Those incredibly sweet days of summer in Italy are just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start planning your perfect summer getaway. What better way to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Italy than by booking a vacation apartment with Italy Perfect? Whether you’re dreaming of sun-kissed beaches in Sorrento, rolling hills in Tuscany or the cultural riches of Florence, Rome or Venice, we’ve selected the most beautiful stays to make your summer getaway unforgettable!

A Stay on the Sunny Sorrento Peninsula

Imagine all the beauty of the picturesque Amalfi Coast without the crowds and that’s exactly what you’ll enjoy at our select Sorrento and Amalfi Coast villa rentals. With a charming seaside setting near Sorrento, a stay at the Vista Galli exudes Mediterranean allure. Need more space for the whole family? Book the Vista Serena + Cottage to have room for up to 12 guests. From its colorful cliffside villages to its crystal-clear waters, the Sorrento coastline is the epitome of summer bliss. Wake up to breathtaking views of the sea and indulge in the region’s delectable cuisine. Let our team help you find the perfect stay for your romantic escape or family adventure in Sorrento or Amalfi Coast!

Plan a perfect summer stay at L’Albero Bello villa.

Soak up the Summer Sun in Tuscany

If you’re craving a relaxing Italian countryside escape, Tuscany is the ultimate destination. With its rolling hills, vineyards and historic villages, Tuscany captivates visitors with its timeless beauty. Italy Perfect’s villa rentals in Tuscany provide the perfect backdrop for a summer retreat. L’Albero Bello is a dreamy spot to lounge by a private pool, sipping Chianti wine as the sun sets over the Tuscan landscape. Or enjoy all the perks of a Tuscany villa vacation with an ideal local very near Florence at the historic Divine Dante in Fiesole. If you’re planning a reunion with friends or a multi-generational family summer vacation, Tuscany’s charm will leave you enchanted.

Enjoy summer at the Concerto in Florence!

Find Your Perfect Stay in Florence

Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is brimming with art, history and culinary delights. From the iconic Duomo to the masterpieces housed in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence offers a feast for the senses at every turn. Our hand-picked apartment rentals in Florence put you in the heart of this vibrant city, allowing you to explore its cobblestone streets and hidden treasures at your leisure. There’s no place better to enjoy summer in Florence than on the beautiful long terrace at the Concerto apartment. The views are magnifico! Or start your day with breakfast on the charming terrace at the Casetta Bonsi just steps from the Ponte Vecchio. Whether you’re a history buff, an art aficionado or a food lover, Florence promises an unforgettable summer escape!

Enjoy your own private Roman rooftop terrace at Giada!

Feel at Home in the Heart of Rome

From the mighty Colosseum to the awe-inspiring Vatican City, Rome is eternally appealing. With ancient ruins around every corner, the city itself is is a living testament to the splendor of the Roman Empire. We have selected the best vacation apartment rentals in Rome that offer a cozy haven amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, allowing you to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Book a sweet stay in our Pasquino apartment very near Piazza Navona or enjoy rooftop views of Rome while sipping Prosecco at the beautiful Giada apartment. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Trastevere or toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain – let Rome capture your heart with its timeless charm this summer!

A stunning Venice view from our Cassia Quattro vacation rental.

A Dream Venice Vacation

Renowned for its romantic canals and ornate palaces, Venice is a city like no other. From gondola rides along the Grand Canal to exploring its maze of alleys and bridges, Venice is the perfect place to lose yourself in Italy’s enchanting beauty. Enjoy a front row-seat of all Venice has to offer from our beautiful Cassia Quattro vacation rental with a stunning private rooftop terrace. Experience the magic of this mesmerizing city up close! Whether you’re savoring fresh seafood in a canal-side trattoria or admiring the golden glow of St. Mark’s Basilica, enjoy a stay in one of our Venice vacation apartment rentals for a summer getaway you’ll never forget.

