Rome is one of the best destination of many travelers

Rome is one of the best destination which many people love. I am sure , everyone has a dream to visit at least once in a life time to Rome and enjoy the ancient city of Rome and Roman Culture. This is one of the oldest city in the world with many historical memories. Still we can visit the ruins of the civilization and go back to centuries and centuries. Modern culture is mixing up the old culture to match the modern world. Anyone cant say it a ancient city, It is rich with many modern changes.

If you plan to visit Rome within a day, it is not a enjoyable trip, you could not visit all the places within 24 hours. ideal days are 7 days. but many people visit Rome for 3 days, But I guess they miss many things in Rome.

If you are planning a trip to Rome, It is worth to pre plan your vacation well. because at peak time, you may face many difficulties in flight booking, hotel booking and other tickets booking for historic places such as museums.

Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Pantheon, Capitoline museum, galleria Doria Pamphilji, Roam panoramas, Appian Way, palatine hill, Trastevere, The Vatican are the most popular tourist destinations in rome and never forget to omit these places from your list. Vatican museum and Colosseum is the world’s 50th most visited destination. Don’t forget to do some street visiting while you are in Rome. The architects are very interesting to enjoy.

If you are planning to visit Rome in peak season, avoid inconvenient incident from last minute bookings. Hotels in Rome are available internet and you can get many discounts for early booking, some hotels have their own web sites. before you make the booking, compare few hotels in the preferred area where you stay. City centre area is expensive and crowded, but easy access to many destinations. but remote area hotels are relatively cheap and you can easily get trains to come to city centre.

Lake Como, A Perfect Spot For A Villa Holiday In Italy

Those keen to enjoy a break to a villa in Italy will surely find no better place to head than a luxury villa on the shores of Lake Como.
Italy has long been a popular place for Brits to head to for a sunshine break and Como, in the region of Lombardy, is a perfect spot to visit, with its beautiful scenery, wide range of historical attractions and plenty of Italy villas to choose from.

Visiting a villa in Italy is a great way to explore the Lombardy region as it offers unrivalled privacy and somewhere to relax and retreat to after a long day of exploring the area's many attractions.

What is there to do on a Lake Como break?

The beautiful area around Lake Como is perfect for any type of traveller, no matter what sort of holiday they are after.

From the woodland ideal for exploring, to the rolling hills and gardens which surround the water, the region is truly beautiful and visitors could easily spend an hour or two, camera in hand, snapping the spectacular scenery.

History buffs and museum lovers will want to find time in their Italy holiday villa break to visit the Paolo Giovio Archaeological Museum, which holds fascinating exhibits showing the history of the area and artefacts dating right back to the prehistoric period.

Also, a visit to the neoclassical Voltiano Temple should not be missed on an Italy villa break. Tourists should also try and fit in a stroll around the region's beautiful cathedral, which dates back to the 14th century, and the Trennial Gallery.

Water sports and fun in the sun

While Lake Como may usually be seen as a place to hire an Italy villa and relax, sporty and active types could also find the region a perfect holiday spot.

The lake offers a wide range of water sports, including water skiing, rafting, sailing and swimming. There is no better way to see the amazing scenery around the lake than by boat and holidaymakers should certainly find time to have a lazy row around the shore.

Those feeling a bit more active could hire a bike and explore the area on two wheels and after a day of activity, what better way to relax that by sampling one of the region's well known wines or one of its 250 different food specialities.

Holiday Houses Close To The Natural Parks In Sicily

A stay on the outskirts of a nature reserve could be the ideal place to discover another side of Sicily, the one with unspoilt nature, with small mountain villages full of history and culture situated in the Parco delle Madonie or on the slopes of the Mount Etna, or also to enjoy a memorable holiday exploring the unique landscape of Trapani salt pans. DiCasaInSicilia offers a great variety of accommodation in the vicinity of the regional parks and of the island’s nature reserves.

MOUNT ETNA NATIONAL PARK

Mount Etna national park is a protected nature reserve of some 60 thousand hectares that rises on the slopes of the highest volcano in Europe. The park has many natural attractions, among them are several small towns such as Trecastagni and Nicolosi and the “Grotta del Gelo” that is a cave with a perennial glacier where the temperature is always below -6 degrees even in summer.

Right in Nicolosi, a picturesque hill town situated at 700 metres above sea level, on the southern side of Mount Etna, is Casa di Filli, a typically small villa of this area surrounded by a wonderful garden with low stone walls, aromatic, ornamental plants and the local species of trees of the national park.

Just a few kilometres away, close to Ragalna, at a height of 830 metres above sea level, is situated Vigna Mascalisi, a nest for two on the slopes of Mount Etna. The house is constructed entirely from lava rock and blends perfectly into the surrounding landscape of Mount Etna with its vineyards, oak trees, olive groves and low stone walls. The dwelling is located on an estate devoted to organic produce that offers a little restaurant and a mini bed & breakfast (3 rooms). Where tastings of a whole range of regional products can be sampled and there is also the possibility to buy excellent olive oil, wine, fruit and vegetables among other tasty treats.

MADONIE

Along the northern Sicilian coast, in the Palermo province, raises the Madonie mountain chain. In order to protect the geological peculiarity and the cultural heritage of the area, the Madonie together with the Nebrodi have been given the status of National Parks

A Dream Holiday On The Lake Como

Why not spend an unforgettable holiday surrounded by the pictuesque scenery of one of Italy’s most famous lakes?

Residence Geranio, a family run tourist resort, offers attractive packages, with a varied choice of accomodation, on the shores of the beautiful and
historically interesting Lake of Como.

The residence offers many options for people wishing to spend a relaxing holiday in this fascinating area.

• The self catering appartments, more suited to young people, are modern and comfortably furnished with kitchenette, satellite TV and balconies or terraces with nice views.
• The villas, for bigger families, are divided into 2 elegantly furnished spacious apartments, both equipped with BBQ area, access to the lake for
your boats, central heating, a lock-up deposit for beach equipment and a children’s playground in front.

Whether you decide on the appartments or the villas, Residence Geranio offers a wide range of outdoor facilities such as;
• Swimming pool with hydro-massage
• Children’s pool
• Volleyball court
• Football ground
• Tabletennis
• Free wi fi internet
• Acess to private beach with bathroom facilities & beach huts

For the more adventurous holiday-makers, nearby there is also
• Windsurfing
• Catamaran
• Water skiing
• Motorboat and mountainbike rental to explore the surrounding area.

We recommend that you don’t miss the chance to experience at Residence Geranio the excitment and enchanting beauty of a lake that has long inspired poets and writers.

5 Places To Visit In Sicily, Italy

Sicily in Italy is a wonderful place to visit, not for just for its weather and great Sicilian food, but also for its cultural value and its slow and relaxed pace of life: Below 5 ideas for places to visit for a holiday or vacation in Sicily, Italy.

1. Catania is one of the largest cities in Sicily and is situate on the East coast of this Mediterranean island. Catania is situated between the ocean and the famous and active Etna volcano. Catania has an excellent fish market which you must see, if you really want to see Sicilian culture at its best and there is also an excellent day market. Catania has its own International airport which has recently been expanded and is well served by many major airlines.

2. Palermo is the other main city in Sicily and is located on the West coast and close to the ocean. Palermo is famous for the Mafia and has its own way of life and some excellent and traditional restaurants. You can also fly into Palermo airport with a number of airlines.

3. Taormina located on the East coast and about an hours drive south of Catania, is one of the jewels of Sicily. Perched on top of a cliff top and with a delightful view of the Etna volcano, Taormina is a stunning village with Greek theatre and also a cable car down to the beach below. There is a film festival here annually and many starts frequent this village. Taormina is many people's favourite place in Sicily and it is not hard to see why. There are hotels and even a youth hostel in the village centre s accommodation should not be a problem for you here.

4. Siracusa is also a very popular place for tourists and locals alike. This town has a really nice town centre and is close to the coast and is a bit calmer than the two big cities Palermo and Catania in Sicily. You may have to fly into Catania and then drive dwon to Siracusa, but it is worth your while to see this lovely town down South.

5. The Aeolian Islands are simply stunning. North off of the Northern coast of the main island of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands include the islands of Stromboli and Vulcano. These islands offer you the chance to stay on a small volcanic island and are tremoundous scenically.

Verona, A City To Discover Loved From The Tourists Of All The World

Yield famous and popular all over the world from the famous tragedy of William Shakespeare " The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet" , it is a coveted destination from the tourists of every corner of the world. Indeed, the capital of Veneto, offers a lot of opportunities starting from the cultural point of view, to the culinary and the entertainment.

