Venice Hotels

Venice is considered one of the most romantic travel destinations worldwide. Who would not dream of traveling to this beautiful city? Just imagine the beautiful attractions you will take in, as well as the romantic scenes you’ll witness sailing in boats through the canals. Anybody would certainly love to spend a week or two in this place and stay in one of Venice’s cozy hotels.

Venice hotels are one the most expensive hotels in Italy. Everything cost twice as much as anywhere else in the country. Even if it is off-peak season, Venice hotels charge full-season prices all year round. That is why if you really want to go on vacation in Venice, you have to make reservations as early as possible to secure hotel accommodations for your trip.

Some of the hotels in Venice that you can check are Palace Bonvecchiati, Residenza d’Epoca San Cassiano, Hotel San Moise, San Marco Palace, Framon Hotel Manin and Hotel Cariton & Grand Canal. These are just a few of the featured hotels in Venice that come complete with facilities and amenities such as saunas, fitness centers, restaurants, bars, 24 hour front desk, non smoking rooms, massages, Jacuzzis, room service, business centers, laundry rooms, dry cleaning, and many others. But they have different hotel policies, so you have to check them out first and choose the one that meets your hotel accommodation requirements.

Venice is really a nice place to explore, and having a pleasurable stay in a Venice hotel can add to your memorable Venice vacation. But with the many options available, you must be able to plan in advance in order to get the best hotel accommodation that suits your taste. And make sure that the hotel you choose will make you feel at home even though you are far away.

Venice Hotels provides detailed information on Venice Hotels, Venice Luxury Hotels, Venice Hotel Reservations, Cheap Venice Hotels and more. Venice Hotels is affiliated with Airport Amsterdam Hotels.

Venice Hotels Near St Mark's Square

Piazza San Marco which is the central public square of Venice is known as St Mark's Square in English. This is the place where people gather together and is a popular attraction for humans and birds alike. A large number of Venetian pigeons are found in the square and is a beautiful sight to behold. You can see a lot of tourists busy clicking away at their cameras at the Piazza San Marco. Since most of the traffic in Venice uses the waterways and canals, there is not much of vehicular traffic on the streets near the square. In fact the sound of human voices is what pervades the atmosphere at the center of the square.

St Mark's Square has been perceived as the center of the city for ages. Many festivals in Venice use the square as their venue. Many government offices have also found their place in and around the square. But most of all, the place has captured the hearts of the Venetian people who like to spend their leisure hours sitting, talking and strolling along this famous square. Even people visiting Venice from other places find St Mark's Square extremely beautiful and appealing.

Venice hotels near St Mark's square provide the most needed accommodation facilities to hordes of tourists and business travelers frequenting the city center. Apart from the Italian people, a large number of people from neighboring countries in Europe as well as from far flung nations across the globe come to Venice to spend their holidays and vacation. The hospitality industry is one of the most booming sectors in this part of Italy due to the popularity of the various tourist destinations that pepper the region.

Venice hotels near St Mark's square cater to the needs of tourists looking for inexpensive accommodation as well as those wanting to have a luxurious and laid back vacation in one of the most expensive Venice hotels. Both kinds of people have plenty of hotels, motels and dorms to choose from according to their taste and budget. Whatever the needs of the traveler, Venice has the right options for everyone.

Five Must-See Sites in Rome

Rome has captivated the world for over two millennia. Despite its age, Rome is well developed for tourism, with discount hotels scattered throughout the city. While finding Rome hotels may be easy, planning the rest of the itinerary is more of a challenge. To help focus the planning, consider these five must-see sites in Rome.

1. The Pantheon. The large dome of the Pantheon remains an engineering triumph, still standing as the largest concrete dome not to have additional reinforcements. Since its original construction in the first century BC, it has seen various uses and renovations, all of which have enhanced the appeal for the modern tourist.

2. The Coliseum. There are few sites more widely recognised than the Coliseum. Originally constructed around 70 AD under the direction of several Roman Emperors, the oval amphitheater was once able to seat 50,000 and was used for many public events, including gladiator matches during Rome's heyday. Though the structure has been damaged by earthquakes, visitors still marvel at this architectural wonder.

3. Piazza Navona. This square once served as an area for local competitions. Over time, it evolved into a public space which is still popular with tourists today for its spectacular baroque architecture and art. There are various fountains and monuments in the Piazza, making it perfect for a restful afternoon in the city.

4. The Sistine Chapel. Though the Sistine Chapel was built for the Pope's use in the fifteenth century, modern visitors of all backgrounds should be sure to check out this magnificent structure. The interior boasts frescoes from some of the most famous names in Renaissance art, including Raphael, Bernini, Sandro Botticelli, and Michelangelo.

5. St. Peter's Basilica. Located in Rome's Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica is an inspiring testament of human achievement. As the largest Christian church in the world, St. Peter's Basilica can hold 60,000 people. Catholics believe that St. Peter is buried there, along with other popes from throughout history.

While there is much more to see in Rome, these five sites represent the best this ancient city has to offer. By taking these sites into consideration, holiday-seekers can then peruse the vast selection of Rome hotels in order to find one that fits their budget and interests. There are discount hotels and other Rome hotels near any of these attractions, making it possible to structure a holiday around the sites, and not the accommodations.

Five Favourite Venice Hotels

As one of the top holiday destinations in Italy - and in Europe - Venice is a natural choice for anyone who wants to enjoy compelling historical sites set against a backdrop of stunning scenery. When booking a trip to Venice, the problem isn't trying to find a suitable place to stay - it's narrowing down the list of fantastic options. One thing's for certain: if luxury is what you aim for, then Venice hotels are sure to please. Take a look at the top five luxury hotels in Venice below.

1. Hotel Cipriani - Surrounded by lush, pleasant gardens - and located on Giudecca island, with a sumptuous view of St. Mark's basilica - Hotel Cipriani is an excellent choice for anyone in need of elegance, class and style during their stay in the City of Water. Kick things up a notch by reserving the Palazzo Vendramin or the Palazzetto, noblemen's residences that are sure to make your Venetian holiday truly unforgettable.

2. Hotel Gritti Palace - Enjoy the buzz and excitement of being in the heart of Venice by booking a room at the Hotel Gritti Palace. Located on the Grand Canal, the Hotel Gritti Palace is located in a 16th century Doge's palazzo and is steeped in history and glamour. Another great perk? The hotel owns a private beach on the Venice Lido; take the free round-trip boat service to access this charming spot.

3. Hotel Boscolo Dei Dogi - For true five-star luxury accommodation, few hotels in Venice can hope to rival the amenities and impeccable service offered by the Hotel Boscolo Dei Dogi. Often referred to simply as the Hotel Dei Dogi, it is brimming with amazing architecture and breathtakingly regal decor. Choose a room facing into the hotel's internal garden for a truly mesmerizing experience.

4. Hotel San Clemente Palace - Few Venice hotels offer the kind of idyllic, serene - and utterly relaxing - accommodations that the Hotel San Clemente Palace can. With its peaceful location on the Isola di San Clemente, this hotel is perfect for those who want to unwind in style.

5. Luna Hotel Baglioni - As the first hotel in Venice, the Lunda Hotel Baglioni has undoubtedly passed the test of time. Throughout the years, it has consistently offered guests some of the top amenities and accommodations in Venice. Snag a room with a grand terrace overlooking St. Mark's basin for a real treat.

Hotel Traiano Rome - Short Review

If you have never been to Europe, it goes without saying that your first stop should be Rome. So much of modern culture and history began here that it is an absolute must-see for every traveler. The movies that were made here - "Roman Holiday", "La Dolce Vita", and even parts of "The Godfather" - mean that you will recognize parts of the city wherever you go.

One of the most difficult parts of going to Italy is actually arranging accommodation. I have been there before with no accommodation arranged and struggled to find a decent bed for the night. Had I known about the Hotel Traiano Rome then, I no doubt would have made my reservations well in advance. This four-star hotel is located in the center of Rome, near the Roman Forum, and steps above the Piazza Venezia. This is no hostel or bed and breakfast, but a beautiful, historic, and exquisite place to stay when in Rome. There are few hotels nicer than the Hotel Traiano Rome in terms of location and service.

While in Rome, there is simply so much to do that you will want to stay for more than just a couple of days. A trip to the Vatican alone will take up at least one of your days in this beautiful city, and you still need to visit the Forum, the Galleria Borghese and some of the hundreds of churches and walk along the River Tiber.

Should you decide to use the Hotel Triano Rome as your departure point for each day's travels, you will find yourself near the Pantheon, the Forum, and of course, the Colosseum. While there, you will also want to visit the Catacombs, the Arch of Constantine, and walk across the beautiful Bridge of Angels. There is so much to do in Rome, that you will never want to leave!

HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Hotels-Accommodations Hotel Accomodation in Venice By Teodora Atanasova Article Word Count: 517 [View Summary] Comment

Venice, the north Italian city is famous for its waterways and canals which are used for regular commuting. Known as the "Queen of the Adriatic" and the "City of Water," it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Venice is made up of 118 small islands located in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea in northeast Italy. The city is also famous for its operatic music made popular by Antonio Vivaldi.

Venice is one of the most beautiful and exotic locations in Europe. A large number of tourists are attracted to the city from all corners of the globe. A number of hotels in Venice cater to the needs of tourists by providing accommodation at various prices. Some of the best Venice hotels are located close to St. Mark's Square on the Grand Canal. Many of the hotels are housed in buildings which are centuries old. There are many guest rooms in the hotels which preserve their unique architectural integrity. Modern amenities have also been provided for the most luxurious stay for guests.

Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and across the world, Venice has a number of good hotels catering to the needs of tourists and business visitors. The Venice Hotel list would be quite long as there are numerous hotels providing accommodation for various kinds of visitors. While some tourists look for expensive and luxurious hotels, others look for an inexpensive place to stay while they prefer to spend more of their time and money on touring the city.

The Venice hotels have a number of restaurants, each with a unique flavor. They provide 24-hour room service, laundry, dry cleaning and a concierge service are available readily. Some hotels also provide special rides to all the hotels' properties. Guests can also make good use of the swimming pool and fitness center or play golf, tennis and various water sports outdoors. Some of the Venice hotels have exclusive Venetian restaurants where tourists can taste wonderful Venetian food. Most guest rooms have a private balcony with a view of the canals down below. Other facilities include air-conditioning, clock radios, plasma TVs, data ports and hairdryers in each bathroom.

