Vacations-Abroad.com Blog

Photo Contest - Win $100 towards your next vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:45:11 PDT

Vacations-Abroad.com is announcing a new contest give away. Each week day, Monday through Friday, a photo will be posted on our Blog. Guess the correct city where the photo is located and you will will $100 gift certificate towards your next vacation booked through Vacations-Abroad.com . A second hint will be posted to our Vacations-Abroad.com Facebook Page We will also provide a hint regarding the location. Contest begins shortly. Stay tuned.

Newsletter about Languedoc France

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:52:09 PDT

Read our most recent newsletter Cathar Castles in Maury Wine in Languedoc France

Montalcino Property - holiday apartment in Montalcino Tuscany

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:51:26 PDT

This adorable apartment is located within walking distance of Montalcino, home of the famous Bruenello wine. Personally inspected by Vacations-Abroad.com

New Property in Montalcino Tuscany

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:52:39 PDT

This small agriturismo has three apartments located on their farm that sits just outside the city walls of Montalcino.

Luxury Bed and Breakfast in Montepulciano Tuscany

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:53:10 PDT

Locanda San Francesco is a luxury B&B located in a prime location in Montepulciano Italy. The rooms are decorated in antiques with beautiful views of the Tuscany Landscape. The B&B has only 4 luxury rooms and on the main floor is a wine bar that is decorated with canvases from renown local artists. They also schedule jazz performances in the wine bar during the high season.

The wine bar in Locanda San Francesco, Montepulciano, Tuscany

The owners of the B&B are also owners of a local winery and can provide wine tours to all the renown local wineries.

Viareggio Tuscany Carnivale

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:53:41 PDT

One of the most famous carnivales in Europe and Italy occurs each year in the Tuscan seaside town of Viareggio.

Viareggio is located along the Ligurian coastline of Italy in the northern region of Tuscany in close proximity to Lucca. The city is a major commercial port that facilitates commerce throughout Tuscany. Historically, the town has not always been held in such esteem. Originally the land was marshland and the inhabitants of the area were prone to malaria and other epidemic diseases. The Middle Ages saw several battles between Lucca and Pisa in their attempt to gain control of the coast. Eventually, Viareggio came under the influence of Lucca. But it did not become habitable until 1739 when the marshes were drained as a result of hydraulics implimented by engineer Bernardino Zendri.

Viareggio carnevale is perhaps one of the most famous carnivals in Italy. It occurs in January and February and was first introduced in 1873. Huge paper mache floats parade along the promenade "viali a mare" . Some of the floats carry as many as 200 participants wearing costumes. Throughout the city there are events celebrating carnivale.

Visions of Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:55:23 PDT

We have set up a new blog with information about Italy. We will be posting articles and photos about the recent trip to Italy.

Wild adventures in Tuscany

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:17:22 PDT

I have finally arrived safely home after two weeks in the Siena region of Tuscany. The purpose of my visit was to review properties for my website Vacations-Abroad.com. I visited the cities of Montalcino, Montepulciano, Radda in Chianti and Gaiole in Chianti..

After two weeks of visiting 2-3 properties per day I was more than ready to go home. When it came time to check out, one of my credit cards had been maxed out and the remaining credit card just had enough money to pay for my previous weeks accommodations and it was a Saturday. Banks closed.

Rome was a 3-4 hour drive from Radda in Chianti on the superstrada with a toll of 50 euros. My tank of gas was a little over 3/4 full and I panicked. What would they do if I get on the toll road and could not pay at the end; so I decided to go along the windy backroads through Tuscany to get to Rome. There were very few cars on these roads so I called home with the message; "I am driving along the road SS2 to Rome and I am now 157 km from Rome". I was worried about having a wreck on the road and disappearing into a ravine or gully and no one would be able to find me. At least the knew now which road to send the helicopters to search if I never made it to Rome. I was continually watching to gas tank to estimate how many kilometers remained in the gas tank. And I had a world map on my Blackberry but no GPS.

