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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by Elena Reboni

The time of the famous Venetian carnival is closing up. It`s just the right time to recall Venice, its attractions and must-sees, its rich history and the cotemporary status of one of the world`s most popular tourist destinations.

The first thing that comes to mind when speaking about Venice is “the city of canals“. Its amount really strikes 150! Don`t forget about 409 bridges in Venice and you wouldn`t be surprised to hear that in Venice there are no cars and buses. You can reach any point by water or by feet (Venice is not very big). Big boats called vaporetto play the role of the public transport in Venice. Small private boats are taxies. However, gondola has become the transport symbol of the city. It`s a narrow, usually black, boat for water walks. It`s an expensive pleasure, but it`s the only way to feel the authentic atmosphere of Venice.

The whole city is an art masterpiece; there are no ordinary, ugly buildings. Almost every structure seems to be a hotel. Even if it`s a private house you surely can rent an apartment there. It`s a city making living out of tourists, so the prices are high.

The centre and the heart of the city is San Marco square. Long ago Napoleon called it “the most elegant dining-room in Europe“. The square really looks like salon. It`s surrounded by the galleries and San Marco Cathedral. Between gallery and cathedral lies the exit to lagoon, very beautiful place. St Mark’s Square is located in one of the lowest parts of the city, so is always the first to be covered in water when the acqua alta (high tide) arrives.

The place is also famous for its cafes “Florian“, “Lavena“, “Quardi“. “Florian“ is considered to be the oldest caf? in Europe. Antique furniture, excellent coffee and live music are awaiting for you! Doge`s palace or Palazzo Ducale (in Italian) is an ancient building hiding medieval secrets and legends.

Rialto Bridge is one of the everlasting symbols of Venice. In Middle Ages there were several wooden bridges, but all of them were burnt. The present, stone bridge was built in the end of the XVI century. On the bridge you can find a lot of souvenir and jewelry shops.

So, now let`s get back to the point. Venetian Carnival. It`s on of the most popular carnivals in the world and shares its fame only with the carnival in Rio-de-Janeiro, although they are completely different. Venetian carnival covers the whole city. Colorful festive crowds fill the streets and the squares of Venice. The origin of Carnival dates back to the Middle Ages. In 1296 the last day before the Lent was proclaimed holiday. This year the Carnival takes place from 18th till 28th December. The theme of the carnival 2006 is “The Dragon and the Lion“, all the events and theatre performances are connected with the Chinese culture. The program is very diverse from the shows on the streets for children to the luxurious parties in palaces for the adults. Costume and mask is a must!

For booking a hotel, please, go to Venice hotels page

Article source: Expert Articles

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by Jim Johnson

Planning a trip to one of the most intriguing and inspiring cities in the world? Venice, Italy is that city and also is known as a city full of romance and history. The city allows no cars and the streets that meander along the canals are perfect for exploring. You will find that there are 150 canals in Venice and there are also more that 400 bridges that connect 117 pieces of land.

When you plan to come to the city of Venice you may want to take the train. The Santa Lucia Train Station is located on the northwestern edge of the city. You could also take a bus but it is not as convenient. Remember when packing for Venice that there are no taxis or cars so keep the packing to a minimum and make sure you use travel bags with wheels for ease of travel.

Walking is one of the best ways to see Venice. If this is not an option for you, never fear, you do have other choices. Travel by boat is a possibility and it is also an fairly inexpensive way to get around. The vaporetti is the same thing as a boat or ferry and it is a great way to maneuver the canals. Using this mode of transportation allows you to stop at many different places so you can see lots of attractions. If money is not a consideration you may want to travel by water taxi or gondola.

When it is time to shop you will want to pay attention to several of the specialties of Venice. There is Venetian glass which comes from the island of Murano. This glass is unique and makes a wonderful keepsake or souvenir. Carnevale masks and watercolors of the area are popular gifts or you may prefer to shop for the lace made in Venice or the beautiful marbled paper.

The most popular area of Venice for sightseeing is San Marco Square. There are upscale shops, sidewalk eateries and great photographic opportunities. This is an expensive place to shop and eat so be prepared. For music lovers it is one of the best places to enjoy live music in the evenings.

The Grand Canal is the main thoroughfare of the city of Venice. There you will see beautiful buildings and many kinds of boats. The main bridge that crosses the Grand Canal is the Rialto Bridge and it is over 400 years old. You can also find the Rialto Market which is a great place to shop for interesting foods.

If you enjoy museums you should stop at the Galleria delAccademia which is one of Italys best museums. There are 24 rooms located in 3 historic buildings. There are often many people who want to visit this museum so it is best if you arrive early.

For the ice cream lovers: we have not forgotten you, nor has Venice! There are gelaterias everywhere and their wares are absolutely scrumptious. It may even be the best ice cream in the world!

Romance and history: have it all in Venice, Italy!

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About the author:
You can find budget hotels in Venice by going to the Search Italy Hotels website http://www.searchitalyhotels.com/Venice-1.shtml Our website also showcases Venice vacation packages, car rentals, flights to Venice and last minute deals.

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by Nomadrick Chapo

Where does one begin to start when discussing Italy. Well, if you intend to travel there, Rome and Venice are good places to start.

Rome

Perhaps you`ve heard of it? It goes without saying that Rome has a rather prominent past. Lets see, in Rome you will find [deep breath] the Vatican, Coliseum, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Church of Saint Agnese, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and a guy name Allassandro. Just making sure you`re paying attention. Indeed, Rome is filthy with historically significant attractions. It seems you can`t turn around without bumping into something an Emperor built, captured or destroyed. For those willing to risk potential wrath, there are also the new Divinci Code tours, which take you to the locations found in the book.

In all serious, Rome is a city you should visit at least once in your life. No article could ever do it justice, so I`ll just stop here.

Venice

I fondly refer to Venice as the floating city even though it is apparently sinking. If you`ve seen Venice is movies or televisions shows, the depictions are accurate. Piazza San Marco looks exactly the same, birds and all. The Grande Canal is, well, a grand canal with incredible houses lining it and boats putting up down this water way. Built on mudflats in a lagoon, the city doesn`t really have much room to grow. It just seems paralyzed in time.

Once you`ve conquered the tourist attractions, it will be time to get serious about Venice. The best way to do this is stand in front of your hotel or hostel, determine which direction the tourist attractions lie and start walking in the opposite direction. While you may feel like you`re driving the wrong way on a freeway for a few minutes, you eventually start getting into real Venice.

An entirely different side of Venice will appear and you`ll love it. You`ll find little cafes with locals happy to talk to you [and non-tourist prices]. In fact, the Venetians will tend to hold you in high regard since you`re a tourist who is bypassing the tourist areas. This, of course, will logically lead to a whirl of introductions to this nephew, that son of a brother and so on. Next thing you know, you`ll be complaining about Italian politicians and how things used to be better in the past.

While Rome and Venice are excellent travel destinations, you can`t really go wrong in Italy. For the adventurous, set your itinerary with the old map on a wall and dart technique.

About the Author:
Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com – makers of travel journals. Writing journals are the perfect travel accessories. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com to read more travel articles and travelogues.

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

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By Michael Thomson

Venice

Venezia, La Serenissima, Queen of the Adriatic, the Most Serene Republic of Venice is the city of canals, churches and palaces that captures the hearts and minds of all who visit. Venice is home to wonderful tourist destinations famous the world over – St Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs – but the true joy of Venice is found just wandering around and finding architectural and artistic wonders around every corner.

Transport:getting there and getting away

Venice is served by two airport, Marco Polo and Trevino. Transport into the city is by bus or from the latter by water bus.

Trains terminate and depart from Santa Lucia train station on the west side of Venice. The station fronts the Grand Canal where water buses (vaporetti) or water taxis are available.

