Discovering Pescara

Pescara is a coastal city located just a few hours of Rome heading off the Adriatic Sea in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Because of the river after the city received its name, Pescara was an important maritime port of the Roman Empire, nowadays transformed into a populated place with a wealthy economy that encompasses industries such as foods and chemicals, building materials, manufacturing and clothing, but specially the tourism industry.

Just the Aeroporto Internazionale d'Abruzzo moved 3,300 tons cargo and 371,247 passengers during 2007, figures that help you understand why the sandy beaches of Pescara are among the favorite summer destinations in Italy, although the city's beneficial climate makes it appropriate destination to visit all year round.

Despite its historic background, there are not ancient ruins to visit in this city because it was devastated by Nazis during the World War II, although many buildings and monuments were successfully restored after Pescara's reconstruction in the 1960s and guided city tours can take you to discover them.

Anyway, walking through the city visitors can enjoy the unique architecture of Pescara admiring its waterfront residences, or finding the historic building that survived the war, including the Church of the Spirito Santo, the Cathedral of San Cetteo, the Church of Sant'Andrea Apostolo, or the Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Sette Dolori that dates from 1757.

When it comes to sightseeing some of the places to visit around Pescara include the Museo Cascella and Museo Ittico and the Palazzo del Governo, where past and present of Pescara have a permanent display along with sheep-raising culture that was the former activity of founder residents.

Pescara has also 21 ski areas that run from the highest region of the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea, so even in winter Pescara boos tourist activities at resorts such as Campo Imperatore, Roccaraso, and Campo Felice. When it comes to mountains, there are many others providing hiking and climbing opportunities, such as the Corno Grande, the Corno Piccolo, the Majella, Ill Calderone, and other smaller peaks.

Throughout the year, the streets of Pescara are also filled by harmonious sounds coming from folk festivals and the bustling activity around the city's ice-cream shops and its traditional trattories. However, summer is also scenario of the annual International Jazz Festival, and the "Ennio Flaiano" prize that is awarded to the best performers and writers on theater, cinema, television, and literature.

When planning your vacations, do not forget that a large extension of land in Pescara has been designated regional and/or national parkland, including the Sirente Velino Regional Park, Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, Lago di Barrea, the Majella National Park, and the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise.

Close the Pescara, there are several Medieval and Renaissance town within the national park system, including Castel del Monte, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Pacentro, and Pescasseroli easily accessible as a day trip visit to admire a Medieval castle and two towers that the Nazi never found.

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Romantic Christmas Gifts From Italy

Around the world, Christmas is considered a day that people can show how much they care for their loved ones with beautifully wrapped presents under a tree. For many couples, exchanging romantic Christmas gifts under the mistletoe is a tradition that makes the entire winter season sparkle. When it comes to romance, few countries have such an incredibly solid reputation like Italy. Many couples buy romantic Christmas gifts from Italysimply because Italian gifts often add a very romantic and intimate touch to the Christmas tree.

Among wine sommeliers, Italyhas a reputation for producing some of the world's finest wines, rivaled only by France, Napa Valley, and New Zealand. The millennia-old tradition of wine making in Italy is taken extremely seriously; expect to find only the highest quality vino when browsing Italian wines. A great way to enjoy a romantic Christmas dinner is to add a bottle of Pinot Grigio to the menu. Moreover, a bottle of wine is a romantic Christmas gift that is easy to gift wrap, and can make a beautiful Christmas presentation.

Along with the Italian tradition of wine comes food. People who have very culinary lover can always find a romantic cookbook, or even a romantic cooking set that will bring a gleam of joy to their eyes. Gift sets which include chocolate are common romantic gifts in Italy. Often inexpensive, these budget-friendly cooking gifts will be sure to add a delicious twist to your Christmas.

Designers such as Dolce and Gabbana, Moschino, and Gucci all hail from Italy's fashionable cities of Milanand Florence. For a romantic Christmas gift that will get compliments from everyone around, buying a designer watch or leather handbag often is just what the doctor ordered. If you are still dating, and want to give your girlfriend a romantic Christmas gift to remember, an Italian-designed diamond engagement ring will make her jaw drop.

People who want to partake in traditional Italian Christmas celebrations will love getting i dolciumi or il carbone (carbon) as gifts. These two gifts are received as presents from a classic Italian character known as "the Witch." If you have been good, you receive i dolciumi as a gift. Coal-like sweets known as il carbone (carbon) are given to naughty children. With your lover, give them a little of both for a naughty-but-nice present.

