Italy Tourism

The Best Sites of Venice, Italy

2011-10-27T21:41:00.001-07:00

If a list of the most preferred destinations in Europe was compiled, a place that would stand in the top ranks has to be the Italian paradise called Venice. Referred to as a city of canals, Venice is one of the must see places that tourists crave to visit. Of growing importance to the Italian economy, the city draws huge amount of revenue from the tourism industry. Moreover, Venice has been perpetually important since the earliest of times due to its prominence in terms of art, culture. In case you are planning a trip to Venice and are constrained by time, here is a list of the three best Venetian spots that truly sums up the entire city within them.

St Mark's Basilicais the stamp of Venetian culture and traditions. A superb blend of Gothic and Byzantine schools of architecture, the Basilica is the cathedral church of the Venetian Archdiocese of Roman Catholic affiliation. The architecture, both exterior and interior, is awe-inspiring and most tourists are taken by surprise at the intricacies housed within such lavish designs. The mosaics are renowned across the globe. Of historical importance, the monument dates back to 828.

If there is one spot that is synonymous with Venice itself, it has to be the Grand Canal. This is one of the most important waterway traffic corridors of the Italian city. A gondola tour across the canal is a must do activity to indulge in. They say that Venice is incomplete without the canal and after a trip on a gondola, most tourists agree with it. Extending over 800 meters, it houses star attractions of Venice on both its banks. The Grand Canal finally ends in the St. Mark basin and the Santa Lucia station at either end.

If there has to be just one more destination to squeeze into a trip to Venice, then explore the majestic St. Mark's Square. Of lasting historical fame, due to being labeled the Drawing room of Europe, by Napoleon, the Square is the center of Venetian life. In short, this is the public square where tourists can find a number of local delights to please their tourist senses. This is the social-political hub of the city. Simply close your eyes and absorb the buzz all round. They say that every city has its own sounds and smells.....this is where such a statement comes to life.

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Venice - The Magnificent Romantic City for Your Luxury Family Holidays

2011-10-27T21:40:00.003-07:00

The moment you arrive in Venice you realize that you have landed in some surreal place, a place that gives you a magical and wonderful experience. Yes, as soon as you stagger out of Venice metro station and 'wham' you are instantaneously transported to some other world. There are many adjectives that come to one's mind when on luxury family holidays to Venice such as quixotic, appealing, amorous, relaxing and amazing. And, yet these adjectives fail to do justice in describing Venice because you can feel and see the beauty of Venice but it is quite another story when one comes to reproduce it. Words cannot describe nor portray the real charm of Venice.

Being Europe's most popular family friendly holiday destinations, it is also one of the most peaceful cities in Europe. Again, the city keeps buzzing with various activities and yet you would find no chaos here. Venice can be bit overpriced but when it comes down to it, there is nothing quite as romantic after a long Venetian dinner with your beloved family. When you settle back into the plush seats with your family and slide through the waters of Venice's back canals guided by the expert oar of a gondolier, your family friendly holidays become no less than luxury family holidays. So, it would not be wrong to say that Venice is a land of contrasts.

In addition to the heavenly gondola ride, you have lots more thrilling options in Venice to see. There is St. Mark Square which looks incredibly amazing and there is Byzantine Basilica which is simply breathtaking. The Doge's Palace with its gothic architecture will spellbound you and Scuola Grande di San Rocco with its beautiful façade will take you to another world. Simply saying, when you venture out on your gondola, you will see that Venice has one alluring vista after the next.

And, if you thought that Venice only offers its tourists some wonderful things to see, then you are hugely mistaken. Venice with all its charms also has to offer you with an opportunity to buy couture clothing, Venetian glass, delightful souvenirs and marvelous jewelry. Apart from knowing what all to see on your family friendly holidays to Venice, the foremost thing that you need to know is when to visit it. First of all, you should know Venice is crammed with tourists during the summer season so, it is best to plan your holidays in off season to get better prices for everything.

To know more on when and how to visit Venice, visit http://www.quovadistravel.co.uk and book your luxury family holidays right away.

Tips on a Vacation in Venice (Venezia)

2011-10-27T21:40:00.001-07:00

Venice (Venezia) still remains one of the most romantic, lovely and interesting places left in the world. Venice is situated in the North Eastern part of Italy, comprises of 117 small islands situated along the Adriatic sea in the Venetian lagoon,400 bridges of which makes it a number destination.The city (Rialtine islands) are linked by the 150 canals, and 400 bridges.

The classical Venetian boat is a Gondola, which in the olden days was the main transport. Venice, is easily walk-able, as it is absent of cars consequently making it a particularly pleasant experience. As an indication one can walk from one end to the other in approximately an hour. If you would like to get around a bit more quickly, then use the Water Taxi's or Water Buses called vaporetti. There are numerous vaporetti on the canals.

Or with your luxurious motor-launch boat tour of the Grand Canal brings the magic of Venice alive. You will learn about the origins and evolution of Venice's most important street, the "Grand Canal". You can comfortably sit and take photographs whilst you take this fascinating journey listening to the detailed commentary provided by your guide as all boats are equipped with microphones and speakers so you can clearly hear the commentary.

But the best and romantic way to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of this magnificent city built on water is by the Gondola, can you imagine gliding up Venice's Grand Canal and the many minor canals. Discovering the diverse areas of the city and enjoy a thorough introduction to the city of Venice. The Gondola is ideal being small enough to navigate the minor canals, here you will be able to see where all the splendid palaces are, churches, bridges, gardens and warehouses all lining the city's waterways.

The weather in Venice is rather hot and humid during summer. Heavy rainfall is experienced in November and December. Coldest months are January and February. A point to remember, Venice can be flooded with high waters in autumn and winter. Security measures are taken when the tide is high by recommended alternative routes for the pedestrians.

Currency Is Euro. .

Accommodation suggestions Venetian hotels have an aesthetic value added to their facade with much of the Venice's historical significance. Some have been built from historic palaces, elegant buildings this makes them even more unique lodgings for the travellers.

Hotel Cipriani & Palazzo Vendramin. Giudecca 10, 30133. Tel: (041) 520-7744 The Palazzo Vendramin and connecting Palazzetto are two 15th century buildings linked to the Hotel Cipriani through an ancient courtyard and flowered passage-way, on the tip of Giudecca Island, this iconic Orient-Express hotel commands the most beautiful views of the lagoon and Doge's Palace. Steeped in Venetian style, it is known for interiors decorated in exquisite local artifacts.

San Clemente Palace Hotel, di San Clemente 1, San Marco 30124. Tel. (041) 244-5001. Set on the 17 acre private island of San Clemente - an untouched retreat on the Venetian lagoon dating from the 12th century, boasting magnificent views of St.Mark's, Giudecca Island and the Lido. It is only 12 minutes away from St.Mark's Square by complimentary shuttle boat.

Bauer Il Palaz Hotel, San Marco, 1459, 30124. This luxury, 5 star hotel is set in an 18th Century historic palace features uniquely decorated and furnished rooms with the most refined furniture such as, gold-plated mirrors, tapestries, Murano glass chandeliers, and accessories. Most rooms have a balcony or a terrace with breathtaking view over the town, the Grand Canal and Saint Marc basin.

Hotel Rialto. Riva del Ferro / Ponte di Rialto, San Marco 5149, 30124. Tel. (041) 520-9166. In the historic, artistic, and commercial heart of Venice.Traditionally furnished Venetian rooms and suites. It is in a unique and enviable position overlooking the Grand Canal, just across from Rialto Bridge, one of the most beautiful and suggestive spots of the city.

Hotel Marconi, Riva del Vin, San Polo, 729. Tel. (041) 522-2068. The Marconi overlooks the famed Rialto Bridge on Venice's Grand Canal. The rooms are decorated in a traditional Venetian style. It is surrounded by historic markets and traditional Veneto restaurants.

Albergo Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo. San Marco, 1107, 30124. One of the oldest Hotels in Venice with more than seven centuries of tradition in serving famous people. During its history people like the Duke of Aosta, Richard Strauss and Sir Winston Churchill stayed at the Cavalletto Doge Orseolo. The Hotel is located few meters away from St. Mark's Square and with classic Venetian rooms facing Bacino Orseolo.

Hotel Giorgione. Cannaregio Ss. Apostoli 4587, Cannaregio, 30121. Tel. (041) 522-5810. If you are looking for an elegant setting for your stay in Venice, then the Hotel Giorgione is ideal. Set in an 18th century building, it has a beautiful courtyard and fountain. Converted to a luxury hotel in the early 19th century, the Giorgione Hotel retains its stylish atmosphere with antique Venetian furniture, Murano glass lamps and fine fabrics. Set in the quiet, yet strategically central Cannaregio quarter, the hotel is only 5 minutes away from the Rialto Bridge, and 10 minutes from Saint Mark's Square.

Ca' Gottardi. Cannaregio, 2283 - 30121. Tel. (041) 275-9333. Ca' Gottardi a typical Venetian Inn & Guest House with historic palazzo, close to the Rialto Bridge one of the most sophisticated boutique hotels in Venice where traditional art and innovative design combine in rare elegance.

Albergo Cavalletto. San Marco, 1107 - 30124. Tel. (041) 520-0955. All rooms are classically furnished in Venetian style, some rooms offer charming views of the gondolas in the Orseolo Basin.

Residenza Ai Giardini Castello 747-448, Venice 30122, Tel. (041) 812-3037, is one that has authentic elegant rooms and set apart from the tourist's type accommodation.

Ca' dei Dogi, Corte Santa Scolastica, Castello 4242, Tel. (041) 241-3751 An antique Venetian palace dating back to the 15th century featuring Venetian details such as marble and mosaics. It is located close to the Palazzo Ducale and the Bridge of Sighs.

Hotel Antiche Figure. Santa Croce 686, Tel. (041) 275-9486 Conveniently located just 300 meters from Santa Lucia Station, this hotel features a beautiful garden restaurant where you can relax with a drink after a day sightseeing. Figure has a romantic view of the Grand Canal.

Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo, S. Croce 2063, Tel. (041) 524-4797 it is conveniently located in the heart of Venice.Its ten elegant rooms, combining traditional beauty and modern comfort, occupy two levels of a finely restored building in a tranquil neighborhood.

Obviously there are many more places of accommodation worthy of mention, but unfortunately cannot list them all.

Eating - Restaurants, the following are a few suggestions before we proceed to, "what to go and look at".

Venice has some wonderful restaurants, featuring the cuisine of the Veneto. Their specialties include polenta, risotto, and pasta with cuttlefish ink sauce. You are never disappointed with the services offered.

Diners should however be aware that for every genuine wonderful restaurant or trattoria, there are many others another serving far lesser quality food at inflated prices. A good indication is if there is a waiter/s outside the premises with menus encouraging business, these places are probably best avoided.

Antico Martini, Campiello della Fenice, S. Marco 2007 - 30124 Tel. (041) 522-4121. A luxury restaurant, beautiful decor, with a romantic atmosphere, Antico Martini attracts connoisseur's who come to enjoy unforgettable flavors.