Enjoy the summer sunshine on the terrace at Casetta Bonsi in Florence.

Summer will be here before you know it and now is the perfect time to book your vacation apartment with Italy Perfect. Dreaming of rolling Tuscan hillsides, exploring ancient Rome or a sunny seaside Spritz? Our careful selected vacation rentals let you experience the magic of Italy like never before. Don’t wait until it’s too late—book now to secure your dates! Contact our team or email us at reservations@italyperfect.com to start planning now.

The post Plan Your Dream Summer Stay in Italy Now appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

Dreaming of a romantic grand tour of Italy? (credit)

While the allure of Italy’s classic romantic cities is undeniable, the journey to explore its heart also beckons us towards lesser-known gems that promise unforgettable experiences. Italy remains simultaneously vivid yet endearingly tender, clamorous yet impossibly elegant, complex yet endlessly welcoming. You can’t help but be swept up into the rhythm of this place and its ability to transform profoundly during even a short train ride. Indeed, Italy’s delightful contradictions may be the very thing that makes it an ideal romantic destination: just enough variety, just enough luxury, just enough adventure.

In this itinerary, we’ll whisk you away to Venice, Florence, Rome and Sorrento, unveiling their enduring attractions while also suggesting off-the-beaten-path treasures in smaller cities and towns. You might find yourselves making little unplanned detours along the way, but doesn’t that just add to the romance of it all? And besides, when you’re with someone you love, you’re never truly lost!

Stop 1: Venice

Venice and romance go hand in hand! (credit)

Joseph Brodsky wrote that “Venice is eternity itself.”  You could certainly spend an eternity in Venice just wandering through narrow streets that beg you to hold onto your loved one’s hand, or exploring the many islands that dot the Venetian lagoon. Whether you’re there for the masks of Carnevale, the art of the Biennale or just to soak it all in, Venice will never fail to seduce you. While you won’t be alone in exploring the city in peak season, you don’t need to walk far to escape the crowds. See the Rialto bridge and sights in San Marco, then spend time wandering the quieter, winding streets of Dorsoduro and Cannaregio.

If you’re flying from abroad, you’ll more than likely arrive in one of the major hubs of Rome or Milan, and catch a connecting flight to Venice. Or if you’re arriving by train, the Santa Lucia station waits in one of the most dramatic scenes you can imagine. Here is where the magic of Venice begins. Once you arrive at the banks of the Grand Canal you’ll forget that the rest of the world exists. You’re in La Serenissima and the rest just slips away. Check out our romantic Venice vacation apartment rentals to plan your perfect stay.

Plan a romantic stay in Venice with Italy Perfect

If you want to explore …

There is a whole world within reach of Venice, including some of the most culturally diverse areas in all of Italy. If you’re on the hunt for something sweet, visit Treviso, the birthplace of tiramisù and home to its own storied canals and craftspeople. Wine lovers will not be disappointed by a day trip to Conegliano, one of the three towns awarded the coveted DOCG status for their Prosecco production. A trip to each takes about an hour from Venice’s main train station and is well worth a detour.

The neighboring Friuli Venezia-Giulia region, also the easternmost point in Italy, may seem to share more in common with Vienna than Rome, but it is distinctly Italian. A trip to Trieste is a chance to taste some of the best coffee in Italy, with the legendary Illy brand headquartered in the heart of the city. Wine lovers will think they’ve discovered treasure in hills of Collio, home to some of the most spectacular vineyards in Europe. And if you should find yourself in the northeastern city of Udine, your ears won’t be playing tricks on you: the local dialect borrows as much from Slavic languages as from Italian, and its all just as lyrical. A trip to Friuli takes upwards of two hours from Venice on the train.

Stop 2: Florence

Stroll over the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. (credit)

Florence, with its Renaissance artistry, intimate streets and the timeless beauty of the Arno River, exudes an unparalleled romantic atmosphere that has inspired lovers for centuries. The Birthplace of the Renaissance is as lovely as you can imagine and full of spots to take it all in. Find a lovely place to enjoy a Spritz, basking in the golden hour as it dapples the roofs and plays tricks on you on the surface of the Arno.

