Cottages To Castles - News

What's on?

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Did you know?

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Latest news

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Lakeside living for less...? Spring is such a beautiful time on the Italian lakes and our beautiful Casa dell’Architetto on the shores of Lake Como...

What's on?

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Strange but true in Umbria……… The Corso dei Ceri is said to be one of Italy's oldest (and strangest) folklore traditions...

Did you know?

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 22:00:00 GMT

There are currently more than 500 different types of pasta eaten in Italy today...

What's on?

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 22:00:00 GMT

For all those who know their Barolo from their Brunello, this spring head over to Rome's Citta del Gusto, a cooking and dining complex run by those behind the Gambero Rosso guidebooks, for a wine extravaganza.

Did you know?

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Policoro in Basilicata is famous for its strawberries that have a very sweet flavour which are exported all over the world...

What's on?

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Love running? Don your trainers for the Lake Maggiore half marathon that takes place every March (March 10th 2013) and enjoy the magnificent vistas and interesting terrain whilst you set your pace!

Did you know?

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:00:00 GMT

A whole host of celebrities and glitterati have made Lake Como their home over the years including Madonna, George Clooney, Gianni Versace, Sylvester Stallone and the Virgin guru Richard Branson.

What's on?

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Get romantic in Terni, Umbria this February when the Cioccolentino comes to town. This hand-crafted chocolate festival is in honour of the town’s saint – Valentine of course...

Did you know?

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Lamborghini is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year...

What's on?

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 22:00:00 GMT

December is a truly magical month in Italy as cities, towns and villages are lit like wonderlands, the smell of roasted chestnuts float on the cold, crisp air...

Did you know?

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 22:00:00 GMT

The symbol SPQR can be found on many ancient buildings in Rome and stands for...

What's on?

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Our quick check list of must-sees for early 2013……

Did you know?

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Many Italian cities offer a ‘city card’ allowing joint access to guided tours, art museums together with public transportation as well as discounts on other additional services. Tourists can buy...

Our latest news...

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 22:00:00 GMT

A gondola ride & a wine tour was all part of Jonathan’s trip last month as he was invited to two new lovely homes in Venice and Tuscany...

What's On?

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Boot-ilicious……. Italy is in celebratory mode during October as the fall harvest is shared amongst all during the festas and market fairs up and down the country...

Italian custom...

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 22:00:00 GMT

When invited to dinner, a gift for the host is always expected such as a nice bottle of wine, chocolates or sweets. However...

Did you know?

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Italy was the most popular choice in Europe in the recent Tripadvisor ‘Travellers Choice’ 2012 Awards. Seven regions including Venice...

Our Latest News

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:00:00 GMT

We’re off on our travels…………If you call our Cottages to Castles hotline, you will have the pleasure in speaking with the extremely knowledgeable and experienced Sarah or Dani. Based in our Maidstone office they regularly head out to Italy and visit the many properties we have to offer....

Featured location - Liguria

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 22:00:00 GMT

For those who dream of warm sunshine, soft golden sands & elegant hotspots, the Italian Riviera is a true seaside holiday with a difference...

What's on?

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 22:00:00 GMT

A visit to Italy is never complete without a glass of wine. And where better to sample one of Italy’s finest than the Chianti region of Tuscany with a little music and atmosphere to boot.

Did you know...

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Liguria, the Italian Riviera offers over 340km of coastline that runs all the way from the borders of France.

Featured location - Umbria

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Known as the ‘green heart’ of Italy, it’s not simply the glorious landscape and rich cultural history that puts this region on the hit list.

What's on?

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Add a bang, pop and fizz to your holiday at the World Fireworks Championship in the lake’s region of Italy this August.

Italian custom of the month

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Coffee is a serious issue in Italy and many Italian start their day with a visit to a bar en route to work to enjoy an expresso...

Featured location - Tuscany

Thu, 31 May 2012 22:00:00 GMT

In honour of Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this month, we would like to give you 60 of our top tips on Italy’s jewel in the crown........

What's on...

Thu, 31 May 2012 22:00:00 GMT

One for the bucket list in July...... the Umbria Jazz Festival (6 – 15th July 2012) welcomes all to the hill top town of Perugia where some of the world’s best musicians come together to show case the various musical genres across the globe.

This month’s Italian custom

Thu, 31 May 2012 22:00:00 GMT

If like us you have a sweet tooth, try a chiacchiere at one of Italy’s pastry shops or carnevale (festivities)....

