Posts Tagged ‘Italy’
Find The Best Hotels In Florence
May 1, 2010
A simple rule to think of when you’re looking for a hotel in Florence, is to ask yourself what sort of things you’re actually looking for from the place you’ll be staying in. Although this sounds incredibly obvious, it’s amazing how many times people forget this when looking for a hotel.
So let’s examine the question in more detail, so we can develop a set of criteria to use when sifting through the list of hotels in Florence we can find online. Once we’ve done this, we are in a much better position to choose the ideal hotel for our particular purposes.
Starting at the beginning, you’ll obviously have a reason to be staying at a hotel in the first place. There are plenty of possible reasons here – visiting people you know, attending a function etc. – but the two we find the most frequent are for a break or holiday, or for work purposes.
Once we have in mind why it is we’re going, we then need to determine where in Florence will be the best place for us to be based. This will take into account factors such as whether you want to be near the town centre, near to any sightseeing opportunities, or near to where you’ll be working.
Next you’ll want to be thinking about what sort of facilities you require from the hotel. It’s a long time since you’d have to check whether a hotel would have en suite bathrooms or not, as most nowadays do, but you could potentially save some expense if this isn’t important to you. You might also be interested in there being a bar and restaurant on site.
Back in the day, it was unusual for holiday accommodation to include a gym or swimming pool within, but this is much more common now. And if you feel the need to go online while you’re away, you should check if the hotel has wifi internet access, which is increasingly the norm.
We suggested you might be able to save some cash through looking at reduced facilities, and obviously your overall budget is a key consideration. There’s not a lot of sense in looking for top of the range luxury if you know you can’t afford it. Fortunately, Florence has many hotels in various price ranges so you should find something suitable quite easily.
Now you have all this info to hand – location, facilities etc. – you should look into each of the hotels that are available in Florence that match up with your requirements. You’ll probably find several that tick all the boxes, so you now simply need to choose your favourite.
And finally, you’ll want to be sure the hotel you want to stay in is available on the dates you want to be there. Make sure you check for each of the nights you want to stay to ensure your chosen hotel is suitable for the whole time frame you need to book for.
Tris Jackson is a hotel booking expert with many years of experience in helping people find their ideal hotels.
How To Find The Perfect Hotel In Milan
May 1, 2010
A simple rule to think of when you’re looking for a hotel in Milan, is to ask yourself what sort of things you’re actually looking for from the place you’ll be staying in. Although this sounds incredibly obvious, it’s amazing how many times people forget this when looking for a hotel.
So let’s examine the question in more detail, so we can develop a set of criteria to use when sifting through the list of Milan hotels we can find online. Once we’ve done this, we are in a much better position to choose the ideal hotel for our particular purposes.
The first thing to look at, obviously, is why it is you want to stay in a hotel at all. Generally, this will be because you’re going on holiday or for work purposes. There are other reasons, such as perhaps visiting people or attending a function, but the most likely scenario is you’ll be there for a break or for work.
Once we have in mind why it is we’re going, we then need to determine where in Milan will be the best place for us to be based. This will take into account factors such as whether you want to be near the town centre, near to any sightseeing opportunities, or near to where you’ll be working.
Next you’ll want to be thinking about what sort of facilities you require from the hotel. It’s a long time since you’d have to check whether a hotel would have en suite bathrooms or not, as most nowadays do, but you could potentially save some expense if this isn’t important to you. You might also be interested in there being a bar and restaurant on the premises.
Many hotels also now come with facilities that would have been unheard of a few years ago, including some with their own gym and swimming pool. If you want to keep on top of your emails or just chat with friends on Facebook, a wireless internet connection might also be important to you.
Having mentioned money, this is a very obvious issue that you’ll want to address. No point looking for five star luxury if you simply can’t afford to pay the amount it would cost per night. Milan certainly has its fair share of hotels to choose from in all price brackets, so you should easily find something suitable with just a few minute’s investigation.
Now you have all this info to hand – location, facilities etc. – you should look into each of the hotels that are available in Milan that meet up with your requirements. You’ll probably find several that tick all the boxes, so you now simply need to choose a favourite.
