Travel Advisor

Every year, the U.S. Tour Operators Association, a professional association of travel agents and tour operators who arrange travel for more than 10 million travelers every year, runs an informal survey among members to name the world’s top vacation destinations. Year after year, one country tops the list of international vacation destinations – Italy, the heart of civilization, the cradle of romance and the home of the Holy Sea.

What is it that makes Italy so special? The spectacular scenery and warm, wonderful climate are only the background of the picture. Italy is a colorful mosaic of travel experiences, a delicious mélange of flavors and cultures that offers something for every traveler. From cosmopolitan culture buff to adventurer, from the serious student of history to the socialite, Italy truly is the country that caters to them all and everyone in between.

Italy’s cities and countryside offer a true embarrassment of riches. You could easily spend months touring the countryside and never see half of what the country has to offer. What is it that brings so many to bella Italia every year?

See Italy for the Art

Italy was the center of the Renaissance, and is one of the most artistically rich countries in the entire world. According to UNESCO, half the world’s artistic and historic treasures are located in Italy. In Florence, Venice, Rome, Naples, Milan and other cities, you’ll find artistic and architectural wonders that you won’t find anywhere else. Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, Tintorello, Correggio, Donatello – the most famous artists of all the eras worked and left their legacies in frescoes, paintings and statues throughout the country. And while much of the art is held in museums in nearly every city, there is art everywhere, from the stunning stained glass windows in a tiny chapel in Abruzzi to the painted ceilings of cathedrals.

See Historic Italy

History lives in Italy. Long known as the cradle of Western civilization, Italy’s cities and countryside are a treasure trove of historical sites. You can walk the Via Appia and feel the weight of centuries drop away as you realize that two thousand years ago, this very road was traveled by the armies and citizens of Imperial Rome. Visit the Coliseum in Rome, or wander through the preserved city of Pompeii and become a part of history. And of course, there is the Vatican, the walled city inside Rome that is the home and the heart of the Catholic Church, where scholars come to study ancient texts and treasures.

Visit Italy for the Scenery

The scenic vistas of Italy are as varied as its twenty regions. From snowcapped mountains to sweeping, white sand beaches, the natural beauty of Italy is as alive and vivid as the paintings of its most famous artists. When you venture beyond the cities, you’ll still find the untamed beauty of the Tuscan hills with their craggy, winding paths and terraced vineyards. You can wander through twenty three national parks and nearly 500 protected nature preserves that are protected by the government. There are sea cliffs and alpine mountains, rolling hills and open plains. And there is always, of course, the sea with its ever-changing yet everlasting face.

Come to Italy for the Food

Italian food and hospitality is famous the world over for its abundance. Abondanza is a concept that is well-understood in the Mediterranean country. Everywhere you go, you’ll find groaning tables and open, welcoming arms inviting you to mangia! Mangia!! A full tour of Italy is a gustatory delight, for there is no single style of Italian cooking. Instead, each region of Italy has its own unique flavors and combinations that are drawn from the local specialties and available foods. Tuscany is famous for its seafood, Milan for its rich sauces and complex flavors, Bologna for its traditional red sauce. Eating and drinking well is a way of life in Italy, and whether you treat yourself to a fine meal in one of Rome’s five-star restaurants, or stop at a roadside ristorante in a small province, you’re sure to be served the best of the best.

To Your Health!

Italy has been famous for its thermal spas and springs since the times of Hippocrates. Italian spas enjoy the benefits of both sea and fresh water springs. Hot water thermal springs are plentiful, thanks to the country’s geological peculiarities and the network of underground volcanic springs. Today, the thermal spas are a popular attraction in nearly every region of Italy, and have become popular holiday destinations in their own rights. Italian health spas offer more than just the baths. Many are located close to cultural and leisure attractions, and make a wonderful base of operations for your stay in the country.

Travel Gems in Italy

If you visit Rome, spend at least one day just walking around the city. You’ll discover many tiny sites and historical finds that are not on any tourist map. These sites may have been uncovered during the construction of another building and never completely excavated, but are there to stumble across and enjoy away from the bustling crowds.

