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Summer 2007: Book Now or Hold Your Peace
By Heather Whipps
We're creeping into winter, but Europe is only getting hotter. The booking season, that is. Amazingly, now is the time to start planning that holiday for Summer 2007, especially if you've got your eye on ever-popular Italy and Greece. A bonus of booking early? More time to plan activities, like wine tours in Chianti or Greek cooking classes in Crete, in these culture-thick regions.
Here's a primer to get you going (or thinking, at least!):
Italy
It's tough to summarize the booted, sultry nation of Italy in a few sentences. It's varied and unique in places, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the chic coast of Campania, but a gracious and fun-loving Italian way of life pervades throughout. If you love good food, good wine and long nights of chatting with good friends, especially, look no further.
Tuscany is the place for first-timers to Italy, as this is the closest you could ever get to experiencing the "typical' image travelers usually associate with the country. Between vineyards and olive groves are dotted medieval villages to explore; it's also home to the richest Renaissance history. The villas are so quintessential, too: Villa Maremmana is a six-bedroom restored farmhouse surrounded by cypress trees. Not so stereotypical is its private 18-hole golf course and proximity to the beach. Villa Mimmi, another six-bedroom refurbishment, took a rare modern approach to design and features warm white lines and chic, minimalist décor. On chillier nights the heated pool is a welcome retreat.
Umbria resembles Tuscany in many ways but is much less known—ideal if you're looking for something more languid. La Banxiana is one of our favorites here, not only for its views over the shadowy hills but its to-die-for farmhouse kitchen, too.
Twisty cliffsides, Vespas and balconies overflowing with purple and red flowers: this is Campania, a province best known for its glamorous Amalfi Coast. Come here if you want to see, be seen and have a hankering for lovely views. Six-bedroom Villa Amalfitana hugs one of those cliffs and has bougainvillea to boot. Its terraces are the ultimate spot to sit and relax with a glass of red wine.
 
Greece
Few travelers seem to ever stay put for long anywhere in Greece, but not due to disappointment. With the variety and proximity of its gorgeous Aegean islands, it's just hard not to wonder what's around the next bend (or across the waves, to be precise)! The architecture, food and people are uniquely Greek and amaze effortlessly.
Mykonos is probably the country's best-known island destination, famous for its vibrant nightlife and great beaches. That's accurate, but there's a quieter side to the island that you should explore too. Villa Galaxy is a wonderful place to start, looking out over the Aegean with plenty of room for up to 10 guests. A large pool with stone terrace is one of those serene parts of the island you'll enjoy.
Samos is much lower on international radar, but is no less charming than its Aegean neighbors. This traditional fishing village boasts great beaches and lots of history. The seafood, as you would expect, is out of this world. Marnei Mare – Stelios lies within a heritage area protected by UNESCO, on the northwestern shore just five minutes from the beach. Its infinity pool and lovely alfresco dining area mean you'll be spending a lot of time enjoying the outdoors.
Finally, Crete is Greece's largest island and its most diverse. The famous archaeological site of Knossos is here, as are endless arrays of beaches, restaurants and shopping. With a mountain range and caves, it's one of the few places in the Greek isles where you can really get physical, if that's your thing. If kicking back is also your thing, our Elounda Villa is the perfect little slice of the island. Private and elegant, the two-bedroom villa boasts a pool, fireplace and great views over the Gulf of Mirabello.
 
Don't Forget…
Croatia is a part of the hot, southern Mediterranean region that gets snapped up quickly for summer traveling. If you're looking for something a little different, try Dalmatia instead of Tuscany or Istria rather than Crete. |
For more information on villas available for the Summer 2007 season please contact us:
Call 1-877-993-0100 or E-mail
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