Category Archives: Italy up close

The View from Villa Capodimonte

Posted on October 26, 2011 by

High above the town of Positano, there is an extraordinary villa that we would really love to show you.  You enter from the panoramic road that winds its way along the coast, arriving on a private parking terrace that accommodates … Continue reading →

Posted in Amalfi Coast and the Islands, Italy up close | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Napoleon takes Capri from Villa del Re

Posted on October 21, 2011 by

In October of 1808, the forces of Napoleon Bonaparte were successful in defeating the British garrison on the island of Capri and thus securing the trade routes around Naples for the Emperor. The military operation was supervised from the terrace … Continue reading →

Posted in Amalfi Coast and the Islands, Italy up close | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Borgo Casciano in the Heart of Chianti

Posted on October 18, 2011 by

We recently stayed at Borgo Casciano, a brand new renovation of a cluster of farmhouses in the heart of the Chianti region of Tuscany. It’s located between the towns of Mercatale and San Casciano in the luscious Val di Pesa. … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy up close, Tuscany | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Hard Rock Cafe Comes to Florence

Posted on October 15, 2011 by

We didn’t think we would make it to the Hard Rock Cafe on this trip to Italy, but decided that a visit would be interesting. Although it’s not our priority to seek out an American meal while in Italy, we … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy up close, Tuscany | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Spello casts its spell

Posted on October 3, 2011 by

There is no such thing as the ideal or most charming Italian village. But you would have to admit–Spello in Umbria comes pretty close. As one of “Italy’s most charming villages”, Spello puts on a magnificent show whenever you might … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy up close, Umbria | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Story of Sosta del Duca

Posted on August 19, 2011 by

Click here to visit the apartments at Sosta del Duca Sandra and Riccardo grew up as sister and brother on the outskirts of San Gimignano, the fabled towered city of Tuscany. For them, there were so many beautiful country paths … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy up close, Tuscany | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

30 Days on the Road in Italy…Day 25: Ispica

Posted on July 20, 2011 by

Come with us as we explore Italy and check out properties for Gira! Italian Vacation Rentals. Today we depart from Ortigia, and are under the spell that Sicily has woven for us.  The modern A18 autostrada takes us most of … Continue reading →

Posted in 30 Days on the Road in Italy, Italy up close, Sicily | Leave a comment

30 Days on the Road in Italy…Day 23: Catania

Posted on March 11, 2011 by

Come with us as we explore Italy and check out properties for Gira! Italian Vacation Rentals. Today we rise at 4:00am to make the big jump to Sicily.  We have mapped everything out carefully, getting lots of advice from our … Continue reading →

Posted in 30 Days on the Road in Italy, Italy up close, Sicily | Tagged | Leave a comment

30 Days on the Road in Italy…Day 22: Rome

Posted on February 6, 2011 by

Come with us as we explore Italy and check out properties for Gira! Italian Vacation Rentals. Although rain is expected today, it doesn’t dampen our determination to see the beautiful Villa Borghese. To get into this fabulous museum, it’s necessary … Continue reading →

Posted in 30 Days on the Road in Italy, Italy up close, Rome and Nearby | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

30 Days on the Road in Italy…Day 21: Rome

Posted on January 29, 2011 by

Come with us as we explore Italy and check out properties for Gira! Italian Vacation Rentals. Denise, who manages apartments in Rome, calls and asks “Can you meet me on the Via Margutta at 11:00am?” She asks if we know … Continue reading →

Posted in 30 Days on the Road in Italy, Italy up close, Rome and Nearby | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment