Vacation Rentals by Owner

Pleasant Atmosphere of Cremona

Guest: Alexander C.
Date of Stay: 04/03/12 Review Submitted: 04/21/12

We enjoyed very much our stay in Cremona. The apartment is modern, and it has a very nice high ceiling. We liked its design and style. It is spacy, clean and convenient for living. Everything is included. The apartment is located in a nice area and near to everything: the Cathedral and the Tower, Teatro di Ponchielli, Stradivari’s Museum, Archeological museum etc… from 5 to 15 minutes’ walk. Nearby are good local stores: fresh bread is just in the corner, a supermarket is also very close. An elevator is very convenient. In the apartment we found a small good library and helpful collections of maps and tourist information. For example, a good map of Mantova from this collection helped us both in orientation and in learning its sightseeings. Mantova is an interesting place and is relatively close by train. There is also a small stereo system which we used to play CDs we bought in Cremona. It added to the atmosphere of our stay in the city. ...Our correspondence with Marco was always efficient and enjoyable.

Owner response:Thank you for your review! Our guests often point out how close Due Colonne is to everything. It really is in the heart of historic down town Cremona! Thank you for pointing out some of the amenities at the condo. Recently, guests have noted how fast the wireless internet access is! Thanks again, Marco.

Recommended for:

Living like a Cremonese

Guest: brad b.
Date of Stay: 12/17/11 Review Submitted: 01/19/12

My Wife and I had a wonderful stay at Due Colonne in December. The apartment was spotless, it has a queen-size comfortable bed. We rented the self-catering apartment here for three weeks in winter while visiting friends and family, no need to worry because it is a very warm apartment, spacious and cozy. As the other reviews indicate there are plenty of Cafes and restaurants within very short walking distance, it's in a good location where you don't need a car to get around. We really loved our stay here in Cremona, It has a lovely park, city centre and piazza. It's a good place for shopping with both high-end shops and outdoor markets and it has a beautiful church, plus the famous tower ( the view is worth the climb). We highly recommend Due Colonne and we would happily stay there again on our next trip to Cremona!

Owner response:Thank you so much! Your review expresses why we love Cremona so much. . . it is a taste of the Italian way of life without all the tourists in other parts of Italy. . . the beauty of Italy with the locals. . . the Cremonese!!!

Recommended for:

Perfect - Better Than a Hotel

Guest: Tina S.
Date of Stay: 09/23/11 Review Submitted: 01/08/12

All of the positive comments you read in these reviews are accurate so any qualms you have can be allayed. The apt is truly larger than it appears in the photos and is extremely well-thought out and comfortably furnished. What you don't see in the photos is a small room off the bedroom that contains an additional armoire, full-length mirror, and dresser. How delightful for two women sharing the place! Specific items that were appreciated were the fabulous WiFi (I was able to read the NY Times online every morning while having a cup of coffee); the washing machine (we went through a lot of clothes because it was very warm); the perfect air-conditioning; the elevator (it would have been difficult to get heavy suitcases up the stairs); the shower with good water pressure; the location (close to everything). The hotels in Cremona leave a lot to be desired so this is a great choice even if you are a person who normally would go to a hotel. I returned to Cremona in November but stayed at a hotel there because I was with a group and we wanted to stay in the same place. Believe me, I kept wishing I could have stayed at Due Colonne! Someone will have to convince Marco to get another apt in the building. On the (very minor) negative side, it would have been nice to have a tea kettle. We managed anyway, but a kettle would have been easier. (You see, I'm searching to find a negative so that this is a balanced review!) One also misses the niceties of a hotel like fresh towels every day and someone to make the bed and pick up after you. But again, this is a quibble and I will happily return to Cremona and Due Colonne as soon as I can arrange it.

Owner response:Thank you so much for your helpful review! We will definitely add a tea kettle! I'm also happy that you thought to mention the small room off of the bedroom. We have never highlighted that in the listing, but it comes in handy for so many purposes. Once, we even set up a blow-up twin size bed in that room for our guest's child!

Recommended for:

Two weeks July - Aug. 2011

Guest: EJ (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 07/23/11 Review Submitted: 08/15/11

We stayed at 2 Colonne for two weeks. The apartment is very nicely and newly appointed, with WIFI, Air-Conditioning, and a washing machine. It is in the historical center, a short walk from the main squares (Duomo and Roma) in the pedestrian historical center. An elevator makes it easy to bring up and down heavy suitcases. The owner's parents who met us to give us the key were extremely pleasant and welcoming, and explained all we needed to know. In addition, a useful binder in the apartment has information on about anything one may want to know about Cremona. We enjoyed our stay tremendously and will return.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Lovely Cremona

Guest: johan (Dilbeek)
Date of Stay: 07/16/11 Review Submitted: 08/12/11

We were one week in this house (july 2011). Cremona is a very nice city and the house is well situated in the center of the city which allows you to go out wehenever you want (morning, evening,..). You can find a free parking place (Piazza Croce rosso) 10 minutes walk. The appartment was suitable for a family with 2 children. If you take the effort to climb the Torazzo (502 steps) you can see the appartment and how close it is to the piazza del Duomo. Every morning fresh backed bread from the backery in the same building. Don't forget to visit Castel Arquato (+/- 40 km form Cremona).

