Sunday, June 28, 2009

Review of Lake Garda

Italy is famed for its beautiful cities, with millions of tourists flocking to Florence, Rome, Venice, Pisa and Milan. A recent visit to northern Italy revealed that there is plenty to see away from the big cities.

Every trip to Italy seems likely to set the pulse racing. Previous visits to this dynamic country had included taking in the majestic splendour of Venice, the unique atmosphere of Rome and the architectural delights of Florence.

Lake Garda, in the north of Italy, was one location that had previously gone almost without notice when browsing through the guide books. Hidden away at the bottom of the Italian Alps, the country's largest lake seemed somewhat off the beaten track.

While the Italian lakes may previously have been mentioned in conversation, glances at maps of the area appeared to suggest that there were few major towns and cities in the area. Spurred on by recent reports of a friend who had enjoyed a holiday in the town of Garda itself, I decided to pay the area my complete attention.

I opted to fly to Pisa and then drive up to the area surrounding the lakes. Though Pisa, in the heart of Tuscany, makes an excellent place to commence any visit to Italy, I would suggest that Verona might make a more sensible arrival point for many.

Fellow travellers pointed out that Verona was only about 40 minutes from Garda by car. Lesson learned.

On arriving in Garda, I was both surprised and pleased. The town was rather small, but extremely picturesque. It was popular with visitors, its streets crowded by the masses. Evidently the town of Garda is enjoyed by Italians too, with many choosing the area for their own annual holidays.

With plenty of bars and restaurants, Garda made a fine base for my trip. I'd opted to stay in an apartment in the centre of town, though there were a number of hotels available too.

It was clear to me that Garda was a perfect location for an Italian holiday.

To find out more about Lake Garda in Italy, check out Keith Barrett's other travel articles. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

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.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Lake Garda in Italy

Having planned a trip to the shores of Lake Garda, I was excited at the prospect of visiting the area for the first time. I enjoy traveling in Italy, but this was one location that I had not previously reached.

Like many visitors from the UK, my previous experiences of the country had often been limited to the big cities. Rome, Florence and Pisa had all thrilled in the past, but a retreat in a small farmhouse close to the famous lake was being keenly anticipated.

Fortunately, I was not to be disappointed. This part of Italy was to prove just as thrilling as many of the better known locations, if not more so.

The first thing that you can't help but notice here is that the scenery is absolutely stunning. Green, rolling hills give way to more rocky scenes, with the Italian Alps towering over the lake itself.

It's clear that much of the soil in the surrounding region must be very fertile, thus the obvious sights of agriculture that appear to abound. It's also clear from the wonderful, fresh produce that always seems to be available.

As in other parts of the country, a visit to this region is a delight to the taste buds. Pasta, fresh tomatoes and the most glorious olive oil are all key parts of the local diet.

The food is surprisingly simple and yet wonderful to taste. As might be expected, the quality of wines here is also to an extremely high standard.

When combined with the amazing scenery and friendly locals, it was soon easy to see why so many people had recommended a visit to this part of Italy.

It has to be said that my holidays are often dominated by the need to relax, with gentle strolls, long lunches and periods spent enjoying the sunshine.

For those who do prefer active holidays, there were clearly plenty of alternative options, including water sports, hiking and climbing in the mountains.

Lake Garda and its surrounding towns seem to offer a little something for everyone

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Visiting Lake Garda in Italy

Lake Garda, the inland lake in north-east Italy, boasts more than 45 kilometres of beaches among its many attractions. It should come as no surprise that this is a region that tourists are increasingly flocking to reach.

On a warm June day here, tourists sit and admire the spectacular Alpine scenery reflecting in the still, delicate waters of Lake Garda. This region of Italy has a unique beauty - a beauty that is making it more and more popular with visitors from elsewhere in Europe and beyond.

The lake is surrounded by an array of pretty villages and stunning medieval towns. With the mountains providing a stunning backdrop, this is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque parts of Italy.

