What Makes Sorrento Music Boxes Special

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

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

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

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

Central Rome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I Love Touring Italy - Bergamo And Lake Como

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Naples And Sorrento.. best places to Visit in Italy

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

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

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

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

Sorrento

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

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

The Best Things to See and Do in Bologna

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Tips For Driving in Bologna, Italy

What's to see in Bologna?

While you're in Bologna you could visit such attractions as the Tower of the Asinelli and the Tower of the Garisenda, which are two of the few remaining towers left in the city. Other sights include the Museo Civico Archeologico (Archaeological Museum); the Piazza Maggiore with the Basilica of San Petronio and the City Hall Building; the University, which is the oldest in the world and contains numerous museums such as the Museo Navale and the Museo della Specola!

What to see in the Bologna Area?

Heading out of the city you might take some time to visit Reggio Emilia. This town is located about three quarters way towards Parma and is between 60 and 70kms from Bologna. The most interesting features of this area include Pietra di Bismantova, which is a very interesting mountain that is well worth climbing and getting a spectacular position to overlook the surrounding area; the castles Torrechiara, Rossena and also Canossa which was famously the site where King Henry IV of the Holy Roman Empire had to beg Pope Gregory for forgiveness and to reverse an excommunication.

On the way to Reggio Emilia you pass the Modena. Located just to the south of the town there's the town of Maranello which is home to Galleria Ferrari - The Ferrari Museum. Other car manufacturers in Modena include Bugatti, De Tomaso, Lamborghini, Pagani and Maserati. If you've an interest in collectable stickers, you may be interested to know that Panini is based in this city. Located between Bologna and Modena is the village of Sant'Agata Bolognese, which is home to the car manufacturers Lamborghini.

Located to the northeast of Bologna, is the city of Ferrara. Not on the typical tourist trail, means that you can enjoy going off the beaten-path and explore this medieval city. Within the city you'll find the Il Castello Estense, which is a beautiful medieval castle - don't forget to check out the dungeons!

Heading southeast you will be passing Imola, which is where the famous San Marino Gran Prix is held. San Marino is some distance from here but the title Italian Gran Prix was already taken. The Gran Prix takes place on the racing circuit Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.

To the east of Bologna, near the coast of the Adriatic, there's the city of Ravenna. Here you'll find 8 monuments; Neonian Baptistery, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Arian Baptistry, Archiepiscopal Chapel, Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Mausoleum of Theodoric, Basilica of San Vitale, and the Basilica of Sant' Apollinare in Classe; that have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and all date from the 5th and 6th centuries. Other sights in the city include Dante's Tomb, and you aren't too far from the coast so if the weather is fine why not hit the beach?

After driving through Imola and passing the turn off for Ravenna, you'll be on the road to Rimini. This city is the premier coastal destination on the Adriatic Riviera for Italy. When you aren't sunning yourself on the beach you have the option of visiting such sites as the Augustus Arch, the Tiberius Bridge (start of the Aemilian Way) and the Templo Malatestiano. The city is only about a dozen kilometres from San Marino and is definitely a worthwhile diversion.

Travel Trips From Palermo Airport, Sicily

Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, has everything a tourist could possibly desire in a holiday destination. For those who want a chance to wallow in temperate crystal clear waters and bask on glorious sandy beaches, indulge in heaven-sent traditional cuisine and sample locally produced wines in picturesque surroundings, Palermo and its locales are perfect. Equally so, for the more energetic traveller there are a wealth of historical treasures, from catacombs to Norman palaces to explore, cycling and walking tours to partake in, a plethora of boating activities and watersports to relish in, as well as golf courses and aquaparks, all under the blessing of the fantastic Sicily weather.

Currently flights to Palermo from the UK go between Stansted Airport and Palermo Airport, also known as Punta Raisi Airport, and are operated by Ryanair. Once here, most people opt for car hire at Palermo Airport, which is offered by 10 different companies. The Palermo car hire firms are Avis, Dollar/Thrifty, Easycar, Europcar, Hertz, Holiday, Locauto, Maggiore, Sixt and Targarent.

