If you are interested in going on a golf holiday, then one locale you should definitely consider is Italy. There is really no place in the world like Italy, with the beautiful waterfront landscapes and lush greens. It definitely offers a world all its own and is a fabulous place for any golf enthusiasts to visit and take in the sights of the truly astounding golf courses that are located there.

The process of planning a golf holiday in Italy really does not have to be all that difficult, you just want to make sure that you begin your planning far enough ahead of time that you can actually put some thought and consideration into it, because rushing is never any good.

Where To Play

The first thing you should decide when planning a golf holiday in Italy is which courses you want to play golf at. There are so many different golf resorts and courses in and around Italy that you can enjoy, including but certainly not limited to: Castelgandolfo Country Club, Fioranello Golf Course, Marco Simone Golf Club, Parco di Roma Golf Club, and the Roma Acquasanta Circolo del Golf, all located in Rome.

For the Tuscany area, some of the top rated golf courses are the Le Pavoniere, Ugolino Golf, Versilia Golf Course, Cosmopolitan Golf Course, and the Castelfalfi Golf Club.

Where To Stay

The next step in planning a golf holiday in Italy is to decide where you are going to stay on your vacation. Especially if you are planning on spending a week in your chosen destination, in this case Italy, you are obviously going to need somewhere to stay, and so you are going to want to choose the proper hotel, motel, resort, or condo – whatever it is that you are looking for.

Remember that in popular tourist areas such as Italy, accommodations tend to fill up quickly so you are going to want to make your reservations as early beforehand as possible in order to ensure availability for the time and date you are interested in.

Make It Easy

If you want to just take the easiest route when it comes to planning a golf holiday in Italy, then one option that will be ideal to you is to just purchase a golf holiday in Italy package. This package will include everything that you need for the trip, including time at the specified golf courses as well as accommodations and usually meals and beverages as well, depending on what particular package you choose.

Ian Botham runs his own online sports goods mail order business as well as several sports related websites. Check out this great Golf Vacations or more general Golf Guide and resources.
http://www.golfguidedirect.com/Golf-Vacations.html

More about Italy Travel:
Discover even more about Italy Travel what your fellow travellers recommend to visit while in Italy and what to do:
http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/italy-travel/

History, wine, serene beauty, dramatic people and stunning views – an Italy cruise has it all! You can visit the main sites of Italy on a European cruise or a Mediterranean cruise, but to really experience Italy – to really taste it – you need to immerse yourself in everything that Italy has to offer by taking an Italy cruise.

Italy cruises depart from several ports around the country. Many depart from Civitavecchia – the gateway port to Rome. However, to get the full Italy experience it is recommended that an Italy cruise be embarked upon from the ports of Savona or Genoa on the Ligurian Peninsula and taken all the way round to Venice, or vice-versa. This way, you’ll discover that there’s a lot more to Italy than a cruise departing from Civitavecchia would be able to show you!

So, what delights await in this classical land? The Ligurian Peninsula is a true paradise. Largely undiscovered by mass tourism, quaint Italian villages line the coastline in this spectacular part of Italy. Beautiful sandy beaches alternate with rocky headlands, and magnificent coastal villages shine like beacons on the shore.

In Genoa you can discover the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and marvel at the city’s stunning Gothic architecture. A little further to the south Livorno is a port of call worth spending a little time at. Here, you will be able to arrange shore excursions to see the famous leaning tower of Pisa, as well as visit the grand Renaissance city of Florence – home to Dante, Michaelangelo and the Medicis.

The Colosseum at Rome, Mount Vesuvius and the ancient city that it buried – Pompeii – are essential attractions to visit when on an Italy cruise, as is Rimini on the Adriatic Sea. From Rimini you can take a shore excursion to visit the enclave of San Marino, which is less than an hour’s drive from Rimini port.

Finally, irresistible Venice awaits as the final stop at the end of your cruise. Venice is a true waterworld, consisting of more than 120 islands through which a network of waterways can be explored by gondola. Renaissance-style architecture is everywhere in this city, and you’ll be able to take a shore excursion that takes in the famous Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs.

So, whether you want to discover what it felt like to be a gladiator in Rome’s Colosseum, peer into the gigantic crater of Mt Vesuvius or navigate your way around Venice’s canal system, an Italy cruise is a special adventure that you’ll never forget.

More about Italy Travel:
Discover even more about Italy Travel what your fellow travellers recommend to visit while in Italy and what to do:
http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/italy-travel/

History, wine, serene beauty, dramatic people and stunning views – an Italy cruise has it all! You can visit the main sites of Italy on a European cruise or a Mediterranean cruise, but to really experience Italy – to really taste it – you need to immerse yourself in everything that Italy has to offer by taking an Italy cruise.