Featured location

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:00:00 GMT

The countdown to the Olympics has well and truly begun, so we thought we would serve up our very own Olympic trip to Italy....... and head to Lazio......

What's on?

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:00:00 GMT

The sole island on the magical Lake Como opens the summer season with a bang when it celebrates St John’s Day in June. Spectacular pyrotechnics, music, boat processions and culinary events mark the day when Barbarossa, the ruling body of Como set fire to the island in 1169...

Did you know?

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:00:00 GMT

- Italians love pasta so much that on average, each Italian consumes about 25 kg of pasta annually.

- The oldest known film festival, took place in Venice in 1932.

- The largest Christian church in the world (St. Peter’s Basilica) is located in Rome and the construction for the project took about 120 years (from 1506-1626).

Featured location...

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 22:00:00 GMT

A ‘trulli’ fabulous Italian hot spot and one of Italy’s best kept secrets, Puglia has it in spades (and buckets) when it comes to a perfect summer holiday . . . . . . .

What's On?

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 22:00:00 GMT

As we spring into April, so too do the flowers, the blossom and the lush green scents that tell us summer is just around the corner. Spring is a truly beautiful time to experience the Italian lakes and Como...

Did you know...?

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 22:00:00 GMT

The word ‘Siesta’ comes from the Latin meaning of the sixth hour... The automobile is one of Italy's greatest products...

Featured location

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Featured on countless films seen all over the world, within some of the most famous of novels and penned by the most illustrious of poets the Napoletana Riviera truly is an inspiring and breathtaking part of Italy with something for everyone...

Our News...

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Love Cottages to Castles? Then Like our fantastic new Facebook page! We will be featuring useful travel tips and tricks when heading to Italy, where to go, what to see and who to meet along your way. We would invite all who wish to share their experiences and suggestions on our wall....

What's on?

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:00:00 GMT

The most religious and celebrated event in the year is marked by some of the most marvellous and memorable processions and Passion plays up and down the country...

Featured location - Sicily

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

The perfect Italian summer hotspot, there is certainly more to Sicily than sun, sea and Palermo. So if you have the January blues, let us whisk you away for we’re heading Wild West to the little known north-western coast and the picture perfect town of Castellammare del Golfo. Bursting with energy and activity during the summer months, here are our top five tips . . . . . . . .

Our eductional in southern Italy

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Whilst most were Christmas shopping and preparing the turkey, the lucky team at Cottages to Castles, namely Daniela and Sarah headed to Italy to visit some of our new properties and explore some of our more unexplored regions

What's on?...America's Cup

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

This April sees the prestigious America’s Cup 2011 – 2012 take place on the coast of Naples, bringing the world’s finest sailors to the region as they compete in the state of the art AC45 wing-sailed catamarans.

Whats on in December...

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:00:00 GMT

December is a real treat for the senses for anyone visiting Italy, not to mention the traditions and celebrations – all squeezed into just 31 days

My favourite...

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Almost floating above the waters amongst the yachts and fishing boats, this wonderful restaurant has a passion for simple local cuisine and boasts their preservation on the regions traditional gastronomical secrets.

Whats on in November...

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Italy picks up pace in November with music and celebration sweeping the country, from opera houses to the chef’s kitchen we have something for everyone this month. Here’s my pick of the bunch this month. . . . .

My favourite...

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

What does Prince Charles, Jamie Oliver and Elton John all have in common? Or let me approach this another way........ who hasn’t yet heard of Dario Cecchini, the famous butcher of Panzano?

Whats on in October?

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

As Italy’s resorts, towns and cities begin welcoming its tourists, the months become jam-packed with festivals, sport and entertainment. Here’s my pick of the bunch this month. . . . .

My favourite

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

It was my last evening in Rome, it was warm and the tourist crowds had all but opted to rest their feet and fill their bellies at the nearby pizzerias and cafe bars. I stood for a moment, alone almost wishing I could relieve the scene where Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg frolicked in the waters of the Trevi in the film La Dolce Vita...

My favourite...

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Located almost exactly halfway between Florence and Siena, Panzano is a rather magical and vibrant little hilltop town, unbeknown to most tourists to this area of Tuscany.

What's on in September...

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 22:00:00 GMT

We are now at the height of summer and there is simply too much to choose from when it comes to things to see, do and experience in Italy. I have done my best to pick out what I believe are THE most spectacular true Italian experiences . . . . .

My favourite...

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Over the centuries poets and writers have attempted to capture the beauty and majesty of Lake Como in their works, yet none have ever quite seemed to do it justice. Until you have stood and marvelled at the reflection on the water of the snow-capped peaks from one in a million magnificent viewpoints, Lake Como is just a dream away.