Make sure when booking to be clear what is offered in the quoted price, as many will not include insurance and the fuel charge, and there is no worse way to start a holiday then with a surprise payment. Besides travelling around the north coast of Sicily, it is definitely worth having a car to be able to travel further afield to visit Mount Etna, the active volcano situated a 2½ hour drive away on the east side of the island, near Sicily´s Catania Airport. Located 32km north-west of Palermo, the city centre is approximately a 40 minute drive from the airport by car along the A29.

If not hiring a vehicle, then the other options are to organise a Palermo Airport transfer, which can save a huge amount of stress and inconvenience as a driver meets you in the Palermo arrivals hall. Likewise a seat on a Palermo Airport shuttle bus offers a simillar service but at a slightly cheaper rate. The most affordable choice by far is to use the Palermo buses which run regularly from the airport into Palermo itself and to destinations further afield such as Agrigente, Sciacci and Trapani or the Trinacria Express, the Palermo train which has services from the airport to Palermo Centrale Station and costs just €5 one way. The taxis at Palermo Airport are probably the most expensive option at around €35 for the 45 minute journey.

Whether staying at one of the many splendid Palermo hotels or renting out an apartment or villa, Sicily is a wonderful place to stay year round. The Palermo weather is probably at its best between May and June, when it is warm but not extreme. July and August is great for sun-worshipers with temperatures reaching 30°C, while the winter months are mild and rarely fall below 10°C.

Michelle Elkins is a regular contributor to the Sicily Airport Guide, which provides useful information on everything from the best rates for Palermo car hire to Palermo airport transfers, as well as information on flights to and hotels in Sicily.

A Guide to the Verona Exhibition Centre

Originally intended to hosts shows focusing on agriculture and horses, the Verona Exhibition Centre now hosts exhibitions on wines, weddings, education to art.

Also known as the Verona Fiere, the exhibition centre now holds fairs several times a year grossing an annual turnover of approximately 600 million Euros. With the aim of promoting local and international trade, these events, like other exhibitions, bring buyers and sellers together. The Centre organises all exhibitions directly with the strong support of the Verona City Council, local banks and the Veneto Region.

The Verona Fiere is an established landmark for companies and multi national corporations and communities which aims to boost local economy with an events and communication system. Concentrating on the areas of wine, food, agriculture, building, logistics and constructions, the plans for the Centre also extends to the international level. This will extend their network and develop the centre.

With the availability of the Centre's user-friendly website, one can find out more about entrance fees and view the Exhibitions Calendar for more information on upcoming fairs. Generally, the trade fairs are for trade visitors only. However, children may visit the fairs on agriculture and horses. Some exhibitions provide child-caring services too. Do visit the website for more information. Verona boasts of applaudable accommodation for its visitors and the organisers have packages to their exhibitions which include accommodation. For the more independent visitor, you will most definitely find suitable accommodation over the internet.

With excellent facilities and organisation, the Centre's experience and professionalism will assist to highlight the strengths of their exhibitors. Having an outstanding reputation on their organisational skills, the Centre makes an ideal partner to promote the exhibitors.

The Verona Exhibition Centre guarantees the ultimate collaboration for businesses seeking a stronger foothold in the national and international markets. Offering strong Information Technology and marketing services to its exhibitors, the Verona Fiere is your intelligent choice to further strengthen your business presence in the local or international market.

With the assurance of an exhibition centre which is constantly improving itself to keep up with the changing times, the Verona Fiere is an excellent choice, for visitors and exhibitors alike. Practising responsible ethics in discharging its duties, the organisers at the Verona Fiere will take care of the core needs of their exhibitors to ensure a fruitful and smooth venture between the exhibitors and visitors.

Car Camping in Sicily

Camping in Sicily is an experience you're not likely to forget! Not only is it a great way to explore the island, but it's an affordable way to stretch your vacation out for as long as your budget will allow! Even with affordable rental car rates, a car is likely to be your biggest expense. Having the benefit of easily carrying your equipment from city to town ends up being far less expensive than staying in hotels and well worth the freedom it will provide. This variation of the European vacation will expose you to an entirely different Sicily full of knotted olive trees, prickly pears, and leisurely strolls from bed to beach.

Start your adventure in Palermo, on the western side of the island. Pick up your rental car at the airport and head to one of the many campgrounds in the seaside suburb of Sferracavallo. For about 8 Euros a night you can pitch a tent and take advantage of many services included in this fee. For a few more Euros you can access electricity to charge your cell phone, illuminate your living area, or blow up an air mattress. For a few coins you even have the luxury of a hot shower!