Some of the star Venice hotels are a legacy of Venetian nobility. They are located in buildings which literally served as palaces centuries ago. Some of them are situated near the museum Peggy Guggenheim and the Academia in the district of Dorsoduro which is a very calm and peaceful region. Guests who prefer privacy, as well as easy accessibility to the city would find these exclusive hotels a delight to lodge in. Although the buildings are centuries old, they have the most modern facilities for the comfort of their distinguished guests. The standard features in these hotels include air-conditioning, laundry service, daily newspaper delivery, ironing facilities, fax, high-speed internet access, luggage facility and hairdryer in each bathroom. General services include 24-hour reception for easy check in and check out, elevators, fire alarms, babysitting for busy guests with small children and access to a variety of amenities in the hotels.

Best Luxury and 5-Star Hotels in Rome

Rome is the capital city of Italy, the largest and most populated city with 2.7 million people all around the metropolitan. With its thousand years gone by, Rome still holds the Catholic Church and has full control to the Vatican City as its supreme region.

In today's fast changing technology, Rome still sets and maintained its history, purity, humanity and sanctuary together with his medieval renaissance. A center of attraction due to its enormous state- of- the- art works and pre-historic monuments, extravagant basilicas and churches, and vast array of unique and excellent art galleries. There are also lots of prestige and luxurious hotels and accommodation for tourists and vacationers all around the world.

Some of the best and luxurious 5- star hotel in Rome:

St. Regis Grand Rome Hotel

St. Regis Grand Rome Hotel, the very first deluxe hotel in Rome and is located just a block away from Spanish Steps, Via Veneto and the Trevi Fountain. After its renovation in 1999, St. Regis Grand Rome Hotel reopened and regains its position as the most excellent hotel in Rome and is included in one of the best hotels around the world.

An outstanding accommodation awaits the hotel's clientele, with its world- class Empire décor; each room has a unique Roman scene hand-painted mural, chandelier by Murano glass featured in the bathroom facilities with contemporary added amenities such as direct telephone line, in-room safe deposit box, hairdryer, refrigerator and cable television with satellite for the convenience of their visitors.

Hotel room amenities include a satellite or cable TV, mini-bar, air conditioning, direct phone, refrigerator, safe-deposit box, rollaway beds, bathroom telephone, hairdryer and butler service. It has four restaurants inside the premises: Vivendo Restaurant, Le Grand Bar, Di Vino private wine cellar and Grand Hall Lounge.

Hotel services and facilities are seemingly endless. There's butler service, babysitting, business center, a concierge, laundry service, private garage, rent a car, wake-up calls, shoeshine service, a multilingual staff, florist, 24-hour room service, parking, and convenient access for physically challenged guests. Leisure facilities include a fitness center, sauna and massage rooms. The conference and banquet facilities consist of 15 meeting rooms, wireless high-speed Internet access, secretarial service and fax service.

There are many attractions worth visiting nearby. A few of these are the famous Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Via Veneto, Villa Borghese, Galleria Borghese Museum, Saint Peters Basilica, Palatine, Pantheon, Forum Romanum, Roman Coliseum, Vatican City and Castle Saint Angelo (Hadrian's Mausoleum).

InterContinental De la Ville Roma

InterContinental de la Ville Rome Hotel is a five- star luxury hotel that lies in the center of Rome situated at the zenith of a well-known Spanish Steps. The ideal location of the hotel is outstanding for tourist enthusiasts for a stop-over in different places in the famed Eternal City. Guests can also visit the peaceful Villa of Borghese or the classy Piazza di Spagna.

InterContinental de la Ville Rome Hotel features La Piazzetta de la Ville, the pride of fine Italian and international cuisine, serving buffet lunch options, appetizers, pastries, cakes, tea and coffee daily.

Hotel room amenities consist of cable/satellite TV, DVD / CD player in suites, connecting rooms, high-speed Internet access, pay per view movies, safety-deposit box, individually controlled air conditioning, mini-bar, two-line telephone with voicemail, private bathroom with bathtub and bathrobes, sofa bed and work desk with lamp.

La Piazetta Restaurant is located inside to cater to your Italian and international cuisines cravings. You can go to La Saletta Lounge for light meals, snacks, tea, coffee and other treats. And lastly, relax and unwind in I Due Murano Bar with live piano music and evening cocktail lounge.

Why Venice's Hotels Have a Sinking Feeling

Why Venice's Hotels Have A Sinking Feeling

One of the most unique European cities is, without a doubt, Venice. No place on Earth is quite like this well preserved city, whose canals, gondolas and gondoliers have earned it a permanent place in the hearts of romantics everywhere. Like many magical places, there is a drawback to Venice's special charm: it is sinking. The water and canal ways that make Venice so unique may eventually lead to its downfall - but it's hardly a recent phenomenon. Venice hotels and other buildings have been grappling with this issue for centuries. Why is Venice flooding? What can be done about? Read on to learn more.

A City Borne Of Necessity

When Venice was first settled, people didn't choose the location due to its perceived romantic or scenic qualities; no one envisioned the canals and fame that would come later. Instead, an invasion by Attila the Hun in 452 propelled many Italians to the coastal regions; a group of small islands within a lagoon is where Venice eventually ended up developing. From the beginning, then, Venice was waterlogged. Its founders fought against the marshland upon which they built the new city, using canals to get around the obvious problem of having little solid ground to work with in the area.

Flooding Plagues Venice

Venice has always struggled with flooding. Hotels in Venice, like many other places here, routinely have to set up wooden walkways on the outside so people can gain entry during excessive flooding. Floods are most common during the high tide seasons of autumn and spring. In addition to devising clever ways to keep these flood waters from infiltrating Venice hotels, the citizens of Venice have to contend with a problem that renders the gorgeous Piazza San Marco completely submerged in water at least once a year. Tourists who come here with hopes of experiencing this stunning part of the city are crestfallen to learn that the piazza is completely inaccessible at such times.

Is The Problem Getting Worse?

Throughout most of its history, Venice has been sinking at a rate of approximately 7cm per year. When it was discovered that artesian wells might be to blame, they were banned in the 1960s. However, buildings, streets and hotels in Venice continued to experience noticeable sinking. In fact, it's been calculated that the city sank an incredible 24cm in a single year recently. Global warming is being blamed for this increase, and the management of many Venice hotels and other establishments are getting behind different ideas to curb the problem. Some believe steel gates might work, and inflatable pontoons are being developed to block the major lagoon entrances during high tides. With any luck, these efforts will save this magical city from disappearing forever.

Cheap Rome Hotels - Most Practical Way to Explore Rome

Rome! Well, the mere mention of this word makes the hearts hop 'n' bop in joy! Why not, such is the charm of the place! Rome lets you enjoy like a freewheeling bird. You can mosey on down to the moor to feel the gentle breeze wafting the scent of the pure air; you can zap into downtown shopping malls for a shopping extravaganza; go back to the past through the great old architecture, or you can go to a night club to be on the razzle! Rome has it all for you!

No wonder over 80 million tourists come to Rome every year. In fact, tourism is Rome's biggest industry. Well, if you too are homing in on the idea of getting away from your hulking work pressures for a while; a sumptuous Rome vacation would be an apt choice! And you don't have to worry about your sojourn! The cheap Rome hotels provide you with swish 'n' swanky accommodation to enjoy your vacations up to the hilt.

Set your sights on the wondrous Rome sights

Nicknamed "The Eternal City," Rome is chock-full of bright and beautiful places. Rome boasts of great beauty, contrast and life that include Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museum, Assisi and Orvieto, Naples and Pompeii, Pompeii and Amalfi Coast, Capri, Palazzo Colonna, Palazzo Carpegna, Palazzo Altieri, Palazzo Barberini, Palazzo Braschi, Palazzo Doria Pamphili, Caravaggio, Palazzo di Venezia, Palazzo Altemps, Palazzo Lateranense, Palazzo di Montecitorio, Palazzo Chigi, Palazzo della Cancelleria, Palazzo Spada, Palazzo Farnese, Palazzo della Sapienza, Palazzo Corsini, Palazzo della Civilta' del Lavoro, Palazzo dei Congressi, Palazzo dello Sport, Palazzo delle Esposizioni, and a lot more!

This is not all! There are hordes of other mesmerizing places that you would love to see. Hey, you don't have to be a vagabond to visit all these places! Rome equips you with so many traveling options that you can easily travel the length and breadth of Rome in a quick span of time.

There is a wide array of cheap Rome hotels in different Rome regions. Bolstered by expertise, some sites can rightly understand your exact requirements. Accordingly, these sites can carve out the right cheap Rome hotels package for you to ensure that you get a hip 'n' chic hotel ambiance that suits your style as well as wallet.

AIRLINE-RESERVATIONS.US weaves the right ambiance as it can really jazz up your stay at Rome with an enchanting ambiance. The site provides you with top -drawer yet hotels that are imbued with facilities you need for a great holiday. To know more about cheap Rome hotels, log on to http://www.airline-reservations.us now!

HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Hotels-Accommodations Venice Hotels on Grand Canal By Teodora Atanasova Article Word Count: 361 [View Summary] Comment

There are a number of star Venice hotels that cater to the needs of vacationers looking for comfort and luxury during their stay. But before we explore the Venice hotels on Grand Canal let us learn a little bit more about the Grand Canal itself. The Grand Canal is the main corridor for boats and other small vessels used for commuting within the city of Venice. Water buses are operated through these water corridors which form the main public transport for the city. There are also private water taxis operated by private owners that tourists and locals can use to get from one part of the city to another. But the most popular and sought after means of transport for tourists who like to travel through the canals of Venice is the gondola.

The gondola is basically a row boat which has been used traditionally for centuries as the main form of transportation though the maze of waterways and canals that flow through Venice. While the gondolas are still used as a means of public transport, their main role is providing rides for tourists from across Europe and around the world that come to Venice mainly to enjoy these rides along the canals in the city. The gondolas also take part in special Regattas that are conducted periodically. The canal is quite shallow and is around 5 meters deep almost throughout its length. It starts at Saint Mark Basin and ends in the lagoon near the main central railway station at Santa Lucia.

