September 2011

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Essential Italy

Hand-picked holiday villas, apartments and hotels in all the best regions of Italy

 

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Tuscany countryside

Book early to save £££s
and avoid disappointment

We know it may be a bit early for some of you, but it's time to be thinking about next summer's holiday. These are challenging times for most family budgets, so we've extended our 2011 price freeze for a further two weeks. Book by October 15th to get 2011 prices (subject to certain conditions - call us for details).

We firmly believe that travelling in a larger group - particular with another family (or two) - helps to bring out the best in the holiday experience. Eating al fresco in a big, noisy, group is an Italian way of life and something we think should be encouraged. We swear the food tastes better this way - or it could be the sun and wine....

Photo Comp

Competition
Essential Italy – best of 2011 in pictures

We love Italy (you may have noticed). We like to share the pictures we take while 'researching' villas and new places to go on our Facebook page.

We like to see what you've been up to on your Italian holiday, too. And to make it a little more piccante we're going to turn it into a competition. Share some of your Essential Italy moments from 2011 (ie anything you feel sums up the essence of Italy), and if other people like it too, we'll offer the following prizes:

* 1st prize of a 12 bottle crate of our selection of hand-picked Italian wines or a 5% discount voucher redeemable against a 2012 booking.

* 2nd prize of a 6 bottle selection of Italian wines.

To take part, send us ONE photo that you have taken that you think best sums up your 'Essential Italy 2011' to photocomp@essentialitaly.co.uk, together with a caption or description and your Facebook username (if you want to increase your chances in the public vote). The most popular photos (the most 'liked') will win the prizes.

Tuscany classic Italian Countryside

San Martino   Casa Fontefaggio   Villa Carda   Ripiano

Villa San Martino

Perfect for families holidaying together, sleeping up to 16 guests. Pool, snooker table, al fresco dining and close to village of Civitella.

 

Casa Fontefaggio

Huge terrace and wonderful views in luxuriously restored and well equipped house. Local shops a short stroll away, close to Perugia and Assisi (Umbria).

 

Villa Carda

An oasis of calm and luxury. Beautiful grounds, pool, jacuzzi and turkish bath in this country retreat in the heart of Tuscany.

 

Ripiano

Ideal for groups of friends looking for winter skiing and family summer breaks. Spectacular views. Close to Lucca and Garfagnana national park.

Travelling in larger groups – some tips
How to stay friends and save money

* Larger bookings usually work out cheaper per head, both before and during your holiday.
* Go with friends rather than family - there's less bickering, and you're more likely to share common interests.
* Grandparents enjoy babysitting more when there's a sunny terrace and local wine on offer. Trust us.
* We can book local babysitters / cooks for you. It's a holiday, remember?
* Rotate the cooking if you're self-catering. Non-cooks wash-up. No exceptions!
* You don't all have to do everything together. It's not the army.
* Allocate the 'best' rooms to the people doing most of the chores.
* Relax. It's not a fashion/sporting/drinking/eating competition. Unless you make it one.
* Have fun.

Puglia Italy’s hot destination, in more ways than one

Masseria Due Torri   Lalapanzi   Scalamascjiu   Villa Laureto 1855

Masseria Due Torri

*17th century stone farmhouse converted into a comfortable haven of peace and quiet. Combine the main farmhouse with the separate apartment to sleep up to 16.

 

Lalapanzi

Traditional trulli converted to a very high standard. Ideally situated for exploring this fascinating area, with beaches and restaurants in easy reach.

 

Scalamascjiu

Perfect for a romantic break or family get-together. Stylish, simple and affordable apartments combine to sleep up to 17 guests.

 

Villa Laureto 1855

Elegant, well-appointed apartments in a lovingly restored villa close to the bustling town of Fasano. Sleeps up to 16.

Explore... Ostuni

Ostuni is a small city in the province of Brindisi, close to the sea and supported by Puglia's main industries - olive oil, wine and tourism. Built on several hills, the tallest of which houses the walled citadel of white-fronted buildings known as La Cittá Bianca or 'the White Town'.