Take advantage of your car rental and explore all of the sites in Palermo. The Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo are an extraordinary historical record comprised of preserved and mummified bodies. The Gesu Church in the heart of the city is one of the most architecturally stunning churches in all of Sicily and is well worth a visit.

After a couple of nights in Palermo, having explored the venerable landmarks of the city, hop in your car and head to Cefalu. A small fishing village on the north coast, Cefalu offers camping prices that are comparable to those in Palermo. Most of the facilities in the village offer magnificent views of some of the best kept beaches in Sicily.

Before heading to your next stop, head into the center of Cefalu. Here you will find a lovely duomo and Byzantine mosaics. Check out the Piazza Marina to see the gorgeous Sicilian boats as they enter and exit the harbor. Lastly, enjoy some of the freshest, most scrumptious seafood on the island at any one of the incredible restaurants dotting the port.

Campsites in Catania will generally offer the same amenities found in other Sicilian cities and towns. Prices will not fluctuate from city to city, so you're still going to rest your head affordably whether you're in the largest city or smallest village. Take all that money you've saved on your trip and enjoy the shopping in Catania! There is a huge open air market most days of the week where you will find anything and everything. Pick up some fresh fish and bring it back to your camp for an authentic experience with tasty results.

You can stop in many more towns along the coast while on your Sicilian tour. You can drive a full loop around the island and spend a few days in Noto and Agrigento before heading back to Palermo, whether you fly home or head to some other exotic destination.

If you don't mind roughing it a little bit and want to enjoy a different type of European holiday experience, definitely try out car camping! Built for any budget, camping can be the perfect solution if you are feeling the financial woes that are affecting so many right now. Don't skip your trip! Modify it a little and have the adventure of a lifetime!

Pisa Airport Explored - A Guide to Pisa Airport

As the central point of entry into the stunning region of Tuscany in northern Italy, Pisa Airport as you may expect gets a tad busy. Last year, around 4 million passengers drifted through its gates and the number is only expected to grow over the next few years. It received its full name Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport as a tribute to the Italian physicist, philosopher and astronomer who was born here and who´s greatest claim to fame was his assertion that the earth rotated around the sun.

It is possible to get to Galileo Galilei Airport from 8 airports in the UK including Gatwick, Edinburgh and Liverpool, and there are also flights from Dublin, provided by low cost airlines such as Thomson Flights, easyJet and Ryanair.
When considering onward transportation, bear in mind that there is a lot to see and do in the Tuscany region. This makes it worthwhile renting a car so you can map out your own adventure. The Pisa Airport car hire companies are based in the car rental terminal which is connected to the airport by a shuttle bus service. Travellers are picked up outside Pisa Airport arrivals and wooshed away to the collection desks. The firms based here are Autoeuropa, Avis, Budget, Easycar, Europcar, Hertz, Liberty, Locauto, Maggiore, Sixt, Targarent and Thrifty. If you are intending to do an extensive road trip of Italy then several of these companies allow for a different pick up and drop off location.

Those not intending to rent a car but who want to arrive at their final destination unruffled and calm, should select Pisa Airport Transfers, which entails being met in arrivals by a driver and taken straight to the waiting car. By reserving a seat on a private shuttle bus at Pisa Airport, then you can have a simillar service but for less money, although you are sharing with others so bear in mind the bus will detour for their stops. As usual, taxis are located outside arrivals but be advised that in the height of summer this can involve queueing in the heat. The average fare for Pisa Airport taxis into the city centre is between €5.70 to €8.00 (plus € 2,30 excess fare on Sundays and Bank Holidays).

Buses are a great, cost effective way to get around but of course also involve the most hanging about and are the most labour intensive option. Fortunately there is a great bus network and the Pisa Airport buses travel to major Tuscan cities such as Florence and Sienna. For those just needing to get into the city centre the buses leave every 20 minutes, cost €0.95 and have a journey time of just 10 minutes. Unlike many airports, Pisa also benefits from a train station situated outside the departures hall. Pisa Airport trains leave roughly every half an hour and go to Pisa Central Station, also reachable by bus, which has connections with destinations further afield, and Florence.