Another option for jewellery fans is to buy Murano glass jewelry for a romantic Christmas gift. Perfect for women who like a traditional yet edgy appearance, Murano jewellery has become a very popular present in Italy. Even better, some of the pieces can be quite affordable.

Italians are known for having excellent romantic Christmas gifts. Whether you choose to buy jewellery, wine, recipe books, or Pavarotti CDs, you can rest assured that buying your romantic Christmas presents from Italy will make your beloved's heart melt.

Visit my web site http://www.romantic-travel-destinations-getaway.com/ and find out more information about Italy and Croatia, the top honeymoon and wedding destinations in the world.

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Bed and Breakfast in Firenze, Italy

There is no such magnificent city in Tuscany than Florence. It was the birth place of renaissance period in Italy. Florentines takes pride in bringing the classic back to its zenith. Taking credit of the Medici Family, Florence became a major city in the renaissance period with numerous works of arts and different architectures. One can view its magnificent panoramic view of its skyline with numerous classical architectures dating back from the 16th Century. Traveling the Arno River will take the tourist to different sites like the Ponte Vecchio. Reminiscing the days of Machiavelli when the Florentines are still independent from other Italian state, one can always visit the Piazza de la Republica which still dates back from the later Medieval Age. With these ancient sites, UNESCO declared Florence as a World Heritage Site. Likewise visiting Italy would not be complete if Florence is not included in every tourist's itinerary.

Florentines take pride in its tourism. Millions of tourists are flocking in the area during the early spring up to the late summer to experience the great Mediterranean climate. A tourists' usual concern during this season is a place stay. Lots of tourist, even outnumbering the local residents, will jam almost in all the inns and hotels. While this might be a problem for a tourist, a number of local residents are offering what is called as the "Bed and Breakfast" Inn.

Bed and Breakfast Inn is an old-fashioned tourists' stay. Dating back in the old times when number of travelers going only by foot, some houses offered a bedroom and at the same time a breakfast meal while travelers have their momentary stop to rest for the night. Until now, Bed and Breakfast Inn has been popular. It is even a source of income for a number of Florentines especially during peak seasons when commercial hotels are fully-Booked. Visitors always feel at home with the innkeepers who will treat them as their family guest

The good thing in staying in a Bed and Breakfast Inn is its proximity to the tourist's spots in the area. A weary visitor can always find the nearest inn. However, considering the proximity of the area to this spots, one has to consider the price it may offer. Expensive rates usually occur most especially during the peak season. It is most advisable not to stay in these inns during this season. A farther site might cater the same quality of hospitality, but at an affordable price.

For the first time visitors, the following are the guides in choosing Bed and Breakfast inn to make your tour in this magnificent city of Florence a memory of a lifetime:

1. Customize your choice of Inn according to your taste. There are lots of Bed and Breakfast Inns to choose from. One might find a modern type inn furnished with cable television and air conditioned rooms. At the same time, there are inns which are antique and historical in nature. If visiting in a historical site like Florence, one would always love to relive its glorious past. However, for people who are just mere site-seers, a wide variety of inn are there to choose from. Be sure in making the inn of your choice, you would be comfortable sleeping in that place to make your stay memorable.

2. Always ask the Breakfast menu. Bed and Breakfast Inns only cater breakfast for their guest. Likewise, it is best to know which menu does the inn serving. It is also good to ask if you can choose your own menu. In doing this, you will always have a good morning in Florence ahead of you.

3. Check if Baths and Comfort Rooms and are private. The next most important thing for a stay is the checking of comfort rooms and baths. While baths and comfort rooms are almost private in all the inns, there are still others which let guests share a common baths and comfort rooms. As guest, you will always find it uncomfortable to share the comfort room of another person. However, if you are only a transient tourist and would not mind using comfort rooms, this might not be a problem for you.

4. Keep posted on the house rules and regulations. Each inn has its own house rules and regulations. These includes smoking area, allowable adult and children in a room, visitor regulations, and most especially, bringing of post. It is a responsibility for the guests to know the house rules and regulations of every inn they will be staying. Otherwise, they might be paying for some additional fine or worst case of all, being expelled from the inn for gross abuse of its own rules and regulations.

5. Reservations are always a priority. Tourists who reserved before their stay will always be given the priority than the "walk-ins". Due to the limited availability of the rooms, it is wise to reserve beforehand so that you, as a tourist, will be forewarned of high occupancy rate. It is always a must to know the check-in / check out time. In this way, you can always plan for your trip and plot your itineraries in Florence beforehand.