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great place to stay

Guest: DHW (St Albert, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 06/10/11 Review Submitted: 07/13/11

My husband and I spent a week here in June. The apartment is spacious and very comfortable. The bar down the street is a little noisy, but closing the windows closes out the sound. The market around the corner twice a week was a wonderful source of meat, cheese, fruit and vegetables. We took day trips to visit Lake Garda, Verona, Parma and Modena and got Amarone wines, authentic balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese. The washing machine and air conditioning were greatly appreciated.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A great location in Cremona

Guest: Terry (Sun City, Arizona USA)
Date of Stay: 04/17/11 Review Submitted: 05/19/11

We enjoyed a lovely week at this property in April 2011. Its location is just about perfect - right off a charming pedestrian square with a great bakery, a grocery store, and lots of interesting shops and restaurants. The building is nicely furbished, quiet, and secure. The windows open onto a quiet lane with loads of local atmosphere. The apartment is nicely furnished with modern furniture and fixtures, and it was immaculately clean. All the necessities were supplied, and everything worked well with easy to understand instructions. We'd return here without question any time we are in northern Italy.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great town and amazing condo

Guest: Chels (Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/04/11 Review Submitted: 05/23/11

A beautiful condo in heart of Cremona. Has everything you'd ever want. I spent 3 days here on my own and it was a wonderful experience. The reccomendations left in a binder in the condo are perfect. This town has a lot to offer, especially if you are looking for a different, less touristy Italian experience.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great apartment in a lovely city!

Guest: Nina and Barry (Troy, NY, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/22/11 Review Submitted: 04/01/11

My husband and I spent six days at Due Colonne and were delighted with the accommodations and the town. The location of the apartment was, as described, just off the Corso on a little side street within easy walking distance of the duomo and other points of interest. The bakery below the apartment was a wonderful bonus! There was some noise at night from the lively wine bar on the corner, but with the windows closed (it was March), it didn't disturb us. The apartment itself is tastefully designed and comfortably furnished. The photos on the VRBO website reflect the apartment accurately, but it actually felt more spacious than we anticipated and was perfect for two people. Both the bed and the living room couch were very comfortable. We prepared most of our meals at home and found the kitchen adequately supplied for simple cooking. The washing machine was easy to use, and thanks to the sunny, warm weather during the week we were there, our clothes dried quickly on the little balcony. Marco was very responsive and easy to deal with prior to our arrival. His parents were gracious and welcoming; they very kindly picked us up at the train station even though we missed our connecting train and arrived more than an hour later than planned. The binder of information about the apartment and the town (in both Italian and English) is thorough and helpful. We spent the week exploring Cremona and took day trips to Verona and Mantova, both easily accessible by train. We enjoyed wandering through the vibrant open-air market on Wednesday and Saturday and coming upon the lit-up torrazzo and duomo on our first night in town. We highly recommend a visit to Cremona and a stay at Due Colonne!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Wonderful Place to Stay in Northern Italy

Guest: Forrest & Joyce (Beaumont, California)
Date of Stay: 10/10/10 Review Submitted: 10/23/10

The condo at Due Colonne in Cremona is a ideal place to stay for a week while enjoying Northern Italy. Centrally located for exploring Cremona and surrounding towns and countryside, including the lakes and Verona. If you really want to experience the real Italy and its people, stay here. The condo is very comfortable, clean and well maintained. The pictures are quite accurate. Although, we do not speak Italian, only some words and phrases and the many of the locals only speak a limited amount of english, this did not hamper our enjoyment. The locals are charming and very helpful. Due to some street construction we had some difficulty locating the condo, a local bookstore owner was quite helpful in helping us find the condo, while a nearby store owner phoned Marcos to let him know that we had arrived (we were late). We already miss the fresh pastries from the bakery there.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful non-tourist vacation location

Guest: Steve (Bristol, CT USA)
Date of Stay: 09/19/10 Review Submitted: 11/14/10

This is a cozy rental that beats any hotel room. The location is ideal as all of the attractions are within walking distance. Around the corner on Via Ceresole and Via Bocaccino is the Osteria Langola where you can get reasonable lunches or dinners, For a scrumptuous dinner try the Ristorante Centrale on Via Pertusio (no english spoken), the veal dishes are outstanding. The kitchen is well equipped in the apartment. We took advantage of the supermercato called Carrefour and made dinner/lunch many times at the apartment. We also made our own espresso and bought fresh croissants at the panifico below the apartment. On our trip we stayed in Milan then took a train to Cremona which took about 1 hr. 10 min. The walk from the train station to the apartment was an easy 20 minutes. We then used Cremona as our base for travel by car to other cities in Italy as they are all within 1 to 2 hours drive. The autostrada is like American highways so there is vey little learning curve. The roundabouts can be a little daunting. We had a GPS which made it a little easier. The car rental place is a 15 minute walk and the free parking is a 10 minute walk from the apartment. We rented the car four 4 days and used the remainig 3 days to explore Cremona. This town is a great experience as very little english is spoken but enhances your stay so brush up on the basic phrases. The Duomo is in repair but beautiful and I would recommend climbing to the top of IL Torrazzo as the views are stunning. The town also has plenty of gelaterias, specialty pasta shops, grocery stores that sell Torrone (soft nougat candy) and all the shoe stores, clothing stores and department stores you could imagine. Make sure you visit the Stradivarius Museum. The violin was invented in Cremona and you will see how violins were made. This trip is not for individuals who do not enjoy walking.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, sightseeing.

