Travel to Italy

Travel Guide to Rome

2011-09-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

This is an HD movie to Rome is an excellent guide to this eternal city. It recommends the best times to go to Rome and what to see when you are there. Really good travel guide to Rome.

More on the Food of Italy

2011-08-27T08:45:00.001-07:00

Since I just wrote an article on the Foods of Italy, here's a YouTube video which shows more about the foods of Italy. Enjoy and I don't blame you if you are hungry already! Read my previous article here

The Food of Italy

2011-08-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

It is unavoidable when you go to Italy - the fantastic cuisine of the country. Italian food is more than just pizza and spaghetti, much more. And even those two things, pizza and spaghetti are different from what we eat in North America. The pizza in Italy is richer in taste, healthier and has a thinner crust. Spaghetti? well, that's just the basics. There is so much more to pasta than this.

The food of Italy differs throughout the regions of Italy. Northern cuisine is different from what they serve up on the tables of southern Italy. One thing that's for sure: Italy cuisine is healthy and not as fattening as you'd think. Not only is the food one of the greatest things in Italy. It is the home of some of the best coffees in the world, hence the numerous cafes and coffee bars throughout the land. And of course, don't forget Italian wines. Italy is famous for her wines and makes the best. The countryside is replete with the vineyards of Italy and the climate of this wonderful country makes it a great place to grow all kinds of grapes.

Not only will you eat Italian style pizza, real spaghetti and thousands of other types of pastas, you will eat lots of Italian bread and plenty of seafood in the way of fresh fish. The Italians love their food, it is, besides soccer, their national passion. Also Italy has one of the healthiest diets in the world - better known as the Mediterranean style of eating. In Rome, you'll eat gnocchi, batter friend artichoke hearts, fava bean salads, spaghetti alla Carbonara. In the north east region, on your vacation in Tuscany, you'll drink the famous Tuscan wines and eat such foods as mussels, squid, scallops, Carpaccio, Brodo de Pesce. All delicious, healthy foods, rather wonderful. In the north west, you'll dine on Trenette al pesto, Bresaola (slices of raw curred beef) and Spinaci all Piemontese, a blend of spinach, anchovies, butter and garlic. Absolutely fantastic.

These are just some of the highlights of your vacation to Italy. Writing about Italy without discussing the food of Italy would be missing one half of this beautiful country. Don't miss the food, the coffee or the marvelous wines.

Exploring Padua

2010-11-27T08:40:00.000-08:00

Exploring Padua - one of the highlights of Italy and not to be missed on a vacation to Italy.

Padua in Italy is an old university town full of architectural and artistic wonders. Rich in history, there are two tourist sights that you must not miss when you visit this place. The two places you should not miss are the Cappella degli Scrovegni which is north of the city center and the Basilica de Sant’ Antonio – one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Italy.

The Capella degli Scrovegni is close to the train station, a chapel built in 1303 and houses some of Giotto’s lyrical frescoes. It is a part of the complex of the Eremitani church and the museums. It is truly a marvel to visit.

The Basilica de Sant’ Antonio is an exotic church with spires and Byzantine domes built in 1232 and where you will find the remains of Saint Antonio. It is a lavish church which serves as a shrine to him.

There are many attractions in Padua with museums and monastic buildings that will surely delight the historians and art history buffs among us.

Italian Travel Offers Much to Tourists

2009-10-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

One of the most beautiful countries in the world, Italy offers much to tourists, something for everyone, young and old. From art, culture, architecture, history, cuisine, wine, beaches and mountains, it is hard to imagine that so much fabulousness is to be found when one decides to travel to Italy.

For interesting places to visit in the north of Italy, you could try Venice with its myriad of canals, breathtaking palaces and churches, its winding streets. You’ll find luxury hotels in Venice that are fit for a king because, once in fact, members and families of the aristocracy lived in these buildings now converted into hotels. If you can't exactly afford a palace, then there are many cheap hotels in Venice for you to choose from.

For jet setting beaches, try the Isle of Capri where you will find excellent weather conditions, beaches, wonderful hotels and harbours full of the yachts of the jetset. Dining and wining here will cost you a pretty penny, but to live La Dolce Vita, it’s all here for you.

