Europe & Beyond

Stunning Places to See In Italys Finest Medieval City

Florence is one of the most stunning places to visit anywhere in the world. The Tuscan city is awash with famous art and breathtaking architecture, making it an ideal destination for sightseeing or a romantic getaway.

When deciding on a trip to Florence, planning is a key ingredient. With so much on offer you’ll need a good idea of what you want to see before you leave. Equally important is arranging your foreign currency prior to travelling to ensure you get the best euro currency exchange rate. With your money sorted and your plan decided on, all you have to think about is enjoying yourself!  Here’s a few things to enjoy in Florence.

Take In The Views

Overlooking the city from its perch in the hills above the Oltrarno, the Piazzale Michelangelo offers a picture postcard view of the city, which for many, is the best view anywhere in Florence.

Galleria dell’Academia

This is a “once in a lifetime opportunity” visit for art lovers, as the famous Galleria dell’Academia is home to one of the most famous sculptures in the world – Michelangelo’s David.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The Cathedral located in the Piazza del Duomo is an architectural wonder. Clad in pink, green and white Tuscan marble the detail on its exterior makes it a must-see for any trip to Florence.

Galleria degli Uffizi

This art museum is one of the oldest and most famous in the world and is home to the world’s most important collection of Renaissance art. However, it can get extremely crowded, so remember to buy tickets ahead to avoid unnecessary queues.

Get Climbing

Take the 414 steps to the top of the Campanile Bell Tower in Piazza del Duomo and feast your eyes upon sumptuous views of the city and the cathedral.

Local Delicacies

Sightseeing can be tiring, especially if you’ve just tackled all those steps, so take your time and relax. The best and most enjoyable way to do this is by visiting one of the many gelaterias in the city. One of the best  ice cream parlours is Grom, located just off the Duomo Square – delicious! One scoop or two, this is the perfect way to relax.

Great City Square

Piazza della Signoria is one of the most famous squares in the city, and has been at the heart of Florence for centuries.

Santa Croce

The Gothic Church of Santa Croce was built in the 13^th century and contains the tombs of many famous Florentines such as Galileo.

Ponte Vecchio

This historic bridge is the only medieval bridge in the city to survive World War II. Today the bridge is not only a famous landmark; it has little shops selling gold and silver ornaments.

Boboli Gardens

The Boboli gardens is the largest public park in Florence and one of the most beautiful gardens in Italy – an ideal place for a little relaxation after a heavy day sightseeing.

Verdura Golf & Spa Resort

The Verdura Golf & Spa Resort is a contemporary hotel complex on the island of Sicily in the Mediterranean, off the toe of Italy’s continent. If you are interested in archeology, the land  is rich in ruins and historic sites such as the Greek Temple Valley in Agrigento and the mosaics from Roman times in Piazza Armerina. The  authentic Sicilian villages, full of colour and atmosphere are definitely worth a visit.

You can enjoy Verdura to the full- besides an excellent golf course and a luxurious spa, the resort has a sandy beach, tennis courts and four restaurants. The entire complex is designed as the ultimate relaxation getaway.

Great Staff

The first thing that many guests notice is that the staff  at Verdura are accommodating, friendly and very helpful. They pride themselves on being useful, discreet and polite, and are on hand to help you, whatever the problem.

Great Rooms and Suites

The grounds are on a grand scale. The front lobby, restaurant, spa and pool areas are very spacious, and rooms are airy and comfortably appointed. The style is contemporary minimalist and interior designers have carried this theme through the resort  into individual rooms and suites. The regular rooms are built in two story units. The bottom floor room accommodation include patios with hammocks and loungers and direct access to the grassy lawn, while the top floor rooms have their own balcony.  You’ll find that all rooms have their own TV and a mini bar. The rooms are fresh, simple and elegant and the bedding is top-quality cotton and linen – so you’re in for a very comfortable night!

Great Golf 

Many guests come to play golf on the spectacular course edging the Mediterranean.  The views from the sixteenth hole are especially impressive.If you are playing on the course, you get free use of the golf carts and they can go anyway on the site. If you have booked more than one night, you can play the course more than once too – great if you’re feeling competitive and want to better your score card!