By all means, visit the well-known museums in the major cities, but for a real treat take a drive outside the cities and seek out small towns and villages. You’ll discover some of the most amazing and unexpected treasures tucked into alcoves or painted on the walls of village churches throughout the country.

Skip the hotels and rent a villa or cottage in a small town if you’re staying in Italy for more than a few days. In many cases, it won’t cost much more – and will often be less – than a stay in a good hotel, and your hosts will treat you as part of the family while you’re there.

Italy is a country of contrasts and beauties whose charm grows deeper and warmer with every visit. It’s no wonder that it regularly tops the list of holiday destinations worldwide, or that so many who visit return again and again to its warm and welcoming arms.

Dream wedding location is very hard to find our and also get it is such an unbelievable cause. All we have one dream about our wedding location and 90% of us would not find such dream wedding destination. But tips for getting your imagined villas or palace for your wedding or reception may help those 90% people.

All of we search for romantic, beautiful wedding villas or destination in Italy to get married. Italy is known as home of Europe. Charme of Italy can not be described in words. Italy is full of natural beauties, gorgeous villas, palaces and beautiful landscapes where any occasions can become mind blowing. Natural beauties and scenes add some perfume into wedding or reception atmosphere and make occasions more romantic.

Arrange your wedding in Italy will be exactly as you have always wished it, more than all your expectations, and – moreover – with the professional touch of expert wedding planner, who will guide you in the organization and choice of the catering service, of the menu, of the flowers, of the bouquet, of music, of the gifts for your guests, of the invitation cards and whatever will make your wedding a special day. Specialize in wedding planner will be personally attending the ceremony and the wedding reception in Italy, for assuring you a perfect happy day.

All wedding planners have their expert team who decorate your wedding place uniquely. According to your choice they decorate your wedding location with flowers, candles, marquee and other special requests from your side will be fulfilled. They can also arrange flowers for decoration of your choice. Romantic Vendela roses, flimsy gypsophila, precious orchids, lisianthus, orange blossoms or plenty of colorful tulips… we are able to find all your favorite flowers and an experienced florists staff will study and build, according to your wishes.

Keep Some Tips while selecting Wedding or Reception destination in Italy:

1. While selecting palace, villas or resort for wedding, keep your budget in mind.
2. Location should be located at most beautiful location with romantic atmosphere.
3. Prepare list of amenities which are your basic needs, and after completing it, tally once with list and amenities.
4. Read and understand all rules and regulations of wedding planners and also of location renters.
5. Do not forget to count budget for decoration, it may be possible that your budget of decoration went out of limit than budget of venue.
6. Personally involve with all arrangement of wedding or reception so that you can give comfort and ease to your friends and relatives.
7. Always plan and book in much advance so that at the end you do not have to face any hustle & bustle.
8. Keep in mind that your wedding should not give you stress, wedding is the occasion when all of you can enjoy each and every ceremony and beautiful unforgettable moments.
9. In any emergency do not get confused, tackle situation with cool mind.
10. If you are stressed your guests can not enjoy, so be happy and keep all happy.

Well planned wedding or reception can be memorable for you and for your friends & family. These are the occasions in our life, we only plan once and therefore we all wish it executes perfectly and without any trouble. So advanced planning will be helpful to you to enjoy your wedding.

By: Alexa Smith

About the Author:

Myself Alexa Smith working in accommodation provider field specializes in wedding & reception villas rental in Italy. We owned most recommended wedding destinations across Italy situated on beautiful landscapes.

When making plans to travel to another country it is always a good idea to do some research on your destination. Attempts to understand and respect other cultures and their traditions will always be appreciated and make your holiday more enjoyable.

There are many things to consider when you go to Italy. Besides the eating and drinking habits of the Italians, you should also look into dress codes. I am not talking about having to wear designer clothing but more what kind of clothing. If you like to visit churches then you should know that in most churches dress codes and rules are mandatory. If you have bare shoulders or knees, some churches will not let you enter, especially in Rome at St. Peter’s and the Vatican Museums and at the Basilica di San Marco in Venice. If it is to hot outside then just bring something to cover up with you.