Florence is entirely walkable, and small enough to wander without ever getting too far afield. But between the Boboli Gardens, the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio, you may not even realize that an entire day (or week) has gone by. It’s all a bit better by night, lit up and ever so slightly more magical. If such a thing exists. Check out our Florence vacation rentals to find your own romantic room with a view.

Start your day on the charming terrace at Casetta Bonsi in Florence.

If you want to explore …

Foodies will find paradise in Bologna, home to the oldest university in the world and a vibrant culinary culture. Trains are by far the most efficient way to travel between the two cities, with less than an hour separating the gardens of Florence from the red roofs of Bologna. The latter is teeming with character and bursting with flavors: tuck into handmade tortellini or massive mortadella, and then walk it off hand in hand under the miles of covered sidewalks that make the city feel intimate despite its size. The rebellious soul of Bologna feels light years away from the genteel sophistication of Florence, but the contrast makes each feel even more special.

Explore towns like Perugia on a day trip from Florence. (credit)

Across the border in Umbria, Perugia is one of those places that you’ll want to keep hidden from all of your friends when you come home and they ask for the highlight of your trip. This imposing hilltop city is the home of Umbria Jazz, the yearly festival that fills the streets with music and has hosted some of the most famous musicians in the world. Perugia is also home to Perugina chocolate, whose factory you can visit and learn about the incredible love story at the heart of the company. Don’t forget to pick up some freshly made baci (kisses) from the Perugina store and stick around for the night to watch the sunset over the medieval skyline.

Stop 3: Rome

A roman holiday is perfect for romance! (credit)

No matter how many times you might see it, there’s nothing quite like visiting Rome. Walking through it is a sensory overload in the very best way: every corner of it emanates a beauty that will never be replicated anywhere, at any other time. And there’s much more to see and do than the monuments or museums that you might have learned about in school. Rome is in the midst of its own renaissance, and the city is bursting with new restaurants, museums and experiences that once again prove that eternity really is built on constant reinvention. If you’re already in the mood for love, Rome will sweep you off your feet all over again. When you’re ready to call it a day, head home to a relaxing vacation rental in the heart of Rome.

If you want to explore …

The glow of sunset in Naples. (credit)

Since all roads lead there, Rome is connected to almost every other city in Italy, by either regional trains or the high speed Frecciarossa or Italo trains. One of the most vibrant cities in Italy, Naples is an exciting place to visit. Connected to Rome with high speed trains that take a little more than an hour, Naples hugs its eponymous bay and rises above the hills like a picture frame on the entire Mediterranean. Over the past decade, it’s undergone a significant facelift and has become a fantastic place to visit for day trippers traveling by land or sea. With so much to see, from the Palazzo del Plebiscito to the Spanish Quarter to the hilltop palace of Capodimonte, it’s easy to spend days soaking it all in. If you haven’t quite fallen under its spell, the famous Neapolitan pizza will put you in a delightful trance.

Stop 4: Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast

Enjoy all the allure of the Amalfi Coast. (credit)

With a captivating blend of natural beauty, culture and unparalleled romance, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast are the perfect final stop. This coastal haven is a dream backdrop for a romantic stay with its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters and picturesque villages clinging to the mountainsides. Stroll hand in hand along the winding streets, savoring the aroma of lemon groves and indulging in fresh Mediterranean cuisine. The Amalfi Coast’s charming towns like Positano and Ravello are ideal for sunset dinners overlooking the sea, while Sorrento’s old-world charm adds a touch of elegance. Whether you’re sipping limoncello on a terrace, exploring hidden coves or simply basking in the warmth of each other’s company, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast are an irresistible romantic escape. Looking for more inspiration? Check out our vacation rentals near Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.