Visitors traveling along the canal can feast their eyes on the architectural beauty of the buildings spanning from the 13th to the 18th centuries that line the canal on both sides. Some of the famous buildings include Ca' d'Oro, the Palazzi Barbaro, Ca' Foscari, Palazzo Dario, Ca' Rezzonico, Palazzo Barbarigo and various others. Over the entire length of the canals, only four bridges can be seen built over it. In fact till the 1800s, the Rialto was the only bridge built over the canals. The Venice hotels on Grand Canal provide a truly incredible experience for guests that can almost never be found anywhere else in the world.

Cheap Charming Rome Hotels - Five Top Winners

Although there are many charming discount hotels in Rome, many are cheap without the charm. While you'll want to do some research of your own, we've listed our top picks for stylish and safe Rome hotels that are also easy on the budget.

These are small tasteful lodgings with consistently high visitor reviews, excellent customer service, clean accommodation, unexpected amenities, great value, and plenty of panache. They're also very popular with tourists, so you'll want to book your stay well in advance. All quotes are for double rooms, except where otherwise indicated. Prices are general and can fluctuate.

Paba
Via Cavour 266
Colosseo & Monti

A 2-star hotel with consistently fabulous reviews, double rooms at Paba start at around £80. Paba is a non-smoking hotel with private baths, balconies, and terraces. The hotel is located on a busy but quiet street within easy walking distance of almost everything.

The neighbourhood is arty and bohemian with many small shops and hideaway eateries. Paba features seven rooms, each one unique, and includes breakfast delivery to your door. The building is deceptively unpretentious from outside, but guests agree that the inside is impressive.

1 Step From St. Peter
Via Giovanni Bettolo 52
Vatican & Prati

Located in the Vatican City, this hostel is nestled in a majestic and quiet neighbourhood with wide boulevards, newer elaborate architecture, and groomed courtyards. Rooms are large, sunny, and spacious, with tall windows, high ceilings, and polished wood floors.

1 Step From St. Peter is close to Vatican attractions, while the rest of Rome is easily accessible by subway. Doubles start from £73, and the 1920s building also offers dormitory beds from £41 per person. There's a mini-rooftop "love nest" apartment with private kitchen, enclosed solarium, and spectacular views from around £130.

The Home In Rome
Via Ravenna 34
Piazza Bologna

The Home is a Kosher Hotel in the very popular Jewish neighbourhood of Piazza Bologna in the heart of the city. This B&B is a 5-star lodging priced to compete favourably with even discount hotels. Rates start at £81.

Amenities include children's facilities, an on-call physician, and full business centre. The well-appointed rooms are spacious and comfortable. The neighbourhood features a kosher deli, kosher restaurants, and a synagogue.

Guests rave about the fresh delicious breakfast, extraordinary customer service, all-day availability of snacks and beverages, and clean rooms. It's a ten minute walk to Piazza Bologna, and the adjacent metro station gives easy access to other Rome attractions.

The Daphne Veneto
Via di San Basilio 55
Piazza di Spagna

The Daphne is in the prime Piazza di Spagna area, close to the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese, Trevi Fountain, and the Via dei Condotti with its outdoor cafes and elegant, high-end boutiques.

Daphne Veneto features eight beautiful, spacious rooms, stone-tiled bathrooms, terraces, balconies, massage service, and mobile phones and laptops for guests' use. A non-smoking hotel, the Daphne provides a complimentary breakfast described by one guest as "scrumptious".

Prices start from £82, but can go higher during busy seasons. Combining prime location with affordability, The Daphne Veneto is an exception among Rome hotels.

Maria-Rosa Guest House
Via dei Vascellari, 55
Trastevere, Historic Centre

Located in an historic neighbourhood with many sidewalk restaurants, groceries, and laundries, Maria Rosa occupies the third floor of a restored 19th century building. Trastevere is a medieval neighbourhood that's enticing and peaceful by day, while energetic and vibrant by night.

Unlike most discount hotels, Maria-Rosa features beautifully designed rooms with parquet floors, charming attention to detail, and lots of greenery to make it feel homey. Most of Rome's tourist attractions are within easy walking distance, while buses and trams are steps from the front door. Prices start from £73.

Max is an author, writer and editor. He is married with two children and a cat and lives in south east London.

The Smaller Italian Lakes

When people speak of traveling to Italy to visit the lakes, they are always talking about the same three: Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Garda. While these lakes are definitely beautiful and certainly worth visiting, there are many more hidden gems in Italy that are not nearly as touristy, but still beautiful.

One such lake is Lake Lugano, not nearly as popular as the others, but just as beautiful and still in the same region of Lombardy. This lake has shores on both Italy and Switzerland. This lake is very famous for the fishing available there as well as the numerous cherry trees that are along its shores.

Lake Iseo is also located in the Italian Lakes region, between Lake Garda and Lake Como. It is the location of Monte Isola, one of the most beautiful islands in the world, and also the biggest island of any of the lakes in the Southern part of Europe.

Lake Trasimeno is another gorgeous lake in Italy. This lake is known for having very verdant surroundings full of vegetation. There are numerous olive trees on the hills, and numerous vineyards in the area. All kinds of foods are growing along its shores.

Lake Idro is another great lake to visit. Unfortunately, it is currently the center of a lot of controversy due to the pollution being dumped into the lake there by electric companies. Right now a lot of environmental groups are working to put an end to it. Regardless of the situation, it is still a breathtaking view to take in.

When you are planning your Italian Lakes Holidays, but sure not to forget these little lakes too!

For free information related to Italian Lakes Holidays, please go to Holidays in Italian Lakes. This website has information about travel tips, the italian lakes, Italian culture, planning your Italian Lakes Holidays villa purchasing information, and more!

Luxury Italian Villas

Villas offer travelers the authentic opportunity of experiencing the local culture and scenic beauty of Italy. Because a villa is just like a large house, complete with bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, dining rooms, and many other amenities, they combine a relaxing home environment while still being extremely close to everything the Italian lakes has to offer. Renting villas are perfect during Italian Lakes Holidays, especially with a large group of friends or family members.

Because of the large amount of villas available for rent, choosing one can be an overwhelming decision. When searching for your dream villa, keep in mind a few important details. Be sure to check on the location of each villa you search, because each lake offers many different activities and scenery. It is also important to decide how close you would like direct access to the beach, and if you would like access to a swimming pool. Many of the villas offer luxurious accommodations, such as access to tennis courts, golf courses, balconies, and outside dining areas. Many of the villas are a short walking distance from shops, bars, restaurants, amenities and ferries, however make sure to double check exactly how far the distance and that it is able to be walked before booking. If you are willing to be a bit more flexible with the lake that your villa is located on during, you might be able to find a better deal.

Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore are the three largest, and most popular lakes in the district, so they tend to be a bit more expensive. Before you can decide which lake you would prefer to book your villa on, you should be aware of the different personalities of each lake. Lake Garda, which is the largest lake in the district, offers easy access to Venice and Milan, which boasts charming towns and wonderful shopping. Lake Como, the most active of the lakes, allows for thriving nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. And those who prefer taking relaxing Italian lakes holidays should book on Lake Maggiore, which offers a slightly less touristy atmosphere. Keeping all of these lake traits in mind, as well as how much you are looking to spend, staying at Italian lakes villas during your trip can make for a perfect vacation.

For more information about Italian Lakes Holidays, please visit Italian Lakes Holidays. The website includes travel advice, information about the lakes, Luxury Italian villa rentals information, Italian culture information, and more!

Italian Travel Advice

MONEY

It is never a good idea to carry a lot of money while in Italy or Europe. While the Italian Lakes district is a very safe area, pick pocketing is a common problem in all areas of Europe. Don't carry lots of cash at a time, and make sure it is not easily accessible to pick pockets (the wallet in the back pocket is an easy target).

Traveler's checks are somewhat outdated these days, and a lot of places no longer accept them. Use a credit card; they are accepted in most places and have the best exchange rate. To pull out Euros you can go to Italian ATM machines, known as BANCOMATS. They accept all major debit cards.

Don't forget to alert your local bank that you are traveling to Italy so they don't freeze your account by mistake; that would certainly mess up you Holidays to Italian Lakes!

INTERNET AND PHONE SERVICES

Communication to countries outside of Italy is fairly easy these days. Internet cafes exist in all towns and are not very expensive; usually not more than 12 Euros per hour. A lot of them also have phones to make international calls, paying by the minute.

Another option is to sign up with Skype, where international calls are extremely cheap and you only need an Internet connection to use it.

STORE AND RESTAURANT HOURS

Italy is not as convenient as the US in terms of hours of operation for many establishments. Most places are closed in the early afternoon for two to three hours, and also tend to close earlier at night as well. This includes restaurants.

TIPPING

In Italy, it is not the norm to leave a tip. Usually people will leave the change and maybe an extra Euro. The same is true for taxis; don't leave a tip unless you really want to.

Just remember that the customs in Italy are different from those in America. This is just another reason Italian lakes holidays are so interesting and fun!

For even more information about Italian Lakes Holidays, please visit Italian Lakes Holidays. This site has information related to Travel Tips in Italy, the lakes, Italian culture, villa purchasing information, and more!

Italian Culture

Italian culture is celebrated multiple times throughout the calendar year. These celebrations include holidays, festivals, and feasts, many of which are observed in the rest of the world, however some of which are unique to just Italy. Many of these holidays celebrate saints, such as San Giovanni Battista, which takes place on June 24th and celebrates the patron saint of Firenze. San Rosalia (patron saint of Palermo, celebrated July 15th), and San Petronio (patron saint of Blogona, celebrated October 4th) are examples of some holidays unique only to Italy. However San Gennaro, which celebrates the patron saint of Napoli on September 19th is widely celebrated throughout the world. Italy also celebrates Palm Sunday (Domenica delle Palme), Good Friday (Venerdi Santo), Easter, also called Pasqua, as well as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday (Martedi Grasso).

Many of these holidays are celebrated with elaborate vacations. The Italian lakes are considered a popular destination for these celebrations because of their unique beauty and the amount of entertainment offered. While some Americans are not familiar with the Italian lakes, many celebrities consider it a popular destination for their holidays and vacations. The popularity of the Italian lakes has grown immensely ever since celebrities have been spotted vacationing in the lakes district regularly.

An Italian Lakes Holiday is one of the most relaxing and culture filled. With tons to do, including shopping, hiking, sightseeing, as well as eating and drinking lots of delicious food and wine, who wouldn't want to celebrate holidays with the Italian lakes as the main destination?