All the towns along my drive had historical centers surrounded by ancient walls that are typical of many Italian cities. At one point I caught glimpses of a huge lake surrounded in fog down in a valley to my right. It was Lake Bracciano. Islands popped up in the middle of the lake and the horizon had a greyish blue effect from the rain that had continued all day. The road was narrow and winding in and out of the mountains that surround the lake. It was beautiful but I was too worried to stop and enjoy the scenery.

Somehow I finally made it to some major Rome highway and a gas station attendant pointed me in the direction of the airport.

Navigating the signs to the airport are very confusing. And at one point I was wondering if I was at the right airport. Nothing looked familiar until I found the Avis check in. And I recognized the attendant from when I had picked up my car. I was so relieved.

I got my luggage and went directly to the Hilton Hotel. I walked up to the conceirge and said..."I have an unusual request."

Siena Toscana wine, 2005 PrimaVoce from Tenuta di Arceno and Pasta with Bolognese Sauce.

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:17:56 PDT

Last night was a night of resting and enjoying some good wine and pasta. This was such an easy dinner to make. Boil the pasta and add the Bolognese Sauce along with a delicious Siena Toscana wine, 200 PrimaVoce from Tenuta di Arceno in the Siena region of Tuscany. You are supposed to decant the wine an hour before serving... so that should be the first thing you do. The Bolognese sauce was simple. Sauteed garlic and onions then added hamburger meat that had lots of spices added (salt, pepper, parmesian cheese, basil). Added a large can of tomato sauce and let it simmer. Grate parmesian cheese and set aside in a bowl.

When the pasta and sauce is done, serve immediately with the wine.

This wine is a Toscana wine from Chianti Classico region. The Toscana wines are allowed more flexibilty in the blending of the various grapes that the Chianti Classico or Chianti Reserve wines. And at times these wines have a more unique flavor. This wine was delicioius by itself. It has a deep red color and earthy taste. Since it was a 2005 it had a few years to mature. I enjoyed the wine immensely, however, even though it is supposed to be served with tomato pasta and meat dished; I found that having a sip of the wine right after a bite of the pasta and Bolognese sauce rendered the wine a bit acidic. I would only serve this wine with meats.

Cavriglia Tuscany Italy vacation rentals

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:18:24 PDT

Cavriglia is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Arezzo in the Italian region Tuscany, located about 35 km southeast of Florence and about 35 km west of Arezzo. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 8,622 and an area of 60.9 km².[1]The municipality of Cavriglia contains the frazioni (subdivisions, mainl...y villages and hamlets) Castelnuovo dei Sabbioni, Massa dei Sabbioni, Melewoloto Valdarno, Montegonzi, Neri, S.Barbara, S.Cipriano, and Vacchereccia. (Wikipedia)

Castiglione di Garfagnana Tuscany Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:25:06 PDT

Castiglione di Garfagnana's most striking attraction is the Medieval bridge built by Spinetta Malaspina in the 13th century. The city is also famous for its well-preserved 13th-century medieval walls with large towers (the Torrioni) and the Rocca ("Castle").

Castiglion Fiorentini Tuscany Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:51:42 PDT

Castiglion Fiorentino Tuscany is a small, walled city in the eastern part of the Tuscany , located between the cities of Arezzo and Cortona. It is well known for its annual festivals and Etruscan archeological site.

Castellina Marittima Tuscany Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:18:59 PDT

Welcome to Castellina Marittima, gentle hilly country lying on the Pisa-Livorno. Una terrazza immersa nel verde della macchia mediterranea con vista sulle isole dell'arcipelago toscano che al calar del sole si infiamma di surreali tramonti, quasi che i profili di Elba, Capraia, Gorgona e Corsica emergessero da un mare di fuoco. A terrace immersed in the Mediterranean with views of the Tuscan Archipelago at sunset ignites the surreal sunsets, as the profiles of Elba, Capraia, Gorgona and Corsica emerge from a sea of fire.

Castlefiorentino Tuscany Italy

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:56:05 PDT

Castlefiorentino is located in the province of Florence only 30 km from the city of Florence. In 1149 the name of Castelfiorentino was given to a castle erected along "Via Francigena" (the road used by pilgrims and waifarers, in the Middle Ages, on their way to Rome from the north of Europe

The flowers are abandoning the garden exhausted from the summer.