Restaurant Antiche Carampane, San Polo 1911. Tel. (041) 524-0165. Meters away from the Rialto Bridge, located in the heart of Venice. It is a restaurant renowned for its Venetian cuisine.

Restaurant La Caravella, Via XXII Marzo 2398. Tel. (041) 520-8901. Historical Restaurant, near St. Mark's Square, known since the 60's and has become a must if you like typical traditions dishes, also they have large selection of wines.

Osteria Antico Giardinetto, Calle dei Morti 2253, Santa Croce, Tel (041) 722-882 in the back streets of San Polo, Giardinetto serves traditional Venetian dishes such as salted cod, seafood risotto.

Antico Dolo, San Polo 778. An old seafood restaurant close to Rialto Bridge, where their fresh seafood comes daily from the adjacent Rialto Market.

Do Farai, Dorsoduro 3278. Tel. (041) 277-0369. A must to try their daily fresh razor shell-fish and Pasta.

Trattoria Dai Fioi, Via Miranese 9A, Venice Mestre.Tel. (041) 983-395. Small trattoria offering dishes with products sourced from the local area.

Trattoria Borghi, S. Basilio 1526, Tel. 041 521 0028 a small restaurant, but it is away from the main touristy area. Well known for their pasta and other delicacies.

Algiubagio Restaurant, Cannareggio 5039, Fundamente Nuove, Tel. (041) 523-6084. For the perfect evening what more could one ask, a creative menu, in a delicate atmosphere.

Bistrot de Venise, San Marco 4685, Calle dei Fabbri, Tel. (041) 523-665. A Historical Venetian Cuisine of a gastronomic journey back in time to the ancient tastes and aromas of Venice.

Now that we have eaten, It is time to look around at the famous attractions of Venice.

An absolute must if you're a first-time visitor to Venice, the Grand Canal Boat Tour, it will not only provide you with memories that will last a lifetime, but you will learn where and how to find all the famous landmarks that you will be able visit during your stay in Venice.

In Venice there are 417 bridges still visible,of which 72 are private. Among them 300 bridges are made of stone, 60 made of iron, the other 57 made of wood. Until the thirteenth century Venice was only built on groups of islands separated by channels. To get to the other side they laid wooden boards across the channels, but nothing joining the Grand Canal banks.

Not suggesting seeing all of these, but a few listed below are worthy of as you walk around.

Ponte di Rialto crosses the Grand Canal being the oldest and most famous Venetian bridge built during the 16th century on 12,000 wooden stakes. It was closely connected to the market activities hence the name "Ponte di Rialto". The present bridge was built by Antonio del Ponte in 1591, similar to the former bridge constructed out of wood. Today the bridge has a central portico and two inclined ramps in which shops have been constructed.

Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs) was built during the 16th century. The enclosed bridge is made of white limestone and has windows with stone bars. It connects the old prisons with the rooms of the Doge's Palace. "Bridge of sighs"name came from the "sighs" of the prisoners from the Venetian Republic in a final opportunity to view the city before they were led to their cells or to the executioner.

The Ponte degli Scalzi (Bridge of the Barefoot) is one of the three bridges which cross the Grand Canal. It was designed by Eugenio Miozzi and completed in 1934, as a replacement for an Austrian iron bridge.

Academy Bridge, The Academy Bridge (Ponte dell Accademia) is named because it crosses the Grand Canal at the Galleria dell Accademia. It is not a new bridge but it is interesting for its high arch construction and the fact that it is wooden.

Scalzi Bridge. When arriving in Venice via rail to the Santa Lucia Station, the Scalzi Bridge will be the first bridge you will cross after disembarking. The Scalzi Bridge dates from 1934 named for the nearby Chiesa degli Scalzi, literally the "church of the barefoot monks," the Scalzi Bridge is an elegant stone span that links the Santa Croce and Cannaregio neighborhoods.

Calatrava Bridge. The last bridge constructed in the City (2008) is the one designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. This is the fourth bridge crossing the Grand Canal that links Piazzale Roma car parking with Santa Lucia train station.

Next, important places to visit in Venice.

San Marco Square. The Columns of San Marco and San Teodoro were brought from Constantinople and were erected in Piazzetta in the 12th century. A statue of San Teodoro is set on top of one column and on the other a bronze winged lion which is considered as a symbol of Venice.

Saint Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) is a "must see" This building was rebuilt in the 11th century. The interior is molded with more than two square kilometers of beautiful mosaics, it contains treasures such as the "Pala d'Oro", masterpiece of Gothic-Byzantine goldsmith's art, precious glasses, amphora's, cups and icons. Walk out on to the roof to view St. Mark's square.

Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale). This incredible example of Gothic architecture was the official residence of the Venetian ruler. It houses a thousand years of history, you can admire the precious paintings by Tintoretto, Tiziano and Veronese. Discover the section of the palace where the city's administration worked from. There is the most wonderful five hundred year old roof structure. Not forgetting the jail Casanova spent some years before escaping.

Correr Museum (on San Marco Square) Displays an Interesting collection of globes starting from the 16th century. There is also an archeological museum of Roman antiques and an important picture gallery.

Bell-tower of St.Mark (Campanile di San Marco) rebuilt identically as it was prior to its collapse in 1902. Suggest you go up at the changing of the hour where you will not only hear the bells but admire the incredible view of Venice and the lagoon.

Clock tower (Torre dell' Orologio) Take a fascinating guided tour of the clocks mechanism and rooftop bell. The restored Clock Tower displays time in Roman numerals. It also shows the moon phases and the Zodiacs.

Marciano Museum, contains the original copy of the large bronze horses that at one time were displayed situated outside the basilica of San Marco. Also displayed are manuscripts, fragments of ancient mosaics and also some antique tapestries.

La Fenice Theater this is a historic theater, it was destroyed by fire 1996 and an identical reconstruction was completed in 2003. Visit using "audio-guide" as it will give you a better appreciation.

Scuola grande di San Rocco. Discover some of the most beautiful works of Tintoretto. It also displays an exquisite example of Manierist art.

Accademia Gallery. This Academy of Venice is one of the most prestigious in Italy of Venetian School from the middle age collection paintings to masters of the Renaissance. A must see.

Archaeological Museum. Here you will see an important collection of Greek and Roman sculpture, including several Greek originals from the classic period.

Ca' Pesaro. A beautiful palace housing the gallery of modern art, focusing on Italian art in the 19th Century.

Ca' Rezzonico - A Venetian Palace of the 18th Century. It is like stepping back in time as it "recreates" the atmosphere of the domestic Venetian Nobles. On the ground floor you will find a classic example of a gondola. This boat is around 11 meters long and a weight of 600 kilograms. One single boatman with a single Oar can quickly move it along the vast stretches of water.

The Palazzo Fortuny Museum Once owned by the Pesaro family, this large Gothic Palazzo in Campo San Beneto was transformed by Mariano Fortuny into his own atelier of photography, stage-design, textile-design and painting. The building retains the rooms and structures created by Fortuny, together with tapestries and collections. The working environment of Mariano Fortuny is represented through precious wall-hangings, paintings, and the famous lamps.

The Peggy Guggenheim Museum, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni to the east of the Accademia Bridge. The Peggy Guggenheim Museum offers a personal collection of modern art. Peggy was an American who lived there for more than thirty years married to modern artist Max Ernst. The gallery includes a sculpture garden and works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Serini, Duchamp, Pollock, Dali, and Mondrian.

Other museums include:

Natural History Museum.
Scala ontarini del Bovolo.
Naval History Museum.
Palazzo Grassi.

San Giovanni e Paolo. A beautiful Dominican church with fine paintings here you will see tombs of many Doges.

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. A large church where you will enjoy the beautiful monuments and magnificent paintings.

Santa Maria dei Miracoli. A church, simple in form but ornamented with a fine exterior of marble facings.

The Jewish Ghetto is located in Cannaregio district. A Jewish community has been present in Venice since 1152 consisting then of approximately 1300 people. In 1298 it was forbidden for Jews to reside in Venice so they moved to Mestre and the neighboring areas but still permitted entry to the city for their business activities. Over the years their ban to reside in Venice was lifted by decree of the "Maggior Consiglio" in 1516, it was determined that the Jews had to settle in the area of Cannaregio called Getto. The name Getto originated from the foundries in that location manufacturing and supplying guns to Arsenal. From Getto to "Ghetto" changed since it identified urban areas of European cities in which the Jewish community were forced to live. Jewish life is still very active in the Ghetto and also elsewhere in Venice. This is also the home of five synagogues. Visiting on Saturdays (Jewish Sabbath) all shops and restaurants you will find closed.

Shopping. There is no shortage, "you can shop till you drop" you can find excellent quality leather-wear, shoes, wallets, handbags, in the local boutiques you will find some unique items in clothes. In the vicinity of Piazza San Marco you will find all your Brand Names/label items as in, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Versace etc.

If you would like to buy a mask and at the same time see how they are made try Ca' Macana. In this mask shop if you cannot find one that appeals, then perhaps you did not want in the first place. Also Atelier Marega for a magnificent collection hand-made masks and costumes.

When shopping, beware being offered fakes/imitations in branded items. A couple that you may not have thought possible, like Murano Venetian glass-ware, the Government of Venice protects Murano glass-makers by a decal "Vetro Murano Artistico" trademark at showrooms/shops that sell authentic Murano glass. Another little collector's piece being the exquisite miniature buildings by "Moro", trying to stop the fakes, he personally signs his name on the back of the item.

Speaking of Masks, "The carnival in Venice" it is a popular event not only the Venetians but also for the tourists if you are fortunate in your timing. It lasts for approximately ten days starting usually from the last week in December but can vary. This grand tradition stems back to the thirteenth century.

There is a history behind the "mask" and "Carnival".

"The mask" the masquerading of masks was by everyone from general Venetians to slaves in order to celebrate winter but at the same time to protect themselves from the chilly winter.

"Carnival" the word "carnevale" derived its name from the Latin vocabulary which means "farewell to meat". Meaning a farewell party for the non vegetarian dishes that the Catholic Christians sacrificed by tradition during the fasting weeks before the auspicious Easter.

Although the carnival of Venice had in its earlier years, moments of disappointments as a non event, for instance after the capture of Italy by Napoleon Bonaparte and then the regime of fascist ruler Mussolini. But since the 1980's the Carnival has gained an unstoppable momentum. The Venetians in their native name call this festival, "Carnevale di Venezia".

When you are planning your tour to Venice, try not to miss out on the Islands. Torcello a peaceful tranquil place has an old church. Burano, a pretty fishing village where you can see the Lace museum, the picturesque streets with each house a different shade of pastel. San Geogio dominated by the facade of San Giorgio Maggiore, possibly Palladio's most beautiful creation in Venice, the church boasts of many treasures.

Murano Island, the island is typically known for its Venetian glass-work. Murano is called "Murano Colonna" and owes its name to the still visible granite column. Glass-related attractions include the many glass-works unfortunately some of the best glass blowing factories are not open to tourists, but there are some factories that give demonstrations. Also you will find a Glass Museum housed in Palazzo Giustinian in the center of the island.

