Set in typical Mediterranean countryside - a rural setting where you can go along flower paths, in the fragrance of the kitchen garden or the olive oil mill – is Masseria Torre Coccaro , a ‘relais’ surrounded by a vast estate in the Apulia countryside. This is a 5-star luxury Hotel Resort which manages to blend elegance with all comforts, luxurious surroundings together with the simplicity of rustic life and respect for nature. As in a painting, the defence towers...

If you want to choose really beautiful places for your holidays, you can opt for the Lakes region which includes Lake Maggiore, Lake Como , Lake Varese and many others.  In this picturesque area, you will be astonished by the extraordinary glimpses in the stillness of the lakes, relish typical local dishes including fish such as rock bass, common bleak, trout, char, tench, carp, northern pike and vendace, whilst sipping good wine and enjoying magnificent views of the lakes. Along...

Among the beaches and the majestic Puglia rock formations, near the ‘ trulli ’ (cylindrical homes with cone roofs) of Alberobello , the countryside around the Itria Valley , the art city of Conversano , the Castellana grottoes, the white city of Ostuni , Castel del Monte , the stone formations of Matera , Salento , the little rock churches – a stay in one of the many hospitable ‘masserie’ manor farms in Puglia is ideal for those who wish to explore...

Few areas offer as much as that of Lake Garda : “The Lake is an intense azure colour, reddening and as clear as a jewel” were the words of Lawrence and like him, many other artists and writers have been enchanted by its beauty, the most well-known being Gabriele d’ Annunzio who settled at Gardone Riviera in 1921, in the then “Villa Cargnacco”, transformed later by the same prophetic poet into the Vittoriale monumental complex.  The temperate climate of...

Extending for 365 acres in the Cotswolds park and adjoining the beautiful village  of Castle Combe , the 18 - hole golf course (par 72), is The Manor House Hotel and Mews Cottages .  This is one of the most fascinating places in the South of England which continually attracts VIPs , indomitable golfers and lovers of relaxation and beauty. You can sip tea accompanied by tasty desserts or quietly read a book, after sport, in the peace and calm of this corner of...

An “ irregular ” pearl  or a syllogism of inconsistent logic; the origins of the word “ Baroque ” are uncertain yet could come either from the French “ baroque ” or from the philosophic terminology used in medieval schooling.  However, it is the outstanding fruit of human genius, something creative which arouses amazement, such as we can pleasantly admire if we go to the Val di Noto , in south - eastern Sicily .  The most fascinating...

Situated in the fantastic places of the Homer legend of Scylla and Charybdis , and in a favourable position for its closeness to Sicily and Reggio Calabria - characterized by the splendid imagery of the Viola coast , is the Atlafiumara Castle ; unique for its art and the natural scenery in which it is surrounded. The castle is a Bourbon fortress /stronghold of the late 18th century , surrounded by Oak trees , Scots Pine and Maritime or Cluster pine trees, Olive...

For those who want to give themselves a truly exclusive holiday , for those who do not want to miss the flavours, the fragrances, or the panoramic views of the best Sicilian and Mediterranean places , we advise you to choose a stay at Eremo della Giubiliana , the only five - star luxury hotel in this wonderful part of the island: Baroque Sicily .  Thanks to its Airpark , with two landing strips – one 500-metre grass strip, and one 700-metre tarmac strip, with radio...

If you love golf, then you should not miss the Kintyre championship in Scotland , at one of the most exclusive golf clubs – The Westin Turnberry Resort, Ayr , the 138th Open Championship is being played from 16 th -19 th July 2009. At this hotel, situated on the Atlantic coast with a view over the legendary island of Ailsa Craig , you can have fun playing your favourite sport surrounded by the picturesque Scottish countryside.  Between one hole and another, you can also...

You will not lack anything if you decide to spend your holidays at Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa , in a wonderful natural environment, a luxury castle surrounded by vineyards and olive groves on the rolling hills of Florence with enchanting sunsets and the delicate fragrances of the Tuscany countryside .  In a favourable position just a few kilometers from Florence, Siena and San Gimignano, you can explore the riches of these timeless cities and visit their attractions which...

Situated in a real corner of paradise , one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean , with a breathtaking panoramic view , because it is surrounded by a secular pinewood, and facing towards “Isola Bella” of Taormina, Hotel La Plage Resort is in a privileged position which has enchanted the greatest artists and writers of all time.  To Johann Wolfgang Goethe , Taormina appeared as “A strip of paradise on Earth” , and is still preferred by...

