Essential Italy

We know car choice is important for the enjoyment of your holiday, our supplier – Maggiore Car Rental – will guarantee the following:

• highly competitive prices
• no major tour operator is working with them, therefore we are quite sure that queuing will be kept to a minimum, even in high season
• all cars have air conditioning
• a full and comprehensive back-up system

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We do not book flights, we leave it to you to choose the best departure point and flight times to suit your party. We have compiled a list of airlines flying to those regions in which we offer accommodation.

Flights are from the UK, if you are travelling from elsewhere, please don’t hesitate to contact us, we will recommend an airline flying from your departure point. If you are unsure which airport in Italy is closest to your accommodation, please call us on 01223 460100 or email

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Arancia and Mandarino Taormina

Taormina stand on a wonderful elevated site forming a natural balcony overlooking the sea and facing the spectacular Mount Etna. Flowers abound and the stunning views plus the Greek Theatre, public gardens and some beautiful shops, restaurants and bars along the winding (and pedestrian) Corso Umberto will keep you amused for as long as you desire.

The two apartments are located just off the main street (Corso Umberto) in one of the many narrow and characteristic streets that make the town so famous. You may feel like you have stepped into an Italian film set with flower decked balconies, local residents chatting away outside their front-doors, the wonderful smell of freshly baked pastries early morning oozing out of the bars, tightly packed shop windows and much more.

Similarly furnished, the apartments are modern, sleek and functional in tasteful shades of orange complimenting the wooden furniture. Eating “al fresco” on the balcony is a must as Italian life unfolds around you keeping you entertained at all times.

Arancio – located on the first floor. Spacious apartment with lounge/diner, kitchenette with fridge/freezer, oven, gas hob, washing machine, 2 double bedrooms, one shower room. Balcony furnished with table and chairs.

Mandarino – Large studio apartment on first floor. Double bed, lounge/dining area with kitchenette comprising fridge/freezer, oven, gas hob, washing machine, one shower room. Small balcony furnished with table and chairs.

When you decide that you would like to see some of the lovely coastline in the area, a short stroll will take you to the funicular (cable car) that runs up and down the side of the hill. The nearest beach is Mazzarò which is literally a 2 minute walk from where you leave the cable car – here you will find a couple of sea-side restaurants to sample and the ride home, up the hill, is just stunning by day or night.

New in Puglia for 2012

Helen & Sarah have just returned from a very fruitful trip to Puglia...

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