In the Italy Travel Notes first videocast we are going to discover the Baroque town of Noto in Sicily.

Videocast 1 Italy Travel Notes presents Noto in Sicily

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By: Jennifer Weiss

Italy is a country filled with lush, vibrant landscapes and stirring regions that remind one of the rich historical relevance of this diverse country. From the stunning architecture of Florence to the fashion of Milan to the ruins of Rome, you can find an abundance of sights that will take your breath away upon first glance and draw you in with their sheer magnificence. Travel through the regions of Italy for your next vacation and experience all this glorious country offers to its visitors.

A journey to Tuscany is well worth the adventure for any traveler who can appreciate fine wine, exquisite cuisine, and a beautiful rolling countryside that appears to have jumped right off the canvas. Florence, the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a must-see for its famous museums and galleries such as the Uffizi, which houses a wealth of Renaissance art, and the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David. In Pisa, known for the recognizable leaning tower, visitors can enjoy the impressive medieval architecture and soak in the lively atmosphere by strolling the busy streets and the grassy square.

In the northern region of Lombardy, visitors can enjoy the capital city of Milan with its upscale fashion and exceptional cultural attractions. Milan is well known for its place atop the fashion industry and here visitors will find the flagship stores for designers such as Prada, Armani, and Dolce and Gabbana. In addition to shopping, visitors will want to head to the historical opera house La Scoula and enjoy one of the regularly staged operas, ballets, or concerts in the most acoustically perfect theatre in the world.

The center of commerce and culture, Rome sits in the Latium region and boasts strong and resilient historical sights that no visitor should miss. Home to the Pantheon and Colosseum, visitors can take in these incredible pieces of architecture that have withstood the test of time and hark back to far different eras. In the center of Rome lies the sovereign Vatican state, which is the symbolic home of Catholics around the world and the residence of the Pope. For views of two of the most breathtaking religious buildings, head over to St. Pete’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, which Michelangelo meticulously painted in a span of four years.

Located about six miles east of Naples, a journey to Mount Vesuvius is a worthwhile excursion for those who are intrigued by the rich and volatile history of the only active volcano on the European mainland. The area around the mountain is now a national park and visitors can explore the small network of paths that travel around the mountain for a glimpse of this towering monstrosity. For those with more than a passing interest, visitors are also allowed to reach the summit by foot (after driving within 200 feet) or they can make their way to the crater from the spiral walkway that leads off the road.

In the southern portion of Italy, Naples is perched along the Bay of Naples, providing the most beautiful water views in all of Italy. When searching for food to satisfy your appetite, Naples is the perfect place to try pizza in Italy since this is the birthplace of the pizza pie. After a filling meal, visitors can make their way to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples to view one of the most complete collections of Greek and Roman relics and afterwards, wander the winding, narrow streets of the Spaccanapoli and stop by any of the numerous churches and shops.

Whether you plan on traveling throughout the country or planting yourself in your favorite region, you can find the perfect accommodations for your adventure by staying in Italy vacation rentals. There is a wide selection of apartments, villas, and houses located throughout Italy that make it easy to enjoy the rich history and beautiful landscapes of this country. Begin your search for the perfect rental today so you can experience the amazingly diverse Italian vacation of your dreams.

About the Author
http://www.GreatRentals.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, consider Italy vacation rentals for your next trip to Europe.

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In case you’ve missed it there’s a boom in Interior design in Italy . These days many people who are considering a kitchen re-design come to the conclusion that an Italian kitchen decorating theme will put some old world charm into their kitchen. One such Italian design is the Tuscan style which incorporates warm earth tones along with natural materials and architectural accents that will give any kitchen a time worn look. The good news is you don’t need to buy a bunch of high priced antiques in order to achieve a Tuscan look in your kitchen. Here are just a few things that will need to be included when designing and decorating your kitchen in an Italian style.

