If you are venturing to Venice in December, a wonderfully festive time, you may get more excitement than you bargained for. Known worldwide for its villas, doges, exquisite blown glass, festivals and, yes, the legendary canals, Venice also has achieved a certain notoriety for its periodic flooding, during events known as acqua alta, or “high water”. As Venice attractions go, the acqua alta occurrences are hard to include on a scheduled tour, since they are subject to the vicissitudes of many factors, including lunar phases, tidal flows and scirocco winds.

We all agree that it’s hard to beat the breathtaking scenery of Italian countryside, but there’s also a unique charm in Italian cities that is hard to find anywhere else in the world. From the bustling city of Florence with all of the museums, to the boats of Venice, to the pizzerias of Naples, there is so much going on with the cities.

There are luxurious villas in and around these cities that can also provide a unique way to experience a city break in a stylish way that hotels simply cannot.

Autumn is the best time to visit Italy. The weather is beautiful, the crowds of tourists have thinned out, and the fall Italian festivals are in full swing. Attending festivals is not only fun, it is a good way to learn about Italian culture and traditions in Italy.

Most festivals in Italy are based on historic events. They often include processions of people in period costume, local Italian food, contests and fireworks. Most Italian festivals are free but attendance at some events may require purchase of a ticket.