The countryside surrounding Lake Garda is often green - the hills are dotted with farms and vineyards. Many visitors choose to stay in a rented farmhouse or villa, while holiday apartments in the larger towns also provide a good option.

As one would expect of almost any location in Italy, the food in this region is exceptional. Italian families love to make a real occasion of eating out and you are certain to enjoy the varied food on offer. This is a place where fresh vegetables, fruit, fish and meats dominate.

Indeed, many visitors to Lake Garda cannot help but relax. Surrounded by rolling countryside, fantastic mountains, the tranquil waters of the lake and the amazing food in the nearby restaurants, it's not hard to see why.

For those looking for a more active holiday, there are ample opportunities. Lake Garda itself is popular for many water sports, while the surrounding hills and mountains provide an excellent location for walking, climbing and hiking.

Lake Garda and the surrounding areas can provide a little something for everyone.

To find out more about Lake Garda Italy, check out Keith Barrett's other travel articles. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

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.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Enjoying Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a popular location in northern Italy where many people are now choosing to spend their holidays. There's an enormous amount to see and do in the area surrounding one of Italy's most famous lakes.

This region can be incredibly enchanting, with its mixture of rolling hills, vineyards, farmland and mountains all reflecting in the great lake. Garda is surrounded by picturesque villages and towns that line the edge of the lake.

As with most parts of the country, there is plenty to enjoy about being on the shores of Lake Garda. Many of the towns and villages have excellent restaurants - perfect for lazy long summer lunches! Italian food is renowned throughout the world - this is the home of pizza and pasta.

For those looking for a more active holiday, you'll find that you won't be disappointed. The lake is a haven for those wanting to take part in water sports. Activities available include sailing, wind-surfing and diving.

The nearby Dolomites are perfect for those wishing to go walking, climbing or hiking. In the winter months you can also ski in the area, ensuring that Lake Garda and the surrounding areas are a great location throughout the year.

There's plenty to entertain younger visitors here too. Gardaland, located at the south-eastern edge of the lake, is Italy's largest theme park, complete with all of the roller-coasters and rides that you'd expect.

Lake Garda is the perfect location for a great holiday. With its pretty villages, excellent restaurants and relaxing nightlife, it's no surprise that more and more visitors are choosing this region as a place for their annual retreat.

There's something for everyone and, with cheap flights from the UK, this part of Italy has never seemed so accessible.

To find out more about Lake Garda Italy, check out Keith Barrett's other travel articles. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.

Monday, June 15, 2009

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.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Top Five Lake Garda Resorts

The Italian lakes are renowned for their beauty and none are more impressive than the stunning Lake Garda. Surrounded by pretty towns and villages, the area offers a wide range of places to stay.

Deciding which location is best for you will very much depend on the type of holiday that you are looking for. The following list should, however, give you a great starting point, with details on the best resorts around the lake:

1. Garda: This is the village that gave the lake its name. The village has a very traditional feel and hosts an impressive firework display in August each year.

2. Lazise: Ideally located for the nearby theme park that is known as Gardaland. Lazise has plenty to offer, with its historic streets leading down to its bustling harbour.

3. Bardolino: Like Garda and Lazise, Bardolino is located in the popular south-east corner of the region. Well-known for its local wine, the area also produces excellent oils and fishes, meaning that Bardolino is an excellent place to stay for those who love food.

4. Riva Del Garda: One of the finest towns in Italy, Riva Del Garda is located at the northern edge of the lake, nestling at the foot of the mountains. With its gravel beach, the town is popular with those looking to relax, as well as those using this as a base for water sports.

5. San Benedetto: This small village is great for those enjoy cycling or walking, by virtue of being located in the middle of a relatively flat area of land. This is also an excellent place to stay for those wanting to get away from the busier resorts.

These are five of the finest resorts in the Lake Garda region but the best thing about staying in this part of Italy is that you can take the time to explore - it's perfectly possible to include each of the best resorts within your holiday itinerary.