First, the colors you use should very closely match the colors of the Tuscan landscape. These are colors such as rich gold’s, earth tones and sometimes even tones relating to the sea. These colors will give you the look you’re after. If you’re able to purchase some Majolica pottery, either old or new, you should use the colors on this to influence the colors of your walls and floors. It’s important that you use natural materials like stone, slate, granite or terracotta for the flooring and countertops. This will help to greatly enhance the Italian look and feel you’re attempting to create.

When looking for lighting for your Italian themed kitchen then think old world and steer well clear of any new or modern styles. Why not see if you can get lights that are made from antique wrought iron. But you can include recessed lighting for use as task lighting. It is important to get the right look for an Italian kitchen that you stay away from lights that have a shiny look, instead stick with those that have muted metal finish.

It is very easy to buy accessories for your Italian kitchen theme brand new today, but why not take time and scour your local antique stores for some real antiques instead. If you can look for old pottery bowls and pitchers as well as wooden bowls that have been painted or antiques. As a nice addition to your Italian style kitchen include some Majolica ware. Why not buy a whole set of this pottery to be have for everyday use. It is vital that you include lots of decorative jars in your design that have either peppers and ropes of garlic on them or peppers and grape vines on them. Then to soften the look up a bit use lots of greenery (herbs in pots are a good idea).

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Interior design in Italy

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When it comes to activities and things to do in Italy it should be noted that skiing and cycling are two of the countries favorite past times.

When it comes to skiing expenses have gotten so out of hand that many skiers are now looking to Eastern Europe for cheaper ski trips, but while there are certainly bargains to be found in the Balkans, the resorts tend be less developed than in Western Europe and offer less extensive terrain.

So what does the cash strapped skier do?

For many, the answer lies in the not so well known ski resort of Livingo, Italy. Set in the Italian Alps Livigno offers extensive skiing without forcing you to break the bank. With 33 lifts and 110km of skiing, the area attracts all levels of snow seeking sports fans.

The wide open runs are perfect for beginners who are just learning to ski, intermediates more interested in progressing, and the terrain park and easy back country access will definitely keep more advanced skiers and snowboarders happy.

The town has avoided the rapid building boom of imposing concrete high rise hotels that has blighted some of the more famous ski resorts in Western Europe. Instead, Livigno remains a town with plenty of rustic charm. The traditional wooden chalets and small rural buildings are easy on the eye and add to the natural charm of the surroundings.

The best thing about Livigno is the price, due to its duty free status which was introduced by the Austro-Hungarian Empire about 160 years ago. It’s thought that Livigno’s remote nature, which was completely cut off from the rest of the country during the harsh winters, was largely the reason it was made into a tax free haven. Even nowadays, only three roads connect the town with other areas. Though improvements in building technology and snow clearance mean that access is no longer a problem.

About the only downside to Livigno is the slight inaccessibility of the area from major airports. It’s about a three hour drive from Bergamo or Innsbruck, but with regular buses going to the resorts on a regular basis or with privately taken rental cars readily available in Italy, getting to Livigno really isn’t too difficult.

As for cycling, there are many cities that you’ll want to visit should you take one of the many cycling tours you’ll find available. From riding the gondolas in Venice to visiting the Roman ruins, you can find all different kinds of activities and scenery to enjoy while you are cycling through this country. Your cycling in Italy trip will be full of interesting historical sights and once in a lifetime spots to make memories. You will be able to help give your children and family a trip that they will never forget. You’ll want to plan your cycling tour well ahead of time in order to enjoy the sights that Italy has to offer you and your family.

If you’re concerned this types of activities may be too expensive for you, you might be pleasantly surprised. I you go online and do a little research you’re sure to find many different companies that offer skiing and cycling tours throughout Italy. I shouldn’t be to hard to then just pick the best deal. Competition can work to your advantage in this case, because they are each trying to get your business. You should be able to find other activities in Italy that will fit your budget as well.

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activities in Italy

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In the Italy Travel Notes second videocast we are going to discover the beauty and romanticism of Venice

Videocast 3 Italy Travel Notes presents: Venice

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Millions of people visit Italy every single year and why not. It is after all one of the world’s richest cultures when it comes to art. In fact art in Italy is a major part of the country’s culture.

