Hidden Fantasy Rome Neighborhood – Coppedè Quarter

Italian Culture, Rome

Take a delightful break from the dense history and architecture of the central part of Rome among the whimsical and strange architecture of the Coppedè district.  It is just east of the Borghese Gardens in an upscale neighborhood, filled with embassies. From the Spanish Steps it is a 15 minute taxi ride, 30 minutes by bus or a 40 minute walk.

This amazing district was designed by Gino Coppedè (1866-1927) an architect and designer who joyously designed buildings throughout Italy with Art Nouveau style. In Rome the homes and structures evidence styles from medieval, baroque, greek and just plain fantasy! Continue reading Hidden Fantasy Rome Neighborhood – Coppedè Quarter →

Announcing Felicita, Italy Perfect’s Newest Florence Apartment

Florence, Italy Perfect Vacation Rentals

The newest addition to our Florence luxury apartments is Felicita, a bright and beautifully laid-out 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom apartment in a fabulous historic center location.

Views? Check! Terrace? Check? Lovely decor? Check! Elevator? Check! Air Conditioning? Check!

We love the Oltrarno area of Florence, just on the other side of the Ponte Vecchio bridge but only a few minutes walk from the bustling downtown area. A calmer atmosphere pervades this area, with wonderful restaurants, artisan workshops carrying on centuries-old traditions of art restoration, gilding, jewelry making, bespoke shoemakers and antique shops. We think you’ll love this area too and the special location of the Felicita apartment on picturesque Piazza Santa Felicita. Continue reading Announcing Felicita, Italy Perfect’s Newest Florence Apartment →

How I Started Italy Perfect Vacation Rentals

Florence, Italy Perfect Vacation Rentals

Lisa Byrne, founder of Italy Perfect, shares her story of Casetta Bonsi, the little house in Florence that gave Italy Perfect its start.

I can’t tell you how many times people say to me “I wish I had your job!”

I’m so lucky to wake up excited to go to work every day, to share my love of Italy with others and to help guests achieve their dream trip to Italy. We reached a major milestone this month, Italy Perfect is celebrating 15 successful years in business! During that time we have helped over 30,000 travelers enjoy a stay in one of the over 150 vacation rentals properties that we’re proud to represent. We so enjoy hearing from returning guests who first came on their honeymoon, now returning with the family in tow. It gives us pleasure to learn about each client’s reason for visiting Italy, whether it is to celebrate an anniversary, retirement or graduation, or to reconnect with long lost Italian relatives, the desire to indulge in Italian hospitality, culture and food is a given.  Thank you all for your business and for the wonderful referrals of friends and family. Continue reading How I Started Italy Perfect Vacation Rentals →

A Roman Holiday: Staying near the Spanish Steps in the Sabini Sistina Apartment

Italy Perfect Vacation Rentals, Rome, Tourist Information

Renowned travel blogger Leah Travels tells us all about  her enjoyable stay in Rome. 

The Spanish Steps have been an inspiration for poets, painters and artists since the early 1720s. They’re also a landmark I frequented during my fourth visit to Rome in June. My Italy Perfect apartment was just a one-minute walk from Piazza di Spagna, the home of the Spanish Steps. Continue reading A Roman Holiday: Staying near the Spanish Steps in the Sabini Sistina Apartment →

Italian Truffles: Pricey, Earthy Gourmet Indulgence

Food, Tourist Information, Travel Planning

Truffles are one of those foods that tends to get a strong reaction. Like cilantro, Brussels sprouts and blue cheese, you either love ’em or hate ’em!

Truffles are intensely fragrant and hard to find in most places except Italy. They are the underground fruit of ascomycetous fungi.  The fruit spores are dispersed though being consumed by fungivores.  They are so rare they may be the most expensive ingredient you can indulge in at $1000-$3000/pound. Continue reading Italian Truffles: Pricey, Earthy Gourmet Indulgence →