Vacation Rentals in Italy

1. Bologna: Touted as Italy’s gastronomic capital, pick up fresh produce at the public markets here for meals back at your villa rental. There are numerous food tours and wine tastings around the region, and culinary festivals throughout the year.

2. Modena: Another Emilia-Romagna culinary heavyweight, Modena is known for producing its incomparable balsamic vinegar. It's also home to Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana, arguably Italy’s most famous restaurant.

3. Naples: You'll certainly pay homage to the pizza here. But the Neapolitan food scene has more to offer, with home-style gelato and chocolate, classic trattorias, lively street food, and market vendors.

Italy has a mild, Mediterranean climate. Many people travel here just for the sunshine. They come mostly in the warm summer months, but early spring is also ideal. You will have lower prices and share the sights with less tourists. From May to July, the climate is the hottest, so be sure to bring sunscreen. The days are long and you can spend your time doing anything you like. Water sports around Italy’s lake areas are most popular in the summer. Try visiting Lake Garda or Lake Como. If you come during the winter months, you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding in the Alps. There are plenty of options for Italy vacation rentals in the ski resort towns. If you come with kids, try Madesimo and Bormio in the Lombardia region.

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.

Italy is a great place to enjoy nature with your kids. Near your Italy vacation rental, ride bikes to explore hidden trails, paths and nature parks. There are plenty of farmlands with goats, sheep and horses. Or try horseback riding in the countryside. For a more adventurous outing with the kids, try hiking the ancient donkey trails by foot. They are usually marked and you can pick up maps of the trails in the local newspaper stores. For something more relaxing, hit the coast for a full day at the beach. Of course, kids will love eating and discovering all the good food to be had in Italy - including gelato, traditional Italian ice cream! Having a vacation home will allow you to relax in comfort, preparing your own meals or snacks. You'll find it's great having a home away from home to come back to.

For the best experience traveling with your family in Italy, choose a vacation rental or apartment. This allows you to travel at your own pace and schedule, enjoying more of the beautiful country. Italy is the perfect place to enjoy all the vacation perks - from its pleasant climate to delicious food and regional wines. Plus, there's the easygoing personality of the friendly locals. You can take it all in from the comfort of your Italy vacation home.

1. Baia Chia: This southern Sardinian locale is known for white sandy beaches ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and even surfing.

2. Mondello Beach: Just 30 minutes north of the Sicilian capital of Palermo, this beach offers a lively area to swim and enjoy seafood and wine.

3. Marina Grande: The center of action on the Amalfi Coast, it offers plenty of public and paid beach areas, and restaurants.

Besides the usual pizza and pasta, try some of the lesser-known local culinary favorites, such as Sicilian arancini. From your Italy vacation rentals, it is easy to find high-quality food outlets that serve the typical fresh produce. Try seasonal fare and a more authentic experience of an Agriturismo. If you don't feel like self-catering, these are restaurants that use produce directly from the farms. The food portions will also be larger here. So eat up and enjoy the laid-back and traditional atmosphere. In the coastal villages, traditionally-prepared fish and seafood is delicious. Your Italy vacation home will also be equipped with kitchens for self-catering.

1. Colosseum: Rome's iconic ancient stadium, and the largest amphitheater ever built.

2. Trevi Fountain: Toss a coin backwards into the fountain and make a wish!

3. Leaning Tower of Pisa: Get your pics “pushing” the bell tower, leaning at 4 degrees.

4. Ruins of Pompeii: Explore this famed Roman town's ruins, buried and preserved for centuries in volcanic ash.

5. Florence Cathedral: Enter the cathedral for free, and climb to the top of the biggest masonry dome ever built.

6. Sistine Chapel: DaVinci’s masterpiece floats over a functioning chapel; combine this with a Vatican Museum visit.

7. Piazza San Marco: The beautiful heart of Venice is also its largest public square, framed by Basilica di San Marco.

8. Milan Cathedral: One of the world's largest churches built in the Gothic style, with several intricate sculptures.

9. Lake Como: Charming towns and palatial retreats lie all around this picturesque lake.

10. Pantheon: The famous ancient Roman temple with an open dome is also a giant sundial!