Beware of the dishonest people offering to take you on a free boat ride to see the glass-works at Murano. Prices become over-inflated and if you do not buy you will find yourself stranded. Many souvenir shops try to pass off cheap Chinese counterfeit glass as real Murano glass. The Venetian government protects Murano glass-making. So you must look for the "Vetro Murano Artistico" trademark decal at showrooms that retail authentic Murano glass.

Hope I have made a few suggestions that will make your trip that little less stressful and enjoyable.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darryl_Alfred_Jackson

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Huge Savings on Discount Rome Hotels Booking

2011-10-09T23:41:00.004-07:00

Discount Rome hotels booking is actually been the outcome and end result of the manifold advancement in the technology! This is with special regards to the internet field that has hooked us on completely and made it possible now to get booking of any hotel at any point of time at all. Now getting a cheap Rome hotels booking is simply a matter of few seconds. You could choose to book and one of the cheap hotels after reading all the reviews and feedback provided by the people who have had an experience of the same. Booking absolutely any hotel located in any part of the world according to our travel needs is now possible thanks to the cheap booking which can be carried out online with the help of experts.

Discount Rome Hotels Rooms display their won distinct charm of life with a beautiful ambiance and provide necessary services to their visitors. There is a selection of good quality and well-known discount hotels in the city and obviously time to time these hotels provide some Discount Rome hotels to create a center of attention the tourist. Some of the discount Rome hotel rooms come from anywhere between 50 $ to 100 $ a night and provide really good comfort and it services your needs according to your pocket.

Some of the most reasonable hotels that provide Discount Rome Hotels include Hotels such as the Zone, Hotel Priscilla, and Hotel Hermitage. Apart from these there are also other Hotels such as the Madison, Hotel Galles, Hotel Prati, Hotel Daniela and Hotel Marghera. Hotels located in Rome proffers attractive discount schemes for their loyal visitors and guest. Discounts are offered on room rent, dinning facilities, laundry services and much more.

One of the best recommended things is that as mindful travelers try getting their room booking done in prior to their scheduled trip. There are tons of offers an schemes going on in Rome during the off-season. If you want to see Rome in the best form ever then visit it anytime between august when there is hardly any crowd as it is one of the traditional months whereas if you want to experience the damp weather plan a visit in the months of January and February. If you are looking forward to getting cheap Rome hotels booking done then using the internet is certainly the best way to go about doing the same.

DisRooms offers Discount Rome Hotels and online reservation services for Cheap Hotel Rooms. Book your hotel room with best discounted room rates at Discount Hotels.

Choosing a Good 2 Star Rome Hotel

2011-10-09T23:41:00.002-07:00

Searching for a Rome hotel, especially for 2 star hotels is often difficult, even for the most experienced of travellers. This is because standards of the accommodation offered can vary greatly between properties. Basically, we should not forget that Rome is an old city and more so in and around the historic centre. Therefore, rooms in hotels often tend to be smaller, especially if we were to compare them to the kind of accommodation in North America or more modern cities. Also, a recent phenomenon is the "boutique hotel", these are often small 2 star hotels which offer an excellent standard of accommodation at very good rates. It would be safe to say that a 2 star Rome hotel is generally of an acceptable quality and reasonably priced, although you should always be aware that every rule has its exception!

There is a high concentration of 2 star hotels in the city centre, especially around Termini train station. With respect to the cost of accommodation, this can greatly fluctuate depending on which part of the year you are planning to visit Rome. The high season is from April to June, September and October, and any of the national bank holidays. The lowest season is from December and June and many excellent offers are also available during August. Generally, the rates are related to the quality of the accommodation offered, but bargains can be found. Below you will find 3 good choices for a 2 star Rome hotel, all of which are well located and offer very reasonable rates.

2 star Hotel Virginia Rome is a well-established and popular property located close to the city's main train and metro station, assuring direct access to the whole of the city and its amazing tourist attractions. The hotel has been offering visitors clean and comfortable accommodation since 1960 and have a very good track record in providing a friendly and professional service. Rooms are basic and have been carefully decorated and furnished. Air conditioning is also available in all the en suite rooms, and a breakfast voucher is offered to all guests which entitles you to a Italian breakfast (coffee and pastry) at the nearby cafe.

2 star Hotel Giubileo Rome is another 2 star hotel conveniently located near to the city's main transport hub of Termini Station. The hotel faces one of the city's impressive basilicas, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and this is an excellent location from which to tour the city on foot. You will feel instantly at home thanks to the warm welcome from the professional staff, who will gladly provide you with any information you may need during your stay. All the guest rooms are en suite and air conditioned, and have been comfortably equipped and furnished. A complimentary breakfast is available which is served at the hotel's small roof terrace.

2 star Hotel Buonarroti Home Rome is again located just a short distance from Termini Train Station, in the Monti area of the historic centre. Here you will find a good selection of authentic restaurants, pizzerias, cafes and bars. This small Rome hotel provides clean and affordable guest rooms, all of which have a private bathroom and have been fitted out with a wide selection of creature comforts, such as internet connection, air conditioning, mini bar and safety deposit box. Another worthy asset of this hotel is its friendly and welcoming staff, who can provide some great tips on what to do and see in Rome.

HotelsChart, based in Rome, Italy, has a wide selection of hotels in Rome, including the above. They offer both a real-time and secure booking process, as well as some great bargains, if you are looking for a 2 star Rome hotel: http://www.hotelschart.com/rome/2-star-hotels-rome.htm. For more information on Rome, visit Rome's Official Tourist Board.

Experience the World Class Rome Hotels

2011-10-09T23:41:00.000-07:00

The journey of the city of Rome started during 10th century BC as a small agricultural community. It was founded on the Italian peninsula located on the bank of Mediterranean Sea. It became one of largest empires of the ancient world. The roman civilization dominated it through many conquests. Its development in the ancient times still influences today. The city was great center for law, art, war, architecture, technology, festival, religion, language, culture, paintings and sculptures. It has contributed a lot to the development of other part of world. The history of Rome is still known and influencing to the rest of the world. People across the world like to visit this highly developed metro of ancient times. The city has still all its ancient monument, art and civilization in the museums. You can view everything in the museums that represents ancient Rome. Rome has many other unique arts which are existence of skilled artisan of Rome. The Roman civilization has brought major development to the city. Rome is also known to have world's biggest open air museum. It is most photogenic city in the world.

If you are here in a tourist plan you must explore all the most famous destinations that are truly worth to visit. Such destinations which are top in the list of the tourist are Trevi fountain, Colosseum, The Vatican, St, Peter's square, Spanish steps. The city is also a romantic place for newly wed couples. This is a favorite holiday destination to millions of people and a fashionable city for fashionable people. A lot of sight seeing and tourist attraction places are found in plenty. For a tourist you have restaurants, world class hotels, pubs, entertainment, park, coffee house and beaches to fulfill every need. Every individual has his own preference and for everybody, Rome has something to offer. You will like to stay here more when your vacation will come to end. You will think to reschedule your travel plan. May be you can plan to come here again for a much leisure time. From the tourist sight, the city is ancient and modern. It is visitor's observation for which purpose they have come here. For those who want to see ancient Rome, there is much to see and for modern viewers the city is available to celebrate in modern style.

Just as Rome is world famous destination so are the hotels of Rome. The hotels are easily available during off season. During peak season you may find difficulty in finding a hotel room. Due to increasing number of visitors every year, the tourist graph is rising and the demand for hotel keeps increasing every year. If you have planned your travel to Rome in advance, never forget to book your hotels first especially if you travelling during peak season. Also book your travel to avoid last minute problems. All hotel information is provided on web and you can choose your preferred hotel to book. Rome hotels are reasonable priced and lavished with all facilities for their customers.

Hotel Rimini Rome - a three stars hotel accommodation in center of Rome. For more information visit Rome Hotels, Rome hotel or hotels in Rome.

Affordable Rome Hotels

2011-10-09T23:40:00.003-07:00

Although Rome is a city of great opulence, it is still fairly easy to get good deals on hotel rooms in this capital of Rome. Whether you prefer to stay in the Modern Center where most shopping and dining places are, the Old Rome where you're surrounded with beautiful cathedrals, the Vatican, or Colosseo, there are cheap hotels that you can stay at.

The Modern Center is an excellent place to look for cheap hotels in Rome, Italy. This is the city's hub of activity and is a home to a huge assortment of hotels including the Hotel Cortorillo Rome, Hotel Malu Rome and Hotel Rubino Rome. All these budget hotels offer rates starting at 40-50. This is a good place to stay when you're in Rome despite the fact that most of the historic places that tourists visit are not situated in this place.

However, the tourists who come to Rome to see the beautiful plazas, cathedrals and lovely piazzas prefer to stay within the city's most charming district. There are several cheap hotels in the Old Rome district, which is the medieval center of Rome. You can get fairly good deals at the La Piccola Maison and Navona Vecchio Suites.

But if you're looking for a place in the Vatican where you can sleep cheap, Hotel Colors, II Castelletto Hotel, Colors Hostel and Casa Frida can provide you with the most economical hotel that gives good service. With prices starting as low as 15, you can surely afford a room in this center of Catholicism.

The Colosseo district is a favorite place of many tourists. This district, which is considered as the hearty of ancient Rome, also has budget hotels that can provide you with safe and affordable place to rest. This includes the Hotel Adas, Hotel Labelle, Hotel Ivanhoe, and the Sunset Roma Guest House Rome.

Well, there really is a great list of cheap hotels in Rome, Italy. And besides having a keen eye for the beautiful places in Rome, you should also scout for the best hotels where you can stay while enjoying this beautiful city.

If you enjoy traveling and would like to read more on some of the most famous places in the world, visit famouswonders.com and also check out Rome Italy hotels.

Rome Hotels - A Brief Guide to Hotel Locations

2011-10-09T23:40:00.001-07:00

Rome is divided in two by the River Tiber. The city is more commonly divided up into different areas for example to the left of the river lies the Vatican and the Trastevere, while the 'Centro Storico' historical centre, Termini, Repubblica, Porta Pia, the Colosseum and the Univerisity area are some of the more popular areas on the right of the river.

The one thing to remember about booking a hotel in Rome is that no matter where you choose to stay you'll never be convenient to all attractions, unless that is, you love walking. Of course this is the best way to see the city, but do remember to wear flat shoes (lots of cobbled streets!) and find yourself a really good street map. Actually you'll have no choice but to walk in the historical centre of the city as cars are not allowed (unless they have a valid permit).

Rome hotels near Termini...
If you're not up for that much walking, you should base yourself near Termini Station (Stazione Termini). Termini Station is the main railway and metro station in the city. From here you can get a train connection to almost any city in Italy. This station is also the point at where the red metro Line A and blue metro Line B meet, as Rome has only two metro lines which cross the city in the shape of an 'X'. From Termini Station you can take the red Line A over to the Vatican, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain or to the Basilica de San Giovanni in Laterano. Or you can take the blue Line B to the Colosseum or Circo Massimo.

