What else is there to discover in Chianti aside from fine wine?

When you first plan to rent a holiday villa in Italy, you are probably dreaming of days soaking up the warm Tuscan sun and nights sipping on a glass of locally-produced Chianti Classico.

But there is much more to this stunning region of Italy than its fine wines - and you may find that your relaxing break is even better than you may have imagined!

While vineyards and wineries make up an important part of the local culture and you'll no doubt want to spend plenty of time exploring them, you may also wish to examine the other delights Tuscany has to offer.

Chianti is renowned as one of Tuscany's most beautiful areas, with postcard-perfect landscapes that have inspired artists and photographers for many years. The lovely landscapes here are made up of gentle, rolling hills, fragrant olive groves and countryside homes made from stones - keep your camera at the ready to capture the beauty as you pass through this stunning region.

For a close-up look at Italy's exciting past, why not stop at the Basilica of Santa Croce, the world's largest Franciscan church? Located in Florence, this is where some of Italy's most illustrious citizens are buried, including Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Rossini, in a part of the building known as the Temple of the Italian Glories.

You may also wish to pay a visit to the former market town of Greve, which dates back to the Middle Ages. The municipality is most well-known for its unique triangular piazza and is a brilliant place to learn more about the history, art and culture of the Chianti area thanks to its fascinating architecture, museums and galleries.

Nearby, you'll also find several well-preserved castles - many of which are still inhabited as elegant residences today. Originally designed with defence in mind, some of these structures are now famous estates.

No matter where you choose to visit during your time in Italy, when you rent a villa in Tuscany, you are sure to have a brilliant time exploring all the area has to offer. Start planning your stay in Chianti today!




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Location of the Month......

Our location for the month of February and early March must be MATERA in the region of Basilicata, southern Italy. Enchanting, magical, unique and surreal, sad yet deeply spiritual, perfect, mystical, an historical fairytale, haunting and eerie?  There is a tranquil sacredness and stillness when you are here which is only disturbed by the distant sound of a vespa or perhaps the intensity of the midday sun.  Matera shows how creative, clever and able man was and still is, managing to create a city out of a rocky ravine and transforming a landscape into living architecture. However Matera also shows the other side of man, uncaring and blind, becoming Italy's great scandal.

Matera has been loved by poets and film directors alike, from the writings of Carlo Levi to Pasolini, Rosi, Tornatore, The Taviani brothers and Mel Gibson to name but a few, each commenting on it undisputed standing amongst the best.  This is truly a place to visit and to fully appreciate this sacred place we suggest a local guide to take you round and discover its true soul. Here are some simple facts about Matera.  To read more.


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ASK THE EXPERTS: How to achieve a good value family holiday to Italy

If you are considering a family holiday to Italy, it doesn't mean big price tags.  If you plan your trip well with the help of tour operators who really know the country inside out and who specialize in exactly what you are looking for, you will have a fabulous value for money family holiday in marvelous Italy.  And we all know Italy IS marvelous.

To wet your appetite, we have some tips that have been provided by ABTOI  members, all UK operators organizing holidays to Italy, many you will know.

Its just common sense to consider areas where tourists do not flock but undoubtedly its difficult for you to know exactly where these areas might be, after all, the papers and magazines are full of Rome, Venice, Amalfi and Tuscany. As glorious as they all are, other areas that don't get a look in possibly because of regional tourist budgets, are often as comparative and just as gorgeous.

Many ABTOI members suggest heading for the south and not north. Take tours of Etruscan villages instead of the Tuscan hill towns. Go to Sicily and stay on the West instead of East coast, take a trip to the beaches of Puglia instead of Sardinia. Have fun mingling with all the locals on Ponza instead of trying to rub elbows with the rich in Capri.

Some ABTOI members suggest heading for the upper northern regions of Italy, regions that only Italians know to take their holidays in.  The greatest advantage is that you are guaranteed not to hear another British accent.  Immersing yourself in the Italian way of life is a wonderful experience for your children.

ABTOI members suggest self catering and the more members of your family and perhaps friends you can bring along on holiday, the cheaper it gets! Italy is famous for their 10 bedroomed palazzo, so you can live like a king for about £200 per week. And how very Italian to go away with the complete family, we mean uncles, aunts, grandmas and cousins.

Probably the greatest invention on the tourism circuit is the wonderful Agriturismo.  What a brilliant idea they are.  Farms have converted some of their land and buildings into accommodation for tourists. These can range from rustic bed and breakfast to gorgeous villas and self catering apartments normally starting from Euro 40 per person per night. They usually have huge swimming pools and a restaurant in case you get fed up with cooking the pasta and pesto.

ABTOI members suggest concentrating on one particular area to become familiar with. You will reduce your transportation costs and this will let you increase your options on where to stay. This way you can use your self catering villa as a base to explore the region.

The beauty of self catering is not having to sit in a restaurant umpteen times a day and all week feeling like you are being ripped off.  There is something smug and satisfying about strolling to the nearest local deli to buy your fresh bread, pastries, olives and local vino.

It's a good idea to find out from locals where they prefer to eat at. You are more than likely going to be directed to a far better place to eat at a lot lower cost than if you tried to find a place on your own. Stay away from places called ristorantis and try and go with the Osterias and trattorias. You will definitely see a drop in the cost of eating out.

And another bit of advice, never tip, the Italians never do!

To find an expert Uk holiday operator to help you plan your fantastic family holdiay to Italy:
http://www.loveitaly.co.uk/contact.asp

Italy Voted Best Holiday Destination!

Travel Weekly, the main travel industry newspaper has just revealed the World's best holiday destinations in its 8^th annual Reader's Choice Awards programme.

Italy received the title of best destination, beating France and Spain in the European battle.

South Africa, Australia and Jamaica took the top awards in the categories covering Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Caribbean.

Arnie Weissmann, Travel Weekly's editor-in-chief, said: 'The professionals who read and rely on Travel Weekly have the expertise to select those businesses, destinations and hotels that provide a higher level of service to their clients.

'Our readers can be confident that these winners represent the best this industry has to offer.'

Find your perfect Italian holiday and an operator to help you:  http://www.loveitaly.co.uk/discover_italy.asp