Valentine's Day celebration creates a truly unique atmosphere: this day and all the month of February, represent the perfect opportunity to celebrate love and the pleasure of being together with the most special person in our life. To experience a wonderful couple's experience on Valentine's Day, nothing is better than a special holiday: Dimore d'Epoca offers you six amazing hotels for an unforgettable holiday, perfect for creating magnificent memories to share with your loved one.

Relais Monaco Country Hotel & Spa (Ponzano Veneto, Treviso)

A magnificent luxury residence in the Treviso area, just 40 km form Venice, Relais Monaco Country Hotel & Spa offers 79 elegant rooms in a perfect blend of modernity and Venetian style. Various services of excellent quality will give life to a magnificent holiday, an experience that you'll remember with pleasure for a lifetime. The wellness area is a relaxing corner of paradise.

L' Albereta (Erbusco, Brescia)

Set in a large park that even hosts a botanical garden, hidden among vineyard-covered hills, a few kilometers from Lake Iseo and just an hour from the center of Milan, L'Albereta Relais & Châteaux is among the most evocative accommodations in Franciacorta. It offers 57 beautiful rooms, each different and each with its own personality.

Hotel Il Patriarca (Chiusi, Siena)

In the heart of a spectacular park, surrounded by beautiful hilly views, Hotel Villa Il Patriarca is located halfway between Chiusi and the renowned spa town of Chianciano Terme. A few kilomerers from the hotel you can reach and visit, among others, Montepulciano, Pienza, and Montalcino, home of the famous Brunello wine, some of the most famous locations in Tuscany.

Marignolle Relais & Charme (Florence)

Marignolle Relais & Charme is situated among the beautiful hills surrounding Florence. This splendid villa, surrounded by cypresses, brooms, and pines, is the perfect location for those who desire a place of excellence and relaxation with the best available. Marignolle Relais & Charme will offer you a charming stay in the intimacy of a historic residence.

Castello Di Spessa (Capriva del Friuli, Gorizia)

Castello di Spessa stands on top of a small hill, in the heart of the Gorizia Collio, land of great wines. The castle is located in Capriva del Friuli, in the North East of the Country: this amazinf hotel offers a magnificent Italian style garden. Surrounded by vineyards, Castello di Spessa is a beautiful manor of medieval origin that was used for centuries as residence for the lords of local nobility. The quality of the hospitality is excellent.

Villa Rizzo Resort (San Cipriano Picentino, Salerno)

Halfway between the Amalfi Coast and the Cilento Coast, in a paradise where you can taste delicious local products, stands Villa Rizzo Resort & Spa. We are in the heart of the Monti Picentini Park, a magical place of nature and history. A perfect location for hosting magnificent ceremonies, Villa Rizzo is among the most evocative accommodations in all of Campania.

The Origins of Valentine's Day

Celebrated every year on February 14th, Valentine's Day is universally known as a really special day dedicated to lovers. However, its origins are shrouded in a veil of mystery. Some historians believe that the roots of Valentine's Day go back to the ancient Roman festivals of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February. During these festivities, purification and fertility rites were performed, believed to favor the health and fertility of women. It is believed that the Church established Valentine's Day to "Christianize" the celebrations of Lupercalia. However, there are various legends about who Saint Valentine was. One of the most famous tells of a priest who secretly married Christian couples under the regime of Claudius II, who had banned marriages for young men, believing that bachelors made better soldiers. According to the more canonical Christian tradition, Saint Valentine of Terni was the bishop of the Umbrian city, then a martyr and therefore a saint. The real origin Valentine's Day wil always remain hidden in history, folklore and religion.

Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina

La Leggenda di Avalon, located in via Terni 21, 00182 Roma, is a medieval restaurant perfect for rediscovering ancient flavors and taking an exciting dive into history. A bizarre architect created a unique place, with fantastic scenography that characterizes the environment, making it an old castle. Since then, a vast menu, themed evenings and events have made the medieval restaurant La Leggenda di Avalon an important reality, a unique place, listed among the ten most particular places in Rome.

Ristorante La Campana

La Campana is one of the oldest restaurants in Rome and boasts over 500 years of history. Located in one of the most picturesque areas of the eternal city, La Campana is in Vicolo della Campana, 18, 00186 Rome. La Campana offers an authentic, typical menu: tasty traditional dishes, perfect for experiencing the best of Italian cuisine first hand. Amatriciana and carbonara, artichokes and more: La Campana will make you fall in love!