Cars and coaches arrive on the far western edge of Venice at Piazzale Roma. There are no roads in Venice so from here on it’s by boat or on foot. Venice is the World’s only truly pedestrian city and walking is a serendipitous adventure of discovering vistas in the magnificent urban landscape.

Ships arrive at the Stazione Marittima.

Water buses are best for longer trips and for visiting the islands. There are also the more expensive water taxis. Gondolas are really just for short romantic hops and having your photograph taken.

Climate

Summer is hot in Venice. Temperatures average 27°C but high humidity results in a close, uncomfortable atmosphere. Sometimes, hot sirocco winds sweep in from the south. January and February are the coldest months with temperatures ranging from 0-7 C. Snow is rare owing to the city’s lagoon location. Spring is fresh and clear though rainfall can be heavy. Mists are common in late autumn.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Venice hotels

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

Venice has the character of a stage set so its many festivals are spectacular.
* The first event of the year is the Regata delle Befana held on 6 January.
* The next month sees the major event in the Venetian calendar namely Carnevale,
which is a masked and costumed extravaganza.
* May sees the Festa della Sensa (Feast of the Ascension) which celebrates the Sposalizio del Mar (Wedding with the Sea).
* The arts fest is held every odd-numbered year in June in the Giardini Pubblici.
* Festa del Redentore in July features a regatta and fireworks festival.
* The Venice International Film Festival is held from late August into September

Turin

Turin has been called the European capital of Baroque due to the style of many of its palaces and churches. In many ways Turin differs from the typical Italian city. It exudes a strong French influence with its broad boulevards with white buildings. With the Po River flowing through the city, and the Italian Alps standing in the distance, it’s a place of great charm.

Transport:getting there and getting away

By plane

Caselle Airport lies north of the city and is connected to the city by bus and taxi. Turin is also easily reached from Malpensa airport.

Turin has two main railway stations, Porta Nuova and Porta Susa. The former is for long and mid-range trips the latter mainly for local trains.

Turin has an efficient public transport system of buses and trams and an underground line was opened for the 2006 Winter Olympics.

The City of Turin has recently established a network of bicycle paths throughout the city.

Climate:

Turin is gloomy with rain and fog in the winter temperatures tending to remain single digit. The summer months between May and September are milder though rain is still common.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Turin hotels

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

* April sees the Festival Internazionale di Film con Tematiche Omosessuali is a five-day international gay and lesbian film festival.

*Cioccola in early March is a two-week celebration of cocoa. Turin see cocoa tastings, sculpture competitions and stalls around the city centre.

*Salone Internazionale del Gusto is a five-day festival of food and wine held biannually. The event is international in flavour with traditional producers from around the world showcasing and selling their wares in a giant street market.

Rome

Steeped in history and rich with monuments famous the world over – the Vatican, the Colosseum – Rome stands as a captivating symbol of history and culture.

Transport:getting there and getting away

Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) airport is 16 miles southwest of the city with the Stazione Termini direct train running hourly into the city. The main bus station is located outside the Stazione Termini. Buses run from 6:00 a.m to midnight with some all-night services. The Rome Metro service has two lines, both of which go through Termini. It runs from 5:30 a.m to 11.30 p.m. and 0:30 on Saturdays.

Climate:

The climate is mild with sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. However July and August can be oppressively hot, November is often rainy, and December to February can be chill.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Rome.

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

*Holy Week (Easter) is time when Catholics from all over the world arrive on pilgrimages to visit the city’s churches and to hear the Pope at the Vatican. On Good Friday a procession of the Cross goes from the Colosseum to Capitoline Hill.
*The Estate Romana (Roman Summer), is at the heart of Roman social life from June to September. It’s a time when the city reverberates to free concerts, street theatre and outdoor cinema.
*In September museums, galleries and shops stay open all night from 20:00-08:00 on the occasion called Notte Bianca (white night). It’s also a time of free concerts and other happenings all over the city.