Italy cruises depart from several ports around the country. Many depart from Civitavecchia – the gateway port to Rome. However, to get the full Italy experience it is recommended that an Italy cruise be embarked upon from the ports of Savona or Genoa on the Ligurian Peninsula and taken all the way round to Venice, or vice-versa. This way, you’ll discover that there’s a lot more to Italy than a cruise departing from Civitavecchia would be able to show you!

So, what delights await in this classical land? The Ligurian Peninsula is a true paradise. Largely
undiscovered by mass tourism, quaint Italian villages line the coastline in this spectacular
part of Italy. Beautiful sandy beaches alternate with rocky headlands, and magnificent coastal
villages shine like beacons on the shore.

In Genoa you can discover the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and marvel at the city’s
stunning Gothic architecture. A little further to the south Livorno is a port of call worth
spending a little time at. Here, you will be able to arrange shore excursions to see the famous
leaning tower of Pisa, as well as visit the grand Renaissance city of Florence – home to Dante,
Michaelangelo and the Medicis.

The Colosseum at Rome, Mount Vesuvius and the ancient city that it buried – Pompeii – are
essential attractions to visit when on an Italy cruise, as is Rimini on the Adriatic Sea. From
Rimini you can take a shore excursion to visit the enclave of San Marino, which is less than an
hour’s drive from Rimini port.

Finally, irresistible Venice awaits as the final stop at the end of your cruise. Venice is a true
waterworld, consisting of more than 120 islands through which a network of waterways can be
explored by gondola. Renaissance-style architecture is everywhere in this city, and
you’ll be able to take a shore excursion that takes in the famous Rialto Bridge and the Bridge
of Sighs.

So, whether you want to discover what it felt like to be a gladiator in Rome’s Colosseum, peer
into the gigantic crater of Mt Vesuvius or navigate your way around Venice’s canal system,
an Italy cruise is a special adventure that you’ll never forget…

Looking for Cruise information ?
Go to http://www.azcruises.com to find out all you need to know about taking your dream Italy Cruise vacation.

More about Italy Travel:
Discover even more about Italy Travel what your fellow travellers recommend to visit while in Italy and what to do:
http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/italy-travel/

The summer is here and vacation season is upon us. Where will you be going for vacation this year? You have done the amusement park trip. You have even seen most of the classic vacation sites such as the Grand Canyon and countless number of beaches. Do yourself a favor and consider doing something out of the norm. Take a vacation to historic Italy. It’s almost guaranteed that you won’t be disappointed!

There are a number of things to do in Italy that can be fun, entertaining and as well as educational. One of the more well known attractions is the Colosseum in Rome. This structure was originally built to hold thousands of spectators to watch the fierce battles of ancient Roman warriors.

Take some time to see the great Pantheon. This structure was originally constructed to be a temple built in 27 BC-25 BC. This is another of Italy’s beautiful historic structures which to this day still has its original roof in tact.

One of the most widely known and famously photographed fountains in the world is the Trevi Fountain. This fountain is the meeting point for three roads hence the prefix for the name tre meaning three.

The thing that really stands out in the minds of visitors to Rome, Italy is the great Roman architecture that still exists till this day. It amazes people that these enormous structures have endured so many years and really stood the test of time. For an architecture or even a history buff, a trip to Rome, Italy would be an absolute dream come true!

So where are you headed this summer? To the beach or a water park? Well, if time and/or money permits and you want to take in a few historic and truly breathe taking sites, plan a trip to Italy. You’ll be thankful that you did.

Take some time off and travel italy [http://www.etravelitaly.net] You won’t be disappointed!

More about Italy Travel:
Discover even more about Italy Travel what your fellow travellers recommend to visit while in Italy and what to do:
http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/italy-travel/

One of the best things about going on holiday to Italy as a family is that this is such a child-friendly country. Italians tend to have very strong family values and love to welcome other families to their country.

If you happen to be in any Italian town, city or even a large village on a Sunday lunchtime then you are likely to see one of Italy’s most traditional sights – an Italian family sitting down to lunch in a restaurant.

For Italians, this event combines two of their favourite things in the world – great food and the company of their family.

These lunches can often go on for a couple of hours – there is no sense of any need to hurry – indeed, this is an opportunity for all of the family to savour both the food and the company.

Such a scene not only typifies Italian life but it also points to the way that people in Italy feel about families, children and their importance. It’s no surprise then that Italians are so welcoming to visitors from other nations – this is a country famed for its hospitality.

As you travel around Italy you’ll notice that the pace of life here often seems slower than other parts of Europe. Indeed, on my own visits to the region surrounding Lake Garda, it’s always been noticeable that the locals always have time for a chat, a smile, or to simply point you in the direction of a sight or monument that you may have missed.