With the nice and reminiscing view of the glorious past of Florence and at the same time the warmth welcome of Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers, surely you will always have nice and memorable moments in Florence.

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Eating Breakfast From Italy

By: Reinaldo Finch

You can't go to Italy and not visit Florence. It simply isn't done. Located in the middle of the country, Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region. If you want to immerse yourself in Italian history and culture, go to Florence. If you want to feel the pulse of Italian life, drop by Florence!

Florence is one of the world's premier cities. From the 1300s to the 1500s, it led Europe in fields such as education, finance, and commerce. During this time, some of art's unofficial Hall of Famers, namely, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Dante, created some of the world's greatest masterpieces. Florence served as Italy's capital until the government was transferred to Rome in 1871. Today, Florence's economy is primarily based on tourism, which includes accommodations such as Florence, Italy bed and breakfasts.

A bed and breakfast, or a "B and B," is a private home in which several rooms are dedicated to guests who lodge there overnight. Many of Florence, Italy's bed and breakfasts offer world-class service and outstanding views of the city.

Mediterranean Chow
The Mediterranean Diet has greatly influenced breakfasts in Florence, Italy bed and breakfasts. In fact, while this cuisine type originated along the Mediterranean Sea, it has greatly impacted the entire country, including Tuscany. The Mediterranean Diet is based on farming, fishing, and cattle of the land. This includes the use of several types of plants, including beans, seeds, whole grains, and fruits. In Southern Europe, Italy included, foods such as bread, rice, pasta, and vegetables have become staples in people's diets. Of particular interest is the region's use of olive oil, which is much healthier than animal fats. Other components of the Mediterranean Diet include a glass of wine with meals, very little red meat, and a little yogurt and cheese.

What's for Breakfast?
Food itself is vital to Florence's economy. The food of Florence, including your free Florence, Italy bed and breakfast breakfast, originated from the lifestyle of the common people. In this culture, the entire animals were typically eaten. Continuing that tradition, several varieties of stomach tissue from animals are sold from food carts around the city today. If you want something a little lighter, however, you can enjoy Florence's appetizers, including sliced bread topped with a chicken liver paste.

Florence's most famous main dish contains a huge piece of beefsteak served barely cooked. Also, a special Easter Sunday breakfast in Tuscany includes salami, boiled eggs, Easter cakes and pizzas, and wine. Lastly, Florentine meals often include Tuscan bread mixed with soups or vegetables.

Wine Central
In addition to being a food mecca of sorts, Tuscany is also one of the best wine-producing regions in the world. Several areas near Florence, Italy bed and breakfasts, such as Bolgheri, Chianti, and Carmignano, are famous for their grape crops, which are used in a variety of wines.

Bolgheri is a small village, which includes a lovely avenue of cypress trees. Only the best grapes are used to create the wines here. On the other hand, Chianti is the home of thousands of producers of Chianti red wines. The wines created vary in where and how the grapes are grown, how many types of grapes are used, and how the wine is produced and aged. Lastly, the Carmignano region has been producing outstanding wines for over 12 centuries.

A visit to Italy is never complete without a visit to Florence. Staying in a Florence, Italy bed and breakfast will allow you to savor the essence of the region's food and wine.

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Argenta

Argenta is situated in Ferrara's province; it has about 22.000 inhabitants on 311 square metres divided in 13 hamlets. This city boasts of an ancient town-center ed a complex system of museums, the Ecomuseum of Argenta, grown up around a beautiful oasi of marshland.

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Five Topmost Italy Vacation Destinations

By Priscila Siano

Recognized to be on the list of leading 5 hot holiday destinations in all the world, Italy on no account miss to entice millions of vacationers with its alluring natural beauty, genuine style and lifestyle, resonant as well as historic remains, world-renowned arts and of course it is delectable also unique cuisine. Every one of these in one great escape destination - an Italy Vacation.

Italy provides an array of escape selections. Every metropolitan or town provides their amazing food, festivals, artifacts, sceneries that you will absolutely take pleasure in. At the present the issue is, not all of us might take a whole month or 2 to marvel all of those miracles of Italy. That's the reason it is important to narrow down the options and ensure to obtain a perfectly plotted schedule. Meaning, getting the chance of paying a visit to the main Italy vacation spots. Here are the top five getaway spots you might want to include as part of your Italy vacation package.