About the author:
Alistair White has been in the travel industry for over 20 years and is the founder and CEO of Cheaper than Hotels. Cheaper Than Hotels offers Venice hotels

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

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by Adam Singleton

The enchanting city of Venice has long been a favourite destination for couples seeking a romantic getaway. Beautiful surroundings, famous landmarks, fantastic food and the inevitable gondola rides attracts many to this Italian city to bask in the laid back Italian way of life. Venice also offers the unique experience of walking around a city that was built based on a canal system to move about, making for some interesting walking tours around this maze-like historic city.

Walking around the city is the best way to take in all of the unique architecture and character of Venice. A map is essential to tackling the winding streets of this city even though it will probably not protect against getting lost. But what better place is there to be lost in than Venice? Walking is also a great way to discover some of the lesser known neighbourhoods of this town, thus providing a more authentic experience. For those who want a true taste of Italy, those areas that lie off the beaten path also offer more authentic and tastier meals which cater less toward foreign visitors.

Visiting away from the tourist centre can also be a nice break from the numbers of visitors that Venice receives, especially during the summer months when the city is full and the weather is hot. A gondola ride to explore some of the bordering neighbourhoods is also a good excuse to hop on a boat as these rides get considerably cheaper the farther you stray from the main tourist area.

Any time of year that you find yourself in Venice, there are some must see attractions that you will happily brave the crowds to see. The Piazza San Marco is a large public square and serves as the main meeting place in the city. The Piazza is also the location of some more must see attractions such as St Marks Cathedral, the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile and several museums. Depending on what you are interested in seeing, you can choose to spend just a day touring the attractions of the Piazza or, if museums and cathedrals are your thing, you can happily spend more than a few days exploring all there is to see in this little space.

There are plenty more cathedrals and museums to see in Venice, and if you plan on visiting it is a good idea to book tickets in advance – especially if you are there during the summer months. Queues can be long and the weather will be hot, making standing in line pretty unpleasant. The same goes for booking a hotel in Venice during the peak season as accommodation fills up fast, especially at the hotels near the centre so it’s best to book early.

Venice is also a good place to see some of the other islands around Venice. The quaint towns can easily be seen on a day trip or you can even go to another country like Croatia by ferry although it is advisable to take more time than just one day. Venice is a great city to get a taste of Italy’s culture, but be warned, there is a great chance that it will only whet your appetite for more!

About the Author: Adam Singleton is an online freelance journalist from Scotland. His hobbies include travelling and hiking.

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by Katy Hyslop

Canals, gondoliers, romance, swaying buildings and mystery persons wearing painted masks. This guide will help you get behind the mask of Venice in just 48 hours.

Providing you haven`t spent the better part of the day trying to locate your accommodation you may find some time after checking in to do some exploring. One of the first things you will notice is no traffic. Vehicles are restricted to the last piece of solid ground near the train station, Piazzale Roma. This is where the bus terminal and public carparks are located and where your journey begins.

10:00

As you walk across the first of 409 bridges spanning the 150 canals you may wonder what inspired the original inhabitants to build their city afloat on 117 tiny islands in a marshy lagoon. The key reason was safety and protection from the marauding non-swimmer Attila the Hun. However the locals soon learnt that the centralised location was equally important in terms of European trade.

Walking the streets of Venice is an attraction in itself. The architecture is a mix of Byzantine, Renaissance and opulent Austro-Hungarian tastes. Narrow alleyways lead into decorative courtyards or twist around corners to hidden gardens. Some of the buildings have taken on a seriously disturbing lean that can leave you feeling dizzy and hoping that they remain standing for a few minutes more as you pass beneath.

There are three main street signs mostly visible with arrows pointing to either Piazzale Roma, or Ferrovia (the train station) or towards Piazza San Marco and more often than not, in both directions. There are wider street arteries which allow the majority of crowds to find San Marco with ease but to get a real sense of Venice it is recommended to get off the beaten track.

12:00

Turn a few corners and after a few hours you will have been totally lost and found again, either ending up at the Ferrovia or hopefully in Piazza San Marco.You will notice first the campanile towering above you.