Thought to have been inhabited since the stone age, the city has been rebuilt and fortified several times over the centuries - most notably during the Renaissance. It has many fine examples of baroque architecture - but several of its churches and buildings are a mix of styles from the late Roman through Gothic to more modern.

Ostuni really comes to life in the summer, with a packed events schedule covering everything from open-air cinema showings to jazz, from beer festivals to weekly produce and antiques markets. Not to be missed is the Cavalcata di Sant'Oronzo - a medieval pageant on horseback that takes place every year on the last weekend in August, a celebration that goes back centuries.

Sicily true Mediterranean romance

Villa Zigolo   Villa Scozilia   Borgo degli Ulivi   Villa Zingaro

Villa Zigolo

Traditional Sicilian villa in a valley lined with orange and lemon. A homely atmosphere and a must for horse-lovers.

 

Villa Scozilia

Ideal for a large family or families traveling together that don't want to get under each other's feet. Tennis court, pool and plenty to see and do.

 

Borgo degli Ulivi

This remote 'agriturismo' offers style and comfort in traditional Sicilian style. Restaurant on site. Sleeps up to 28 in separate dwellings.

 

Villa Zingaro

Wonderful location and perfect for large parties. Fabulous views, privacy and plenty to see and do locally, including sea swimming and Zingaro natural park.

Focus on... Siracusa

Siracusa (Syracuse) is a smallish city in the southeast corner of Sicily. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in honour of its rich and ancient history. Part of the city date back over 2,700 years, with architectural examples from the Ancient Greeks, Romans, through to Baroque and a classical 'Sicilian' style.

It is perhaps best known as the birthplace of the mathematician Archimedes (the one who has his big idea in the bathtub, for the non-classicists) and the Ear of Dionysius, a huge artificial limestone cave that was used as both a quarry and (according to legend) a prison.

Other attractions include castles, such as Castello Maniace, a Greek ampitheatre that stages a yearly season of classical plays, a puppetry museum and 'Il treno del Barocco' - a guided train ride that takes in several baroque towns from Siracusa to Ragusa.

Sardinia stunning beaches, crystal-clear sea

Casa Wasa and Casa Gallo   Villa Maria and Lu Triuzzu   Casa dell’Aquila   Villa Bouganville

Casa Wasa and Casa Gallo

Both villas are full of character and offer stunning views across the bay of Porto Rafael. Casa Wasa has canoes for use from its private jetty. Combine bookings to sleep up to 11.

 

Villa Maria and Lu Triuzzu

Perfect for two families (or more) sharing, Villa Maria offers quality and style in a wonderful location. Combine with Lu Triuzzu and its fantastic pool to sleep up to 16.

 

Casa dell’Aquila

Breathtaking position, high up on rocks surrounded by the sea and marine life. Rock pool, beach and don't forget your binoculars! Not suitable for children under 12.

 

Villa Bouganville

Exceptionally high quality property with a nautical theme in a completely private setting. Easy walk to the beach for when you can drag yourself away from the pool.

Introducing... Gallura

Gallura is the region at the most north-eastern tip of Sardinia, facing Corsica. The rugged landscape includes granite rock mountains, mediterranean scrub (the 'maquis') and a coastline dotted with fjords, inlets and rock cliffs. Local legend has it that giants are buried in the countryside - the historical accuracy of which you may not wish to share with small children.

Gallura is home to the Costa Esmeralda (Emerald Coast) which boasts some of the most eye-wateringly expensive hotels in the world (none of which are on our books), including Porto Cervo - full of boutiques and mind-bogglingly large yachts.

On a more affordable level, Porto Rafael is one of our favourite places, with a small rose-tinted beach and carefully maintained villas that contribute to a 'village' feel. Fishing, scuba diving and simply taking in the breathtaking views are just some of it's attractions. Similar, but less exclusive, is Santa Teresa Gallura, further north.

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BTA 2011