Many artists decide to travel to Florence, once the center of the art world. Here you will find all the great achievements of mankind, whether in the art galleries or in the streets where you are surrounded by beautiful architecture.

While in Italy, sample the delightful Mediterranean cuisine, sumptuous pastas made from healthy recipes and fresh foods. Accompany your meal with one of the many wines of Italy or perhaps their excellent Italian coffees, known throughout the world.

For those who love the hustle and the bustle of the city, there are the metropolises of Milano and Rome. Here you will find galleries, hotels and restaurants to suit every budget and much to do because these cities offer so much to the visitors.

If you are looking for peace and relaxation you could try the Lake District. Crystal clear water surrounds these lakes of volcanic origins. Italy is sprinkled with lakes, from the Alpine valleys to the plains of Sicily. For absolute peace and relaxation, visit the ancient Lago di Resia/Reschensee where there was once an old town of Curon Venosta/Graun im Vinschgau which is now totally submerged under the waters of the lake, and only the ancient bell tower sticks out of the water as a reminder of the town.

Travel to Italy can be amazing and inspiring and give one everlasting memories of this wonderful country.

The Province of Tuscany

2009-09-13T05:16:00.000-07:00

If you take trip to Italy without visiting the region of Tuscany, you would be missing one of the major Italian highlights. Tuscany is considered one of the most beautiful ones among Italy’s twenty regions. Located in the western part of Italy, it is surrounded by the Tyrrhenian Sea on the west, the Apuan Alps on the northwest and the Apennine Mountains on the northern and eastern sides. The region was originally home to the Etruscans.

The region fell into the hands of the Roman Empire in 351 BC and subsequently , quite a few dynasties including the Ostrogoths and Herulians, ruled it. By the middle ages the major cities including Florence, Lucca, Arezzo , Pistoia and Pisa had become wealthy under different rulers. The nineteenth century saw the modernization of the area under the rule of the Dukes of Lorraine. Gradually the city became a hub of tourism and trade in Italy, with its numerous galleries, museums and churches.

The spectacular landscape of Tuscany with the rolling hills, dotted with vineyards and olive trees is a sight for the sore eyes. The region is famed for its world famous Chianti wine, Etruscan artifacts, famous churches and Renaissance art. Almost all the big cities in the Tuscany such as Florence, San Gimignano, Lucca and Siena abound with several man made, as well as natural attractions.

Florence, the capital city of the Tuscany region has a number of attractions for visitors. From the interesting streets to the elegant buildings and beautiful cathedrals, you will never have a dull moment here. The city’s numerous attractions such as the Piazza della Signoria square , the Loggia della Signoria , Galleria dell’ Academia and Cappella dei Pazzi , are sure to leave you asking for more. The city is full of classical art and architecture and is an important destination for art lovers, historians and artists.

Siena too has its own share of attractions. Perhaps the most famous of them is the ‘Palio’, which is a medieval horse race that takes place annually during the summer. Lunigiana with its rolling chestnut covered hills and ancient villages is a charming place to visit. One great way to explore the attractions of the region is to discover it along the Tuscan Coast. From the famous Leaning Tower ot Pisa to the Natural Park of San Rossore to the Apuan Alps, you are sure to fall in love with the Tuscan Coast. The green valleys of Garfagnana and the Cosentino forests on the mountains are other must visit destinations here.

Although the climate is generally very mild in Tuscany, the spring which lasts from April to May is the best time to visit it. The summers are generally hot, while the autumn which lasts from October till November is also a good time to visit, though you must be prepared for constant spells of rain during this time of the year. If you are someone who enjoys cold nights, then you can also travel to the region during the winters, between December and March. Don’t miss this Italian highlight on your vacation to Italy. There are many Tuscany tours available which you can find online by doing a simple search for Tuscany tours on the internet. Many companies provide this service so you will not miss a thing that you should see on your Italian vacation.