What's on in August?

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

What's on in July?

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT

May we introduce you to this month’s Italian events . . . . .

What's on in June?

Tue, 31 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

As Italy’s resorts, towns and cities begin welcoming its tourists, the months become jam-packed with festivals, sport and entertainment. Here’s my pick of the bunch this month. . . . .

My favourite...

Tue, 31 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

This month, I am going to indulge in a true guilty pleasure of mine . . . . . shopping! And not just any type of shopping, we’re in Italy and therefore shopping is a sport and an art form all rolled into one.

What's on in May

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 22:00:00 GMT

As Italy’s resorts, towns and cities begin welcoming its tourists, the months become jam-packed with festivals, sport and entertainment. Here’s my pick of the bunch this month. . . . .

My favourite . . . . .

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 22:00:00 GMT

So every month, one of the team will let you in on their very own favourite Italian treat. This month, Jonathan takes his turn to reveal a Sicilian gastronomic treat.

More to April than just Easter celebrations . . . . .

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 22:00:00 GMT

April is one of the busiest in the Italian calendar, far too many to mention so I have picked out a few of my favourites that give a real taste of Italy...

My favourite...

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Be it the food (let’s face it there is plenty to choose from), the breathtaking land and seascapes, the people, the fashion, the culture and history, the cars, the traditions . . . . . oh, the list is endless.

Spring into step in March . . .

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 22:00:00 GMT

It is the season of the carnival with many towns and cities becoming a wash of colour and celebration.

My favourite...

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 22:00:00 GMT

It goes without saying that the entire team at Cottages to Castles have a real passion for all things Italian!

Happy New Year!

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 22:00:00 GMT

A new year brings with it new experiences and an entire 12 months in which to explore Italy from top to bottom.

My favourite...

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 22:00:00 GMT

My favourite...

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:00:00 GMT

It goes without saying that the entire team at Cottages to Castles have a real passion for all things Italian!
Be it the food (let’s face it there is plenty to choose from), the breathtaking land and seascapes, the people, the fashion, the culture and history, the cars, the traditions . . . . . oh, the list is endless.

Babbo Natale, Christmas markets and shopping . . . . . .

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 22:00:00 GMT

December is a real treat for the senses for anyone visiting Italy, not to mention the traditions and celebrations – all squeezed into just 31 days.

Accommodation tax in Rome

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 22:00:00 GMT

ACCOMMODATION TAX IN ROME TO START 1st JANUARY 2011...
The City Council of Rome has approved the introduction of an accommodation tax in Rome. The tax will go towards better organising the city's urban services. It will be implemented from the 1st January 2011 and is payable by all people staying in accommodation in Rome at the conclusion of each stay, whether the booking was made before or after the 1st January.

Review – Chianti Inside Out

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 22:00:00 GMT

Last month, we sent a small group of guests to see Enzo Minopoli, owner of Chianti Inside Out; the response was fantastic!

My favourite...

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 22:00:00 GMT

It goes without saying that the entire team at Cottages to Castles have a real passion for all things Italian! Be it the food (let’s face it there is plenty to choose from), the breathtaking land and seascapes, the people, the fashion, the culture and history, the cars, the traditions . . . . . oh, the list is endless.

The fall in Italy...

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 22:00:00 GMT

Autumn is truffle season in Italy, where the world’s greatest chefs and gastronomes pile into the northern and central towns to purchase what some refer to as a ‘food of the gods’.

Multi-region search facility

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 22:00:00 GMT

Look what we’ve done now..... Destination Italy? But when it comes to planning your perfect break in 2011, you can’t quite decide on the ideal spot?

My favourite...

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 22:00:00 GMT

It goes without saying that the entire team at Cottages to Castles have a real passion for all things Italian! Be it the food (let’s face it there is plenty to choose from), the breathtaking land and seascapes, the people, the fashion, the culture and history, the cars, the traditions . . . . . oh, the list is endless.

September in Italy...

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 22:00:00 GMT

September is a great time in Italy for all gastronomes! Every town and village has its very own ‘Sagra’ or festival celebrating art, culture and, in autumn it’s all about the food. Great for gourmet food lovers, choose a festival to suit your palette . . . . . from mushrooms, truffles, chestnuts, chocolate, grapes and of course, wine. There is also a huge mix of festivals based on history, culture, art and sport. These colourful Italian celebrations are a big part of life throughout Italy, so go ahead start exploring. Take a look at our top four picks for this month . . . . .