 La Fraschetta di Castel Sant'Angelo

Traditional Roman cuisine is perfectly represented by the restaurant “La Fiaschetta di Castel Sant'Angelo”, located in Via del Banco di Santo Spirito, 20, 00186 Rome. This typical restaurant offers simple, genuine dishes full of intense flavours. Among the iconic dishes offered are pasta all'amatriciana, coda alla vaccinara, carbonara and trippe. The culinary approach of the rich menu is based on the use of quality ingredients and the valorisation of authentic flavours, giving a unique and unmistakable character to the gastronomic tradition of the Capital.

Piccolo Arancio

Located in Vicolo Scanderbeg 112, 00187 Roma, “Piccolo Arancio” restaurant offers typical Roman dishes with a modern touch in a historic rustic-chic style trattoria. At Piccolo Arancio you will taste the best “saltimbocca alla romana” of the entire city. “Saltimbocca alla romana" is a delicous recipe based on thin slices of veal meat and prosciutto crudo, a true classic.

Antico Forno Roscioli

Few steps from famous "Campo dei Fiori", Antico Forno Roscioli is a piece of Roman culture and tradition. In this bakery, located in Via dei Chiavari 34, 00186 Roma, you will find a wide selections of salted and sweet treats, perfect for a quick pit-stop while visiting the eternal city. At Antico Forno Roscioli you will taste the original "pizza alla Romana", a typical street food quite different froma the pizza you'll find in Neaples.

Trattoria Da Enzo al 29

Low-key, hidden restaurant with outdoor seating serving Roman classics like fried artichokes, Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 will give you an unforgottable culinary experience. The name of the restaurant is related to the address: Via dei Vascellari 29, 00153 Roma RM, in the heart of Trastevere, one of the most iconic neighborhood of all Rome. At Enzo's you'll eat the best  fried artichokes of the eternal city.

Supplizio

The Supplizio restaurant boasts one of the most interesting culinary offerings in all of Rome: the chef prepares numerous variations of the famous "supplì", the king of the Roman street food consisting of a stuffed, breaded and fried rice ball. Located in Via dei Banchi Vecchi 143, 00186 Roma, in the heart of the city, Supplizio will wellcome the guests in a really nice location wher tradition and modernity meet together.

Osteria fraschetta Trinca a Frascati

When visiting Rome, we recommend going beyond the historic center to discover the beautiful surrounding hilly areas, called "I Castelli". Right in Frascati, a splendid village on the outskirts of the eternal city, there is the typical tavern "La Fraschetta Trinca" a beautiful place where you can taste dishes from the true tradition of Roman cuisine. "La Fraschetta Trinca " is located in Via Balilla, 14, 00044 Frascati (Rome).

Il Maritozzo Rosso

Located in Vicolo del Cedro 26, 00153 Rome, Il Maritozzo Rosso offers traditional dishes and stuffed “maritozzi” served in a simple and cozy restaurant with terrace. The “maritozzo” is a typical sweet breakfast brioche usually stuffed with whiped cream. At Maritozzo Rosso you will find a lurge number of salted variants, stuffed with all the flavours of typical Roman cuisine. Don't miss them, they are amazing!

The Carnival of Venice ("Carnevale di Venezia" in Italian language) is one of the most magic events in the world. It takes place in this incredible, antique city rising from the Mediterranean Sea. This annual festival is known for its intricate masks and a long history of tradition and culture. The 2024 edition of the Carnival of Venice will take place from Saturday January 27 to Tuesday February 13.

Dimore d'Epoca offers you a selection of beautiful hotels that will transform your visit at the Carnival of Venice in a dream with open eyes.

Ca' Nigra Lagoon Resort

Located in the heart of Venice, Ca' Nigra Lagoon Resort is an exclusive structure on the famous "Canal Grande". This place has everything you could wish for from a boutique hotel on the Grand Canal. Intimate and cozy, it welcomes you in a historic Venetian palace where you will be surrounded by bright frescoed rooms, with 18th century furniture, authentic floors, objects with an oriental charm and precious Rubelli and Bevilacqua fabrics. Rich breakfast, beautiful rooms and top class service are standard at Ca' Nigra Lagoon Resort.

Venissa Wine Resort

Tenuta Venissa is located in Mazzorbo, an island that together with Torcello and Burano represents the Native Venice: an archipelago of nature, colors, flavors and art. Venissa is a perfect example of a "walled vineyard". The estate is in fact composed of a cultivated area of ​​over 2 hectares and is entirely surrounded by medieval walls rebuilt in 1727. Venissa Wine Resort give you a uniqe point of view in Venezia's Lagoon: a luxury expericence taht you will never forget.