Well worth the trip to bella Cremona!

Guest: Sue (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/17/10 Review Submitted: 09/01/10

Excellent accommodations for a family of 4. Spacious, comfortable, and everything was as expected. Loved the binder containing all information and tips re. unit, Cremona, and surrounding sites to see. Perfect location for exploring downtown core. A true gem! Highly recommend to anyone searching for a unique Italian experience-not too touristy and classy. .

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Endroit parfait pour explorer le nord de l'Italie

Guest: Martin (Montreal)
Date of Stay: 06/23/10 Review Submitted: 04/10/11

Notre séjour dans ce condominium à Crémone a été une expérience positive et mémorable. Étant si bien situé dans la vieille partie de la ville, ceci nous a permis d'explorer ce quartier de la ville fréquemment et aussi souvent que nous le voulions. Bien situé près de lieux touristiques, restaurants et boutiques, il est également très près de la gare de train d'où nous pouvions partir et visiter d'autres villes telle que Milan qui se trouve près de Crémone. Pas besoin de lecteurs MP3 pour se balader dans les rues de Crémone. Nous pouvions y entendre des musiciens jouer et ceci agrémentait notre découverte de la ville. Le condominium est propre et bien entretenu. Un endroit où il est bon de relaxer entre deux excursions ou se retrouver à la fin d'une journée. Il y a une petite table avec deux chaises sur le balcon à l'extérieur. C'est un endroit merveilleux où l'on peut manger avec une belle vue sur la tour de Crémone. L'accueil lors de l'arrivée ( les parents de Marco) a été chaleureux et bien coordonné. Je recommande fortement et sans hésiter ce condominium à tous ceux et celles qui veulent un pied-à-terre ou un endroit qui leur permettra de visiter d'autres villes près de la région

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Jewel

Guest: Phil (Montreal)
Date of Stay: 06/23/10 Review Submitted: 04/10/11

I have been very hesitant to report our experience at Due Colonne because there are some secrets that one would want to keep to themselves - and this one of those treasures. A richer secret than the hiding place of the best truffles, is the jewel of the city of Cremona and in the very heart of it, Marco’s Due Colonne hideaway. A small story that describes the tenor of this city - My partner and I were strolling through quiet streets one day when we heard the a gorgeous piano and oboe concerto. We followed the music several blocks until we stood under the window of its source. A minute or two later a young woman came out, leaving on a errand, but noticing our interest introduced herself and put off her errand to invite up to a small concert hall where two young men were rehearsing for a concert the following day. We enjoyed their music enormously and left with the invitation to be their guests at the concert the next night in the ballroom of a castle an hour or so away. The concert was brilliant, the setting stunning, the welcome incredibly gracious. Two days later, walking again in Cremona, I heard my name being called. It was our kind friend who spied us from a distance and insisted on taking us for coffee. It is almost impossible to think of Due Colonne without also remembering the opportunities that it afforded to be a part of this magical city. Music, great food, a warm welcome and the blessing of being somewhere that is not overrun with tourists. The condo itself is about as close to perfect as we could ever ask for. Central (we parked the car and forgot about it) yet quiet, impeccably clean, simply yet well appointed and with every convenience that we could ask for. We were greeted by Momma Belluardo who could not possibly be a more gracious host. We could go back, just to see her again! Parking is easy and free in a municipal lot about 10 minutes walk. The train station is an easy walk and is an easy ride to Verona, Milano and other surrounding cities. A minute or two on foot from the condo you will find bakeries on (one on the first floor of the condo building) causal and more upscale restaurants, cafes, a grocery store, a pharmacy, as well as lovely boutiques. Whether as a base from which to explore other points in Italy, or as your destination for a gentle exploration of Cremona, Due Colonne is simply a lovely place to enjoy as a vacation home.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Place to Stay

Guest: George the traveller (West Linn Oregon USA)
Date of Stay: 05/15/10 Review Submitted: 05/29/10

My wife and I stayed at Due Collone for a week as we explored the Veneto ( Verona) , and Emilia Romagna.The apartment is wonderfully clean, and perfect for independent travelers. The apartment is located directly above a Pasticceria ( bakery) and the smell of fresh baked goods pervades the air in them morning. There are two excellent cafes within a block and an excellent local supermarket two blocks away. The apartment is right off the Corso ( main walk) and is great for evening strolls and shopping. It is possible to hear people talking at the cafes in the late night, but if you close the front windows it is not a problem. One word of caution- before staying in Cremona, you should brush up your Italian. Cremona is a purely Italian city. The locals observe Pomereggio ( afternoon) break from 1-2:30. and the shops are closed on Mondays. That said, the traditions are its best feature. Unlike some of the more traveled cities, it is possible to see and feel Italian culture . There are concerts every weekend ,and some musical event most of the time in the city. Finally a word on parking. Parking is not available at the apartment itself. There is a large amount of free parking on the north of town Via Dante and Via Trente Trieste which is within walking distance. If you are coming to the apartment plan ahead and get a map of Cremona ( we had a GPS) so you can locate the free parking. Overall a great value and great place to stay.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Leone G.
Date of Stay: 05/16/09 Review Submitted: 05/15/09