More city centre hotels in Rome...
There are lots of hotels in the historical centre of Rome close to top attractions. There are Rome hotels close to the Trevi Fountain and a short walk of the world famous Colosseum and if you want to be based close to the Pantheon, right in the heart of the historical centre, there are actually some Rome hotels which actually occupy the same piazza (square) as the temple!

If you're only a short while in the city and want to make the most of it then choose a hotel in the Centro Storico (Historic centre) which is the heart of the city. The Pantheon can be found in the historic centre of the city in the Piazza della Rotonda. There are lots of lovely winding streets and piazzas to explore in this ancient part of the city like Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori.

Other well located Rome hotels can be found close to Porta Pia, north of Termini Station. Porta Pia has excellent bus connections with the city centre.

For shopping why not choose one of the Rome hotels located in a prime location on a street called Via Nazionale and is just a short walk from Repubblica metro station.

Rome hotels near the Vatican...
If you want to stay near the Vatican you'll have to book your accommodation well in advance as the Vatican is a year round mecca for pilgrims. And although it's always a busy area it's relatively quiet at night compared with other parts of the city centre. There are many Rome hotels within walking distance of the Vatican.

Other Rome hotels...
There are lots of Rome hotels scattered outside the city centre which are perfect if you prefer to be apart from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. You can choose from hotels in the city suburbs like EUR (9km from city) and Nuovo Salario (25 minutes from city centre) or even the coastal destination of Ostia (about half an hour west of Rome).

With such a good transport network (made up of buses and the metro) you won't need a car in this city, but if you do hire a car to discover the wonderful Lazio region you'll want to be located close to Rome's Grande Raccordo Anulare (GRA), the major motorway which orbits the city. There are also some Rome hotels located within a few minutes drive of this ring road.

Rome is a year round destination so it's important to book your hotel well in advance especially if you're coming for a major religious festival (Easter or Christmas). The months of July and August can be uncomfortably hot, which can make visiting attractions and queuing in the heat a chore. It's also worth bearing in mind that if you do decide to come in August, especially around the 15th - don't be surprised if you see a lot of shops and restaurants closed - particularly if you're staying outside the historic centre. This is an annual holiday (the Romans call it Ferragosto) where the local people close their businesses and go on holidays to the coast, as the city can be very hot during this period.

And if you're hiring a car (check out our sister website Novacarhire.com for Car Hire Rome) it's advisable to check with your accommodation first with regards to parking. Onsite parking and even street parking is very rare but most Rome hotels will be able to direct you to a private garage close by.

Hotels in Rome range from 1 star to 5 star. If you're looking for cheap hotels in Rome, choose a 1 or 2 star hotel and try to locate your hotel outside the historic city centre.

Visit our Rome hotels page now and find one that suits your taste and budget.

Hope this helps you to choose the perfect Rome hotel.

Mairead writes for top travel and accommodation website PlacesToStay.com

Visit http://www.placestostay.com to book a wide range of carefully selected hotels in Ireland, Europe and throughout the world at great value prices!

Heading to the Rome? Check out our Rome Hotels page, enter your dates in the search box and we'll show you a comprehensive range of hotels in Rome at irresistible discount prices!

Rome: City of Seven Hills

2011-03-14T01:05:00.001-07:00

Rome, the capital city of Italy, is historically known as 'City of Seven Hills.' According to Roman mythology, the seven hills of early Rome were the Cermalus, Cispius, Fagutal, Oppius, Palatium, Sucusa and Velia. But now the modern 'City of Seven Hills' includes Myrtle, Blossom, Clock Tower, Jackson, Lumpkin and Old Shorter hills and Mount Aventine.

In the beginning, all the seven hills were occupied by different small hamlet and were not grouped or recognized as a city called Rome. The residents of the seven hills started participating in a series of religious games which started bonding the groups together. The city of Rome thus came into being as these separate settlements acted as a group, draining the marshy valleys between them and turning them into markets. Rome became the most beautiful city in the world that soon started governing the whole world.

Five out of seven hills of current Rome are populated with monuments, buildings and parks. The Capitoline now hosts the Municipality of Rome and the Palatine Hill is an archaeological area. The monuments of Rome still stand as a reminder of Rome as one of the greatest centers of western civilization.

The Eternal City is home to rich heritage and art. There are many lavish ancient palaces and one of them is the 'Golden House of Nero'. Built on about 200 acres of land, the palace has a 150 foot statue of Nero in the nude at the entrance. The only ancient building which remains intact today is 'The Pantheon' whose spatial concept makes it an architectural wonder.

Further, there are many more things such as Pantheon, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, Piazza Navona and Capitoline Museum that grab attractions of the visitors from all corners of the globe. The charming city has some of the best collection of inexpensive budget hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars and shopping arcade that promises to make your journey a pleasant one.

Top 5 Gastronomic Experiences in Rome

2011-03-14T01:01:00.001-07:00

When staying in a central city hotel Rome on your Italian holiday, all attempts at maintaining a diet must fall by the wayside. There are incredible gastronomic experiences that are awaiting you all through the city.

Coffee Casanova Style

Think Italian gastronomy and very soon your mind will drift to coffee. Drinking coffee and cafes are a way of life here in Rome, and every Roman has their favourite. One café that has been serving up espresso for hundreds of years is the Antico Café Grecco. This is considered to be one of the world's three oldest cafes, having been operating since 1760. During its expansive history, characters such as Casanova, Lord Byron, Keats and Goethe have all enjoyed their beverages here among the charming décor.

Dining in Trastevere

Across the river from your city hotel, Rome's oldest suburb Trastevere offers a range of authentic dining experiences away from the tourist glare. There are many typical trattorias here filling local Roman tummies each day. One of the most popular of these is Dar Poeta - 'the place' to try out the very best of Roman pizza. Their bruschetta is also a work of art - make sure you try out their honey and gorgonzola variety.

Browse the Markets

Every Roman knows the importance of using the freshest ingredients, and many of them purchase supplies each day at the city's oldest market, the Campo dei Fiori. Wandering the stalls taking in the sights and smells, as well as munching on freshly made street food, is a simple pleasure that has to be experienced while in Rome. The market is open until 1:30pm daily. If you are looking for a sit-down meal around the market, then you ought to pull up a chair at Ristorante Grappolo d'Oro Zampanò, with the tranquil sound of the piazza's fountain serenading you as you munch on one of their specials. The panzanella - tomato and bread soup - is particularly delectable. Rome's other great food market is the Mercato di Testaccio, which is a marvellous place to sample locally produced cheeses.

Do it Yourself Roman Cuisine

Having experienced such a symphony for the senses as you ate your way around the city, you may also want to learn how to recreate some of these rich Roman dishes yourself at home. By taking a cooking course during your stay, you can do just that. Gambero Rosso Cooking School offers courses that last between one day and several weeks.

Satiate the Sweet Tooth

If you have a sweet tooth, then you should head for one of the city's best kept secrets - Dolce Maniera on the Via Barletta. This is a 24-hour bakery that offers affordable and delicious pastries made fresh on site. The nutella-filled cornetto is to die for, and there are so many choices you will be hard pressed to just choose one. Memorise the way to the bakery from your city hotel - Rome can be confusing - and you can return time and again to sample all the goodies on the menu.

While staying in a city hotel Rome, sampling the full range of Roman fare on offer is an absolute must. Knowing where to eat can be intimidating with such an abundance of choice on offer. If in doubt ask a local, as every native Roman has their swathe of personal favourites they are passionate about.

Looking for a city hotel Rome? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for World Hotels, a company offering the best rooms at a Rome centre hotel and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

Landmarks in Rome

2011-03-01T01:02:00.000-08:00

Rome is a city of many wonders, and you could make time to see them all when carefully planning your trip to the Italian capital.

The Pantheon is the first port of call for many people visiting Rome, widely held to be one of the finest examples of Ancient Roman architecture that was repurposed as a Catholic church once Christianity became the dominant religion. But just because you've seen the Pantheon doesn't mean you've seen all that Rome has to offer.

Some of Rome's most famous landmarks are mysterious in origin, including the mighty Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. No one knows the details of who built this epic theatre, believed to be constructed between 70 and 82 AD, but in its day it was capable of hosting audiences of 50,000, attending sport events and gladiatorial battles in the city.

The so-called Mouth of Truth is similarly enigmatic, and historians and architects are still unsure of its original function, though it's believed to have been a vast drain. The statue's name comes from the myth that its mouth would be capable of biting off the hands of liars. Other aspects of Rome's ancient sewer system are equally fascinating, including the Cloaca Maxima which dates as far back as the seventh century BC, and aided drainage from the valleys into the River Tiber.

Water is a common theme in several of Rome's iconic attractions, including the famous Trevi Fountain, dedicated to Italian King Vittorio Emanuele II and built between 1885 and 1911. While the statue is often overrun by splashing tourists during the busier months, visiting off-peak can be a better option if you'd prefer to see Rome's sights at your leisure, as well as ensuring availability of Rome hotels.

If you're drawn to the culture of Ancient Rome and want to find out more, visiting the Roman Forum should be considered a must, which houses many ancient monuments and is a marvel in itself. Many sections of the ancient city walls and gates are still standing too, giving a clearer idea of what Rome may have looked like 2,000 years ago.

Not all of Rome's landmarks are man-made, and you shouldn't ignore the city's natural wonders when visiting the city. From the Seven Hills of Ancient Rome to the River Tiber itself, you'll never be stuck for options to get out of the city and explore the great outdoors when visiting Rome.

Rome Vacation Rentals For Cheap

2011-02-24T01:04:00.000-08:00

Rome Vacation Rentals are a great way to visit the beautiful, historic city without having to pay expensive hotel rates. Of course, that's only if you're willing to stay in a tiny studio apartment with hardly any amenities. If you want to stay in a fancy villa like the Appia Antica, you're going to have to pay through the nose. It will make luxury hotel rates seem like chump change. What if you want more than that though? What if you want to be able to experience the majestic Villa di Fiorano for just a short while and see what it's like to live like a king?

Fortunately, there are ways to stay in the fanciest Rome Vacation Rentals for less than you would pay to stay in a 3 star hotel, but it requires a little flexibility on your part. One option is to try to snatch up the last minute deals that become available and leave that night, though that's hardly the right way to start a vacation. Instead, you need to find the rental owners directly and make a deal through them. This is not nearly as hard as it seems, and could land you a week in a Roman Castle like the Monteporzio Villa, for the same rates you would pay for a studio apartment rental.

The key is to avoid rental agencies, because they have maximum profits in mind. Their goal is to make a ton of money at your expense, and they'll share a portion with the owner. However, by using sites like Facebook, you can very easily locate the owner and cut out the middle man. Since they do not lose any money in the deal, they have no problem allowing you to stay in their large home for the same amount they would be paid by the agency. The result is that you get to choose from the most amazing Rome Vacation Rentals like the 6 bedroom Campo de' Fiori, which comes with a mesmerizing balcony view of Piazza Cinque Scole.

10 Interesting Facts About Rome, Italy

2011-02-18T01:02:00.000-08:00

The modern city of Rome, as legend goes, was built on seven hills. A city that is accustomed to foreign influences, it is known for it architectural treasures. There is a lot more to Rome than we know. Here are some interesting facts to give you an insight into the Roman culture, its history and treasures.

