Saturday, February 28, 2009

Restaurants and Eating Out in the Centre of Rome

The capital of Italy, Rome is truly one of the most idyllic places to dine in Europe. Most people have heard of the saying "when in Rome, do as the Romans do." Yes, you can still have your pizzas and lasagnas but why? There's something to please every palate, so be adventurous.

Every region boasts of its specialties. However, in Rome, a meal usually starts with bruschetta and in Rome, try the ammazzavampiri. If you feel very, and I mean very, adventurous, try the pajata sauce. What's pajata sauce, eat first, ask later. Rome is also well known for its oxtail stew, lamb ribs and not forgetting, "jewish" artichokes which is basically deep fried artichokes.

A stone's throw away from St Peter's Cathedral is one of the most popular and reasonably priced restaurants in Rome must be Ad Hoc, located at Via di Ripetta, 43. The cozy ambience with a wine list of more than 200 local labels will set very nicely with anyone. Must *trys* are the carbonara sauce with porcini and the famous white ragu sauce. Prices are reasonable ranging from 25 to 35 euros per diner.

Also in the heart of Rome, in via Arcione 95, is the "Al Presidente, which offers quality prepared buffet for lunch and an ala-carte menu that offers seafood, lamb, beef, fresh salads, not forgetting a wide range of wines..

Ambasciata D'Abruzzo in Via Petro Tacchino offers cuisine with a touch of the abruzzo taste. Try the maccheroni with cheese and pepper, home made ravioli, mushroom and truffles, and not forgetting fresh catch from the sea. Menu prices range from 4,00 euros to 14 euros, excluding wine list.

Thinking of Fettuccine Alfredo, visit the Alredoall Scrofa in via della Scrofa 104! If you are watching the waist, sample their unique *healthier pasta dishes served with fresh ingredients. Enjoy their filet mignons prepared with various sauces. While eating, you may end up "star-gazing" as this restaurant has many *high profile patrons from movie stars to royalty. If eating with the stars is *up your alley, this is the place to be dining at.

In essence, eating in Rome will never be a chore for you are faced with too many choices. Whichever osteria (eatery) or ristorante you visit, try the specialty of the house and chances are, you will not be left disappointed, or in this case, with a bitter aftertaste in the mouth.

Alghero Airport In-depth - A Guide to Sardinia Alghero Airport

Sardinia is without a doubt one of the most blissful, idyllic destinations in Europe, which is why it remains a constant favourite with holiday makers. Packed full of fine sand beaches and waters varying between dreamy, pale blues and vivid turquoises, Sardinia is also rich in archaeological treasures and evidence of its ancient past is scattered throughout the island.

There are three main points of entry by air: Alghero Fertilia Airport in the northeast, Olbia Airport in the northwest and Cagliari Airport in the south. For those flying into Alghero Airport though a whole host of treats lays in store for those with a spirit of fun and their own means of transportation.

Sardinia Alghero Airport, also known as Fertilia Airport, is located 12km north outside of the city of Alghero, along the SP44. Recently modernised, it saw one million passengers come through its gates last year. Flights from the UK go from Stansted, East Midlands, Liverpool and Birmingham and the flight providers are Ryanair and Thomson.

Coming into the small arrivals hall you will find just 2 baggage reclaim carrousels, a few cash machines, tourist kiosk, information desk, post office and small meeting room, while Alghero Airport departures boasts 17 check-in desks and 7 gates. Please note here is no where to store baggage at this airport.

Car hire at Algero Airport is vast with 12 companies located by the arrivals hall. They are AM Service, Avis, Easycar, Europcar, Eurorent, Hertz, Maggiore, Midarent, Ruviolo, Sardinya, Sicily and Thrifty. As with all car hire firms be very clear when getting a quote what is included in the price, as there are often hidden costs which will make a frustrating start to the holiday if you only find out at the check in desk. These can include insurance, tyre and windscreen cover and fuel charges.

If are not hiring a car then there are plenty of other options for travelling to and from your final destination. Airport transfers provide a particularly swift and efficient way, as a driver meets you in arrivals and whisks you away without any unnecessary waiting around or queueing. A cheaper option is to reserve a seat on the private shuttle bus at Alghero Airport.