One final factor, of course, is the dates you’ll want to stay there. It’s not always the case that each hotel is available for your chosen time frame – or perhaps not for all the time you want to be there – so it’s essential you check based on the actual dates of your stay so you’re not disappointed when you come to book.
If you’re looking for a hotel, Tris Jackson is an expert with many years of helping people find exactly what they’re after.
An Introduction To The Tourist Places In Syracuse
April 21, 2010
Syracuse is one of the oldest consistently occupied places in the whole Italy. Archaeologists place the first settling in Syracuse at about 800 BC which makes Syracuse nearly three thousand years old. Today, Syracuse is a small town with a population of only around 120,000.
However, the prosperous history of Syracuse is evident in many of the historical sightseeing opportunities that are to be found around the city. Below we’ve mentioned just a few interesting things to do in Syracuse.
The Cathedral in Syracuse is probably among the oldest in Italy as the original structure upon which it is erected used to be a Greek temple dating back to the 5th century BC. The Cathedral is open for the public to view and is probably a good place to start a sightseeing tour of Syracuse because it is quite centrally located.
Archaeological artefacts from Syracuse and other centres of art can be seen in the Paulo Orsi Archaeological Museum that boasts of having a wide-ranging collection of exceptional Roman and Greek artefacts in the entire county. This museum is open to public for an entry fee of 4.50 Euros.
The Syracuse Neapolis Archaeological Park is a great excavation place that depicts the nature of life in Syracuse in the early Roman period.
You can roam about the site at your will if you pay an entry pass fee of 4.50 Euro. The major landmark of this site is the Greek theatre that dates back to the 5th century BC.
There is also a Roman amphitheatre which is around 2000 years old, and would have been used for gladiatorial battles.
As the name would indicate, this museum is dedicated to showcasing art from the medieval era right up to modern day contemporary art.
There are various works of art in sculpture and painting that can be found in this museum in Syracuse although there is an emphasis laid on local art.
Cycling across Italy is a wonderful way to enjoy the charm of rural Italy. For more detailed guidance on things to do in Syracuse please click on the preceding links.
Italy’s Top Attractions
April 9, 2010
To experience scenic wonders, great art and architecture, music, food and Italian wine, pack your suitcases and head to Italy. The country is the home to great many World Heritage Sites. Besides visiting sites Italy is known for its cuisine, beautiful coastline, mountains and lakes such as Lake Como and it is also one of the centers of fashion. Just think about Gucci, Versace or Armani to mention a few.
There are quite a lot of tourist attractions in Italy and almost all of them are full of art and cultural sites, monuments, beautiful cities. Among the most popular Italy sights you can find amazing buildings which are thousand year old, museums and art galleries with excellent collections of artifacts from almost every era. Besides sightseeing Italy is known for its excellent wines for instance Chianti and kitchen. Everyone has tasted pastas and pizzas to mention a few. To start getting to know Italy one should start with such wonderful cities as Rome, Venice, Florence, Turin, Naples. But if you do not care about cities and sights and you are more fond of adventures and sports, Italy has got some excellent ski resorts in scenic Alps and Dolomite mountains. The hundred kilometer long coastlines with beaches are for those who love to spending time on the beach. Furthermore, there are ideal places for walking and cycling holidays.
As I have mentioned you should definitely start with the capital, Rome. Rome has got several well-known tourist attractions including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum, Fontana di Trevi, The Spanish steps and beautiful churches. The Vatican City can be also found in Rome which is an independent state. This small state has several famous tourist attractions including the famous St Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the world-renowned Vatican Museum.
After Rome go north to Venice which stands on a series of islands in the famous Venetian lagoon next to the Adriatic Sea. The city’s main monuments include St. Mark’s Square featuring St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. The city’s most important part is the Grand Canal where fine Gothic and Renaissance buildings line up. Away from the main attractions, Venice is characterized by narrow canals, small squares.
After Venice visit Florence which is is one of the beautiful cities in the world due to the Medici family’s power and patronage. Florence is an open sky museum where you discover history and art through Piazza Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Renaissance palaces and masterpieces painted and created by Giotto, Botticelli, Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Titian, Raffaello, Caravaggio kept in the Uffizi gallery and Pitti palace
Not far apart Siena and Pisa are the next tourist destinations in Tuscany region. Everybody has heard of the Leaning Tower of Pisa which is perhaps the most popular tourist attraction in Italy. It is freestanding bell tower.The height of the tower is 55.86 m from the ground on the lowest side and 56.70 m on the highest side.