1. The birth of the Eternal City, Rome, which was founded in 753BC, is celebrated every year by Romans on the 21st of April. Celebrations include fireworks, gladiator shows, traditional Roman banquets and parades.

2. The Pantheon which was built in 27 B.C. by Marcus Agrippa is the only monument belonging to ancient Rome that still remains intact. What is even lesser known, is that it entombs Italy's king Vittorio Emanuele II, and his successor, Umberto I.

3. A park in Rome is named the "Park of the Monsters." Not because it is a haunted place but because it is full of grotesque figures like a crude Hercules slaying an Amazon and an ogre's face with a mouth so big that people can even walk through it!

4. The Baths of Caracalla although in a bad state now, were once in their prime days spread across 27 acres and could handle 1,600 bathers at any given time. Built in the 3rd century, they are the largest survivors of Rome's imperial era.

5. Rome has a museum which is entirely dedicated to pasta. The Pasta Museum is a one of its kind around the world and showcases different pasta-making machines, as well as paintings related to pasta by contemporary artists.

6. St Peter's Basilica inside Vatican City is the largest church ever constructed.

7. Rome's Coliseum, a huge amphitheatre which could seat 50,000 people is one among the Seven Wonders of the World.

8. The Monumental Cemetery of the Capuchin Brothers has used the bones of over 4,000 Capuchin monks, some skeletons fully intact, to create symbolic works of art in its series of chapels.

9. The Vatican Museums is a huge museum complex with over 1,000 museums and galleries like the Gallery of Tapestries and Etruscan and Egyptian Museums that are full of masterpieces collected by the successive popes. It is the world's largest museum complex.

10. St. Peter's Basilica was a structure that stood for almost 1,000 years until it neared collapse and was rebuilt by 1500s and 1600s. It is an overwhelming structure which displays the work of some of Italy's greatest artists like Raphael, Michelangelo, and Maderno.

The Irony of Rome and Her Builders

2011-02-14T01:01:00.000-08:00

The meaning of the word 'procrastination' can only be found in the dictionary of Mr. Lazy Bones. Those who have the energy and time to do something useful in life but keep postponing are not worthy of given opportunities to dine with achievers. The reason is that, they have the same opportunities to achieve certain things like others do, yet turn down such chances at the expense of their fortunes in life. In sport, they postpone their time of training for trivial assignments that can never bring home a trophy for their team. In studies, they postpone their time of reading and replace it with other activities that will never give them success in exams. In religious spirituality, they postpone their time of prayers and instead, hook up doing things that will never bring them heaven. This goes on and on and on. But the basic fact is that, even champions train to participate in further tournaments, yet sometimes they end up not retaining it. So why procrastinate instead of doing what will bring you success in life and make you great in history.

I come to discover over the years that there are two kinds of procrastinations. The first is the one that a person keeps saying I will do it latter and end up never to do it before deadline or sometimes in life as the case may be. This kind of procrastination is the worst that can cripples one in a life time. This is because; it fades the strength of a giant and brings him or her to an unexpected defeat in battles that he or she has every advantage on. They keep doing it latter till they never do it at all. The second kind of procrastination is the type that a Nigerian will say "half bread is better than none". But it is not any better than the first one discussed above. In this second procrastination, a person starts a beautiful project but never completes it. The beautiful ideas are there; the energy to work and fully accomplish the best result of the ideas is also available. However, the sustaining spirit or passion to keep the project going until it reaches the finishing level is not there.

Some individuals who fall in the category of this second kind of procrastination sometimes console themselves with the popular saying that, 'Rome was not built in a day'. They forget to know that, if Romans had all the resources needed to build Rome in a day, they would have probably done it. So if one has the time, energy, and other resources needed to do something better in life within a stipulated period of time, he or she should not place or equate him/herself in the position of Romans. Those who start without finishing are not any better than those who really never start at all. Again, if the project does not worth finishing, why even start it? On the other hand, if you can do it now, why push it latter? Every programme postponed by an individual due to procrastination meets another programme which reduces its strength. Procrastination achieves every thing but nothing. Plan your programmes and work diligently towards them. You will be surprise that the result will be great.

The Beginning of the City Called Rome

2011-01-15T01:04:00.000-08:00

According to Roman mythology the history of Rome began in 753 B.C. when a basket, floating on the Tiber River, came ashore near an area called seven hills. According to this legend the basket carried twin babies, Romulus and Remus. Their mother was the daughter of a nearby king, and their father, was supposed to be Mars, the god of war. Their uncle was the villain, who had set them in the basket on the river to protect his title to the throne. Mythology also says that the brothers were found by a she-wolf and she took care of the two babies. Then later on a shepherd found them and took them home, where he and his wife both cared for them.

When they grew up, Romulus and Remus got even with their uncle by replacing him on the throne with their grandfather. Then they built a city at a place called the Palatine Hill. Romulus invited fugitives to his hill and gave them wives by having a festival for a nearby tribe, the Sabines, then taking their women.

The legend of Romulus and Remus is really a far out story and yet based on truth. In mythology, Rome had humble beginnings and also in reality. In this legend Rome had a war god as its progenitor and wolf milk in its stomach, implying that its citizens had an ability for warfare, which they would prove many times.

In the beginning of Rome's history, the city was defeated by a people called the Etruscans, the most prominent civilization in Italy prior to Rome's rise to power. The Etruscans influenced Roman civilization, who had migrated to Italy from Asia Minor, around the 12th century B.C. Their history is a mystery, because their language is not related to any language. Their Italian homeland, which was Etruria, was made up of a confederation of city-states. They were known for their work, such as, metalworking and their fine pottery. The Etruscans were at the peak of their rule during the 6th century B.C. However, by the year 500 B.C. their civilization was headed downward, and at around that time the Romans rose up and took control of their city, creating a republic.

A patrician class in the beginning controlled Rome, but eventually the Plebs, or common people, came into power. In 390 B.C., when Greece and Persia were super powers in the world, Rome still in a weak condition was conquered by the Gauls. However,, during the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C., the Romans became conquerors of both central and southern Italy. Then, Roman armies went into Greece, where they were both conquerors and conquered. They defeated the Greek armies, but they were overtaken by Greek culture and brought back to Rome a desire for fine art and literature.

Rome's most powerful adversary was now the city of Carthage, who ruled North Africa and the western Mediterranean. In the Punic Wars, for more than ten long years, Rome was humiliated by having a Carthaginian army on its soil. Neither Rome nor Carthage, led by the great Hannibal, could see victory. So, the end result was that the Carthaginians were forced to withdraw, with the Romans forcing them back to Africa. In 202 B.C. at the battle of Zama, Rome defeated Carthage. Both of the nations had peace for a few decades, then another Punic War began. Rome saw victory once again, destroying Carthage.

Now during the next two hundred years the Roman Empire expanded very swiftly, conquering many of the nations at one time ruled by Alexander the Great, which included Greece, Asia Minor, Syria, and Egypt. While endeavoring to rule the entire Mediterranean world, Rome also defined its own civilization and political organization. With reservations, the city offered citizenship widely to other Italian towns and to those who they felt were beneath them as far as their social standing was concerned.

Then, in the year 60 B.C., a triumvirate, which was a three-man executive board consisting of Gaius Julius Caesar, Pompey the Great, and Marcus Licinius Crassus ruled Rome. Caesar had risen to power as a popular democratic leader. He was also a impressive general. During the next ten long years he fought the Gallic Wars, leading a Roman army all the way north to Britain.

My name is Meredith Miller. I am a former teacher of a private christian school. I enjoy studying and doing research on various subjects. History was one of my majors in college and I very much enjoy reading and writing about this subject-called history. I suppose my favorite time period in past history is the Civil War.

Frugal Travel Tips For Rome, Italy

2011-01-14T01:03:00.000-08:00

The entire city of Rome is like a free open air museum with historic buildings, sites, piazzas, every where the frugal traveler looks. There are some sights well worth the entrance fee such as the Sistine Chapel (in the Vatican City, a walled enclave within the city of Rome) but many of the not-to-be-missed sights are absolutely free.

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece carved out of marble. Available to all, legend says that if visitors throw a coin over their shoulders, they will be sure to return to Rome.

St. Peter's Basilica

Touted as perhaps the largest church in Christianity, travelers can't say they've seen the religious sites of the world without paying St. Peter's Basilica a visit. Most Papal ceremonies occur at St. Peter's. And the frugal traveler will be pleased to note that there is no entrance fee. Highlights are the awe inspiring dome and Michelangelo's Pietà.

Note: St. Peter's has a strict dress code (when we attended, not even shorts were allowed) so dress modestly.

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a magnificent building complete with giant bronzed doors, a columned entrance, and a huge dome. It contains the tombs of Raphael and of a few Italian Kings. The Pantheon was built as a Roman Temple and later consecrated as a Catholic Church.

Admission is free.

Spanish Steps

I think there is nothing more pleasing than sitting on the stairs of the Spanish steps, and people watching. Years ago, I would have said eating gelato also but authorities have banned that much loved practice.

Linking two piazzas, the Piazza di Spagna at the base, and the Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top, the 138 steps are known as one of the longest and widest staircases in all of Europe.

Colosseum

There is an entrance fee for the Colosseum but a tour around the outside of the ancient Roman amphitheatre is free (plus keen eyed frugal travelers can peak inside). It is truly like a scene out of the gladiator movies. I could almost hear the crowds roar.

Rome is a city so full of history that the free sights alone will take days to see (don't do as I did the first trip and try to see Rome in a day). The historic buildings are so close together that the best way to see the city is on foot

Rome is one of the best destination of many travelers

2010-10-26T04:12:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-10T22:32:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-27T22:31:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-18T22:21:00.000-07:00

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 â€œGarden 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

2010-05-16T22:30:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-16T22:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-12T22:19:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-01T22:14:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-07T14:01:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-25T14:01:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-15T14:02:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-15T02:08:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-13T02:11:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-12T02:07:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-10T02:06:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-08T02:12:00.000-08:00

"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

2010-01-08T02:04:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-05T02:05:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-02T02:05:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-01T02:09:00.000-08:00

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.

Venice Hotels

2009-12-25T02:24:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

Venice Hotels Near St Mark's Square

2009-12-16T02:23:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

Five Must-See Sites in Rome

2009-12-12T02:20:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five Favourite Venice Hotels

2009-12-05T02:21:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hotel Traiano Rome - Short Review

2009-12-03T02:18:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

2009-12-02T02:23:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

Best Luxury and 5-Star Hotels in Rome

2009-11-22T02:19:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

St. Regis Grand Rome Hotel

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

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

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

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

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

InterContinental De la Ville Roma

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

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

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

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

Why Venice's Hotels Have a Sinking Feeling

2009-11-16T02:22:00.000-08:00

Why Venice's Hotels Have A Sinking Feeling

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

A City Borne Of Necessity

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

Flooding Plagues Venice

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

Is The Problem Getting Worse?