By far the most frugal way of travelling, however, is on the airport buses. The bus stop is located 100 metres from the terminal exit and tickets can be bought from the souvenir shop in the arrivals hall. It takes just 20 minutes and less then a euro to get to the city centre and other destinations include nearby Sassari, Cagliari, Nuoro, Bosa, Stintino and S. Teresa Galluna. They make several stops along the way but most routes only run during the summer period.

There are no Alghero Airport trains, but you can catch a bus to the nearest station in Alghero from where there are connections all over Sardinia. For taxis, the rank is situated outside arrivals and expect to pay around €15.00 to travel into the centre of Alghero.

While you aren't exactly spoilt for choice when it comes to refreshment and restaurants at Alghero Airport, there´s sufficient to see you through. For a quick bite or a drink there´s a bar and Kokkos snack bar, while for more substantial fare there is restaurant which provides hot meals. The shops are just as thin on the ground and consist of a duty-free shop, pharmacy and places to buy local produce, handicrafts and alcohol.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Pisa Fly Drive: Things to Do & See Around Pisa, Italy

Nestled in the glorious region of Tuscany, Pisa is most famous for its leaning tower, yet examples of its rich heritage are everywhere. From Moorish to Gothic and Roman architecture, this small city is crammed full of museums and places to visit such as the spectacular Duomo Cathedral and circular Baptistery, the largest of its kind in Italy. Move out of the city though and there´s a wealth of different experiences to soak up from wine tasting to soaking in a natural mineral spa, catching some fresh air in one of the natural parks or breathing in the unforgettable smell of freshly cooked Italian food, while strolling on a seaside promenade.

Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport is the main point of entry for international visitors into the region and from here, Tuscany is best enjoyed under your own steam. There are several Pisa Airport car hire firms for you to choose from and these are Autoeuropa, Avis, Budget, Easycar, Europcar, Hertz, Liberty, Locauto, Maggiore, Sixt, Targarent and Thrifty.

One of the most obvious ports of call is of course Florence, 100km and roughly an hour and 20 minutes drive east of Pisa Airport. As the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of Renaissance, it is fittingly spectacular. Its best known landmark it the domed Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral which towers over the city and is the largest brick and mortar dome in the world. Nearby are the Campanile and Baptistery buildings which are similar architectural gems. In fact, the whole of Florence is a visual treat and beauty exudes which is why the old centre of Florence itself, contained within medieval walls as it is, was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.

Head northeast from Florence 120km and entering the Emilia Romagna region, you come to Bologna. Frequently overlooked by many tourists because of its stunning neighbours, this city oozes a charm all of its own. Expect more grit and general hustle and bustle then the others, but as the youngest city in Italy as the Italians refer to it, it makes up for it with an effervescent energy that is palpable. This is probably in part because it houses one of the largest universities in Europe, attended by 100,000 people. During the day there are some interesting places to visit including the Museo Civico Archeologico which house Etruscan, Roman and Egyptian artifacts and has two burial chambers on display complete with skeletons. On a similar morbid theme there is the Archiginnasio, an anatomy theatre first built in 1647 and entirely out of wood. It was used to dissect human bodies as part of Renaissance scientific investigation but had to be reconstructed after a World War 2 bomb tore it apart. In the evening is when this city really comes to the fore however. As a student town you can expect plenty of clubs and lively bars but there are also a host of great eateries and more sophisticated wine-bars to choose from.

If after all that smoke and noise you crave some clean, fresh air and nature then 105km away, a journey of an hour and a quarter, is Parma. Here there are several parks, the best of which is the Parco Ducale. Originally the private gardens of the Dukes, you can stroll to your heart´s content through this leafy, green retreat full of statues and pond, with a cafe open during the summer months. The elegantly majestic Palazzo Pilotta is close by and although first built in the 16th century, was radically transformed a few hundred years later. Housed within is also the Galleria Nazionale which boasts works of art from Leonardo, Parmigianino, Carracci, Murillo, Van Dyck and Tiepolo. Of course the city is famous for its Parma ham so there´s no better place to sample this moreish treat.