Palazzo Ruzzini

Palazzo Ruzzini hosts one of the most appreciated hotels in Venice. The structure overlooks Campo Santa Maria Formosa on one side and Rio del Paradiso on the other: the perfect pace to reach any corner of Venice in a few minutes walk. It offers its visitors the true essence of the aristocratic Venetian atmosphere of the past in charming and luxurious modern décor.

A truly unique cultural experience

If there is an event that you should see with your eyes at least once in a lifetime, it's the Carnival of Venice. It offers a variety of performances, including music, theater, and dance, all infused with Venetian tradition. These performances provide an immersive experience that allows you to engage with and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Venice. Getting lost in an entire city rising for water surrounded by masks is an expericnece that you can't describe with words.

Incredible masks and costumes

One of the most iconic aspects of the Carnival is the wearing of elaborate masks and costumes. The craftsmanship and artistry put into these masks are unparalleled. They are not only a feast for the eyes but also carry cultural significance, representing different characters and social classes from Venetian history. Some of the costumes you can see at the Carnival are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and require years to be made by expert craftsmen.

Unforgettable gastronomic delights

Italian cuisine is world-renowned: during the Carnival, you'll have the opportunity to taste seasonal and traditional Venetian dishes. This is a perfect chance for food lovers to indulge in some authentic and exquisite Italian fare. Venetian cuisine offers lots of amazing fish recipes.

Carnival of Venice: the origins

The Carnival of Venice has roots that trace back to the 12th century. It began as a celebration of Venice's victory over the Patriarch of Aquileia in 1162 and evolved over time. This festival is a living relic of history, offering a glimpse into medieval European festivities and traditions.

Fairytale atnosphere

The streets of Venice transform during the Carnival. Every cortner is filled with colors, sounds, and an overall magical atmosphere. The blend of historical architecture with the vibrant festivities offers a surreal experience, almost like stepping into another era. Once you visit this event you'll desire to come back your whole life, every year.

A true break from the ordinary

In today’s fast-paced world, the Carnival of Venice offers a chance to escape the machine we are all trapped in. It’s an opportunity to experience something truly unique and to immerse yourself in a world of fantasy and heritage. This is not just a festival: it's a multifaceted experience that offers history, culture, art, and a unique atmosphere. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, an art lover, or just looking for a unique experience, the Carnival of Venice is a must-visit event that promises to be a lifetime expericence.

How to reach Venice

Venice is one of the most popular destinations in the entire world: there are many ways of getting to the City of Canals, including by car, train, coach & plane. Venice’s main international airport Marco Polo (VCE) is one of the busiest in Italy. It is also possible to get to the “Queen of the Adriatic” from Treviso Airport (TSF), which is situated to the north of Venice, approximately an hour away. Venice Santa Lucia Railway Station offers deprtures and arrivals from ​the most important cities of Europe.

Venice needs no introduction: the pearl of the Venetian Lagoon is probably the most iconic and recognizable city in the world. Experiencing the magic of this place in person is priceless and always gives great emotions. We have selected for you 10 places to visit in Venice full of atmosphere, far from the canonical touristic tours. Dimore D'Epoca offers a selection of magnificent hotels in Venice, ideal for living the most of an unforgettable journey. We also thought of combining this unique place with the great wine culture of the area, creating a wine tasting experience in Venice.

Libreria “Acqua Alta”, a magic place for book lovers

For book lovers, a stop at the Libreria Acqua Alta in Venice, one of the most original bookshops in the world, is a must. The Acqua Alta Bookshop in Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa is the only place on earth where you will find a vast choice of books, new and used, arranged inside decidedly particular shelves: various types of boats, literally. The books are not just to buy but have been transformed into real furnishing objects. Old encyclopedias can become steps on a staircase, or cover the walls of external courtyards, transforming them into colorful surfaces. To complete the furnishings there are also oars and mannequins. The owner is very kind.

“Fondaco dei Tedeschi”: shopping, art and culture in the heart of Venice.

Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a hidden treasure in the deep heart of Venice. This historic building situated on the Grand Canal near the Rialto Bridge was the headquarters and living quarters of the city's German merchants. Today the building houses luxury shops, spaces for art exhibitions on three floors. It has a large covered but very bright internal courtyard and a magnificent roof terrace that offers a unique view of Canal Grande. The terrace can be visited for free upon reservation.

