Join us on:
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
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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Il Palio, Siena – 2 July and 16 August
Mad bare back riding in one of the most beautiful Piazzas in the world. The days before and after Siena dresses up. The day itself is very busy and only those with sharp elbows or a contact with a balcony should go.
Giostra del Saracino, Arezzo – third Sunday in June & first Sunday in September
A much more sedate and formal jousting festival than the above Palio. Fantastic setting in the Piazza Grande, the whole weekend is taken up with spectacular parades through the city.
Calcio Storico (Historical Football, Florence) – three days in June, final on 24 June
Take the worst of football and Rugby and put them together and the result is Calcio Storico. Set in Piazza Santa Croce this is a real spectacle. Half the local prisons are emptied and the city’s four quarters battle it out to put a ball... somewhere. The final coincides with the Saint’s Day of San Giovanni – St John, the patron Saint of Florence. All this fighting must build up an appetite... the prize is a cow!
Easter Scoppio del Carro, Florence – Easter Sunday
In front of the Duomo a cart is pulled by oxen into the piazza, a flying dove lights a spectacular display of fireworks.
Bravìo delle Botti, Montepulciano – Last Sunday in August
At the end of a weeks festivities, teams of burly men push hefty barrels up the steep streets of Montepulciano. This works up a thirst – good job there is plenty of wine on offer. (Pushing barrels after a bottle of Vino Nobile is not advised!)
Other Festivals
Carnivale in Viareggio – Shrove Tuesday
Montalcino Sagra del Tordo – last weekend in October
Steak festival
in Cortona – 15th August
Puccini Festival* – June–August
Puglia
Lalapanzi
This trullo maintains many of the local features, yet cleverly incorporates a contemporary feel and modern comforts...
Sardinia
Casa Qandra
Simple but original country dwelling in San Pantaleo, set amongst olive and mimosa trees...
New in Puglia for 2012
Helen & Sarah have just returned from a very fruitful trip to Puglia...