Enjoy a romantic garden oasis at our Luna rental near Sorrento.

Ready to plan a romantic getaway in Italy? Contact our team and we’ll help you find the perfect vacation rentals for an unforgettable stay!

The post Our Itinerary for the Perfect Romantic Journey Through Italy appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

Don’t wait too long to book your summer Italy escape!

Are you already dreaming of a vacation in Italy next year? Just imagine leisurely strolls through Renaissance cities, soaking up the sun with a poolside Spritz and simply savoring la dolce vita with friends and family. Perhaps the setting is your own private villa in the rolling hills of Tuscany or overlooking the celebrated Amalfi Coast. Our handpicked selection of gorgeous villas are the perfect setting for your Italy vacation. But don’t wait too long to plan your holiday as many of our properties are already filling up for 2023. And with weather that welcomes from April to November, you can enjoy the Italian sunshine all season long. Book early to get the best pick of dates and then count down the days until your dreamy stay in Italy!

Tuscany Travel Inspiration

Summer at Riposo Verde is a dream!

In a quiet corner of Italy where Tuscany borders the equally beautiful regions of Lazio and Umbria, the small town of San Casciano dei Bagni has been in the news lately after an incredible discovery of Etruscan statues, coins and artifacts. This part of Italy is rich with Etruscan history, and you can enjoy a peaceful stay in the countryside at Riposo Verde, a five-bedroom Italian farmhouse set among 5 acres of beautiful orchards. Have breakfast with vineyard views, relax by the beautiful pool or head into the charming, celebrated historic center of San Casciano dei Bagni nearby.

Enjoy an immersive Tuscan experience at the Maragone Villa, a private five-bedroom retreat situated on a rambling estate just about a 40-minute drive south of Florence. Enjoy your own private pool as well as access to all the fine amenities of the estate, including tennis courts, guided bike tours and excursions, yoga lessons, and traditional cooking courses. There’s even an on-site restaurant with an award-winning chef! Set out to explore the countryside in Tuscany, and don’t forget to stop in Greve and Gaiole to try their famous Chianti wines.

Tranquility in Tuscany at Maragone Villa.

Want a Tuscan villa experience conveniently close to Florence? The stunning Divine Dante is a spacious home set in Fiesole just outside Florence. This five-bedroom villa is full of remarkable history along with modern comforts. It was once the home of Beatrice, Dante’s great love that he wrote about in his masterpiece the Divine Comedy. Reach the center of Florence in 10 minutes by taxi so you don’t have to drive into the city. However, there’s free parking available if you do rent a car for day trips in the Italian countryside.

The beautiful pool at Panorama is waiting for you!

Named for its incredible views over the Val di Nievole (Valley of the Mists), the Panorama is a fine five-bedroom villa nestled in olive groves on a hillside overlooking Montecatini Terme. Relax around the picture-perfect pool or enjoy easy sightseeing in Tuscany thanks to the ideal location between Florence and Lucca.

Southern Italy in Style

Unforgettable Amalfi Coast views from the beautiful Vista Serena villa.

Nothing says summer like the warmth of southern Italy. Enjoy all the beauty of Italy’s breathtaking Amalfi Coast in a tranquil setting at the stunning five-bedroom Vista Serena villa. Nestled in the Sorrento hills, enjoy views of the legendary Li Galli islands of the Sirens and down the coastline. When you’re ready to explore, it’s only about 15 minutes to Sorrento and 30 minutes to either Positano or Nerano, a seaside town with a hidden-away atmosphere and fabulous restaurants. For larger groups, Vista Serena can be rented together with the beautiful properties Vista Galli and Vista Flora located nearby.

Book Italy event dates early in 2023! (credit)

Rome for the Ryder Cup

Italy is set to host its first Ryder Cup golf tournament in autumn 2023 at the beautiful Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Guidonia Montecelio just outside of Rome. Golf enthusiasts have likely already marked their calendars for the 44th Ryder Cup Matches, and our Rome apartments are filling up fast. The tournament is from September 28 to October 1, but we recommend arriving in advance about September 25. If you’re planning a trip to Italy for the Ryder Cup, be sure to book your Rome vacation rental well in advance.

