How many are in your party ? What sort of
bedrooms do they need ?
Are there any small children in your party, or
guests who will have difficulty with steps ? If so,
you may also prefer a swimming pool with steps
rather than a ladder.
If you are a large group, consider the importance
of multiple living areas, indoors and out. Would
you prefer to be under one roof, or enjoy the
privacy and flexibility of an extra kitchen, a guest
house or even a separate villa nearby?
Is it important for you to be able to walk to
shops and restaurants ? (a feature much
appreciated by teenagers). A car is a must in
most locations, but there are a few with public
transportation nearby.
If sightseeing is a priority, you'll want to be
within a reasonable distance of the places of
interest. If quiet days reading or lounging by the
swimming pool are more important, you may
prefer a spot well off the beaten track.
If this is your first visit to Italy, you may wish to
consider one of our properties with an English speaking
caretaker who can provide sight- seeing
and restaurant tips.
The location of your villa will affect the cost of
evenings out and extra services - the hourly rate
for a maid or cook on the Amalfi Coast is roughly
double that in rural Umbria.
If your ideal holiday means never having to set
foot in a kitchen, consider a fully-staffed
property or one set in a village with a choice of
restaurants.
Rustic charm is not for everyone and older
houses, like older people, develop odd habits, no
matter how carefully they're looked after. If the
success of your holiday depends on perfectlyfunctioning
utilities, you will be happier in a
modern villa or one that has been more than
cosmetically restored.
Climate. The rule of thumb in Italy is that y ou
can add one week of summer and subtract one
half-inch of rain for every degree of latitude as
you move southwards. In April, when Venetians
are just beginning to think of tucking away their
winter woollies, Sicilians are already vying for
loungers on the beach. In summer it is always
cooler on the coast than inland and altitude
makes a difference, too. Ignore the temperature
charts in guidebooks: chances are that you’ll
choose the ‘exceptional’ year to visit Italy.
What sort of holiday
do you have in mind?
Click
here to browse our tailored choices for every type of holiday.
