Special offers.

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Let yourself go

From package ski holidays to short breaks, flights to hotels and car hire.

www.expedia.co.uk

 

 

 

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Find your holiday rental or vacation home
Holiday rentals and vacation homes worldwide
Use our search engine to browse for vacation lets, luxury vacation villas, vacation rentals, self catering vacation apartments and vacation offers

Tuscany farmhouses, cottages for rent >> Umbria holiday homes >>
Holiday rentals in Northern Italy >> Sicily holiday rentals >>

Advert 
Holiday rentals in Tuscany include this cottage in Elba
T-52044-25 La Luna guest assessment ...
Cortona, Tuscany/Elba, Italy
max. 4 persons
 
1 Week from € 905 to € 1777
Fortnight from € 2742 to € 3521
3 weeks from 4197 to € 525
Weekend from € 282 to € 282
L. weekend from € 407 to € 865
Midweek from € 282 to € 865

Read more >>
Here you will find hundreds of Tuscany houses for rent including this lavish property
IT-52047-01 Lucignano guest assessment ...
Pozzo Della Chiana, Tuscany/Elba, Italy
max. 18 persons
 
1 Week from € 5405 to € 7372
Fortnight from € 10776 to € 14710
3 weeks from € 16147 to € 22049
Weekend from € 1783 to € 2515
L. weekend from € 1865 to € 2678
Midweek from € 1661 to € 2312

Read more >>
Here you will find hundreds of farmhouses for rent in Tuscany
IT-58010-07 Piancasale guest assessment 10
Sorano (Gr), Tuscany/Elba, Italy
max. 4 persons
1 Week from € 307 to € 775
Fortnight from € 584 to € 1517
3 weeks from € 862 to € 2259

Read more >>
Here you will find hundreds of cottages for rent in Tuscany including this Fiorentino property
IT-50056-04 Parco guest assessment 10
Montelupo Fiorentino, Tuscany/Elba, Italy
max. 4 persons
1 Week from € 415 to € 816
Fortnight from € 719 to € 1598
3 weeks from € 1063 to € 2381
Weekend from €362 to € 511
L. weekend from € 377 to € 543
Midweek from € 338 to € 471
Here you will find dozens of holiday rentals for villa holidays in Larnaca Protaras, Cyprus

Within walking distance of one of Protaras' golden beaches and a variety of restaurants and bars, is villa Andri. Inside, the property is attractively furnished throughout in a modern and contemporary style, with a light and airy décor. Outside guests can relax by the private pool on the spacious sun terrace and play a game of table tennis. There is also a delightful pergola. Three bedrooms, sleeps six.

From £730

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Villas for rent in Protaras, Cyprus include this holiday rental at Ayios Elias Monteverdi Marittimo

This tranquil, medieval hilltop village is set amid beautiful scenery – surrounded by beautiful woodland and boasting wonderful views over the nearby plain towards the sea. Set in beautiful Tuscan countryside in enclosed gardens, this welcoming two bedroom villa offers a high standard of accommodation throughout. The villa features well appointed furnishings, while outside, a covered veranda features a large farmhouse table, ideal for dining Italian style. A spacious sun terrace and private pool also offer a tranquil location to enjoy the views. It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and sleeps four.

From £459

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This Tuscany villa in mature gardens is just a short distance from the coast

Bibbona, Livorno


Situated just a few minutes’ drive away from the Tuscan coastline, Bibbona is a fantastic base for relaxing on the nearby beaches, or venturing inland to explore the beautiful hills and rolling countryside. This charming villa enjoys a peaceful setting amongst olive groves and vineyards. The villa is located within a short drive of the village of Bibbona, which offers several shops and restaurants, while the coast can also be reached within a 20 minute drive. Mature gardens surround the private pool providing the ideal place to enjoy the tranquillity.

From £1489

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You can enjoy the best of both worlds with this villa holiday in Tuscany.

Donoratico, Bolgheri, Livorno


You can enjoy the best of both worlds at the laid-back resort of Donoratico – lazy days on the golden sandy beaches of the nearby Etruscan coast, and fascinating days out exploring the beautiful scenery and hill towns just inland. This attractive villa is set in a lovely, quiet position surrounded by olive groves on the coastal plain near the town of Donoratico. The villa offers spacious, well kept gardens of lawns and olive trees, as well as a swimming pool and patio area.  Local facilities can be found in Donoratico. A railway station is also located within the town centre. A great sandy beach as well as tourist information and various other facilities can be found at Marina di Castagneto just five minutes further on by car. It has two bedrooms and sleeps four.