In particolar, who wants to visit Verona for a short time (also of 2-3 days), cannot miss some fundamental appointments that characterise this laughing city in the heart of the Veneto region. In these terms, we can list what the tourist/visitor of the weekend must absolutely see and try for really living the spirit of the city:
• Arena di Verona: “small” masterpiece of the roman architecture, it is still in good conditions and is used for concerts and other manifestations
• Piazza delle Erbe(Square of the Grass): it rises where the ancient Roman Forum resided, is the heart of the city
• Palazzo del comune (Palace of the Municipality): with a nice romantic garden
• Palazzo della prefettura (Palace of the Prefecture): ancient residence of Scaligeri
• Santa Anastasia: ghotic church erected from the Dominicans
• Duomo (Dome): elegant construction dedicated to Santa Maria Matricolare
• Balcony of Giulietta: small, but somewhat evocative where also is found the famous statue of Giulietta
• Arc of the Giovi: another direct evidence of the Roman domination
• In the pauses, to be based calmly in a tavern and to savour a Recioto di Soave (typical white wine of Verona) with cold cuts and the typical polenta of Veneto region.

Where to sleep in Verona

Of course, there are many touristic structures that allow to sleep in Verona or near the city.
To such purpose, the Gardenia Hotel is situated in San Michele area, ideal for passing days or vacations around Veneto, above all for visiting Verona without having to spend the night in a hotel of the city center.
This 3 stars hotel, offers refined services like cable TV, safe in each room and air conditioning, a part from the prestigious inner restaurant.

The Gardenia Hotel has a comfortable private parking and offers cordiality and hospitality to all its customers, both to businessmen and families on vacation. Moreover, the hotel website (hotelristorantegardenia.it) offers the chance to the Internet customers to reserve on-line directly their own rooms for the night's passing also at the Hotel San Michele (at Verona periphery, near to the historical city center).

Sicily Holidays

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a independent region of Italy. It is popular for its amazing scenic beauty which draws a lot of guests worldwide. This beautiful countryside scenery is elegantly visible on the tip of Italy"s toe and as it is surrounded by water on all the sides makes it appear more elegant which immensely satisfies the tourists and the visitors. It is a region of exclusive art, culture, food, traditions and design. It has greenery all around and gives a appearance of a countryside rural area that has considerably drawn many of tourists. Sicily is liked and respected for its natural beauty. Sicily is not just originally stunning but even has historic archeology and ancient monuments, temples and forts that add up to its beauty. If you are preparing your holidays at Sicily, it"s the best thought.

Due to its geographic position it has a Mediterranean climate where the summers are warm, hot and dry, winters are warm and wet as this region gets rainfall during winters. Sicily is generally a vivid land receiving a lot of sunshine mostly all through the year. This island has bright and lively sunny days and at sunset Sicily looks amazingly attractive as the sun sets behind the wonderful mountains. This scene is most pleasurable on the sparkling beaches of Sicily, La Spiagga is a popular beach where tourists enjoy the enjoyable day time and the blissful evening sunset.

Sicily is famous for its traditions and culture which can evidently depicted through the cuisine, arts and architecture and the language that the locales of Sicily speak. This island is especially noted for its cuisines and wines and thus famously called God"s Kitchen. The food variety is pure and conventional and quiet affordable too, so you won"t find a trouble in trying all types of food specialties cooked there. The cuisines of Sicily comprise a variety of dishes cooked by using fresh fruits and vegetables which are healthy and are spiced with a topping of the traditional herbs and spices of Sicily, the savor and the taste is splendid. These mouth-watering dishes include a range of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, artichokes, olives, citrus, apricots, aubergines, onions, beans, raisins along with the freshly caught sea-food which include tuna fish, sea bream, cuttlefish, sea bass, swordfish, sardines etc.. These are cooked by easy and conventional methods. Not only these, the sweet dishes like Cannoli, a variety of Doughnuts, Bucellato, Ciarduna, Pignoli, bruccellati, sesame seed cookie are also awesome, to get the true rich taste of all these unique cuisines it is excellent to visit Sicily. They use a lot of cheese and a range of spices like saffron, nutmeg, cloves, pepper and cinnamon which add taste to their food. Parsley is used in almost all the dishes. So all food lovers your search is over, enjoy the conventional food at Sicily.

Sicily is rich in arts which is revealed by its popular paintings, sculptures and several poets, musicians, philosophers who have left their identity from the Greek rule. People of Sicily are bilingual; they speak a different language called the Romance Language which originates from Indo-European language family which includes all the languages basically from Latin, an historic language from Rome. Sicily people usually speak the traditional Romance Language. Its awesome artistic hotels give you a pleasant and relaxed stay. So enjoy your holidays at Sicily.

Hence, feel the “Garden of Mediterraneana and observe Sicily"s pleasant and traditional way of living. You can land at any three airports of Sicily, the Catania-Fontanarossa Airport which is busiest of other two, Palermo International Airport which is bigger as compared to Trapani-Birgi Airport. Well the size of the airports barely matter, as far as you reach Sicily and enjoy its true tradition and natural beauty to its fullest.

Lake Como – A Cure For Ill Humour

Lake Como has a particular effect on visitors, best summed up in words like relaxing, calming, re-invigorating and even inspiring. You could describe the process as stress busting, wellness creation, holistic therapy or just plain getting your head straight.
But if we’re going to use jargon, I’d rather use the jargon of an earlier millennium. It seems to fit the place better. To be specific, I prefer to employ terminology used by the scholar Galen and say there are cures at Lake Como for all excesses of humours. That may well be a travesty of Galen’s work and achievements: but I think he’d forgive me if we ever met at Lake Como. If he wasn’t dead, that is.

Galen apparently recognised four different kinds of personality, by reference to their dominant ‘humour’ - fiery, cold, melancholic and irritable. Many of us arrive on holiday suffering from an excess of one or the other. In fact, with the complexity of life today, we could easily exhibit the signs of all four in a single day – possibly the day we set out on vacation. No problem. Lake Como can bring those humours back into equilibrium.

It can do that because Lake Como is probably the most harmonious place on earth, for two reasons. The first is the way in which the Lake, mountains and weather combine to provide a seemingly endless variety of different but equally breathtaking views. The second is the fact that humanity has not only not spoiled the environment but has actually added the finishing touches.

They come in the form of grand villas and picturesque villages, beautifully posed along narrow strips of waterside or scattered like colonies of seabirds across steep hillsides. Nothing jars. You can explore Lake Como for days and come across nothing ugly. That’s got to put you in a good frame of mind.

Whether you’re planning a completely restful holiday, or lots of sightseeing and/or activities, you’re very likely to go home feeling ‘better’ in body, mind or spirit. than when you arrived – not just because of what you did but because of where you did it.

So, if you’re not in good humour, try the Lake Como cure. Unless I’m much mistaken, you’ll soon be able to bin the alternative remedies - powdered unicorn horn and dried stag’s tears - and put the leech farm into storage.

A Guide To Car Hire At Verona Villafranca Airport

Easily one of the most romantic destinations in the world and mythical home to Shakespeare´s Romeo and Juliet, Verona is an achingly beautiful and interesting city to visit throughout the year. Whether you enjoy uncovering the background of a destination through its ancient palaces and historical remains, or prefer to indulge in some serious shopping and fabulous cuisine, Verona is the place to go.


To get to Verona Villafranca Airport, it is possible to fly direct from Gatwick with British Airways and then the best option is to hire a car. This enables you to take in all the wonderful sights, from The Arena Roman amphitheater to the magnificent Lake Garda, and set your own agenda. There are 8 Verona Airport car hire companies in total based in the arrivals hall. These are Autoeuropa, Avis, easyCar, Europcar, Hertz, Italy by Car, Maggiore and Sixt.

Remember that when you arrive at the check-in desk you will need to present your full driving license, passport and a valid credit card, as a debit card will not be accepted. Even if you have already paid in advance you will need to do this as it is used to authorise your request. Many of the companies have an age restriction, such as Europcar which only allows drivers aged 21 and above to car hire at Verona Villafranca Airport. Even those of the correct age may also be changed an additional Young Driver Surcharge when hiring from certain vehicle categories.

Each of the Verona Airport car rental firms has a diverse range of vehicles. For example from Autoeuropa you can hire anything from a Smartcar to a minivan, a sports car to an off-road vehicle and even bigger trucks for removals, through to scooters. If you choose Avis Prestige, you could even indulge in a Aston Martin Vantage and really experience the Italian landscape in style. The only way to top this would be to arrange one of the chauffeur driven hire cars, a service offered by firms like Maggiore.

If you are planning to do most of the trip by foot but would like to maybe have one day of the holiday to explore the surrounding countryside and towns, then certain companies offer short-term rentals. Hertz has a scheme called Hertz 369 where you can rent a car for just 3, 6 or 9 hours. With it you get 24 hour roadside assistance and it is often a much cheaper and more convenient alternative to hiring a taxi or slumping around on buses. Plus with their Rent-It-Here/Leave-It-There option you could even rent a car to get you between destinations if you are planning a multi-trip excursion.

Rental firms will often work in partnership with the airlines to provide great deals for customers and in this case Hertz have teamed up with the AA to give all their members a 15 percent discount on their quote. Also Italy by Car, run by both Thrifty and Dollar, give those who pay by American Express a 10 percent discount. It is also possible to join up to the variety of groups or privilege card schemes on offer. By signing up to be part of Avis Preferred you get such a fast service that they guarantee if you do not receive your keys in 3 minutes from the moment you arrive at the check-in desk with your ticket, you receive £20 cash.

