Italy Holidays

Lake Como is 44 kilometres north of Milan and is easily accessed by road and rail. Hydrofoil and train services connect the town of Como with other villages on the lake, such as Bellagio, Cernobbio, Tremezzo and Varenna. Lake Como provides a stunning back drop for your holiday in the lakes district.

Whether exploring Bellagio or indulging in some shopping in Lugano, this package will allow independent exploration coupled with a full day of sightseeing.

Experience the highlights of the Tuscan Chianti region, whilst staying at a traditional farmhouse. A cooking class will give you a hands-on introduction to Tuscan cuisine whilst visits to Siena and San Gimignano will allow you to explore some of the most picturesque towns in Tuscany.

Monica is situated in Bagno a Ripoli, a very elegant area 15 minutes south from the center of Florence, where there are ancient Tuscan villas and olive groves. In the property accessed by an electronic gate there are three buildings, in the middle the owner's villa, behind is the recently restored ancient annex where there are the apartments Tosca and Mimi.

Completely separated is Violetta a nice independent "mini villa". Rented together the property can accommodate 10 people in 5 bedrooms plus 4 people in sofa beds.

The view is really beautiful, peace and privacy is a guarantee.

Beautiful swimming pool, large garden and parking inside the property. The three units are fully equipped and comfortably furnished. The weekly price includes linen, professional pool cleaning and a gardener. Linen is changed weekly. Extra maid service can be provided on an hourly basis at 10 EUR ($10) per hour. Sofa beds are charged.

Casa Monica is accessed through 100 meters of unpaved road. The property comes with 2 Yorkshires. TV sat and dishwasher are provided in all the apartments

HIGHLIGHTS: Naples - Pompeii - Agerola - Punto Panoramico - Positano - Amalfi - Atrani - Ravello - Capri - Valle dei Mulini

Set on the shores of the sparkling Mediterranean the Amalfi is one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe, offering wonderful views every step of the way. The smell of rosemary and citrus trees fills the air, steep terraces are lined with vines and centuries-old chestnut trees and shepherds still tend their herds.

The Amalfi also offers an extraordinary palette of colours with azure skies, white limestone cliffs, deep blue seas and bright citrus orchards, all lit by the dazzling Mediterranean sun. A web of ancient pathways winds along shoreline cliffs, leading from charming coastal towns through rustic woodlands and up to beautiful villages perched on craggy peaks. On this enchanting walking adventure, we go beyond the crowds to experience the hidden treasures and authentic culture of this Italian paradise.

Highlights include a hike along the stunning Sentiero degli Dei (Footpath of the Gods), the mysterious Valley of the Mills, the spectacular village of Positano, a day trip to the Isle of Capri and an included visit to Pompeii. We are also based for four magnificent days in the village that lends its name to this glorious coast andndash; Amalfi.

This region of Italy is also renowned for its food, which has a strong Neapolitan influence. Seafood is a speciality and the humble but delicious pizza, which originated from Naples, can also be found everywhere in a multitude of tempting flavours.

Independent house for 4 people. Lavinia Dependence is part of a larger estate where the beautiful Villa Lavinia is located. Lavinia Dependence used to be the house of the guardian and for this reason is located just at the entrance of the estate.

The property has been recently renovated, it has access to the garden, a nice terrace, a new private swimming pool and it is not far from the public beach.

The estate is situated within the perimeters of the coastal road, at the end of a dead-end lane, which means the location is very quiet and offers some beautiful views. Just a 10 minute walk from the centre of Laveno, Lavinia Dependence is the perfect location for a relaxing holiday or for several interesting and recommended daytrips.

Laveno is a small and relaxed tourist town with most shopping facilities, many restaurants and where during the whole year a lot of activities are organised. From here it is possible to catch the ferry boat to the Western side of the lake (Stresa, Pallanza etc…) and to the Borromeo Islands famous for their enchanted beauty.

Here you will also find many sorts of shops including supermarket, banks, post office and pharmacy. From Laveno it is possible to reach Varese and Milano by train in less than an hour. Angera with its Borromeo Castle is a 30 minute drive as well as the romantic Sanctuary of Santa Caterina del Sasso. Arona is 37 km away, while the beautiful Lake Orta is 65 km, Milano (Leonardo's Last Supper fresco) 75 km, Lugano Lake in Switzerland 40 km, Varese 25 km, Como 85 km, Malpensa airport is 35 km away.