Contact our reservations team on our website or call 1-888-520-2087 to plan your perfect holiday in Italy next year!

The post Plan Your 2023 Italy Vacation Now! appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

What’s the next best thing to traveling to Italy? Well, for us, it’s curling up with a good book that carries you to the rolling hills of Tuscany or the sunny beaches of the Amalfi Coast—for a little while at least—as you turn the pages. Once you’ve planned the perfect Italy trip, enjoy one of these new Italy books to escape to Il bel paese until it’s time to pack those suitcases. These books also make great gifts for those Italophiles in your life this holiday season. For more reading inspiration, check out our recommended books to read before visiting Italy.

 

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How to Be Italian by Maria Pasquale

The cheerful cover of this book is just the beginning of an enjoyable dive into Italian culture by Maria Pasquale, Rome based food and travel writer and author of the lovely I Heart Rome book. In How to Be Italian: Eat, Drink, Dress, Travel and Love La Dolce Vita, Pasquale shares bite sized servings of everything we love about the Italian lifestyle accompanied by beautiful photography. From an inside glimpse of how Italians think about the holidays, language and love to tips on fitting in fashion wise, you’ll enjoy this little tome that is small enough to curl up with and pretty enough for your coffee table.

 

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The Stolen Lady by Laura Morelli

For historical fiction enthusiasts, Laura Morelli is likely already on your radar with her novels that delve deep into Italy’s past – often with an art history theme. While she handles those themes beautifully thanks to her background as an art historian, what really shines through is her love of Italy and unraveling intriguing tales. Start with her most recent release, The Stolen Lady: A Novel of World War II and the Mona Lisa, which follows two women who each hide Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa 500 years apart. Then continue with The Night Portrait: A Novel of World War II and da Vinci’s Italy and The Giant: A Novel of Michelangelo’s David. Visit her website www.lauramorelli.com for even more Italy themed novels and guides.

 

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An A-Z of Pasta by Rachel Roddy

What is an Italian meal without pasta? No ingredient captures the heart of Italian cooking quite like pasta. In An A-Z of Pasta: Stories, Shapes, Sauces, Recipes, Rome based food writer Rachel Roddy digs into Italy’s most essential ingredient. What emerges as you learn about everything from anelli to fusilli, gnocchi, rigatoni and all the way to ziti, is a remarkable story of Italian cooking told uniquely through many different shapes of pasta. But, don’t worry, recipes are included so you can create tempting pasta dishes at home until your travels bring you back to Italy.

 

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Cucina Romana by Andrew Cotto

Everyone who has dreamed of going to Italy and staying there forever will take heart in Andrew Cotto’s Cucina Romana: Another Italian Adventure. Here we pick up again with Jacoby Pines, who set off for Italy on holiday in Cucina Tipica: An Italian Adventure and settled into life as an expat in Tuscany. Now, in Cotto’s latest release, Pines is off on the trail of family ancestry in Rome and, as expected, his travels are full of plenty of food, wine and adventures. Find out more on www.andrewcotto.com and follow along on his own travel and food adventures on Instagram.

 

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Under the Light of the Italian Moon by Jennifer Anton

For a captivating read based on a true story, pick up Under the Light of the Italian Moon by Jennifer Anton. This moving story is set in the small town of Fonzaso in northeast Italy and unfolds over two decades against the rise of fascism and the horrors of WWII. Anton’s deep passion for telling stories of women—especially the ones that are too often forgotten to time—shines through in this novel. She didn’t have to look far as it was the lives of her Italian grandmother and great grandmothers that inspired her to tell this story of women, of resilience and of love. Discover more on her website and Instagram.