Most of the holidays in the Italian Lakes region revolve around food. Anytime you are in Italy, the food is going to be delicious, authentic, and there will be plenty of it. However if you are there during a holiday celebration, there will be feasts upon feasts of amazing dishes, many of which that are prepared specifically for that celebration. Religious holidays, such as Christmas and Easter have special cuisines and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Another great part of about celebrating holidays in Italy is all the amazing parades and parties held during the celebration. Liberation Day and the Italian National Day are just a few of the holidays in which Italians celebrate their patriotism. Often times there will be parades on boats, such as in Venice, where these parades and celebrations add to the unique culture and variety of Italy. Italian lakes holidays are some of the best kinds of holidays, regardless of whether you are there celebrating a specific holiday or just on a relaxing vacation.

For more free information related to Italian Lakes Holidays, please visit Italian Lakes Holidays. The website includes travel tips, information about each lake, Italian culture information, Italian life, villa rental information, and more!

Hotels in Rivoli Italy

Rivoli Hotel

Blu Hotel

Hotel Des Alpes

Holiday Inn Turin Corso Francia

Starhotels Majestic

Le Meridien Lingotto

Hotel Guala

Golden Palace

Atahotel Concord

Hotel Urbani

Best Western Hotel City

Holiday Inn Turin City Centre

Hotel Due Mondi

Best Western Hotel Piemontese

Hotel Alpi Resort

Hotel Master

NH Jolly Ambasciatori

Pacific Hotel Fortino

Grand Hotel Sitea

Express by Holiday Inn Turin

Lake Maggiore, Como, and Garda

Lombardy, the lakes district located in the Northern region of Italy, is one of the beautiful places in the world. This gorgeous area attracts tourists from around the world every year, and is located between the Alps and Milan. If you are planning Holidays in Italian Lakes, it would be wise to know a little about each lake, since each one is a little bit different.

For the first-time traveler to this region, the most important lakes to visit are Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore. They are certainly the most famous, and also the most visited. If you have the time, other important lakes to visit are Lake Iseo, Lake Lugano, and Lake Idro. The first three lakes all offer lots to do in terms of water sports. There you will be able to do sailing, boating, water skiing, windsurfing, and kite surfing.

Lake Garda is the largest lake of all of them, and is also the most touristy in general. The most vacation tours and packages take place at this lake. The most famous town to visit is Sirmione, which is on a peninsula at the South of the lake. The Scaliger castle is the most famous attraction of the town, but there are also the Virgilio & Catullo Spa complexes as well. As is true with most of the touristy towns in the region, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, as well as lots of shopping.

Lake Como is the second most popular tourist lake. This lake is characterized by mountainous terrain surrounding it on all sides. This is the location of the most famous town of the Italian lakes: Bellagio. This lake is also famous for having very extravagant villas all around the lake.

Lake Maggiore is the least touristy of the touristy lakes. It is a lake that is much more for people who enjoy the outdoors and are looking for a more natural experience. The one contradiction to that is the town Stresa and its surrounding areas, which are of the most extravagant areas of all the lakes district. This is because in older times, Lake Maggiore was a top vacation spot for European nobles and royalty. Lake Maggiore is also famous for hosting numerous movies and music festivals throughout the year.

Italian lakes holidays are some of the greatest vacations of a person's life. Be sure to visit all three of those lakes on your first visit, and then from there, you still have a lot left to discover!

For more information about the Italian Lakes, please check out Holidays in Italian Lakes. This website includes travel tips, information about each lake, Italian culture information, villa rental information, and more!

The Italian Lakes

The Italian lakes district is found at the Northern region of Italy, right below Switzerland. These lakes have been a popular holiday destination since Roman times. Because of the destinations attractions and beautiful scenery, the area still attracts numerous visitors every year for Italian Lakes Holidays. Beginning in Milan, Italy, the lakes boast many attractions for tourists as well as native Italians. Many celebrities are spotted there every year as well!

Lake Como and Lake Garda are definitely the touristiest lakes, with Lake Maggiore coming in at a close third (and Lake Lugano at fourth). Regardless of this fact, if you are a first time visitor, they are all lakes that have to be seen. Some of the other smaller Italian lakes worth checking out are Lake Iseo, Lake Orta, Lake Trasimeno, Lake Bracciano, Lake Bolsena, and Lake Vico.

Traveling to the lakes district for your vacation is not difficult due to the availability of easy transportation from nearby airports. The most convenient airports to land in to get to the Italian Lakes are the Milan Malpanesa, Milan Linate, and Orio al Serio Airport. You can also fly into Swiss airport at Zurich, Switzerland, and head south from there.

When traveling in the lakes district, there is plenty of food to enjoy, wine to drink, sights to see, and items to purchase. The cuisine in the lakes district is delicious, along with the wide assortment of available wine, just like throughout the rest of Italy. The shopping, which ranges from discount bargain shopping to high fashion boutiques, is one of a kind. Try to find your way to a weekly street markets that pop up throughout the district. Perfect for browsing and finding souvenirs for friends and family back home, the street markets are a favorite for travelers on a budget. You will also get a chance to practice your haggling skills. Remember: don't ever pay more than half of what their initial sale price is!

If you are more interested in outdoor activities, many tourists come to swim and hike the exciting trails for their Italian lakes holidays. In fact, hiking is one of the most popular activities to be done around the Italian lakes because of ability to view the magnificent glacial lakes (with Lake Como offering some of the best hiking areas on Earth!). There are also numerous water activities at the lakes including boating, swimming, water skiing, jet skiing, kite surfing, and more! The district also boasts museums, art and architecture, design centers and prehistoric relics, which should all be seen on your trip.

For free information related to Italian Lakes Holidays, please visit Italian Lakes Holidays. This website has information about the Italian Lakes, Italian culture, villa purchasing information, and more!

Turin - the Undiscovered Jewel in Italy's Crown

While Turin is regarded as the industrial powerhouse of Italy, I absolutely defy anyone to fail to be delighted by the historic city centre.

One of the surprising things about Turin is that it has been so underdeveloped as a tourist destination to date, and until the advent of the 2006 Winter Olympics most people associated the city with the Shroud, perhaps Juventus football club, but little else.

That all may be about to change, as although the Olympics is well and truly over and no more than a distant memory to most inhabitants, the legacy of the games is one that could set Turin up to be one of Europe’s hot destinations.

The improvement in infrastructure, such as a completely refurbished airport designed to cater for the thousands of visitors arriving for the games means that Turin can easily deal with a large increase in tourists. Many hotels have been refurbished to a much higher standard as a direct result of the games and the opening of a number of quality hotels has added 3,000 rooms to the city since 2000.

Turin’s reputation for industry is based on the fact that Fiat was founded there towards the end of the 19th century and was to a large extent responsible for the rebuilding of Italy’s economy after the Second World War. What is often missed, though, is Turin’s remarkably rich history, including being Italy’s first capital when it was first unified under the House of Savoy.

Known as “Capital of the Alps”, Turin is also capital of Piedmont and the home of some culinary traditions that we usually accept as being typically Italian. Take the humble breadstick for example – legend has it that they were originally baked to cure a sickly child prince. Breadsticks, or grissini as they’re known in Italy, are made in a variety of shapes and sizes in Turin and they seem to have done their job as the prince grew up to be the first Savoy king.

If you’ve ever seen the original 1969 version of The Italian Job staring Michael Caine then you’ll have taken a tour of Turin. This popular British film is about a heist on a shipment of gold bullion using three Mini Coopers as getaway cars.

The cars zoom around the streets and arcades of Turin and even make an appearance on the old test track of Fiat, on the roof of the giant factory! Although seen at high speed, you do get an impression of the beauty of the city and some of the fantastic architecture on offer.

Both EasyJet and Ryanair have daily flights from London, or you can fly via Rome or Milan.

Cheap Hotels in Italy - Turin

Turin, though not a very popular tourist destination of Italy, does have some tourist spots. It is in the Piedmont region of Italy which is in the far north-west of the country. It is a city famous for enjoyment, chocolate, football and the Turin Shroud. As it is located close to the Alps, it is based for skiing holiday in Italy.

Turin has a few tourist attractions like the Mole Antonelliana, Piazza Castello, and Palazzo Reale. There is a slow growth of Turin as a tourist destination and the hotel industry in Turin has not developed much, but there is a wide range of Turin hotels to suit your requirements. Whatever your reason for travelling, the place you stay plays an important part in making your stay more pleasurable. So plan carefully while making selection for the cheap hotels in Italy as a restful and comfortable night's sleep will make your memories more memorable.

There are many Turin hotels for you to choose from. There is hotel to suit every budget. If you are travelling on a low budget then you have a wide selection of cheap hotels for your choice. There are many luxurious hotels having exceptional service to entice you. The hotel where you stay will determine the memories of your visit to this city.

However, there are a few good cheap hotels in Italy in this city. The Turin Palace Hotel has been a favourite for tourists. The rooms are equipped with Venetian lamps and dark wood furniture. Furthermore, as it is situated near the train station, this will facilitate you to commute to other places.

Another hotel located nearby is the Hotel Piemontese. However, compared to the Turin Palace Hotel its rates are lower. It is a comfortable hotel but not luxurious however, it does provide all you need for your stay in a hotel. Another of the comfortable cheap hotels in Italy Turin is the Victoria Hotel. It has a picturesque location with a view of the Po River and has a garden.

If you have not made any arrangements before hand for your stay, then the last minute hotels that are available are in the Corso Vittorio Emanuele location where you will find a wide range of cheap hotels in Turin. The Dogana Vecchio Hotel is located in the old city. It has tried to reproduce the 17th century baroque style of building and is a comfortable and reasonably priced hotel.

There are many cheap hotels in Italy Turin like the two star hotel Jolly, Hotel Ambasciatori, Turin, Best Western Hotel Genova, Turin, Ac Torino, Turin, Jolly Hotel Ligure, Turin, Pacific Hotel Fortino, Hotel Guala Residence, Hotel Ai Savoia, Hotel Residence Miramonti, Best Western Hotel Crimea, Hotel Fortino and Best Western Hotel Piemontese. All these hotels will suit those who are travelling on a budget. Moreover, these hotels are clean, comfortable and well maintained.

There are many three star hotels in Turin which are priced at mid-range but offer a few extra amenities. These hotels are Hotel Turin Palace, Exporesidence, Hotel Alexandra, President, Comfort Torino Vii, Continental, Plaza, Atahotel Concord, Hotel Best Western Genova, Conte Biancamano and Hotel Villa Savoia. Have a pleasant stay and enjoy the attractions near these hotels in Turin.

