New Years in Italy

Posted by internetauthor on December 29th, 2011 — in Italy

This year if you’re lucky enough to be celebrating New Years in Italy, you’re definitely among the lucky ones! But what can you expect from the Italian New Year’s celebration? In some respects, it’s not too much different than what you’d think you’d see as we bring in 2012, but there are a few notable differences.

It’s Still Christmas

Since Italians celebrate gift exchanges on the 6th of January or Epiphany, there is still a lot of Christmas spirit around in the towns. You’ll be able to enjoy the holidays right up through New Years and beyond rather than just watching the decorations come down (more…)





Italian Christmas Traditions You Can Take Home

Posted by internetauthor on December 27th, 2011 — in Italy

When you visit a country as magical as Italy, it’s only natural to want to take some of the magic home with you. Fortunately, many of the finest Italian traditions can be enjoyed while on your tours through the country and then you can continue to show a bit of Italian festivity at home every year – whether you’re in Italy or not!

The Christmas Season

While Americans may be used to Christmas starting in November and lasting through the 25th, the holiday season in Italy starts just shy of December 25th and lasts through January 6. The days of celebration extend from Christmas Eve through Epiphany, or what seems to correspond to the arrival of the wise men in the Biblical tale of Christmas. (more…)





Italy’s Best Honeymoon Destinations

Posted by internetauthor on December 13th, 2011 — in Italy

 

Italy is a country of romance and wonder, but it’s rather challenging to plan a wedding there. Instead of trying to get married in Italy, why not honeymoon there instead? Stay for a week or stay for six months – a trip to Italy is always time very well spent.

Amalfi Coast

Romance, luxury, you’ll have it all along the Amalfi Coast. Sit in the sun outside your pastel-colored luxury resort and just soak up the sun. Watch the yachts (more…)





Essentials to Pack for Italy

Posted by internetauthor on November 29th, 2011 — in Italy

Italy is beautiful, and the culture is something you’ll never find anywhere else. But the Italian experience will be significantly diminished if you neglect to pack certain things for your trip. Of course, you’ll need clothing and a camera, but a trip to Italy requires some specific items you might not have thoughts of on other vacations; the items that are uniquely essential to Italy.

Leather Walking Shoes (Broken In)

If you’re planning to walk for miles around the Enchanted City, your first thought (more…)





Your First Trip to Italy

Posted by internetauthor on November 22nd, 2011 — in Italy

The first time you travel to Italy will be an experience to remember. The trip itself will be long, simply because traveling from the United States to Italy is a long flight, but once you arrive, you’ll be ready to make lasting memories as you see some of the world’s most impressive sights.

Rome

The most popular city for a trip to Italy, Rome has much of what the first-time tourist is seeking. Inside Rome you’ll find the Coliseum as well as the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum as well as shops and the full range of experiences that are decidedly Italian – food, shopping, small taxis and the rich language and culture. (more…)





Perugia: a short itinerary

Posted by grazia on November 15th, 2011 — in Italy, Umbria

Perugia Panorama
Perugia is an ancient city located in Umbria, a region in central Italy.
It is a very popular tourist destination both for Italians and foreigners due to its rare beauty, the richness of museums and monuments and the nature around it.
In Perugia major events are also organized throughout the year.

The town has a medieval structure with a small center, but because of this it is possble to appreciate it as a valuable ancient perfection. The center is mostly uphill, perched like the medieval architecture required.
Perugia, Palazzo dei Priori
There are narrow streets lit by wrought iron street lamps, lighting intact angles appearing as a dip in the past. The city is also rich in viewpoint offering wide magnificent views. These views offer the opportunity to appreciate the nature around the city.

Perugia actually existed since Etruscan times and it is still possible to find evidences, especially tombs, of this ancient civilization. The most famous is Imho, the Hypogeum of the Volumni, an Etruscan tomb located just 5 km far from the city center.
The Etruscan Perugia was surrounded by walls, which are still visible for long stretches to delimit its five historic districts.

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Gradara: the Stronghold, Paolo and Francesca

Posted by grazia on November 10th, 2011 — in Emilia Romagna, Italy, Marche

Gradara
The stronghold of Gradara is located at the border between the Marche and Romagna regions. Its geographical location has fostered its development as the fortress is situated on a hill 142 meters above sea level in a dominant position and in a strategic location for communication and road network since ancient times.

Gradara is located a few kilometres far from the Adriatic road, 25 kilometres far from Rimini and 13 far from Pesaro.
It is a fortified medieval village.
Castello di Gradara, via principale
This is one of the best preserved examples of medieval town in Italy. The 2 city walls rings are still intact and one of them extends for almost 800 meters and the main tower is about 30 meters high, creating an imposing and almost intimidating building, visible from afar.

Gradara received numerous awards for its uniqueness, such as: “Capital of the Middle Ages”, Orange Flag, an eco-tourism and environment award of the Italian Touring Club and it has been rated among the most beautiful villages in Italy.

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