All sorts of water sport are possible and also within walking distance you can reach the gondola which takes you to the top of the hill against which Laveno is built. It is a very popular location for Parapente and Delta flying. Cycling is of course possible and there is a riding school in a village nearby.

Lavinia Dependence used to be the house of the guardian and for this reason is located just at the entrance of the estate. The access is on street level. The property was recently renovated, it has access to a small part of the garden, and has a large terrace and it is not far from the public beach.

In a quiet location, practically at the end of the dead-end lane, it has been completely renovated and has a lot of privacy due to the distance to the Villa. The Dependence has its own private entrance to the property. The new interior is comfortable, the kitchen is fully equipped and the terrace of 3 x 5 meters has a view over a part of the gardens and the Lake Maggiore.

The pebble beach is within a 5 min walk, and less than 250 meters in a straight line from the Dependence. Guests renting the Dependence have access only to a part of the garden, about 300 sq meters.

On the same property there is the main villa, Villa Lavinia, with a separate pool, large park and private access to the beach. Guests renting the Dependence are not allowed to use these facilities of the main villa unless the two properties are rented by the same group of people.

10 days - Sicily is home to superb Norman architecture, exuberant Roman floor mosaics, Arab-inspired gardens, and probably the finest Greek temples to be found anywhere. Alongside this, the island has some magnificent natural scenery. This tour visits the principal sights and offers the option of crossing the Straits of Messina to see the Riace bronzes.

Situated in the heart of Chianti, it is only a 20 minutes drive to Florence, 40 minutes from Siena, 1 hours drive to Lucca, and all of the beautiful hill towns of Chianti are within easy reach. The closest village, Mercatale Val di Pesa with shops and restaurants, is just 5 minutes away by car (2 km) or 15 minutes walking through the fields.

The buildings were once an oil mill with an adjacent barn. In 2011 they have been completely restored and converted the mill into 5 elegant country units. The owners live on the property in a separate historical villa situated across the garden, 200 meters behind Borgo Rosa. . They are fluent in English and are happy to help guests during their stay on their property

The property is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, fields of sunflowers: the magical Chianti Tuscan hills. The pool (under construction on June 2011) is set in middle of olive trees

A short drive along a country lane lined with cypresses, leads to the property (300 m dirt road) All apartments have an outdoor area for al fresco dining; there is also an outdoor common area with parasol and lounges.

Each accommodation has been furnished with love and care with Tuscan coloured walls, terracotta floors, original art and antiques, beautiful fabrics

All of the bedrooms are air-conditioned. Amenities include satellite TV, radio, microwave/convection oven, fridge, American coffee maker, and toaster, BBQ, and hair dryers. There is a laundry room in the main building, accessible to all guests, with a washing machine.

The Aragonese Castle, the most impressive historical monument of Ischia, stands on a volcanic rock connected to the island by a bridge built in 1438 by Alfonso of Aragon. The Castle, overlooking the vast horizon of the sea, was originally built as a castrum in 474 BC by Gerone of Siracusa and, after a long period of abandonment, reached its golden period during the fourteenth century. Under the Aragonese dynasty, it became a political, cultural and spiritual centre of notable interest. The Renaissance court of the noble poet Vittoria Colonna, saw the peak of the castle's splendour.

This very special ambience houses 4 independent types of accommodation, each with spectacular views. Sleeps 4 in 1 double bedroom with air-conditioning, 1 twin bedroom with air-conditioning, 2 bathrooms (shower), large living room with kitchenette and panoramic terrace with outdoor furnishing. The apartment is air conditioned.

The castle walls houses churches, courtyards, antique archways, terraces, gardens and arcades with outstanding views of the sea, the peninsula, the harbor of Ischia and the wide horizon in the distance. This unique location contains three holiday apartments and a small hotel.

A lift connects the entrance of the Castle to the top, approx. 80 m above sea level, where the apartments are situated. Each apartment has its own independent entrance through an ancient courtyard. The three units have been recently renovated by the owner, son of a famous artist, whose paintings grace the apartment walls. All have windows and outdoor spaces with unforgettable views. Apartment guests enjoy many hotel services from the adjacent hotel, including porter and concierge services and hotel terrace dining.

Palazzo sul Garda is a perfect example of the fascinating 18th century Venetian architecture. Set in the lively lake resort of Toscalano Maderno, this spacious and elegant apartment is located on the Piano Nobile (first floor) of a three story building. Outside, the shared garden offers lovely areas for relaxing in the shade or sunbathing by the lake.