Turin – Why It Should Be on Your List of Italian Cities to Visit

Witchcraft; Fiat motors; The Italian Job; the Winter Olympics; Italian breadsticks; Juventus; the holy shroud; and the House of Savoy. What binds all these together is Turin, the capital of Piedmont and the first capital of a united Italy.

Located in the north of the country, Turin has been underdeveloped as a tourist destination until relatively recently and it was only the advent of the 2006 Winter Olympics that Turin began to exploit its tourist appeal.

One of the prime reasons for Turin’s industrial reputation is simply the fact that it was where Fiat was founded towards the end of the 19th century and after the terrible devastation of the Second World War the city contributed massively to the reconstruction of the Italian economy. What it has failed to capitalise upon until now is a remarkably rich history, including the fact of being Italy’s first capital when it was first unified under the House of Savoy.

While Turin is regarded as the industrial powerhouse of post-war Italy, its historic city centre cannot fail to charm. And while the Olympics are well and truly over the improvement in infrastructure means that the city is far easier to get to than ever before. For instance, the airport was completely refurbished to cater for the thousands of visitors arriving for the games means and that improvement alone means that Turin can easily deal with a large increase in visitor numbers.

Another area that has been improved is accommodation; many hotels were refurbished to high standard as a direct result of the games as well as a number of new quality hotels being opened, resulting in an increase of 3,000 rooms in the city since 2000.

Often known as “Capital of the Alps”, Turin is the capital of Piedmont and the origin of some culinary of the traditions we normally accept as being typically Italian. The breadstick for example originates in Turin with a popular legend that they were originally baked to cure a sick child prince. “Grissini”, as they are known in Italy, are made in many shapes and sizes in Turin and seeing as the prince grew up to be the first Savoy king they seem to have done their job.

Turin is also features as the location for the original 1969 version of The Italian Job staring Michael Caine. This popular British film – “you were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off” - is about a heist on a shipment of gold bullion using three Mini Coopers as getaway cars which give the viewer a speedy a tour of Turin.

Zooming around the streets and arcades of Turin, the minis even make an appearance on the old rooftop test track of Fiat, now a hotel. Although it all passes in a blur, you do get an impression of Turin’s beauty and some of the fantastic architecture on offer.

While the Shroud of Turin is only made available for viewing every 25 years, you can of course go and see Juventus, one of Italy’s best-known clubs. Although plagued by a match rigging scandal in 2006 which saw it relegated to the second division, it looks certain that the team will make it back into the top division in time for next season.

Both EasyJet and Ryanair have daily flights from London. You can also fly via Rome or Milan.

Turin Hotels - How to Choose a Hotel in Turin

If you want to learn about selecting a hotel in Turin you'll want to read this article. Specifically we'll discuss what factors you should consider before making a decision, making your initial shortlist and getting to the final decision. After reading this article, you should be able to select the hotel in Turin that best matches your needs.

Whether your preference is for the most luxurious hotel in town; more interested in where the hotel is located for sightseeing or business; looking for budget accommodation; or for whatever other reason is most important to you as an individual, the first step in choosing a hotel in Turin is deciding what the real make or break factors are.

Once you have decided what is important to you, it is time to start to whittle down the choice. If it's by location then find a list of all the hotels close to where you want to be. Typically these are the historic centre of Turin or the exhibition area, but they can also include proximity to a business, the airport, or any other location. Using the internet to research location is a simple matter and far easier than ever before.

After you have a shortlist of hotels you can start to judge them by other criteria. Do they have a good restaurant, is the price right, are there any other facilities that would make you choose one hotel over another. Once you have a list of 2 or three hotels remaining all that is left is to find if they are available for the dates you require, which can easily be done online.

All that is left now is to make the booking using your credit card and the reservation is yours. You'll receive confirmation by email and you're ready for your trip to Turin.

Turin Hotels

Anyone visiting Turin for the first time will be struck by the historical city centre, which consists of arcaded streets leading to wide piazzas along cobbled streets. The city has many treasures for the tourist and it therefore seems a shame for anyone to stay anywhere close to the less attractive outskirts when there are is a reasonable choice in or around Piazza Castello.

While it is true that there has been a shortage of luxury hotels in the past, the situation has improved over the last few years, especially with regards to upgrading accommodation in time for the 2006 Winter Olympics.

In fact is was not until recently Turin had a single 5-star hotel, but while not exactly spoilt for choice, visitors now have the choice of three luxury hotels to make their selection.

If you're holidaying in Turin then it makes sense for you to be as close to the sights in the centre of town as possible. The Golden Palace (Via dell'Arcivescovado, 18) is just a few minutes walk away from Piazza Castello, Via Roma and Via Po and therefore ideally placed for anyone looking for some luxury in their stay while hotels such as the 3-star Amadeus are an excellent choice for the more budget conscious traveller.

Porta Nuova railway station is a 20 minute walk from the city centre and one of the main hotel areas. You should be aware though that this area can be a little uncomfortable, especially at night when a taxi is advisable.

While tourists may prefer the city centre, many business travellers will be in Turin for trade fairs and conferences and may therefore choose to stay near the exhibition halls of the Lingotto Centre. Located south of Parco de Valentino, the Lingotto Centre will require public transport to get there from the city centre as it is a few kilometres away.

You can see the Lingotto Centre, a former Fiat factory in the original version of The Italian Job, when the three Mini Coopers are being pursued by the Italian Police arounf its rooftop test track. The building was completely refurbished in the 1990s to bring it up to the standards required for a modern conference centre.

Next to the Lingotto is Turin's first 5-star hotel, Le Meridien Art+Tech, while the 4-star Le Meridien Lingotto is housed in the Lingotto Centre itself. The other 5-star hotel in the area is the AC Torino, which is also in a converted factory.

Easy Way to Find Beautiful Wedding Locations in Italy

Italy is the perfect place for a dream wedding and is becoming a popular choice with destination weddings. The reason for this is simple. The country caters to almost everyone's tastes. Finding beautiful wedding locations in Italy is not a very difficult thing to do. You will find plenty of options on various websites with detailed descriptions and pictures. If you are hiring wedding planners, they would have a few suggestions as well. However, this article should give you a head start on what you can look forward too.

Options, options and more options...

Beauty and more beauty is all you will find in Italy - a perfect destination for a wedding. Beautiful wedding locations in Italy are a very common sight. Here are a few of the locations that you might want to consider:

Lake District: As the name suggests, plan your big day in what could possibly be the most relaxing and romantic atmosphere in Italy, on the edge of a lake.

Friuli and Veneto Regions: Venues that are tucked away and intimate is what you will find in this region made up of old towns that still retain their charm, dreamy castles and gorgeous villas.

Tuscany: Ancient towns on the top of hills, enchanting landscapes, mouth watering food and some of the best is wines is what defines this region.

The Italian Riviera: Quaint fishing villages and vineyards dotting a gorgeous coastline define this area. It is the perfect place for an outdoor wedding.

Lazio, Rome and Florence: The beauty of these cities is timeless and that is what ranks them amongst some of the most exhilarating venues for a wedding in Europe. Amongst other venues are Capri, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Sorrento and the Southern regions.

Weddings in Venice

Venice is considered the most romantic city in the world. With the unique experiences and its atmosphere of magic, who wouldn't want to get married here? Venues for weddings in Venice are easily available. Civil ceremonies take place at the Palazzo Cavalli which dates back to the 17th century, while blessings can take place at the Anglican chapel. Lovely Venetian restaurants, villas and luxury 5 star hotels are available for receptions.

Romantic Italian Honeymoons

When you begin planning your honeymoon, you want to find a place that is romantic, interesting, and that will create lifelong memories. One place that offers all of that and more is Italy. Read on for some ideas on romantic Italian honeymoons.

There are a number of excellent reasons to choose Italy for your honeymoon destination. For one thing, it is exotic enough to feel like you are really trying something new, but it is also a very easy place for Americans to get around. The people are very friendly, and at least in the metropolitan areas, most speak English (but they do still appreciate it when tourists make an effort to learn at least a few Italian phrases). Italy is easy to get to by air or rail from another European country. And then there is the food, the art, the culture, the countryside, and the shopping; need I say more?

Each part of Italy has something interesting and unique to see. The breathtaking beauty of Tuscany makes it one of the top destinations for newlyweds. You can spend leisurely afternoons enjoying the Tuscan countryside and visiting world class vineyards. A cooking class is a fun way to spend an afternoon in Tuscany, as well.

Then take some time to spend in Florence, the biggest city in the region. Florence was a thriving hub of the Renaissance, which is very evident in the stunning architecture and art in the city. Pay a visit to the Duomo, the impressive cathedral that is a central feature of Florence. Then hop over to the Ponte Vecchio, a famous shop-lined bridge. This is the perfect place to pick up romantic jewelry gifts for your new bride, perhaps something to complement her wedding set. If her wedding jewelry was created in gold, you will find it especially easy to buy coordinating gifts at this iconic shopping district. Speaking of shopping, no trip to Florence would be complete without a trip to the flagship Ferragamo store.

Florence is also an incredible honeymoon destination for art lovers. Check out the Uffizi, which is an incredible museum featuring works by famous artists such as Bottecelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Rubens. Then head over to the Galleria dell'Accademia to view Michelangelo's larger than life sculpture "David". If time permits, you will find countless other galleries, palaces, and churches to visit in Florence.

Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world, making it a perfect stop for an Italian honeymoon. Stroll arm in arm alongside the famous canals, and take a ride in a gondola. Sip an espresso in St. Mark's Square. There are beautiful hotels and inns in every corner of Venice, but for the ultimate experience, book a room overlooking the splendid Grand Canal. Music lovers will enjoy an evening spent at La Fenice, the famous grand opera house. And for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, head over to the island of Murano for hand-blown glass.

Rome is another popular destination for honeymooners. It offers incredible architecture and ruins dating back thousands of years. Many of the most famous sites in the world are here, including the Colosseum and the Pantheon. While in Rome, also take a side trip to the Vatican to view St. Peter's Square and the Sistine Chapel.

Italy is such a romantic and fascinating place to take a honeymoon that the only hard part will be leaving! The great thing is that not only can you enjoy an Italian honeymoon, but you can plan to revisit it for your anniversary trips. There is so much to see and do in Italy that you might well find yourself returning year after year.