Italy is a magnificent country to visit, offering distinct scenery, extraordinary ruins, museums, churches, food and wine. Most people have heard of Rome, Venice, Pisa, Florence and Milan, along with these beautiful cities are the lesser well-known destinations of the Lake District in the North of Italy, Tuscany & Umbria, the Amalfi Coast or the stunning islands of Capri and Sicily.

If you are leaving some of your family members behind and you would like to call them once in a while just to let them know what a good time you’re having, it might be a good idea to or buy a telephone card and use public phones. If you are bringing your mobile with you, you can also buy an Italian pre-paid card + top-up and call your family via the Italian Mobile network. Italy’s country code is 39. Some of you might even bring the laptop along. Skype is one of the easiest ways to call people from all over the world for very little amount and if you call someone on their laptop it is for free.

As with any city, be wary of bag snatchers and pickpockets. Put your money safely in a money belt or a purse on a string around your neck and conceal them under your clothes. There are many ‘gypsy’ children in Rome who are accomplished at picking pockets so be careful.

The weather in Italy in the summer months can be very hot so choose light clothing to take with you. Do not forget your sunglasses, hat and sun cream as it is easy to get sunburn if you are walking around all day sightseeing. Short thunderstorms in the afternoon are frequent in Rome and inland cities, so it might be wise to have an umbrella with you.

Many types of accommodation in Rome are available, from hotels and hostels to bed and breakfasts, apartments and guesthouses. Italy also has a type of accommodation known as Agriturismo, the word is a combination of the words agriculture and tourism in Italian and are farmhouse resorts and particularly suited for families. Meals supplied will usually be prepared from freshly grown produce from the farm. Some farmhouses let you get involved in the working activities such as taking care of the livestock and crops. Regardless of the rustic surroundings, the accommodation is not always basic, many Agriturismo offer a high standard of lodging, and some even have swimming pools.

Whether you are intending to visit a popular Italian city such as Rome, Venice, Milan or Venice or heading to the country, like Tuscany, for a quieter break you will meet the friendly people of Italy and a belissima experience.

Hotels are the most popular type of accommodation in the cities of Italy, like Venice, their ranking is from one to five stars but is slightly different from other countries. Mostly, the accommodation in Venice like a one-star hotel is very basic with a bed in a private room but you will have to share a bathroom and breakfast will not be included. Two-star hotels generally give the option of a private or shared bathroom, will provide a TV and breakfast, but do not expect anything overgenerous. Facilities and services depend entirely on the hotel. Three-star hotels should provide satellite TV, a telephone and a bathroom with bidet. Again, it depends on the hotel; some might have minimal facilities, whilst others will have large airy rooms, tasteful furnishings and a full breakfast. Rooms in four-star hotels should be quite large and include facilities such as a telephone, satellite TV and bathroom. Expect plenty of choice at breakfast and on site facilities such as a bar and free ADSL.

There are several types of hotels to choose from in Milan. From the larger fancy well established luxurious hotels to small boutique and budget hotels. Book well in advance, like any other holiday, if you don’t want to be disappointed as in busy periods most of the hotels are in demand due to the frequent national and international events taking place in the city, especially when the Milan fashion week is going on.

However, Milan is not only about fashion and about shopping; there are plenty of sights you do not want to miss if you are seeking culture and history. The weather in Milan is good throughout the year, so you can visit it at any time. Even if you are not sure in which city of Italy you would like to go to than be assured that the accommodation in Italy has a wide range of choice.

Nevertheless, if your choice has fallen on the beautiful city of Milan, here is a little overview of what to do, what to see and where to shop!

The famous opera house, La Scala, open since 1778, has an interesting museum next door where you can view Verdi’s death mask. The famous architect Mengoni designed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and is now a shopping avenue where you can browse its stylish cafes, restaurants and boutique shops. Santa Maria delle Grazie is a famous church and convent with Leonardo da Vinci’s mural of the Last Supper. A sight you definitely do not want to miss. If you like to visit churches and cathedrals the Milan is the place to be with Duomo being the biggest cathedral in Milan and found in Central Square.