Most like Maggiore, provide discounted rates and promotional offers to their members, while easyCar offers exclusive discounts if you sign up to their newsletter, plus free cancellation within 7 days of booking. Insurance tends to vary between the Verona Airport Car Rental companies and you should check how much is included in the price and what you may have to pay as an additional charge. For optional extras such as child safety seats, ski racks, satellite navigation systems or even in-car DVD players in some cases, make sure to reserve in advance at the point of booking to avoid disappointment.

Historical Roots Of Italian Glass

In 1291 the Grand Council of Venice ordered all the glass makers out of the city onto the island of Murano, apparently out of a concern about the fire risk from the Kilns. That hardly seems the way to found the greatest glass making center the world has ever seen, and yet Venice went on to dominate European glass making for hundreds of years. The history of Italian glass is centered around the city, and it's still important today. Looking back, it seems the order of 1291 was a cornerstone in the overwhelming and enduring success of Venetian glass.

Trace back the history of fine glass making, Italian or otherwise, and you'll find it's a skill passed from generation to generation, moving with the Artisans. The art of glass making that was born in Mesopotamia around 3500 BC eventually reached Egypt. The Egyptians learnt to make hollow glass objects by wrapping molten glass around a core mould, then rolling it on a smooth surface to give it the desired shape.
In the 1st century BC the new method of glass making - glass blowing - was invented somewhere along the Mediterranean Coast and was quickly commercialized by the Romans. In this method some molten glass was attached to the end of a thin hollow tube. A glassmaker would then blow through this tube, thus producing various shapes out of the molten glass. Later this method was enhanced to blow the molten glass into a mould which allowed creation of a wide variety of hollow glass items.
As Rome fell and Europe slid into the dark ages, Venice eventually emerged as the glassmaking center of the Western world. Pretty much all Italian glass that we know of today came from Venice. The connections of the Venetian merchants with Syria and Byzantium along with Venice’s undisputed naval power on the Mediterranean and its covert participation in the crusades helped transport the glassmakers from the advanced Eastern regions into Venice.
While glass making had existed in the Venetian lagoon since the 8th century AD, the output had been practical items such as storage jars. The arrival of the merchants from the Eastern Mediterranean fueled a rapid expansion of the glass industry, and the production of all manner of decorative and artistic glass wares. The Venetians were shrewd, they'd seen how the migrating artisans had brought a new industry into their city, and they wanted to keep it there by introducing and legislating a monopoly on the production of Venetian glass. In 1291 the Venetian rulers forced the glass artisans out of the city, yet they offered them a new home on the nearby island of Murano. The island was not far from Venice, but it was isolated. It was not on the way to anywhere, no one had business to go there. It became a city of master glass workers, sealed off from the rest of the world.

The Venetians looked after their glass workers. The glass makers guild had the highest social status, its members were equal to nobles, could carry swords and marry into the most blue-blooded Venetian families. The Venetians ensured a monopoly on the finest raw materials, and Murano islanders were rarely called up for military duties. In return for all these favors, however, the law stated that members of the glass workers guild were not allowed to ever leave the Venetian Republic.

It seems barbaric by modern standards, but in those days ordinary folk didn't travel without good reason, and Murano's glass workers had little motivation to move. Venice's role as the most important trading post in Europe meant there was always a buoyant market for high quality goods. Their high status as first class citizens in a wealthy and powerful City was an enviable position. But perhaps most of all, Murano itself was an artisans heaven.

People born and bred on the island had glass making in their blood. All the activity on the island was centered around the glass making industry, focused on making the finest possible wares for the export market. Young apprentices were taught all the traditional skills, and they only had to wander around the neighborhood to work with the best glass makers in Europe. Most would be friends and relatives.

On Murano, the emphasis has always been on traditional techniques and progressive style. Nobody could become a master glass worker until they had learnt all the traditional methods, but when they had mastered the skills, they used them to produce items of beauty that followed or even challenged the latest trends and fashions. Murano masters did not just blindly learn the trade – they had continuously tried new techniques or improved existing ones, and the ideas that worked soon passed through to the rest of the community.
To this day mass production techniques are shunned in Murano, yet the best modern innovations are incorporated into the glass making process to make the results even better. Modern Murano masters use gas flames for their lampwork, kilns are regulated by electronic thermostats, but the manipulation of the glass itself is strictly done by hand, using techniques and tools perfected by their ancestors hundreds of years ago.

Today Murano is still pretty much as it's always been. An small tranquil island of canals and alleyways, it's protected from motor vehicles and the hustle of modern life. These days islanders may leave the city, but it is still filled by Italian glass workers, often the descendants of the ancient ones, who are eager to have a place in the unique community that revolves entirely around fine glass making. The powerful Guild has been replaced by a Consorzio, a legally recognized trade institution that both promotes Murano glass and protects the traditions of the industry, limiting its membership to artisans trained in the traditional Murano ways.

The Pilgrim Fathers landed on Plymouth sound 390 years ago to eventually create what we now know as the U.S.A. The Roman empire lasted 500 years. The glass making community of Murano was founded 719 years ago; you can't help wondering whether the rulers of venice realized that they were creating such a venerable and unique institution.

Sicily : A Perfect Place For Travel Photography

The Island of Sicily is an autonomous region of Italy, on west of the southern end of the Italian peninsula. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, separated from the mainland Italy by the Strait of Messina. An island of great natural beauty, this is a great location for travel photography and this is discussed below.

The beautiful island of Sicily is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea on the west and south, by the Ionian Sea on the east, and by the Tyrrhenian Sea on the north. The island is almost entirely covered by hills and mountains (continuations of the Apennines). Mt. Etna (over 3,000 meters high), in the east, is the highest point on the island. Sicily also includes the Egadi Islands, the Lipari Islands, the Pelagie Islands, the Pantelleria Island, and Ustica Island. The land area of Sicily covers 25,000 km² and hosts a population in excess of five million Sicilians. The language of the natives of Sicily is also called Sicilian; Sicilian also the name of the language - a language whose origins originates from a number of other languages including Spanish, Catalan, Latin, French and Arabic.

The beauty of Sicily and what makes it an ideal location for travel photography is a combination of the climate, locations, history and deep culture. You can take photographs high up on the Etna Volcano with the snow black (black due to the affects of colourisation from the black lava) and on the same day you can take photographs in the sunshine on the coast. There are also many classy and cute villages and sites. Hisrotical sites include Roman Ruins, while more natural sites include the rocky coast and the man made vineyards and olive farms which you can easily find. Sicily is so rich in culture that for travel photography, this is an island which gives you so much to capture on camera. It is hard not to get good pictures on this stunning Mediterranean island.

Sicily has a number of tourist attractions that offer a opportunities for travel photography. Some of the major attractions of the island include Augusta (a town north of Syracuse), Cefalu (Sicily's main beach resort), Eraclea Minoa (Greek ruins above an attractive beach), Gole dell'Alcantara (a deep impressive gorge), Milazzo (gateway to the Aeolian Islands), Monreale (impressive cathedral above Palermo), Mount Etna (impressive 3323m high active volcano), Piazza Armerina (home of impressive Roman mosaics), Ragusa (impressive baroque architecture), Segesta (greek temple and ruins), Sciacca (quite south coast port) and Selinunte (impressive greek temples).

Short City Break In Venice

The enchanting city of Venice has long been a favourite destination for couples seeking a romantic getaway. Beautiful surroundings, famous landmarks, fantastic food and the inevitable gondola rides attracts many to this Italian city to bask in the laid back Italian way of life. Venice also offers the unique experience of walking around a city that was built based on a canal system to move about, making for some interesting walking tours around this maze-like historic city.

Walking around the city is the best way to take in all of the unique architecture and character of Venice. A map is essential to tackling the winding streets of this city even though it will probably not protect against getting lost. But what better place is there to be lost in than Venice? Walking is also a great way to discover some of the lesser known neighbourhoods of this town, thus providing a more authentic experience. For those who want a true taste of Italy, those areas that lie off the beaten path also offer more authentic and tastier meals which cater less toward foreign visitors.

Visiting away from the tourist centre can also be a nice break from the numbers of visitors that Venice receives, especially during the summer months when the city is full and the weather is hot. A gondola ride to explore some of the bordering neighbourhoods is also a good excuse to hop on a boat as these rides get considerably cheaper the farther you stray from the main tourist area.

Any time of year that you find yourself in Venice, there are some must see attractions that you will happily brave the crowds to see. The Piazza San Marco is a large public square and serves as the main meeting place in the city. The Piazza is also the location of some more must see attractions such as St Marks Cathedral, the Doge's Palace, the Campanile and several museums. Depending on what you are interested in seeing, you can choose to spend just a day touring the attractions of the Piazza or, if museums and cathedrals are your thing, you can happily spend more than a few days exploring all there is to see in this little space.

There are plenty more cathedrals and museums to see in Venice, and if you plan on visiting it is a good idea to book tickets in advance - especially if you are there during the summer months. Queues can be long and the weather will be hot, making standing in line pretty unpleasant. The same goes for booking a hotel in Venice during the peak season as accommodation fills up fast, especially at the hotels near the centre so it's best to book early.