Discovering Giudecca Island

Giudecca is an island part of the sestiere of Dorsoduro, south of Venice: it's located south of the central islands of Venice, from which it is separated by the Giudecca Canal. It is easily reachable by vaporetto (Venice's boat public transport system) in a couple of minutes from Zattere stroll or in 15 minutes form Santa Lucia railway station. The island of Giudecca has a unique charm: far from the confusion and tourist routes, it is silent and full of atmosphere. Many celebrities have purchased a residence right here. Giudecca is also famous for its beautiful private gardens.

Squero San Trovaso: where gondolas are built

“Squero San Trovaso” is the typical Venetian shipyard where gondolas are created, built and repaired. The Squero San Trovaso is the most famous squero in Venice, born before the seventeenth century, and one of the very few still active. The squerarolo of San Trovaso builds the gondola entirely by hand, almost always without a project, as ancient tradition taught. To discover this artisanal processing technique, Squero San Trovaso also organizes tourist visits for groups.

The Ghetto of Venice

The Venetian Ghetto was the area of Venice in which Jews were forced to live by the government of the Venetian Republic. The ghetto is a neighborhood rich in history and charm, definitely worth a visit. There are many antique synagogues like Scuola Grande Tedesca (Great German Synagogue), Scuola Italiana (Italian Synagogue), Scuola Spagnola (Spanish Synagogue), Scuola Levantina (Levantine Synagogue), Scuola Canton (Canton Synagogue) and the Jewish Museum of Venice. There are some typical kosher cuisine restaurants too.

Eating in Venice: Cantina Do Spade

A few steps away from Rialto bridge you can find Cantina Do Spade, an ancient tavern established in 1448 where you can eat typical Venetian dishes made with extreme care. The dishes are prepared respecting the seasonality of the ingredients and ancient recipes, but with a touch of innovation. Cantina Do Spade is located in San Polo, 859, 30125 Venice: you can reach it from the Santa Lucia railway station with a walk of less than 20 minutes or with “vaporetto” public transport boat. We love this place so much that we created a culinary experience at Cantina Do Spade just for you.

A true Venetian expericence: “Al Mercà”

Al Mercà is one of the best “bacaro” in Venice. A bacaro is a typical Venetian tavern where people meet at any hour of day for a quick but tasteful meal and a glass of good wine, simply enjoing small things in life. Al Mercà is one of smallest bacaro in Venice, but it offers some of the best “cicchetti” in town. “Cicchetti” are small snacks made with a slice of fresh bread and many different ingredients like fish, meta, cheese and vegetables. Belive us, once you start tastig them you'll never stop! Al Mercà is located in Campo Bella Vienna, 213, 30125 Venezia, few steps from Rialto bridge. You can reach it from the Santa Lucia railway station with a 20 minutes walk or with “vaporetto” public transport boat. This place is worth a visit: don't hesitate!

Osteria la Zucca: Venetian taste, but vegetariana

Osteria la Zucca is one of the most original restaurants in Venice. A magical place where tradition meets innovation, with extraordinary results. Much loved by the inhabitants of Venice as well as tourists, Osteria La Zucca offers delicious vegetarian dishes with some vegan options. You can find it in Sestiere Santa Croce 1762, 30135 Venice. You can reach Osteria la Zucca from Santa Lucia Railway station with an easy 10 minutes walk. It is strongly recommended to book in advance, the restaurant is very popular.

Scala Contarini del Bovolo: a magic staircase

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a late Gothic building in Venice, located in the San Marco district, near Campo Manin, and overlooking the Rio di San Luca. What makes this building so special is an astonishing 26 meters high staircase, “Scala Contarini del Bovolo”. The staircase leads to an arcade, providing an impressive view of the city roof-tops. The original construction of the building should date back to the 14th century, but the addition of the staircase instead took place at the end of the fifteenth century. You can visit this charming place and go up the staircase with an 8 Euros ticket (6 Euros for kids).

One last advice: get lost in Venice!

Venice is a magnificent place, unique in the world: to best experience it we recommend visiting the places on this list, in addition to the most famous attractions such as Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, Punta della Salute and Peggy Guggenheim Museum. One last tip: get lost in Venice! Walk aimlessly through the streets, enjoy the beauty of this place: it will be easy to imagine being in the 1500s, especially in the less touristy area of Sestrier Castello. Try it, you won't regret it: you will take home unique memories and emotions.