Of course, Shopping is Milan is paradise. Versace, Cartier and Prada, are just some of the names you will find in the upscale area of Quadrilatero d’Oro. If these are beyond your budget try Corso Buenos Aires with its high street prices or, for a unique and individual choice with a selection of second hand and handmade clothes shops, take a trip to Corso di Porta Ticinese.

The Polytechnic and the Accedemia di Brera are colleges of fashion and have educated designers who are now world famous household names. Many creative fashion designers have exhibited their designs in this glamorous city, some of them causing outrage and transforming the face of fashion with their own individual style. Giorgio Armani is one of those designers. Born in Piacenza and is the king of Italian fashion. His career started in Milan working as a buyer, before starting up the label Giorgio Armani in 1975. Miuccia Prada took control of the family company in 1978, which focused on bags and leather accessories. Her bags became fashionable and in high demand. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana were born in the province of Palermo and Milan respectively and have to be the most famous couple in the Italian fashion world. They had their unveiling in Milan in 1985. Gianfranco Ferré was born in Milan in 1944 and gained a degree in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic. Versace was born in Reggio Calabria, moving to Milan in the 1970s to work in the fashion world. The Versace label came a few years later and since Gianni’s death in 1997 his brother and sister, Santo and Donatella, have successfully run the company.

Your choice of accommodation in Milan will depend on your budget. If money is no problemo then the fashion streets of Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Corso Emmanuele II all have smart, plush and expensive Italian hotels. To be near to the attractions and shopping areas head to Centro Storico, a historical part of the city. Amendola Fiera is a district fashionable with business visitors and tourists as hotels here are less expensive but within easy reach of the city centre. Isola and Brera have the majority of typical Milano hotels, with prosperous Brera the closest to the galleries and sophisticated boutiques. With a canal running through it, Navigli-Ticinese is a lively part of the city with jazz clubs and restaurants lining the canal banks and the site of a weekly Saturday street market.

Make sure you come to Milan with your Italian for beginners and credit cards and you will not go home disappointed!

Fine Living Top 10: Paradises On Earth

April 2008 - Online magazine AskMen.com has compiled a list of the top ten ‘paradise’ locations around the world that seem to have remained untouched by civilisation.

1. Tristan da Cunha

Officially the world’s remotest island, Tristan da Cunha rises out from the South Atlantic Ocean like a prehistoric volcano.

2.     Cotswolds, England

If it’s good enough for the bevy of British celebrities who descend on this paradise on earth every weekend, it’s certainly good enough for you.

3.     Patagonia, Chile

A little-known region of Chile, Patagonia is seriously underrated — and thank God, otherwise it would probably be overrun with bucket-and-spaders.

4.     Kauai, Hawaii

While the rest of Hawaii may have been overrun with soul-destroying developers, volcanic Kauai is so lightly developed that it has been dubbed The Garden Island and that’s not just brochure speak.

5.     Kiribati, Micronesia

The world’s most eastern point, Kiribati (formerly known as the Gilbert Islands) is an island nation found about 4,000 kilometers southwest of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean.

6.     Algonquin Park, Canada

Found in the center of Southern Ontario, just a three-hour drive from Toronto, Algonquin Park is a natural paradise on earth with its wind-sculptured pines, craggy shorelines and rushing rivers.

7.     Thornybush Game Reserve, South Africa

Africa is arguably one of the most stunning continents on earth, teeming with exotic animals not found elsewhere and characterized by thousands of miles of untouched wilderness.

8.     Morzine, France

A chic alpine paradise on earth, Morzine, nestled in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, is the perfect place to get back to nature.

9.     Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

As soon as you restrict access to a place, its allure increases. Such is the case with Fernando de Noronha, which sits pretty 200 miles off Brazil’s northeastern coast.

10.     Isla Vieques, Puerto Rico

We knew there was a reason why the U.S. Navy stayed so long in Puerto Rico. Just six miles off the coast is Isla Vieques, an untouched paradise on earth with verdant forests, never-ending stretches of white sand and a backdrop of rolling hills that only Monet could have dreamed.