Marrakech never ceases to seduce lovers of elegance and luxury.  Among marble, antique furniture and objects, paintings, carpets and refined fabrics you can enjoy typical flavours of its spicy dishes and the fragrances of its markets rich in roses, jasmine, mint, kohl, pieces of amber, lily of the valley and also almonds, hazelnuts, broad beans, dates, olives and henna. In a privileged position, right near the most important places of the city, such as the Royal Palaces , the...

Between Agrigento and the sea of Ragusa, the Falconara Charming House & Resort is set around Falconara Castle .  The areas adjacent to the evocative medieval castle - built in the Norman era to oppose the Moors invasion – have been converted into this elegant Resort.  Belonging to it is the “Club House” which comprises most of the bedrooms and the bar, the restaurant, the “ Space Comfort Zone ” wellbeing centre with 2 massage cabins,...

Do you know Bisbal d’Empordà ?  It is noted above all for its ceramics .  Bisbal is one of the most important towns in Catalonia , near the city of Girona .  Perhaps you have been to Bisbal for the “La Festa Major” (“Major Festival”) on 17th August, or for the ceramics trade fair .  You will certainly have admired its architectonic beauty, linked to its religious tradition and history.  In fact, its name is derived from...

Known as the pearl of the Brenta Dolomites in Trentino, Madonna di Campiglio is perhaps the skiing destination which offers the most.  Apart from its worldly popularity , it is its nature which makes it an extraordinary place.  It is in the middle of countryside which if full of lakes, streams, larch trees and mountain huts.  Its mountain paths and the beauty of the Adamello-Brenta nature park can be enjoyed in long walks on by mountain-bike.  But what makes...

For a regenerative holiday that restores body and mind, we can advise the favourite destinations of not only skiers and hikers: the Alpine peaks.  Indeed, the natural resources of our country relieve ourselves of the stress of chaotic cities and also feel, even for a brief week immersed among nature, the pureness of the mountain, breathing clean air in the type of countryside you see in glossy magazines. Among the Aosta Valley, Veny Valley and Ferret Valley , and the Chamonix Valley...

If you want to travel among history, among Gothic chapels, renaissance frescoes, medieval architecture, then you should consider going to Trentino Alto Adige which is distinguished, among many other particularities, as a land of castles .  Just enter in one of its princely residences or fortresses to feel the echo of distant and timeless memories.  Its aristocratic residences, surrounded by green vegetation and the fragrance of woods, among the pleasant sounds of waterfalls and...

Its worth making a visit to Catania, especially during the holidays.  Catania at night is known for its always new nightlife places, events and trendy places , which fill up with people from Catania and other places until the first light of dawn and later.  Then why not discover the itineraries of the “movida catanese” , from the trendiest happy hour bar to the hot croissants with thousands of different varieties, with breakfast-time cappuccino.  Calling in,...

Time to give presents: London !  Here’s where to go to look for the latest things that this English city can offer more than any other city!  If your first stop is at Oxford Circus station, you have about 300 shops and department stores of Oxford Street .  You will certainly not be bored, spending time in the legendary Selfridges, or Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis and Harvey Nichols, and if you want to discover what is most trendy at the moment, you...

« I stood in Venice on the Bridge of Sighs ; a palace and a prison on each hand: I saw from out the wave her structures rise As from the stroke of the enchanter’s wand…» with these lines from “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage”, Lord Byron , confesses being conquered by the magic of the very famous city of art .  In fact, the beauty of Venice is revealed in its fantastic monuments and in its great works of art, mixed with the creations of the...

If you are looking for a really exclusive place to spend the Christmas and New Year festival and the usual destinations bore you or you do not enjoy those that are eccentric or that perplex you, then you could consider the suggestions on our website www.icastelli.net. If you are looking for a holiday with elegance and romanticism and do not want to renounce your love for culture, good wines, excellent cuisine , sport, nature and countryside, then the castles of the Alsace region would...

For those who have already been and enjoyed a stay in a princely residence, such as in one of the many wonderful Tuscan castles , nostalgia can be simply overcome by booking another holiday in one of these enchanting places.  For those who have never been able to escape for a relaxing time in a unique atmosphere, which can transport you into an imaginary world, full of marriage nuptials and knights, courtly love and jousts, heroism and faith, weddings and great events, just give...