Palazzo sul Garda has a nice view overlooking the little “Porticciolo” (small harbour) and the lake. It is furnished with beautiful antiques and all the rooms are completely frescoed. A perfect place for those who are looking for a really authentic experience in a special atmosphere. It sleeps up to 7 people in 3 double bedrooms and 1 single bedroom sharing 2 bathrooms.

The maid lives near the property and provides cleaning services 5 days per week. An Australian friend of the owner will meet the guests at their arrival.

This antique property is located just at few kms from the historical centre of Toscolano Maderno, one of the most popular holidays resort on Lake Garda. With its clear, clean and warm water, sunny beaches, mild climate and Mediterranean vegetation, Lake Garda is like a small sea set between the last spurs of the Alps and the Lombardy plain.

Garda has been a favoured spot since Roman times and has been lauded by poets and writers through the ages, for example, Catullus, Goethe, Joyce and D'Annunzio. It unites its natural beauty with the traces of its history, from Roman remains to Liberty.

It sleeps up to 7 people in 3 double bedrooms and 1 single bedroom sharing 2 bathrooms.

Casa MIYA is a charming village house, recently refurbished to a very high standard throughout. The owner has tastefully combined antique pieces with modern touches and has truly done a wonderful job to make guests feel perfectly at home away from home!

The house is situated in the picturesque Lake Como hamlet of Tosnacco, uphill from Moltrasio, in a very tranquil place with friendly neighbours and no late night disturbances. A few steps away from the house there is an alimentary shop and a good restaurant where we are told George Clooney has also eaten!

Cernobbio (4 km) and Como (9 km) are easily reached by car, bus or by Ferryboat from the terminal next to the Imperialino Restaurant. Less than an hour to the centre of Milan and only twenty minutes to Lugano, Switzerland

Como is the world's most celebrated lake; Attractions include Bellagio (also known as The Pearl of the Lake), Varenna, and Historical Villas with exquisite tailored gardens, like Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello, and two 18-hole golf courses. Cable car trip up to Brunate for wonderful views; sailboat, powerboat, or seaplane tours of the lake; fine dining at the restaurants. Great shopping in the area and in Milano.

Moltrasio also features a "lido", a little sandy beach (for which you have to pay an entrance fee). There are some shops, a bank ,a post office and a church. There are also plenty of good panoramic footpaths leading to Cernobbio or Laglio, trekking up the mountains. From the house and garden you have wonderful views over the lake and mountains.

Casa MIYA - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms+ 1 toilet. Laid out over three levels of 180 square metres, casa Miya is tastefully furnished and reflects a modern re-interpretation of its original charm. In a wonderful combination of traditional and contemporary style the house offers space for six guests or romance for two.

A lovely terrace provides the perfect spot to relax or dine while enjoying the spectacular views of the lake. At the main level Casa MIYA is arranged to have an open plan living, dining, and kitchen area. There is a full entertainment system in the luxury seating area with fireplace, flat screen Satellite TV, and DVD player.

The elegant fully fitted kitchen features a 6 burns stove / oven/ toaster/coffee machine / large fridge/ dishwasher / microwave .You can also enjoy doing BBQ grill in the terrace or have 'al fresco' dining overlooking the lake and the mountains .

At this floor there is also toilet. Upstairs (15 steps), the two bedrooms ( one double +one twin) and a bathroom (shower) offer comfort and convenience, whilst the sofa bed, in a third room is available for those guests willing to sleep separately.

Downstairs (10 steps) there is one more double bedroom with bathroom (tub). Laundry room with washing machine and dryer.

Please be aware there is no access to Casa MIYA by car. To reach the house, you must leave your car in the garage and walk up through a narrow cobbled street to the house (approximately 150 meters). The path can be slippery when wet, so this property is not suitable for elderly guests or anyone with walking problems.

In this pretty hamlet you will find a grocery store and a good restaurant (5 minutes walk from the house).

Villa Gal is an Air Conditioned independent villa of 200 sqm. The Villa sleeps 6 +1 persons and is located in the most elegant residential area of Lugano, just a few minutes walking distance from the lake. The most unforgettable feature about this property is its spectacular panoramic view: Azure waters, snow capped mountains, and white sailing boats. Surrounded by a small private garden, Villa Gal is 10 minutes walking from the centre of the town and develops over two floors (There is also a basement.)

The small garden is private and well-tended, and yet the location is wonderfully convenient for touring the lake region of both Switzerland and Italy. In addition you can enjoy the use of the indoor shared pool and sauna located in the adjacent building (10 meters away).