Dear Marco, As a child my husband played the violin and always wanted to hear the sound of a Stradivari, so Cremona was on our list to visit. What wonderful surprises awaited us. We were warmly received by your parents who showed us around your spotlessly clean, centrally located apartment. The kitchen, while small, was fully equipped for us to cook dinner every night. The bedroom, which is in the loft, is a good size, has a firm mattress, nice linens and excellent bedside lighting. The bathroom has a shower which is the best we have ever had in an Italian apartment. The full sized clothes washing machine was more than we expected. The livingroom, too, was very comfortable and contained a good selection of travel information and books. The information book you provided your guests was detailed, thorough and essential to live comfortable both in the apartment and the town itself. We had planned to visit other cities during our week but with all the information you and the tourist board offered us, we spent all our time in Cremona. It is a wonderful civilized town that has magnificent churches, piazzas, beautiful parks, museums, upscale shopping and great street markets. The town is alive with people who enjoy life and all Cremona has to offer. For anyone interested in hearing the Stradivari being played by a maestro, a visit to the audition is a lifetime experience. Between the comfort of the apartment and the charm of the town, we had a memorable week. Kindest regards

Recommended for:

Excellent Choice....

Guest: Aaron M. (Portland, Maine USA)
Date of Stay: 04/13/09 Review Submitted: 04/24/09

Our experience at 'Due Colonne' was excellent. The reviews are really what made us feel confident that the rental property would meet our expectations....and it did. Location was excellent and local attrations galore. We are used to having a t.v.....but it was nice spending our time without one for once. All the necessary amenties were present at 'Due Colonne'.We would visit again because of the (non-touristy) location with all the attractions/access.

Recommended for:Families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What a wonderful place to stay!

Guest: Axel and Family (Stuttgart, Germany)
Date of Stay: 10/26/08 Review Submitted: 11/04/08

We had such a good time in "Due Colonne"! The Appartment is just perfect.... lot of space, clean with nice wooden floors. I was so happy to have a good cooking place. It is so much fun going over the farmers market, buying "funghi" and vegetables for a nice dinner. I tried the first time making own pasta (its easy and a pasta machine in the supermarket "bennet" is about 35 Euro). The location of "Due Colonne" is so central in the nice historic center of Cremona, you can reach everything by walking. Cremona is also famouus for the "Torrone". This delicous sweet candy is avaiable in hundred different variations (and we tried a lot of them) A nice place is the "Sperlari"-Shop in Via Solferino which is one of the oldes shops in town (since 1836) and belongs to the "Sperlari" Candy Factory. So thank you for this wonderful place, and we hope we can come back soon!

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October 2008 ~ A Perfect Place to Stay

Guest: Becky and Preston (Atascadero, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/03/08 Review Submitted: 11/02/08

Cremona appeared to be an upscale city, from my observation. The people dressed stylish, the streets were clean, and the shopping was high-end. The condo was immaculate and even had a washing machine. However, there is no television, so no American news unless you find an English newspaper. The condo has an elevator on the ground floor, but we chose to take the stairs. The bar/deli below was an active social gathering at night. We loved to keep the windows open and listen to the patrons talking and laughing and enjoying their evening. The people were not loud or boistrous ~ just relaxing after a day's work. We would recommend this condo to anyone wanting to be in the center of shopping, sidewalk cafe's, and walking distance to just about everything.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

For a family of four - safe, clean, central locale

Guest: Jeff and Mel (Connecticut, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/23/08 Review Submitted: 08/06/08

My children ages 8 (boy) and 10 (girl) loved the bakery on the 1st floor. We marvelled at the pace of life in Cremona - bicycles rolling by with an occasional ring of the bell. Many of the riders were young mothers with 1 or 2 baby/children seats. The bike riders cruised past, representing all ages and walks of life. It was a daily civic rhythm as essential as the bells tolling from the many church towers. My wife loved the window shopping at places like Benetton and the local eateries. I appreciated the grocery market conveniently located around the corner! We cooked American style Italian food on the Ikea gas stove. Beware - there is no television; however, we appreciated its absence. There is a decent stereo system. For new travellers - watch out for the coperto (restaurant sitting fee). Pomodoro across the street hit us for 2 Euros each just to sit and order food outside - it was much cheaper to order 'take out' pizza instead!!! There were lively festivals with live music each Thursday at the end of July (we extended our stay beyond 1 week). The shutters and windows sufficiently buffered the live music - we were able to sleep in peace. The washer allowed us to pack 'light'...4 carryon bags for 9 days. Other perks - an elevator and video buzzer security system. My daughter plays piano (2 yrs) and violin (1 yr). During our travels, we met 4 violin makers. This was a special treat; some of these hand- crafted violins take 4-6 weeks of meticulous labor and are going for 8000 Euro's ($12 or 13,000 USD). The piazza and Torrazzo are outstanding sights. Free parking during business hours is available within a short distance. After 8, free parking is avail. 1 street away. We especially liked the central location for day trips to Verona, Lake Garda (Sirmione) and La Spezia (Riomaggiore). As an airline employee, I have extensive (23 years) travel experience throughout Europe, North/Central/South America, Hawaii and the Caribbean) - I recommend this place for its value, cleanliness, location and charm.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Rico Petrocelli
Date of Stay: 06/03/08 Review Submitted: 06/02/08