To find out more about Lake Garda Italy, check out Keith Barrett's other travel articles. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

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.

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Fair Verona - Things to See and Do Around Verona

Fair Verona, as Shakespeare once wrote, is where we lay our scene. This mythical home of the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, is more then just fair though. It is positively pulsating with passion and vibrance with a rich, colourful past that manages to seep out of every nook and cranny. From breathtaking architecture to awe-inspiring opera, opportunities to revel in art and beauty are everyone in this romantic Italian city. Yet the Veneto region, in which Verona is nestled, is not just for culture vultures. There are an abundance of alternative pursuits and child-friendly activities to keep even the most energetic entertained.

The two Verona Airports are Villafranca Airport and Brescia Airport, which provide cheap flights to Verona from Gatwick and Stansted. Of the two, Villafranca offers the widest choice of Verona car hire companies with a total of 8. These are Autoeuropa, Avis, Easycar, Europcar, Hertz, Italy by Car, Maggiore and Sixt. Brescia car hire is slightly thinner on the ground and inside the terminal consists only of Hertz at Brescia Airport. Each company has slightly different terms of agreement and offer different deals, so it is wise to do a comparison before booking and be very clear about what is included in the quoted price.

Alternatively, for those escaping here simply for a weekend a deux and staying at one of the many glorious hotels in Verona, a transfer offers a much more convenient and usually cheaper alternative to a trip in one of the Verona Airport taxis. Booking in advance means visitors are met in Verona arrivals by a Verona Airport Transfer and whisked away without hassle or delay. There is a shuttle bus that connects to the Verona bus and Verona train stations but it does mean making another connection to get into the city centre, and with luggage in tow this can be cumbersome.

Within Verona itself, the first port of call for most people is the Casa di Giulietta or Juliet´s House. Here tourists flock to see the fictitious balcony made real and get a feel for the tale in as original setting as possible. To help the ambiance along, the walls are lined with artwork depicting the young lovers and a statue of Juliet stands on the balcony. The other favourite attraction is the Roman amphitheatre which is the third largest in the world and dates back to the 1st century. Concerts and operas are regularly held in it and despite having a capacity of 20,000, the amazing acoustics means that microphones are not needed.

In terms of museums, the Castelvecchio is visually one of the most dramatic, as it is set in a medieval castle. Packed full of paintings, sculptures, gold-works and ceramics, the building, sympathetically restored by architect Carlo Scarpa, also houses an impressive range of ancient weapons. Two other exhibitions to capture the kids imagination are located slightly further afield, each around an half and a half drive by car. The Natural History Museum in Venice, is set in the Fondaco dei Turchi, a 13th century palace, and has an impressive collection of dinosaur relics, including that of a 12 metre long pre-historic crocodile. While Bologne has an exhibition to make both big and little boys jump for joy. The Lamborghini Museum pays homage to this much-desired and longed-for automobile with a display which includes classic cars through to F1 models. It also shows the development of the Diablo from conception to today´s design, among other interesting features.

For more traditional children´s attractions there is at least 7 aquaparks surrounding Verona, including Parco Acquatico Cavour, Picoverde and Riovalli Water Park near Lake Garda, while in nearby Castelnuevo del Garda, there is one of Europe´s premier theme parks. Gardaland boasts over 40 big rides, including the largest family rollercoaster in Italy, shows galore from magic to ice extravaganzas and even a sea life aquarium with tropical sharks and seahorses. Of course for outdoor activities, Lake Garda is first choice. Whether for land based entertainment like hiking or cycling or water-sports from yachting through to kite-surfing, all is available in these stunning surroundings and with Verona weather temperate all year round, rarely falling below 12ºC even in the winter, it provides the ideal climate to.