Spa & Pools

The fabulous spa treatments are the ultimate in spa therapy and healing. Guests can choose from a variety of treatments from one hour session to an entire day of rejuvenation. Then, the pools and spacious poolside areas with loungers are great for water fun, exercise, and relaxation. Individuals and families are welcome to spend one or more days at the pools.

There is a man-made sandy beach, together with  loungers  and seated areas looking out over the ocean – and there is also a pebble beach on either side of the sand, skirting the island. The grassy areas and pebble shore are perfect for leisurely strolls where you can enjoy the sunsets over a sparkling sea.

The resort also has four tennis courts and bike available to rent, for a complete  resort experience. So, there is always something to do at Verdura for every day of your visit. And when you’ve had enough of the active life, you can hire a car and explore the beautiful island, so everyone gets a chance to relax and do what they enjoy!

Italy’s “Little Rome”

Verona, known as “Little Rome”, is one of the most beautiful,  restored European cities. Situated in Northern Italy, near to Mount Lessini,  the city is steeped in history and has UNESCO status. It’s a marvellous place for a romantic break. For lovers of the work of Shakespeare, it is home to the story of Romeo and Juliet. Just have a scan for a cheap flight, which are plentiful at this time of year, particularly before the schools break for summer, so treat yourself to a week in the sun, and live the high life in this dazzling city.

Verona is still a wealthy place – in the 14^th Century it flourished under rich and influential Venetian patrons and it’s seen its fair share of change and challenge. In 1882, the River Adige rose about 8m and many buildings were torn apart in the force of the swell. During bombing raids in World War II, Verona lost 40% of its buildings, and a major city plan was drawn together to preserve and rebuild the city, using original drawings to recreate this exceptional city. It doesn’t disappoint.

Things To Look Out For

While many of the main public areas were been built hundreds of years ago, they are perfect platforms for the performing arts – and Verona is particularly rich in all forms of music. The 83^rd Annual Opera Season is now open and it runs until 3^rd September.  Verona is a place where music is very much alive. From breakfast until the last drink of the evening, you’ll hear musicians and singers practising their scales and repertoires, and it makes for a great atmosphere as you walk through city.

There are so many great places, its hard to know where to start! The Piazza delle Erbe is a market place, thriving, busy and noisy of course – nearby is the Torre di Lamberti, a tower which overlooks the centre of old Verona, and then there is the Arena!

Music and The Verona Arena

The Verona Arena was built in 1^st Century AD, and was the home to Roman gladiatorial combat – it seats 20,000 people and is now the main showcase for the Opera Festival. The acoustics are fabulous and most nights there is the chance to see a famous opera such as The Barber of Seville, Aida, or La Traviata.  Opera is part of  life in Verona and so it’s so much more affordable here  – you can pick up a ticket for as little at 18 Euro’s. Combined with chance to eat a supper in an exclusive place, such as the Palazzo Camozzini, where soloists perform to small, select gatherings, it can make for a truly unforgettable musical experience.

Make time to see 18th-century Piazza Bra and the surrounding palaces, together with the lush Renaissance garden, the Giardino Giusti, reportedly a favourite strolling spot for Mozart! The Duomo, the city’s’ Cathedral is spectacular. The old city, although small is surrounded by its old fortress style alls – giving it a secret and secluded atmosphere.

If you are on the Shakespeare trail, look out for Montecchi House, where the hero of the tale of Romeo and Juliet,  is reported to have lived. It still has the balcony depicted in the story and its a great draw for visitors.

Museums

If you like Museums’, there are lots to choose from, and they may provide some welcome shade in the heat of the day! The Archaeological Museum is one for the history buffs. If you enjoy art,  top Verona galleries include the Museo Pinacoteca Canonicale and the Civico Museo d’Arte di Castelvecchio.

Lake Garda and Lush Countryside

Verona is not too far away from Lake Garda – a huge expanse of water, surrounded by glorious hillside and mountainous countryside. You can catch boat trips and tour parts of the Lake, complete with lunch and stop off points, to visit local shops and see the sights.

Also close to Verona is the Heritage Site of Vicenza,  and Valpolicella, which is a valley area where you can enjoy some of the finest wine tasting sessions in Italy.

For a week that soaks up sun, culture, passion and beauty – head to Verona. Its so near but a million miles away from the uncertain UK weather… book yourself on a British Airways flight and immerse yourself in one of Italy’s finest historical city’s.