When you´re travelling by plane it helps if there are plenty of good places to eat and drink and some decent shops to pass the time in while you´re waiting. Fortunately Pisa Airport has obliged and in the La Corte Shopping Centre there is plenty to keep even the most avid shopaholic occupied. Located on the ground floor of the main hall the outlets range in wares from designer clothes to books, leather goods. sportswear, jewellery, shoes and photographic supplies and are even open on bank holidays. Once you get past security there are places to buy souvenirs, local produce, duty free items and clothes.

Whether you can´t resist a last Italian patisserie before you leave or are hungry enough for a full sit down meal, there are a number of restaurants and cafes to cater. Among them is Mascagni´s Restaurant on the first floor which has waiter service and a range of mouthwatering Tuscan dishes. While if you´re looking to grab a last quick bite before you board, there is a bar on the ground floor in departures which provides drinks, snacks and pizza and has an outside garden area.

Other points to mention are that the Information Office and and Lost & Found office are located in arrivals, while if you want to store luggage here you can do so for a daily charge of €7.00.

Michelle Elkins is a contributor to the Pisa-Airport-Guide.com, which provides the best rates on Pisa Airport car hire and all other relevant information from Pisa Airport Flights to buses at Pisa Airport

A Quick Tour Of Italy - Verona

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the Veneto region of northern Italy on the Gulf of Venice. Venice, its best-known city, is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Ecellent tourist attractions abound elsewhere in Veneto, and the crowds are much smaller. This article examines the Shakespearean town of Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read our companion articles on northern Veneto, southern Veneto, and the university city of Padua.

Verona boasts many vestiges from Roman times. Its Roman amphitheatre is the third largest in Italy and its interior is virtually intact. This edifice hosts fairs, theatre, opera and other public events, especially summers. The Roman arch bridge crossing the Adige River was partially destroyed in World War II and rebuilt using original materials.

The Twelfth Century Romanesque Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore sits on a Fourth Century shrine to the city's patron saint, St. Zeno. Its splendid one hundred ten foot bell tower was mentioned in Dante's Divine Comedy. The vaulted crypt contains the tomb of St. Zeno and tombs of several other saints.

Verona's largest church is the Fifteenth Century Sant'Anastasia whose interior is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. Items of honor include frescoes and hunchback statues dispensing holy water.

The Fourteenth Century Castelvecchio on the banks of the Adige River probably sits on the site of a Roman fortress. Its art museum specializes in Venetian painters and sculptors. Verona's squares include the Roman Herb Square that still maintains its medieval look and some produce stalls. The Gentlemen's Square is Verona's center of activities. Next door is the Scaglieri Palace, once home to the ruling family.

Don'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 Cappello sounds like Capulet perhaps... The house at Via Cappello, 23 with its courtyard probably isn't for real, but crowds come to gawk and dream. This could be the place to propose.

Verona's cuisine features typical Po Valley dishes: mixed boiled meats, nervetti (calf's foot and veal shank salad), and risotto, often cooked in Amarone wine. See our companion article I Love Touring Italy - Verona for a sample menu and more information on regional wines plus an in-depth examination of Verona's tourist attractions. Valpolicella DOC is a world famous, often mediocre wine produced north of Verona. It can be transformed into fine wines including Valpolicella Ripasso and Amarone DOC.

Things to See and Do in Pisa

Pisa in Italy is the perfect place to visit for short trip and it is also great for a long vacation. It is a city that is steeped in heritage and has a lot of history behind it's walls. Every place has a story to tell and you will be mesmerized at the sheer beauty and elegance of many of these places. There are various architectural sights that you must absolutely see when visiting Pisa.

You can start your tour of this great city at the Baptistery (Battistero), which is the largest baptistery in Italy. It dates back to the 12th century, making it a remarkable piece of European history. Designed in its round shape by the famous Deotisalvi, it has a rather large circumference of 348 feet. The construction of the lower drum was done in Romanesque style and the Gothic style upper part was added almost a hundred years later. It is famous for its huge dome, its carved front and the pulpit designed by the great Nicola Pisano.

Afterward, you can visit piazza dei Cavalieri. It was designed by Giorgio Vasari in the year 1560 and is one of the most important piazzas of Pisa. It is a curved open space that leads up to the Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri. This piazza was the former seat of the Order of the Knights of St. Stephen (Ordine dei Cavalieri di Santo Stefano), who were an organized group of religious warriors who protected the city from the Turks.