Turin is another place and it is famous for its automobile industry. Just think about Fiat. The city has recently hosted the Winter Olympics Games. When you are in Turin or Torino pay a visit to such places as Mole Antonelliana, the Piazza San Carlo and Museo Egizio.
And last but not least in Naples you encounter in the palaces, castles and nobles villas and experience the carefree spirit of the lanes in the lower class residential districts. Set between the sea and the hills, Naples amaze tourists with its artistic and cultural heritage. Naples also offers excellent base to visit the ancient city of Pompeii and the stunningly beautiful Amalfi Coast.
Learn more about Italy accommodation. Stop by and check out where you can find proper Rome accommodation
Historical Tourist Places In Vicenza
April 7, 2010
Vicenza is a small town situated in the north east of Italy. Vicenza is the capital of the Veneto region which also includes the renowned Italian town of Venice. Vicenza is situated about 200km east of Milan. The town of Vicenza has a population of just over 110,000 and has traditionally been a major centre of the Italian textile industry.
In later years Vicenza has become a manufacturer of computer parts. Even though Vicenza is not a major city on the average tourist’s travel plan, it’s closeness to Venice and the presence of a few constructions and sights of attraction make it worthy of at least a short stop over. Below we’ve described a few of the sightseeing highlights of Vicenza.
The Basilica Palladiana that belongs to the 16th century and was designed by the famous sculptor Andrea Palladio whose works inspired the renaissance artists of Italy a great deal is one of the most significant architectural wonders of Vicenza.
The Basilica Paddiana is centrally located in the Piazza dei Signori which makes it easily accessible and a best place from which to embark on a sightseeing tour of Vicenza.
Tourists who relish in viewing the pieces of art should make a visit to the Civico Museum in Vicenza where several finest pieces of art that manifest the beauty of the Italian art are displayed. This museum is kept open between 9am and 5pm.
The Monte Berico Basilica is another architectural wonder that is located atop a hill in the fringes of the town of Vicenza. A panoramic view of the entire town can be had from this Basilica and hence the atmosphere here is serene in nature.
The current building on this spot in Vicenza dates back to the 18th century, although the significance of the actual place dates back much further.
This is supposedly the place where the Virgin Mary made two supernatural appearances. This basilica in Vicenza opens at 6.15am and closes at 7.30pm, although it closes for two hours in the afternoon from 12.30.
The Archaeological Museum in Vicenza may not be an important tourist spot but it boasts a good collection of artefacts that belong to the local areas and that were excavated recently.
The list of things to do in Vicenza cant be fully listed in a few hundred words. If you would like to read more about interesting things to do in Florence click on the link.
Lakes And Mountains Holidays In Italy
April 7, 2010
The lakes and mountains holidays in Italy are very beautiful and most can be found near the Alps in Northern Italy. One of the largest lakes in Italy is Lake Garda located between Milan and Venice. This lake was originally formed by the glaciers. Lake Garda has many resorts and hotels along its shores as it is a very popular tourist destination.
Not to be missed at Lake Garda is the ancient fortified town of Sirmione. This town contains a great mix of the old and new as not only is there a fortified town but there are also several spa complexes and many restaurants, hotels, bars and fashion boutiques. Other historical spots include Scaliger castle, built in the-th century and the villa of the famous Roman poet Catallus. For those looking for relaxation and rest you can visit the sulfur spring on the end of the peninsula and for some fun Gardaland is very close by.
Another lake known for its beauty is Lake Como. This lake is close to Lake Garda and is only about an hour from Milan. There are many beautiful gardens and villas to visit as Lake Como is known for its lakeside villas. Some villas that should not be missed include Villa Carlotta, Villa Serbelloni, Villa Melzi, Villa del Balbianello and Villa d’Este. If possible you should make arrangements to view the interior of the villas as well as the gardens.
One important draw to the Italy’s lake region is the constant but mild weather. Even I the heat of the summer the lakes are still a comfortable 80 degrees. There is much to do o n the lakes as you can participate in many water sports and sailing. There are also many towns around the lake that can be explored. You can reach these towns by driving or taking the ferry.