Next stop is La Spezia, 128km from Parma or just 85km from Pisa. Whether you want to luxuriate on the fabulous Monterosso beach or take in the massive harbour, one of the main reasons to visit here is the Cinque Terra, a collection of 5 villages built into the cliffs. Packed full of multi-coloured houses and surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, you can walk the cliff paths or take in the sights and sound of these pretty little villages, while enjoying some of the mouthwatering, local dishes on offer.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Car Hire Milan

Think you know Milan? Hire a car in Italy's style capital and think again! Once you've rented a car in Milan, you'll see a whole new side to the city. Not only does car rental in Milan allow you the freedom to shop 'til you drop all over the city, you'll also have somewhere safe and convenient to store all those fabulous purchases. It's not just the shopping in Milan that car hire facilitates, renting a car also gives you the freedom to tour the magical countryside of Lombardy.

Milan Mini Guide:

Milan is one of Italy's most popular city break destinations and it's easy to see why. The city not only boasts a fascinating historical heritage, it is also renowned as being one of the world' s top fashion capitals.

Things To See/Do in Milan:

Once you've arrived in the city, it's worth stepping out of your hire car for a while and taking a walking tour. This is one of the best ways to see what Milan has to offer in terms of cultural and historical attractions. Piazzo del Duomo is a great place to start. Here the impressive Duomo cathedral is a must see. Duomo is home to some 3,500 statues and offers a spectacular rooftop view of the Alps. Heading north of the Duomo brings you to the absorbing Pinacoteca Brera, where masterpieces by Titian, Canaletto, and Caravaggio are on public display. Meanwhile, Leonardo da Vinci's priceless 'Last Supper' can be viewed at Santa Maria della Grazie, however demand is such that up to four weeks booking is essential.

It's impossible to visit Milan without indulging in some retail therapy. No matter what your budget is, shopping in Milan is guaranteed to be a stylish affair. Serious fashionistas will find everything they're looking for on via Montenapoleone, via della Spiga, via Sant'Andrea and via Manzoni. Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton are to to be found on Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Those on a restricted budget are also well catered for. Milan's designer outlet stores, D-Magazine and Salvagente ensure that thrifty followers of fashion pay less for up to the minute threads through special offers and generous discount prices.

Eating Out in Milan:

Counting the pennies? Don't worry, it's easy to eat out on a thrifty budget in Milan. Cheap happy-hour deals are popular at establishments such as Bar Brera, the Dom Café and Le Biciclette on via Conca del Naviglio. Pizza is a great option for those looking to pay less for lunch or dinner. Top pizzerias include Anema e Cozze on Via Palermo, Primafila on via Ugo Foscolo and Pizzeria Dogana on via Dogana.

Traditional pasta is another cheap and cheerful snack at homely restaurants such as Osteria Giulio Pane e Ojo.

Day Trips/Events in Milan:

Milan's surrounding countryside offers plenty of scope for touring by hire car. Lombardy's mountain valleys and lakes lend themselves to a range of active outdoor pursuits including sailing, hiking and walking. The scenic Lake Como also makes for an especially pretty drive.

As a design capital, Milan is no stranger to trade fairs and fashion shows. The city's famous fashion shows take place in February and September for womenswear and late June and mid January for menswear. The Milan Furniture Fair takes place annually in April and exhibitions are open to the public at specially allocated design showrooms.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Pisa Car Hire

There are many reasons that tourists travel in their droves to visit the beautiful region of Tuscany in Italy - but while there, its no surprise that many of them 'lean' towards the gorgeous city of Pisa. And not just for the tower! Yes, the famous leaning structure is the immediate iconic image that springs to mind when the city of Pisa is mentioned - but there is so much beauty and class in this city that to reduce it to just one of its spectacular sights is unfair.

With the city's Galileo Galilei Airport served by many low cost budget airlines running cheap flights in and out of the city, it is little wonder that Pisa is a massively popular city break destination - perfect for thrifty trips and budget breaks.