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:13:30 PDT

Summer is coming to an end and very few flowers remain in the garden... One of the last rudbeckia left.

Grenada Cottage - Great price for your budget

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:45:45 PDT

Want to enjoy Grenada on a budget ? This adorable cottage is surrounded by tropical landscape sleeps 2 and is only 3 minutes from the beach.

Click on title to view details

Its located just one block from the beach and its only a 3 block walk to the harbor and all the shops, restaurants, night life and art galleries in Lahaina Town

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 05:02:27 PDT

This Maui guest house offers comfort at a budget price. Located in Lahaina Town only 3 blocks from the beach

San Gimignano Agriturismo

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:56:05 PDT

Enjoy the rustic charm that Tuscany has to offer. Surrounded by Vineyards and Chianti hills this Agriturismo; let's you explore San Gimignano, Siena and Florence... all within easy driving distance.
The farmhouse has several apartments, a restaurant, private pool.

Edinburgh vacation rentals

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:45:52 PDT

Vacations-Abroad.com is No 1 on Bing, No 5 on Yahoo and No 5 on Google for Edinburgh vacation rentals. Hooray!

Moving on up.

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 15:24:05 PDT

We got in the top 15 on Yahoo for vacation rentals and vacation rental... Hope we stay there.

Major changes to site

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 05:25:11 PDT

We have just finished major changes to our website. There is a total new design, we now have calendars and property reviews. We have added a tour section to each city...
I am very lucky to have a good programmer and assistant who are irreplaceable. Now to add additional content.

Alicante, Spain - On the sea

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 09:02:00 PDT

The close relationship between Alicante and the sea provides a host of leisure opportunities. Alicante’s Marine Resort is the place for you if you like water sports – activities available include windsurfing, sailing and scuba diving. If you prefer a peaceful day at the beach or a stroll along the shore, then head for beaches like San Juan, Postiguet and Albufereta. However, if your weakness is for the “green”, then you should know that this region has plenty of golf courses. The closest is Alicante Golf, located within the city itself.
Alicante La Marina Vacation Rentals

Murcia - Golf and Beauty in Spain

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:47:03 PDT

Spain is the ideal place for golf. The great weather, superb visibility, lack of wind and pleasant climate are perfect for playing golf. How would you like a holiday playing golf and enjoying a completely natural beauty treatment? Washed by the waters of the Mediterranean, in south-eastern Spain, you will find the Region of Murcia. Its mild weather means you can play golf here almost all year round. Furthermore, whether alone or in company, this destination offers the chance to enjoy innovative holidays combining sport, health and beauty. Visit any one of the region's spa resorts, or the Mar Menor area, and you will experience the beneficial properties of mud and medicinal, mineral-rich waters. You are bound to want to come back.
Murcia Vacation Rentals

Madrid - A city of excitement, art, and ghosts?

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:47:03 PDT

Whether you believe or not, don't leave Madrid without a visit to the Cloister of the Reina Sofía National Museum and Art Centre. For many years, the Garden of the Museo Reina Sofía was the patio of the San Carlos Hospital. Built by Sabatini between 1750 and 1776, today it is an oasis in the heart of Madrid. Isolated from the hum of the traffic, surrounded by artworks, filled with leafy trees and accompanied by the rush of the fountains, it is hard to imagine that until the 19th century patients used to step out here to bask in the sunshine. They say, though, that if you look really carefully at night you can see the ghosts of the nuns who used to run the old hospital walking through the galleries of the museum.
Madrid Vacation Rentals

Visit the Royal Palace in Madrid

noreply@blogger.com (Vacations-Abroad) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:47:03 PDT

Madrid is the place to be be, whether enjoying fantastic architecture, great art, or enjoying the great people of Spain. Madrid's Royal Palace was built in the 18th century, by order of Philip V, on the site of the old Alcázar fortress, a former Moorish castle. Sachetti began the works in 1738, and the building was completed in 1764. The Sabatini and Campo del Moro Gardens are among the Palace’s many attractions. Of particular note among its numerous rooms are the Royal Guards' Room, the Columns Room, the Hall of Mirrors and King Charles III’s room, amongst others. It also contains paintings by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, El Greco and Caravaggio.
Madrid Vacation Rentals