Italians are proud of their country and happy to let you make the most of it. They welcome children in restaurants and most historic sights here – culture, history, atmosphere and fun are by no means limited to the adults.

The key to enjoying a visit to Lake Garda, or to other locations, is to behave like an Italian – relax and enjoy yourself.

As you take the opportunity to sit in a restaurant, sipping a glass of Chianti while eating some of Europe’s finest food, I’m sure that you won’t have much trouble relaxing!

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

More about Italy:
Discover even more about what your fellow travellers recommend to visit while in Italy and other beautiful places to visir: http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/italy-travel/

When most people think of Italy, they think of the food, the art museums, or the ancient Roman culture. What most people don’t know about Italy is that it can be a great destination for people who want to include some gambling on their vacation. Although Italy doesn’t have many casinos, the places they do have are well worth the visit for tourists who want to experience something a little different than what they expected on a trip to Italy.

While there are only a handful of casinos in Italy, visiting one of them is well worth the trip. There are two distinctive sides to gambling in Italy. One is very much like the American version, casual clothes and lots of slot machines. On the other hand, many Italian casinos have what is called the “French Games” section. Even in the more casual Italian casino, the Casino Municipale di Campione d’ Italia in Campione d’ Italia, part of the casino has a dress code as well as an entrance fee (about $12.50 US). The other Italian casinos, including Casino De La Vallee in Saint Vincent (near Turin), Casino Municipale di Sanremo in San Remo (near Nice, France), and the Casino Municipale di Venezia in Venice, don’t allow people in street or casual clothing and all charge some type of entrance fee. Indeed, Italian casinos epitomize the glamorous image of European gambling made famous in James Bond movies.

All of the cities mentioned only have one casino except for Venice. The Venice casino is interesting because it is really one casino split in two, one which is open in the summer and the other that is open in the winter months. Also a little bit different is that the Casino Municipale di Venezia also offers gin rummy tournaments in addition to the gambling.

Besides the dress codes and the entrance fees, there are other things to be aware of before you plan a trip to an Italian casino. The first thing is that in all of Italy’s casinos, the language spoken is Italian. If you are planning on spending any time in casinos, you should, at the very least, learn some Italian phrases and other gambling vocabulary. Also, the gambling age in Italy is 18 so students and younger people who may not be allowed to gamble in the USA, where the legal age is 21, are permitted to do so in Italy. In addition to gambling, Italian casinos feature live music and entertainment as well as restaurants and nightclubs. One thing Italian casinos do not have, however, are hotel rooms, so lodging arrangements need to be made separately.

More about Italy Travel:
Discover even more about Italy Travel what your fellow travellers recommend to visit while in Italy and what to do:
http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/italy-travel/

For those wanting to experience Italy without the crowds and the sometimes unbearable summer heat, a tour of the north has plenty that appeals. Let’s take a look at some must-see highlights.

The rise of budget airlines has meant that it has never been easier to find a cheap flight to northern Italy. Both Milan and Verona have busy international airports, with flights from most major European cities. Verona is served by regular flights from London Gatwick, making it a perfect starting point for any tour.

If you can’t find a suitably priced flight from Verona, then you might also consider Bologna as a feasible alternative.

Lake Garda is within easy reach of both airports. This grand lake has a quite wonderful location, with a mountainous backdrop and a coastal feel. Lined by pretty villages and towns, Lake Garda is a natural focal point for any tour of northern Italy.

The area here is well known for its fine cuisine – eating out in Italy is not to be missed!

Verona itself, as well as providing an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding countryside, has a rich history. This is a city that was first brought to the attention of the English by no lesser figure than William Shakespeare.

The Dolomites, the mighty mountains of the region, provide some spectacular views and wonderful spots to enjoy. The popular towns of Vipiteno, Brunico and Bolzano are all well worth a visit.

Finally, no tour of this part of Italy would be complete without visiting the medieval walled magnificence of Trento.

A tour of northern Italy involves some of the most beautiful towns, villages and countryside that this country has to offer – it is not to be missed.

More about Italy Travel:
Discover even more about Italy Travel what your fellow travellers recommend to visit while in Italy and what to do:
http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/italy-travel/

Lake Garda, the inland lake in north-east Italy, boasts more than 45 kilometres of beaches among its many attractions. It should come as no surprise that this is a region that tourists are increasingly flocking to reach.

On a warm June day here, tourists sit and admire the spectacular Alpine scenery reflecting in the still, delicate waters of Lake Garda. This region of Italy has a unique beauty – a beauty that is making it more and more popular with visitors from elsewhere in Europe and beyond.

The lake is surrounded by an array of pretty villages and stunning medieval towns. With the mountains providing a stunning backdrop, this is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque parts of Italy.

The countryside surrounding Lake Garda is often green – the hills are dotted with farms and vineyards. Many visitors choose to stay in a rented farmhouse or villa, while holiday apartments in the larger towns also provide a good option.