1. Vatican City. A municipality within the center of Rome. Recognized to be the heart of Catholicism, here you will notice the Apostolic Palace - the home of the Pope. The town is headed with the bishop of Rome - the Pope and is a sacerdotal-monarchical land. An extremely historical spot with amusing artworks undeniably an excellent first rest for an Italy vacation.

2. The Grand Canal in Venice. Create your Italy vacation toward its hype by indulging in an interesting trip to Venice. Discover the Grand Canal by gondola and fall in love once more with the love songs rendered by the gondola drivers. A really stunning images, the entire channel is really "S"-shaped with one ending leading to the lagoon near Santa Lucia railway post and another ends on the Saint Mark Basin. A very memorable way of delighting your Italy vacation.

3. Colosseum in Rome. Renowned to be one of the 7 Wonders of the World, this should after that be a part of your Italy vacation. One of the renowned venues meant for public spectacles or gladiatorial games, the Colosseum is large enough to take in 50,000 audience. It's an egg-shaped ring located in the center of Rome. Truly an ideal sense of Roman architecture and Engineering.

4. Leaning Tower of Pisa. See it before your sight - The structure which was allegedly designed vertically and is now leaning in the direction of southwest. Leaning Tower of Pisa is a self-supporting bell tower located behind the Cathedral. And an artifact of history, this is the 3rd oldest structure in Pisa. Also known to be a beautiful site to visit in an Italy vacation.

5. Pompeii. Final stop in the most known five Italy holiday spots, is Pompeii. Declared to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you might want to visit the rediscovered historic city which was wiped out in a long catastrophic volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The city was covered underneath 4-6 meters of ash for roughly 1600 years. After being rediscovered around 1952, it then had endured quarrying which unveiled the amazing archetype of the town's life throughout the Roman Empire. Definitely, your final stop in your Italy vacation is truly memorable!

Priscila Siano is the Business Manager of TourItalyNow.com, a pioneer among the world's online providers of escorted, customized, small group tours to Italy. She also enjoys writing articles about Italy tour. Feel free to republish this article provided you do not edit it in any way and include the author bio as well.

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Feel at home in Rome

By: Huong Keri

The glorious Italian capital of Rome is one of the world''s most famous cities. Its iconic landmarks are recognised almost anywhere. Visitors come from all around the globe in order to see for themselves the majestic sights, experience the captivating romantic culture, and indulge in the enormous sense of history and heritage that the place has to offer.

Rome''s incredible depth of history is on show all around, wherever you wander. Moreover the sublime climate, so typical of the Mediterranean, makes it an ideal location to spend a break on the continent.

Most people find that the best time to pay a visit is earlier before the peak of summertime. Some visitors prefer to go in May or June, or later on in September, rather than in high tourist season when it is very hot, ver busy, and prices rise dramatically.

During the summer months Villa Celimontana hosts an outside bar with live jazz music. Whilst you do have to pay to get into the park, and drinks are quite expensive, it''s worth it for the atmosphere and the perfect opportunity to relax after a long day.

Head there in the summer and you''ll get to enjoy live jazz at the outside bar at the Villa Celimontana. It costs a fee to enter the park, and drinks there can naturally be rather on the dear side. But the atmosphere and the chance to relax in gorgeous surroundings make it worthwhile.

Buzzing with the energy and excitement of the crowds, another great spot where you can go to spend a fine evening is Isola Tibernina, an island in the middle of the River Tiber running through the city. It is rather a small island, but has so many great bars. You can take a walk along the shore, and even watch something at the outdoor cinema they have there during summer.

You won''t be able to drive on Isola Tibernina as cars are prohibited. This of course makes the atmosphere much more serene, which you''ll certainly notice after having to navigate your way across the busy, frenetic roads of Rome all through the day. Not far from Trastevere where many of the city''s hotels can be found, it is a fantastic place to go to get away from the main tourist spots.

In all, Rome is a superb holiday destination. A fantastic city with a glorious past etched into the stone on every wall.

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Huong Keri is a travel writer with a fondness for Italiantravel. They recommend Octopus Travel for Rome hotels.

The most beautiful and famous Venetian palaces

By: Lia Contesso

Some Venetian palaces have remained in history for their beauty, as examples of Gothic and Byzantine architecture, which has left deep scars in this city. An interesting example of Venetian-Byzantine house dating from the thirteenth century, is Ca' da Mosto, which was the home of the family of the Da Mosto, famous Venetian navigators. From the sixteenth to the eighteenth century, the building housed the Albergo del Leon Bianco, then the most popular among the hotels in Venice. This is one of the oldest palaces in Venice, in the Cannaregio district, overlooking the Grand Canal, not far from the Rialto Bridge.