For those who enjoy being close to nature, there is the Botanical Gardens (Orto Botanico di Pisa). It was built sometime in the 1540s and is claimed to be the oldest botanical gardens in all of Europe. Visitors can look forward to an amazing experience viewing various fantastic species of plants from all over the world. It has a very relaxed atmosphere and most visitors appreciate the calm and quite. It is closed on Sundays and there is no admission fee.

Any visit to Pisa is incomplete without a trip to the Leaning Tower (Torre Pendente) of Pisa. There are many people every year who make a trip to Pisa just to see this tower. It is actually the bell tower of Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa). Its sand foundation caused it to lean over time and has now made it the famed monument that it is. Climbing the stairs is a unique experience.

Italy is a country with so much to explore and discover. Hiring a car in Italy may be an option worth considering particularly if you plan on traveling about and taking in some of the other wonderful locations within Italy such as Venice, Rome, Milan and Naples.

There are lots of holiday bargains to be had in Italy when it comes to flights, car hire, lodgings and other holiday necessities. Companies are fighting tooth and nail for your business. So if you fancy a value for money trip to Italy well now may be the time to start searching.

Budget Hotels in Sicily

Sicily is a self-governing region in Italy. It is the largest region of Italy covering an area of about 25,708 square kilometers. It is also the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Sicily has its own beautiful culture in regards to arts, cuisine, architecture and the language.

Sicily is an ecstatic place to visit because of its natural beauty. Tourism contributes a lot to the economy of Sicily. So, are you planning a vacation with your family? If so, then Sicily is a great place to visit at any time during the year. There are numerous hotels in Sicily that can suit you and are extremely under your budget.

Some of the budget hotels in Sicily are:

1. Hotel Ariston

This hotel is Located in the city center between Teatro Massimo square and Politeama square, two of the best squares in Palermo, Sicily. This hotel is easily reachable from the motorway and is also within a short walking distance from the historic center. If you are a businessman, you would surely enjoy this hotel because of its key position.

2. Hotel Liberta

This hotel is a true retreat to the 10 degree floor in the full center in the Palermo. All rooms come with private services, direct telephone, air conditioner and television satellite. This is a fun and cheap hotel for people of all age groups.

3. Ai Cavalieri Hotel

This magnificent hotel was built in 1900 and was renovated in the year 2004. This hotel has 4 floors and offers 39 rooms beautiful rooms. There is a special TV room in the hotel.

4. Hotel Riviera

This hotel with stunning beauty is situated in the charming gulf of Castellammare. If you are looking to enjoy relaxing and peaceful holidays then this place is an absolute heaven for you. The best features of this hotel include an elegant bar and a superb area with deck chairs and umbrellas.

5. Cala Rossa Hotel

This beautiful hotel is surrounded by splendid gardens and has over 68 rooms spread over 3 floors. It offers some great facilities like 24- hour reception, lifts and a TV room. Breakfast in this hotel may be selected from a buffet system whereas lunch and dinner may be selected from the menu. A number of beaches and various bars are located within 2 kilometers distance from the hotel.

These are some of the best budget hotels in Sicily that might really suit you according to your needs without spending much. So don't forget to experience a stay in these budget hotels in Sicily!

Looking for Cheap Hotels? Find out cheap hotels in Rome

Visit to Pisa - Not Just an Italian Icon City

Italy is a country which historic background makes easy associate the name of many of its famous cities with ruins and monuments belonging to the ancient Roman Empire. Even though, Italy witness how the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and other periods of history left their unmistakable seal in several other cities across the country.

One of those monuments that became an Italian icon is the Leaning Tower that almost anyone immediately associate to its hometown, the city of Pisa, situated in the Tuscany region, and bordered by the Ligurian Sea off the Arno River's mouth right bank. Pisa is indeed a great choice as s tourist destination because beyond its tower, there are many other attractions that you must dare to discover when planning your next vacations time.

Getting Pisa is easy by either train, car or airplane from local and worldwide airports, which flights arrive at the Aeroporto Internazionale Galileo Galilei, the most important airport in Tuscany. Pisa shares with other Italian cities the privilege to keep vestiges of the ancient Roman Empire, but just the name of the airport should whisper at you the Medieval air what is felt in the Pisa's streets.