The Region of Chianti

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Visitors from around the world have marveled at the spectacular natural beauty of the Chianti area in Italy. Part of the world famous Tuscany region, Chianti with its rolling hills and miles of vineyards, offers several picture perfect sights for people traveling to Italy. In fact, the region’s natural beauty is so famous that scenes from Chianti are the most frequently used in calendars around the world. An even more famous produce of Chianti is its world famous wine. In fact, the very name Chianti has become synonymous with classic wines.

The Chianti area extends over the provinces of both Siena and Florence, two of the most prominent cities in the Tuscany region. The natural landscape of Chianti is keeping in with the spectacular scenery that one can see in most parts of the Tuscany region. The miles and miles of gentle hills, covered with vineyards, olive groves and chestnut trees, makes for a beautiful sight. The small stone villages with their characteristic countryside homes and parishes are another major attraction for visitors here.

Vineyard tours are a great way to explore the area’s attractions. Wine cultivation in Chianti goes back to the time of the Etruscans, who used to rule the Tuscany region before the Roman Empire conquered it. Historical references point out to the Etruscans doing lots of research on wine cultivation and coming out with several hybrid varieties, even during those days.

Visitors to the Chianti area will find a variety of accommodation options to choose from. There are a number of small guesthouses, farmhouses and hotel in Tuscany you can find all over the region. You can also find many elegant boutique hotels near the vineyards here. Perhaps the best way to explore Chianti would be by staying in one of the many country houses that you can find in the stone villages around the area.

The Amalfi Coast

2009-07-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

The Amalfi Coast is glamorous and beautiful. When you travel to Italy, you should be sure to visit this glorious area. In 1807 Napoleon’s older brother put in a road because he liked the rocky, mountainous stretch of coast facing south in Italy. This road took 50 years to build and for the first time, making it possible to reach the Amalfi coast without a boat. Even with the road, the tourists did not visit. This road is called the Amalfi Drive, a dangerous mountainous road with hairpin turns and wonderful views of the Mediterranean.

Nowadays, the road is full of tour buses which drive carefully and scooters which overtake the buses regularly, darting in and out and irritating everybody. Today, the road is known only by the boring name of SS163. Between the small towns of Vietri sul Mare and Ravello, there are approximately 50 and 100 turns. Exciting driving for most drivers, to say the least, to be handled with care. A less stressful way to visit the Amalfi Coast is to arrive by boat or yacht if you have one.

The original inhabitants of the Amalfi Coast came in the 5th century fleeing the barbarian hordes that were attacking Rome. Since then, people come to the Amalfi coast seeking the shoreline, rich in beauty and stunning views of the Mediterranean. The Europeans are the most common visitors, staying in hotels seeking the sun, sitting on patios, balconies and beaches, all longing to have a beach view. They read their books; bronze their skin, occasionally looking up to watch the waves of the peaceful sea. At lunch time, they seek restaurants with views of the sea and then later wander back to the beach with their beach towels. The yacht owners anchor their boats, a couple of hundred yards out.

The Amalfi Coast reaches about 15 miles of shoreline from the Bay of Naples to the Gulf of Salerno in the south on the Sorrentine Peninsula which is made up of the Lattari Mountains. The coastline is dotted with little villages, structures, houses and hotels constructed into the edges of the cliffs. In the towns, there are restaurants, bars, little shops from the finest names, luxury hotels and pensiones.

It’s a glamorous place to visit, expensive to be sure and breathtakingly beautiful, a playground for the rich and famous. The Amalfi Coast is one of the main Italian highlights, not to be missed when you travel to Italy to experience the stunning shorelines of the country.

Beaches in Italy

2009-07-01T06:44:00.000-07:00

More dreaming about Italy. The beaches between the sea and sky. In Italy there are many places to visit if you want a seaside vacation in Italy. The views and the beaches on the coastline of Italy are spectacular. You have so many choices to choose from for Italian beaches, just look at this list. These are the best places to go if you are wanting a beach vacation in Italy.

Ligurian Sea
Tyrrhenian Sea
Adriatic Sea
Tyrrhenian Sea

The Ligurian Sea:

Villages clustered along the coastline. Flowers and villas, yachts moored along the coastline. In Luguria, you will find Alassio, one of the most famous beaches on the Riviera and elegant streets to wander on.

