I am planning a trip to Italy,Milan-Florence-Venice in that long weekend.But I am wondering will all the shops and restaurants be opened then.
Thanks.
October 22, 2010
October 12, 2010
9 rules of travel to Italy
Tourist trip to Italy is a sacred dream of many travelers. Unique architectural monuments, the sun and the sea made this country one of the most prestigious holiday destinations. There are a lot of tourists wishing to stay, as they say in Italian clothing among the visitors to Italy, that is not simply to wander through museums, art galleries and shops, but spend one day as Italians would normally spend. To do this you should use several simple rules. Rule 1. If you see a couple in a restaurant having dinner about five o’clock, you should know that these are (ie, not Italians). Inhabitants of Italy have dinner much later, about 9 o’clock. So those who wish to be among the “natives” during the dinner will have to defeat hunger and wait for the night. Anyway you’d better order a table in a restaurant in advance. Rule 2. Regarding the choice of dishes for dinner. Do not order ketchup for brand spaghetti! Seasoning to this dish is called sauce, and the name “ketchup” is perceived as an insult! Dessert is served immediately after fruit, this trifle is also advised to consider. Rule 3. Even if you have legs like a model has, we recommend to wear a long skirt, going on a trip in the Italian churches. One cannot say that there are special requirements for clothes in Italy, but it is not recommended to go to museums in beach attire. Rule 4. Do not try to deceive the inspectors, always and everywhere compost your ticket. Otherwise, you may not only find yourself in an unpleasant situation, but also not get to the planned excursion. Rule 5. In Italy as a rule tip is usually already included in a bill, so do not try to leave some small change in excess of the amount requested. Rule 6. Going on a trip to geothermal springs do not wear silver jewelry, it can darken and deteriorate because of the water. Rule 7. Most museums, churches and shops do not work during the afternoon siesta from 2 to 5 pm. But there are the most interesting programs on TV at this time in many cities of Italy. Rule 8. Try not to sit at tables in Italian bars. Having a snack at the bar, you will half of the same order. Rule 9. Before the trip try to learn a few phrases in Italian, it will prepossess to you not only staff, but also ordinary citizens.
Anna
October 2, 2010
Is it a smart idea to travel to Italy/Spain in March?
Was planning on going to Egypt in March but, I’ve been told that it’s unsafe these days. We’re thinking of going to Italy but, my travel agent says it might be cold during March. When is the best time to go there?
Thanks in advance!!
September 22, 2010
Travel to Italy With a Rhino Car Hire and a Handy Mini Guide to Italy.
Italy is one of the world’s great cultural centres which is preeminent in art, fashion and fine cuisine among other attributes.
Italy is also home to more UNESCO world heritage sights than anywhere else of the planet. Every year thousands of visitors flock there to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum in Rome and many more besides.
Italy produced some of the greatest artists, painters, architects and sculptors the world has ever known, among them Michelangelo, Filippo Brunelleschi and Leonardo Da Vinci.
Rome is the capital of Italy and quite breath taking in the amount of sights there are for the visitor to see. In Old Rome you will see the incredible Pantheon, one of the best preserved of the Roman buildings. When driving in Rome you will not find it difficult to get around. The old saying really is true – all roads lead to Rome.
Fashionistas should go to the city of Milan which is known for its Haute Couture and runway shows. Milan is in the north west of Italy along with the cities of Turin, Genoa and Lake Como. Situated in the Lombardy district, Lake Como is a popular destination with Italian holiday makers.
Those travellers who are going to Italy to take advantage of its sunny Mediterranean summer climate can also go to the beautiful islands of Sardinia and Sicily.
Sardinia has fabulous beaches and a variety of water sports such as windsurfing and scuba diving can be enjoyed there as well as various archaeological sites.
Sicily also has some fascinating remains, none more so that the Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi) which is a world heritage site in the city of Agrigento. As well as a number of tourist resorts, Sicily has some charming old fishing villages and numerous quiet spots where you can avoid the crowds.
No visit to Sicily would be complete without taking a look at the active Volcano of Mount Etna which is more than 3,000 metres high. Those who love Italian food should also make the trip to Sicily where the sea food is exquisite.
The other part of Italy which must be visited by foodies is Naples, where making Pizza originally became an art form. From Naples it is a short drive to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii or the Vesuvius volcano.
The stunning region of Tuscany in Italy should not be missed as the city of Florence is the gem of the Italian Renaissance. Florence is filled with stunning buildings and interesting museums and one of the most rewarding cities to visit in Italy.
Venice is unlike any other city in the world with its maze of canals, and houses so spectacular that it feels as though you are on a film set. Venice may be the world’s only completely pedestrianised city but you will certainly not get to enjoy it in complete silence as it is absolutely packed with visitors all year around.
Italy is also a popular skiing destination as there are two major mountain ranges running through the country – the Alps and the Apennies.
It is worth knowing that within the Italian borders are two small states which are independent of the country itself. One is the Vatican city which is the centre of Catholicism and home to the Pope and the other is San Marino. Famously san Marino’s football team was so underfunded that the goal keeper used to drive the team bus to matches.
Giacomo Benetti is a travel writer for Rhino Car Hire Italy. Giacomo is based in Italy but covers stories about the entire Mediterranean area. He has been writing travel articles about Sicily and Car Hire Sicily for the past 20 years
September 20, 2010
Why Wonderful Italy Travel Offers Should Include A Holiday Villa in Tuscany
Tourists would like to have lots of choices when it comes to Italy travel deals. There are those deals that give fun trips to the must-see locations in the country. A lot of these are found in the branded cities and tourist destinations. Why not explore the countryside and visit the attractive sites in Tuscany and take pleasure in the affluent presents by renting your private villa?
Villas, Farmhouses and apartments had been renting holiday homes in Tuscany for years. Tuscany is specially acknowledged to be the center of these great buildings which will undeniably make a rated 10 in the top Italy travel deals. A lot of these villas are directly operated by the owners so this assures visitors of a well-supervised venue for visit, affordable rates and a cozy greeting is always afforded.
An array of villas comes your way in Tuscany. The enormous collection of villas aids you to catch the perfect places that suits your needs. You can decide to have in your Italy travel deals a magnificent villa with a private swimming pool. A villa that presents fine amusement and past time facilities like satellite TV and grill can also be a wonderful choice. Available also are stylish and radiant flats, an extremely comfortable place to stay with air conditioning and parking. There are those castle-like alternatives too – that provides you great accommodation and a spectacular panorama.
Aside from the luxuries with a lot of comfort to the tourists, villas are also based in areas that match your preferences. Some of villas are located along the Tuscan countryside for a better glimpse of the scenery. Holiday dwellings presents you an panoramic view of the gulf of Punta Ala, Villas that fit your urban preference as those located in the hub of the cities or towns. Stylish villas are found solely outside Florence’s historical hub and against the side of the hill which connects you to impressive landmarks of the city.
These villas are great Italy travel deals because they can accommodate a lot of guests. Which means you can pick up your whole family and enjoy in the visit altogether. This makes you investigate and marvel the spectacular sights of the locality as one family. The whole package makes you keep a lot of money too. You just have to lease one villa which will accommodate everyone in the family. This saves you from the hassle of booking some rooms for all the members of the family too. Plus, you have the privacy you desire as soon as you pick up your own villa, a perfect deal indeed.
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 travel. Feel free to republish this article provided you do not edit it in any way and include the author bio as well.