Another very famous building is the Palazzo Corner, a large Renaissance palace in Venice, located in the San Marco district and overlooking the Grand Canal. Now is the seat of the Province of Venice and the Prefecture. Its facade is divided into two horizontal bands: the architect left the lower area decorated with rusticated motif and brightened up the upper floor with a series of arches that amplify the chiaroscuro effect of the building, exposing the classical array. The tripartite division of the facade typical Venetian is identifiable only in the central portico and balcony that unites the three windows above.

Just minutes from the station and Piazzale Roma you can visit one of the most beautiful Venetian palaces, Ca' Foscari, who for centuries attracts famous people, famous artists and visitors from around the world. Its strategic location and scenic "in turn of the canal" was one of the reasons that prompted the doge Francesco Foscari, who gave his name to the palace, to purchase the building in 1452 and rebuilt it in the architectural principles and style that made it an extraordinary example of Venetian Gothic architecture. From the building one can admire a unique panorama from the Rialto Bridge to the Accademia, which has inspired artists of all time.
The building is now home to the prestigious University Ca' Foscari of Venice.

Another historical mansion is Ca' Giustiniani. It is a Gothic building of the last transition period (1474); formerly called “dei Giustinian”. It was the home (1432) of the Patriarch of Castello for some time, the Blessed Lorenzo Giustiniani, it underwent renovations and additions even in the facade. The interior retains the seventeenth-century decoration. It is now owned by the municipality and the seat of municipal departments, and offices of the Society of Culture "La Biennale” of Venice.

Famous for its garden, is Ca' Morosini del Giardin, which is located in the Cannaregio district. The garden is cared for by the Dominican Sisters, this garden, although does not reflect the original arrangement maintains the features typically Venetian with a garden that blends with the vegetable garden among flowers and fruit trees.

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Ornellaia, Tuscan Passion And also Luxury In A Bottle

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia created three decades ago lies in a luxury and unspoilt part of Tuscany. From day one their quest was focused on generating a number of the very best wines achievable. Their determination to this objective, their enthusiasm and the distinctive luxury climate just about all go in the direction of producing a terroir that's special and has led to Tenuta dell Ornellaia becoming acknowledged as among the finest vineyard all over the world.

When starting out Ornellaia knew that to ensure that the future of Italian viticulture to take a new path, the proper location, time and the very best people were needed. Tenuta dell Ornellaia is that spot, a place regarding infinite potential that has been cultivated with experience and the knowledge of performers whose aim is to make a new luxury work of art with every vintage.

A brand new masterpiece is determined essentially by the nature of the vintage. Fruit are hands harvested if they are full ripe and the individual vineyards are usually fermented individually. Ornellaia have followed this kind of philosophy since their beginning and the outcomes speak for themselves. Production of their ranges of luxurious wine is based on the fact all wines are the faithful representation from the terroir from which they came. The smallest of facts are considered from selective hand harvesting to the microvinification and the aging process to ensure good quality.

Ornellaia Bolgheri Doctor Superiore is Ornellaia`s flagship wine. It was initially produced using the 1985 vintage after careful selections from the vineyards from the estate. It is a luxurious wine produced in constrained amounts, vinified and hand crafted meticulously to the best of details. It has been granted top scores from some of the very best experts around the world. The luxury Vintage 2005 was used in celebration of the The twentieth anniversary of Ornellaia, famed around the world through quite a few events with the help of large anniversary bottles.

Tenuta dell Ornellaia released the Vendemmia d Artista project beginning with the Vintage Ornellaia 2006. A wonderful coupling of recent art and also wine which celebrates Ornellaia`s new vintages.

It takes a lot of time and patience to find the wonderful wine from the vineyard to the table. Grapes are usually handpicked, graded as well as selected just before they are de-stemmed and then soft pressed. Fermentation takes place in a period of one week at between 26c to 30c and then spends 10 to 15 days of maceration. Oak casks are used for the particular malolactic fermentation, with the wines remaining inside barriques for around 18 months in cellars at Tenuta dell Ornellaia under stringent controlled temperatures. Bottling then takes place and prior to reaching tables all over the world it stands for an additional twelve months.

Ornellaia make their wines from passion, this is evident when you swirl your wine around your glass and take in the fantastic aroma and luxury taste.

