skevh asked:


The various rail maps I find show lines from Nice/Monte Carlo into Italy. I particularly want to travel from Nice to Milan, using a Eurorail pass. It’s a little hard to see exactly which portions are high-speed, and how difficult it may or may not be to make this journey. Experienced travelers, advice welcome!

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jer55ky asked:


i am going to be there for more than a month??? has anybody purchased a railpass for italy only, do you have to pay extra fees once your there to ride certain trains?

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yamin asked:


Italy is historically rich, bold, romantic and colorful. Italy is keystone of today’s western culture. Italy is agriculturally rich country. Its countryside is a prolific producer of fruit, vegetables and livestock. Also culturally rich, Italy has created the world’s best art, architecture, music and literature. Italy’s greatest wealth is its people. People here are sociable, charming that seem to know how to do everything bigger and better. They are lively, gregarious and have ardor for everything they do. They are expressive because they show their emotions more freely than most and are not reluctant to give hugs, kisses, and other displays of affection. Italians love to laugh and talk loudly, usually giving stress on everything using hand gestures. They are not at all reluctant to welcome strangers into their towns and homes, and are always all set to share a meal or a story, a good joke or song etc. They love their food, their families, their music and custom. They display confidence, charisma and hospitality. Italy has received more attention from tourist in the last decade than any other European country. For these reasons tourist will find that vacation in italy is most memorable experience of their life.

There are wonderful places like famous Rome, picturesque Venice, cultural Florence, and the wonderful coastlines of Amalfi and Italy’s distinctive islands. The most famous place of Italy is Tuscany. It is without doubt considered the most beautiful region in Italy because of its landscapes and its artistic legacy. In 1860 Tuscany became a part of Italy. Pisa is the budget airline doorway to Tuscany, but Florence also has its own airport. Rome and Bologna Forli are other options with excellent transport links to Tuscany. Tuscany is a place where best italy vacation rental can be found. The main railways running through Tuscany are the Rome-Pisa-Genoa-Turin line and the Rome-Florence-Bologna-Milan line, which provide quick and well-organized connections with the rest of Italy. Tuscany’s smaller towns are well-connected by bus.

Florence is Tuscany’s crown, with its beautiful buildings, rich history, priceless art and distinctive atmosphere .For decades Tuscany has been the dream holiday for many travelers all over. Minor Tuscan destinations which are famous with holidaymakers include Lucca,San Gimignano area.San Gimignano has been called a “medieval Manhattan and people group to this tiny village to see the popular skyscrapers. If you arrive here before 9:30 am you will see the village as it was meant to be seen, i.e., tranquil and peaceful, localities enjoying their first cappuccino of the day as they contemplate an active day ahead. This place will be packed with tourist At 9:30 the buses begin to park outside the ancient walls and the day trippers start coming. All day there will be a steady stream, arriving frequently in groups of 20 or so.

Whether they live in a large city or a tiny village, the people of Italy work hard and take pleasure in their free time. Walking through the narrow streets of Florence, gliding along on a gondola in Venice, or riding a bicycle through a tiny northern town, any tourist will notice that the Italian people have homes that are simple and practical, but beautiful and vibrant. Probably because it offers diverse italy vacation package that makes vacationing here more popular.



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Webmaster asked:


If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the island of Sicily, a region of southern Italy Tour. Depending on your interests, this beautiful area can be an ideal vacation spot. You’ve planned for weeks and months and now your dream to travel Italy is almost a reality. Here are a few helpful pointers to help make your adventures go more smoothly.

Trip to Italy, a real treasure chest of culture and heritage - with Italy food, Italy wine, Italy culture and Italy history, is always on the top of a European tour list. A tour to Italy would not be complete without going to Florence. This city is in the heart of Tuscany and is sometimes considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. It is a place that is famous for its abundance of fine art and architecture and in the modern day, its fashion and leather goods.

In general the weather is very hot and steaming in the dead of the summer. We recommend that you wear light clothing. Be sure to have sunglasses, hat and sunblock, as they are essential. Afternoon thunderstorms (brief) are common in Rome and inland cities, so you may want to consider bringing an umbrella. The most romantic wedding traditions from around the word: Italy, Spain & Egypt

If you are feeling a little tired out after a few days of sightseeing in Florence, a Florence hills tour can be a great way to relax and wind down. With a great ambience and an aura of solitude the hills of Florence are very popular and ideal for those who wish to take a break from the city.