Green Spaces In The Italian Capital

If you love visiting gardens, but relish the buzz of a cosmopolitan environment, consider a trip to the vibrant city of Rome. It has everything for city lovers, but plenty of opportunity to visit some of the worlds most famous gardens. Getting there won’t make a hole in your holiday budget since there are lots of cheap flights available.

In the 15^th and 16th Centuries, Romes most powerful and influential families vied with each other to create complex gardens as showcases for their wealth and knowledge. Controlling nature through garden design became an expensive and absorbing passion for those would wanted to find new ways to demonstrate their suitability for the top church job – Pope.  A number of these green spaces have been maintained or restored and they are breathtaking.  Here are a few examples of gardens you can visit on a trip to Rome.

Tivoli Gardens, Belladostro

In todays’ money, it would cost in excess of one hundred million pounds sterling to build this garden.  It is a fine example of  classical and baroque styles. In 1550, Cardinal D’Este began work on the estate at Tivoli,  a show case for his taste and power. The key-architect engineer who worked on this project was Alberto Galvan. Gifted and ruthless, he diverted local water supplies to create hundreds of fountains, using natural pressure to power the fountains.   The garden is recognised as one of the best ever designed. Disappointed when his bid to become Pope failed, D’Este made efforts to re-establish his superiority and built a scaled down replica of Rome in the garden – “if I cannot be in the centre of Rome, I shall bring Rome to me”. There are tiered gardens, water features, fabulous courtyards and classical sculptures to enjoy. The garden remains one of the most luxuriant green spaces in Italy.  It is also a World Heritage Site.

Bomarzo, Sacro Bosco Gardens near to Viterbo

Created in 1561, by the Orsini family, the Sacro Bosco Garden is something of a rarity for its time. The garden is set in a hillside wood and the designers were instructed to create a garden that was full of surprises, tricks and shocks.  As you walk through the shaded woodland,  you encounter giant stone creatures smothered in moss – enormous open mouthed trolls and monsters that lead into caves and hideaway rooms. There is a two storey house built to lean at a perilous angle – its almost impossible to walk across the floor. Just some of the sights are the magnificent Pegasus Fountain, the Boat Fountain with dolphins and Hells Gate Mouth, inscribed with Abandon All Thought over its open jaws . The creatures contradict each other, and the garden is thought to point an accusatory finger at classical design and at mans desire to control the natural world.

Villa Farnese, Caprarola Near Rome

This garden is found about 35 miles outside Rome. The site has the original Pentagon building, a five sided fortress/castle  built on raised ground.  The scale of the fortress is enormous and has some extraordinary features such as the giant sized curved staircase, complex painted ceilings and echoing salons. And outside, the gardens. Control is everything here. There are mossy staircases, divided running water, leading to pools reflecting the sky amidst the greenery. Images and symbols of wealth are dotted throughout the parkland, giant stone goblets and dolphins, which form part of the family crest.   The  “cottage” where visitors were entertained, is a beautiful villa would dwarf most stately homes.

Rome offers great food and fashion and many marvellous historical sites. It has has a unique buzz – so if you like your holidays to be busy, with the occasional dip into an oasis of calm, take a trip to Rome;  it’s just a short flight away to see some of the best green spaces ever designed.

Best Places For People Watching In Rome

So, you want a holiday in Italy, but where to stay? Well, you cannot do better than treat yourself to a Rome City Break.  Its packed with wonderful places to visit, such as The Pantheon, the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel adorned with Michelangelo’s famous frescoes. These are just a few of the major landmark attractions tourists come to enjoy.  But when the temperature rises, there’s nothing like kicking back with a beer or a gelato and watching the locals in action.