The campanile was built as a lookout and lighthouse on foundations that dated back to the Roman period. Added to and enlarged over several centuries the end result was a total collapse in 1902 and a huge international effort to rebuild it brick by brick. The logetta base relief at the base of the tower was painstakingly pieced back together after being completely shattered by the falling bricks. The climb to the top of the campanile is worth it for the view across the lagoon to the outlying islands and a great way to orientate yourself. Gallileo even demonstrated his telescope to the Doges up here.

The other obvious thing to dominate the square is the sheer number of pigeons. They are usually seen covering small children which kindly parents have doused in birdseed in hopes the birds will fly away with them. On a slightly more serious note the rumour is there is a $500US fine for anyone caught kicking the pigeons. It`s really tempting but?

Looking south out between the pillars topped by the winged lion, the symbol of Venice, and the statue of St Theodore you will see water craft bobbing about including the vaporetti, Venice`s metro system, ferrying workers and tourists from island to island. Then there are the delivery boats, fire, ambulance and police boats, water taxis and the distinctive black gondolas.

You would have seen these gliding effortlessly through the canals between the houses during your walk carrying couples and groups of tourists, propelled by striped shirted men with a long oar and quite possibly singing an opera tune.

Continuing past the Doges Palace and turning left will bring you out onto the most south-eastern edge of the square. There is yet another bridge to cross but it may look crowded with tourists looking up a canal at another bridge. The object of their fascination is the Ponte Sospiri, or Bridge of Sighs. It is an enclosed bridge linking the palace courts to the old prison. A last breath of fresh air could be gasped by prisoners at the tiny latticed window before being dragged off to the “leads“.

14:00

Now to head back towards the Rialto Bridge. There will be a few signs directing you towards this and again they may appear to go in both directions. The bridge is the oldest one of three in the world that is occupied by shops.

The Rialto was mediaeval Europe`s trading centre with traders from the orient bringing goods to wealthy Venetian merchants. Usury, or money lending, was also practised contributing significantly to the city coffers making Venice extremely prosperous.

The current stone bridge was constructed in the 1500`s after a competition was run to find a solution to the regular problems of flooding and fires that kept destroying the wooden ones.It was successfully won by architect Antonio da Ponte. It also had to be tall enough to allow warships to pass beneath on their way to the crusades.

Depending on where you are staying or how tired the feet are it might be time to catch a vaporetto up the Grand Canal. For a fraction of the cost of a gondola trip you can take the 40 minute ride up the Grand Canal, go beneath the Rialto as well as see the magnificent mansions, palaces and plush Venetian hotels that line the banks.

19:00

Venice by night is far more peaceful as the noise of the boats going about their daily business subsides and the canals are left to the gondolas and the odd taxi. Dinner can be an expensive affair unless you know where to go. A rough guide is the further away from Piazza San Marco the cheaper, however there are some good value places around in places such as Cannareggio, Dorsoduro, San Polo and Santa Croce. Look more for osterias while some bars also serve bar snacks and light meals.

Many Venetian locals no longer live in the city due to the high living costs, preferring to reside on the mainland in Mestre. As a result there isn`t a particularly energetic nightlife after hours. There are a few jazz bars where you can get pricey cocktails. Venice`s most famous establishment is Harry`s Bar in San Marco, where the Bellini was born. This is a tasty combination of champagne and peach juice.

09:00

An early start is necessary to ensure you get where you are going and to hopefully beat the crowds. Venice is a popular city all year round, summer and winter, and there doesn`t appear to be a low season as such. The weather can sometimes be a blessing as passing showers can keep the large crowds at bay and make queuing time shorter. Flooding is common in winter.

Entry to the Basilica can either be a long line shuffling through the doors or a quick step inside. Watch your step as the floor has taken on an undulating feel due to years of flooding. Beneath the altar lies the remains of St Mark, the patron saint of the city. St Mark was actually a replacement patron as the city fathers felt the original one, St Theodore, was lacking in ecclesiastical clout.