If you are considering a UK or Ireland destination wedding for your big day, you may have discovered that you are not alone. The ever increasing trend of destination weddings may be due to the fact that the world is now more accessible with the aide of the internet – and cheaper airfares don’t hurt either! As more and more families are finding themselves spread out across the country and even the world, travel is already a part of most weddings. Destination weddings allow the couple to choose a unique location and vacation they can enjoy together with their intimate circle of family and close friends. Your first step should be to choose a location for your wedding. After you’ve chosen a location you will need to find an expert who can plan your wedding or guide you towards the best locations and vendors (music, florist, hair dresser, etc.) in the area. This is where the internet can be of great assistance in finding that expert.
If you intend to have a wedding with more than 10 guests traveling to a destination wedding, I would strongly suggest you get some professional assistance. Such assistance may include a specialized travel agent or wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings in that area. Although it can be hard work if you pursue planning without professional help, it can be done. Some coordinators offer a vendor and locations list for a minimal fee. This is great option for couples with experience in planning or who may be working with a tight budget because you have access to the top local vendors and you get the pre-negotiated rates. Be careful when buying vendor lists – make sure the coordinator selling the list has been in business for at least 3 or 4 years – new coordinators have not had the time or experience to weed out the bad vendors.

As with any wedding, most couples have little or no experience in planning an event and finding the perfect location, hiring the top local vendors and organizing a wedding in another country may seem daunting. But with the skills and experience of an expert coordinator, planning your wedding in Ireland or the UK will be effortless and enjoyable. When shopping for a coordinator, look for a firm that has a solid reputation and excellent client testimonials. It’s also important that you fully understand the coordinator’s terms and fees. It’s best to choose a firm that works on a flat fee system to protect yourself from inflated ‘estimate work’ (hourly rates and percentages). Be sure to get a written contract that states exactly what you will be paying. You don’t want to be surprised by the bill on your special day. It can also be helpful if the firm has offices in both the location and in US so that you may visit them prior to the wedding if possible.

Hiring a wedding coordinator could be one of the best decisions you make for peace of mind as well as making your budget go further. Remember that an expert in the area will always get better rates from the locals. With a well planned wedding the couple is free to be good hosts and guarantee their guests have the time of their lives too.

by Anne Lanier Weddings

Looking for that perfect honeymoon trip for you and the one you love? Then take a look at our list of the world’s top honeymoon destinations. For unrivalled luxury, romance and relaxation these really are the crème de la crème, whether you want the privacy of a top hotel room or the isolation of a deserted beach, the trip of a lifetime awaits.

1. Bahamas

Though much of the Bahamas has become built-up from its success at attracting American tourists, there are still plenty of places for seclusion. Long walks on beautiful beaches and luxurious hotels make this an ideal honeymoon destination.

2. Barbados

For the perfect beach holiday, look no further. Water sports galore and draw-dropping scenery combine with great music and delicious food. The Platinum Coast boasts white sand and clear, turquoise waters while the Atlantic coast has a rugged beauty

3. Mauritius

Most famous for its white sands and the crystal clarity of the Ocean lapping its shores, the overwhelming beauty of Mauritius lies also in the majestic mountain ranges, nature reserves and wildlife parks that make the island a paradise for couples.

4. St Lucia

St Lucia is one of the world’s most romantic destinations, with a beautiful coastline dotted with isolated beaches and coves it offers the perfect opportunity to escape and relax amongst the coconut trees and rolling surf; all set against a backdrop of the setting Caribbean sun and a perfect ocean skyline.

5. Sardinia

Largely unspoilt, Sardinia is a good place to get away from the crowds, especially if you steer away from the popular resorts. The beaches and the coastline of the Costa Verde are some of the best in the Mediterranean.

6. Reykjavik

Hot springs, gushing geisers and glacier trekking by day, cool bars, iced vodka and warm fires by night. Reykjavik certainly offers something out of the ordinary, and for those willing to venture out of city limits, remoteness and seclusion abound.

7. Paris

Ahh Paris. For honeymoons on a budget, you won’t find much better. Though not the cheapest city in the world, long walks by the Seine and the views from the Sacree Coeur are free and epitomise the city’s romantic qualities. Avoid the tourist traps and an unforgettable weekend awaits.