From £469.

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This Tuscany villa is located between Florence and Pisa.
Marti, Tuscany

Located between the historic cities of Pisa and Florence, the village of Marti offers a wonderful glimpse of traditional Italian life, and is also the perfect base for exploring this beautiful area on a Tuscany villa holiday. Located in the heart of the quaint village of Marti, this villa has been tastefully decorated throughout and combines the opportunity to experience Italian village life and still enjoy the peace and quiet of a Tuscan villa holiday. The property is set within enclosed grounds where a large private pool and sun terrace boast fabulous views across the countryside while a choice of local amenities are just a stone's throw away. This Tuscany villa has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and sleeps six.


From £569

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Tuscany villa rentals from owners can be good value for money.
Trequanda, Tuscany

Picturesque and tranquil, this typical hilltop town is surrounded by lush forests and vineyards, olive groves and golden fields. The attractive town square, with its beautiful castle, town hall and church is located at the top of the town, with narrow streets, alleyways and medieval covered passages. Set within extensive grounds in southern Tuscany, this charming villa boasts breathtaking views of the countryside and is an ideal base for exploring this beautiful region, home to towns such as Montepulciano, Pienza and Montalcino. This Tuscany holiday villa has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and sleeps up to six.

From £1049

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This apartment for rent in Tuscany is ideal for exploring the area  

Nocciolo, Ghizzano, Tuscany


This tranquil and traditional Tuscan village is located amid beautiful rolling hills and lush countryside. This beautiful Tuscan farmhouse has been renovated into five spacious one and two bedroom apartments and is set along a track road in peaceful countryside surroundings within a fifteen minute drive from the villages of Peccioli and Ghizzano. Nocciolo is located on the first floor and has a door interconnecting to Ginepro, making it ideal for large parties. Outside the communal swimming pool is set within pretty grounds providing a relaxing setting after a busy days sightseeing. This Tuscany holiday apartment comes with one or two bedrooms and sleeps 2-4 people.

From £689

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Italy is a country that blends beauty and history, from the classical cities of Rome and Venice to the undulating hills of Tuscany and the rugged coastline of Amalfi.. Italy boasts soul-stirring cities, world famous art and waist-expanding food and wine. The only difficulty you've got with holidays to Italy  is deciding which slice of this gorgeous country to plump for.
 

You could take the scenic drive along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, and discover Italian gems like Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento or h ike through the breathtaking Tuscany countryside en route to Pisa or Florence. Or maybe give the cities a miss and make for the golden sands gilding the Tuscany Coast?

 

Renaissance heritage is rife, magnificent works of art, sculpture and architecture line the streets of almost every city while medieval hill towns are scattered liberally among the lush fruit groves of orange, lemon, olive and chestnut. Verdant vineyards produce some of the world’s finest wines, and the legendary gastronomic delights of fresh fruit, seafood, pasta and pizza are sure to make your mouth water.

 

You might head to Venice for a romantic gondola ride through its shimmering canals or head to the beaches of the Venetian Riviera or visit one of the greatest cities on earth – Rome, where the Vatican, the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain are waiting to wow you.

If you've been there and done all that, perhaps you're ready to discover a more unspoilt side of Italy. If that's the case, take a look at remote and rugged Calabria or Puglia, a hidden region almost unknown to tourists.

Its food is faultless, its art sublime, and pretty much everywhere you look there's a new sigh-inducing sight to fall in love with. Then you've got island dreams like Sicily and Sardinia to think about, too.

 

Birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is one of the world's most exciting and exuberant cities, with architectural treasures around virtually every corner. It is also blessed with the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding Tuscan countryside.



Lake Garda has long inspired poets. Clear waters, picture postcard scenery, stylish villas and medieval castles all vie for attention. There is literally something for everyone here; from leisurely strolls around the shores and cobbled streets and people-watching from the many lakeside cafes, through to a host of activities and watersports and a variety of theme parks. Whether you choose to stay in the lively south, the lush and hilly heart punctuated by olive and lemon groves, or the spectacular north nestling in the rocky foothills of the Dolomites, you’ll find each resort has its own particular charm.