If you only have a few hours to spare and don’t want to venture too far from Florence, then a trip to Italy the town of Fiesole is highly recommended. Set amongst the hills, just 5 miles from Florence, Fiesole makes a pleasant half-day trip from Florence and provides a wonderful view of the city. You can get there by bus from the centre of Florence in around 20 minutes.

If you have a full day to spare there are numerous tour companies that can organise day Italy trips by bus, walking tours or biking trips. On the other hand you can hire a car and use a map to discover the delight of the Tuscan countryside for yourself.

A guided walking Italy tour of the Florence hills will provide you with an insider’s view of Florence & Tuscany - you can discover the hidden treasures and learn of great legends and stories, giving you a more intimate experience of the region of Tuscany. A walk through the Florence hills is invigorating and you can soak up the beauty of the surroundings as you breathe in the fresh air and bask in the warm sun. You’ll also find plenty of photo opportunities as you pass by churches, castles, hill top towns and villages, olive trees and vineyards



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Sharon Stajda asked:


Just a short bus ride, 25 miles north of Milan, is one of the most scenic spots in all of Italy - Lake Como. Its shores are circled with charming little towns and fabulous century-old villas; one larger, and more ornate than the next. The glistening water beckons one to sit, and take time to enjoy all that the lake and surrounding lush scenery have to offer. Lake Como being the third largest lake in Italy, I found it not only tranquil, but magical. With its lush Mediterranean gardens and spectacular views, it is easy to see why it has earned the reputation as one of the most romantic getaways in Italy.

Traveling with my husband, son and daughter-in-law, we were all pleased to arrive at the hotel we had reserved for our stay. The Hotel Bellevue was our unanimous choice. Built in 1820, it neighbors the stately Villa Carlotta. On arrival we were pleased to see that the hotel was situated just feet from Lake Como. The hotel itself was lovely. It had wonderful charm, gardens, antique furnishings, and an outdoor swimming pool. The lobby was stately with a huge Venetian chandelier and a great sweeping staircase. Art adorned every wall. The rooms were lovely, with antique furniture, and soft Italian linens.

After unpacking and settling into our rooms, it was time to explore. No sooner had we left the hotel when we spotted a charming restaurant called “The Victorian Tea Garden,” which sat right on the banks of Lake Como. We were seated at a lovely outdoor table covered in crisp white linen. To our delight, a grapevine-covered pergola hung overhead. But what really stole the scenery was the breathtakingly beautiful view of the Swiss Alps. These majestic mountains circled the shoreline and provided a stunning backdrop to the dark, marine-blue waters of Lake Como. It left us with the impression that we had traveled back in time. The owner - a gentleman who looked in his 80’s - was very hospitable and could not have made us feel more welcome. We ordered Champaign, and toasted each other (and our magnificent setting) with tall, chilled glasses. We sat there in appreciation and awe of the spectacular setting for the next two hours, finishing two bottles of Champaign!

With the sun beginning to set, we returned to the Hotel Bellevue for a relaxing, fabulous dinner. Then, to cap off the evening, we ferried over to Bellagio, the famed, picturesque Italian resort village. Narrow, cobblestone streets were lined with old shops, restaurants and churches. My advice? Don’t leave Bellagio without visiting the shops, as here you will find some of the most wonderful silk scarves and ties - not to mention leather goods - in all of Italy.

There was little traffic on Bellagio. This made it ideal for walking and taking the sights in. Bellagio is completely unspoiled, and possesses the grace and charm of “old world living.” It was also very clear that the Bellagio residents loved their gardens, and kept them well tended.

The wide area of Lake Como offers inexhaustible things to do for tourists. It is an ideal place to vacation with family. For those who desire relaxation, the tranquil scenery of the lake surroundings is sure to please. Lake Como is also perfect for anyone looking for a more active vacation; swimming, water-skiing, sailing, hiking, mountain-biking, and horseback riding await. Day mountain excursion trips are also worthwhile ventures. These trips offer the most breath-taking views of the lake and surrounding areas.