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

Cheap Rome Hotels - Most Practical Way to Explore Rome

2009-11-12T02:18:00.000-08:00

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

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

Set your sights on the wondrous Rome sights

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

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

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

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

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

2009-11-10T02:21:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

Cheap Charming Rome Hotels - Five Top Winners

2009-11-03T02:17:00.000-08:00

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

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

Paba
Via Cavour 266
Colosseo & Monti

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

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

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

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

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

The Home In Rome
Via Ravenna 34
Piazza Bologna

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

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

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

The Daphne Veneto
Via di San Basilio 55
Piazza di Spagna

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Smaller Italian Lakes

2009-11-01T23:13:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury Italian Villas

2009-10-29T23:12:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

Italian Travel Advice

2009-10-26T23:11:00.000-07:00

MONEY

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

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

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

INTERNET AND PHONE SERVICES

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

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

STORE AND RESTAURANT HOURS

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

TIPPING

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

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

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

Italian Culture

2009-10-20T23:09:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Hotels in Rivoli Italy

2009-10-20T00:36:00.000-07:00

Rivoli Hotel

Blu Hotel

Hotel Des Alpes

Holiday Inn Turin Corso Francia

Starhotels Majestic

Le Meridien Lingotto

Hotel Guala

Golden Palace

Atahotel Concord

Hotel Urbani

Best Western Hotel City

Holiday Inn Turin City Centre

Hotel Due Mondi

Best Western Hotel Piemontese

Hotel Alpi Resort

Hotel Master

NH Jolly Ambasciatori

Pacific Hotel Fortino

Grand Hotel Sitea

Express by Holiday Inn Turin

Lake Maggiore, Como, and Garda

2009-10-19T23:10:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Italian Lakes

2009-10-19T23:03:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turin - the Undiscovered Jewel in Italy's Crown

2009-10-07T02:05:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheap Hotels in Italy - Turin

2009-10-04T02:06:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2009-10-01T01:49:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turin Hotels - How to Choose a Hotel in Turin

2009-09-20T01:48:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Turin Hotels

2009-09-15T01:47:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Easy Way to Find Beautiful Wedding Locations in Italy

2009-09-10T01:46:00.000-07:00

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

Options, options and more options...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weddings in Venice

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

Romantic Italian Honeymoons

2009-09-01T01:38:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Italy's Sorrento Hotels Are Peaceful And Laid Back

2009-08-15T22:16:00.000-07:00

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

Discovering The Different Nuances Of Italy – The Sorrento Hotels

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright © John Hanna All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Rome Water Fountains – Bringing You A Touch Of Italy

2009-08-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

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

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

Sorrento— A Coastal Jewel Of “the Boot”

2009-08-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five Things To Do In Lombardy And Italian Lakes

2009-08-09T22:20:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Real Slice Of Italy

2009-08-08T22:18:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Milan Hotels: Discount Hotels In City Milan

2009-08-07T22:21:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

What Makes Sorrento Music Boxes Special

2009-08-06T22:14:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

Central Rome

2009-08-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I Love Touring Italy - Bergamo And Lake Como

2009-08-02T22:17:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Naples And Sorrento.. best places to Visit in Italy

2009-08-01T22:13:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

Sorrento

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

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

The Best Things to See and Do in Bologna

2009-07-29T01:43:00.000-07:00

Bologna in Italy is an amazing city; everywhere you look is like taking a look into history. There is simply just so much to do in Bologna, it makes it hard to know where to start. This city is a historic landmark for many different things. If you enjoy seeing the buildings that have had a huge impact on our history, then Bologna may be the perfect place for you!

It is home to some very important historic buildings. But if you think that's all that's there, then you're sadly mistaken, because it is also the home to many other activities. This city is known for many things, but today we're talking about the overall best activities to do while you're visiting Bologna.

Historic Views and Buildings -

If you're a history buff and think a perfect day involves viewing important historic buildings then you may want to be careful while visiting Bologna. You may never want to leave again! This impeccable city was even known as one of the best preserved historic cities but in the nineteenth century there was a gigantean reconstruction in which many buildings were renovated even though there was major bombing damage in 1944.

Bologna is also the home to the second largest center for historic events. The first resides in Venice, so you could say that Italy is one of the most historically proud places in the entire world! The historic center in Bologna contains a wealth of historic belongings. Some of their exhibits feature items and possessions dating back throughout the medieval ages so you're sure to get all your historic facts for the day if you ever visit this stunning historic center.

The oldest university in the entire world is in Bologna! The University of Bologna was originally founded in 1088 which of course makes it the oldest university ever. Some of the most impressive scholars, philosophers, inventors, artist, and other renaissance men throughout history passed through its doors. It's so impressive it's almost breath taking to be in the presence of this place. One would have to experience it first hand to really understand what I'm talking about.

Food -

Bologna, like its name implies is also a center for food. Its food is beautiful and full of taste. All of the local favorites include impressive amounts of meats and cheese. Bologna also has its specialty pasta which is called Tortellini. Now this is a wildly popular dish across the world and for good reason! But the tortellinis in Bologna are packed to maximum capacity. One time I was afraid that the pasta was going to explode if I bit down on it! Well it did, but it was more of an explosion of flavor and one that my mouth has yet to experience since!

Sports -

Although Bologna has many nicknames, one of them even pertains to its involvement with a certain sport. This wonderful city is also known as the basket city because of its infatuation with the sport, can you guess which one? Basketball! Now this is somewhat intriguing because of the cities' love of football.

As in many parts of Europe though most of the areas in Europe that like football don't usually share Bologna's passion for basketball. But this city is unique, because they love both sports! So no matter if you like soccer or basketball you can rest assured that there are locals with the same passion for your favorite sports! The main football club is named Bologna F.C. which originated in 1909.

Vehicles -

If you thought we were going to forget you car lovers out there, then I'm happy to tell you we have you covered as well. If you like to look at some amazing cars and or bikes on your vacations then Bologna will also offer you something to please you. Just be careful that you don't walk out with a new toy! I say this because some of the fastest and highest decorated high end vehicle companies are located in this impressive city. Like Ducati - This produces the fastest bikes in the entire world, Lamborghini is also located here, and if that isn't your taste then I'm sure you'll be more than impressed with the Maserati.

I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Sicily Region

2009-07-26T02:18:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider the Sicily region of southern Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you’ll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour.

Sicily is the football kicked by the Italian boot. It is an island in the Mediterranean Sea located off the southwest tip of Italy. Sicily was first inhabited about ten thousand years ago. Agriculture and animal raising date back well over four thousand years. Its rulers have included the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Germans, and Spaniards, among others. This mountainous region is prone to volcanoes and earthquakes; in 1908 an earthquake and subsequent tidal wave killed eighty thousand people in the coastal city of Messina. Sicily’s population is about five million, with an additional ten million people of Sicilian descent around the world.

Agricultural products include wheat, barley, corn, olives, citrus fruit, almonds, and, of course, grapes. Tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers are prominent in local cuisine. Sicily is Italy’s second region for organic food. Many think that the Arabs introduced pasta to Sicily, which subsequently introduced it to the rest of Italy. Cattle, mules, donkeys, and sheep are raised. Sicily claims to have invented meatballs, The seas surrounding Sicily are bountiful, favorites include sardines, tuna, and swordfish. Sicily is famous for desserts, including frozen treats made with snow from Mount Etna.

Sicilian heavy industry includes petro-chemicals, chemicals, mining, and electronics. Tourism is a major factor in the Sicilian economy. Did you know that the Valle dei Templi in Agrigento on the Mediterranean Sea has some of the finest Greek ruins on earth?

Palermo, arguably the world’s most conquered city, is Sicily’s capital with a population of a little under seven hundred thousand. It is a definite tourist destination, with its numerous historical churches, museums, theaters, and Italy’s largest botanical garden. Another urban tourist destination is Syracuse, dating back to Ancient Greece. The Greek writer Cicero described it as “The greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all.” Both earthquakes and World War II caused heavy damage, but many of the most interesting sites have been reconstructed.

Sicily devotes about a third of a million acres to grapevines, it ranks first among the 20 Italian regions. Its total annual wine production is about 213 million gallons, also giving it first place. If Sicily were an independent country, it would rank seventh in the world for wine production. About 54% of its wine production is red or rosé (only a bit of rosé), leaving 46% for white. The region produces 19 DOC wines. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine. Only a little more than 2% of Sicilian wine carries the DOC designation. Sicily is home to over three dozen major and secondary grape varieties, with more white than red varieties.

Widely grown international white grape varieties include Malvasia and to a lesser extent, Chardonnay. The best-known strictly Italian white varieties are Catarratto, Grecanico, Inzolia, and Grillo. The first three of these varieties are blended in the wine reviewed below.

Widely grown international red grape varieties include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The best-known strictly Italian red varieties are Nero d’Avola, Frappato, and Nerello Mascalese.

Before reviewing the Sicilian wine and cheese that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region.
Start with Insalata di Finocchi, Arance Sanguigne de Olive; Fennel, Blood Orange, and Olive Salad.
As a second course try Pollo con Prosciutto e Melanzane Fritte; Braised Chicken with Proscuitto and Fried Eggplants.
For dessert indulge yourself with Cassata; Candied Fruit and Chocolate on Sponge Cake.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY While we have communicated with well over a thousand Italian wine producers and merchants to help prepare these articles, our policy is clear. All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
Tasca d’Almerita ‘Regaleali’ Blanco 2005 IGT Sicilia 12.5% alcohol about $13

We’ll start by quoting the marketing materials. “Made with the local grapes Inzolia, Greciano, and Catarratto, this wine is matured only in stainless steel and is not put through acid-softening malolactic fermentation. The producer chooses this approach to retain the bright fruitiness and racy crispness of the wine. Enjoy with steamed mussels, chicken or summer salads.” And now for my thoughts on the wine.

I first tasted this wine with broiled chicken burgers accompanied by a hot pepper relish, and red peppers. The wine was light, perhaps a bit intimidated by the relish. It was delicate, but not weak. When I finished my glass with the red peppers, the wine was quite fruity and sweet.

I next tried this wine with fillet of sole poached in an onion sauce, accompanied by brown rice and okra in a tomato sauce. The wine tasted light and citrusy in the presence of the fish, and was more powerful when facing the rice and the okra. I finished that meal with fresh pomegranate. The wine became sweet and acidic, but did not take on new flavors.

Isola is a Sicilian fresh cheese made from sheep’s milk. The Isola cheese was powerful, strong smelling and strong tasting, especially when you crunched into a peppercorn. Unfortunately, the cheese overpowered this relatively light wine. In contrast, when paired with an Asiago cheese from northern Italy, the wine became quite full bodied and fruity. Sometimes rules such as local wines with local cheeses are meant to be broken. I had a bit of wine left over and finished the bottle with out-of-season strawberries. They brought out the wine’s complexity and softness.

Final verdict, in spite of its low official rating, I found the wine pretty good. I would buy it again, but avoid pairing it with strong-tasting food.

