An autumn break in Italy: explore the beautiful cities of Rome, Florence and Venice

Rome

Autumn is a wonderful time of year to visit Rome, with the city not as crowded as during the summer, and still perfect for sightseeing. With warm temperatures during the day, visitors can explore the city’s many sights while stopping for espressos in the sunshine, most enjoyable while sitting outside in one of Rome’s beautiful piazzas.

This autumn, notable dates include the 18th edition of its Festa del Cinema from October 18th to 29th, and the Roma Jazz Festival between 2nd to 26th November in numerous locations across Rome. For those interested in fashion, the Ara Pacis Museum will be entirely devoted to the legendary and influential fashion and glamour photographer Helmut Newton.

Additionally, one of the most prestigious festivals in Italy, Romaeuropa Festival, will be enriching the capital’s city once again with all kinds of events, including performances of dance, theatre, music, cinema and digital arts, until 19th November.

Some Recommended Apartments:

Via Germanico Penthouse, 3 bedrooms, 6 guests

The Via Germanico Penthouse apartment rental has recently undergone refurbishment, featuring elegant marble and precious materials selected by a renowned Italian architect. It is ideal for both modern contemporary art lovers and classical arts enthusiasts.

The spacious and bright 3-bedroom Via Germanico Penthouse apartment rental boasts stylish contemporary décor indoors and offers breathtaking views of Rome. It’s large terrace is an ideal spot for late night chats while enjoying a glass of fine Italian wine.

Apartment Colonna Traiana, 3 bedrooms, 5 guests

For visitors wanting to stay right in the heart of Rome, This luxury apartment is situated near iconic landmarks such as the Pantheon, Ara Pacis, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain, providing an ideal base for exploring the Eternal City.

This luxury apartment to rent in Rome has one of the best views in the city, on the third floor of a historic Palazzo, with a private balcony overlooking the majestic Trajan’s Column and the Roman Forum, and to the Vittorio Emanuele ll monument. The 126 feet tall Trajan´s Column, sculpted in marble and depicting the victor of the Roman army over Dacia, dates back to 113 AD, and is one of the best preserved Roman monuments.

Via Bocca di Leone, 3 bedrooms, 5 guests

This luxurious apartment rental, located in the heart of Rome on Via Bocca di Leone, offers an exceptional opportunity for those seeking a high-end holiday or vacation experience in Italy’s capital. Nestled on the top floor of an elegant building with elevator access, this property provides unparalleled comfort and style.

Guests will find themselves just steps away from the iconic Piazza di Spagna and Rome’s most renowned shopping streets, making it the perfect base for exploring the rich history, culture, and charm of the city. With its prime location, sophisticated design, and premium amenities, this luxury rental in Rome promises a memorable stay for anyone looking to experience the best of this vibrant city.

Vicolo del Divino Amore, 5 bedrooms, 10 guests

This elegant apartment is located a short distance from some of the most important sights in Rome, including the Pantheon, Ara Pacis, Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. The ground level has a large living room with TV and a dining area, and a connected kitchen. There is also a mini gym with an indoor Nordic Track bike, as well as a hydro massage mini pool for relaxing.

The first floor has three large bedrooms, as well as bathrooms, while on the same level you have access to a double bedroom, suspended on an interior balcony with an en-suite bathroom and shower. This level also has a common room furnished with armchairs, to be used as a studio or a library. On the second floor is the master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, and access to a private terrace with views.

Florence

Every season is a good time to visit Florence, but autumn is arguably the best, with a romantic atmosphere and less crowded than in spring or summer,

More manageable to get around the city on foot at this time of year, spend hours exploring Florence’s hidden streets and must-see sights. Florence’s Duomo Cathedral is the city’s most iconic landmark, with its cupola offering the best panoramic views of the city, while The Uffizi Gallery in the historic centre is also a must-visit, with its stunning frescoed ceilings works by famous artists, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael.

The Accademia Gallery is also worth visiting for many wonderful sculptures, including Michelangelo’s giant marble sculpture of David. Theatres, which are generally closed over the summer, open again in autumn, and also the city’s film festival takes place.

You might also like to take a day trip to visit a vineyard to taste some world-class Tuscan wines – after all, Autumn is the wine season, with the harvesting taking place in the region.

Some Recommended Apartments:

Borgo Ognissanti, 2 bedrooms, 4 guests

Situated within a beautifully restored 17th-century Florentine palace, this elegant retreat blends timeless charm with modern convenience – perfect for discerning travellers seeking comfort, style, and location. The highlight of Borgo Ognissanti is its expansive 350 m² L-shaped terrace – an exceptional outdoor living space with panoramic views over the Arno River, the Brancacci Chapel, the Church of Cestello, and stretching towards the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens.

