Romantic Destinations in Italy

Even if you've visited ritzy London, fashionable Paris or culture-rich Vienna, a European holiday simply isn't complete if you haven't been to Italy. Each city in Europe prides itself in unique, spectacular attractions it offers, and the cities of Italy, among them Rome, Venice, Florence and Milan, are no different. 

The magnificent Roman buildings in the Eternal City, the canals and gondolas of Venice,  the medieval architectural wonders of Florence, and the fashion houses in Milan all are distinctly Italian destinations that one cannot experience anywhere else.

But one of the best journeys one can have is a couple's romantic trip through Italy. Romance will surely bloom in Rome under the shadows of splendid cathedrals and abbeys, when marvelling at ancient artworks such as the Ara Pacis Augustae or altar to Peace, and architectural wonders such as the Colosseum. Quiet moments at cafes, strolls down Via Venetto, walks in the gardens of the Villa Torrlonia, or visiting the Mouth of Truth to assure that each one is truthful in love for the other. A side-trip to the Vatican, which is within the metropolitan area of Rome, would add spiritual dimension to your journey.

The Italian Way of Life and Italy Travel

When in Rome you should always do as the Romans do. This may be a cliché of sorts but it also applies to any Italy travel that you may undertake n the near future. Italy is not situated in the Arab states where they are extremely strict on what outsiders coming in do, but they will not thank you for any disruption to their customs or way of life either! This is why it is important to do a little research before you go!

Italy travel can be a whole lot of fun, but not if you flaunt your own beliefs if they are completely different to the Italian way of life. Italians are extremely proud people and will not tolerate any form of outside interference. For example, family is extremely important to them and if you show disrespect they will protect their own interests and call you on it. Always be respectful, no matter what. If you do have a problem then bring it up with the male in the family. Italy is a very traditional country and the man is still responsible for the household. This will become apparent in restaurants if you dine as a couple. The waiter will always speak to the man and not the woman!

You will find that Italy has an extremely laid back way of life, which is perfect for a holiday but bear in mind that there is a siesta time. Although you can still be out and about at that time during your Italy travel, do not expect any help from people until it ends. This is more in the south than the north because of the heat. However, no matter where you go, there are little customs that you should be aware of so do your research in advance!

Travel to Italy - Rome and Venice

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.

Eating Out in Italy - Venice and Its Cuisine

Eating out in Venice can be a very unsatisfying experience for the casual traveler. With a local population of only 60.000 people and several millions tourists to feed each year, most restaurant owners in Venice couldn't care less if you leave feelink like you have been ripped-off. Nevertheless, this attitude, while not uncommon, is not generalized and, if you do your homework, you may still find some 'local' places to eat a good meal while paying prices only slightly higher than elsewhere in Italy.

To get a truly Italian experience it is always best to eat where locals eat. This means that the menu will be written only in Italian and you are expected to know what all of the items on the menu are. You should also keep in mind that Venice is a popular destination for Italians as well as foreigners. If you see a crowd of Italian speaking people seating outside of a restaurant, do not assume they are 'locals'. Chances are they are tourists just like you.

Reasons to Make Italy Your Next Vacation Spot

The summer is here and vacation season is upon us. Where will you be going for vacation this year? You have done the amusement park trip. 

 

You have even seen most of the classic vacation sites such as the Grand Canyon and countless number of beaches. Do yourself a favor and consider doing something out of the norm. Take a vacation to historic Italy. It's almost guaranteed that you won't be disappointed!

There are a number of things to do in Italy that can be fun, entertaining and as well as educational. One of the more well known attractions is the Colosseum in Rome. This structure was originally built to hold thousands of spectators to watch the fierce battles of ancient Roman warriors.

Take some time to see the great Pantheon. This structure was originally constructed to be a temple built in 27 BC-25 BC. This is another of Italy's beautiful historic structures which to this day still has its original roof in tact.

One of the most widely known and famously photographed fountains in the world is the Trevi Fountain. This fountain is the meeting point for three roads hence the prefix for the name tre meaning three.

The thing that really stands out in the minds of visitors to Rome, Italy is the great Roman architecture that still exists till this day. It amazes people that these enormous structures have endured so many years and really stood the test of time. For an architecture or even a history buff, a trip to Rome, Italy would be an absolute dream come true!

So where are you headed this summer? To the beach or a water park? Well, if time and/or money permits and you want to take in a few historic and truly breathe taking sites, plan a trip to Italy. You'll be thankful that you did

10 Must See Attractions in Rome, Italy

Rome, the Eternal City, a place full of history and culture. Everywhere you step you are walking through some point in the timeline of the last 2500 years. 

It is a city to be lived and loved by everyone through it's beautiful architecture, food, art and romance. Every world traveler has Rome on their list of must see destinations, and most start their tour of Italy here.

1. Capotoline Hill

This is one of the "Seven Hills of Rome" and is considered to have been the most sacred, as it originally was the site of the Temple to Jupiter and the Capitoline Triad, and also the city archives. It was also the site of several important events in Roman History. Very little of the original Roman ruins remain, as the current buildings were constructed there during the Renaissance. Designed by Michaelangelo, these buildings combine as the Capitoline Museum and contain a lot of great pieces.

Eating Out in Italy - Florence and Its Cuisine

Florence does not simply regard itself as home to the greatest of Italy's regional culinary traditions, but as the birthplace of all Western cookery. Florentines will tell you that it was the sixteenth-century Catherine de Medici who taught the French to cook by taking with her a team of Tuscan chefs when she married the Duke of Orleans, later to become King Henry II of France.

While it is hard to tell if the above is true or false, there is no doubt Florence can reward the wise traveler in search for good local food, especially if he/she manages to get off the beaten track. The key is to find a place that looks as though it's popular with locals. If you find such a place, you're probably onto a winner, both price and taste wise.