Villa offer

BOOKINGS FOR YOU is marking the launch of its portfolio of #villas in Le Marche, #Italy, with 10% discounts and free exclusive wine tasting experiences for holidaymakers who book by the end of February. The agency has joined forces with The Winefathers and local winemaker, Riomaggio, to offer guests exclusive wine tastings experiences at vineyards in Montegranaro.

The agency was established in 2011, offering villa and apartment rentals throughout Italy, and this year expanding into Le Marche and Puglia for the first time.

www.bookingsforyou.com
www.thewinefathers.com

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Wine estate opened to mountain bikers

TO TUSCANY'S guests can take a two-wheeled tour of one of Chianti's top wine estates with the opening of a natural path which leads deep into its vineyards and olive groves.

Ancient by-ways once used by labourers to move around the farms have been restored using re-cycled materials to form the newly-opened route on the Dievole Estate. The 12-mile circuit can be expanded to 16 miles by following its 15 side trails. It has been marked according to difficulty, length, and altitude, with viewpoints suggested and sights such as an 18th-century stone aqueduct along the way.

The terrain of the 11th century vineyard is ideal for #mountainbikers, with its challenging mix of uphills, downhills, and fords. But walkers, horse-riders, and cross-country runners are welcome to follow the path.

to-tuscany.com

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/94418464@N08/9442799744">Rear of National Express liveried LSK 510.</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">(license)

Eat & drink in South Devon

TOAD HALL COTTAGES in #SouthDevon has 500 properties throughout the region from which food enthusiasts can enjoy the area's restaurants, vineyards, and #foodfestivals.

Much of South Devon's culinary success is down to the landscape – the fertile soil and clean, temperate waters produce outstanding local meat, dairy produce, seafood, and vegetables which supply the local restaurants, gastro pubs, and cafes. Fine dining favourites include The Seahorse in Dartmouth or Masterchef winner Anton Piotrowski's Treby Arms in Ivybridge. For outstanding seafood literally just off the boat, try the beach side eateries … Brittania at Beesands, Bigbury's Oyster Shack, or the Beach House at South Milton.

Wine enthusiasts can sample direct from the suppliers. Sharpham Vineyard produces award-winning wines and cheeses from its idyllic setting on the banks of the River Dart near Totnes. There are vineyard tours and tastings throughout the summer.

There are several food festivals showcasing local produce from champagne cider to chillies: The South Devon Crab festival in August, and the Dartmouth Food Festival in October.

www.toadhallcottages.co.uk
www.sharpham.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: "Dish of crawdads" by Justin Watt. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons,Glass of white wine by Jon Sullivan - wine-public-domain-images-pictures/glass-of-white-wine.jpg. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

New in South Africa

NEW on the self-catering market in South Africa is La Clé des Montagnes – a cluster of four villas in the Winelands village of Franschhoek.

Set in gardens and with private pools, the houses are for couples, friends, and families seeking the privacy, space, and the conveniences of a private home, yet with daily servicing, a 24-hour concierge, and a butler. 

Services range from private chefs and childminders to helicopter transfers and golf excursions.

A 45-minute drive from Cape Town, the Franschhoek area features 40 wine cellars and a higher concentration of award-winning restaurants than anywhere else in South Africa.

Prices range from ZAR4,050 (£224) per person per night: www.lacle.co.za

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: "Franschhoek Valley" by User:Da_Legend - Own work via Wikimedia Commons; "Pool" courtesy lacle.co.za