When booking luxurious villa vacation rentals throughout the world, most of us are hoping to combine these opulent accommodations with an exploration of the local scenery. Though one can hardly shake a stick without hitting something historic in Italy, vacationers hoping to transport themselves to a different time and place may want to venture to the northern city of Bergamo to explore La Citta Alta.

La Citta Alta, or the upper city, is the town's historical district, having remained largely untouched since the construction of the city walls by Venetian craftsmen in the 17th century. Many of the structures within these walls date back even further and provide vacationers with a glimpse of ancient life in the region.

As one of the more photogenic areas in the country, visitors spending the day in La Citta Alta will have a lot to see and do. Among the first stops you'll want to make is the Palazzo della Ragione, a rather modest palace that was once the seat of the city's administration, and boasts many original artifacts from throughout the years – notably an impressive-looking sundial in the facility's 18th century sundial. For a peak at more uniquely Venetian architecture, the 17th century façade of the Bergamo Cathedral is well worth a visit.

History buffs with an eye for artwork may want to head to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, which boasts a number of frescoes created by noted Italian artist Giovanbattista Tiepolo along the walls of its domed ceiling. The building itself is a bit of a work of art, having been completed in the 15th century and bearing features traced back to both Greek and Romanesque architectural styles.

Other popular sites worth checking out in the area include the Rocca castle, the Biblioteca Angelo Mai, the Palazzo Medolagio and the Visconti citadel, as well as museums dedicated to civic architecture and natural science.

You can continue this old world feel at a number of classic villas in Italy. The Maria Taglioni villa, for example, is a 7-bedroom estate that rests on the shores of Lake Como and boasts a luxurious atmosphere straight from the 19th century. Much of the property's design comes courtesy of famed ballerina Maria Taglioni, and the neo-Gothic style that permeates the area adds to the ambiance of this decadent manor, as do top-notch amenities like a fully staffed kitchen, maid and butler service, access to nearby sporting facilities and state-of-the-art electrical fixtures.