Things to see/do in Pisa:

Right then, first thing's first - get your sightseeing tour of the Leaning Tower of Pisa out of the way. The famous tower can be found, along with two more architectural marvels - the Baptistry and the Duomo - in the northwestern part of Pisa city. They all grace a square that is eloquently named the 'Ciampo dei Miracoli' (Field of Miracles), and with a name like that, who could resist a visit. The square and its surrounding architecture is exquisitely beautiful and extraordinarily famous, and as such the area is invariably heaving with camera-carrying tourists and opportunistic souvenir salespeople. We recommend a visit at dusk or early morning - not only is it quieter than during the day, but a glowing sunrise or sunset will add greatly to the already humbling beauty.

Entering the buildings during the day is quite cheap, and to keep a day's sightseeing even more low cost invest in a combination ticket which offers a special discount rate into a few of the attractions. The tower is not included in this ticket, and will cost €15 to climb.

Beyond the field of miracles there is plenty to see in the city, most of it cheap enough for a thrifty day of sightseeing to help you stay within your budget. Wandering around Pisa is likely to result in symptoms similar to New York Neck - as you amble around the city you wont be able to help craning your neck to look up at the many gorgeous buildings. A boat trip along the Arno River offers a different and very pleasant perspective on Pisa's architecture, one-hour tours are not too expensive.

Eating out/Nightlife in Pisa:

There is a large student presence in the city of Pisa, which means a proliferation of good, cheap restaurants catering to the rumbling tummies and tight budgets of the students. The Italian staples of pizza, pasta and polenta are widespread as is good quality seafood, and the best value can be found in the student areas of Piazza Dante and Piazza dei Cavalieri.

Pisa's status as a university city means it has a vibrant nightlife with a superb selection of pubs and clubs, bars and restaurants, discos and live music venues. Check out the establishments along the banks of the Arno and near the Piazza Garibaldi - busy bars are full of Italians and tourists enjoying la dolce vita. The Verdi Theatre is a wonderful venue with 900 seats, and regularly hosts top quality theatre, opera, ballet and concerts.

Day Trips/Events in Pisa:

On the 17th of June every year Pisa celebrates the feast day of it's patron saint with the San Ranieri Historical Regatta. The boat race draws a great many spectators watching oarsmen represent the four different areas of the city. It is the night before the event that is really worth being in Pisa for, however, with the famous 'Luminara' occurring. Thousands upon thousands of candles hung from buildings all over the city illuminate Pisa in a scene of uncommon beauty. Firework at midnight add spark to the affair, and the whole event is wonderfully atmospheric. Visiting the city at this time can be done just as cheaply as any other time - budgets wont suffer at all, but budget travelers will definitely prosper from the extra buzz around Pisa.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Travel To Milan: A World Class City

A visit to Italy is not complete without traveling to Milan, Italy's international hub for fashion that would make the French jealous, culture that epitomizes European life and commerce that crowns this city the default capital over Rome. Milan, located in the northernmost Lombardy region, has had an eclectic history of rulers (Roman, Spanish, Austrian, etc.) due to its proximity to the rest of Europe and is therefore far more independently spirited and multicultural than the southern Italian peninsula.

No Wrong Way to Indulge in Milan

There are few places in the world where shopping and eating could be considered religious experiences. Milan's boutique-lined streets offer some of the world's most exquisite and exclusive styles, dominating the cutting-edge of design. Travel to Milan to pamper yourself, but keep a keen eye for how you might redecorate your outdated (by Milan standards) living room. Brera is the most sophisticated and elite shopping area, centrally located and also home to the Pinacoteca de Brera, one of the most coveted museum collections in Europe.

Speaking of consumption, a leisurely dinner of saffron-scented risotto and signature osso buco will surely provide rejuvenation after all of that shopping. Make sure to enjoy the local wines of Lombardy, particularly from the Brescia region, which set a whole new standard for table wines.

Beyond Boutiques: Travel Milan's Extensive History

The hyper-modern milieu of Milan is accompanied by a tremendously rich history, dating back to 600 BCE when the Celts arrived. Milan was at one point the capital of the Western Roman Empire, the soul of the Renaissance, and conquered by France and the Habsburgs. Milan finally gained independence in the 18th century, along with the creation of the Italian state. It is important to note that Milan, as a core industrial center of Mussolini's puppet state, was heavily bombed during World War II, making it a miracle that sites nearly 1600 years old are still standing in the city center today.