The mosaic above the door to the left portrays the bringing of St Marks body back from Alexandria in Egypt in 828. A chapel was constructed to house the remains but burnt down in 932, to be replaced with a more substantial basilica in 1063. During some of the renovations St Marks body was lost but was eventually found and relocated to the crypt beneath the altar.

Above the door way stands the Quadriga on the loggia balcony. These four horses are copies of the originals that are housed inside in the Galleria. They were stolen during the sacking of Constantinople. There is a small fee to enter the Galleria upstairs where you can view the original horses as well as get a great view over the entire Basilica`s interior.

10:00

The Palazzo Ducale was begun in the 10thC as the formal residence of the Doges. These men were responsible for the government, administration and justice system for the entire republic of the Veneto. The rooms and hallways are filled from floor to ceiling with paintings, frescoes and sculptures. In particular is one of the largest oil paintings in the world, Tintoretto`s Paradise. Many of the works shown are by Tintoretto, Sansovino and Veronese reflecting the wealth brought to the city by the traders.

You also cross the Ponte Sospiri to the palace prisons offering a chance to get an idea of what the prisoners must have felt on their way to their incarceration. One of the more famous inhabitants was Casanova, the legendary womaniser, imprisoned in 1755 for dealings in the occult by the State Inquisition and the only one to successfully escape.

14:00

The streets around San Marco area are filled with shops and churches, all offering some more examples of fine art, architecture and craftsmanship. Not least is the impressive Chiesa di Santa Maria della Salute, the church opposite the square marking the entrance to the Grand Canal. This church was built in honour of the Virgin Mary in the 17thC whom the city believed protected them from an outbreak of plague.

15:00

Making your way further up the Grand Canal you will reach the 20thC Peggy Guggenheim collection in Dorsoduro. She lived in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni for 30 years before dying in 1979. Her collection contains works by Picasso, Mondrian, Chagall, Ernst, Miro, Magritte, Bacon and Dali. The garden contains more sculptures as well as the graves of Ms Guggenhiem and her dogs.

10:00

There is a 10 minute vaporetto ride from Fondamente Nove on the LN line to Murano where the glass artisans have been working their trade since 1291. Venetian glass was one of the most prized items for the wealthy around Europe and it is still revered today. The glass makers were moved here by ducal decree after one too many fires and were also charged with treason if they tried to leave town, such was the prizing of their skill in the craft. Today you can watch them at work on their premises so keep an eye out for signs with fornace. Some places even offer more structured guided tours and demonstrations.

12:00

You can then continue on to Burano from Murano-Faro, the journey takes 30 minutes. Burano is the home to the centuries old tradition of lace making. The lace was an extension of the fishing nets made by the women on the island and became well known in courts around mediaeval Europe as being the finest quality. The island is distinctive also for the bold colours the houses are painted in.

16:00

From Burano it takes an hour to reach Venice`s hotspot for celebrity and films- the Lido. The Venice film festival is held here every year attracting the stars from all over Europe and now more commonly non Europeans. Even if the stars are not out there is the beach which gives a bit of respite from the bridges. The resort is not as hip as it once was but the prices are still geared towards those with a bit more cash. The trip back to San Marco should take about 15 minutes.

So there is the best Venice has to offer in 48 hours, all the essentials to get you behind the mask of this unique city.

Katy Hyslop has been wandering around in the European Tourism industry for the past 6 years and is now currently keeping the Plus Office in line. If you want to find out more about opening times and entry fees in Venice visit this page.

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

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by Mandy Karlik

With European cruises increasing in popularity, more and more Americans passengers are likely to make port in some of the great cities of the Mediterranean. One of the oldest of these harbor towns is still a top port of call for modern cruise lines: Venice.

Photograph by John Semple

Venice is not like anywhere else on earth. It’s not the only city that is laced with canals (Amsterdam has canals, too, so does Stockholm), and it’s not the only city with an ancient past (Rome probably beats Venice in the historical department and Florence definitely edges her out in art). But there is something incredibly different and delightful about Venice.