Monday, June 08, 2009

Discovering Lake Garda

Lake Garda (In Italian "Lago di Garda" or "Benaco") is The beautiful lakeside towns around Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) have charmed foreign visitors for centuries starting with its first visitor and enthusiast Wolfgang Goethe, who visited it in 1786. The largest lake in Italy (370 km²). It is located in the North-East of the peninsula, about half-way between Venice and Milan and divides the regions of Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino Alto-Adige. It is in an alpine area and was formed by glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age. The Latin name of the lake, Benàco, is of Indo-European origin (perhaps meaning "strongly penetrated") and it was surely already present at the moment of the roman conquest; the current name instead derives from the homonymous city, Garda, that lies 32 km from Verona and, during the Middle Ages, was the greatest exchange and trading center. The shape is typical of a moraine valley: it is probable, in fact, that this portion of the lake was created through the action of a Paleolithic glacier. The river Sarca is the main affluent among 25 tributaries, while the only outlet of the lake is the river Mincio.

Lake Garda measures 51,6 km in length, while the maximum width is 17,2 km. Its perimeter measures 158,4 km and the maximum depth is 346 m.

It is situated at the slopes of the Southern Retiche Alps, between the chain of Mount Baldo to the East and the Alps to the West, from Riva to Salò. Long and slim, the Southern section of the lake, embraced by the gentle slopes of the Riviera of Olives, looks decidedly Mediterranean, whilst, just a few kilometers North, where Monte Baldo rises, it completely changes character and turns into a narrow fjord. Rocks and steep cliffs surmounted by castles and ancient churches steeped in history stand guard over suggestive and graceful little ports.

Tourists are offered all kinds of trips on and around the lake and throughout the surrounding territory: cultural trips, nature walks, sporting activities and sight-seeing.

In order to fully appreciate the lake's beauty, it is possible to leave your car and take a trip on one of Navigarda ferries, preferably choosing the slower itineraries which include almost all the ports on the Veronese shoreline where you can take spectacular snap-shots of the scenery.

Once you've reached Malcesine, it is advisable to catch the cable-car (the new Malcesine - Tratto Spino rotating cable car) and from a height of 1760 metres you have a unique and breathtaking view of the lake.

The lake's flora and the fauna are inextricably linked to Mount Baldo, the "Garden of Europe". The mountain side features one of the most diverse natural habitats in the world concentrated in a relatively small area: olive groves along the typically "Mediterranean" section of the lake, evergreen ilexes and oak-trees; further up the slope you'll find ash-trees and chestnuts-trees whilst, at a height of 1700m, you'll discover lilies, rhododendron's and a spectacular range of wild-flowers of great botanic interest.

Nonetheless, the undisputed "King" of the natural environment along the shores of the lake is the olive-tree: olive-trees have been cultivated here since Roman times and the area's oil-making industry was given an extraordinary impetus by the monks of the medieval abbeys of San Zeno and Santa Maria in Organo.

Also cultivated all over the Veronese hills stretching from the lake to the Valpolicella area, right up to the valleys of Mezzane, Illsai and Tregnago, the region's oil has a deep greenish-gold colour (due to its high chlorophyll content), a delicate scent which leaves a fresh, grassy after-taste, along with a slightly bitter, lemony taste on the tongue. It is ideal with any kind of food, although it is best served uncooked: just a small amount enhances the flavour of any dish. Its characteristics remain intact when it is heated at high temperatures which makes it also perfect for frying.

What makes Garda oil unique is that it comes from groves situated on the world's northernmost latitude. The lake's geographical location and "microclimate" protect the olives from typical parasites and diseases which afflict olive trees in warmer climates.

Friday, June 05, 2009

Italy - Why Lake Garda Is Worth A Visit

Italy is a country filled with colourful contrasts, from the beauty of Venice to the sheer bustle of Rome. In northern Italy, the area around Lake Garda also has plenty to offer.