Italy's Sorrento Hotels Are Peaceful And Laid Back

When tourists visit Italy, they see the projected beauty that the Italian Government wants the world to see. The tourists usually go home dazzled by the passionate setting and exceeding scenic beauty of Italy. The verdict is that Italy is indeed one of the most romantic destinations of Europe.

Discovering The Different Nuances Of Italy – The Sorrento Hotels

Have you seen Naples? If you did, I am sure you would find it entirely mesmerizing. If you like to extend this feeling a little, do not head home, rather take a turn around the Bay and discover Sorrento. This is one place where service and hospitality have reached the level of an art.

The Sorrento Hotels are actually comfortable and extremely hospitable. Actually, you will often be taken by surprise by the excellent and incredible customization of the service you will receive from the Sorrento Hotels. Sometimes, the difference between the modernization of Naples and the ethnicity of Sorrento can be very glaring. While Naples is always hustling and bustling, Sorrento is peaceful and laid back. This ambiance is quietly absorbed in the overall character of all the Sorrento Hotels making your stay an exception to the usual norms.

Once you are in Sorrento, you should not miss the mini tour to the Amalfi Coast. The trip itself can be something you will think about for long time after. There is a sheer drop on either sides of the road of about 500 feet right to the sea level, which makes this trip so special. If you are weak of heart, you are definitely warned not to take this trip.

The best part of the trip is the stunning peppering of hotels and human dwellings on either side of the hill. Though the land has a million of levels, houses are comfortably erected giving the area an eerie look. This road and its destination are so popular that the Italian Government is forced to regulate the traffic to avoid jams. This too, is done through a unique solution. You will find that one day only vehicles with even (last number) license plates are allowed to pass and on other days only the odd numbered ones.

Do not be tempted to stop by any hotels you find on the roadsides. Nothing can be compared with the excellent service that you get in Sorrento Hotels – and you will find that everything else pales in its comparison. Just enjoy the ride, and return to your haven, at Sorrento with the memories you collect on this trip of a very different Italy.

Copyright © John Hanna All Rights Reserved.

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Rome Water Fountains – Bringing You A Touch Of Italy

It is very common to find that most of the modern day decorative water fountains you can purchase from around the world will have taken some form of inspiration from the Rome versions. Whether it is from the detailing, from the design or the use of the stone you will find the origins are likely to come back to the Rome water fountains and this is what makes them second to none. There are hundreds of different designs of these fountains and if you travel to Italy you will see where the inspiration has come from. Cities such as Rome, Florence and Turin have fountains all over the city from parks to squares and each one has been beautifully sculpted to perfection. It is not easy to recreate such delicate and skilled craftsmanship and this is why it is so hard to find really great Rome water fountains for your garden.

Keeping the Rome water fountains flowing is a big job and many of them are supplied by an underground aqueduct that keeps the water coming day after day after day. Unfortunately if anything happens to this water supply then the flowing water stops and the water fountains dry up. This is what happened when works and repairs to an area near the fountains went wrong and the builders smashed the underground aqueduct and left the fountains without water for 45 days. Some of Italy’s most famous fountains were affected and this includes one in the Piazza Colonna and another one next to the Senate. Cleaning these impressive water features is no mean feat and when it occurs the cleaners need to have a police guard as they gather up the coins thrown in by the thousands of tourists. With 20 meter wide water basins you can get a real realisation of just how grand these impressive water fountains are and if you are ever in Italy then a trip to Rome is recommended to take a look at how impressive a water fountain can be. Take a look at the fine detailing and the craft and workmanship on the fountains and you will notice they are telling you a story. While you take a look you can get a feel for the sculptor as an element of their sense of humour or personality is carved in history.

Sorrento— A Coastal Jewel Of “the Boot”

A Coastal jewel of “the Boot” (Lo Stivale), Sorrento is a town of southern Italy on the Sorrentine Peninsula (named after Sorrento), separating the Bay of Naples from the Gulf of Salerno.

Sorrento is on the North coast, the Amalfi Coast is on the South coast, and the Capri Island is close to the western tip of the peninsula. Often regarded as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is connected to the Amalfi Coast via “Amalfi drive,” a narrow road running around the high cliffs above the Mediterranean. The entire area is extremely popular for tourism.

Sorrento comes under the Campania region of Italy. The town is easily accessible from Naples and Pompeii. Perched on the cliffs, Sorrento overlooks the bay of Naples, and is the key tourist destination of the Sorrentine Peninsula. The town of Sorrento is famous for its mesmerizing coastline offering captivating views of Naples and Vesuvius.

Sorrento is made up of five communes with Sorrento Town itself providing the main shopping and commercial centre. The centre of Sorrento is Piazza Tasso that is divided by the Corso d' Italia which is the main thoroughfare. The way is usually closed to traffic in the evenings to let the visitors and locals move around the town.

Tasso is stuffed with many fine bars and restaurants with huge patio areas while Corso is full of many tourist shops, gelateria, and designer stores little more upward.

Sorrento has two marinas; Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. Piccola is the larger of the two and it is the departure point for the ferries that cross to Naples and the surrounding islands as well as for the cruises along the Amalfi coast.

Maria Grande is the smaller of the two and is home to a number of fishing and pleasure vessels and is well worth a visit. It has a small beach area and some nice sea food restaurants.

Sorrento is the town bountifully blessed with scores of beauties and attractions. Major tourist attractions of the town include Lemon terraces, Marina Grande, Marina Piccola (pretty Small Port), the puntacampanella natural reserve, Villa Pollio roman ruins in Capo di Sorrento, and Hotel Tramontano, where Norwegian writer Henrik Ibsen lived while writing parts of Peer Gynt (1867) and Ghosts (1881).

Sorrento is not the destination that offers miles and miles of sandy golden beaches. Though it’s a costal town, it doesn’t have fine beaches to offer to the visitors. Yet there is a small beach at Marina Grande. It offers same water for swimming that is used by boats, so these sometimes a lot diesel deposits in the water. The wooden lido between the two harbors that has sheltered swimming areas is good option to go for swimming.

On the whole, Sorrento is a nice destination having a very beautiful coastline, impressive sea cliffs, fine bars & restaurants, and luxury hotels.

Sorrento can be accessed via Naples. It is 1.5 hours drive from Naples. There is a nice bus service from Naples Airport (Capodichino) to Sorrento. Busses depart six times daily. Trains are also available from Naples to Sorrento. The Circumvesuviana is a local private train link serving the area around the Mount Vesuvius from Naples to Sorrento. The Sita buses also serve from Positano and Amalfi to Sorrento. Sorrento is also accessible via ferries from Naples, Ischia and Capri.

Five Things To Do In Lombardy And Italian Lakes

A country of pasta and wine, sunshine and snow, renaissance palaces and roman ruins, Italy is as beautiful as it is complex, making this region of Italy so popular for people to come and have a self catering holiday here in a rental villa or a rustic rural house. Lombardy is an Italian region which occupies a major part of Po Valley.

Orobic Alps, Rhaetian and Lepontine form its northern borders and it has a hilly district having major Italian lakes from lakes of Iseo, Como and Varese to Easter slopes of the Lago Maggiore. This area is rich in water mainly because of Po and the affluents. The capital of the region is Milan and the major cities are Brescia, Bergamo, Varese, Mantua, Pavia, Cremona, Sondrio and Como.

The first thing you can do in Lombardy is to view its Romanesque architecture. Each major city of Lombardy has beautiful examples of this type of architecture and the most stunning monument from the Gothic period remains the Cathedral of Milan.

The period of Renaissance has left some sumptuous churches and splendid palaces in Lombardy that are worth seeing if you have visited the place. The Lombard paintings received their greatest splendor in the 15th century.

There are several art museums in Lombardy which include several sections dedicated to applied arts, sculpture and painting. The Brera Gallery exhibits some of the all-time painting masterpieces and the Poldi Pezzoli museum has a rich collection of paintings from great masters, art objects, fittings and jewelry. Painting masterpieces can also be seen in the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana.

The second thing that you will not resist from doing in Lombardy is participating in activities such as skiing and snowboarding. Being a region of snow, these activities are an all time favorites for the visitors of Lombardy.

There are even institutes that provide instant training to people who do not know how to ski or snowboard. Other activities that you will love to do include cycling, hiking, trekking, camping and wildlife viewing.Rental accommodation can be found in the towns or a chalet in one of the sky resorts.

Shopping is the third thing you will love to do in Lombardy as a visitor. Apart from Milan, there are other places also that provide great shopping facilities for the shopper's minds. Bergamo has the biggest shopping center of Italy named as Oriocenter and it offers everything that you can shop for including foot stuff, jewelry, clothes and Italian leather goods.

Bellagio also has several stores in its central district where you can buy some expensive leather and fashion goods. Visit the Strada Nuova area of Pavia which is a major pedestrian and shopping area of the town.

Some of the major Italian lakes include Lake Garda, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. The fourth thing you can do here is to be on a steamer that cruises between stately gardens and resort towns. Also visiting the famous gardens of Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Borromean Islands is worth it.

The fifth thing you must do in Italian Lakes is to become a part of the film and music festivals, sporting competitions and local events that are held in the area all year through.

There are also several villas, villages and historic towns that are able to satisfy you if you are interested in exploring the culture of the area. The diversity of this region make it so accessible and easy for families to have a self catering holiday here.

A Real Slice Of Italy

Even though Ryanair and many other low cost airlines fly into Milan Bergamo airport (barely 20 minutes away), the area still remains mainly undiscovered and unspoilt.

The area encloses, Bergamo, Lake Iseo, Valley Camonica, Montecampione ski resort and the lower Alps. To understand better the fascination of this area, we shall embark on a virtual tour of discovery. The first place of call has to be the City of Bergamo, not only because of the airport, but also because I would rate it up there with the best in terms of culture, sites and experience. High claims I admit so I'll explain why.

The train and bus station sits like a pedestal to the expansive central avenue with some excellent shops and restaurants but the cream on the cake is the fortified old medieval high town (Città Alta) reachable by cable car at the top of the main street. It is still today one of only four Italian cities (with Ferrara, Lucca and Grosseto) with the old town centre still totally surrounded by the walls that have maintained intact their original aspect over the centuries. The lack of cars is a blessing although scooters wizz past you at regular intervals.