Travel to Milan must include a visit to the Duomo, which dominates the city center as the world's fourth largest church. This 14th century Gothic architectural monument is crowned on its tallest spire by the Madonnina (little Madonna) and covered in 3900 gold leaf plates. Also located in Milan's Centre region is the Cenacolo Vinciano, the Church and Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Leonardo da Vinci's restored Last Supper covers nearly an entire wall and invokes Milan's spirit of Renaissance. Nearby, the famous La Scala Theater is one of the great opera houses of the world and should not be missed; indulge yourself by attending a concert to experience the true magnificence of the art and acoustics together. The Theatre and Theatre Museum are also open for public tours. Lastly, walk along the Columns of San Lorenzo, Milan's only Roman remains of a temple that dates back to the 2nd century.

Sunday, February 08, 2009

Relax and Enjoy at Milan Hotels

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 world for its fashion and design. The accommodation regardless of location in Milan, adds fun and enjoyment to your trip. Milan hotels, located in the heart of city cater world class services including amenities as per the standard of 5 star deluxe hotels. Such services can be rated as the pioneer USP of Milan tourism.




Luxury hotels in Milan cater world class living standard services to both business and leisure travelers with elegance and refinement. There are many world renowned attractions around Milan hotels with imposing entrance adorned with crystal chandelier, fine marbles and mirrors. These hotels have charming historic ambience with comprehensive amenities, which may include American bar with live music and fitness center. The land of Milan is the house for many fine restaurants that serve international specialties. Luxurious hotels in Milan normally cater services like:-



Broadband Internet access

Fine fixture large bathrooms

Hairdryer

100% cotton bath towels

Fully stocked private bath

Octagonal rain shower

Safe deposit box

Individual climate control

Multi-line telephone



Milan never fails to captivate its visitors with its natural splendors and endless mystical places. It has always remained ineffable 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 home to architecture heritage and rich culture. Not only this, Milan have unrivalled choice of accommodation ranging from modest style lodgings to most luxurious Milan hotels that is sure to suit visitors of every budget and taste.




Discount hotels in Milan are the best options for people traveling on budget with children and family, students, honeymooners and business travelers. Milan offers wide variety of outdoor adventures for holiday travelers. These hotels not only allow you to save money but also provide comfort and convenience so that the visitors can enjoy fine dining, exotic night life and world class attractions. Clients can get 70% of discount from these discount hotels. Some of these even offer discounted rates for long stay and even free accommodations for children. Senior citizen and special group discount are also available. Most of discount hotel in Milan have facilities and amenities at par with facilities provided by big hotels.




Apart from all these, Milan hotels provide leisure facilities including fitness center and spa, conference facilities like big meeting rooms with built in speaker system, ceiling mounted retractable projectors, built in speaker system and drop down projection screens.

Saturday, February 07, 2009

A Guide to Reach Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy, is one of the most charming and romanticised cities in the world. In its unique beauty, rich history, colorful local culture and diversity of attractions for visitors are offered, it is not surprising that Venice is considered must-see when it comes to destination. Visitors often come to Venice by train or by boat, but there are ways to take a bus or plane.

The plane - By air, you can choose to land, either in the airport or the Marco Polo airport Treviso. The first Italian mainland, near the town of Mestre. The last twenty-five kilometers from Venice, but very busy and bustling airport so many budget flights such as Ryanair and SkyEurope Transavia, select field.

Since these airports, can be expected in shuttle buses to Venice. You can also use the shuttle bus with water wharf, where you can hop on a ship, which will lead you to Saint Mark's Square in Venice. This process takes approximately one hour and a half. For those that are faster and unforgettable time for travel to Venice, you can also use water-taxi. It costs less, but you can fully enjoy the sights and sounds around him.

As the train - There are direct trains from Mestre and even international fronts, such as Munich, Budapest, Zagreb and Ljubljana. It arrives at the station, where you can water taxis and buses to their location in Venice. These visits are extremely beautiful train trip and medium of choice for visitors who want to enjoy in Venice.

On the bus - There are direct buses from Mestre. Bus stops outside the Piazzale Roma, located on the west bank of Venice. Such visits cheap, frequent and run only about half an hour. Residents prefer to take buses, so that it will also provide an opportunity for you to interact with local Venetians.