Foreign travellers have been visiting Italy for decades, drawn by the scenery, culture and history that are so intrinsic to Italian life. While Hemmingway took delight in his stays in Venice, many others looked further north - to the Italian lakes.

Lake Garda, a favoured destination for Franz Kafka, Thomas Mann and James Joyce, lies at the foot of the Italian Alps. Surrounded by pretty villages and towns, it's little surprise that the region around the lake draws visitors from all over Europe.

The climate here is comparable to that found in the Mediterranean regions further south, while the lake itself has a coastal feel. Indeed, it is the accessibility to water sports that attracts many.

For those looking for different forms of recreation, the proximity of Lake Garda to the mountains provides ample opportunities for hiking, climbing and other such pursuits.

There are plenty of choices for where to stay too. Each of the towns and villages that are dotted around the lake have a different feel and atmosphere, meaning that you can really get away from it all in a rural setting, or alternatively seek a more lively town, complete with fabulous restaurants and wonderful views.

This is also a region of Italy that is very child-friendly. The country's largest theme park, Gardaland, is located to the south-east of Lake Garda.

A visit to Garda is suitable for all ages - this is a place that you simply cannot fail to enjoy.

Thursday, June 04, 2009

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.

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Travel to Naples, Italy

Located in the Campania region of South Italy is the city of Naples, which is 2 hours drive from Rome. Being a metropolitan area, it is a major transportation hub in South Italy. The city itself sits in the northern edge of one of the most beautiful bays in Europe which is the Bay of Naples.

Entering Naples is easy by plane since it has an airport which is the Aero Porto Capodichino. This airport serves flights constantly from various parts of Italy, Europe and the World.

Traveling in and around Naples is best done by train since it a couple of major train lines run through the city. The train and bus stations could be found at Piazza Garibaldi, on the east end of Naples.

If you want to travel to the nearby islands then a ferry would take you there for a minimum fee. From Molo Beverello in Naples, the ferries could take you to the beautiful islands of Capri, Procida, Ischia, as well as Sardinia.

Capri is one notable island that you must visit. It is best known worldwide as an island of amazing wild beauty, soothingly pure waters, and wonderfully mild weather. There are luxury hotels in this island and retreats that attract tourists from all over the world. The food they serve here is one of the best Mediterranean dishes you could ever imagine. You can visit Capri by taking the regular boat launches from Beverollo dock in Napoli.

To enjoy the city, it is best if you walk around it since Naples has some occasional traffic problems. While walking you would enjoy the scenery even more, especially the centuries old monuments that is in the city. Monuments that you must see are the 15th century statue of the Egyptian god Nile located on the corner of Piazetta Nilo and the oldest spire of San Gennaro located in Naples.

Joining a tour around Naples is also one way to explore the city. There are a lot of tour operators in Naples and the fees vary among them. Whichever tour you choose, you would definitely enjoy the many sights there are to see in Naples from the Amalfi Coast to Pompeii.

Accommodations in Naples are excellent. You can choose from a wide variety of hotels and hostels to stay in during your stay in the city. Picking a hotel to stay in Naples can be difficult at first so it is best to plan for it first and research the hotels online. Hostels are cheaper in rate than hotels. In hostels, you can rent a bed or bunk bed in a type of dormitory. These hotels share a common restroom, kitchen and lounge. Rooms in the hostels differ from all male, all female or coed; although private rooms are becoming more common.

Dining in Naples is a wonderful experience. There are a lot of restaurants in this city that offer an excellent variety of Mediterranean food. Some of these restaurants are well known for the food that they specialize in such as pizza, wine, and other Mediterranean food.

Monday, June 01, 2009

I Love Touring Italy - Naples

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the city of Naples in the Campania region of southwestern Italy on the Tyrrhenian Sea. In 1995 UNESCO declared the Historic Center of Naples a World Heritage Site. We certainly can't say that Naples is undiscovered. But it is definitely less tourist infested than many, many other Italian cites. You really should consider visiting Naples, as you should consider visiting other parts of Campania, described in companion articles in this series.