Right by the lakes is the Italian Alps. In the distance they can be hard to miss and are even more impressive up close. During the spring and summer you will be stunned by the fields and fields of flowers found in the Alps and the winter offers many opportunities for some world class skiing. A famous tourist spot in the mountains is Trentino.
The north of Italy is a very popular destination for a lakes and mountains holiday especially for Thomson Lakes and Crystal Lakes. The beautiful scenery and hill walks make this area popular with hillwalkers of all ages during the summer months. There are flights from most major UK airports offering the holidaymaker greater convenience.
Tourist Destinations In Rome
April 2, 2010
The Colosseum in Rome draws great number of tourists from all corners of the world at all times of the year and so it is the most popular of all the tourist spots in Rome. Tourists can be seen thoroughly revelling in the Colosseum by taking photographs.
The Colosseum in Rome was the most important of the gladiator arenas in Rome and regardless of its age, its architecture stands in place.
The Palatine in Rome is a vast excavation of a part of the city of ancient Rome and provides some of the most insightful and amusing sightseeing enjoyments to be had in Rome. The Palatine in Rome used to be the wealthiest residential district of Rome and is replete with the remains of Roman mansions and the royal palace of Emperor Domitian.
Put aside some additional time to visit the Palatine in Rome because of its large area to be covered and since its proximity to the Colosseum is known it will be desirable to cover both the places in a single day. By spending 8 Euros you can see both these places.
The Roman Forum in Rome is an excavated area of what used to be a chief market place and public area in the ancient city of Rome. Public buildings and squares with statues on display are among the sightseeing attractions at the Roman Forum. Guided sightseeing tours of the forum are available in English at a cost of 4 Euros. This sightseeing attraction in Rome is open from 9-5 daily.
Capital Hill in the USA has its predecessor in the Capitoline Hill in ancient Rome. This was the ancient Rome’s headquarters of the municipal government and city council. A vast building that is excavated is an attraction here among several other unearthed pieces by the archaeologists.
In the major public square is situated the statue of Marcus Aurelius at the Capitoline Hill. There is also the world’s oldest Museum present in the Capitoline Hill. A visit to this Museum is a must.
The church of St Mary in Aracoeli is another major sightseeing attraction to be seen here complete with its magnificent fresco painting on it’s inside walls and a statue of Jesus.
The Piazza Venezia is the most popular tourist destination in Rome if you are to have a panoramic view of Rome. It houses the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and also the St. Mark Basilica.
A cycling tour of Italy is a pleasant means os seeing the countryside at a slow pace. For further info about Italian cultural assets click on our guide to things to do in Rome.
Florence Sightseeing Tours
March 23, 2010
The beautiful Italian city of Florence is world-renowned as the top venue for renaissance art lovers and is an archetypal Tuscan delight. Although commercial Florence sightseeing tours abound, they can be quite rigid in their approach and make you feel part of a herd. Florence easily permits the wandering traveler to independently discover its wonderful attractions.
In Florence, the place to start is the historic centre (centro storico), a vast area crammed with beautiful buildings, statues, landscaped gardens and art just waiting to be discovered. You’ll get more out of Florence sightseeing tours if actually stay there and do short walks to specific venues. Alternatively if your visit to Florence is short, there’s plenty to see in the centro storico.
A top attraction in Florence is the the impressive medieval fortress Palazzo Vecchio (old palace), which serves as Florence’s town hall. From there you’ll get wonderful panoramic views of the whole Florence, in addition to the amazing frescoes and sculptures housed within its exquisite chambers. Right in front of Palazzo Vecchio is the Piazza della Signoria, an al fresco museum containing the Fountain of Neptune overlooked by the statues of Cosimo and David.
Piazza del Duomo is one of the most popular portions of Florence renaissance art sightseeing tours with excellent reasons. St. John’s baptistry, the Opera del Duomo Museum, Loggia del Bigallo and Giotto’s Campanile are all unmissable examples of Florence renaissance art.
In Florence the Ponte Vecchio, an amazing historic bridge over the river Arno, is only a short walk away. This most unusual structure carries tiny but most impressive shops in Florence, most selling gold jewelery in amazing styles. Crossing the Arno takes you to the edge of the centro storico and to the slightly less-well frequented part of Florence known as Oltrarno.