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Tyler Peeters is an authority when it comes to the world's Very Best Services and Luxury!

7 Places To Visit In Italy - Locating the Most Beautiful Cities in Italy

By Barrie Le Gall

The following are selected places that you can visit and make your Italy Holidays more memorable. Each have a unique quality a holiday visitor can look forward for.

St Peters Basilica in Rome. This has a rich Christian significance with the biggest Catholic Church. Built in 324 AD with Constantine's efforts, the first Christian Emperor, the site is built of gold marble and you will find different mosaics in numbers. There is a museum which you can view many gems. It has underground tombs of fallen popes.

Milan is another city worth visiting for Italy holiday. Despite being the home of two world renowned football rivals Inter and AC, it is also a fashion centre. To explore what is the most recent in the fashion world, visit among other streets in Milan, those that border Via Montepoleone. Milan may thus form part of your great memories of an Italy holiday.

Venice, the City of Love is a place which Shakespeare talked of before. It is a city where romantic moments are enjoyed by thousands of lovers. Exchanges of flowers and the intimate love fight for mates attentions and all that is in romantic love has a long history in Venice.

Clinque Terre, Linguria. These are five lands in the North of Italy that make it to the World Heritage List by UNESCO. They stretch along the coast of Riviera and are a place where ancient traditions are guarded. This is a place worth considering for an Italy holiday.

Uffizi Gallery in Florence is one of the best museums you can find in Italy. It hosts thousands of Renaissance paintings. It is a place well recorded in the Renaissance history and was a palace and an administration centre. It is thus one of the most exciting places that you can visit during your Italy Holidays.

Tuscany and Umbria region adds to the entertainment list for a person visiting Italy. There are several vine yards where one can sight see and enjoy some of the world's famous Italian wines like Chianti. Here you can visit vineyards like Bianfi, Biondican Santi and Casa Vionicola l. Cecchi among others. The region is high rated and may present you a memorable entertainment.

Aosta Valley Castles, Valle d'Aosta is also a place you can chose for your Italy holidays. This is a place you will find some of the most popular ancient castles. You can find the Issogne, Fenis and Verres here. Besides that, you will be in a position to view the European highest mountains that surround this small region.

Barrie is a blogger for city weekend breaks.co.uk which is an informative blog focusing on all things travel. For Italy holidays suggestions, insurance, and what to look out for when it comes to taking a holiday either on your own, or couple, or even as a family.

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Home Page > Travel > 4 Must-Experience Activities in Tuscany, Italy 4 Must-Experience Activities in Tuscany, Italy

• Enjoy a glass of vino while relaxing in the vineyard in which it was grown

Tuscany is the motherland of fine wines. Climate and soil seemingly purpose built for growing grapes mix with time-tested, palate-approved Tuscan techniques to create an unforgettable experience. Taste DOCG certified wines in the vineyards from which they came! The wine is amazing, but equally important is your sommelier. Enjoy your experience with Romeo Innocenti of Tuscan Way as he guides you through the many different types of Tuscan wines. On your next Tuscany wine tour drinking wine from in the vineyard from which it came is a must do.

• Listen to a tall tale told by a native Tuscan

Since the Legend of King Rachis and even before, Italy has been full of great stories and cheerful locals eager to find a listening ear. While in Tuscany visitors must be sure to hear a native, true Tuscan spin a story about days long past. From political happenings to tales of love lost and rekindled there is a story for every guest. Enjoy a tall glass of wine with your new Tuscan soul mate as he or she regales you with stories that happened in the very same castles, villas, and vineyards that you will be spending time in during your Tuscany food and wine holiday.

• Have a sweet dream while resting in a historic Tuscan abode

Dreams are the window into our souls. There is no better place on Earth to have a pleasant dream than in a medieval Tuscan home, charming inn, or sprawling country villa. Only the very best Tuscany tour operators have exclusive access to some of the best estates Tuscany has to offer. Lay your head down in Carlo Innocenti's private home as you drift off into sleep. Casa Innocenti , perched on a hill next to the village castle, is a perfect place to unwind after a full day of Italian food and wine. La Locanda Del Prete, Carlo's inn in Southern Tuscany, offers a striking view of Arcidosso as you drift off. Guests can also opt for staying in the Villa Gaia Estate, which offers luxury accommodations surrounded by olive groves. Wherever choose to rest after your days in Tuscany, you are sure to have a magical experience on your Italian food and wine tour.