My generation remembers Dean Martin singing That’s Amore (Napoli) in his perhaps less memorable 1953 movie, The Caddy: “When the stars make you drool just like pasta fazool; That's amore (that's amore); When you dance down the street with a cloud at your feet, you're in love; When you walk in a dream but you know you're not dreaming, signore; 'scusa me, but you see, back in old Napoli, that's amore.” My parents’ generation remembers the phrase See Naples and Die. Some say that the famous German author Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (who wrote Faust, a charming story about a guy who made a pact with the devil) coined this phrase on his extended visit to Italy in 1786-1788.

Greek colonists founded Neopolis (new city) between the Seventh and Sixth Centuries B. C. The city maintained its Greek character during the Roman occupation. Over the centuries this sometimes beautiful, often ugly city was dominated by nearly a dozen nationalities ranging from the (French) Angevins to the (German) Swabians. Things were not always quiet. For example, in 1647 Masaniello, a Neapolitan fisherman, led a tax revolt against the Spanish occupiers. He died but became a national hero, and the revolt led to a short-lived Neapolitan republic.

At one time Naples was the third largest city in Europe and a major cultural center. When the Bourbon kings established the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in 1738 they chose Naples as its capital. After joining Italy in 1860 Naples started to decline. The Campania regional economy ranks near the bottom of the Italian regional economies, but these statistics are somewhat misleading as they don’t count the underground economy. Unlike the cities of northern Italy Naples has few immigrants, perhaps forty thousand, in a metropolitan population of at least three million. Unemployment remains high. The Sicilian-based Mafia is not very present, but the local Camorra is. Like anywhere else, and probably more so, you should watch yourself and your belongings in this fascinating city.

We’ll start our tour underground. Naples is home to miles and miles of subterranean Greco-Roman reservoirs and tunnels, some of which are available for visiting. People who lived above these tunnels once got their drinking water from wells in their homes. Much of Naples is constructed from stone removed during tunnel excavation. During World War II underground Naples served as air raid shelters whose walls display legible graffiti more than sixty years later. Unfortunately many tunnels are still blocked from World War II rubble. The rest of our tour will be above ground starting with Royal Naples.

The Castel Nuovo (New Castle) was first built by the Angevins in the Thirteenth Century and includes a decorative marble arch honoring a Spanish king. The castle includes numerous frescoes from the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries. The moat surrounding the castle once contained a crocodile that devoured prisoners. The crocodile was killed and stuffed, and hung above a castle doorway where it remained until the mid-19th Century. The nearby Palatine Chapel includes the ironically named Sala dei Baroni (Baron’s Hall) in which a king doused boiling oil on rebellious barons who thought they were going to a quite different kind of party. In another version of the story, they were arrested and executed. In any case the room is still used for city council meetings.

The Twelfth Century Castel dell’Ovo (Egg Castle) was built upon the ruins of a Roman villa in Naples Harbor. As they say in real estate, location, location, location. Should you so desire, you can get a hotel room right on the promontory.

The Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) built in the beginning of the Seventeenth Century was one of four Bourbon Palaces in the Kingdom of Naples, the only one in town. Napoleon’s youngest sister and her husband, the King of Naples, lived there. Be sure to see the royal apartments to get a look at real luxury. Next door to the palace is Naples largest square, the Piazza del Plebiscito (Plebiscite Plaza), designed for that king and named for the plebiscite that joined Naples to Italy in 1860. The highlight of the square is the San Francesco di Paola, which resembles the Pantheon in Rome. There are literally dozens of historic churches in Naples, spanning the centuries.

If we are going to cite Dean Martin, we should give equal time to Mario Lanza. In 1950 he produced an English-language version of the popular Italian tune Funiculì, Funiculà featured in many movies and in the very first episode of The Flintstones. What does all this have to do with Naples? Take the funicular (a self-contained cable railway in which a pair of vehicles on rails moves up and down a very steep slope counterbalancing each other) to the upscale Vomero neighborhood high above the Bay of Naples.