We’ve picked three of our favourite hotspots for people-watching in the Eternal City…

The Spanish Steps

No trip to Rome is complete without wiling away an hour or two sitting on the famous Spanish Steps (Scalinata Spagna) – the longest and widest staircase in Europe that climbs the steep slope from the Piazza di Spagna up to the Piazza Trinità dei Monti, and the Trinità dei Monti church. This elegant, fan-shaped Baroque staircase has 138 steps and provides the perfect vantage point for viewing the theatre of Rome. Its people-watching credentials are as old as the staircase itself – in the 18th century Italy’s most beautiful women and men paraded here, hoping to be chosen as an artist’s model. These days it’s still the place to show off your finery, see and be seen and on hot summer afternoons it looks like a human nature colony and seating space is tight! Don’t be tempted to pack a picnic – the authorities have banned eating while sitting on the steps in a bid to clean up litter and fines do apply. When its time to eat, simply make your way to the adjacent Piazza di Spagna, which is surrounded by lively cafes and tea rooms – and a fresh cast of characters.

Trastevere

Trastevere is one of the hippest districts in the city for dining and nightlife. Wend your way through Trastevere’s warren of narrow little streets that lead to the stunning piazza of Santa Maria – a vast square enclosed by magnificent 16^th century buildings and home to the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere , one of the oldest churches in Rome. This elegant enclave of bars, cafes and restaurants with a sun splashed fountain in its centre, is arguably the most atmospheric place to hang out in the city and the best place to experience the sights, smells, sounds and colours of everyday life. By day, it’s packed with locals getting their caffeine fix, Mums pushing buggies,  and wide-eyed tourists; and when the sun goes down, it’s the favoured stomping ground of young Romans and out-of-towners. Come for a cocktail or a glass of vino and watch the catwalk of beautiful people and the musicians, who often put on a show – but be prepared to pay a little extra. Or, do as the young locals do – bring your own bottle, hang out by the fountain and strike a pose.

Campo dei Fiori

Rome’s most beautiful and historic square, Campo dei Fiori, which means ‘field of flowers’ is an action packed playground that teems with locals and tourists day and night. Filled with cafes, bars, and restaurants, this is the place to refuel in style and enjoy an ever changing view. Come during the day and you can rub shoulders with the locals in the colourful market or pick up a treasure in the chic boutiques. Or simply take a ringside seat at one of the terrace bars or restaurants – whether you come for lunch or a cold beer after a hard day’s sightseeing in the late afternoon or hit the bars after dark, the scenery never fails to captivate.

Keep your eyes open for Italy holiday deals – there are lots to choose from and you’ll have the time of your life!

Turin City – Cinemas, Coffee And Secret Cellers

Turin is the perfect playground for anyone who enjoys the finer things of life – and who also wants value for money. Based in the Piedmont region of Italy, Turin is great for a special break away. Feast on delicious local foods, sip on fine Barolo wines, stroll through wonderful countryside and dip into some of the many sites of interest. It’s  easy to get to, so keep an eye out for cheap flights – life in Turin is affordable and enjoyable; it could become your favourite, quick holiday hideaway!

Bit of Background

Turin was created First Capital of The Kingdom of Italy, and was home to Italy’s’  last reigning dynasty, known as The Seat of Savoy. The family castle was in operation until 1946!  In Turin you’ll find The Royal Palace built in 1658, the Palazzo Madama, the Mole Antonelliana, and the Royal Villa at Stupinigi. They may sound old, but these buildings are very much alive!

Sightseeing Favourites

The National Museum of Cinema  is located in the Mole Antonelliana. This building,  now fully restored, pays homage to all things cinematic! The Mole has got to be one of the tallest museums in the world at 160 metres high. There is a lift available, travelling up through the centre of the building, to the dome and pavilion. You’ll get a  fantastic view of the exhibits and a panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains.  The Cinema Museum houses a wide range of material including photographs, thousands of film posters and antique magic lantern shows. There’s also a superb film library with periodicals, an audio library and print archive. This is a “not to be missed” day out for film buffs.

You can also find Turin’s Egyptian Museum, which has an extraordinary collection of artworks from ancient Egypt. Lovers of art will also enjoy a visit to The Sabauda Art Gallery, which is a show case for Dutch, Flemish and Italian masterpieces’.

Turin Cathedral, known as The Duomo, houses a religious relic called the Turin Shroud. According to Christian tradition, the Shroud was used to cover Christ’s body, in readiness for burial.

There are plenty of superb cafés to sample some excellent Italian Coffee. Café San Carlo for instance is more like a palace – but for a couple of Euros, you can sample a delicious coffee and a fresh pastry. Open since 1822, this cafe, with  sparkling chandeliers and side tables buckling with savouries and sweets, is a “must visit” place. If you need something to lower your heart rate after all that Coffee – try the Barrati de Milano, known for its hot chocolate drinks.