Venice is also a good place to see some of the other islands around Venice. The quaint towns can easily be seen on a day trip or you can even go to another country like Croatia by ferry although it is advisable to take more time than just one day. Venice is a great city to get a taste of Italy's culture, but be warned, there is a great chance that it will only whet your appetite for more!

The Nightlife Of Venice

Are you a decent nightlife buff? Are you planning to set out to Venice to enjoy the beautiful city’s comely nightlife? If your answer is affirmative, you are planning absolutely right

You know, Venice is the gorgeous “Queen of the Adriatic.” It’s a beautiful city of northeast Italy built on 118 islets within a lagoon in the Gulf of Venice, an arm of the Adriatic Sea.

Often dubbed as “bride of the sea,” Venice is the city with unspeakable romances hidden in her bosom. The city is widely known for is sensual romantic aroma. It’s a pleasing placid promised land eternally kissed and fondled by sea. Venetians call it “the most serene one.”

Venice, the capital of the Venice province and Veneto region, is the “city of canals.” The city has a wonderful network of canals with the Grand Canal serving as its main canal. It’s a city of gondolas and boats moving around. It’s been beautifully pictured by Shakespeare in ‘the merchant of Venice’ and ‘Othello’. Italy's major port, Venice is the industrial, financial, commercial, and cultural hub of the country.

Venice is not the destination that will offer you extremely boisterous carousing nocturnal action. However it’s the best place to enjoy sitting in moonlit bathed “Piazza San Marco” and enjoying the melodies from the cafes' outdoor orchestras, with a perfect opera set of illuminating basilica before you.

The city has long and rich tradition of classical music. You can always find musical concerts going on somewhere. There are a number of churches and confraternities, such as San Stefano, San Stae, the Scuola di San Giovanni Evangelista, and the Scuola di San Rocco hosting classical music concerts, with local and international artists performing there. The Chiesa di Vivaldi has always been the most popular venue for the music of Vivaldi and his contemporaries.

Venice offers very decent nightlife that is mainly centered in the many cafe/bars in Piazza San Marco, one of the finest pizzas of the world. Piazza San Marco is the place magnetizing most of the tourist or nightlife buffs. It’s the most opulent and the posh place to linger over a Campari or cappuccino.

On the south side of the piazza, the 18th Century reminiscent Cafe Florian (San Marco) with the most theatrical inside is extremely famous. The place offers a million-dollar romantic setting including expensive alfresco seating to enjoy alfresco melodies with your loved ones. Some of the other options include Caffè Lavena, cafe Quadri, Caffè Chioggia, etc.

Bar Dandolo is a nice place to enjoy a goblet or two of drinks in chilly inclement weather and to relish the melodies of pianist that plays from 7 to 9pm and from 10pm to 12:30am. The drinks are little expensive, so ‘checking out the rate list’ is the better idea. Green Pub, Bareto Rosso and Bar Salus are some other options available in the city.

Campo Santo Stefano is good place to sit and enjoy. Bar/Gelateria Paolin and Gelateria Nico are one of the city's best ice-cream sources. Campo San Bartolomeo, Campo San Luca, Campo Santa Margherita are some popular places for hanging out for young crowd.

Although Venice boasts of a number of night clubs and discos, the city seldom gets widely bouncy at nights. Le Bistrot de Venise is popular venue for occasional evenings of live music, cabaret, or late-night relaxing.

The Devil's Forest Pub (San Marco) is popular point for relaxing, socializing over a beer, and having some nice time playing games like backgammon, chess, and Trivial Pursuit. It serves A variety of simple pasta dishes and fresh sandwiches run from 3€ to 6€ ($3.75-$7.50). El Moro Pub (Castello 4531) is great place for “Beering.” Bácaro Jazz (Rialto, San Marco) is Cocktail-bar offering drinks along with the mix of jazzy music, rough plank walls, industrial-steel tables, and a corrugated aluminum ceiling.

Paradiso Perduto (Cannaregio 2540, on Fondamenta della Misericordia) is popular for live jazz shows. Famous for offering good food at reasonable prices, it’s extremely popular with Americans and other foreign tourists. Torino@Notte (San Marco 459) is bar that makes life highly peppy after dark with live jazz nights. Harry's Bar (at the San Marco-Vallaresso Vaporetto) stop is famous for Bellini, a mix of champagne and peach juice.

Venice is often a serene city, but if you want little disco out, Piccolo Mondo (Dorsoduro 1056, near the Accademia) is a disco/pub featuring America's latest dance music and live music shows. The club is often frequented by lively tourists and young Venetians. Casanova (Near the train station on Lista di Spoagna) is another dance club/bar/restaurant that opens at 6 pm; restaurant stays open until midnight, and disco stays open until 4 am.

Located at Palazzo Vendramin Calergi, the remarkable 15th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal, Casino Municipale di Venezia offers nice gambling opportunities in Venice.

On the whole, Venice is a connoisseur’s delight. The exquisite city is stuffed with a number of beautiful sites offering nice views of ocean, elegant edifices, museums & galleries, parks, theaters, and fine hotels. You should check and book your Venice hotel before setting out forth.

Venice's Feast Of The Redeemer

One of the most interesting times to be in Venice is during the Festa del Redentore, or Festival of the Redeemer. While February’s Carnival celebration undoubtedly has its share of excitement, it is a tradition that has been recreated largely for tourists, while the Festa del Redentore, held on the third Sunday in July, is an authentically local event that holds a place of importance for Venice’s citizens.

The festival’s participants spend the day Saturday decorating their boats or rooftop terraces, preparing for the evening’s fireworks. A temporary floating bridge is strung across the Giudecca Canal, allowing people to walk across to the Church of the Redentore. The revelers begin to gather at sunset, filling up Saint Mark’s basin with their boats, festively decorated with balloons and garlands, to dine while awaiting the nighttime display. People eagerly gather and celebrate on rooftops, on boats, on the waterfront. The fireworks begin in the late evening and last for up to an hour, filling onlookers with intense emotions from the Giudecca to the Lido, where young people gather to enjoy the fireworks from afar and carry on their own festivities throughout the night. On Sunday morning locals either attend church or the Regata del Redentore, the traditional race held along the Giudecca Canal.

The Festa del Redentore originated between 1575 and 1577, during an outbreak of the plague that devastated Venice. During this brief period a full third of the city’s population or more fell victim to the killer disease, notably Venice’s great painter Titian. The Senate, urged by the Doge, Alvise Mocenigo, commissioned a majestic church dedicated to Christ the Redeemer to be built on the island of Giudecca as a plea for divine intervention. Within a year the city had become free of the plague, and the grateful citizens of Venice have celebrated the Festival of the Redeemer every year since.

A Brief History Of La Fenice, Venice’s Opera House

Few structures around the world are as aptly named as the opera house in Venice, Italy. Having opened in 1792 as a replacement for the San Benedetto Theater that burned down in 1774—an all-too-common occurrence prior to theater electrification, where candles and later open gas lamps provided stage illumination—the company that managed its predecessor named the new facility Teatro La Fenice (“The Phoenix Theater”) in honor of the mythological bird that rises anew from its own ashes. The opera house was to suffer destruction twice more during its history, first in 1836 (taking a year to reopen) and again in 1996. While the 19th century fire was accidental in nature, the one 160 years later was quickly determined to be arson. Two electricians were subsequently sentenced to prison for the fire, which they set in order to avoid government fines due to delays in remodeling. The theater was rebuilt over the course of nearly two years, re-creating the facility down to the plasterwork, gilt-edged décor, and brightly colored carpeting.
Opera seasons in Venice were divided carefully into three parts—Fall (October to mid-December), Carnival (December 26 to mid-March), and Spring (April and May). The end of the 1790s through about 1825 saw a number of world premieres at La Fenice. Because tastes have changed considerably in the opera world over the ensuing decades, many of these works—and, in some cases, the entire output of the composers in question—have fallen into obscurity despite the fact that they were major hits in their day. This list includes "Sapho" by Giovanni Simone Mayr (known primarily as Donizetti’s mentor), "Orazi e Curiazi" by Saverio Mercadante, and "Il crociato in Egitto" by Giacomo Meyerbeer. The height of the bel canto era brought premieres by Gioacchino Rossini ("Tancredi" and "Semiramide"), Vincenzo Bellini ("I Capuleti e I Montecchi" and "Beatrice di Tenda"), and early pieces by Gaetano Donizetti ("Belisario" and "Maria di Rudenz").

The opera house in Venice boasted some of the brightest voices in all of opera during this time. Singers included Isabella Colbran (later the wife of Rossini), Domenico Donzelli, Giorgio Ronconi, and Maria Malibran. Many of the works of Giuseppe Verdi that enjoyed opening seasons elsewhere nonetheless attracted huge crowds at La Fenice. Some of the more stirring successes included debuts of "Nabucco," "Attila," "La traviata," and "Rigoletto." Sadly, the success the opera house enjoyed during the first half of the 19th century failed to be duplicated in the latter half. After the Austrians abandoned Venice to the Kingdom of Italy, the city fell well behind more vibrant art centers such as Milan, Turin and Rome. This was as much due to the provincialism of its residents as it was the impoverishment of the region. As an illustration of its second-class status, La Fenice hosted the premiere of Leoncavallo’s "La bohème," while the far more popular and lasting Puccini version enjoyed its premiere in Turin.