Standing on the old cobbled streets looking at the Old Square (Piazza Vecchia), with the Contarini Fountain and Palazzo della Ragione (the Reason Palace), you can still hear every evening at 10.00pm the 'Campanone', or bell tower, ringing out to recall the past when these bells announced the nocturnal closing of the fortified doors of the city.

On the other side of the Reason Palace there is the large white building of the New Palace that hosts the Angelo Mai Library. For the energetic, you must climb the Torre del Comune (City tower) as the views are worth the hard work but careful of the narrow steps as it's a long way down. Nearby the famous Romanesque Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica holds the tomb of Bergamo's favorite son, the musician Donizetti.

Bergamo Città Alta also hosts a Botanic Garden and is the centre of the prestigious university faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature, and there resides a sort of Italian Cambridge antmosphere as students bussle past, late for their classes.

Before descending, I recommend a visit to the Rocca (old castle) as there are also beautiful views from the castle walls and a large cannon reminds you of the real reason for this hilltop walled town.
On the way back to the station, stop in the Accademia Carrara Gallery in Piazza Giacomo Carrara 82. you will be surprised to find such a variety of masterpieces, from Botticelli and Raffaello to Bellini and Donatella, all illuminating these ancient walls .

The bus station has handy buses every 30 minutes to Lovere port on Lake Iseo. The lake surprises most people as it winds majestically for over 18kms through the lower Alps and hosts Europe’s largest inland Island, Monte Isola, with it's characteristic Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Ceriola sitting like a beacon on the highest elevation of the Island.

Lovere was recently voted as one of Italy's prettiest borghi (picturesque villages) and apart from the obvious bars and restaurants, I particularly recommend a walk along the bank of the lake down to the port with the odd duck or swan to accompany you on your way. The ferry point in the centre is a great place to set off on a trip around the lake or take an evening cruise with live music to accompany an evening meal onboard.

Next stop is a 15 minute bus hop north to Boario spa town in Val Camonica, famous for it's bottled mineral water and used by many as a central location to explore both the lake and mountains of this idyllic location. Boario's name is thought to derive from an ancient Celtic word for "ancient water" and the valley itself has the unusual fact that it contains the highest concentration of ancient rock carvings in Europe and is indeed a UNESCO World heritage site. At the head of the valley on the western side is The Alps largest national park, Parco dell'Adamello, rich in flora and fauna with numerous lakes and valleys. Staying in one of the many parks lodges is back to nature at its best.

Just above the town is Lake Moro. Unspoilt and nestled like a cup in the palm of the mountains. Walking round the edge of the lake is a favourite past time of many and the occasional deer or Kingfisher are a reminder of the natural beauty of this area.

Waking up in the morning wondering what to do is not a problem as the area is teaming with activities, places of interest and history. Activities include the usual canoeing, windsurfing, ferry boats, multi pool complex and horse riding but also the more exhilerating treetop rope parks, indoor go carting, paragliding, canyoning and rock climbing ! To get the most I recommend hiring a car locally for a couple of days and bringing health insurance !

The rich history of the valley is reflected in its castles and villages with their quaint churches centrally located as if the villages themselves were but an afterthought. There are many stories that abound about the valleys dramatic past. One story recounts that in the time of the "witch hunt" in 1510 the bishop Paolo Zane came to the valley and accused hundreds of witch craft with the subsequent sad consequence. In fact the then rulers (Venice) sent another Bishop to investigate...not the numerous witches but Bishop Zane himself !

Excellent pasta, pizza and wine are a staple of the Italian cuisine but digging deeper their are some exquisite local delicacies to discover in every region. In the Camonica valley it's Casoncelli (A home made type of Raviolli), wild boar stew with Polenta, Strinu (a type of sausage) and Tagliata, delicate slices of lightly cooked beef often served with rocket salad and Parmesean cheese. Every village in the summer has a weekend street party where they serve these dishes along with music and barrels of wine. Fortunately there are a lot of villages so summer seems an endless festival of food!

Winter calls for a trip up to the Montecampione Ski resort situated just above Boario and lake Iseo. The trip itself is a discovery, as between the tree lined roads appear spectacular glimpses across the lake and over the valley and Alps beyond. The resort, although large and stretching over 3 stations with some 80kms of piste, is mainly used by Italian day trippers from Milan which leaves most weekdays surprisingly quiet and ski passes much lower than some other "famous" resorts. Even better there is available locally, snow mobile hire, snow shoe excursions , ice climbing, Heliski etc

Our trip ends with a picturesque train journey from Boario down to the bottom of the lake to the actual village of Iseo. Also voted amongst Italy's top 20 villages, it sits along the lake with a large pedestrian area behind. Many people from the surrounding area go down to sit outside a bar sipping a cocktail and watching the sun set behind the mountains reflected in rays of orange and red across the lake...unforgettable.

For my work I have travelled extensively throughout Italy and personally the "branded" locations like Lake Garda, Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome, I find much the worse for wear from over development of tourism, sometimes to the detriment of their local culture. They remain "must-see" places, yet, for a real "slice of Italy", I'd head for the hills and the lesser known Lakes of Lombardy

Milan Hotels: Discount Hotels In City Milan

The dynamic, lively, financial and business oriented capital of Italy has grasped the attention of a slew of tourists from every corner of the world. It is famous around the concern for its style and design. The improvement disregarding of location in Milan, adds recreation and enjoyment to your trip, city hotels, located in the heart of city cater concern collection services including amenities as per the standard of 5 star deluxe hotels. Such services can be rated as the pioneer USP of city tourism.

Luxury hotels in city cater concern collection experience standard services to both business and leisure travelers with elegance and refinement. There are some concern renowned attractions around city hotels with imposing incoming adorned with crystal chandelier, dustlike intelligence and mirrors. These hotels have charming historic ambience with comprehensive amenities, which may earmark dweller forbid with live music and fitness center. The land of city is the house for some dustlike restaurants that serve planetary specialties. Luxurious hotels in city normally cater services like:-
• Broadband cyberspace access
• Fine fixture large bathrooms
• Hairdryer
• 100% cotton bath towels
• Fully stocked clannish bath
• Octagonal rain shower
• Safe installation box
• Individual climate control
• Multi-line telephone

Milan never fails to captivate its visitors with its uncolored splendors and endless mystical places. It has always remained unspeakable to describe. Hence one must look for the opportunities to experience where the beauty is absolute delight, heritage speaks and diversity is bliss. Whether you are looking for excitement or thrill, parks or gardens, Milan’s history and exhibition brings lot for its visitors. It is bag to architecture heritage and rich culture. Not exclusive this, city have unrivalled pick of improvement ranging from modest style lodgings to most voluptuous city hotels that is sure to suit visitors of every budget and taste.

Discount hotels in city are the prizewinning options for people motion on budget with children and family, students, honeymooners and business travelers. city offers wide variety of outdoor adventures for holiday travelers. These hotels not exclusive earmark you to spend money but also provide comfort and convenience so that the visitors can enjoy dust like dining, exotic night chronicle and concern collection attractions. Clients can get 70% of reduction from these reduction hotels. Some of these modify offer discounted rates for long stay and modify free accommodations for children. Senior citizen and special assemble reduction are also available. Most of reduction hotel in city have facilities and amenities at par with facilities provided by big hotels

What Makes Sorrento Music Boxes Special

Sorrento is a small town in Campania, Italy, with some 16,500 inhabitants. It is a popular tourist destination. What made this small city so popular? Well, besides the production of Limoncello (an alcoholic digestive made from lemon rinds, alcohol, water and sugar), it is the wood craftsmanship that made this region world famous. Their highly skilled artisans in wood craftsmanship bring out the beauty of music boxes.

Why are the musical boxes made here special? The difference is in the wood and the way it is worked. The art of handmade inlaid woodwork is an old and noble Italian tradition, typical of Southern Italy (and especially Sorrento) and can only be performed by the skilled and highly trained artisans whose craft is handed down from generation to generation. This is an old, very delicate and difficult art. They build these wonderful music boxes with a decorative composition obtained by cutting, inserting and assembling several colored pieces of wood to create a special design or picture. Next, these tiny wood pieces are put onto a surface to create a design, which is

Each original item of these musical boxes is specially handcrafted in Sorrento, Italy by the most skilled artisans. The fine wood craftsmen of Sorrento were trained by their forefathers and complimented by the masterful art of the most important and famous painters. And the result? Just visit a specialized music box store and see for yourself. Such an artistic creation is unparalleled in our modern times and it will definitely have an emotional impact upon any purchaser. Solid maple, burl elm or rosewood are few of the materials used to create the boxes in which the inlaid pieces are applied. Each of the Sorrento music boxes is carefully honed and varnished, the inside all lined with plush velvet and the hardware made in an attractive golden metal. The quality levels are measured by several important factors: refinement of the design, delicacy of the hand work, choice of woods and the execution of the final stages of the work: gluing, dressing and refinements.

The prices for such exquisite items vary, from $90 on simple, yet elegant Sorrento inlaid box with an 18 note comb to almost $90,000 for 144 note comb, five cylinders, work of art adorned with an inlay of 18 different precious woods. If you have the money for it, don’t hesitate to purchase such an item. Each particular piece is a unique work of art and its value is proportional to the quality level obtained. Many of the larger pieces will become family heirlooms that are sure to be treasured generation after generation.

Central Rome

Central Rome may be one of the most popular areas of Rome with the ancient center of Rome surrounded by the Aurelian Wall dating back to around 270 AD. This area is the smallest administrative zone and does include small wards. Around this area, you will find larger urban districts.

The center of Rome is the Piazza Venezia where you will find a large white marble monument built in honor and bearing the name of King Victor Emmanuel II responsible for uniting Italy. Along with the magnificent statue is the Palazzo Venezia the palace where Benito Mussolini addressed his followers.

All over central Rome, you will find fascinating pieces of history such as the gate found at Piazza del Popolo created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini leading to the Via Flaminia. Nearby is the Santa Maria del Popolo home to the paintings of Caravaggio depicting the conversions of Saint Paul and Saint Peter.

Also in central Rome, you will find the Piazza Colonna with the statue of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, among residences of political leaders of Italy.