As one would expect of almost any location in Italy, the food in this region is exceptional. Italian families love to make a real occasion of eating out and you are certain to enjoy the varied food on offer. This is a place where fresh vegetables, fruit, fish and meats dominate.

Indeed, many visitors to Lake Garda cannot help but relax. Surrounded by rolling countryside, fantastic mountains, the tranquil waters of the lake and the amazing food in the nearby restaurants, it’s not hard to see why.

For those looking for a more active holiday, there are ample opportunities. Lake Garda itself is popular for many water sports, while the surrounding hills and mountains provide an excellent location for walking, climbing and hiking.

Lake Garda and the surrounding areas can provide a little something for everyone.

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

More about Italy Travel:
Discover even more about Italy Travel what your fellow travellers recommend to visit while in Italy and what to do:
http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/italy-travel/

Italy is home to some of the most wonderful food and restaurants on the planet. Here, we take a look at how to avoid being daunted by the complexities of a traditional Italian menu.

One of my favourite parts of Italy is the area to the north of venice and Verona. The region, encompassing the famous lakes of Garda and Como, also has some of the finest restaurants in Europe.

I remember visiting Italy for the first time and looking forward to a meal in one of the region’s famous restaurants. On sitting down in a typical trattoria (a slightly less formal Italian restaurant), I found myself somewhat overwhelmed when presented with the menu.

For those of you who have not travelled in Italy, let me enlighten you: a traditional Italian menu looks very confusing!

The first thing that you notice is that there just seem to be so many options! Many restaurant menus have five different sections – you are being presented with a plethora of options!

Fortunately you don’t have to select something from every section of the menu, although many Italian families do like to make a real event of eating out.

The key is to only choose as much as you think you’ll be able to eat – if you don’t want to select something from each section then don’t do so!

I would generally opt for a first course, possibly of rissotto (a rice based dish that northern Italian restaurants specialise in) and then go for a meat-based secondo (second course), with a side dish.

Mention of a side dish reminds me that most restaurants don’t serve potatoes, vegetables or salad with a meat dish as standard – you’ll need to ask for it as a separate side dish.

I’d find that opting for the first course, second course and side dish would be just right – maybe leaving room for a dessert if you have a sweet tooth.

Most importantly, make sure that you enjoy the whole experience of dining out in Italy.

More about Italy Travel:
Discover even more about Italy Travel what your fellow travellers recommend to visit while in Italy and what to do:
http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/italy-travel/

This year’s winter Olympic Games are taking place in Turin; whether you intend to watch the games or not, Italy is a great skiing destination. The Italian Alps are home to many great and famous ski resorts such as Cortina d’Ampezzo and Courmayeur (Remember “The Pink Panther” with Peter Sellers? That’s where it happens). The best ski resorts with the most modern facilities are found in northern Italy, in the Alpine area. However, there are some ski resorts in the south of the country too.

Skiing is a very popular activity in Italy. Many Italians take a week off during winter just to go skiing. It is possible to find a ski resort for anyone in Italy. There are very luxurious resorts, and very affordable ones. Some slopes are only for the well trained, others are moderate enough for beginners or rusty skiers.

The best way to arrive to Italy for a ski vacation is through one of these airports:

Turin, Milan, Bergamo, Verona or Venice Treviso. They are all well served by international flights, and offer the option of taking a city break with your ski vacation.

Turin, this winter’s Olympic Games location, is a good place to arrive to. Going from Turin towards the French border (public transportation is available), there are Sestriere and Sauze D’aulx among other busy ski resorts. Sestreiere is a very modern and fashionable ski resort that offers 20 ski lifts, and ice skating rink and cross country trails.

Further to the north, on the border, is the area of Valle d’Aosta. In this area both Italian and French are spoken, and the food also has a lot of French influence. In this area you can find some of the highest mountains in Europe: Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Mont Blanc and Gran Paradiso. The beautiful view of pine trees and castles is seen from wooden ski chalets. One of the most glamorous resorts in Italy is found here – CourMayeur, at the foot of the Mont Blanc. This resort offers all that a skier can dream of, even summer skiing. Also in that area is Breuil – Cervinia

In the north east of Italy are the Dolomites. The “Dolomiti Superski” is a network of 12 different skiing areas. A popular resort in this area is Madonna di Campiglio. This is also where the famous Cortina D’ampezzo is located.

In the winter, there are opportunities for ski in the southern mountains. Campo Felice is in the Gran Sasso, east of Rome, also has a ski school. The Sila massif in Calabria has 35 Km of cross country skiing, and only 2 downhill slopes.

More about Italy Travel:
Discover even more about Italy Travel what your fellow travellers recommend to visit while in Italy and what to do:
http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/italy-travel/