There is much art and architecture to see when in Italy that you could not possibly see it all even in an entire lifetime. Just the cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice alone offer an inexhaustible choice of art excursions.

Here are a few things you simply must see if you’re on your own voyage seeking Italian art, either ancient or modern.

The Coliseum
The Coliseum is an artistic wonder that was originally used as an entertainment venue and is still an amazing site to see. Curiously, although it could consider a source of embarrassment of the past, it has come to be known as an icon from the ancient Roman period.

Vatican City
Vatican City is actually a tiny country and is perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Rome. As any Catholic will tell you Vatican City is the heart of Catholicism, both spiritually and politically. St. Peter himself was crucified on this spot, and St. Peter’s basilica was built directly above the ancient hill. Even today Basilica and St. Peter’s square are studies in architecture. Both often the subject of many art history classes. Visitors who go to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are treated to see some of the true masterpieces of Roman art.

Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco is still studied today by urban architects and planners as a one of the most beautiful public places on earth. The square is surrounded by coffee houses, quaint little shops, and of coarse Campanile and St. Peter’s Basilica. Tourists and locals mingle or sit and sip in its coffee houses, or meet to talk, and climb the Campanile to see the amazing view of Venice.

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection
In a city world renown for its ancient art and architecture, the Guggenheim Collection houses one of the greatest collections of modern art anywhere in the world. It’s a collection that includes works by Pollack, Picasso, Klee, Rothko, Chagall, Mondrian, and more. There is also a splendid sculpture garden housing many other works of art.

In reality one could certainly wander Italy for many years and never experience all of it’s great art and architecture. The I’ve listed and briefly discussed are a mere thumbnail sketches of art in Italy.

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art in Italy

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By Katy Hyslop

Sitting round the dinner table one night , after a few bottles of Chianti with some old friends, most of whom had spent time as European tour guides and backpackers, I asked them to name the best thing to see or do while staying in Italy. There was a lot of loud discussion as some tried to praise the less obvious things over the more mainstream, but there were also plenty of unanimous agreement for others.
In no particular order may I present to you the top 20 things to do in Italy as decided by my mates.

1. Nun Watching in Piazza San Pietro

There is something serene about watching a line of Nuns on tour, especially on specific Saint’s days, taking photos of the façade of St Peter’s or trailing behind each other inside the huge basilica. They are only out numbered by the pigeons, which parents ,who hate their children, encourage to sit on their offspring’s head in hopes they will pick them up and fly away, perhaps dropping them somewhere over the Forum.

2. Eating Gelati 3 times a day

This is mandatory for anyone travelling during the months of June, July and August. How the Italians get it so creamy, tasty and dribbly is beyond me but you never feel full. It’s the best thing after a long hot day queuing up for hours to see all those magnificent artworks. It is made with totally natural ingredients and everybody claims to have the best gelato shop in Italy, which is believable, but some even go further, experimenting in odd flavours like tomato and believe it or not basil.

3. Holding up the leaning tower of Pisa

You’ve all seen it. The obligatory photo of someone and their mates holding up the Leaning tower, either with one finger or both hands. Probably the next best thing to climbing it, which is all anyone goes to Pisa to do. And holding it up is about the cheapest thing there.

4. Dodging Cars in Rome

After sky diving in Switzerland and a taxi ride in the Czech republic this probably the most adrenaline packed activity you can do in Europe. To cross the road you must keep walking, make sure you keep eye contact with any oncoming driver like a bullfighter and keep moving. The cars and bikes will come very close, never actually touching you, so long as you keep going.

5. Parking on a Kerb

Everyone else does it.

6. Singing a Duet with a Gondolier

He may not be the next Pavarotti but your gondolier should have a pretty good voice. They know all the old favourites and it makes the experience all the more authentic. They usually ask for a bit extra for the service on top of the hire fee. The most favoured time is around dusk as the lights are coming on making the reflections in the water add to the atmosphere.