The stylish interior is nicely decorated and comfortable with plenty of windows providing light, as well as a fabulous view of the lake and mountains. The villa is just a five-minute walk from the shops and restaurants, so you can stay here without a car. The bus and ferry stop are both few meters away. There are 22 steps from the parking level to the entrance therefore the villa is not suitable to people with walking difficulties.

Ground floor: The ground floor features a pretty decorated twin bedroom with an ensuite bathroom (tub), and a single bedroom with a pull out extra bed and an ensuite bathroom (tub).

Top Floor: On the top floor (14 steps) there is a master bedroom with an ensuite beautiful large bathroom, a spacious and bright living area furnished with comfortable sofas, armchairs, beautiful artwork and fine antiques. There is also a dining area with a panoramic balcony, and on the same floor there is a small and fully equipped kitchen opening towards the garden which features a BBQ and an outdoor space ideal for relaxing and al fresco dinners.

Basement: A very simple single bedroom with bathroom (shower) is located in the basement (no AC in the basement).

Amenities: Flat screen TV, stereo, high-speed Internet, Air Conditioning in all the rooms (living room included, no AC in the basement) washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, DVD player, CD player, telephone (local calls only) fax, Wi-Fi internet connection, baby bed upon request, Housekeeping 2 hs on Monday and Thursday.

The property is fenced and beautifully landscaped with flowers and trees framing the blue water of the lake. In the adjacent building located 10 meters away there is a beautiful heated shared pool with large windows, a sauna, and the laundry room (the are only 6 units in this building therefore the pool area is very private).

Although it is not necessary to have a car while you are at Villa Gal, parking is available in the adjacent building. As with all houses in the town, some noise from the road is possible, but villa Gal has special double-glazed windows which minimize any intrusion.

Lugano is located in Southern Switzerland and connected by motorway.

This luxurious 15th century villa sets in the centre of a nice village at the foothills of the Dolomites and it is a perfect holiday rental for family and friends. Guests experience a visit to a Renaissance villa with modern and luxurious touches.

All living areas are furnished with a mix of modern Italian design and antiques that have belonged to the owner's family for hundreds of years. Spacious rooms with high ceilings and private bathrooms offer comfortable living.

The garden of two acres features an 18-meter swimming pool and a secluded seating area under the monumental chestnut tree. During your stay at Villa Jasmine you can experience all the marvellous things the Veneto region has to offer within easy reach.

The villa is an hour's drive from Venice, Padova and Treviso. The area is well known for its food and wine, and its mountains offer fantastic walks, bike trails, and skiing facilities.

Through the imposing entrance hall decorated with giant swords, the family's battle standard and armature and statues, you enter the villa (2000 sqm). Villa Jasmine sleeps 10+4 in 5 bedrooms/5 bathrooms (2 additional bedrooms available on request), with pool, Wi-Fi, staff; 21,500 sq ft .

This magnificent villa is situated between Viareggio and Forte dei Marm, just ten minutes from the ancient walled city of Lucca. This elegant property is ideally located to explore and experience the world famous beauties and artistic attractions of Tuscany.

The villa is surrounded by marvellous and perfectly manicured lawns and flower gardens which offer shady areas and stimulate your senses with the perfume of lavender and rosemary. The grounds feature a private swimming pool with fabulous views of the surrounding woods and landscapes.

Guests at Villa Elisabetta will appreciate the spacious and well-equipped front terrace-perfect for al fresco dinners or moments of absolute relaxation. Wooden table and chairs are available.

The villa is furnished and decorated in an impeccable Italian style, the mansion is looked after by a full time maid and a cook who will take care of guest's meals.

Perchalla & Turner Travel Associates has an exclusive 23-day Italian tour for women who prefer not to travel alone, led by Adelaide local Penny King. Single share accommodation means you'll have the privacy you need but the security and fun of travelling with like minded women.

Catering for women of all ages and interests this tour is for small groups of no more than ten. Designed to deliver memorable experiences from staying in a Tuscan villa to a private visit of an aristocrat's Roman Palazzo, hotels with rooftop gardens, wine and olive oil tasting, private entrances to galleries and museums plus tickets to the Opera.

Highlights include Italian language lesson in Rome, the ancient sights of Pompeii, a visit with an exclusive perfumier, cooking lesson at the villa, an art historian talk in Florence, use of private boat in Venice and visit to the Ferragamo shoe museum in Florence. Minimum 3 night stays in each city.

This tour will depart Adelaide on 13 October 2012.