Villa Rentals in Italy

Be sure to try arancini, small rice balls coated in breadcrumbs and fried. They are stuffed with a variety of fillings, like ragù, mozzarella, tomato sauce, mushrooms, béchamel, or peas, depending on the region where you try them. Ossu buco is any meat lover's dream, veal shank braised for hours in white wine before being served with vegetables and gremolata.

And then there's pizza—when in Rome, expect weightier, crispier doughs. Down south in Naples, however, Neapolitan pizza features a very thin crust which puffs around the edges of the dish.

Italy is full of ancient art, and some of the best museums in the world. Popular places include Milan in the north, Florence further south, or Rome near the center. Don’t miss a trip to Venice to see the city on water, or take the kids to the giant aquarium in Genova, a port city. There are plenty of Italy vacation rental options here. Taking a boat in the south will bring you to smaller islands with idyllic towns and beaches.

Vatican City is a must-see for any visitors staying in Italy apartment rentals in Rome. Here you will find St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel. You can tour the grounds on your own or take a guided tour to learn more about the impressive artworks, architecture, and artifacts.

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, one of the oldest museums in the world, is set in a 16th-century palace. The museum houses some of the greatest art of the Western world, including Leonardo’s ‘Annunciation,’ Paolo Uccello’s ‘The Battle of San Romano,’ and Sandro Botticelli’s ‘Primavera.'

Children always enjoy Italy's impressive historical sites. In Rome, guided family tours bring you to the city's historical landmarks, such as the Colosseum and Vatican City. The guides entertain children with fun stories. After the tour, sample some Italian ice-cream to finish off a perfect afternoon. In Florence, special family tours of the Uffizi Gallery are available. The tour Introduces your kids to Italian painting masters, such as Michelangelo, with engaging kids' activities.

For outdoor adventures, head to the beautiful mountainous region of the Dolomites, where numerous hiking trails await. Don't miss Gardaland, considered one of the world's best amusement parks in the country. Nearby, Lake Garda is the area's best spot for a swim. Genoa, on the other hand, is your gateway to the amazing Cinque Terre coastline, where you can hike during the day and spend your evenings on the beach. The Aquarium of Genoa was built to celebrate the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus. This popular aquarium showcases Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Caribbean sea life.

Taking a cooking class is a classic activity for families visiting Italy. Cooking classes often include a visit to the market, learning to make home-made pasta and other dishes, and eating the fruits of your labour. Food makes Italy a favourite destination for families, as the Italians specialize in beloved family dishes, such as pasta, pizza, and ice-cream.

Venice is a must-see destination thanks to its hundreds of canals and lack of cars. The city seems to be suspended in a different century and the architecture alone makes it worth a visit.

In Tuscany, enjoy incredible regional cuisine as well as local wines, ideally tasted while enjoying views of the countryside. In this region you'll also find the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

1. Cortina d'Ampezzo

Located in the heart of the Dolomites in the southern Alps, overlooked by the stunning Cinque Torri peaks, Cortina d'Ampezzo combines excellent skiing and winter sports facilities with a touch of elegance and sophistication. Popular with celebrities, Cortina d'Ampezzo is an ideal destination whether you are a beginner or want to challenge yourself on the more difficult runs used when the town hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics.

The après-ski in Cortina d'Ampezzo is almost as important as the skiing itself, and the pedestrianized Corso Italia is home to designer boutiques, stylish bars, and even a Michelin-starred restaurant.

2. Val Gardena

The neighbouring resort of Val Gardena boasts 160km of ski trails and the first chairlift with heated seats ever installed in Italy! Ideal for families, Val Gardena has plenty of nursery slopes, and the après-ski is more low-key than in some of the larger resorts.

The picturesque village also hosts international ski competitions and holds an annual Christmas market, offering traditional gifts and warming drinks and snacks.

3. Breuil-Cervinia

This picturesque mountain sits close to the border with Switzerland, in the shadow of the Matterhorn. In fact, from Breuil-Cervinia you can take a lift to a trail that will allow you to ski over the international border between Switzerland and Italy.

The network of ski trails reach an altitude of 3,500m at Piccolo Cervino, making this area one of the most reliable for winter snow. Breuil-Cervinia is closely connected to Valtournenche, with the two resorts giving skiers access to the 350km of trails around the Matterhorn. For young skiers, the nursery slopes are outfitted with an unusual Wild West playground.