7. Hanging out with the Pope on Wednesday

Tourists, Nuns, Priests, locals and pigeons flock to Piazza San Pietro for the weekly address from his holiness Pope Benedict XVI at around 10am. Afterwards you can check out the inside of the Basilica and the crypt where St Peter’s remains are kept.

8. Checking out David’s A—e

You could line up and pay to see the original inside the Accademia, where it was shifted at the end of the 1800’s to protect it from vandals and the elements. Or you could examine his copy up close in Piazza Signoria for free, or you could climb the hill above the Ponte Vecchio to see the bronze version standing in Piazza Michelangelo. Or you could see all 3 and make a comparison.

9. Drinking wine and watching the sunset in Cinque Terre

There is something quite unique about sitting on the rocks next to where the fishing boats pull up, lanterns bobbing along the wires around the cove in the sea breeze, listening to a guy practising his baritone opera through an open window, watching the sun sinking over the horizon sipping on a locally made red after eating home made pasta and pesto sauce. Perfect.

10. Eating Pizza in Napoli

Home of the Margherita pizza. A famous local pizza maker Rafaelle Espositi heard the Queen of Naples was interested in trying a pizza so he made a patriotic one using basil, tomato and mozzarella for the colours of the Italian flag. She liked it so much she gave her name to it. To be enjoyed while observing the kamikaze scooters and cars going hell for leather down the narrow streets.

11. Cliff Diving in Sorrento

Not for the faint hearted. Locals, generally boys, scramble up the steep cliffs to leap off dropping tens of metres into the big blue beneath. If that is way too over the top you could always take a mask and snorkel and wait around underneath.

12. Calling your mum from the top of the Venice Campanile

Believe it or not there is a public pay phone at the top of the campanile so you can make that all important call to your mum, or maybe order a pizza for dinner.

13. Wine Tasting in Chianti

There is a theory that the word Chianti comes from the old Etruscan word for water ‘Clante’, which is an obvious connection to make if you drink a lot of Chianti. The stringent production standards set by the Consortium means the quality of all types of the wine is consistent and it’s hard to find a bad one.

14. Tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain

But don’t go swimming unless you want to pay a huge fine. One coin means you return to Rome, two coins means you return and get kissed and three coins means you return and get married. All the money gets swept up regularly and given to charity. The authorities also don’t take kindly to anyone stealing from the fountain. Put the coin(s) in your right hand and throw over your left shoulder. It’s something fun to do with the change from your third gelato.

15. Visiting the Sistine Chapel

If you survive the 3km walk through the rather opulent Papal Rooms of the Vatican Museum you will be rewarded with the sensational view of the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Created in situ by Michelangelo, he often painted freehand straight onto the wet plaster, through belligerent Papal outbursts, financial difficulties, staffing problems, slipping foundations, wars and finally completed after 4 years in 1512. Take mini field glasses and some sort of key to each fresco. The noise of everyone whispering is only drowned out by the guard bellowing ‘silencio’ every so often.
And don’t sit on the steps.

16. Walking the planks in a flooded Venice

One of the more original experiences when visiting this watery city. Winter rains flood the lagoon and when the tide is in the level can rise to your knees. Practical locals have come up with the solution in the form of raised platforms so you can walk the planks around Piazza San Marco without getting your toes wet. Or you could invest in some stylish rubber booties.

17. Getting Grappa-ed ( drink too much Grappa)

Every country has it’s fire water. In Russia and Poland it’s vodka, in Mexico it’s Tequila, in Czech it’s the Absinthe and in Italy it’s Grappa. Distilled from the leftovers from pressing the grapes for wine, all the pips, skins and stalks, it is usually drunk at the end of a meal after the espresso. The first shot takes care of any sensation in your throat and the second and third take care of the rest of the nervous system.

18. Buying a Ferrari hat

After football, the Pope and their own mother comes the nation’s almost religious following of that little red car from Maranello. Most Italian drivers appear to fancy themselves as the next Schumacher along the autostrada, including the truck drivers, but you have to admit the car is cool.

