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Hand-picked holiday villas, apartments and hotels in all the best regions of Italy
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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....
To help you along, we've included below a selection of some of our larger properties that tend to get booked early, together with some tips for group travel and places to see or stay. For a personalised service, or to book any of these properties, please call Helen or Louise on +44(0)1223 460100 and we'll hand-pick the best that Italy has to offer for you. |
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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.
A full set of instructions, plus terms and conditions is available here. |
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Tuscany classic Italian Countryside |
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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.
Details and photos » |
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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).
Details and photos » |
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Villa Carda
An oasis of calm and luxury. Beautiful grounds, pool, jacuzzi and turkish bath in this country retreat in the heart of Tuscany.
Details and photos » |
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Ripiano
Ideal for groups of friends looking for winter skiing and family summer breaks. Spectacular views. Close to Lucca and Garfagnana national park.
Details and photos » |
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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.
Make a booking or enquiry
Group friendly properties in Tuscany » |
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Puglia Italy’s hot destination, in more ways than one |
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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.
Details and photos » |
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Lalapanzi
Traditional trulli converted to a very high standard. Ideally situated for exploring this fascinating area, with beaches and restaurants in easy reach.
Details and photos » |
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Scalamascjiu
Perfect for a romantic break or family get-together. Stylish, simple and affordable apartments combine to sleep up to 17 guests.
Details and photos » |
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Villa Laureto 1855
Elegant, well-appointed apartments in a lovingly restored villa close to the bustling town of Fasano. Sleeps up to 16.
Details and photos » |
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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.
Nearby properties include:
La Rascina, Dimora Donnagnora and Lalapanzi.
Other properties in Puglia » |
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Sicily true Mediterranean romance |
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Villa Zigolo
Traditional Sicilian villa in a valley lined with orange and lemon. A homely atmosphere and a must for horse-lovers.
Details and photos » |
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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.
Details and photos » |
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Borgo degli Ulivi
This remote 'agriturismo' offers style and comfort in traditional Sicilian style. Restaurant on site. Sleeps up to 28 in separate dwellings.
Details and photos » |
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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.
Details and photos » |
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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.
We offer several hotels in Siracusa,
or a bit further afield are Borgo degli Ulivi and Villa Zigolo
Other properties in Sicily » |
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Sardinia stunning beaches, crystal-clear sea |
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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.
Casa Wasa details and photos »
Casa Gallo details and photos » |
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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.
Villa Maria details and photos »
Lu Triuzzu details and photos » |
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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.
Details and photos » |
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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.
Details and photos » |
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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.
Our Gallura properties include: Casa Wasa, Casa Gallo, and Villa Bouganville.
Other properties in Sardinia » |
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Nominated in two categories for the British Travel Awards 2011 - 'best tour operator to the Italian Peninsular and Malta' and 'Best Villa/Self catering booking company (non UK)'. Find out more and how to vote » |
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Essential Italy · 12 George Street · Cambridge CB4 1AJ · United Kingdom · Telephone: +44(0)1223 460100
Fax: +44(0)1223 461300 · info@essentialitaly.co.uk · www.essentialitaly.co.uk |
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