Look out for the Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens. Piazzale Michelangelo, the highest point in Florence, offers for some great views of Florence. For the more adventurous, through the gate known as Porta Romana, (therefore outside the centro storico) try finding Poggio Reale, Arcetri (Galileo’s area of residence) and Bellosguardo.
Click here for more information on Florence Sightseeing Tours, or visit our European Vacation advice website.
Details About The Tourist Places In Pisa
March 20, 2010
Pisa is a small town with a population of less than 100,000 situated in the north of Italy. Pisa is known chiefly for its leaning tower; however, there are some other tourist attractions in Pisa worthy of a visit. Pisa has a long history and served as a strategic naval base during Roman times.
Pisa rose to occupy the apex in military and economic fronts during the 12th century when it was considered as a chief maritime force and trading city as a result of which the major part of its architecture could be dated back to the 12th century. We have described a few of the tourist spots in Pisa below.
The Leaning tower of Pisa is without doubt the most well known sightseeing attraction in Pisa and probably one of the most known in Italy. Paradoxically, had the tower not been deficient it is doubtful that it would be so famous. Nevertheless the slant in this tower attracts tourists from far and wide who come to be photographed in front of the tower.
There is a limitation apropos the admission into Pisa due to safety reasons, however visitors are allowed to get into the tower from morning till the daily limit is reached. It costs 15 Euros towards the admission fee that may be paid in advance for certainty.
The baptistery in Pisa is where the majority of citizens in medieval Pisa would have been baptised into the Christian religion. The original structure of the baptistery in Pisa dates back to the 12th century although it was not fully finished until two centuries later.
As a result this piece of architecture in Pisa is very beautiful as it embraces both Romanesque and Gothic impacts. Once inside the baptistery you can find the pool-like shape carved out in the middle of the building which would have been filled with water and into which people would have been submerged as part of the baptism process.
The Cathedral in Pisa is an excellent evidence of Romanesque architecture that is so typical of the Tuscany region of Italy.
The building itself is believed to be built in the 11th century with grandiose interior supported by 68 columns. Green and white marble interiors are the attractions of the Cathedral in Pisa. Entrance fee to this Cathedral is 2 Euros.
A comfortable visit of Pisa is possible with the help of boat journeys that cost 5 Euros and that help the tourist to visit all the tourist spots in Pisa by travelling down the River Arno.
If you have an interest in art from the renaissance then be sure to read our guide on sightseeing in Florence. If you want further information about sightseeing in Pisa follow the hyperlinks.
Discover Beach Holidays In Italy
March 4, 2010
That Italy is one of the most popular holiday destinations is not a surprise of course. However, what is surprising is that a only a small number of holidays in Italy are taken by the coast. With such an array of beach resorts, it is time more people discovered what is on offer.
There is one beach location that has drawn the crowds for many years, and it is in Sardinia that some of the best beaches in Europe are to be found. With the Mediterranean lapping the coast, it is no wonder there is such a rich selection of resorts to choose from.
Another popular destination, though not for its beaches, is Tuscany. However, set in the breathtaking region of Monte Argentario lie some amazing beaches which just beckon visitors to relax.
There are some exceptional private villas available for hire in this region, and though the ocean waters are always inviting, access to a private pool is always good. Throughout Italy, other top beach destinations include those around Gallipoli, whilst the Sicilian coastal town of Syracuse is increasing in popularity.
The benefits of a holiday in Sicily offer much more than this however, and a trip that includes the Egadi Islands is always memorable. Set in amazingly clear seas, it is no wonder the seafood here is well respected throughout the country. As we’re talking about Italy; that is saying a lot!
For those looking for the full beach experience, there is little that can compare with the resorts of Viareggio and Rimini on the west and east coasts respectively. The former is full of opulence and decadence, whilst the latter is a heady mix of culture and partying.
Holidays in Italy are always full of opportunities, and there is no reason why beaches cannot play a full part in this. With wonderful foods and wines to enjoy too, relaxing as the warm seas gently lap against the white sands is hard to beat.
Thomson Holidays 2010 offer great value holidays around the popular Mediterranean destinations. Find your ideal holiday with tips and advice from Craig Walker of travel web site Travel Bites.