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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Casa Talia Modica

The town of Modica is one of the many little treasures to be discovered in Sicily. Situated in the beautiful Valley of Noto, the heart of the Sicilian Baroque Architecture, Modica has a fantastic UNESCO protected historical centre and Casa Talìa is just few steps away.

The property is made up of a cluster of little old houses which have been beautifully converted by Marco and Viviana into a marvellous cosy retreat. As soon as you enter Casa Talìa you are immediately immersed into a timeless and chic ambience. Some steps down from the front door take you to a lovely little Mediterranean garden, where your first exclamation will be “Look!” (the English equivalent of the Sicilian “Talìa”), as the fascinating old town of Modica and the very impressive Duomo di San Giorgio spread out right in front of you!

Taking inspiration from some of the Arabic style houses in the town, Marco and Viviana have done a fabulous job in recreating a super atmosphere in Casa Talia, with the distant sound of the town mingling perfectly with this peaceful setting . The considerate choice of the materials used during the restoration, the full respect of the old layout, the very tasteful furnishings and the incredible attention to details are the key elements which make this property truly unique. Every corner of Casa Talìa recalls, in different ways, the superb cultural past of the island, including Greek, Arab and Spanish domination.

The stylish rooms are accessed from the gardens and are all independent with their own private little terrace (apart from Cedro e Zagare which share an outside space). The rooms are located on different levels and they all share the same stunning views of the old town with its super architecture and terracotta roofs. No matter whether you choose the classic Cedro, Zagare or Zenzero with their traditional stone walls, the superior Sirah, Mediterraneo or Agave with their characteristic tiled floors and strong wall colours or the romantic two-level suites Scirocco or Meridiana, your stay will be wonderfully comfortable and homely. Modern and antique furnishings live in perfect harmony and all the rooms are decorated in true Sicilian character with extra stylish touches throughout. Air conditioning, free wifi and sat tv are standard in all rooms.

The day at Casa Talia starts with a delicious breakfast served in the garden, weather permitting, and in this truly authentic setting you will be completely spoiled by the fresh local produce and the homemade fruit smoothies that Marco and Viviana prepare for their guests. A browse in the nearby town centre is just a few minutes’ walk away where you will find some great restaurants, a couple of bars and some local shops – a quick and easy walk down and a slightly longer walk back up the hillside but well worth it, especially after a glass or two of local wine.

Modica is not only a beautiful town, but it is also a great location to explore the rest of the area, you may choose to continue on the Baroque itinerary visiting the nearby towns of Noto, Ibla, Scicli (just to mention a few) or you may prefer to spend a relaxing day on one of the many lovely sandy beaches along the south coast.

Note:
Due to the location of Casa Talia on the hillside, there are many steps within the building making it unsuitable for anyone with walking difficulties and the parking is approx. 400m from the entrance.

New in Puglia for 2012

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

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