During the latter years of the 20th century, La Fenice made a name for itself by reviving operas that had generally fallen by the wayside. By attracting such megastars as Montserrat Caballe, Mirella Freni, Katia Ricciarelli (a native Venetian) and Marilyn Horne, the opera house brought back a number of works that had their premieres here some 100 years earlier. These included Donizetti's "Roberto Devereux" and the aforementioned "Maria di Rudenz," among others. Political corruption, financial hardship, and labor difficulties all contributed to the delay of reopening La Fenice after the arson attack of 1996. The house reopened on December 14, 2003, with a concert that featured music by Beethoven, Wagner and Stravinsky. The first opera produced in the rebuilt facility was Verdi’s "La traviata" in November 2004.

One Day in Florence

The stunning Italian city of Florence attracts visitors in their droves year after year. Firenze, as it is known to the Italians, is one of the most important cultural centres in the country second only to Rome. A Renaissance city in the truest sense of the word, Florence is one of the most beautiful places for walking in Italy. A stroll along the serene River Arno, on which Florence sits, will take you past magnificent architecture, exquisite gardens and elegant piazzas; enough to engage your senses in the most delightful of ways.

If you are lucky enough to spend an extended break in Florence you will be able to explore at your leisure and really get under the skin of this enigmatic city. However, if you are like the many visitors, perhaps on a holiday walking in Italy, who arrive in Florence with only a short time to spare, there are certain experiences that you really shouldn't miss.

Morning

After rising early to the sounds of Florence awakening, set off for a stroll through the empty streets. Walking in Italy in the early hours through the echoing cobbled streets and alleys of Florence can be a truly magical experience. Say "Buongiorno" to the cafe owners as they set up their tables around the piazzas; smell the aromas of fresh coffee and pastries as they waft down the deserted streets; and enjoy the magnificent architecture in peace without the crowds jostling for the best vantage. Feel free to run your hands along the cool stone of the Duomo and marvel at the intricate craftsmanship. Finish your walk in the piazza by enjoying a traditional breakfast, of coffee, pastry and people watching.

A Day in the City

With only a day in Florence, you'll need to be choosy as to how you spend your time. One could, in reality, spend the entire day just walking. In Italy there is a wonderful surprise around every corner, and Florence is no exception. However, you will always regret it if you don't visit at least a few of the famous sights.

Obviously the Duomo should be high on your list, and you will certainly not be disappointed by the awe-inspiring interior and fabulous sweeping views from the top. However, the Baptistery, just next door, is sometimes overlooked in the rush and is every bit as breathtaking. The intricate mosaics which adorn the ceilings are nothing short of stunning. Another must see on your one-day agenda would have to be the famous Uffizi gallery. Pre-book so you can avoid the queues, and then wander through the rooms and corridors filled with one of the most extensive collections of art in the world. If you still haven't had your fill of culture, then head to the fabulous Pitti Palace or the Accademia which are both extraordinarily beautiful.

The Evening

By the time the sun begins to set you will probably be footsore but happy, and full to the brim with your memories of an inspiring day. Florence will now have become Firenze, and your experiences walking in Italy's most beautiful city will be embedded in your heart and soul forever. As you sip an aperitivo at a tiny out of the way bar and plan to try and find your way back to that amazing restaurant you saw earlier for your dinner, you will gaze around you in awe and realise with surprise, that you have fallen head over heels in love - with Florence.

Going to Florence? Think About a Bed and Breakfast

Staying at a bed and breakfast is one of the best ways to get to know and experience the real culture and traditions alive in Florence, Italy. You'll experience the Italian lifestyle and get a real affinity for the people and their customs, while seeing the sites at the same time. If you're the kind who likes to avoid the busy tourist traps and learn how the natives live, where they go and what they do, then don't count out a bed and breakfast!
Florence's history and culture are rich and date back as far as its ruins. The Italian Renaissance got its start in Florence. It was the place where the Medici's came to power, then fell. Girolamo, the prophet, was burned at the stake in Florence. Niccolo Machiavelli gave his famous speeches here. There are also architectural marvels everywhere. The Duomo is here and the Uffizi museum. And don't forget to see the Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria.
As much as there is to see in Florence, its bed and breakfast establishments will also charm you. Mostly restored and refurbished old homes and mansions, these accommodations are an eclectic mix of old and new. While painstaking restoration brings out the original historical charm of brick fireplaces, antiques, woodwork and other features of the represented period, the rooms are comfortably air-conditioned and contain many modern amenities such as Internet access, hot and cold showers, Jacuzzis and mini bars.
As is customary, bed and breakfasts in Florence serve breakfast! There can be a wide variety here, so you might need to check with the management to make sure you'll get the kind of meal you want or require. Some give full breakfasts with meat, eggs, toast, rolls and pancakes, while other bed and breakfasts will have more of a continental breakfast - juice, doughnuts and coffee. Note also that a few Florence bed and breakfasts charge extra for the meal, although it is included in the room price in most.
Here are some of the popular bed and breakfasts in Florence with a short description to help you choose just the right spot for your vacation:
A Florence View Bed and Breakfast - As the name suggests, this is the place to go for the most spectacular views from the heart of the city.
The Martin Dago Bed and Breakfast - This beautiful property exudes the atmosphere of Renaissance Florence and is located in a part of the city that has retained this traditional feel.
Villa Sestina Bagno a Ripoli Bed and Breakfast - Get away from the busy city at this hilltop B&B overlooking the city. It is close the city's monuments and only 15 minutes from Ponte Vecchio.
Bed and Breakfast Vittoria - This, too, is away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but close enough to enjoy its many attractions. Close the University Campus of Sesto Fiorentino, it offers special discounts to students and teachers.
If you really want to experience living in Florence for your brief stay, you should try a bed and breakfast and, temporarily at least, become Florentine!

Venice - Good Travel Tips

The best time to visit Venice is in early spring when the weather has warmed up a little but isn't too cold. Visiting in the height of summer can be quite muggy and humid, spring time is just that little bit more fresh!
Make sure you arrive in style by taking a water taxi from the airport. It's expensive, at about €100, but if you are with friends or agree to share, €25 or less per head is well worth it and you'll be dropped off at the nearest landing-stage to your hotel.
If you're staying for three days or more, invest €33 in a 72-hourACTV smart card. Unless you intend to sit in your hotel all day (why would you!?) you will save money over buying single tickets and it's much easier, you simply validate your ticket by passing it over the reader as you enter each landing-stage.
Don't go for the most expensive hotels, unless you intend to spend most of your time there. There are much cheaper hotels in Venice which serve as perfectly good bases! There is no shortage of gondoliers touting for your custom and, for a special occasion with a special friend, a gondola ride down the Grand Canal is unforgettable. If the gondola rides really are out of your price range you can cross the canal by traghetti - gondola ferries - for just 50 cents.
You MUST explore on foot. Don't panick when you become lost, which you almost certainly will, there are delights to be found in numerous discoveries to find until you get yourself back on track. Yellow street signs on buildings show the way to San Marco, Rialto & Accademia. Just slip away from the crowds, down alleys and across bridges, and you will soon lose yourself in Venice's backwaters. Go to Castello, Cannaregio or Dorsoduro, Sestieri.
Go to St Mark's Square either early in the morning, before the day-trippers arrive, or at night, when they have left. After dark, the lights and the music add a new ambience to this enchanting place. Fast food aside, if you are on a budget, don't eat within stone-throwing distance of the popular tourist venues. Instead, find the places where the locals eat to get a real sense of Venice, you will also save so much more money this way!
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is extremely popular and worth a visit. Even if modern art isn't for you, there is a lovely sculpture garden and a terrace in front, where you can sit and watch the comings and goings of the Grand Canal.
I hope you'll find these travel tips helpful, just because the city of Venice is known to be hopelessly romantic; it's not just for couples, even as a solo traveller there is still plenty to do and see so don't be deterred when travelling alone.

A Florence Hotel Experience

Saint Gall Street on which the Florence establishment is found used to be what may be called a continuation of the Roman "Cardus maximus". This area used to be called the "Caffagio" literally translated to mean the forest for hunting. This was back in the 8th century.
When it comes to four star Florence hotels, luxury and a complete touch of customer satisfaction is put forward to ensure the perfect service. Many a Florence hotel are housed in traditionally built mansions. You may find a hotel is strategically perched at the center of the city, with it being also strategically set at a walking distance to the rail station. The peace and tranquility that is found inside such a hotel and its neighborhood is one that can make one relax and lay back with no worries.
The traditional look of a typical Florence hotel might shock the visitors once they get to see the decor that runs through the establishment. With a unique ambiance that graces every corner, the 4 star Florence hotel has a myriad of handcrafted and decorated furniture that exudes a feeling that is dominated by a traditional atmosphere. This whole setup ensures that one is taken back in time with the option of still using the most latest modern facilities that are found around.
When it comes to the rooms the establishment has come equipped with it the most comfortable amenities that can be found. The available 18 classic rooms are fitted with shower and even whirlpool bath and also a touch of modern comforts comprising of satellite TV, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi Internet. All this has the added option of a Florence hotel Jacuzzi which helps provide relaxation to its visitors. A Florence hotel Jacuzzi also comes accompanied with private bathrooms furnished in the most top of art wood and marble, where they also get to feature bath tubes and L'Occitan. All these with the help of the helping staff has ensured that maximum satisfaction has been achieved when and where required.
Located near the banks of the magnificent Arno River, in the residential area of Florence's opera house, peaceful and tranquility is assured. The magnificently themed traditional outlook combined with the advanced technology and tailor-made services puts the experience found here to a whole new level. It is only through personalized services that one gets to achieve the utmost satisfaction and this is exactly what is in store for any one who gets to come here.

