Five Reasons to Rent a Holiday Home in Italy

Next time you are heading over to Italy, instead of booking yourself into a hotel, why not think about renting an apartment when visiting Italy's capital. Here are five reasons why you should look at renting a holiday home in Rome.

Cost
It is much cheaper to rent accommodation than stay in a hotel especially if there is a large group of you. You can get an apartment/villa with bedrooms plus a kitchen and lounge whereas for the same price in a hotel, you would just have the bedroom. Sometimes it can work out as much as 50% cheaper renting accommodation than going for a hotel, especially if you go off peak. Holiday owners will want to fill up their flat/house as they incur costs as well.

Eat when you want
You are not bound by the meal times at the hotel. You can buy food from the local markets from wherever and whenever you want. If you choose to make an Italian meal for your housemates, you can do so and you have a kitchen and lounge to host them.

Fun for the whole family
If you have children, renting a holiday home means you don't need to worry about the kids causing a scene in the hotel restaurant. Of course if your children are well behaved, this is not an issue, but you do not have to worry about whether the hotel is child friendly or not and the kids will also have more freedom to do what they please. If you have pets, some holiday homes will allow you to bring them with you for the duration of your stay.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do
Renting an apartment in Rome gives you access to the main tourist attractions but also lets you enjoy your stay as if you lived there. You get to live with Italian neighbors, be part of their community, maybe if you are lucky, get invited over for an authentic Italian meal.

Flexibility
Unlike the package holidays, there is no set schedule when renting a holiday home. You choose when you want to get up, go and visit the sites, when to eat your meals. You are in control of your holiday and why shouldn't you be, you have worked hard for it.
There are a number of reasons for renting Rome accommodation apartments instead of the usual trend of staying in a hotel. Make sure you research the holiday you want to ensure you have the vacation of a lifetime.

Robin is a freelance travel blogger, writing about places to visit in Europe and renting apartments in Paris, Rome and London.

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Vegetables and Genitalia in The Italian Language

Languages sometimes are very funny. We had Italian friends from Naples staying over during the weekend, and I took advantage to become more acquainted with bad words and politically-incorrect Italian idioms.

You might think why a lady like me should have such necessities, as foul language is certainly misconstrued and would level me with the uneducated ones, also degrading my entire family and friends up to the fourth generation! After all, polite New England ladies know what's best. Ok, enough of the Jane Austin parade.

Even if we were to live the 19 hundreds all over again, I'd be counting among the irreverent ones, because I find bad words to be just hilarious! They are funny, liberating, witty, and Italian has about 7 million of them! Gosh I wish I were born in Italy, commanding the language like those ten-year-olds across my house. When I hear them say some "parolaccia", which means "bad word", I always jot down whatever I can understand, then ask my children or look it up on the Internet, hoping Google will correct my bad spelling.

Idioms are the funniest and I find that the top of the chart is taken by words that describe female and male genitalia. There is a whole wide variety of about 60 words for the male sex organ and around 90 for the female one! At least, this is what Benigni says, and I tend to trust him. It must be said that he astounds the majority of Italians, who can nevertheless manage more than 30 idioms for each sex.

I will not list the strong words here, but just those that refer to vegetables and cute animals. Why vegetables and cute animals? I have my theory. Somehow, associating vegetables and cute fauna with sex organs has made it easier for Catholic Italians to talk about them in colloquial terms, without having to use uncomfortable scientific words. On the other side, strongly sexually charged words may not be proper, especially for children, therefore little animals and veggies came to the rescue.

All in all, a little cute sparrow cannot remind of sex. The female sex is called "Passera", or "Passerina" or "Passerottina" for kids, which means little sparrow. Just as a little pea pod cannot be associated to nothing else than the baby male organ, "Pisellino". However, growing up he will have his pea pod replaced by a cucumber. That is what the adult male sex is called, a "Cetriolo"! But females growing up leave the fauna world for the flora, and their "Passerina" gets replaced by a "Patata", or potato. But female babies can have a "Patatina", or a small potato.

Cucumbers and birds have little in common, but somehow adult male genitalia are also called "Uccelli" or birds. Maybe as a reminder that one day they all came from a "Passera". Which reminds me that Italians also call that a "Gattina" or kitty, something English speaking folks are more familiar with.

