Boiled Octopus or Chocolate factory? Well it’s that time of year again. The traditional end of August panic as Mum’s realize that their youngest hasn’t got the right sized ruler for their new school, tinged with disappointment as we cover up our barbecue’s, well in the knowledge that our weather this summer hasn’t quite lived up to expectations for the eighth year in a row. But fear not! We’ve already been treated this summer to excitement and joy from team GB in the most unlikely of events (who had ever heard of team dressage?) And Quality Villas is on hand with more wacky yet really enjoyable activities. Our ‘things to do’ guide has two more entries with the beautiful Island of Elba and of course Umbria. And alongside the natural beauty and fascinating monuments that all our Villa’s are in close proximity to, there are a few less known treats too. I was as surprised as anyone to find that Perugia, Umbria’s capital, has a chocolate factory (if I knew I would have already visited it) White, milk, dark, truffles, melting, not melting … the list is endless. In fact, knowing Italy (as opposed to the UK), it probably is melting; you better get down there quick. But in all seriousness, we have a fantastic range of Villa’s in Umbria, a great place to end your summer. I hope I haven’t made you too hungry, if so then let me mention the boiled octopus on the island of Elba. This island’s seafood is legendary, and the Villa’s aren’t bad either, a very good choice of destination at this time of year. But there’s obviously more to a holiday and a region than food, so please read our full ‘things to do’ guide for both these regions and others in Italy where we have Villas available here at http://www.qualityvillasitaly.co.uk/.

Marrakech heat

This time of year in Marrakech is a great time to go. Its still very warm but not as hot as a month or two ago, but for sun starved Europeans (ok we mean British) its a great way to top up any tan or just simply to get some colour before our obligatory artic winter (the tabloids start predicting armageddon on the weather front about mid August usually!) In order to assist clients browsing the Quality Villas websites and looking at the villas on offer, we have now added some additional touristic material - basically some hand written travel guides by staff who have actually been there and done it, whether on holiday or work, they have listed out some of their experiences and things to do. The last phrase is key, we literally entitled the pages 'things to do'! Here are links to the Morocco ones: Morocco Marrakesh Agadir and Tiznit Essaouira Oualidia We like to think these pages will help travellers to these destinations, however we also are always willing to talk about the places - simply a phone call or email and we will do our best! We also have a number of great places on offer in Marrakesh, excellent staffed villas with pools that have prime locations, just a short distance from the famous red city. Marrakesh is a short flight from the UK - worth a read on what to do and a short city break methinks! If you have been considering something in France, the weather has also been balmy this year, try this luxury villa near beach France sleeping 6, it is only one mile from the beach, in St Tropez area.