8. Venice

oo obvious a choice? Maybe. But there’s no doubting Venice’s romantic qualities, from its elegant architecture to its winding canals. Just ensure you choose the right time of year to visit – coach-loads of tourists tend to take the edge off a romantic getaway

9. Seychelles

This beaded string of island paradises stretches far off the coast of Africa, each beach a new & deserted treasure waiting to be discovered. Honeymooning couples will face the difficult choice between sunning on the powder soft sands or slipping into the warm ocean for a dip.

10. New York

Peace and quiet it isn’t, but New York certainly offers plenty to see and do and seclusion is possible if only in parts of leafy Central Park and the city’s opulent hotel rooms. Beware, however, of your romantic break turning into the shopping trip from hell.

If you’re a hog for beautiful architecture and rich history, then you couldn’t possibly think about missing out on the sights and sounds of the United Kingdom. This place, with its beautiful castles and heavenly Cathedrals, is any architecture enthusiast’s dream. Its beautiful green landscapes are a sight to behold, too. Indeed, you’ll be hard-put to find a place more picturesque than the United Kingdom.

1.) London
A trip to the UK will never be complete if you don’t explore the city of London first. There, you can see the world-famous Big Ben, a huge clock that stood the test of time, and you can also find the Westminster Palace, the Westminster Abbey, and St.Paul’s Cathedral – all are great sights to behold. Of course, let’s not forget about all of London ’s restaurants, parks, and shopping centers, and truly, London isn’t a city that you should bypass.

2.) Stonehenge
Few structures in the earth are as mysterious as the Stonehenge. Built over 5000 years ago, this massive conglomeration of huge stones made to fit together like altars still pose a mystery to all those who see it. Up until now, there’s nobody who knows how the Stonehenge was built or what it was for.

3.) Bath
Bath, as its name implies, is known for its many hot springs. You will see here several baths, which are perfect spots to get some much needed rest and relaxation. Here, you can get your share of steam and water in the famous Roman Baths, or better yet, the great baths themselves.

4.) Scottish Highlands
There’s no better way to commune with nature than to spend a few days in the Scottish highlands, and there, you can go hiking through the long winding paths or go kayaking through the raging rivers. It has varied flora and fauna that’s the stuff of the great epics about the knights of old. You can even visit some of the big fortresses of the old Scottish warlords, and indeed, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a romance novel. Also, you can go to the Eilean Donan Castle, where parts of the movie, Highlander, were filmed.

5.) Canterbury
People who want to go to Canterbury are probably going there for the beautiful and historic Cathedrals and churches. There, you can find the famous Canterbury Cathedral, hailed by many to be the grandest Cathedral in the whole of England. Here, you can also find the oldest church in England, the Church of St. Martin.

6.) Oxford
The picturesque town of Oxford is the home of the esteemed Oxford University, one of the most esteemed univer siti es in the whole world. Also, from the city of Oxford, you can go to the Costwolds, a beautiful sample of the gentle hills of England ’s countryside. You can even see quaint brick houses littering the place, and for added effect, you can go horseback-riding through these parts.

7.) York
If you’re one for vi siti ng old towns that make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time, the town of York is the place for you. It’s complete with a huge Cathedral, picturesque houses, and a big wall surrounding the city. It’s one of the most well-preserved cities in the whole of United Kingdom.

8.) Wales
The United Kingdom is a place filled with fantasy and romanticism, so if you’re into these kinds of things, you surely can’t miss Wales since it’s the Castle Country. In Wales, you’ll find a variety of castles of different sizes and types. There’s Beaumaris Castle, Caernarfon Castle, and many others, and they have towers, parapets and draw-bridges, everything that you can find in your old fairytales. It’ll surely be a magical experience.

9.) Winchester
Winchester is one of the oldest towns in England . Subsequently, it has become one of the most historic places in all of the United Kingdom. It is quite well preserved and really does have beautiful architecture, and you’ll even find a Cathedral there.

10.) Stratford-upon-Avon
The UK is one of the countries which have produced several very brilliant minds. In Stratford-upon-Avon, you can find the graves of Anne Hathaway. Of course, you will also see the legendary Shakespeare’s grave.

By: Jonathan Williams

About the Author

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/uk to view or share UK travel videos.