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but to be honest, he would rather just drink fine French or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Presently his wine websites are http://www.theworldwidewine.com and http://www.theitalianwineconnection.com

Verona Airport Car Hire - How to Rent a Car at Verona Villafranca Airport

2009-07-25T01:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Pisa & Beyond - Things to See & Do Around Pisa, Tuscany

2009-07-24T01:47:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

The New Architecture of Bologna - The End of the Greek Theatre?

2009-07-23T01:42:00.000-07:00

In a presentation about the success-formula behind Semco, the owner of the Brazilian company Ricardo Semler wondered about the rate of change. He used the example of the automobile which in fact had not changed over the last century he explained to his audience; it still has "a chassis, four wheels and a steering wheel."

Paradoxical of that presentation was the form of the auditorium, which was another sign of a change that had not happened over time: students who watch in a theatre-like form to a presentation of a teacher. A form (the traditional theatre) that has not changed over centuries.

Another change is about the reform of the European university. And another paradox of our time is that precisely in Greece there is opposition against the academic reforms projected by the European "Bologna" directive.

One of the structural changes that may cause this reform if of Greek origin; the academic auditorium. The traditional auditorium has a form where hundreds of students sit in a Greek theatre-like room and they observe the speech of a professor. The design of this room is formed that way so that all the attention is focused on the one-directional way to the presentation of the teacher and the teacher can reach all students at the same time.

Buildings are often the constructions that resist change. Buildings remain the same where the organization around the use of the building is changing. These days it is much more common to interact in order to learn and the one-way-theatre is not design for such a modern interaction.

Architects are reflecting on the new designs for universities. And the traditional auditorium will probably leave the stage in many faculties (not in all probably), making place for the smaller rooms where people can interact.

At the same time, students will probably still use a (traditional) car to get there.

Sicily Holidays - Hotels in Palermo

2009-07-21T02:20:00.000-07:00

Sicily is an island which lies in the Mediterranean. It belongs to Italy, but is one of its autonomous regions, with a regional constitution and some specific rights, like the right to keep 100% of all taxes! Island of Sicily is also one of the main holiday spots in Italy, every year been visited by many tourists seeking to enjoy beach vacations and cultural getaways alike. This part of Italy offers in the same time extraordinary beautiful beaches, crystal-clear and warm waters, great accommodation in hotels, luxury resorts, and rental properties like villas and apartments, but also a significant historical heritage and numerous archaeological remains. Most hotels in Sicily are settled close to the beaches, in exquisite resorts or residential areas with luxurious villas, and feature great amenities and friendly staffs.

Having an area of 25,708 squad kilometers, in Sicily are many things to see and to do and a large number of interesting places where can be spent great holidays. Some of the most visited vacation spots in Sicily are Palermo (the capital city), Agrigento (with Pelagian Islands), Catania, Cefalu, Messina (with Aeolian Islands), Siracusa, Taormina, Trapani (with Aegadian Islands and Isle of Pantelleria), and Mount Etna, a 3,320 meters (10,900 feet) high volcano, which is perhaps the most renowned tourist attraction of Sicily. Palermo is attracting due to the very rich historical remains, great accommodation in luxurious villas, hotels, and resorts, but also due to the short distance to the island of Ustica, where can be practiced many water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, yachting, sailing, fishing, and others. An important role in drawing there many vacationers plays the wide range of excellent lodging amenities. Hotels in Palermo belong to the best accommodation units of the island, so most of them are occupied up to the last room during the peak season! There are many luxury 4 & 5 star resorts like Hotel Villa Igiea Hilton, Grand Hotel et des Palmes, Hotel Excelsior Palace, Hotel NH Jolly Palermo, Hotel Mondello Palace, Quality Hotel President Palermo, Hotel Vecchio Borgo, Hotel Torres Artale Relais, Hotel Politeama, but also a large number of good 3 star hotels such as Hotel Villa Esperia, Hotel Tonnara di Trabia, Hotel Azzolini, Torre Artale Hotel and Villas, Hotel Gallery House, Hotel Palm Beach, Hotel Villa d'Amato, Hotel Athenaeum Palermo, so everybody can find housing without to exceed the vacation budget.

Beside the beaches from nearby and water sports practicing, holiday makers can enjoy the cultural and architectural beauties that this city has to offer. Some of the main tourist attractions in Palermo are the old churches (The Cathedral of Palermo, San Giovanni dei Lebbrosi, San Giovanni degli Eremiti, or Santa Maria dell'Ammiragliato), museums (most of them housed by palaces like Palazzo dei Normanni, Palazzo Chiaramonte, and Palazzo Abatellis, but also the modern museum Museo Archeologico Regionale), the opera house (Teatro Massimo) built in 1897, and places like Orto botanico di Palermo (a botanical garden), the Capuchin Catacombs, and Vucciria, which is a colorful fruit, vegetable and fish market. By the way, Sicilian food is very tasty and in restaurants from Palermo can be enjoyed some traditional dishes containing fresh seafood, pastries, or local cheeses, all sprinkled with the also famous Sicilian wines.

Holidays in Sicily come to the end very fast and most tourists who stay in the capital city have not enough time to take trips to other vacation spots of Sicily like Cefalu, Trapani, Agrigento or Taormina. For this reason many of them are already planing their next holiday on this island even before to leave the comfortable hotels in Palermo!

I Love Touring Italy - Verona

2009-07-19T01:22:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the Veneto region of northern Italy on the Gulf of Venice. Venice is its best-known city and one of the most popular tourist destinations on earth. But the Veneto region is a lot more than this great city. There are excellent tourist attractions elsewhere, and you won’t have to fight the huge crowds. With a little luck you’ll avoid tourist traps, and come back home with the feeling that you have truly visited Italy. This article examines tourist attractions in the Shakespearean town of Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to read our companion articles on northern Veneto, southern Veneto, and the university city of Padua.

Verona. I don’t know about you, but I can’t hear this word without thinking of the phrase, Two Gentlemen of Verona, a not particularly well-known Shakespeare play. Verona was the setting of a particularly well-known Shakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet. This city of more than a quarter million has a long and bloody history. Its residents are proud that on an Easter Monday more than two hundred years ago they drove out the French occupiers. The German writer Goethe and the French writers Stendhal and Valéry included Verona in their travel diaries. The Roman emperor Julius Caesar spent a lot of time here, and probably enjoyed many of the sights described next.

Verona has quite a collection of vestiges from its Roman days. Let’s start with its Roman amphitheatre, the third largest in Italy. This structure is approximately 400 feet (140 meters) long and 350 feet (110 meters) wide, giving it a seating capacity of about 25,000 spectators in 44 tiers of marble seats. While only fragments of the outer walls remain, its interior is virtually intact. This edifice often hosts fairs, theatre, opera and other public events, especially during the summer.

A First Century B.C. Roman theatre was eventually transformed into a housing site but in the Eighteenth Century the houses were demolished and the site restored. Nearby you’ll find the Ponte di Pietra (Stone Bridge), a Roman arch bridge crossing the Adige River, completed in 100 B.C. Retreating German troops destroyed four of the bridge arches in World War II but the bridge was rebuilt in 1957 using original materials.

You should also see the First Century Arco dei Gavi (Gavi Arch) straddling the Corso Cavour; once the main road into the city. Look for the architect’s signature, a rarity for the times. French troops destroyed this arch in 1805, and it was rebuilt only in 1932.

Porta Borsari, an archway at the end of the Corso Porta Borsari street, is the façade of a Third Century gate within the original Roman city walls. This street is lined with several Renaissance Palaces. Porta Leoni (Leoni Gate) is what remains of a First Century B.C. Roman city gate. Parts of it have been incorporated into a wall of a medieval building. Even in those days some people believed in recycling. You can see the remains of the original Roman street and the gateway foundations if you look slightly below the present street level.

The Twelfth Century Romanesque Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore is quite a masterpiece. It is built upon a Fourth Century shrine to the city’s patron saint, St. Zeno, the first Bishop of Verona. The basilica’s splendid one hundred ten foot (seventy two meter) bell tower is worthy of mention in Dante’s Divine Comedy. Both the doorway and the inner bronze door have multiple panels of biblical scenes and depictions from St. Zeno’s life. Its walls are covered with Twelfth and Fourteenth Century frescoes. Its vaulted crypt contains the tomb of St. Zeno as well as the tombs of several other saints.

The small but attractive Romanesque Twelfth Century Basilica of San Lorenzo is built on the site of a Paleo-Christian church, some fragments of which remain. The huge Eighth Century Romanesque Santa Maria Antica Church was the parish church of the Scaligieri family that ruled Verona for many centuries. Many of them are buried in the complex. Some of these tombs are quite unique and well worth seeing, even if you’re not a habitué of that sort of thing.

The Twelfth Century Romanesque Duomo (Cathedral) was constructed on the site of two Palaeo-Christian churches destroyed by an earthquake much earlier in the century. The site includes an unfinished Sixteenth Century bell tower. Be sure to see the chapel adorned with Titian’s Assumption.
Verona’s largest church is the Fifteenth Century Sant’Anastasia whose interior is considered one of northern Italy’s finest examples of Gothic architecture, and believe me this competition includes many entries. The construction of this magnificent edifice took nearly two hundred years. Among its items of honor are frescoes and hunchback statues that serve to dispense holy water. It is said that touching a hunchback’s hump brings good luck. Maybe next time.

San Fermo Maggiore is in reality two churches. The tomblike lower Romanesque church dates from the Eighth Century. The huge Fourteenth Century Gothic upper church is notable for its ceiling festooned with the paintings of four hundred saints. There are more churches to see in Verona but we are now going to look at castles and palaces.

The Fourteenth Century Castelvecchio (Old Castle) was built on the banks of the Adige River near the Ponte Scaligero (Scaligero Bridge), probably on the site of a Roman fortress. Built to protect against foreign invaders and popular rebellions, it included a fortified bridge in case the owners had to flee north to join their allies in the Tyrol. Over the years the castle has known many renovations and restorations. Make sure to visit its art museum, specializing in Venetian painters and sculptors.

Those Scaligeris spent a lot of their time in the Palazzo degli Scaligeri, their medieval palace, which today, as then, is closed to the general public. But you can go next door to the Arche Scaligere with its Gothic tombs of selected members of the family.

The Italian Piazza is a meeting place. Verona has some special examples. The Piazza delle Erbe (Herb Square) has been around since the days of the Romans. For ages it was a fruit and vegetable market but now is geared to tourists. It still maintains its medieval look and some of the produce stalls. The Piazza dei Signori (Gentlemen’s Square) is Verona’s center of activities as it has been for centuries. This square is right next door to the Scaglieri Palace. Those gentlemen didn’t believe in commuting.
We can’t leave Verona without visiting those star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. The Twelfth Century Casi di Giulietta (Juliet’s House) long belonged to the Dal Cappello family and since it’s not a long way from Cappello to Capulet perhaps… This lovely house even possesses a courtyard balcony. Yes, the house at Via Cappello, 23 probably isn’t the real thing, but crowds come to gawk and dream. This could be the place to propose marriage.