Breathtaking Boutique Breaks in Florence

Florence may not be the capital city of Italy, but it is the heart and soul - a place of divine art, outstanding shopping and cobbled streets that seem to breathe romance into the air. As the art and culture lovers' destination of choice, it's not surprising that Florence is also the 'boutique' Italian city! There are some exceptional boutique hotels here, too.
For a wow factor when you come home in the evening, stay at the 16th century All-Suites Palazzo Magnani Feroni. This boutique hotel is a more a landmark than a establishment - the classical grandeur of the architecture and the excellent service leave guests feeling like Florentine aristocrats, and very at home in a palace...
What Not to Miss in Florence
The Duomo
There may be more than a handful of cathedrals in Italy, but Florence's masterpiece has always stood out from the crowd. Unlike so many other plain religious buildings, its a stunning mix of green, white and pink marble - making is resemble an impressionist painting or a giant wedding cake rather than a church.
Stand outside in the piazza and marvel at the colors towering above the crowds of visitors, then head inside to explore an excellent collection of art and artifacts.
The Ponte Vecchio
This historic bridge over the River Arno is famous for more than its architecture - jewelery shops. With little shops lining both sides of the narrow bridge, the Ponte Vecchio sparkles with the glitter of thousands of diamonds in the windows.
Even if some of the items are too expensive for a shopping spree, it's worth coming here just for the atmosphere of jostling tourists and hard sells - and to admire the craftsmanship in the every display.
The Local Vinyards
Florence is situated in the heart of Tuscany - a beautiful rural region which is well known for its wine. Sit down at any wine bar in the city and you'll be treated to a vast range of local vintages that will all taste superb.
The best time for a relaxing glass is during the Italian aperitivo hours - early evening, before dinner. Take a table in a piazza if its a warm evening and enjoy a bottle from the Tuscan hills, along with (often complimentary) plates of appetizing snacks, whilst you watch the dolce vita in full swing.
The Uffizi Gallery
One of the world's most famous art collections, The Uffizi Gallery is housed in a grand palace. But it's the art work within its walls that make this Florence's premier tourist destination - put together over 500 years, it includes work by such art-world stars as Da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo.

Choosing Your Hotel in Venice

Venice is strange in the hotel department, it's one of the most expensive places to stay, but it might just be the cheapest too.
Many various factors will determine exactly how much you pay for your hotel: Hotel rating, hotel view or even what events are currently on.
Before booking there are a few things you should consider
Views over the Grand Canal always comes at a higher premium. Views over any canal or water of any description are also more expensive, so when you ask for a canal view, its definitely best to make sure that the canal view you're getting is a refined view and not one that smells strongly of the outhouse!
Hotel ratings also affect the price you will pay, the ratings have become more reliable and you can expect the number of stars to actually reflect on the price you are going to pay. Keep it in mind that even five stars may give you much smaller rooms than you were expecting for the price: space really is very tight in Venice and you might find your luxury pad won't come with a hot tub. Surprising you might find that a much cheaper hotel with a two star rating might just come with the hot tub you'd expect in the five star.
The biggest factor overall in hotel pricing are the events. A double room at the five-star Centurion Palace could cost almost double the normal price if you are booking in February during Carnevale, by avoiding February Carnevale, Easter, the popular summer months (June and July) and other major events, your stay in Venice will be much kinder to your bank balance.

Shopping in Venice

For hundreds of years, the most popular shopping areas in Venice have been the Rialto area, the Mercerie and the Calle dei Fabbri Attracting the main shopping crowd in Venice. To the west of San Marco, in Frezzeria you'll find some slightly more unusual shops. Lined up from the Piazza to the Accademia Bridge you'll find grander more prominent shops for a variety of different items. For souvenirs, you should head for the streets just north of Campo Santo Stefano.
For cheaper shops which will be kinder to your budget, the best places to shop are the narrow streets from the Rialto area to San Polo, just across the Grand Canal. The shops are really interesting, full of character, atmosphere and often some real bargains! If you want to shop like a local then take a look around the busy Lista di Spagna and Strada Nova, near the station.
You can find plenty of top designer shops and boutiques with the famous names we have all heard of including Armani, Gucci, Laura Biagiotti, MaxMara, Krizia, Missoni, Prada, Trussardi, Valentino and Versace, to name but a few, all near to the Piazza! For more edgy and contemporary designs visit Fiorella in Campo Santo Stefano, here you can find plenty of gorgeous outfits! In the Calle della Mandola and the shops around the Mercerie, you will find an excellent selection of leather, including fabulous shoes bags and traditional Venetian slippers.
Venice is well-known for its amazing masks and costumes; you can get the cheap versions of these which are mass produced throughout the city. However, they aren't quite the same as the genuine masks which make great souvenirs. You can find the real deal at the Laboratorio Artigiano Maschere in Castello, They specialize in traditional mask making, with some truly beautiful and eye-catching designs. You can also find a good selection of masks and some absolutely stunning costumes just off Campo Santa Margherita in Mondonovo, and at Tragicomica near Campo San Polo. Leading up to the main carnival time, Venice mask makers are naturally very busy, but usually they will welcome visitors and are happy to show you their skills - some even hold workshops.
Department stores in Italy aren't a frequent occurrence and Venice is not an exception to this, The main department store is a shop called Coin, here they sell a huge variety of goods and should have everything you could possibly want.
In the San Barnaba area, there are several good art and craft shops selling traditional and more unusual souvenirs and gifts. These include ornaments, toys, tapestries, paper objects, Venice masks and even small model gondolas.

Medieval Centers in Florence, Italy

Florence is the best place to visit when in Italy. Why? Because the great lived there or chose to live there, that's why. Niccolò Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Donatello, Galileo Galilei, among others, lived and liked living in Florence. Now, when these great minds and legendary artists stayed there, they inevitably left something of themselves to enhance the beauty of the city.
When in Italy, one should always look for the centro storico or the historic center. This, as the name suggests, is, yes, the historic center of an Italian city. This is where you will find the old charm of Italy. In a centro storico, the city's history and culture is in display for everyone to appreciate.
Florence's centro storico offers magnificently designed cathedrals, bell towers and medieval mementos.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, for instance, is Florence's most popular site. The huge Gothic cathedral was begun in 1296. It still stands, and will continue to do so for several centuries to come.
One must also visit the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's only surviving medieval bridge. This bridge was constructed in 1345. The other bridges of its kind were destroyed in World War II.
Then there's the must-see place of the Galleria degli Uffizi. This museum houses the most important art pieces from the age of Renaissance, from the medieval age to the modern times. You'll find the works of Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and other Italian cultural giants.
In the historic heart of Florence, without meaning to, you will be captivated by the medieval charms of the city. Just by walking around the area, you will notice evidence of a refined culture that brought about the age of Renaissance.

I Love Touring Venice Italy - Castello District Hotels

The Castello district is the largest of Venice's six districts, locally known as sestiere. It's in the east of Venice and, unlike some of the others, people actually live there. This is the least touristy part of Venice, which may be an attraction for many. The area includes many historic churches. For your convenience we have listed these hotels in approximate order of cost, starting with the least expensive. We have personally verified all website addresses making sure that they include English-language pages. The exception is clearly identified.
Santa Maria della Pieta is a casa per ferie (vacation house) rather than a hotel. It does occupy the upper floors of two palaces but don't come here expecting luxury. You will enjoy the rooftop terrace. Some of the rooms are devoted to families, if you reserve early enough you may get one with six beds. There are 15 rooms. The address is Calle della Pieta, Castello 3701. Their website is Italian language only but the translation provides the basics.
The Hotel Scandinavia, originally built around the year 1000, was once a luxurious Eighteenth Century residence. According to tradition this was where Desdemona met Othello, the "Moor of Venice." Be that as it may, the hotel is right near the Santa Maria Formosa church and a typical Venetian square of the same name. There are 33 rooms. The hotel address is Campo Santa. Maria Formosa, Castello 5240.
The Ca' Formenta was an unimpressive Fifteenth Century building completely restored into a hotel in 2003. There is a rooftop terrace. I'm told that the restaurants and coffee houses in the neighborhood are filled with Venetians rather than tourists. If you don't speak Italian bring your phrase book. The street Via Garibaldi, named after the Italian national, was laid over a stream. The hotel address is Via Garibaldi, Castello 1650.
The Hotel Londra Palace was originally built in the mid-Nineteenth Century. Among its famous guests was Tchaikovsky who in 1877 wrote the first three movements of his 4th Symphony in room 106. The hotel has a bar and an upscale restaurant. There are 36 rooms and 17 suites. The hotel address is Riva degli Schiavoni, Castello 4171.
The Metropole, like the Hotel Londra Palace, has a music connection. Antionio Vivaldi taught music there. Try to get a rooftop room, or at least stop by the rooftop terraces. The place is just packed with antiques and beautiful curios many of which can be viewed on their website. The hotel boasts a Michelin two-star restaurant. There are 67 rooms and a total of 22 suites. The hotel address is Riva degli Schiavoni, Castello 4149.