Boat excursions from Lake Como are a must. Ferry service will take you to local monuments and exquisite villas, as well as to lovely lakeside towns (I recommend the picturesque town of Varenna.) Or, you may also choose a ferry excursion to neighboring Switzerland. The Swiss town of Lugano offers great shopping, though it is expensive, so bring credit cards.

If spectacular works of art, classical Italian gardens, and elegant, period settings are your interest, I recommend a visit to the famed Villa Carlotta, located in the town of Tremezzo. It offers spectacular landscaped gardens, while the villa is a must-see for antique lovers. The Duomo, better known as the “Renaissance Cathedral”, is another spectacular must-see. It’s located in the town center of Como.

Shopping adventures (and treasures) await at any one of the lakeside towns, as do epicurean delights. Taste regional products like olive oil, wine, and cheese in the numerous lakeside shops, restaurants, and cafes.

In the evening, enjoy a glass of wine at one of the local wine bars, and relax before eating at one of the many memorable restaurants that the area has to offer. Most restaurants offer regional or modern cuisine. After dinner, treat yourself to a night of music and dance in local discos; most stay open until sunrise. Or, as my family and I enjoy doing, take an evening walk along the lake before retiring to read a good book.

Lake Como is fabulous unlike any other place. It possesses spectacular views, lush, tranquil settings; fine Italian architecture, elegant, by-gone charm, and warm, hospitable people. With its unspoiled grace and charm, Lake Como offers its guests the opportunity to experience an enchanting slice of life which is relaxed, elegant, and breathtakingly beautiful. It is a place where you will be drawn back to time and time again. Perhaps on a sunny day in your own backyard, your daydreams will beckon you to the shores of Lake Como.



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rp asked:


Some friends and I are planning a trip to Greece and Italy. We want to know the best way to travel from Athens to either Naples or Rome?

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Levi Reiss asked:


e hankering for a Europe destination, you should really consider the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Emilia-Romagna may be the only region of Italy that is named for a road, one constructed by the Ancient Romans almost 2200 years ago. This article describes the Romagna subregion, some of its many tourist attractions, local food, and local wine. A companion article presents Emilia, the inland western “half” of the region that borders the Lombardy, Liguria, and Tuscany regions of Italy.

Our Romagna tour follows the highway from east to west, going slightly southward along the way. Start by visiting Rocca Sforzesca (Sforza Castle) in the village of Dozza whose wine shop, Enoteco Regionale, boasts an excellent collection of local wines. Formula One auto racing fans will want to visit the town of Imola in mid-April. Other attractions include shopping for fancy ceramics and eating at San Domenico’s, a world-class restaurant featuring a three thousand item wine list.

Pottery fanciers will enjoy the city of Faenza, a center for faience pottery since the Twelfth Century. Guess what’s on display at the Museo delle Ceramiche. If you fancy spas make sure to visit the neighboring city of Bagno di Romagna with its hot springs.

Ravenna, north of the highway, was once the capital of the Roman Empire. You should check out the Basilica di San Vitale (Church of Saint Vitale) with its famous mosaics. If you are up to it you can visit a historic mausoleum and the tomb of that great Italian poet Dante. For some reason Ravenna is home to many sites with historic mosaics.

Rimini on the Adriatic coast is a major European holiday destination, and is quite crowded during the high season. Its Grand Hotel was featured in Fellini’s 1973 movie Amaracord.

Perhaps it is no accident that the founder of Italian cuisine Pellegrino Artusi was born in this region. See our companion article I Love Touring Italy - The Romagna Subregion for a sample menu and additional information on Romagna wines plus an in-depth examination of Romagna’s tourist attractions. It is the home of Albana di Romagna DOCG, Italy’s first white DOCG wine. The G stands for Garantita. While one can guess what that word is supposed to mean, many feel that this honor was quite undeserved. I never tasted this particular wine. From my readings I have no great desire to do so, except perhaps to set the matter straight.