With ship - There is a direct ferry services from Greece to Venice. They do not go frequently and strongly recommended schedules and book tickets in advance. All of these trips end Stazione Marittima, is located on the western edge of the continent. From here you must have a water taxi or bus to reach the water of Venice.

For information about tourism, hotels accomodation in Venice a good internet site is VeneziaAlberghi.net

Friday, February 06, 2009

Tuscany, the Dream of Italy

The incomparable Tuscany undulates with olive groves and vineyards, a picture postcard around every corner of every village, each one bursting with Italian hospitality.

Palaia tops a hill between Valdera and the beautiful Arno valley. There is so much to see in this gracefully sleepy part of the world, a small captured renaissance to see and remember forever.

One of the most memorable experiences you can have is to take a simple picnic, find a spot on the crest of a hillside and enjoy the heart stopping views over the Tuscan countryside.

In the local restaurants and hotels you will see vast selections of home made pastries and jams, colourful local preserved fruits, huge cheeses and salamis, fragrant bread served with delicious local olives and a large helping of sunshine.

You can visit small organic cheese farms, go on wine tasting expeditions, and generally pass time in the company of warm and exhuberant Italians. What more could you possibly wish for?

The famous Leaning Tower of Pisa is nearby. Climbing the tower is perfectly safe unless you have vertigo! Keep in mind that you are frequently walking on a slanted surface. Each floor has secured railings so there is no need to worry about accidentally venturing too far out. Overall, it is really a perfectly safe experience.

See San Paolo a Ripa d’Arno. Founded in 805, this Romanesque-style church is located in the middle of a magnificent garden by the river Arno; a quiet and beautiful place to spend some time. Attached to the church is the 12th-century Chapel of Saint Agatha, an octagonal-shaped structure with a unique pyramid shape on top.

Or how about a visit to the 13th-century Monumental Graveyard? It is not what it first appears to be, it is a stunning structure featuring some incredible works of art, including roman sarcophagi, sculptures and frescoes.

The Sinopias Museum with its magnificent collection of fresco sketches (or sinopias) is worth a visit, you will find world class artists such as Bufalmacco, Gozzoli, Traini and Taddeo Gaddi represented.

Spend a day at the Parco Regionale di Migliarino, San Rossore. Massaciuccoli is a nature reserve covering more than 24,000 hectares between Viareggio and Livorno. Beautiful Massaciuccoli Lake is teeming with wildlife. There is also the former home of Giacomo Puccini, which today serves as a museum.

In the park area are the remains of Roman villas and spas. In the heart of the park is the San Rossore Estate, a paradise for birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts.

Walk along the Arno and discover the palazzi, and the wonderful walled city of Lucca. It is inexcusable to visit Tuscany and not see Florence, with it’s priceless art collections. See the Botticellis’ at the Uffizi, but make sure you pre book your tickets so you do not have to stand in line.

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Where To Go For Fun In Milan

If you're thinking of visiting Milan, you can find lots of fun things to do during your stay. Milan is a fashion forward city, with young, ambitious people who love to party at the clubs, shop for fine couture, drink lattes in the street cafes, with some of the best Italian cuisine.

Milan is a friendly, bustling city whose culture is based on the historical significance of the artwork and statues you see everywhere you go. Here are some of the favorite things to do in Milan.

At the historical heart of Milan sits the Piazza del Duomo. The famous cathedral, or the Dome as Italians call it, is a beautiful sight. It recently underwent renovation and now provides a rooftop walk that allows the visitor to overlook the city in a way not possible otherwise. You cannot help but notice the historical statues and artwork found all around the Piazza. Directly in the center of the Piazza facing the Duomo is the statue of Vittorio Emanuele II. Inside the cathedral, one of the nails from the crucifixion of Christ is illuminated.

If you go to the plaza during the day, you'll see Milanese bustling about, pigeons everywhere, and nearby shopping and cafes. You may even run into the occasional pickpocket and street hustler trying to sell you some form of tourist trinket or memorabilia. Regardless, this is a spectacular place to "people watch".

The core of the fashion district in Milan is definitely Via Montenapoleone. Luxurious boutiques of top Italian and international designers, antique shops, and tearooms are the physical proofs of Milan's status of Europe's fashion capital.

Via Montenapoleone is the most important street of the Milan's Fashion District, called in Italian "Quadrilatero della moda" made of Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, Via Sant'Andrea and Via Montenapoleone. All major Italian fashion designers have their main shops here: Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Kenzo, Krizia, Prada, Valentino, Versace, Vuitton or Zegna.

Corso Como is the place for nightlife in Milan. This is the hot spot for clubs, bars, and restaurants. Models are found in all of these clubs dressed to kill. Because Milan is a fashion city, chic fashion and trendy club wear is expected at these clubs.

Great nightlife can be found in Navigli, a river area in southern Milan. You can walk through the streets and find bars, discos and restaurants. They shut down the streets in late spring and summer and you can sit in the middle of the street with friends and chat. Happy Hour is bustling from 6pm to 9pm with folks straight out of work meeting friends for a drink.

Le Meridien Gallia Hotel is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Milan's renowned Piazza Duca d'Aosta. The Duomo Cathedral, Santa Maria Delle Grazie, La Scala Theatre and the Fairgrounds are some of the tourist attractions nearby. With impeccable room service and an on-site restaurant and bar, Le Meridien Gallia is considered one of the premier hotels in all of Italy.

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Medieval Villages in Italy

Italy, famous for its history and charm of its lands so laden with ancient traditions, is particularly interesting for people that want to live a relaxing holiday far from beaches and art cities, chooses the nature and history of the charming and magical ancient medieval villages.

The regions of Italy have all ancient stories to tell, that come to life through the many castles and ancient sites, which narrate deeds of ancient heroes.

The Italian Medieval Age, for example, has left numerous traces between the various cities scattered between the north and south of Italy so that the Bel Paese has a heritage of great importance.

If you choose the holiday on the Adriatic coast, for example, you may know those territories between the sea and the hills.

Those villages that overlook the sea, completely immersed in nature and tranquillity of the hill and at the same time loads of historical tracks, showing the visitor the atmosphere of the past.

The Romagna, a region located in the north of Italy, famous for its cuisine, beaches and fun, is full of charming villages and ancient history, where you can taste the dishes or walk the paths in the woods away from modern places.

If you move towards the hinterland and choose to stay in bed and breakfast, there are many opportunities to live an original holiday.

In these places MTB lovers could live a special cycling holiday and may know the paths and the tranquillity of the woods. The can live a stay between sport and relax.

There are many routes for cyclists of different difficulties: between steep trails and steep climbs.

Couples will can live a romantic stays of welfare and tastings, precisely because in these magic places you are away from the chaos of the city.

There are many wellness services offered in the inland hotels:

- Wellness massages
- Beauty treatments
- Whirlpool Shower and sauna
- Specific mediterranen diet

without forgetting the refined atmosphere of the rooms, special place of traditions.

Who loves good food, however, may know the pleasures of the typical Italian food, wines and cheeses, the famous "piadina" that is so beloved in Italy and abroad.

Many are the moments where you can tasting wines like Sangiovese or dairy products like cheese ditch, because the holiday is a real pleasure for the palate.

From the hills is easy to reach the city on the sea, rich economic ferment and cultural cooperation with a lot of exhibitions and cultural events and the many opportunities for recreation, from discos to the Adriatic coast beaches.

Riccione, near Rimini, for example, propose the most fascinating hinterland of Romagna, and among the most picturesque villages in the area can cite Montefiore Conca that overlooks right on the coast of Rimini and which represents a ideal place for sports, lovers of well-being and for whom research a quiet holiday.

Choosing a stay in the inland of Romagna, means making a journey between the ancient traditions and traces of ancient peoples who have built the history of this location.

There are a lot of events and festivals during which it's possible to know the very Italian history and ancient costumes and the suburbs have protected their natural landscapes and artistic heritage during the centuries.

Precisely in territories such as Montefiore Conca you can retrace the places where once lived the ancient Lordship of Malatesta who wrote the history of these places.

In villages around Montefiore, in fact, are still present evidence of their deeds, from castles to museums, everything lives between these hills.