You can’t drive in Venice. Entrance in and out of the city is by boat (you take a water taxi from the airport), so arriving by cruise ship is close to the way the city was meant to be approached.

When you actually reach Venice, you’ll have to get around by walking or boat. By far, the quickest, easiest, and least expensive way to go from point A to point B is to jump on the boat-bus, called a vaporetto. You buy tickets for it just like the bus. If you’re a cruise passenger in town for the day, it may pay for you to buy a pass good for the whole day. Not only could it save you some lire, you don’t have to hassle with buying tickets when you want to get a ride.

Water taxis are another option, but they’re a bit more expensive. Even more expensive, but delightfully romantic and unique, are gondolas. Expect to fork out a lot of money for the experience, but, trust me, it will be an experience.

Most Venetians get around by foot, and you probably will, too. The city has all the twists and turns you’d expect from an ancient town. Because of the network of canals, you will sometimes find yourself in the intriguing position of being able to see where you want to go but not be able to figure out how to get there. Relax, Venice has something interesting practically around every corner, so even if you get lost, you’ll probably still do a lot of great sightseeing.

The biggest tourist spot in town is the Piazza San Marco where St. Mark’s Cathedral is located. You can tour the cathedral and even climb the towers (not hard) to get a panoramic view of the square. Legend holds that the cathedral contains the grave of St. Mark, author of the Gospel according to St. Mark.

The square is full of pigeons (all of the time) and tourists (mostly in warmer months). Depending on when you travel, you may also see scaffolding or wooden walkways around the plaza. These aren’t risers for a concert or show. They are walkways designed so that people could get across the square even when it floods, which it does often enough for the city to have built elevated walkways.

Nearby is the Doge’s Palace. Doge (dough-jay) is the name the Venetians gave to their ruler back in the day when Venice was an independent nation. It’s a sumptuous kind of place, fit for a monarch, but most tourists enjoy the lesser accommodations better. The Doge had so many enemies he annexed a prison to the palace which is reached by crossing the Bridge of Sighs. There is a self-guided tour of the prison but it is very important to stick to the pathways marked. You are perfectly free to wander around as you see fit, but the place is like a honeycomb and you can get lost.

Getting lost is a typical Venetian experience. The city is full of unmarked streets, twisted lanes, and narrow passageways.

One of Venice’s favorite native sons was reputed to have been lost. Marco Polo lived in Venice and set out for China, where he spent 20 years. When he returned, he was vilified by Venetians who called him “The Liar” for making up stories. You can visit his home. It is located on a short cul-de-sac named “The Liar”The Liar.”

Venice was always better known for commerce than art, but there are some artistic treasures. If you like eating what the locals do, you’re going to try seafood and a dry sparkling wine called Prosecco. Of course, most tourists end up enjoying more generic Italian favorites here, too, such as cappuccino or espresso and rich gelato.

If you have time, take a vaporetto out to Lido island. It’s an island that’s just a short boat-bus ride from the main drag (the Grand Canal) and there is more relaxed (and less expensive) shopping and some beaches.

Another great thing to check out is Murano, an island famous for colorful hand-blown glass. You can buy Murano glassware all over Venice, including a special design known as mille-fiori (thousand-flowers). In Murano, you can watch artisans at work and get a much broader sampling of their products. But expect to see Murano glass in most of the shops.

Glass purchases from large stores can be shipped to you at home; most shopkeepers will be able to make such arrangements, at least for larger purchases.

Venice is a well-known city for tourists. It always has been, and cruise ships and package tours to Europe continue to feature it prominently. But Venice is also a very personal kind of city. Two tourists visiting the city on any given day can walk away with distinctly different impressions and experiences.

Mandy Karlik is a travel writer and cruise aficionado who is going to Mexico on her next cruise. To read more about cruise destinations, go to http://www.thecruise-shopper.com . Mandy Karlik blogs at http://www.cruiselinenews.blogspot.com .