 

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South of Somewhere by Robert V. Camuto

For Italian wine enthusiasts—and not only—South of Somewhere: Wine, Food, and the Soul of Italy by Robert V. Camuto takes readers on a journey deep into the tastes and experiences that make Italy such a sensory delight. Camuto starts this journey in his family’s ancestral town of Vico Equense, set in a scenic spot overlooking the sea between Naples and Sorrento. But from there his travels meander through the regions of Abruzzo, Umbria, Campania, Sicily, Basilicata, Puglia and back to Vico Equense. Along the way, you’ll meet generations of people making wine amid the most varied and sometimes unexpected landscapes. Beautifully written with depth and connection but just as accessible for wine novices, South of Somewhere is a book we’d highly recommend to anyone who loves Italian food, wine and culture.

 

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Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci

While Stanley Tucci certainly needs no introduction, his memoir Taste: My Life Through Food is a heartfelt look at his life with a delectable focus. From big Italian American family meals growing up to his successful films Big Night and Julie & Julia to family cooking and gastronomic adventures around the world, it’s a joy to read from start to finish. Perfect if you loved his CNN series Searching for Italy and are looking for more until season two comes out!

 

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Our Italian Summer by Jennifer Probst

For a fun read that will take you back to Italy and those beautiful warm summer days, Our Italian Summer by Jennifer Probst is a great choice. From Rome to Assisi and through the rolling hills of Tuscany, this novel follows three generations of women as they try to reconnect while tracing their family roots. The mother-daughter bonds stretch and grow as the journey leads them not only deep into their family’s history but also closer to one another.

 

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House of Gucci by Sara Gay Forden

While not a new release, The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed by Sara Gay Forden is on our list because of the excitement around the soon to be released film by Ridley Scott starring Lady Gaga and Adam Driver. If you’re a book before the movie reader, you’ll want to get started right away on The House of Gucci, which tells the story of the shocking 1995 murder of Maurizio Gucci, head of the Gucci fashion house, by his ex-wife Patrizia Reggiani. Or pick up a copy to dig in even deeper after seeing the film!

 

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The Monocle Book of Italy

From the publishers of Monocle magazine, The Monocle Book of Italy is perfect for Italy lovers and is much more than a coffee table book even though it is full of gorgeous photography. With Monocle’s distinctive blend of design, architecture, culture, food and current affairs, this stunning book celebrates Italy from all angles. Monocle says, “La dolce vita never looked so good.” We couldn’t agree more.

The post 10 Books to Transport You to Italy appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

Sparkling waters, sun and serenity will enhance your stay at Vista Serena, a new addition to our Amalfi Coast villa portfolio. Marvelously positioned on a hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian sea, the gulf of Positano and Amalfi, Vista Serena is a classically elegant villa in a world-class location between Sorrento and Positano.

We personally choose every property we represent, evaluating each one for location, quality, amenities and value. We could not have been more delighted to discover that Vista Serena measured up, and then some, when we paid a visit to see for ourselves in November. We arrived to sunny fall weather, collectively ooo’ing and ahh’ing over the stunningly beautiful views and the graciousness of the villa. A warm welcome from the caretaker who greeted us with dinner fixings, wine, and fresh fruit from the garden put us in a dreamy state…

With 6 bedrooms, Vista Serena can accommodate a large family or group of friends and can also be rented in conjunction with Vista Flora, located on the same property a few minutes walk along a verdant path. The two houses are separate enough for privacy from each other, but an easy walk between them of less than 2 minutes.

Multiple seating areas to enjoy, whether overlooking the sparkling waters of Tyrrhenian sea to gaze out at I Galli, the trio of small islands, one of which was once owed by Rudolf Nureyev. During summer the pool provides hours of refreshing enjoyment.

We invite you to have a look at the beauty of Vista Serena and contact us about your Amalfi Coast stay.

The post Vista Serena Luxury Villa: Amalfi Coast Gem appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.