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Accommodation In Venice: Some Amazing Options For All Budgets And Tastes

Rates of hotel accommodation in Venice depend naturally enough on the season. But, regardless of the time of the year, the rates are high nearly all the time. You have an endless choice of stay in Venice, Italy, from the low budget hotels to five star. The best sights of course are from those hotels that surround the Piazza San Marco. These are prime locations for which, naturally enough, you can expect to pay a pretty penny.

But wait, there are other ways of seeing Venice without having to pay through your nose. In this article, I will give you some pointers on accommodation in Venice and eating.

Some Pointers to Select Cheap Hotels and Economic Accommodation In Venice

To begin with, if you choose to stay in Mestre on the mainland, you will pay a fraction of what you pay to stay in Venice proper. The advantages are many, you are lesser crowded, the rooms will be bigger for the same rent and the amenities better. The icing on the cake is the fact that Mestre is connected with Venice by trains leaving on the average every five minutes. So if this is the option you choose, you can really save money.

The other way to see Venice cheaply and to find cheap accommodation in Venice, Italy is to check the hotel websites for last day tariffs for Hotels in Venice. Very often, a guest cancels at the last minute and the hotel drops the rate on the room by a considerable margin to attract a last minute guest. Such accommodation is always available in Venice. So if you can put up with some uncertainty and do not mind going to a cybercafe as you get off the train, this mode is for you. This method is ideal for those with a backpack, footloose and free with no children or a wife to care about.

As far as food is concerned, pizza parlors abound in Venie. You can pick up what you want and maybe a glass of wine to keep you company and make a great meal. Just remember one golden rule. If you sit and eat you pay more, maybe double of what you would if you picked and walked. And if you sit on the sidewalk and enjoyed a view of the canal as you munch in Venice Italy, be prepared to pay a whole lot more. Being waited upon is murdering your wallet.

Italy is well known for its vast choice of food, appealing and mouth watering. Although a number of international restaurants have set up shop here to cater to the 22 million tourists that go through the city, you would not really want to eat Chinese here. Stick to the local cuisine is what I recommend

Monday, February 02, 2009

Cheap Hotels in Milan to Serve People on Budget

Milan is the place in Italy, which should be visited and not to be missed, while on the trip to Italy. The most beautiful and dazzling city leave the ever lasting imprints on the screen of mind. Its architectural beauty, shopping malls, sleek skyscrapers, vibrant nightlife, historic monuments and parks have all collectively made it a top tourists’ destination. Apart form it, several amusements parks, gardens and tourists’ attractions have added their charismatic influence to the city. Milan hotels are also not lagging behind in catering to their accommodation needs.

The extensive network of hotels, ranging from star luxury hotels to cheap hotels in Milan, caters to the taste and need of every traveler. From the bedding to the recreation and cuisines, their service is superb. Milan is known all over the world for the perfection, it stretches in all fields. Here, the cuisines contain the distinct flavor. The most popular dish, Risotto, a popular dish, is made of rich meat stocks, which is prominent with all the menus. Beside, it there are many of Milan dishes that are popular among people on budget. Some of the cheap hotels Milan can be easily found in proximity to these tourists attractions:-


* Duomo cathedral- one of the most fantastic and imposing structures in the world. This incredible structure has become the symbol of Milan. The golden statue inside it, known as La Madonnina, is one of the main attractions for the visitors to the city.


* Castello Sforzesco- it is the main site for the historians and for those interested in knowing the history of the city. Situated in the Parco Sempione, the central tower of the building, it offers magnificent views over the city. It not only give it a beautiful picturesque to Milan but also give it a grand appearance.


* Arco Della Pace- it lies opposite to the central tower, mentioned above. It is made up of granite, brought from the Lake Maggiore area. It remains as an impressive feature.


* Teatro alla Scala- it is a large opera house built on the central site of the old church, Santa Maria della Scala. It includes the theater museum, a home to fine collection of painting, ceramics and sculpture. Generally the traditional opening night of the opera season takes place on the feast day of the patron saint of Milan.


Beside these, there are many tourists’ attractions, to be explored by the tourists, which add fun and excitement to the trip of its visitors. Have a memorable trip to Mailn, Italy!