 

Vibrant Milan – a city at the forefront of fashion and home to some of the world’s greatest art treasures. Cosmopolitan and lively, Italy’s second largest city is a great destination for a break.

 

Naples combines classical history with a charming character and vibrant culture. Overshadowed by Mount Vesuvius, it is not only a fitting base for visiting the ruins of Pompeii, but is also the self-proclaimed birthplace of the original pizza.

 

Nestling along the cliff-tops of the southern-most arc of the Bay of Naples, the Sorrento Peninsula or Neopolitan Riiviera is the largest and most popular of the Campanian resorts. The scenery becomes yet more dramatic on the other side of the peninsular, where the Amalfi drive takes you around tortuous bends and through tunnels in the rocky cliff side to beautiful Positano

 

The ‘Eternal City’ of Rome lives and breathes history. Wherever you look there are reminders of a glorious past, yet it is also very much a city of today,

 

Sicily’s location has led to a wonderful blend of cultures, with an African influence and the evidence of numerous occupations being reflected in the island’s rich mixture of historic sites, architecture, cuisine and local wines. Sicily is still inexpensive in comparison to mainland Italy

 

The setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a romantic city with medieval squares and arched bridges. It’s also vibrant, prosperous and home to a world-famous opera festival.

 

Magical Venice, with its lattice-work of islands, canals and bridges, enchants all those who visit. Its labyrinthine streets, opulent palaces and tiny squares are fascinating to explore

 

 

Beaches

When it comes to a beach holiday in the Med, you don't automatically think of Italy. But there is more to Italy than just Roman temples and Renaissance art. Italy is, in fact, home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the Mediterranean like the Venetian Riviera which boasts miles and miles of golden beaches and lapped by the Adriatic Sea.. Beautiful Sardinia, meanwhile, boasts startling blue waters and eye-popping sands and down in the toe of Italy, in Calabria, you'll find beaches and hideaway grottoes backed by mountains. And let's not forget the Tuscany Coast. It rivals the South of France in terms of exclusivity.

     When you rent a holiday home in Italy through ownersabroad.org, you deal directly with the owner, who is your best source of information for local attractions, restaurants, entertainment near your accommodation in Italy. Local knowledge helps to make the most of villa holidays in Italy.

 

 


Dining out

The birthplace of pizza and pasta, Italy is renowned the world over for its fine cuisine. It's also one of the world's biggest wine producers is known in particular for its light and crisp varieties. The range of eateries available in Italy reflects the national passion for food - from cheap and cheerful 'hosterias' and 'trattorias' to smart and sophisticated 'ristorante', it's hard to find a bad restaurant in Italy.


Dinner, in particular, should never be rushed. You'll often see restaurants full until well after midnight with Italians gathered together sipping 'digestivi' or 'espresso' coffee. Most Italian meals consists of at least three or four courses - 'antipasti' (starters), 'primo' (first main course, usually a pasta dish), 'secondo' (second main course, usually a meat or fish dish) and dessert rounded off with a coffee or a digestive drink such as 'grappa'.


One the culinary joys of travelling through Italy is the regional variation when it comes to food. Whether it's a plate of steaming 'risotto' from the north or a thin and crispy 'pizza margherita' from the south, Italy is a paradise of fresh produce, tempting regional specialities and delicious wines.

With the Adriatic and Italian Lakes offering a wide selection of seafood, fish dishes, rather unsurprisingly, dominate menus in the northeast of Italy. From 'brodo di pesce, a type of fish soup infused with saffron, to 'spaghetti alle vongole', pasta with clams flavoured with a spicy chilli-pepper sauce, there's plenty to tempt you along the Venetian coast.

 

While pasta is eaten throughout Italy, the northeast tends to consume 'polenta', made from maize flour, or 'risotto', the famous Italian rice dish. Risotto comes in a variety of forms such as the staple 'risi e bisi', rice with peas and bacon, or the startling 'risotto alle seppe', rice coloured black with cuttlefish ink. Desserts are just as tempting. 'Tiramisu', literally meaning 'pick me up', is perhaps Italy's most famous sweet and is a rich blend of light marscarpone cheese and sponge fingers soaked in coffee and dusted with chocolate powder. The Veneto also produces large quantities of good quality wines, including the well-known white variety of 'suave' and sparkling 'prosecco'.