The Best Boutique Hotels in Venice

A labyrinth of canals and walkways perched precariously over the water, Venice is a floating city, unlike any other in the world. Trade in cars for vaporettos, gondolas and water taxis as you leave the hectic Roman roads behind. Venice is rich with history, architecture and eclectic boutique hotels reflecting the city's past. While Venice can be a peaceful romantic retreat, it is also the home of a spectacular Carnival during each year on the day before Ash Wednesday. Thousands of tourists flock to the city to celebrate the historically indulgent and festive event.

Where to stay:

Palazzo Barbarigo This small boutique hotel is ideally positioned on the banks of the Grand Canal and features a private dock and chic art deco interiors. For lovers of art and culture, the hotel offers packages which include entry to exhibits, tours and wine tastings with the room rate. They also offer a much-raved-about breakfast spread, which is rare in a city not typically renowned for its cuisine.

Ca Maria Adele An eclectic boutique hotel of only 12 rooms, this Ca Maria Adele is a quiet and intimate retreat. Unlikely combinations of styles and pieces come together to create a laid-back bohemian atmosphere, from the Japanese-inspired sitting room to the extravagantly detailed Moroccan terrace. Five of the guest rooms are also designated as "concept rooms," with even more elaborate furnishings based around themes like the Night Room or the Oriental Room.

What to do:

Piazza San Marco Also known as St. Mark's Square and often referred to as the "drawing room of Europe," Piazza San Marco has been the Venetian epicentre of activity and social intercourse since the ninth century. Surrounding the square are the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile, the iconic bell tower in the middle of the piazza. While it was once the meeting place of great historical minds, the square is now frequented mostly by tourists and pigeons. Even so, the area is a must-see location that is impossible to miss.

Palazzo Ducale di Venezia The former residence of the Doge of Venice, this magnificent gothic landmark faces Piazza San Marco on one side and the turquoise waters of the Venetian Lagoon on the other. Tours are offered of the palace's interiors, including the Doge's apartments and the institutional chambers. Guests can wander the palace and marvel at the lavish furnishings and priceless works of art.

Florence - Cascine Park

Cascine Park is the biggest public park that is only found in Florence, Italy which is more than 118 hectares. The park is narrow and long section of land situated between the Arno River and the smaller Mugnone River and its main entrance is just located near the Piazza Vittorio Veneto. It is the biggest green space in Florence, which is a home of rich vegetation, sporting facilities, annual festivals, the Faculty of Agricultural Science, the Scholl of Airborne Warfare and even couples of nightclubs are found in this park.

This park takes its name from the term "cascina" which literally means a farm house. Cascine Park was also a part of the Medici family estate, which was used as a game family reserved until 1737 when it was turned to be a leisure place by the Grand Duchy of Lorraine. Cascine Park is the favorite place of the Florentine's while having a worthwhile walk, having picnics and enjoying the good climate and the fresh air of the typical city. It is mostly visited by families with their little children, couples of pensioners, young people and as well as sportsmen like joggers, bikers and even horse riders who would like to have some fun and enjoyment.

The well-known race course is also located not too far from the park. On the east side of the park, a huge uncovered swimming pool is found while in the west side of the park is an open auditorium where dance performances and concerts are usually being help. It is really interesting to have a short yet worthwhile visit in Cascine Park.

Luxury Hotels in Venice Which Are Off the Beaten Track

Venice is somewhere everyone should visit at least once in their lives to experience the fabulous artworks, breathtaking architecture and huge piazzas on such a grand scale. It ideally lends itself to a romantic weekend with someone special; a surprise treat makes it even more magical. Pavement cafés with string quartets, buzzing trattoria serving local cuisine, cocktails served on a hotel terrace overlooking the Canal, and the idiosyncratic and pricey gondolas all make Venice a very unique and special place.

The ideal luxury hotel to complement such a weekend is somewhere discreet and a little off the beaten track. Perhaps a boutique hotel with individual rooms and personal service. Consider some of the following boutique hotels in Venice to really set the tone of the vacation, although you may have to book early to get the best pick.

Set in the Dorsodoro area of Venice, Pensione Accademia is a short walk from the Grand Canal and the Zattere quayside, this homely boutique hotel is set in a 17th century Venetian villa, complete with small garden areas. Share a bottle of Lambrusco as you relax on the garden chairs at the end of the day. With just 25 rooms and 2 garden suites this charming boutique hotel guarantees a quiet night's sleep and a breakfast feast.

Hotel Flora: This intimate and charming boutique hotel is tucked behind St Marks' Square. Decorated in 16th century style, the 43 rooms are elegant and intimate. Perfect for music lovers, the Hotel Flora is close to the newly restored Teatro La Fenice. There are also many church concerts nearby which are regularly held in Santa Maria Formosa Church and in La Pieta. Once the School of Painting, this historic palazzo is enhanced by the lovely gardens in which drinks, coffee and breakfast is served.

Residenza C' Bauta is smaller still, with just 7 rooms and 3 suites. It is close to the Fondazione Querini-Stampalia and the San Zaccaria area with its famous churches filled with breathtaking artwork by some of the Venetian masters. The receptionist will be sporting her traditional baute, a cloak worn during Carnival and first worn here, hence the name of this boutique hotel. The suites here are worth splashing out on for the extra space, private terrace and the jacuzzi bathtub.

San Clemente Palace is the ultimate island retreat, set in a former monastery on its own island, yet just a few minutes by motor launch from all the famous sights. Definitely one of the most opulent luxury hotels in Venice, the San Clemente Palace enjoys a serene setting with unique views of this historic city. Enjoy the gardens and swimming pool, the spacious and elegant rooms with antique furniture and luxurious fabrics. Truly one of the best luxury hotels in Venice for those splashing out on a honeymoon or special event.

Alex Brey co-founded Luxique, and has had a passion for travel for more than 20 years. So much so, he convinced others to join him in his pursuit to create a travel documentary highlighting some of the globe's finest destinations. During an almost three year process, he got to stay in some outstanding luxury hotels, soak up some vibrant cultures and enjoy some of the world's finest cuisines. He realized that the decision-making process for planning the perfect trip - from choosing the destination to getting the right hotel room - was something that could be improved. And so came the birth of Luxique, the website that caters for the discerning traveler.

More information available at Luxique

An Insiders Guide to Venice

It is said by most that have visited Venice that there is no other city quite like it in the world. Having said that, a lot of these people tend to only visit the once to see the tourist hotspots and tick them off the list. There is a lot more to Venice than the gondolas!

One way to see the city is by taking the lift up the campanile in St Mark's Square for the superb views. This is very popular so be prepared to queue. In my eyes, the 360º panorama view is definitely worth the wait. Expect to pay €3 for the lift to the top of the tower. The best time to visit is probably the early morning, when the locals are out and about going about their day to day lives. An excellent place for people watching.

Many people often forget to pay a visit to Torcello Lagoon Island because it is much further away from the more popular Murano and Burano lagoons. A 50-minute vaporetto ride from Fondamento Nuove takes you to a place so different from the touristy St Mark's Square that you forget you could be in Venice.

If you like the contrasting atmospheres between the lagoon islands and St Marks Square, try taking a a water bus across the lagoon to the Lido, As this is the only lagoon island with roads, try hiring a bike to see the parts of the island the tour buses don't take you. It won't be too strenuous as the 12 kilometres long paths are mostly flat!

If you like to eat out, Make sure you do at lunch time, and not the usual evening time. Most restaurants will offer lunch time offers to get the working venetians to eat with them. Don't expect to pay more than €20 a head. Make sure you bear in mind that you are in Venice so lunch time tends to be from 2pm onwards. For dinner, consider shopping at one of the cities markets in the morning and having a picnic type meal watching the sun set in one of the many public spaces.

To find out more about other exciting attractions Venice has to offer, there are plenty of Travel Guides available. These can give you advice from travellers with firsthand knowledge of your chosen destination.

A Bizarre Museum in Florence

"Ooooooooooooo!" I heard a chorus of horrified exclamations as a group of Italian school children entered the Zoological Museum in Florence. It housed one of the most interesting and bizarre assortments of artifacts I'd ever seen.

Of the museum's three collections the most fascinating and eerie was one of anatomic waxes created by artists in the 1600's to help medical students study the human body and learn anatomy without having to actually touch a cadaver. There are ten rooms lined with case after case that display wax bodies and body parts. The bodies have been split open and all the veins, blood vessels and fat are detailed. Perhaps most intriguing are 38 models showing how a baby develops in a mother's uterus during each stage of pregnancy. Modern day medical experts are amazed at the accuracy and detail of these models that were made over four hundred years ago.