What about food? Verona's cuisine features typical dishes of the Po Valley plains: mixed boiled meats, nervetti (calf’s foot and veal shank salad), and risotto, often prepared with a healthy douse of Amarone wine. The Piazza delle Erbe still has some fruit and vegetable stalls selling local produce such as radicchio and asparagus. Not only the wine is classified. Verona is home to a classified cheese, Monte Veronese. But who would think that rice is also classified? The Riso Nano Vialone Veronese is a laboratory-developed rice first introduced into the area in 1945. It now represents 90% of the local production. Is it better than other rice? Locals obviously think so. I promise that I will taste it on my next trip to Verona.

Let’s suggest a sample menu, one of many. Start with Gnocchi (Small Potato Dumplings). Then try Pastissada de Caval (Horsemeat Stew, often simmered in wine). For dessert indulge yourself with Pandoro di Verona (Verona Butter Cream Cake). Be sure to increase your dining pleasure by including local wines with your meal.

We’ll conclude with a quick look at Veneto wine. Veneto ranks 3rd among the 20 Italian regions for the area planted in grape vines and for its total annual wine production. About 45% of Veneto wine is red or rosé, leaving 55% for white. The region produces 24 DOC wines and 3 DOCG wines, Recioto di Soave, Soave Superiore, and Bardolino Superiore. 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. Almost 30% of Venetian wine carries the DOC or DOCG designation.

Valpolicella DOC is a world famous wine produced north of Verona from several local red grapes. This wine is usually nothing to write home about and often tastes of cooked cherries. But that is hardly the end of the Valpolicella story. Valpolicella Ripasso is made from young Valpolicella wine put into tanks or barrels containing the lees (one could say dregs, but that might give the wrong impression) of a recioto wine (see below). The mixture undergoes a secondary fermentation and becomes a more interesting wine. Valpolicella Recioto is made from passito grapes, those dried on mats for several months. It may be a still wine, a fizzy wine, or a sparkling wine. Valpolicella Recioto is sweet or bittersweet. Amarone DOC is a type of Valpolicella Recioto whose sugar has been completely transformed into alcohol becoming a powerful tasting wine that packs a punch and ages well. What a difference between Amarone and its source wine, Valipolcella.

Travel Tips From Trapani Airport, Sicily

2009-07-18T02:18:00.000-07:00

Trapani, on the east coast of Sicily, is designed to make the heart beat a little faster. Like everything Italian, there is a fundamental sense of romance here, from the antiquated architecture to the breath-taking coastlines. Even the local cuisine, including rich, creamy pastries and exquisitely seasoned, seafood dishes, manage to evoke a sense of wonderment and of life being full embraced. For those who like to explore, there are monuments and archaeological sites galore and even a spattering of windmills dotted throughout the fertile countryside to browse. Traditional holiday makers can revel in the glorious beaches, superb shopping and swanky eateries that proliferate this Italian Shangri-La.

Situated 20km south west of the historic centre is Trapani-Birgi Airport, also known as Vincenzo Florio Airport after the Sicilian wine industrialist and automobile enthusiast. This is the main point of entry for people into this region and over half a million people pass through its gates each year. Flights to Trapani Airport from the UK go from Birmingham Airport and Luton Airport, and from Dublin Airport in Ireland, and are provided by the low cost airline Ryanair.

There are several different options for onward travel but by far the most popular is Trapani Airport car hire. The four main Trapani car hire firms based at the airport are Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt. All have their own specific deals and makes of car on offer. For example Avis offer the luxurious Aston Martin within their Prestigious range, while Europcar really take luxury one step further by offering a chauffeur-driven service. Items such as insurance and petrol charges may not be included in the quoted price so it is wise to check when making the booking.

There is a distinct advantage to having your own transport in this region as there are so many places to visit. Most are easily accessible within an hour of Trapani, including the wonderful Zingaro nature reserve, the unmissable beach of San Vito Lo Capo and the bustling city of Marsala, home to the sumptuous and flavorsome fortified wine of the same name. It is even possible to explore the whole island given enough time, the right spirit and a map of Sicily.

As always, the ubiquitous taxis are on hand to ferry people to their accommodation and are based outside Trapani Airport Arrivals. They have a journey time of around 20 minutes into the city centre and cost approximately €30. Alternatively there is always the option to pre-book a Trapani Airport transfer or a seat on a Trapani Shuttle Bus. This has a tendency to set the holiday off on the right foot because a driver is sent to collect passengers as they come through arrivals and swoosh them straight off to a waiting vehicle, without the need for scrambling around or queueing in the heat. While there is no train station here, the Trapani buses run from the airport to the main one in town, as well to other destinations further afield such as Agrigento, Marsala and Palermo.

One of the main attractions to this part of Italy is the Sicily weather. Not only does the weather in Trapani afford long, hot summers with temperatures averaging 26ºC in peak season, but the brief and mild winters mean that the area can be enjoyed all year long. Whether reclining by the pool at one of the many fabulous Trapani hotels or delving head first into the abundance of things to do in Trapani, this joyful region of Sicily is a paradise waiting to be discovered.

Pisa City Tour by the Pisa Airport Guide

2009-07-18T01:46:00.000-07:00

There is far more to Pisa then its legendary leaning tower. For a short break, this city makes the perfect getaway, packed as it is with culture, cracking food and more character then you can shake a stick at. If you are flying into Pisa Galilei Galileo Airport, the ideal way to start your trip and make sure you arrive at your final destination unruffled is by using Pisa Airport Transfers. There is nothing more likely to make you feel pampered then being met in the Pisa Airport arrivals hall by a driver who sweeps you away to the waiting car, passed the huddled masses queuing for buses and taxis, and off to your hotel.

Of course you cannot actually come to Pisa and not see the tower. As one of Italy´s top tourist attractions, it is an absolute must to witness the extraordinary sight in reality and have the obligatory photo taken, pretending to pushing it over. During the summer the leaning tower does get busy, so if you are wanting to climb to the top it is advisable to book tickets in advance. Surrounding the tower is the immaculately kept lawns of the Campo dei Miracoli, the impressive Duomo cathedral and Baptistery, which is the biggest in Italy. All of these are definitely worth taking the time to look round and are spectacular examples of Italian architecture at its best. Much of the artwork that was once housed in the Cathedral is now exhibited in the Museo Dell´Opera del Duomo, situated close by.

An interesting place to visit along the nautical theme, is the Medici Arsenale. This shipyard built in the 16th century contains exhibits of excavated Etruscan and Roman wrecks, 19 vessels in total, of varying tonnage, dating from the fifth century BC. It illustrates the history of Pisa as a hugely important port and a great maritime power as it was when it was a Republic. Close-by is the Medici Citadel and Guelph Tower from where some of the best views over the city can be seen.

After all that sight-seeing you may want to just relax and take in some fresh air and what better way to do this then surrounded by some lush greenery. The Botanic Gardens is the oldest in Europe and is maintained by the University of Pisa. For those who would prefer to take in some of the views while they embrace the great outdoors, there is always the option to enjoy a horse carriage ride around the city or alternatively a boat tour of the Lungarni district, with its medieval Tower houses and regal palaces.

There is never a better time to see a city then when it is celebrating and the month of June is when Pisa tends to come to life. On June 16th, is the Festa di San Ranieri which honours the patron saint of Pisa and is done by lining the River Arno with torches so that the buildings along the waterfront are dramatically and beautifully lit up. The Regatta di San Ranieri follows the next day and consists of a competition between four rowing teams dressed in costume. On the last Sunday of the month is the biggest event, the Gioco del Ponte or Game of the Bridge. First recorded in 1568, twelve teams from the north and south banks stage battles across the Ponte di Messo bridge, including the Olympian task of getting a 7 tonne carriage from one side to the other.

No trip to Italy would be complete though without taking the opportunity to indulge in a spot of retail therapy and try the local produce. To find the best shopping, the Borgo Stretto has to be the first port of call with its chic boutiques and designer outlets, but for better deals try the backstreets which is where the Pisans tend to shop. Smaller retailers are generally closed between 13.00 and 16.00, although they stay open until 20.00 in the evenings, plus most will not open on Sundays or Monday mornings. If you are looking to find some real bargains on authentic Italian goods, then the markets are a great place to go, such as those on Via Buonarroti and Via San Martino held every Wednesday and Saturdays, or in the Piazza delle Vettovaglie where there is a daily food market between 07.00 and 13.30.

Verona, a Present Time Rich of History

2009-07-15T01:21:00.001-07:00

Verona is a famous city around the world especially thanks to two main things, the amphitheater Arena and the famous "Romeo and Juliet" drama. Thousands and thousands of people have been arriving every year in Verona to visit the city and see the well-known balcony from which she used to show herself.

But these are certainly not the only attestations of the city's glorious past. There are a lot of monuments to see and visit for the numerous tourists, but also churches and museums.

The city, in fact, has been inhabited since the prehistory period, there was a series of population living in this territory, and each of them leaved behind a lot of signs and vestiges of their passage, and making the city really full with history and stories.

Walking for example from the long Corso Porta Nuova down to the Portoni del Bra', beyond the beautiful battlements and the walls you could already feel the impression that shortly you will be able to admire invaluable preciousness, centuries and centuries of art and history. In Italy Verona is second only to Rome as for the noteworthy presence of roman ruins so well-conserved.

The city has a complex structure, but two main walls accentuate the division between the Roman part and the modern part (until the second half of 19th century): from one side the roman walls that surround the heart of the city between porta Borsari, porta Leoni and the walls of Gallieno, from the other side the so-called internal ring road with some forts from the Renaissance era (completed under the Austrian occupancy).

Arrived in Piazza Bra' you can immediately admire the wonderful Roman amphitheater, the Arena, going on you can also find the Roman Theatre, even more ancient than the amphitheater, right at the foot of the hill of Castel San Pietro. And then the Ponte Pietra ("Stone Wall Bridge"), built up on the Adige River, where the ancient inhabitants used to ford the river. And again the Arco dei Gavi (Gavi Arch), one of the city's richest families, celebrated right with this arch. All these monuments are in a perfect preservation stage, marbles are still luminous, making the tourist live the dream to be in a fantastic place, totally immersed in history.

Beautiful to see are also the monumental gateways of Porta Borsari and Porta Leoni, once built up to protect the city and now ready to welcome the numerous visitors.

Parts of walls and streets can still be seen with a simple walk along Corso Cavour, Corso Portoni Borsari, and Corso Santa Anastasia which leads you along the ancient Roman via Postumia or the Decumano Massimo, which ended up in the Roman Forum, now Piazza Erbe. But you can also see inscriptions, tombstones, mosaics, decorated lintels, parts of roman statues.

During the rule of the Scaligeri the city transformed itself. Beautiful monuments such as the Castlelvecchio, the Ponte Scaligero, the Cangrande's Palace, and the Domus Mercatorum in the Piazza Erbe have been built up. But also many others architectural beauties that leave everybody breathless.

Wonderful paintings and beautiful palaces from the Renaissance decorate the most important streets and squares.

These are just some of the wonderful things you can admire in Verona. And don't forget that this city is also famous for the traditional generosity and courtesy of its people, for their commitment in the voluntary and social fields.

Verona is certainly a city and a whole territory full of surprises to discover!