Article Source: http://www.articleresource.info

by Jacob Fiennes

The best time to go to Italy could well be, well, anytime. In reality the best time is between April and June as the flood of school holidays hasnt yet hit the roads, the countryside is at its fullest bloom and the weather isnt uncomfortably hot yet.

When deciding at which time of the year to go to Italy it may be worth scheduling around a couple of festivals as they are invariably spectacular occasions.

Here is a shortlist of the best on offer:

Festa dei Ceri, Umbria in May
Il Palio, Siena in July and August
Carnevale, Venice in February
Festa di San Gennaro, Naples in December
I Candelieri, Sardinia in August
Palio delle Quattro Antiche Repubbliche Marinare, Venice / Pisa / Amalfe / Genoa in May / June
Processione dei Serpari, Abruzzo in May
Sa Sartiglia, Sardinia in February
Umbria Jazz, Perugia in July

In August prices tend to skyrocket across the country along with the weather, so is best avoided. However, that is not true of the whole of the country. In a country such as Italy the weather is incredibly diverse, ranging from stifling heat in the low-lands of Florence to the snow-capped chills of the Alps and the Dolomites.

Overall you can expect long hot summers the further south you are, with Sicily and Sardinia enjoying the best of all, where sea swimming is possible right into mid October.

Italy is a fairly expensive country with accommodation being the single most costly aspect of a trip. You may find cheaper accommodation out of the city centres and in surrounding satellite towns. Expect to pay around 12 to 20 euros for a youth hostel, 25 to 45 euros for a basic pensione or small hotel, and around 70 to 120 euros for a mid-range hotel.

Eating out is an incredible experience throughout Italy. As any Italian will tell you, there really is no such thing as Italian food, as each region tends to be known for its particular specialities. Budget for around 20 to 35 euros for a great full-course meal with a house wine on average.

The delectable Cucina Italiana is never far away in Italy. If youre a bit of a gastronomic connoiseur then id recommend touring around the Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna and Umbria regions for the quintessential food tour.

Shop for Italian delights to take home in the Mercato delle Erbe in Bologna, then head off to nearby Modena for a bottle of perhaps the worlds finest balsamic vinegar.

Next pick up a delicious antipasto in the most well-known food town of Parma – see Parma ham and Parmesan cheese.

For you first dish perhaps Umbria for some umbricelli (pasta served with shaved truffles). If you can try to get your hands on the ever-elusive tartufo nero or black truffle from Norcia.

For the next course perhaps a taste of the infamous bistecca alla fiorentina from Florence or head to Perugia for a porchetta, an Umbrian speciality of suckling pig stuffed with its own liver plus a handful of wild fennel and rosemary.

What to drink with these delights? Head to the Chianti region for a rocking red, or Orvieto for a succulent and sharp white.

Round off this tour with dessert in Siena in the form of a slice of panforte, a hard flatcake of candied fruits and nuts, or perhaps cantucci e vin santo (yes you guessed it – a biscuit doused in sweet white wine), a Tuscan speciality.

Getting around Italy is relatively easy and cheap, although car hire prices are on the rise. If you decide to take a train the regionale (local stopping trains) are much cheaper than the diretto (fast intercity and eurostar trains) and in my opinion are far more rewarding as you get to see more and take photos along the way.

It youre in search of good reading to help in capturing the spirit of Italy then id recommend picking up a copy of Il Gattopardo by GT di Lampedusa, The Aeneid by Virgil, La Storia by Elsa Morate or perhaps Grazia Deledda’s Canne al Vento.

Have fun!

About the author:
Jacob Fiennes is an enthusiastic traveller and photographer with a passion for discovery. He is a founder and regular contributor to the hugely popular worldwide hotel reservations site TravelBX.com. Visit the site for your next hotel room reservation, flight ticket, tailored holiday package and much more.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

We continue our presentation of some of the most beautiful places in Italy, as seen through the videos of those who love to travel through Italy.

And this week we present Tuscany: