The Olive Harvest in Italy: Three Weeks That Become a Year of Better Cooking
Late October, early November. The week of the year when every farm in Tuscany and Umbria is briefly the most important place in Italy.
Andiamo →From the Notebook
Stories from the road. Where to stay, what to eat, when to go, and which sleepy hill town deserves more than a photograph. Written by us, lived by us, kept honest for you.
Late October, early November. The week of the year when every farm in Tuscany and Umbria is briefly the most important place in Italy.
Andiamo →More Stories
Food & Wine For Families
Where to take children to roll pasta with a nonna who actually likes children — and where to take them to roll it with a chef who actually likes adults.
Romance
Coastal, countryside, or a bit of both — three itineraries that have held up over thirty years of bookings.
Romance
Where, when, and how.
For Families
A vacation rental in Lucca provides an ideal base for exploring much of Tuscany. Here are 12 unforgettable day trips for your inspiration. Play with Clay Take a…
On Screen Trip Inspiration
Villa Balbiano is real, bookable, and the most photogenic house on Lake Como.
Trip Inspiration
Travel opens our minds to new perspectives and our hearts to new people and destinations. At its best, travel is a catalyst for cultural exchange, global awareness, and…
Trip Inspiration
Lucca is one of the best places to visit in Tuscany, with so many things to do and see. It has amazing architecture, a wealth of outdoor activities,…
Restaurant Guides
Here are some of our favorite restaurants on the Amalfi Coast, including Positano, Sorrento & Naples. Amalfi Coast Casa Mele Via Marconi 76, Positano Recommended by our local…
Day Trip Ideas
Visiting the Amalfi Coast? Here are our 10 can’t miss day trips in and around the Amalfi Coast. Visit Beautiful Sorrento by Boat Take the hydrofoil (1 hour…
Day Trip Ideas
Day 1- Exploring South Meander south from Castellina in Chianti to Siena on the beautiful SS222 wine route. In Siena visit the Cathedral, Baptistery and Museo dell' Opera…
Day Trip Ideas
Day 1- Perugia Baci Italian chocolate, made in Perugia Drive east on the highway about 30 minutes to Perugia. Park at the base of the town and take…
Day Trip Ideas
Whether you're vacationing in Lake Como, Lake Maggiore or one of the other beloved lakes, the Italian Lake District offers natural beauty, water sports, golf, hiking, art, architecture,…
Day Trip Ideas
Rome has endless sights to see, but the surrounding area in Lazio contains many treasures often overlooked by the average traveler. From natural wonders to world-class spas and…
Day Trip Ideas
Cinque Terre — a certain music in the name seems to promise an otherworldly delight, a magical realm just a few steps removed from the everyday. And Cinque…
Day Trip Ideas
A vacation rental in Lucca provides an ideal base for exploring much of Tuscany. Here are 12 unforgettable day trips for your inspiration. Ride a bike along the…
Restaurant Guides
Like any area of Italy, Florence has its regional specialties. The city’s most famous contribution to the Italian kitchen is its popular specialty, bistecca alle Fiorentina, a thick…
Restaurant Guides
Here are some of our favorite restaurants in the Italian Lakes, including Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. Lake Maggiore Arona Al Cantuccio, Piazza del Popolo, 1, (039 0322)…
Restaurant Guides
Here are some of our favorite restaurants in the Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre. Marina Piccola, Via Lo Scalo, 16, (039 0187) 920923. At the end of the…
Trip Inspiration
Italy Travel Links Guided toursConcierge in Umbria: Custom day trips, excursions and personal servicesRome Car Service: Car service from the airportPositano Car Service : Car service and toursSorrento…
Trip Inspiration
The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most sought-after destinations, attracting visitors from all over the world with its stunning scenery, charming towns, and delicious cuisine. Renting a…
On Screen
Fans of HBO’s acclaimed series “The White Lotus” can now experience their own slice of sunny Sicily in Villa Tasca in Palermo. The 16th-century palazzo was featured in…
Restaurant Guides
You’ll find just about every region in Italy represented in Rome. Traditional Roman cooking features specialties like saltimbocca, stracciatella (soup with eggs, parmesan cheese, and parsley), and fried…
Trip Inspiration
A starter library for traveling well in Italy — novels, memoirs, art history, cookbooks, and a few favorites for kids. Click any title to find it on Amazon.…
Romance
Whether it’s a honeymoon, a milestone anniversary, or just a spontaneous getaway, there’s no doubt that Italy is one of the most revered places in the world for…
Trip Inspiration
Imagine strolling through the cobble stone, sun-kissed streets of Rome. Endless side streets line the eternal city with hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered behind every turn.…
For Families
A vacation rental in Lucca provides an ideal base for exploring much of Tuscany. Here are 12 unforgettable day trips for your inspiration. Rent Bikes Rent bicycles at…
Food & Wine
Food and wine are as much a part of Umbria's charm as its scenery and history. Regional dishes are flavorful without being fussy or fancy. Umbria is known…
On Screen
In 2006, our founder, Kit Burns received a call from a favorite client to say she had been offered a villa that was for sale near Cortona. She…
Food & Wine
One of the most common questions we receive is “when is the best time to visit Italy”? The answer depends on your individual needs, but certainly September, October…
Restaurant Guides
Here are some of our favorite restaurants in Tuscany including Chianti, Lucca, Maremma, Siena and Southeastern Tuscany. Chianti Biagio Pignatta, Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII, 1, (039 055) 8751406.…
Restaurant Guides
Umbria's cuisine is delightfully rustic and simple, relying heavily on olive oil. Here are some of our favorite restaurants in the region. Citta di Castello Bianconi Tartufi, S.…
Day Trip Ideas
Spend a day at the Monster Park Visit the picturesque hill town of Todi, or, if you have kids, consider a trip to the zoological park at Città…
Restaurant Guides
Venetian cuisine is based on seafood, often served with risotto as a first course. Polenta, made of corn meal, is also popular. Tiramisu (mascarpone cheese, coffee, chocolate, and…
On Screen
Villa Laura was the setting of a Soft Surroundings photo shoot as seen in their Endless Weekend catalog. Former guests and one of our brides-to-be are having fun…
Trip Inspiration
Known affectionately as “the green heart of Italy,” the central region of Umbria is often overlooked by tourists visiting Italy for the first time. Rich in culture and…
Food & Wine
The wines of this region are delicious and world-renowned; no doubt you will want to keep a few bottles on hand during your stay. The vineyards and wineries…
Wellness
Tuscany is graced with some of the best natural hot springs in the world. The baths were first revered by the Romans who realized their health benefits. At…
Trip Inspiration
A slow drive through olive groves and whitewashed hill towns, from Bari to the Sassi of Matera.