19. Riding a scooter in Tuscany

Winding country roads between rolling green hills, vine rows neatly slicing down the hillsides, wild flowers in the fields and those tall cypress trees lining the driveway to a mediaeval villa. All that fresh air and the chance to take life at the local pace while unpacking a tasty picnic in some farmer’s field.

20. Finishing a Bistecca alla Fiorentina ( T bone Steak)

The resurrection of the Florentines favourite steak made national headlines. The local celebrity butcher from Panzano, Dario Cecchini had held a public funeral and memorial service when the EU banned the sale of beef on the bone products after the mad cow scare a few years back. Now it’s back and everyone is celebrating. Just make sure you’re really hungry for this one as it is huge.

The general consensus was that these were all the things that should be done during a trip to Italy, along with all the usual art and history things of course, in order that you get the most out of the trip.

Katy Hyslop is a women of action keeping Plus Villages and their staff under control regularly visiting their hostels in Rome. Her experience as teacher, backpacker and tour guide in Europe for the past six years enables her to have a unique view on the world of travel.

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In the Italy Travel Notes second videocast we are going to discover the beauty and sunshine of the Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana).

Videocast 2 Italy Travel Notes presents the Amalfi Coast

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Katy Hyslop

Arriving in Ventimiglia, our first real stop over the border from France, (Monaco was also along the way) into Italy I was pleased to see a distinct difference between the Italian locals and the French ones I’d left behind. Admittedly there is a real sense of the Mediterranean life all the way along the Cote D’Azur, with fairly laid back individuals, all there to soak up sun and wine, but these locals appeared even more so. The Carabinieri on the platform as we pulled up were looking so relaxed as to almost appear asleep, even the sniffer dog didn’t look at all bothered that 15 sweaty backpackers had just arrived. Nobody moved, no passports were checked, just a few cheery ‘ciaos’ and a ‘benvenuti’.

After leaving our bags with the guide to mind we set off to explore for an hour before catching the next train. Having already spent the better half of the previous hour practising how to order a cappuccino in Italian I was eager to try it out. We found a kerbside café and sat down. To my amazement the waiter understood my request on the first go and duly brought me the coffee. I was still grinning when we got back on the train.

The journey to Cinque Terre takes you through countless tunnels, carved into the cliffs hanging out over jagged rocks and pebbly beaches. Each time we hit the darkness, the curtains flapping dementedly in the open windows, I could still see the blue water imprinted on the inside of my eyelids. Nowhere else have I experienced that effect.

The locals and us were all chatting amongst ourselves until one guy asks me where we are all going in Italian. I answer Rio Maggiore. Then he asks me where we are all from. I explain that I am a tour guide and my group are all from all over the world. He is going to Calabria to see his mother and he is from Milan. He works in a factory there making cars. Another lady opens her travelling cool box to share some iced coffee in tiny plastic espresso cups with the 2 Korean girls in my group, and another one pulls out some ‘dolce’, sweet pastries to share with the Canadian girls.

Of all my train journeys in Europe I have found the Italians to be the most generous to backpackers, in terms of communication and sharing the contents of their cooler bags. Especially on the train going to Calabria from the north.

I once spent the leg between Pisa and Rome stuck in a corridor with an old guy of 60, a phrase book and a lot of sign language. He was very keen to tell me his family history and was most impressed that a kiwi from ‘lontano’ was trying to speak Italian. He even gave me grammar lessons and corrected my pronunciation. That never happened on a French train.

More recently on the train to Florence from Pisa I sat next to a girl from Romania getting an entire itinerary of what to see and do in Florence from the guy opposite her in Italian. The interesting bit was she only spoke a few words but seemed to grasp most of what he was saying. It was great to see the passion for which he was talking about what was obviously his home town.

On one trip I managed to fulfil the desires of one rather shy Chinese girl who had a thing for men in uniform. She was trying to collect as many photos of them as possible from all over Europe. Some Italian Navy boys had got on at La Spezia, obviously from the Naval base there, heading to Rome along with a couple of Air Force boys. They were filling the corridor outside the dining car, laughing and yelling, all only too willing to pose for a couple of photos with my now tomato-red-in-the-face passenger. We thought we hit the jackpot when some army boys were spotted on the platform at Ostiense in Rome, but they were waiting for another train. She got a photo through the window instead.