Hello Marco, I wanted to e-mail you sooner but it's taken this long to catch up on everything. The trip was fantastic. We loved Cremona and your condo is beautiful. We loved the hardwood floors and the loft was terrific. I think we ate about two gallons of gelato. My wife is addicted to it I think and I'm not far behind. We climbed the tower and got to see almost the entire city and outlying areas. It was a great time. Thank you for donating the condo for the golf tournament. It gives people like us a chance to see a beautiful part of the world. We took enough photos to make a major motion film. We wish you much succes and many blessings throughout your life. Stay well and thanks again. Rico and Elsie Petrocelli

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/24/08

My husband and I spent one week at "Due Colonne" and would highly recommend both "Due Colonne" and Cremona. The Piazza in Cremona is truely special. The Cathedral was begun in 1107 and the bell tower is the highest in Europe with the world's largest astronomical clock and we heard the oldest Stradavarian violin in the world. This is truely the sweet life and not many people know or visit Cremona. Great place to spend time. The Piazza had many activities planned during our week - music - all types pop, hip hop, opera- mime - a journalist immigration debate, the Italian Independence Day Celebration and more. Due Colonne was the best accomodations on top of all of this. A beautiful, comfortable and well located apartment in the historic district. Thank you Marco!

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Great hosts, great apartment, great town!

Guest: Janet and Larry (Montrose, Colorado, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/21/08 Review Submitted: 06/16/08

Due Colonne is indeed a wonderful place to stay. We were there for a week in May. The photos on the website represent the apartment perfectly, and Marco and his parents were enthusiastic hosts and very easy to deal with. Like others, we really appreciated the washing machine! The building was very quiet; there was some occasional noise from the bar at the corner when we had the windows open in the evening. We had a memorable meal (very reasonably priced, we thought) at Hosteria 700 in Piazza Gallina and enjoyed a pizza at Pomorodo, just across the street from the apartment. Good lunch places are the cafeteria 44 Piatti at Via Torriani 11 (thanks, Lonely Planet) and Piadineria on Via Platina (Rough Guide). Another piadineria is near the west end of Corso Vittoria Emanuele. Our favorite prosecco stop was Gelateria Pierrot (great gelato, too!). Also check out Gelateria Principe at the east end of Viale Trento e Trieste. A third good one is Casa del Gelato, Corso V. Emanuele 59/61. We were lucky to hear a concert at Teatro Ponchielli: Kurt Masur conducting an orchestra of young Italian conservatory-trained musicians who were fabulous. The audience even demanded an encore. Hearing the "Cremonese" Stradivarius played was also a treat. On our seventh trip to Italy, we finally made it to Cremona and are so glad we did! We would love to return.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/08 Review Submitted: 02/02/08

My husband and I rented Due Colonne for about a week in January. We were so happy with the apartment, with the location, and with the lovely town of Cremona - our first time there. We have stayed in dozens of rentals over the years, and a few of the things that impressed us about Due Colonne were the comfortable heat, the sparkling new bathroom, the abundance of storage space, electrical outlets and lights, the and the very comfortable bed. So glad we found this place - we'd return in a minute!

Recommended for:

Wonderful place in a delightful city!

Guest: Anne W. (-)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/24/08

My husband and I rented Due Colonne for about a week in January. We were so happy with the apartment, with the location, and with the lovely town of Cremona - our first time there. We have stayed in dozens of rentals over the years, and a few of the things that impressed us about Due Colonne were the comfortable heat, the sparkling new bathroom, the abundance of storage space, electrical outlets and lights, the and the very comfortable bed. So glad we found this place - we'd return in a minute!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Michael Imranyi
Date of Stay: 11/26/07 Review Submitted: 11/25/07

hello marco, we arrived back in brooklyn thursday night. thank you for your wonderful accomodations in cremona. It served as a great point of departure for dicovering northern italy. we both had such a fantastic time. your parents gave us a lovely welcome, though our language difficulties proved to be a challenge - and an exciting adventure - during our entire stay in italy. italy is a magical place and our experience was only enhanced by our stay in due colonne. we especially loved the cafe at the corner of your block and the gentleman behind the counter. never in ny will you be served coffee by a man in a suit. we will be sure to recommend due colonne to anyone we know traveling to italy. Grazie mille! Ciao, Michael and Erika

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Guest: Pam Aberle
Date of Stay: 11/17/07 Review Submitted: 11/16/07