While olive oil is used in most Italian cooking, the cuisine of the northwest tends to use butter instead. This has resulted in a range of rich, hearty dishes such as 'fagiano tartufato', pheasant stuffed with truffles and wrapped in bacon, 'pansoti', spinach-filled egg pasta drizzled in a sumptuous sauce made from walnuts, garlic, herbs and ricotta cheese, and 'manzo brasato al barolo', beef loin stewed in red wine and garlic until tender.

 

Two of the region's most well known dishes include 'ossobuco', veal marrowbone dressed with lemon, garlic and anchovies and 'costolette alla milanese', fried veal covered in breadcrumbs. 'Grissini', the long Italian breadsticks, originated in Turin and are now found on nearly every restaurant table in Italy. The lush pasturelands around the Italian Alps produce a host of cheeses including blue veined 'gorgonzola' and creamy 'marscarpone'.


Central Italian food tends to be quite simple, based on peasant cooking that relies heavily on tomatoes, olive oil and beans. Antipasti from this region often include wild boar salami and Parma ham, made from pork reared on the whey left over from Parmesan, the region's most well-known cheese. Pasta dishes are a particular favourite. 'Spaghetti alla bolognese', pasta topped with a tempting sauce of plum tomatoes and ground beef, hails from this area, as does 'cannelloni', pasta tubes stuffed with mince, covered with a cheese sauce and then baked 'al forno'.

 

'Bistecca alla Fiorentina' is popular in and around Florence and is a steak grilled over an open fire that's served with rosemary and bay leaves. The region's vineyards are among the best in the world and yield a wide array of tempting varieties including the fresh Umbrian white, 'orvieto', and the fruity red, 'chianti classico'.
 

Roman cuisine centres around the fresh seasonal produce of the day - rocket leaves in summer, mushrooms in autumn and artichokes in spring. 'Spaghetti all'amatriciana', pasta with tomato, bacon and onions topped with 'pecorino' cheese, and 'tagliatelle alla carbonara', pasta ribbons smothered in a creamy sauce of eggs.

 

Parmesan cheese and bacon, both hail from Rome as does the famous meat dish 'saltimbocca', veal wrapped in ham and sage served with a light gravy. Local white wines include 'frascati' and 'marino' and are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Coffee is a key part of Roman life - breakfast almost always includes a 'cappuccino', a 'caffelatte' in the afternoon while 'espresso' is usually taken after lunch and dinner.
Southern Cuisine


From wafer-thin, mozzarella-laden pizzas, to pasta tossed in rich tomato sauces, from fresh 'caprese' salads to velvety Neapolitan ice-creams, quintessential Italian food tends to come from the south. Rustic yet sumptuous, sourthern cuisine incorporates fresh ingredients expertly blended to make mouth-watering dishes. Try 'maccheroncini con le sarde', sardines, pine nuts, saffron and fennel presented on a bed of piping hot macaroni, or 'pesce spada', a pan-fried swordfish steak served with capers and a squeeze of lemon. 'Spaghetti Nepolitana', pasta with a basic garlic, onion and tomato sauce, is a perfect example of how simplicity often results in the best food.


Shopping


Milan and Rome are internationally renowned as fashion capitals; their shopping streets are lined with smart boutiques and big name fashion houses including Versace, Gucci, Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, Valentino and Prada. Florence has a reputation as a top producer of leatherwork and is well known for its fashion accessories including handbags, shoes, belts and briefcases. The city is also well regarded for its jewellery - many of the workshops overhanging the Pontevecchio house expert goldsmiths.

 

Italy is also a hotbed for interior design and technology. Whether it's cutting-edge chairs by Vico Magistretti, sophisticated tables by Achille Castiglione, classic Venetian glass from Murano and Burano or elegant coffeepots by Bialetti, Italy's creative flair turns mundane, everyday objects into works art. 

 

Some great buys include tall bottles of extra virgin olive oil, large bags of handmade pasta, frosted bottles of Neapolitan 'limoncello' and even blocks of fresh Parmesan cheese. Italian wines are also great value - from full-bodied 'chianti' to sparkling 'prosecco', there's so much to choose from.

 

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