Galileo Galilei was an astronomer, mathematician, physicist, and philosopher, born in Tuscany on the Middle Ages. Therefore, it is not that strange the Tourism Secretary of Italy promotes Pisa as a university city plenty of students and researchers communities side to side of a city.

Pisa offers attractions such as San Michele Abbey, San Zeno Abbey, and the popular Piazza dei Miracoli also know as Piazza del Duomo because it encompasses within its walled area the religious buildings of the Duomo, the Baptistry, the Camposanto Monumentale, and the famous Leaning Tower, which was meant to be the bell tower of the cathedral, all of them listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

The Camposanto Monumentale housed the largest fresco painting collections in the world, but they were sadly destroyed in the World Wide II. Even though, the star of the city is the Leaning Tower, project conceived by Bonanno Pisano in the 12th century and completed 200 years later, when it was too late to discover the early signs of ground subsidence that contributed to the decline of the tower in one of its sides and put at risk this monument closed to the public in 1990 and reopened to visitors in 2001.

Apart of the monuments in the Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa is a cultural center with museums such as the Palazzo Reale National Museum, the San Matteo National Museum, the Piaggio Museum, and the Museum of Ancient Ships, because the Arno River played and important role in the city in ancient times.

Other attractions in Pizza include the Piazza dei Cavalieri, Palazzo del Collegio Puteano, Villa di Corliano, Palazzo della Carovana, Torre dei Gualandi, or museums such as Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Museo delle Sinopie, Museo Nazionale di S. Matteo, Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Reale, and the Museo di storia naturale e del territorio dell'Università di Pisa.

There is More to Bologna Than Its Bolognese!

Situated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy, in the Po Valley, Bologna can be described as the historical explorer's dream. Free from the hordes of tourists who flock to more popular destinations, Bologna offers the visitor an unparalleled opportunity to discover ancient sites, surrounded by beautiful side streets and medieval piazzas.

Known as the university town, due to the fact it is home to the oldest university in Europe - Alma Mater Studiorum, founded in 1088 - Bologna is as famous for its sumptous range of gourmet cuisine, as it is for its stunning historical attractions, having been named the European capital of culture in 2000.

Although the city of Pisa is celebrated for its leaning tower, Bologna in fact has two, known as Le Due Tomi or The Two Towers. The towers are dominant features of Bologna's skyline and comprise the town's most recognisable landmarks. At 97 metres, the Torre Asinelli is the largest tower, offering visitors panoramic views across Bolonga, whilst the second, Torre Garisenda, stands at just 48 metres.

A main feature of Bologna is its two main squares, the Piazza Maggiore and the Piazza del Nettuno, which is also where the famed 16th-century Fountain of Neptun resides. A stroll through these squares, situated beside one another, will also lead you around many of the town's attractions, such as the Basilica di San Petronio - Bologna's largest church and the fifth-largest basilica in the world - and numerous palazzo, which are grand buildings known for their architecture, and often, their occupants. As such, these include the Palazzo dei Notai and the Palazzo dei Banchi.

Connecting the town is a series of walkways, which are covered by arches or vaults, known as arcades: Bologna is home to the longest one in the world, the Portico of San Luca. There are 38 km of arcades to be found in the town, meaning it is possible to peruse the sights of the town whilst being sheltered from the elements.

In addition to the town's many historical attractions, it is also host to a plethora of annual events. Most notable is the week-long marathon dance event, Amores which comprises traditional and contemporary performances and shows, taking place throughout the streets of Bologna. Furthermore, the Artelibro Art Book Festival is a popular attraction, which sees book and art enthusiasts come together with leading trade figures. The book festival is the only event of its kind to be offered in Italy and includes a programme featuring exhibitions, lectures, readings and debates.

As mentioned, Bologna is renowned for its gastronomical offerings, and food lovers alike won't be disappointed. Indeed, most famous for giving its name to bolognese, it also offers a wide variety of other pastas, meats and cheeses.

Actually travelling to get there is easy, with flights to Bologna offered throughout the year, as well as a host of excellent rail and motor links. The only decision you need to worry about is which season to go in!

The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.

Review of Lake Garda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turin Hotels

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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