• Share a fine Italian dinner with a Tuscan Master Chef

Master Chef Carlo Innocenti is waiting for you to join him in Tuscany. With him he brings secret family recipes (that you just might be able to get him to share) and wine pairings that match the cuisine perfectly. Enjoy made-from-scratch pasta and rich and creamy risotto prepared right in front of your eyes. You have had Italian food before, but never like this. You can feel your taste buds dancing once you catch a whiff of some of Tuscany's gastronomic delights. Sharing a dinner with the master chef that prepared it is an experience you can't miss on your next Tuscany food holiday.

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Have a Wintertime Trip to Italy

Author: Priscila Siano

If you love winter sporting activities or simply appreciate the freezing climate, you will be pleased for a winter trip to Italy. Whereas several tourists would not even contemplate a visit to Italy in the chilly winter months, snowboarding lovers and the rest who enjoy the snow can experience an Italy distinct from everything they'd understand usually in the hectic summer months or maybe the spring and fall time of year.

One of several main factors to go to Italy in winter is usually to enjoy the winter activities offered here. In 2006, the town of Torino Turin, Italy was the host of the Winter Olympic Games. All through those days, everyone had the opportunity to witness just how magnificent a place Italy can be for a wintertime tour. Moreover, snowboarding in Italy is a little cheaper than skiing in other places in the Alps including France, Austria, and Switzerland. That is not to say that this is a "cheap" vacation spot, the services are often top-notch but the majority tend to be an appealing superior worth. Discount hotels are accessible as well if you are not hunting for swanky.

A wintertime tour to Italy might comprise a stopover in Cortina, one of the leading Italian ski places for guests and for rich Italians. The surroundings here is basically wonderful and Cortina itself is an eye-catching town, offering activities and facilities for non-skiers as well together with a lot of shopping and some impressive modest eateries. For individuals who like the powder, however, Cortina provides something for skiers of all ranges, together with novices and intermediates. The season is occasionally brief, but this is a genuine Italian event that has no equal in the U.S.

On the other hand, if you are a lodger, a winter trip to Italy might take in an expedition to Arabba, section of the Sella Ronda route, the most-recognized ski itinerary in the Dolomites. Also a vast area for mountain cycling in the summer months, Arabba provides several of the unsurpassed heli-skiing in Italy as well, so if that is your fad, be certain to include it on your schedule. Much of the Sella Ronda track is most fitting for adults as there are not a lot of kid-friendly activities in Arabba and several of the other resorts, so arrange accordingly. However, whether or not you are a skier, you will definitely discover a excellent deal on holiday packages and tours during the winter months in Italy. Tour particulars, like resorts and air reservations, do not require to be booked as far and advance as they do during the spring, summer, or fall, so a unprepared visit to Italy is very much a prospect in the months of January or February. Also, all the sights that have lengthy queues in the peak tourist months barely have lines at all throughout winter. That means you can stuff more sightseeing into your Italy trip throughout this time of year. And, of course, rates are typically very appealing as well.

Clearly, it is going to be colder here throughout winter, although if you won't mind the chill, this might be the appropriate moment of year for you to get a trip to Italy. As you might have to go beyond the Venice gondola trip for now, you will discover there is more than enough to keep you occupied.

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About the Author

Priscila Siano is the Business Manager of TourItalyNow.com, a pioneer among the world's online providers of escorted, customized, small group tours to Italy. She also enjoys writing articles about Italy escorted tours. Feel free to republish this article provided you do not edit it in any way and include the author bio as well.

Italy - Probably The Most Beautiful Country In The World

By Tony Osust

Of the 195 countries on earth, it should come as no surprise that with 44 world heritage sites, Italy has more than any other country. Italy is steeped in history and myth, with the Roman Empire having ruled a large part of the world for hundreds of years, its effect on the progression of western society cannot be overstated. This is keenly felt throughout the continent, from its wonderful architectural remnants, to the food and wine, clothes worn, cars driven and the art that is loved, not to mention many linguistic roots.

All this from a country that is famed as one of the most beautiful and charismatic on the planet. Italy is made up of 20 regions, five of which are autonomous; Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Aosta Valley, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Sicily and Sardinia. Italy covers a land area of 294,020 sq km and has a population of circa 62 million in 2011.