I was not able to add a new comment to your GREAT updated webpage as I previously had an entry. My return stay at Due Colonne in September of 2007 to visit my daughter was a great experience. Being on the go everyday exploring the area, made the return to Due Colonne every night a wonderful treat and was every bit as acommodating and satisfying as the first stay....knowing what I was going to experience for the second time only made the visit more enjoyable. My daughter and I explored every part of the town and long walks and bike rides into the countryside. Wednesday and Saturday morning outdoor Markets were a great experience. Upscale shopping area and wonderful restaurants, with the Piazza enjoyed every evening over a glass of Prosecco. September is a beautiful tiime of year to visit. It is a very clean, relaxed, and a safe town for a woman alone to visit, with Due Colonne being the perfect place to stay. I could conveniently walk about at night from the Piazza without worry for my safety. Due Colonne is immaculately cared for and was a wonderful place to return. Cremona is an easy trip from the Linatte or Malpensa airports via connecting bus to the train. Once in Cremona, Due Colonne is a quick walk or cab ride away. Ideal location for exploring all parts of the town. Highly recommended for the true Italian experience.....

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/27/07

Due Colonne is perfect. My husband and I go to Cremona often, and we wish that we had discovered this wonderful apartment earlier. The apartment is spotlessly clean and ideally situated to explore beautiful Cremona. Most things are within a 5 minute walk and nothing is beyond 15 minutes. In addition, the area around Due Colonne has all of the practical amenities that you would need: the supermarket, the dry cleaner, and pharmacies are just around the corner. The incredibly warm hospitality of Marco's parents added tremendously to our stay in Cremona. We look forward to seeing them again as much as we look forward to staying at Due Colonne.

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Cremona's Dolce Vida

Guest: spooner (Lodi, CA. USA)
Date of Stay: 09/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/20/07

Excellent condo in the heart of a charming Historic Italian town.The property is fully equipped and conveniently located. Comfortable and pleasantly furnished. A smaller complex allowing quiet and familiarity with the tenants. Everything you need is provided. Experiend the true Italian lifestyle with everything within walking and biking distance. Within two weeks i felt like I belonged having met some of the same local faces on a daily basis and experiencing life in historic Cremona. Upscale stores and two weekly market days provided all the shopping a tourist could want. Lovely walks to the Po River and bicycling to the countryside to local osterias were enjoyed as well as evening passegiatas to Piazza of the Duomo for my evening glass of Prosecco. A wonderful town and condo for a woman alone to soak in all the Italian Dolce Vida.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/27/07

If you want to experience the Italian culture then "Due Colonne" is where you should rest your bags. Our family has only positive comments about this beautiful apartment. We stayed for a month in Italy, with our two teenage children (our kids loved it) and one week was in "Due Colonne", we wished it had been two. Exceptionally clean, all the amenities that you need, the washer is a plus. How could you not love waking up to the smell of fresh bread every morning? The town of Cremona is beautiful and we loved walking the streets every morning and every evening. Everyone was friendly and helpful and you felt you were home when you walked the cobblestone roads with the people of Cremona. The Duomo and Piazza was so inviting and every evening we looked forward to walking there and having a coffee and watching all the comings and goings. It is wonderful to not write a negative comment about a place you visited. We had the pleasure of meeting Mark and Marco, they were very hospitable. If we ever have the opportunity of returning to Italy, we will definitely be looking to stay at "Due Colonne". Wonderful vacation, wonderful memories.

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Guest: Sarn Oliver
Date of Stay: 07/10/07 Review Submitted: 07/09/07

Hi Marco, Sorry, I tried to leave a review but couldn't get the site to let me. We enjoyed our stay in your apartment very much! The location was great at your apartment is charming, cozy and perfect for our needs. Thank you for being flexible about the time of our stay with us. Cremona is a great place and we hope to return soon. Wonderful people, food, and of course the Violins! We hope to return for a longer stay soon. Your parents were great Marco and strangely enough we bumped into a number of friends while there. I guess the violin world is a small wonderful world! If you come to San Francisco please come and say hi to us at the Symphony! We have already recommended your place to colleagues. Thanks again, sarn PS You are welcome to use this email on the website if you like. Sorry about my lack of computer skills.

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A Gem!

Guest: Monica (Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 11/17/07

Our family loved staying in this apartment -- our 2 children claim it was their favourite stop on a 7-week European vacation! The location was extremely convenient, close to everything, yet very quiet. The apartment was well-equipped, clean, and we were impressed that the air-conditioning truly worked, as did the washing machine!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/20/07

Thank you Marco for allowing us to spend a wonderful week in your apartment in Cremona. The apartment was great and very comfortable for four people. We cooked some of our own meals, thanks to your well equiped kitchen, and the addition of a washing machine was most welcome. Your recommendations were spot on eg. bar, gelato etc. We loved walking to the piazza every night for our expresso. The bakery downstairs was very handy for breakfast and the supermarket was close by. Cremona is a lovely town and we were able to make easy day trips by train to Modena and Parma, Mantua, Bologna and Milan. Please thank your Mum and Dad for being there to let us in and explain everything to us. Even though we didn't speak Italian, we understood perfectly what they were telling us. Perfect apartment, perfect town, perfect position in Lombardia. Thanks again Yvonne, Dallas, Melanie and Trent

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/07 Review Submitted: 06/26/07