The most frustrating time on the trains can be Florence S.M.N. The letters could easily stand for ‘so many new platforms’ instead of Santa Maria Novella as they have an annoying pastime of switching tracks on you. You have to listen to the announcements very carefully. They do them in both English and Italian but as soon as one train is late arriving they start shuffling the rest of the platforms like a deck of cards. With a group of 12 individuals one day we were waiting an extra 45 minutes for the train to Venice, supposedly arriving on track 11, then it was track 9, then it was back to track 11 at the very last minute. We broke the rules and ended up hurling packs across the train tracks onto the end carriage as the guard blew his whistle for the departure and we had some stragglers who hadn’t heard the change walking back from the sandwich bar. Everybody made it with a sprint finish.

On the contrary, in Venice the train guard was very accommodating when I had lost an American passenger between the baggage depot and the train in the short space of about 10 minutes. I explained she was late and he smiled, said ok, and waited an extra 5 minutes with me. Eventually he tapped his watch and we had to abandon her. This was the last train out of Italy to Austria that day so I wasn’t sure when I’d see her again. When I eventually did she had an awesome adventure to tell, but that’s entirely another story.

For point to point travel you can’t beat the Italian trains for good value, not just in the price because with a train ticket you get so much more than just a seat. Sometimes you don’t even always get a seat, especially if it’s in the middle of August, but you get a fantastic opportunity to experience the local culture that just can’t be had from a guide book or the inside of a bus.

Katy Hyslop is a women of action keeping Plus Villages and their staff under control. Her experience as teacher, backpacker and tour guide in Europe for the past six years enables her to have a unique view on the world of travel.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katy_Hyslop

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Shaunta Pleasant

Whether you are Italian or not, it is hard to beat the appeal of Italy destination weddings. Italy has many charms for both natives and visitors alike, and a wedding in Italy is like no other.

Whether you get married on a gondola while lazily floating down a canal in Venice, or choose the grandeur and history of the Roman Coliseum as your backdrop, it is certainly easy to see why Italy has become such a popular destination for weddings of all sizes.

Reasons To Choose Italy For Your Wedding

There are many reasons why couples choose Italy destination weddings, but one of the most common is family history.

Those whose families immigrated to the United States a few short generations ago often still have family members in the old country, and a destination wedding in that beautiful country is a great way to reconnect with long lost family members while allowing them to share in a great celebration.

Using Italy As A Honeymoon And A wedding Location

Even for those without family ties to the area, Italy is simply a gorgeous and wonderful place to hold a wedding. Italy is a land full of beauty, from the stunning artworks of Florence to the stunning natural beauty of Venice.

From the wine country of Tuscany to the hustle and bustle of Rome, there are many reasons to consider Italy as both a vacation destination and a great place for a wedding.

Planning Your Italy Wedding With Success

Of course planning one of these exotic Italy destination weddings can be quite a bit more complicated than planning a wedding in your home town.

All the normal wedding planning things must be taken care of, of course, including finding the perfect dress and landing the best deal on the wedding bands. You still have to send out the wedding invitations as well, although when planning a destination wedding you will of course need to get them out early.

In addition, however, there are many other things needed to make Italy destination weddings a success. Some of these items include reserving a block of hotel rooms for the wedding party and the guests, providing information on how to get from the airport to the hotel, and the like.

Using A Wedding Planner

The complexity that Italy destination weddings can bring is one reason that many people who would not otherwise consider a wedding planner decide to hire such a professional to pull off a destination wedding.

In fact there are now wedding planners who specialize only in planning destination weddings, and they can provide invaluable services to those planning Italy destination weddings.

Shaunta Pleasant is a professional writer and editor on wedding topics. Visit my site to learn more about planning the perfect wedding at
http://www.best-wedding-plan.com/italy_destination_weddings.html

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