Bright colorful buildings cling boldly to the hillsides. Narrow alleyways between streets. The little towns and villages of Liguria are truly guardians of ancient traditions. You will see here, the picturesque city of Portofino, the five villages of Cinque Terra and the Via dell’amore, the path of love between them. See the abundance of flowers at San Remo. Peace and beauty and marvellous views. Breathtaking!

The Tyrrhenian Sea:

The Tyrrhenian Sea is steeped in history, with long golden sand beaches, ancient towers, sharp cliffs rising out of the sea. The waters are bright blue at the Versilia beach with its lively night life. Be sure to visit the countryside of Maremma, the romantic Amalfi Coast or the wild coast of Calabria. And not far from the coast, as is always with Italy, the world of art and culture is waiting to be explored.

The Ionian Sea:

Wild craggy shore lines, the beaches on the Ionian Sea leave you feeling close to nature. Shorelines are dotted with castles and ruins of ancient people such as the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Normans and the Arabs. There are the surrounding Pollino forests, the slopes of the Sila and the peaks of the Aspromonte.

The Adriatic Sea:

The Adriatic Coast is perfect for family vacations because the sea gradually deepens at Abruzzo. Other locations to consider on the Adriatic Sea are the glittering nightlife at the Riviera Romagnola or Conero and Gargano and the beautiful rugged coastline of Puglia. At Apulial, Viesta, see the rock buttress with houses from the medieval period and the long beaches that surround them.

I have only covered four coastal areas to visit in Italy here. I will write later on Sicily, Sardinia, and some of the smaller islands in my next posting. Be sure to check back on my site on Italian travel.

Where to Stay in Italy

2009-06-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

There are many choices for you when considering where you will stay in Italy. First of all you must decide where you want to go and just exactly what your budget is.

There are many, many hotels for you to stay in wherever you will travel, whether it be Rome, Sicily, Venice or the Isle of Capri. All of these destinations have hostels, homestays, hotels, both luxury and budget, pensiones -whatever you desire, whatever your budgets.

And, there are many, many websites with all of the information about these hotels and hotels reviews so you get a clearer picture of where you wish to stay when in the destination of your choice in Italy.

Very convenient also, is that nowadays, you can book online at most of these hotels. But be careful, because these different hotel booking sites can charge different rates. So, as advice to the wise, check you your rates and compare between different hotel booking sites. Also check the hotel's own site - usually a dot com name.

Italy - a Work of Art

2009-06-06T07:10:00.001-07:00

Italy is like a work of a art with 20 separate pieces. Italy with it's 20 regions, each with different but equally precious treasures.

From the mountains in the Aosta Valley, such as Mont Blanc to Mount Cervino. And then there is Piedmont with its famous wines, its magestic mountains and it's Baroque style. The sea and hamlets of Liguria, Lombardy with its lakes with names such as Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda. Consider also Trentino and Alto Adige/Sudtirol. Another part of this melange that is Italy is Veneto with its splendid villas and artistic towns, like Venice where you can stay at any of the Venitian palaces if your budget will allow or one of the cheap hotels in Venice. Friuli Venezia Giulia between land and sea. Emilia Romagna. And Tuscany of course, the land of beautiful cities such as Florence and the magical hills of Chianti.

For beaches, there is Marche, where you will find long beaches, hamlets and balmy high grounds.

For most tourists to Italy, eternal Rome is the quintessential place where everyone heads to first of all. Pilgrims will visit the Pope in the Vatican on religious holidays. They may also go to Umbria.

Abruzzo and the Gran Sasso, the everlasting glacier. Small Molise in the countryside with its traditions. Campania with its great dining of local foods such as pizza and spaghetti.

For jetsetters or wannabees there is the isle of Capri, Ischia and Pompeii and Paetum.

In search of more beaches and architectural wonders, then go to Apulia, Calabria and Trulli.

And lastly, there are Italy's two large islands, Sicily and Sardinia.

All of these lovely places form the mosaic that is Italy, where there is so much to see and do!