3 Experiences in Italy Not to Miss

For visitors to Italy, the history, colour, people, cultural diversity, and cuisine all tempt in equal measures. But it's the sort of destination that, in truth, no amount of time could do justice. There is so much to see, do, explore and discover in this wonderful country, the choice of where you rent your villas in Italy is almost overwhelming. But wherever you stay, you'll be faced with extraordinary experiences – here are just a few to consider.

The Florentine Halls

The villas in Italy in the region of Tuscany are among the most popular for tourists – and with good reason. They will place you squarely in the best place to visit the stunning Renaissance capital of the region – Florence. The cornets and edifices of the architecture of Florence have been admired for centuries, alongside the wealth of culture and art found in the city. Fine paintings, intricate sculptures and glorious buildings have been created at the hands of some of the country's most important artisans, and from the Romanesque to the Gothic, the Renaissance to Roccoco, each style needs to be seen in person to be appreciated. The Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Church of Santa Trinita, the Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, or the Uffizi are all-important stops on any itinerary of Florence.

The Roman Streets

If Florence is known for its high culture, then Rome is testament to the culture to which high culture aspires! The Eternal City was the definition and heart of an Empire whose shadow and glory enveloped Europe for so long its remnants can still be seen today. Those who crafted the Romanesque towers, who sculpted the Gothic arches and dreamed the paradigm of the Renaissance awakening, either looked back to Rome in the spirit of imitation or competition. A stay in any of the villas in Italy within proximity of Rome will afford you the opportunity to see for yourself the collision of ages in the layers of the Empire's foundations. From the walls of the Coliseum to old bicycles reclined against pot-plants in an 18th century piazza, Rome offers sights your eyes could not enjoy anywhere else in the world.

The Sicilian Sea

The grandness of the Renaissance and the Roman Empire are hard to compete with or compare to. Yet while few European epochs, or indeed, cultures from anywhere and anytime in history, can match these two periods, a stay in one of the villas in Italy on the island of Sicily will invite you to behold a type of glory that surpasses anything forged by human hands or minds. The cascading hills, the turquoise waves, the Mediterranean breezes and the songs of seabirds are very much the essence of Sicily. The island and its surrounding sea overshadow Rome and Florence in both age and invincible beauty.

Wherever you go in this wonderful country you'll be surrounded by natural beauty, art, culture and the essence of history – where you choose to spend the most time is up to you.

Jonathan Magoni is Senior Manager of Cottages to Castles, a family owned company specialising in high quality holiday villas, apartments and cottages in Italy. For spectacular villas in Italy in Tuscany, Sicily, the Italian lakes, ski resorts or city centres, we offer only the very best. Discover Italy at your own pace and without time restrictions in our hand picked villas and cottages.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.