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Levi Reiss asked:


If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the city of Milan in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. We certainly can’t say that Milan whose population exceeds 1.3 million (the urban area is well over 5 million) is undiscovered by vacationers. But as Italy’s media and finance capital it is definitely less tourist infested than many, many other Italian cites. Milan is often considered to be Italy’s most European city. Is that a reason not to go visit? On the other hand, Milan is Italy’s fashion capital and one of the great fashion capitals of Europe, which is an excellent reason for stopping by. (We’ll let you decide which is more chic, Milan or Paris.) Let’s not forget that Milan is home to Europe’s greatest opera house, La Scala. You really should consider visiting Milan, as well as other Lombardy destinations, described in companion articles in this series.

Over the millennia Lombardy has been invaded by many including the Etruscans, Gauls, Romans, French, Spaniards, and the Lombards. Keep the region’s history in mind as you tour this impressive city.

We start our tour at the Gothic Duomo (Cathedral) built from 1386 to 1809. With an estimated capacity of forty thousand it is Italy’s largest church after St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome. The Duomo’s architecture and art are worthy of an extended visit. Let’s quote Mark Twain in his famous travelogue Innocents Abroad: “…Some say that the Cathedral of Milan is second only to St. Peter’s at Rome. I cannot understand how it can be second to anything made by human hands.”

Next door is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, an enormous Nineteenth Century upscale shopping mall named for the first king of united Italy. The Galleria is one great place for shopping and people watching, but bargains are to be found elsewhere.

La Scala Opera House is another type of cathedral. Its season runs for about six months, and with only 2800 seats you have to scramble for a ticket. La Scala’s beauty is matched only by its magnificent acoustics. The performances are top of the line. And make sure to visit the Museo Teatrale alla Scala.

See the Fifteenth Century Saint Mary of the Graces Church and its refectory which houses a recently restored da Vinci masterpiece, Il Cenacolo, better known by its English-language name, The Last Supper. You must reserve well in advance to catch a fifteen-minute glimpse. Make sure that you visit the Municipal Natural History Museum with its adjoining planetarium and Public Gardens that provides pony rides, merry-go-round, and miniature train.

Among Italy’s twenty regions Lombardy trails only Emilia-Romagna in food production. Much of its food originated abroad, for example, the Spanish brought saffron and rice, two major components of Milan’s saffron risotto. Lombardy produces the sparkling Franciacorta, said to compete with French Champagne and priced accordingly. I recently shared a bottle of rose Franciacorta with my wine tasting group - we were quite disappointed.



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jyoti patil asked:


 

A better way to immerse yourself in the character of villa in Italy,Tuscany The iconic image of Italy villas and Tuscany villa take a different form in everyone’s mind. Find the Italian holiday of your dream villas in italy, tuscany villa with very special collection of holiday accommodation in Italy.

 

Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Capri, Cilento National Park: we love these places! This is where we live, where we spend our own vacations and where we want you to come. Let us show you the beauty of our land and the friendliness of our people. Let us make you feel Italian, at least a little bit.

 

And if you are looking for a different Italian destination, we have now made available a selection of italy villas and apartments in Tuscany, Umbria, Rome, Venice and Lake Como that have been recommended to us by friends and by past guests themselves.

 



Tuscany :

Famous for its Chianti wines, its magnificent historic towns, such as Florence, Siena, Arezzo, San Gimignano, Cortona, Lucca and Volterra, and its peaceful nature, tuscany villas reveals its very soul with placid hills, wide pastures and neatly harvested vineyards and offers travelers a continuous sequence of stimulating highlights.

 



Amalfi Coast :

This spectacular coastline, which embraces the charming towns of Positano, Praiano, Amalfi and Ravello, invites you to imagine yourself back in the sunny carefree days of the sixties - for here the beauty and romance of those times have not changed.

 



Sorrento Coast :

Sorrento is one of the best known resorts in villas italy , situated on a tract of coastline of unrivalled beauty, on the northern slope of the Sorrentine Peninsula, in a sheltered spot, surrounded by luxuriant hills where vines, olives and above all high quality citrus fruits are grown. The site of patrician villas during Roman times, it has been a highly prestigious retreat since 700.



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awhatford asked:


I am looking to rent a place somewhere in Italy but would like to see Rome, Florence, Pisa, Venice, Sorrento…had thought about renting a car, is it trickey to get around? or easier to do daily train trips?

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