If you head south from the Piazza Venezia you will find ancient Rome by following Via dei Fori Imperiale. Here you will be able to embrace the Roman Colosseum and the Roman Forum. With a guided tour guide you will be able to learn the history of ancient Rome as well as hear about the unique entertainment that held Romans attention such as sea battles that were actually carried out in the Colisseum. The Colisseum was home to many deaths of gladiators and Christians. Through the years, the Colisseum has seen many natural disasters as well as others using the stone and marble to create the various medieval and Renaissance churches in the area. Not far from the Roman Colisseum you will see the Arch of Constantine and the Baths of Caracalla, and Capitoline Hill.

A professional tour guide will be able to give you a detailed history that will have you believing you are in Rome during this era feeling exactly what it was like to be Roman. The adventures and sights they saw will come to life through the tales, legends, and facts that your tour guide will provide. The excitement that you will feel standing in the presence of these ancient ruins will be one that you will take home with you after your visit to Rome. Once you stand in the presence of these ancient ruins you will never think of Roman history in the same manner. As you stand in the same footfalls of ancient Romans you will envision the way in which they lived, played, and how their culture was a major part of what Rome is today.

Embracing ancient Rome with an official tour guide will ensure that all members of your family will take a bit of Rome home with them in their hearts. Explore Rome through the various ancient ruins and then take a stroll through the park to enjoy the peace and tranquility that only Rome has to offer. You will truly love Rome for what it has to give.

I Love Touring Italy - Bergamo And Lake Como

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the city of Bergamo and Lake Como in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Depending on your interests, this beautiful area might be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. It is hardly undiscovered, but that shouldn’t stop you from going. With a little effort you should be able to find some relatively untouched spots. Be sure to read the companion articles in this series that present Milan, small town Lombardy outside of its capital Milan, and the Lake Garda district with its interesting political past.

We start our Lombardy tour at Bergamo east of the capital Milan. Then we head northeast to Varenna on the shores of Lake Como and tour the lake in a counterclockwise direction exploring Bellagio, Villa Melzi, and Como at the southern tip of the lake and then head back up north stopping at Cernobbio, the island of Isola Comacina, and then finishing our tour at Tremezzo with its centerpiece Villa Carlotta. For those who want to tour still more of this lovely region head west to Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. You won’t be disappointed.

Bergamo, population about 120,000, was founded by the Celts well over two thousand years ago. It is the only city in this article that is not on or near a lake, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting. This medieval city, tucked behind ancient walls, overlooks or perhaps we should say underlooks the Alps. It is divided into two sectors connected by funiculars (cable cars); the older Bergamo Alta (Upper Bergamo) and the modern Bergamo Bassa (Lower Bergamo). Can you guess which Bergamo I prefer?

The large Romanesque Church of Santa Maria Maggiore was started in the Twelfth Century but its construction went on for centuries. The Torre Civica (Bell Tower) was completed near the end of the Fifteenth Century. The church is right on the Piazza Vecchia (Old Square) in Bergamo Alta. Climb to the top for a great view of the Old City.

Bergamo was the birthplace and home of Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848), composer of some 75 operas including the famous Lucia di Lammermoor, 16 symphonies, and a multitude of other musical works. He is buried in the Santa Maria Maggiore Church. If you like opera visit the Museo Donizettiano (Donizetti Museum.) Another citizen was the Russian-born Enrico Rastelli (1896-1931) perhaps the world’s greatest juggler. This wizard was able to juggle 8 plates, 8 sticks and 10 balls. Another of his popular tricks consisted of juggling 6 plates, while spinning a hoop around one foot and skipping a rope spun by an assistant. I doubt very much that you’ll see any performer quite like Rastelli on your Bergamo tour.

The Cathedral of San Vincenzo and Battistero are both situated on Piazza Duomo (Cathedral Square), the old heart of the medieval city and in all likelihood the heart of the Roman city way back when. Their more beautiful neighbor is the Fifteenth Century Renaissance Capella Colleoni (Colleoni Chapel).

Lake Como is a glacial lake shaped like an upside Y. It is about 28 miles (54 kilometers) long and at most 2 miles (3 kilometers) wide making it the third largest lake in Italy. Lake Como is one of the deepest lakes in all Europe. We’ll start at Varenna on its eastern shore.

The village of Varenna, population under eight hundred, is home to Italy’s shortest river, the Fiumelatte. I doubt that you’ll come here to see the river but if you do so avoid mid-October to mid-March when it is usually dry. Varenna is home to a magnificent villa, Villa Monestero, originally built as a convent in the beginning of the Thirteenth Century. Villa Monestero sits in a magnificent park more than a half mile (kilometer) long and has become an international cultural and scientific center. You can take the ferry from Varenna to our next destination, Bellagio.

Bellagio, population three thousand, sits at the center of Lake Como’s Y. It was a tourist center even in the days of the Romans. The famous composers Liszt and Schubert vacationed here, as did the writers Pliny the Elder (Classical Roman), Longfellow, and Shelley. This town is so special that Las Vegas has honored it with a hotel. I don’t need to see both Bellagios to know which one I prefer. Try to get here outside the high season of July and August.
Be sure to see the Villa Serbelloni surrounded by acres and acres of gardens laid out in a multitude of styles. The villa itself was built in 1605 and eventually became the property of the Rockerfeller Foundation. It is now an international conference center for scholars and artists.
Back in 1801-1803 Count Francesco Melzi d'Eril was Vice-President of Napoleon’s Italian Republic. Several years later, perhaps to drown his sorrows over the Republic’s brevity, he built the Neo-Classical Villa Melzi in the south end of Bellagio right on the lake. Its garden, the only part of the Villa open to the public, is said to be the first example of an English garden on Lake Como. The garden includes a Japanese pond with waterlilies surrounded by Japanese maples and cedars, Egyptian sculptures, and Roman statues.

Como, population about sixty thousand, is situated at the very southern tip of Lake Como. Can you believe it took Lombardy’s capital city Milan almost a decade to defeat little Como way back in the Twelfth Century? Not very long afterwards, Frederick I, the Holy Roman Emperor, destroyed Milan and built several defensive towers ringing Como. Only the Bardadello Tower still remains. Climb it for a great view of the entire lake.

Like most Italian cities, Como has a fine series of old churches to tour. Here are some of them: The Duomo (Cathedral) a Fourteenth Century Renaissance-Gothic structure with statues of two of the city’s most famous residents, Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger from Classical Roman times; San Fedele, an Eleventh Century Romanesque church with a beautifully carved door; Sant’Agostino, Fourteenth Century Cistercian church with old frescoes and Baroque decorations; the Romanesque Eleventh Century Sant’Abbondio Church full of old paintings and frescoes; and the Eleventh Century San Carpoforo Church built on a temple to the Roman god Mercury.

Italy produces over 90% of Europe’s silk and most Italian silk is produced in the Como region. Italian silk is a billion Euro (far exceeding a billion Dollar) industry. Find out more at the Museo Didacttico della Seta (Silk Museum). Its rooms take you through the different steps of the silk-making process, from the silkworms to printing the silk. You can shop for fine silks at many nearby stores and warehouse outlets.

Cernobbio, population seven thousand, is best known for the resort of Villa d’Este built in the mid-Sixteenth Century for a Cardinal who seemingly forgot his vow of poverty. Single rooms start at just under three hundred Euros a night, including taxes and service. Check the exchange rates to know how many, many dollars that is. Did I mention low season? High and peak season rates are about 100 Euros a night more. Double the rates if you want a view of the lake. Rates for the Cardinal Suite are available only on request. It is said that the rooms are like museum galleries. One of the swimming pools floats on the lake. You get a buffet breakfast and they pick you up at the airport in a helicopter. If you stay there you’ll join the likes of Napoleon and the Duchess of Windsor.

Isola Comacina (Comacina Island) is the only island in Lake Como. Do you remember the wars between Como and Milan? Well at that time the island residents sided with Milan and there was hell to pay. In the words of the then Bishop "No longer shall bells ring, no stone shall be put on stone, nobody shall be host, under pain of unnatural death." At the start of World War I Isola Comacina was given to the King of Belgium who donated it to Italy after the war. It is now home to artists and scholars.

Head north to the resort town Tremezzo, population 1300. Its highlight is Villa Carlotta, built during a fifty some year period starting towards the end of the Seventeenth Century. When you see this villa you’ll know why it took so long to construct. The grounds are spectacular, for example they include over 150 varieties of azelias and rhododendrons. Its art museum is dedicated to neoclassical art. For a change of pace, visit the Museum of Agricultural Tools located in an ancient greenhouse on the property. While you can’t stay at the Villa Carlotta, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is definitely quite classy.

What about food? In this part of Lombardy the cuisine is divided into three main sectors. The lake cuisine is based on fish with some local specialties such as dried shad. The area around Tremezzo is known for vegetables such as asparagus. The mountain cuisine is based on polenta, a sort of corn bread often flavored with cheese or cheese, butter, and garlic. Other mountain specialties include free-range chickens, kid, and game. The third category is valley cuisine based on cattle and cheese, especially Taleggio and various goat milk cheeses.

Let’s suggest a sample menu, one of many. Start with Fettuccine con Funghi (Fettuccine with Mushrooms.) Then try Agnoni all Comasca (Lake Como Fried Fish with Anchovy Filets). For dessert indulge yourself with Torte Paradiso con Mascarpone (Sponge Cake with Mascarpone Cheese.) Be sure to increase your dining pleasure by including local wines with your meal.
We conclude with a quick look at Lombardy wine. Lombardy ranks 11th among the 20 Italian regions for both acreage devoted to wine grapes and for total annual wine production. The region produces about 62% red and rosé and 38% white wine, but there is little rosé. There are 15 DOC wines. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine. The G in DOCG stands for Garantita, but there is in fact no guarantee that such wines are truly superior. Over 47% of Lombardy wine carries the DOC or DOCG designation. There are three DOCG wines: the sparkling Franciacorta said to compete with French Champagne and priced accordingly, the red Sforzato di Valtellina, and the red Valtellina Superiore.

Interestingly enough no DOC wines originate in the vicinity of Lake Como, Lake Orta, or Lake Maggiore. However, Bergamo is home to two DOC wines, Valcalepio and Scanzo/Moscato di Scanzo. The Valcalepio DOC is vinified in several styles. The dry red and the dry white come from international grape varieties such as Merlot and Chardonnay. The sweet white wine comes from a local grape and has recently been classified at the Scanzo/Moscato di Scanzo DOC. I have not had the pleasure of tasting either of these wines. I have had the disappointment of tasting the sparkling Franciacorta DOCG wine made not far east of Bergamo.