After you’ve warmed up again, explore the Underground City of Turin, where, about 15 metres below street level, there are passages, sub-cellers and lanes linking up royal residences. Fascinating – but take a jacket, as it gets a little cool down there.

The city has many Arcades, which means you can window shop without getting soaked; there are about 17 kilometres ofAarcades – all set back from the street and Turin has beautiful boutiques, so its a joy to see whats on offer here.

There are fine botanical gardens to be found in Orto Botanico, and the Borgo Medieval is a reconstructed 15^th century village. Check out the washing facilities!

Useful Information

The Torino Card is a pass allowing free entry to approximately 130 sight seeing attractions in Turin and Piedmont region, including museums and royal residences. It also offers free travel on public transport in the city and free trips on the above mentioned panoramic lift in the Mole Antonelliana. Plan your trip and get to see as many places as possible!

Turin is a terrific city. It’s relaxed, friendly and calm. It’s also gateway to the Piedmont region – known for great wine, and spectacular countryside. Turin is sure to become a favourite holiday base, there’s so much to do and experience here – but if you just want to sit back, enjoy a cup of Italys finest coffee in the warm sun, you couldn’t pick a better place to do so. Check out times and costs with Ryanair who regularly fly to this area.

Venice – city of canals

Venice is an exceptionally beautiful city,  located in north-east Italy stretching across 117 small islands. It is an excellent destination for a romantic break, cultural visit, honeymoon or special anniversary -  it is  one of the most fascinating and historically important European cities.

So, for a trip to Venice, book  flights to Venice Marco Polo Airport which is just 4.9 miles from the city and is the main hub serving the area. Treviso Airport is 12 miles from Venice and operates mainly low cost flights.

By booking into a luxury hotel in the heart of the city you won’t waste a minute of your time.

Take a leisurely stroll through the quiet backwaters of Venice,  a photographers heaven;  the  exquisite medieval buildings,  canals and bridges have to be seen to be believed.  Recommended sights are the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and the Venice longboats, ferrying visitors and Venetians through the city.

Sightsee by day and then by night, take a boat trip around the city and enjoy a typical Italian meal at one of the many fine restaurants. Those situated on the outskirts of Venice are known for their warm hospitality – hungry travellers will not be disappointed. On your way back to your hotel, stop off for Italian ice-cream and coffee and a late night concert.

Venice may steeped in history, but it is a living, vibrant city. You will not run short of things do and see in this magical place. Up and coming events are always advertised.

Costumes for the Venice Carnival

Carnival Time in Venice

Venice is always busy and the city is particularly crowded for the Carnival of Venice, an annual event held, usually at the end of February. The atmosphere of the city intensifies at this time, with the sight of thousands of people, elaborately made up in colourful luxurious costumes, and hidden behind detailed face masks,

It is an extrodinary city -  exciting and captivating. The trip of a lifetime is just a short flight away.

Italy – a favourite European destination

Italy is located in Southern Europe and it is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. What is it that attracts tourists to this country year after year? Perhaps it is Italy’s beautiful coastline with fantastic beaches or its wonderful landscape and mountains. However, tourists also flock to Italy to visit some of its most famous cities where they can see its rich art, culture and history; sample the  cuisine; and take home some of the latest trends from designer shops in Milan.

Key Cities in Italy

The capital and most visited destination in Italy is Rome, perhaps because of its archaeological and artistic riches. Step back in time in Rome and see the famous Colosseum, Vatican Museums, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and St Peter’s Basilica. Book flights to Rome and discover one of the world’s most desirable cities to visit. International flights arrive at Rome’s main gateway, Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino International Airport.

Milan is the second most visited tourist destination in Italy and it has a number of attractions, such as the Duomo and Piazza, the Teatro alla Scala and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.

Shopping in Milan

Venice is described as one of Italy’s most beautiful cities and it is famous for its canals. Wander around the narrow streets of Venice, feed the pigeons in St Mark’s Square and enjoy a romantic boat ride around the city.

With so many tourist attractions and cities to visit, you will need to spend some time in Italy…..Remember: Rome for sightseeing; Milan for fashion; Venice for romance …..