Somehow birds and female genitalia are related in Italy, since another word for the adult sex is "Tacchina" or hen. But I might have to take that back, since it is also often referred to as a female mouse, or "Topa".

Male organs are more in tune with fruit and vegetables. The "Banana", same as in English, is another synonym for the "Cetriolo". But again comes an animal to make me take back what I just said, since men also have the "Pesce", or fish. Care to mention some species? You may call it an "Anguilla" or eel. Which reminds me of a snake, indeed "Serpe" is another name. Nevertheless, fava beans are in the game too, albeit with the entire pod, giving males a "Fava".

My Neapolitan friends also told me that it can be called a Babà which is a typical pastry from Naples (see picture). And to end on a sweet note for females too, I'll add the last cute name. "Fragolina" or strawberry, my favorite.

There are many more, of course; hundreds, if you also add regional variations and recent additions, but I guess this will give you a good insight. Beware of these words when you are speaking Italian or are in Italy.

Never complain out loud at the restaurant when your boyfriend eats your strawberry sitting on the piece of cake!

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Romantic Places to Spend Valentine's Day in Italy

"Amore" is in the air everywhere in Italy. Its beautiful cities, lovely countryside, gorgeous coastline, and charming Italian villas are just waiting to serve as the perfect backdrop to the most romantic Valentine's Day you may ever spend in your life. Forget France, Italy has as much to offer if not more, for the hopeless romantics of the world looking for Valentine's Day getaways.

In terms of sheer beauty, few places can beat Italy's simply stunning Amalfi coast, with its many charming towns and gorgeous beaches. For a truly romantic and special Valentine's Day, book a room in Il San Pietro Di Positano. Every room in this hotel, which seems to have been carved into the jagged cliffs, boasts breathtaking views from a private terrace. Depending on the room type, prices can range between 420 and 980 Euros per night. You will have to book well in advance if you want to spend Valentine's Day in this hotel, but no worries. There are many lovely Italian villas, just as stunning, available on the Amalfi coast in which to celebrate Valentine's Day.

The radiant beauty of Lake Como managed to charm the charmer himself, actor George Clooney, who settled down near this lovely body of water. For your Valentine's Day stay, you may want to book a room in the lakeside Grand Hotel Tremezzo, which offers stunning views of the Grigne Mountains. Depending on the type of accommodation you desire, rooms run about 250 to 1,500 Euros and should be booked well in advance of a planned stay.

With its beautiful bridges and lovely buildings, Venice is one of the best cities in the world for a Valentine's Day getaway. Although a gondola ride through this city's canals may sound corny, it is still such a wonderful, romantic way to spend time with a lover. In addition, Venice is filled with cute little restaurants and lovely hotels full of character. Unfortunately, Venice does have some drawbacks. Lovers will need to book hotels well in advance of Valentine's Day, since in some years the city's Carnevale celebration may be going on at the same time. If so, rooms will be even more expensive and harder to get than usual. Try looking for Italian villas in the area, as well, which may be cheaper and easier to find than a hotel room.

Tuscany is yet another very romantic place perfect for a Valentine's Day celebration. It boasts beautiful rolling hills, scenic countryside and the area is especially known for having great Italian villas for rent. Lovers can choose to take a cooking class together in this region, which is famous for its delicious cuisine, or spend a day admiring artwork in Florence. More active types may want to climb up the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which costs 15 Euros, or soak in one of the area's hot springs. “Vino” lovers will find a large number of wineries to visit. Whatever the fancy, Tuscany offers couples plenty of ways to celebrate their love together.

Though all did not end well with Romeo and Juliet, romantics are still drawn to Verona and the home that supposedly belonged to the doomed Juliet. It is from this home's balcony that Juliet cried out to the night for her love, Romeo. A ticket to visit this house is 6 Euros. Afterwards, you and your loved one can walk through the city's plazas and streets or hire a horse-drawn carriage near the Roman Arena to take you on a romantic ride. At the end of the day, retire to a lovely Italian villa, which is the perfect way to end a lovely day in this very romantic city.

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A Guide to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy

Located on a peninsula in the Mediterranean, Italy has a long and glowing history. For those staying at one of the many fabulous Italian villas/Hotels or seaside resorts, some of the best Italian holiday ideas include visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites like these:

Agrigento - A leading ancient Greek city in southern Sicily dating from the late 500s BC. Spectacular Agrigento is near two rivers and also looks over the sea. Much of the historic town and elaborate temples for Greek gods are still intact today. The structures are impressive and excavation continues.

Amalfi Coast - This coastline is included in the lists of World Heritage sites because of its natural Mediterranean seashore beauty and its towns and settlements that hold true to traditional culture. Art and architecture is carefully preserved in villages that are adapted to the terrain like Ravello and Amalfi.

Assisi - The first known settlers in Assisi were the Umbrians in about the year 1000 BC. The hilltop town is located below Subasio Mountain. Assisi was the hometown of Saint Francis, who founded his Fransiscan Order of monks in 1208 AC. The large, famous church built in his honour was finished in 1253.

Caserta Royal Palace Complex - The vast grounds and palace were started in 1752 by Charles the VII of Naples. The Enlightenment style architecture of the palace complex was the work of the talented Luigi Vanvitelli. Lavish interiors greet the eye. The surrounding parklands, pools and forest are all beautifully maintained.

Castel del Monte - In Andria of southeast Italy, Emperor Frederick II constructed the castle in the 1200s combining Gothic, Islamic and Oriental influences in the architecture. The precise geometric shape and structure of the military stronghold stands proudly today on its hill near Santa Maria del Monte's monastery.

Florence's Historic District - Rome colonized the town in 59 BC, called Florentia. Florence became a leading city of the Renaissance in the 1400s and 1500s showcasing works of greats like Botticelli, Giotto and Michelangelo. The incredible medieval architecture of Florence is seen in buildings such as the Church of Santa Croce.

Pompeii and Herculaneum - In 79 AD, the killer volcano Vesuvius erupted over Pompeii and the nearby resort town of Herculaneum. Pompeii was more damaged than Herculaneum and both have been extensively excavated, especially Pompeii. The towns were discovered in the 1700s.

Rome City Centre - According to legend, Rome was founded in the mid-700 BC by Remus and Romelus. The capital of the Roman Empire and the historic headquarters of the Catholic Church, Rome has hundreds of well-known buildings, structures and monuments. Incredible art is seen in constructions built through the centuries like bridges, columns and palazzos.

Venice - In the 400s, Venice was built on almost 120 small islands, the metropolis is a maze of valuable historic architecture. It was also a maritime power in the 900s and is known for its lagoon and canals today that are teeming with water vessels of all types.

Verona - An ancient city with amazing architecture from various periods over the last 2000 years, Verona in northern Italy was inhabited by tribes for hundreds of years. Then, in the first century BC it was colonized by Rome. The town is famous as the place that inspired Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet.

Conclusion
The world treasures described above provide a wealth of education about Italy and the world in general. Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country on the globe. Nothing can beat a first-hand look and exploration of these locales.

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Cruising Italy

When thinking about holiday ideas, individuals should consider the vast amount of options for travelling in and around Italy. Cruises are a great option for seeing many of the sites around the coast line of Italy, as well as inland through day trips. It is possible to stay at Italian villas before or after a cruise to see more of the Italian countryside. Imagine being able to see the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas, as well as the beautiful Italian coast line, from the balcony of a cruise ship.

There are many cruises around Italy that travellers might be interested in enjoying. Venice and Rome are major ports of call in the country of Italy, so expect many cruises to either begin or end in these locations. Once you are in Venice or Rome, you can begin cruising to a number of destinations in Italy.

There are short cruises, generally lasting two to three days, down each vertical coast of Italy. From Venice you can cruise down the Eastern coast to such locations as Ancona and Pescara. Ancona is a port town that has many restaurants and an easily navigable downtown area for dining and shopping. Pescara is Abruzzo's largest city and is known for its beautiful beaches. Many of these shorter cruises end up at the tip of Italy or in Sicily, which attracts visitors due to its rich history and cuisine.

Short cruises on the Western coast of Italy, departing from Rome, stop in such destinations as Palermo, Naples and Portofino. As Rome is located in the middle of the coast line, many cruises circle up around the city when travelling around Italy. Day trips in Palermo include such activities as touring ancient palaces, churches, and castles. Naples is a beautiful destination known for shopping and dining. In Portofino visitors can visit fine dining establishments and take scenic walks in the protected natural areas around the city.

Travellers can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for a short Italian cruise (2-3 days). This depends on the type of accommodations desired, as they range from budget to luxurious, as well as the current deals available through cruise lines. There are many cruises that stop at many different locations, so it is recommended that travellers talk to travel agents and do research before purchasing tickets for this type of holiday.

In addition, there are also longer cruises that visitors can enjoy while holidaying. Longer cruises circle the entire coast line of Italy, even sometimes extending into neighbouring countries such as Greece, Turkey and Croatia. Longer cruises last anywhere from 5 to 20 days and can cost anywhere from $5,000 to over $20,000, depending on the type of travel and itinerary desired.

A common stop includes Sicily, where visitors can take in the rich history, art work, and delicious cuisine. Other stops in Italy can involve day trips through the Tuscan countryside, visits to specialists in cured meats in Salermo, and the Leaning Tower in Pisa. Examples of stops in other countries include Dubrovnik, Croatia, which has marble walls, streets, and a glowing presence, while Santorini, Greece offers surreal cliffs, white buildings, and spectacular sunsets.

No matter which type of cruise travellers choose to partake in Italy, they are likely to have a lovely holiday adventure. Italy is known for being a romantic country, so many honeymooners choose cruise options for their special trip. Travelling around the coast of Italy provides a unique perspective of the regional differences and variety of experiences available in Italy.

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A Traveler's Guide to Palermo

Tucked into Sicily's northern coast on the Tyrrhenian Sea, the capital city of Palermo is an enticing jewel in Sicily's crown. The look of this exotic city combines European and Asian flavours, as ornate Arabic and Baroque styles contribute to the impressive architecture.

To get to the genesis of Palermo's history, reach back to the 8th century B.C., when it was settled as a port. In fact, its original name, coined by the Greeks, was "Panormos," which means "all port." Control of Palermo shifted from the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians to the Greeks, then the Arabs to the Normans. The history of many of these controlling civilizations can still be seen in its buildings; sometimes, many coexist on the same structure.

While organized crime is, unfortunately, entrenched in Palermo's history, it has been on a downswing since the turn of the 21st century. After key Mafia leaders and players were either arrested or otherwise deposed, the influence of the organization has experienced a significant change.

Palermo residents unite every year in early July to celebrate the feast of their patron saint, Saint Rosalia, a 12th century hermit credited with easing Palermo's terrible plague of 1624. The faithful process a statue of the saint through the streets while celebrations of food and music consume the area.

The city's Arabic past comes to life in the Vucciria. A market reminiscent of the casbah, it is the busiest market in Palermo. The buzz of the shoppers blends with the scent of spices and fruits in the scorching heat to make a truly unique treasure-hunting experience in the ruins of the Loggia district.

Visitors who love churches and cathedrals are spoiled for choice in Palermo. Palermo Cathedral, officially known as Saint Mary of the Assumption, is a grand marriage of Norman, Byzantine, Arab, Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architectural styles. Its tombs are the final resting place for Saint Nicodemus, Frederick II of Sicily, and Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI, among many others. The frescos on the ceiling of Santa Caterina are illusionistic, to go along with the rest of this visually impressive church. The Basilica of the Holy Trinity, commonly called the Magione, has a heavy Norman exterior which is softened by surrounding palm trees.

San Giovanni degli Eremiti was built on the grounds of a mosque in the 12th century. Easily recognizable by its red domes, "Saint John of the Hermits" features a Latin cross plan and a lush garden in its elegant cloister.

The Capuchin Catacombs make for an eerily fascinating diversion. The 8000 mummies inside range from monks to friars to surgeons to sculptors.

Palermo's famous opera house is Teatro Massimo, on the Piazza Verdi. It boasts perfect acoustics and holds the honour of being Italy's largest opera house. If you have seen the movie "The Godfather III," you have seen a bit of its interior as the movie's operatic climax was shot inside.

Even the city's everyday streets, where residents live stacked many stories high in apartments with laundry-draped balconies, are a feast for the senses. The constant hum of vibrant people living their lives under the Sicilian sun is an unforgettable experience for the traveller who enjoys seeing host countries off the beaten path.

Getting to know Palermo at a leisurely pace is easy if you choose to stay in one of the cheap villas nearby. Palermo villas offer the comfort of a hotel with the casual familiarity of a country cottage. When you stay in Palermo like a local, you can fully enjoy the character and history of this ancient and intriguing Sicilian city.

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