In the north there is Valle d' Aosta where we find Italy's mountainous region. Here there are some of the Alps most awesome peaks; the Gran Paradiso, the Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn and Monte Bianco which is surrounded by an incredible national park where you can see a range of wildlife from ibex and chamois to eagle's. Further across to Trentino and Alto Adige the alpine circle continues, with layers of mountains and valleys. This is rugged Italy on an epic scale and is the place for those looking for both wild nature and grand history. There are many ancient castles that visitors can visit and book as vacation rentals, to enjoy a taste of old world hospitality.

For those looking for world class skiing, Italy offers skiing on a par with any other European or North American country and you will find amazing slopes all over the north east which is known for the Dolomites, a spectacular set of peaks that run through the area. You can find many holiday apartments and hotels here that offer luxury accommodation to complement an Italian ski vacation.

Another northern region of note is Veneto where the famous mythical city of Venice can be found, which is in itself a world heritage site. Otherwise known as "The Floating City" and "The City Of Masks". Luigi Barzini, writing in The New York Times, described it as "undoubtedly the most beautiful city built by man" The city is connected via 117 tiny islands that sit in the Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic sea. A network of waterways join together the most beautiful collection of buildings built in one place. This is a must for anyone visiting Italy.

In the middle of the country there is the region of Tuscany, flanked by Umbria and Marche. All loved for their stunning fertile land, rolling hills and valleys. This part of Italy has been made famous by artists the world over and is regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Some of the greats of history such as Puccini, Galileo, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Dante derive from Tuscany. With world famous wines and a vast array of world heritage sites and hundreds of nature reserves throughout this part of the country, it is no surprise to learn that Tuscany alone draws more than 10 million visitors every year, making it one of the most visited places in the world.

Slightly further down the country in the region of Lazio, we find Rome, Italy's capital. A city that spans over two and a half thousand years and gave rise to an Empire that ran for seven hundred years. Rome is a magical city that breathes history from every pore. No other city even comes a close second to this grand metropolis. A living monument, where the past meets the present, with a reverence that only Rome knows. Here fashionista's in sharp dressed clothes, street performers, wizened priests and the roar of Vesper bikes play out onto a backdrop of ancient wonder.

Moving on and we find the southern section of the continental Peninsular and two large islands, namely, Sardinia and Sicily. To the south we can also find a large number of much smaller islands. This part of Italy is the place to come for those looking to escape the large crowds of the central and northern parts, as it makes up for just under half of the total land mass but with a fraction of the population. The south boasts amazing beaches but attracts less tourists than some of its European neighbors simply because Rome, Florence and Venice are usually the first stop for anyone traveling to Italy. As such this can make southern Italy a great choice if your looking for golden coastlines without the crowds that you could expect in Spain or Portugal.

As you might expect property prices vary considerably dependent upon where in the country you choose to buy. Apartments in Rome, Venice and the center of Florence can run into the millions. However, for the most part, Italy is a great country to find classic property at very competitive prices and throughout most of Italy it is possible to find rural properties for restoration from as little as €15,000. Anyone interested in taking on a restoration project, should keep in mind that the true cost of bringing your dream home to life will be considerably more once you have factored in necessary building materials and labor.

One bed houses in the central regions of Abruzzo and Umbria can be found for as little as €30,000. With two bed costal apartments going from €35,000 upwards. In fact, Italy is one of the best countries in Europe to find property at great prices and being that it is so well loved for history, culture, cuisine and natural beauty, investments here offer very good turn around as holiday rentals. A truly impressive country that is perfect for the aesthetically pleased.

A few pointers for buying property in Italy:

• Find a respected estate agent and geometra, or technical expert to help you deal with the legal workings and 'famous' Italian bureaucracy. Once this is in place, the buying procedure is quite straight forward but a little slow, so be sure to have patience throughout.

• If you are looking for an Italian mortgage you must open an Italian bank account. Once this is done you can borrow up to 80% of the purchase price, providing the loan does not run for more than 35 years.

• Be sure that the property is really what you want before you sign a "Compromesso" since this is a legally binding document.

• Ensure get-out clauses are written into the preliminary contract for anything that has not been checked completely.

• Make sure that your property is properly surveyed.

• Before you buy you must obtain a deed of sale via the Italian consulate in your home country.

• Signing of the deed (rogito) should be observed by the seller, the property agent, the notary and the mortgage lender.

Tony Osust, director: Holprop.com

Search through our large international portfolio of properties for sale and rent. Holprop.com now showcases thousands of rental and sale properties, from single family homes, commercial and recreational properties including hotels, bars-restaurants, new build or off-plan developments for sale worldwide.

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