Istria, Croatia–Genuine Adventure Without Genuine Pain

Adventure travel is getting harder and harder to find without abandoning all conceptions of modern conveniences. Adventure is one thing, but not everyone wants to give up having a toilet for weeks on end to be able to say they’ve been to the wild. On the other end of the spectrum is what’s driving modern day Lewis and Clarks to such lengths in search of the real foreign experience.

What is driving modern adventure travelers into jungle and mountain with no hope of comfort to be found? The difficulty in finding genuine, unsterilized experiences. Any popular destination these days is likely to be festooned with American products, English neon signs and T-shirts of popular western bands. Why go to another country to stay home? Croatia is one of the few destinations gaining popularity that is not succumbing to this trend and still offers rustic adventure alongside modern hospitality.

Istria, on its own, gives adventure travel a good name. Unspoiled lakes, thick forest and beautiful vistas that require some foot work to find are the rule and not the exception, and can be reached from vacation rental homes which also are in reach of great restaurants that will not compromise their local customs for tourists. For a genuine experience, try Croatia.

Zillertal–Rural, yet comfortable

Zillertall is a lovely resort set between majestic and picturesque mountains deep in rural Tyrol. For a long time, the main industry of Zillertal was coal mining, lending to the pastoral quality of this sylvan land. The natural beauty of Zillertal remains unspoiled, but the main factor in the area is now tourism. Tourists that hear of the unprecedented winter sport opportunities and welcoming atmosphere of Zillertal in particular and Tyrol in general often find their new favorite vacation spot.

One of the villages in the Zillertal valley is Fügen. Fügen is about as unspoiled as Austria gets, and yet as accommodating as you could want. Within the resort, a visitor can find a heated swimming pool, tennis, summer skiing in nearby Hintertux, a summer toboggan run and, in the winter, the valley has 154 ski lifts to different slopes. There is little for an active traveler to desire.

Of course the real reason to come and stay in such a beautiful area is to see the place itself. Zillertal has miles and miles of deep valleys and winding mountain paths to intrigue hikers and bikers. There are mountain and street bicycles for rent and enough trail to keep you occupied for the entirety of your stay, no matter how long.

Engelberg–Slow Travel’s Swiss Resort

Engelberg is not the name that pops into every American’s mind when we think “Swiss resort.” More glamorous and well known are Davos, St. Moritz and Zermatt, and they are all very worthy of their claims to fame, but it is precisely this notoriety that can turn off some vacationers.

For a renter looking for a more subdued, traditional atmosphere, Engelberg Switzerland is perfect. Centrally located in the canton of Obwalden, Engelberg is perfectly suited for the traveler who wants to take in the famous sites. It’s no problem at all to get to Lucerne, the Bernese Oberland or Zurich. With all the famous events and attractions in and around the area, Engelberg is perfect for slow travel–the growing trend of taking it easy and really getting to know an area instead of racing through it.

Engelberg’s immediate location is as enchanting as a steamship excursion over Lake Lucerne (and that’s saying a lot!). Tucked away in a valley like something out of a fantasy novel, Engelberg is watched over by rolling, verdant hills and imposing peaks. Obviously the winter makes Engelberg a skiing resort but when the summer reveals the green, Engelberg’s 18 hole golf course and scores of family activities provide more distractions for the visitors to this storybook village.

There’s no way to become a part of the place without getting the residential experience, and no better homes than the ones Interhome has to offer. Interhome knows Switzerland, and they want to know you; check out their properties and talk with a personal representative before booking.

Catalonia–Golf, Nature and Great Accommodations

For any outdoor lover considering a trip to Catalonia, Torremirona golf resort is an exclusive must. With its unparalleled vistas, rolling green hills and fields and gorgeous lakeside views the resort and golf course proper are both so naturally stunning and polished.

Catalonia is home to many wonders, both natural and man-made, and Torremirona is close to a few. Figueres is only a few kilometers away and within Figueres is the worlds largest surrealist artwork: the Dali museum, a tribute to Figueres’ most prominent son. Attempting to describe the museum’s mind bending structure is anything but indescribable is an exercise in futility. Suffice it to say you’ll be glad you took a break from the back nine, left the lavishly cloistered confines of the resort and had a day trip to see the whimsical edifice, even if it leaves you wondering what they put in your morning mimosa.

Torremirona is a credit to Catalonia and to Spain and offers the finest amenities within its residential park. Renting a vacation home in Torremirona gives you access to the health spa, fitness area, the bars, the golf course, the restaurants and everything else the resort offers. Having a vacation home also allows you the privacy to do as you wish with enough room to do it in, and while the Hotel Relais is great, it’s still a hotel, and comes with the lack of privacy.

Castello La Rocca–The Finest Villa in Tuscany?

Castello La Rocca is the name of what might be the finest villa in Firenzuola, maybe in all of Tuscany. They say that a man’s home is his castle, but this vacation home really is. Once an actual castle, the villa has gone under recent renovations with no expense spared to bring it back to, and past, its former glory. Spiral stairs, an antique walled garden and olive grove–staying in Castello La Rocca will have you feeling like royalty.

Further contributing to the medieval feeling are the remains of the medieval fortifications which are impressive even in disrepair. What remains of those fortifications illustrates how Firenzuola was erected to protect Florence back in more contentious times. A bit more of a peaceful reminder are the Saint John the Baptist Parish and the Museum of The Serene Stone, a tribute to the quarry economy of the medieval town.

Firenzuola is known for its well earned resort status and rich history, but there are many lesser known events and celebrations, like the “Show of Craftsmanship” which is held every July in the artistic center of the town to promote the local arts and artisans of Firenzuola. Bringing home some genuine local treasures to your medieval luxury home-for-a-week will give anyone the feeling of truly living in Tuscany.

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