Don't look any further for a terrific place to settle into local Italian life! Due Colonne is a spotlessly clean and very comfortable, open-plan apartment located right in the heart of Cremona, a beautiful, architecturally and historically rich town that has somehow managed not to be completely overrun with tourists. You will have fine restaurants, lively piazzas, and great retail shopping all around you yet still feel secluded in quiet third-floor space. We spent a week and a half there and in addition to exploring Cremona for three of those days also took convenient day trips to Verona, Bellagio, Sirmione, Parma, Siena, San Remo, and Castell'Arquato. True, San Remo and Siena were a stretch, but hey, by doing 145 kph in the left lane on the beautifully-engineered Italian superhighways you can cover a lot of ground! Marco's parents were wonderful hosts and thanks as well to his brother we learned right away where to find free parking and the best time to take advantage of it. We heartily recommend Due Colonne -- you will not be disappointed!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/07 Review Submitted: 06/23/07

We had a wonderful one week stay at Due Colonne. The accomodations were perfect. We enjoyed living above the bakery for bread, pizza, and pastry. We didn't feel like tourist as there didn't seem to be many around. Cremona is a lovely Italian town. The view from the bell tower is fantastic! We highly recommend this apartment - and hope to be back in the near future.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 04/25/07

If you want to see the real Italy then this is the place to go. Cremona is beautiful and Due Colonne is perfectly situated in the heart of Cremona. The city offers so many sightseeing possibilites. We also visited Verona and Venice, both just a train away. This apartment is perfect. It has everything. It is so much more comfortable than a hotel. We are definitely going back to Cremona. Thank you again!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 04/19/07

I recently spent a week with my daughter and her husband at the condo. We had a wondeful time. The condo is really lovely" roomy and comfortable. Its very tastefully decorated, with all the modern conveniences. Its located only a short walk from beautiful Cremona, truly an incredibly gorgeous city,uncrowded, and full of great food, friendly people and wonderful sites to see. Its easy to travel to other places from Cremona, but not necessary if you want to really experience La Bella Italia! Marilyn Kolbas, Signal Mt., Tennessee

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/06 Review Submitted: 11/03/06

My husband and I just returned from three immensely satifying weeks at Due Colonne. The apartment surpassed our expectations on every count and we enjoyed the meals we prepared there every bit as much as eating and relaxing in so many of the delightful dining and snacking establishments in the area. The spotlessly clean accomodations had every convenience, including an elevator just outside the door! It is true that music pervades the culture with violin-making shops at every turn and many interesting musical events to attend. The highlight of our stay was attending an excellent performance of Il Trovatore at the Teatro Ponchielli. Our son and his wife joined us midway through our stay. We drove to Bellagio and Bergamo and later to Venice and they took a separate side trip to Firenze and Pisa. Vijey and I also spent a day in Milan prior to heading home. In summary, we found the Cremonese people to be refined, kind, generous and helpful at every turn, in every way. Dealing with Marco and his kind brother, Salvatore was a pleasure, beginning to end; The city is an architectural gem and the apartment is in a dream location on the Corso that was like a stage setting for a modern Italian opera itself..but was all too wonderfully real..and I didn't even get to the the stylish fashions and shopping opportunities! Cremona, done as we were able to, may be Italy's best kept secret..but now you know!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/06 Review Submitted: 10/22/06

My wife Christiane and I stayed at Due Colonne for a week and were highly pleased with the location, the facility and the amenities. Marco's parents were quite charming and helpful in getting us acquainted with the intricacies of parking in this neighborhood located less than 2 blocks from the Duomo (Cremona's historic center). The smell of fresh-baked breads and brioches in the morning is just one of the fond memories from this stay. The building is spotless, quiet and recently renovated. The apartment is close (less than 2 min. walking distance)to all the services (ATM, shops, groceries, Internet spot, etc.). Don't miss the local outdoor market every saturday & wednesday morning at the Duomo. Finally, it was easy for us to get in and out of the city to visit the Lomardia and the Emilia-Romagna. We highly recommend this charming apartment. A+

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/06 Review Submitted: 10/02/06

My wife and I spent a week at Marco's condo in September, 2006. We found Cremona to be a lovely and friendly city from which to take day trips throughout Lombardy. The condo is perfectly situated within the center of Cremona, with easy access to a very good market and other convenient stores, especially the bakery below with its tantalizing aromas each morning. Although located adjacent to a busy street, the condo was very quiet. It was well equipped with modern fixtures and appliances, and we ate most dinners there. The bed was the most comfortable one we experienced in our three week stay in Italy. Marco's friendly parents keep the place spotless. We highly recommend this pleasant place for your next visit to Lombardy.

