Saturday, August 15, 2009

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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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

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.

Monday, August 10, 2009

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.

Sunday, August 09, 2009

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.

Saturday, August 08, 2009

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

Friday, August 07, 2009

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

Thursday, August 06, 2009

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.

Monday, August 03, 2009

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.

Sunday, August 02, 2009

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.

Saturday, August 01, 2009

Naples And Sorrento.. best places to Visit in Italy

If ever there was a city with a reputation, it is Naples. Dirty, nasty, crime infested and fanatical are all words thrown around when describing. In this case, the descriptions are true and it is GREAT! The place is a madhouse and colorful beyond description. Crime is a problem, but you will be fine if you use common sense.

Naples is all about “real.” You will not get that odd touristy sensation you find in the cities to the north. Naples is about living now, now in the past. The people can be gruff, but are also a heck of lot more colorful than you will find elsewhere. If you get in trouble, just bring up the subject of football (soccer) and you’ll suddenly have friends for life.

The best way to experience Naples is just to explore it. The action is on the street, not in museums. If you’re hankering for picture opportunities, the glass dome over the Galleria Umberto I is a good spot. You can also climb above the city to take scenic pictures of the coast and madness of Naples.

If you are really pining for a tourist fix, Pompeii and the looming Mount Vesuvius are close by. Pompeii, of course, was buried in a Mount Vesuvius explosion, literally freezing everything in place. Ah, you already know the story.

Sorrento

If Naples overwhelms you, head around the bay to Sorrento. Sorrento is similar to Naples with one notable exception. It is all about the tourist and making them comfortable. Frankly, it is hard to see how Naples and Sorrento can co-exist, but they do. In Sorrento, you can stay at ancient resorts where service is the name of the game. The beaches aren’t so hot, but you can rent jet skis and such to invoke your inner tourist.

Southern Italy often gets a bad rap as a rough place riddled with crime. To some extent it is true, but seeing Italy without the gloss of the north is worth it.