The Fourteenth Century Castel Sant’Elmo (Saint Elmo Castle) was built to honor Saint Erasmoso. Perhaps Erasmo was too hard to pronounce. The Spaniards rebuilt this castle in the Sixteenth Century to deal with artillery fire. The castle is so well built that it still serves for military exercises as well as the site of art exhibitions. When you admire it, you should remember that it served as a prison for many years. The Certosa di San Martino (Saint Martino Charterhouse) is an ancient monastery transformed in the Seventeenth Century into one of Naples finest Baroque buildings with beautiful garden terraces. It houses the National Museum. Among its many treasures be sure to see the presepi (Christmas crèches) and Tavola Strozzi (Strozzi's Board), a depiction of Fourteenth Century Naples. The Villa Floridiana was built by King Ferdinand I of Bourbon for his second wife, the Duchess of Floridia. Not a bad gift; the grounds contain over one hundred species of trees, flowers, and plants as well as statues, fountains, temples, and even a fake ruin or two. The villa does honor to the site, and its view of Naples is spectacular.

Spaccanapoli (Split Naples) street is what the Neapolitans call it. You’ll find it on the map if you look for Via Benedetto Croce, Via San Biagio dei Librai, and Via San Gregorio Armeno depending on the neighborhood. Sights to see on the street or near it include the Gesu Nuovo (New Jesus) Church, originally built as a palace in the Fifteenth Century, the Fourteenth Century Santa Chiara Church and religious complex, the Sixteenth Century Cappella Sansevero (Sansevero Chapel) with multiple tombs and three quite distinctive sculptures, the Thirteenth Century San Lorenzo Maggiore Church complex built over Greek and Roman excavations, the Sixteenth Century Girolamini Church and monastery, and the Thirteenth Century Duomo (Cathedral) just across Via Duomo. The Cathedral includes the Sixth Century Santa Restitua Church. In addition to these historic churches, Spaccanapoli street is definitely worth the walk, whatever its official name.

Last but not least, make sure to visit Naple’s excellent museums. The Museo Archeologico Nazionale (National Archaeological Museum) has a great collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. The Museo di Capodimonte includes an extensive collection of paintings by Italian and other European masters and Bourbon royal apartments. The Palazzo delle Art Napoli (Palace of Neapolitan Art), known as PAN, and Museo d’Arte di Donna Regina (Donna Regina Art Museum), known as MADRE, are devoted to contemporary art.

What about food? Naples is the home of pizza of which three varieties are most famous: Pizza alla Napoletana (with Tomatoes, Garlic, and Oregano), Pizza Margherita (with Tomatoes, Mozzarrella, and Basil), and Pizza Marinara (with Garlic, Tomatoes, Oregano, Basil, and Anchovies). I love them all.

Let’s suggest a sample menu, one of many. Start with Alici in Tortiera (Baked Anchovies with Pecorino Cheese). Then try Ragú Napoletana (Veal Shank and Short Rib Stew). For dessert indulge yourself with Pasteria Napoletana (Cheese and Grain Pie). Be sure to increase your dining pleasure by including local wines with your meal.

We conclude with a quick look at Campania wine. Campania ranks 9th among the 20 Italian regions for both acreage devoted to wine grapes and for total annual wine production. The region produces about 64% red and and close to 36% white wine, as there is little rosé. There are 17 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. Only 2.8% of Campania wine carries the DOC or DOCG designation. The G stands for Guarantita, and you’ll find three, the red Taurasi, the white Greco di Tufo, and the white Fiano di Avellino. I have tasted the Fiano and found it to be top of the line. The white Campi Flegri DOC and the red or white Aversa DOC are produced not far west of Naples. Both whites are also available in sparkling version. Frankly, I’d go with the Fiano di Avellino.