Lungarno Soderini, 3 bedrooms, 6 guests

Also in the Oltrarno district, this apartment is a 10-minute walk from the lovely Piazza Santo Spirito, with its Monday-Friday market, and just a 12-minute walk along the River Arno to the Ponte Vecchio and the Palazzo Pitti. Situated on the first floor of the building, the apartment maintains original frescoes, is furnished in a vintage 1950s style and has been renovated throughout.

The two bedrooms with en-suite marble bathrooms are located at the back of the apartment, as well as a smaller study which can be converted into a third double bedroom, also with en-suite bathroom. The spacious and light living area benefits from wonderful views over the Arno River, and there is also a large stylish open-plan kitchen with elegant dining table. The owners of the apartment here can also arrange cooking classes on request.

Via Maggio, 3 bedrooms, 7 guests

The newly renovated Via Maggio luxury apartment rental situated in the eponymous quarter of Florence, renowned for its plenty antique and artisan shops. Via Maggio is located just moments away from the iconic Ponte Vecchio and Florence’s main attractions and museums.

Occupying the prestigious first floor of a historic building, easily accessible via a lift, the spacious Via Maggio luxury apartment rental boasts up to three bedrooms and three bathrooms, ensuring an indulgent and comfortable stay for everyone. After a long day, guests will also be able to enjoy and unwind with a glass of wine in the cosy courtyard.

Signora Palazzo, 5 bedrooms, 11 guests

A historical family-owned palazzo dating back to the 12th century, this apartment is in a wonderful central location just a few steps from Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio. The entrance to the building is into an impressive XVIIth century hall with original columns and statues.

Found on the fourth floor of the palazzo, with lift access, the spacious open-plan living/dining room has fireplaces for colder days and French doors that lead to a furnished terrace/roof garden, where there are views of the Church of Santo Stefano. On the opposite side, there are views of the tower of Palazzo Vecchio.

Venice

Visiting Venice in the autumn is perfect for long walks, and the apartments available here are centrally located in some of the most charming ‘sestieri’ of the city, including San Marco, Dorsoduro, Rialto and Castello. The maze of narrow streets in Venice lead to spacious squares, such as Campo San Polo, the Frari church and Scuola di San Rocco, as well as numeroous canals. 

Several of our rental apartments are also close to the Rialto Bridge, where a large and colourful food market offers a great choice of fresh foods. Venice also has several art festivals during Autumn, including The Marcel Duchamp and the Lure of the Copy exhibition at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, while lovers of opera can enjoy the season at La Fenice theatre, now resumed after the summer break.

Autumn is also a great time to visit the lagoon islands, Murano, Burano and Torcello, each with its own charm.

Some Recommended Apartments:

Apartment Zattere, 2 bedrooms, 4 guests

Situated in the Dorsoduro area, this second floor apartment overlooks the Giudecca Canal and benefits from panoramic views across to the Redentore Church and the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore. Known as the Art Gallery district of Venice, guests here will be just a few minutes’ walk from both the Guggenheim Museum, and the Punta della Dogana, in a recently restored old custom’s building and featuring a sensational art collection. The Accademia Gallery is also just a 7-minute walk.

The interiors of apartment have been refurbished throughout to a very high standard, with a beautiful wide entrance hall opening in one direction to the main living areas, and the other to the bedrooms with marble en-suite bathrooms, sauna and terrace. Adjoining the main living/dining room is a large studio/library, also with stunning canal views. Guests from both bedrooms can access the terrace, a perfect place for relaxing long lunches. There is also a sauna in the second bathroom.

Casa Venezia, 4 bedrooms, 8 guests

A stay in this historical house is a truly unique experience due to its prime location in Venice, right on the edge of the Grand Canal and close to Piazza San Marco. Built in the late 19th century, the house is on three levels, with large windows allowing for light, and overlooks an idyllic garden area and the Grand Canal beyond. With direct access from the canal, the house has a long history, with its most famous inhabitant being the poet and politician Gabriele D’Annunzio.

The main living area on the ground floor has French windows opening to the spacious garden, which includes rose bushes and pomegranates. A canopied dining area here is also ideal for enjoying breakfast, long lunches and beautiful ‘al fresco’ dinners. On the rooftop is an ‘altana’ (Venetian terrace) equipped with sun loungers, which can be accessed by an external staircase.

Palazzo Locatelli, Apartment One, 5 bedrooms, 10 guests

Situated in a wonderful central Venice location on the Grand Canal between St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, this apartment is found in a historical palazzo, dating back to the 16th century. The palazzo is just a 2-minute walk from the charming Campo Santo Stefano, and an easy walk from many of the famous sights in Venice, including the Palazzo Ducale and the Galleria Accademia, as well as a great choice of restaurants and shops.

The palazzo is divided into four beautiful apartments, with a shared entrance and its own private water entrance for arrival by boat, and retains its original ornate interiors, after being recently restored to the highest level. The apartment’s two floors are connected by both a staircase and lift, and the rooms are exceptionally light with both front and side views of the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge available from the living room, dining room and two of the bedrooms.