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A real Italian getaway

Guest: KevinYvonne (Woodstock, IL (USA))
Date of Stay: 09/01/06 Review Submitted: 09/24/06

This apartment was exactly what we were looking for...away from the congestion and tourists but still full of Italian hospitality and charm. It is in the middle of everything in the vibrant town of Cremona. Restaurants, cafes, gelatto, shopping, even the train station are within walking distance. Waking to the smell of fresh baked bread was wonderful. Since the bakery, cheese store, fruit stand, and grocery store are all within a block, you don't have to work very hard to make yourself a delicious picnic. The apartment itself is PERFECT: beautiful, comfortable, AND clean! We hope to return. Some restaurants to try: Hosteria 700-our favorite. The hostess speaks Engish. Il Foppone-great family restaurant with home cooking. La Laconda-right down the street. Very welcoming. Cerri-recommended by another tourist from Venice. Buy a phone card to your home country to use at the payphone. There is no phone in the apartment. You can walk to/from the train station, but if you want to take the bus, buy a ticket at the tobacco store on Via Solferino or at the Stazione. We walked past an internet cafe on Via Anguissola just east of Corso Campi, if you need to stay in touch...but we thought not staying in touch was part of the charm of this rental!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: KevinYvonne (Woodstock, IL (USA))
Date of Stay: 09/01/06 Review Submitted: 09/24/06

This apartment was exactly what we were looking for...away from the congestion and tourists but still full of Italian hospitality and charm. It is in the middle of everything in the vibrant town of Cremona. Restaurants, cafes, gelatto, shopping, even the train station are within walking distance. Waking to the smell of fresh baked bread was wonderful. Since the bakery, cheese store, fruit stand, and grocery store are all within a block, you don't have to work very hard to make yourself a delicious picnic. The apartment itself is PERFECT: beautiful, comfortable, AND clean! We hope to return.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/06 Review Submitted: 09/15/06

We spent three weeks in Due Coilonne in February/March 2006 and thoroughly enjoyed it. Mr & Mrs Belluardo were helpful & friendly when we arrived and made us feel most welcome. The apartment itself was spotlessly clean, is very well situated in the main shopping street of the centro storico and very near the cathedral and other historical sites. Cremona itself is a very interesting town and it is very easy to get from there to other towns and cities in Lombardia. We are very happy to recommend the apartment

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/06 Review Submitted: 08/01/06

My husband 2 daughters and I had a very enjoyable stay in your apartment. Marco's parents were very gracious and the apartment clean, and cheerfully decorated. The air conditioning kept us cool in July and the washing machine was very convenient. Unfortunately we didn't discover the free parking area until after we got a parking ticket. (So for future guests take the advice of past guests and park at the free parking a short walk away on Via Mantova.) If we ever get a chance to return to Northern Italy again we would want to go back to the same apartment in Cremona for our stay. Thanks again! Kathleen M

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 07/28/06

Cremona was a revelation to us and "Due Colonne', the cherry on the top. Encapsulated within the city walls is all we have come to expect of an Italian visit: culture, art, architecture, fabulous food and shopping and all of this offered by wonderfully friendly people. And yet, it is far enough removed from the usual tourist beat to make one feel that you have stumbled upon a relatively undiscovered part of Italy. The apartment delivered all that the web page promised and best of all in the sweltering heat of July was the air conditioning. Thank you for a superb holiday. We hope to be back some time for a longer stay.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: spooner (Lodi, CA. USA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 07/01/06

Every comment is right on! A great apartment in the heart of Cremona. Easy access to everything in the city and walking distance to the train station.....New, modern, and comfortable....I loved the 3 weeks I spent there, and would definitely book again on my next visit to Cremona. Marco and his parents are doing a great job as hosts to a beautiful apartment and Cremona.....

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/26/06

This place is fanstic! I rented the apartment for two months to get away from busy city corporate life. It was more than I ever expected -- the place was spotless and the hospitality of Marco (and his family) made my stay hassle-free. Cremona is well connected by train lines so you don't need to worry about having a car and I was able to visit many little nearby towns, not to mention Milan, Bologna -- even Rome. I'd highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to experience what northern Italian living is really like. Bravo, Due Colonne!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: CMBG (Canberra)
Date of Stay: 01/01/06 Review Submitted: 01/17/06

My wife and I spent nearly six weeks in this apartment, and recommend both it and Cremona. The city is rich in monuments, and with an excellent library and good bus services (plus train services to further afield). The apartment is well-equipped, well-heated, central, with a bakery on the ground floor and a supermarket 100 metres away. Marco Belluardo-Crosby deals fairly, and answers his email promptly; his parents live in Cremona, and make one feel at home. I am happy to try and answer any queries intending visitors may have.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/05 Review Submitted: 11/08/05

We really enjoyed our stay in Cremona. The city is beautiful as is the the apartment. We walked everywhere with ease and the bakery below is wonderful! For those who drive: there is free parking several blocks away on Via Mantova, right beside the police station, so you don't have to deal with the metered parking. We visited many small town in the area as well as Venice and had a very memorable trip. Thanks again Marco to your Mom and Dad, who are very hospitable.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/05 Review Submitted: 11/06/05

This place is a hidden gem. I really wanted to protect it for myself and not write anything in here, so that no-one else gets to know about it! The apartment is really lovely, everything you could want is there. It is beautifully renovated to a high standard, it is clean and it is pretty. Centrally located for walking in Cremona, it is easy to get to all the sights in minutes. The restaurants and cafes, the architecture and the Cremonese people made it the holiday of a lifetime for us. It is also easy to get to. We flew into Milan Malpensa Airport, hired a car from Hertz (on line) and drove to Cremona without any difficulty at all. The roads are well-signed and easy to use. (I believe there is also a train service.) We are planning to return next year. Thank you, Marco, and thanks to your wonderful Parents also. Joy

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