Trip Inspiration
How to have the coast almost to yourself — what to eat, where to stay, and the road I always recommend.
Travel Advisor
Tell us which of these places caught your eye and we’ll hand-pick three villas that put you right in the middle of it, with the dinner reservation, the boat, and the back-road directions sorted before you land.
Plan My Trip“A fabulous experience in every way. Thank you for all your help in working with us to choose the perfect villa and for all the recommendations. A trip to remember.”Doorways Client · Villa Larianella
“Our experience with Doorways was exceptional — La Casetta and The Farmhouse were impeccable, and the owners’ hospitality was off the charts. Two of the most magical properties in all of Umbria. Can’t wait to return!”Doorways Client · Sogno Casetta & Farmhouse
“My longtime dream of renting a villa with friends in Tuscany became a reality thanks to Susan and Doorways. Villa Laura was the perfect property — and Susan is trustworthy, professional, and passionate about her stunning properties.”Doorways Client · Villa Laura
“Awesome! Great central location and splendid views. A great, great place. This was my second time with Doorways and it was even better than the first!”Doorways Client · Poggio delle Rose
“We absolutely loved the villa on Lake Como. The local concierge devised a fabulous itinerary, and each of the services — provisions, chefs, tours on the lake — was exceptional. Our first time renting a villa, and we would highly recommend.”Doorways Client · Lake Como
“Phenomenal. The villa was a restful, beautiful place to stay, with spectacular views in Tuscany. Fresh herbs outside the door, a wood fire, more amazing views, and a quick dip in the pool. The four of us loved it — go, enjoy!”Doorways Client · Tuscany
“We couldn't have been better-taken care of! This was a very special experience — one that will be etched in our hearts forever.”Doorways Client · Villa Plaisir
“Three-sixty views over golden wheat fields and sunflower crops, a beautifully kept pool, an olive grove and fruit trees. And Mariela the housekeeper — what a wonderful person. The grounds, the views and the pool: magnificent.”Doorways Client · Villa Molinazzo
“I cannot speak highly enough of Doorways! Susan planned our stay and our wedding at Villa Laura in Cortona, and it was beyond our wildest dreams. Sophie the house manager gave us the best week of all our lives.”Doorways Client · Villa Laura · Wedding
“From arrival to departure, the week was filled with incredible hospitality, warmth and beauty. The description and photos did not do the experience justice. Xenia has created something truly special, and the Chianti hills were idyllic. Belissimo!”Doorways Client · Il Casolare
“Villa Mida is a delightful surprise — amazing water views, a unique indoor spa, attentive staff. After full days exploring the Amalfi Coast it was wonderful to return to a soothing setting to recharge. We can’t wait to return!”Doorways Client · Villa Mida
“This villa was amazing — everywhere you looked was a “wow” moment. Pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, king-size beds with double shower heads. Bocce, foosball, ping pong. Thanks Susan for recommending this property for the four couples.”Doorways Client · A Tuscan Villa
“The villa was spectacular. The service from the property manager and maid was first class, and the modern amenities were much appreciated. A five-star luxury experience.”Doorways Client · Villa Brezzablu
“10/10 would highly recommend. Susan is the utmost professional, full of knowledge, and she really gets to know you. Her trip planning and the details she provides are very valuable. A must if you want a unique and tailored experience!”Doorways Client · Doorways Client
“We had the absolute best experience working with Susan. We stayed at CasaCau in Roma — wonderful accommodations, delicious breakfast every morning, and the location was absolutely amazing — just down the road from the Fontana di Trevi. A real gem!”Doorways Client · CasaCau
“La Poggiolaia is a beautiful property with an amazing pool — and the sunsets are stunning.”Doorways Client · La Poggiolaia
“Comfortable in every way — and the chef was outstanding. Walking, eating, exploring… just entering into the beauty and culture of Italy.”Doorways Client · Casa del Fattore