The nearly two thousand wax pieces painted in bright reds, greens and yellows have a sort of macabre beauty about them. Whether you are walking by a bony hand, its skin torn back so you can see the tendons, muscles and blood vessels; or a model showing in minute detail what a fallopian pregnancy looks like; you can't help but admire the skillful artist who created these wax works. It is clear Clemente Susini; the sculptor who molded and painted all the figures is still admired by artists today. On our visit to the Zoological Museum we saw numerous art students sitting in front of the various displays of human body parts and trying to do sketches of what they saw. One young artist sat perfectly still staring at a human head. It had been titled sideways and the skin pulled off the skull so all the brain matter spilled out on the table for examination. There were moments in the Zoological Museum when I felt like I was in the middle of a Frankenstein movie set.

The second collection of the museum contains thousands of mammals, reptiles, birds, insects, fish and amphibians. The Medics, Florence's ruling family in the period between 1360 and 1737 sent explorers all over the world to collect items for this nature museum. Some specimens are stored in formaldehyde but many have been stuffed using what are obviously very old fashioned and primitive methods of taxidermy. You can see literally every animal species here from the smallest hummingbird to a huge sharp toothed grinning hippopotamus.

The last collection in the museum houses display boxes of fairly gruesome scenes created in the late 1600's by a wax artist named Gaetano Zumbo. One is entitled The Effects of Syphilis and another The Plague. Each features a multitude of decaying and dismembered corpses. Little babies lie dead beside their mothers whose bodies rest on piles of human skulls. Toothless, white haired, naked elderly are splayed on the rocks outside a cave. It's a graphic reminder of the devastation brought about by disease in the time before modern medical technology.

As I made my way out of the Zoological Museum a busy, bustling crowd of middle school students entered one of the rooms filled with eviscerated wax cadavers. Oooooooooooo they screamed almost in unison horror. Even though I don't speak Italian it wasn't hard to guess what they were probably talking about as they walked beside the display cases.

The Zoological Museum in Florence isn't the easiest place to find. It's on a narrow winding street and you have to walk up four flights of stone stairs to reach the floor where the displays are housed. It's worth the steep climb!

Imperial Extravagance - Luxury Hotels in Rome

Some would say Rome began it all: Empire, luxury, decadence and pure aesthetic beauty. Despite the rise and fall of dynasties, today Rome retains its imperial status and remains one of the world's premiere cultural epicentres and luxury hotel destinations. Come for the art, the food or to stand in the St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. Whatever you come for, Rome is sure to steal your heart and lure you back, especially if you happen to lose a few coins in the Trevi Fountain.

Where to stay

Residenza Napoleone III: walking through the grand wooden doors of this luxury hotel is like passing through a portal to Rome's luxurious past. Opulent historical furnishings fill every room, from antique paintings and sculptures to ancient columns and artefacts. Each of the three enormous guest rooms features original oil paintings, hand-stencilled walls, tapestries and silk linens. Guests are catered to throughout their stay with a range of services from private tour guides and chauffeurs to spa services on request.

Aldrovandi Palace: the perfect place to indulge in seclusion without leaving the heart of the city, this palatial, luxury hotel is tucked away into an upscale residential sector of Rome. The owners offer their guests an urban resort experience with extravagant amenities, including a private park and garden, tennis, golf and polo facilities and an haute cuisine restaurant headed by culinary genius Alfonso Iaccarino.

What to see

Vatican City: Vatican hill has a universal draw, not only for those of religious inclination but also for lovers of art, architecture, beauty and spirituality, all of which are present in throughout the city and in St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world. Housing some of the most valuable artistic treasures and religious artefacts throughout the ages, the Basilica, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and Vatican City are well worth the hours in line you will surely be waiting.

The Trevi Fountain: while Rome is known as the city of seven hills, it is also, arguably, the city of fountains. From Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona to Ceccarini's fountain of Neptune in Piazza del Popolo, the Trevi is perhaps the greatest of these national treasures and is also the largest Baroque fountain in the city. This may be another obvious attraction, and it will certainly be swarming with tourists at any given time; but on a quick weekend away, once you've hit the Vatican and this masterpiece of liquid and marble, a mere Euro coin tossed over your shoulder can ensure your eventual return to take on the subtler nuances of this great city.

Tom Ingrams is a travel writer who specialises in the higher end of the market. On a recent trip to Rome, he stayed in some of the city's best luxury hotels.

Weekend Beaks to Venice

The ideal place for small breaks, Venice is perhaps the most gorgeous and idealistic town in Europe. It is actually an astonishing destination, this floating town is one of Italy's riches and has enthused and stimulated artists, singers, poets and writers for many decades. Its churches and museums are house to invaluable works of art and its collapsing buildings only add to the added sophisticated feeling that trickles from the zigzag passageways and flowing canals.

Frequently we have visualized Venice in so many movies and pictures that we all have an representation of this city embedded on our brains; however the Queen of the Adriatic by no means fails to live up to its status. Water laps at the foot of palaces, bobbling boats line up the canals and the sight across the water from the Palazzo Ducale is just amazing and out of this world and seems as Canaletto decorated it.

Established approximately fifteen hundred years ago on a group of 117 islands, Venice is an amalgamation of small districts. The churches and public squares now connected by a network of zigzag laneways and canals are edged by architectural trinkets - all that remnants of the city's glory days as one of the most significant business connections between the East and West.

Ever since its credited days Venice has not changed so much, its magnificent medieval constructions are jammed in a time twist that no one dare challenge or upset. An ultimate city for tiny breaks Venice is very compact and ideal for walking but you can get lost among the city's snaky lanes.

Even though the chief views such as St Mark's Square and Basilica, the Rialto Bridge and the Palazzo Ducale are crowded with large number of people all the year around from all over the world, at the same time it is not complicated to get away from the crowds. The backside streets are creased with buildings that in any other city would be most important attractions, the museums are bursting with riches and the drowsy islands of Italy's most well-known lagoon embraces glories of their own.

The everlasting magnificence of Venice will make an impression even on the most cynical of travelers. Make a quick visit to Venice as it may have a flashy and a colorful past but it also has a vague future. The ever increasing number of travelers and thinning local population cause danger to its position as a highly structured theme park and increasing water levels intimidate to flood its palaces, cathedrals and museums

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Rome

When one refers to Rome, it comes across as an exciting and beautiful city, which always reminds people of its past. Rome is the capital of Italy and comprises of multiple bistros and cafes, excellent nightlife, well-lit and lively streets and squares. Visitors, one can visit early monuments, Middle Age and Renaissance structures and fountains, and world-class museums.

Rome has already celebrated 2760 anniversaries. The city celebrates its anniversary on April 21st ever year, which is a public holiday. The city enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate, which makes it enjoyable to visit in autumn, spring and at times in the winter months. However, in July and August, the weather becomes hot and humid.

The city has a population of more than 3,700,000 people and is in the Central European Time zone. Important airports are the Leonardo Da Vinci airport, located 11 miles from center city and the Ciampino Airport. Rome is well connected by railroads. One may avail of tickets from vending machines located inside domestic and international arrival halls and at railway stations.

Rome runs a well-coordinated and helpful bus network within the city. People may also decide to use the standard yellow and white licensed taxis with meters. Rates are fixed but one may have to pay additional charges depending on baggage, late night hours, as well as on Sundays and holidays.

While sightseeing in Rome, it is advisable to walk. This is attributed to the geographical area of the country, which is relatively small. Places of historic importance are spread over a small area and shopping centers and The Vatican are all located close by. The city offers a plethora of sites and sounds for all visitors. From museums and art galleries to the magnificent Coliseum, there is enough endearing beauty in the city to have everyone spellbound.

Rome provides detailed information on Rome, Rome Hotels, Cheap Flights Rome, Ancient Rome and more. Rome is affiliated with Venice Beach California.

Best Places in Florence, Italy

Italy has been the place being known due to its tourists' attractions and history. It is also being adjudged as the cradle of the medieval period. Many things had taken place long before, which made Italy a great place to visit in. With its history, it also turned Italy one of the most famous place that people love to visit nowadays. In Italy, we can have the chance to find those meaningful architectures which made them historical and famous, and among these things are found in Florence.

Florence is one of the cities of Italy where you can find lots of amazing stuff and things which you have not seen even before. IF you are going to wonder about the most ancient spots, you can always find it in Florence. If you wanted to have your vacation, you can have Florence, as among the place that you can visit. There are no regrets for you for sure since it is a very popular place for travelers like you. The best things that you can do in order to have a meaningful stay in Florence is to make your reservations, since we know the fact that today is the season of joy, happiness and travel. Make sure to visit each place which made the place of Florence valuable to the various Florentine, and as well as with the whole world.

There are several places that you can choose to visit in, which for both adult and children. Upon your visit in Florence, you will be overwhelmed with the things that they have treasured for a long year, and among these things are the masterpieces of those famous artists in the history. Have your chance to glance at their wanders, and for sure you will be filled with much happiness with the famous place of Florence, Italy.