The Amalfi Coast is a thing to behold. Stretched along the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula in the province of Salermo, it covers the towns of Cetara, Vietri sul Mare, Ravello, Minori, Scala, Conca dei Marini, Praiano, Positano and of course, Amalfi. The Amalfi Coast has a rich historical connection with the sea full of legends of pirates and sea-faring people.

Amalfi was a known city in the Mediterranean in 596 AD and was a famed trading place. Arabs and Egyptians traded in Amalfi and because of the power that it held, it had colonies in Mahdia, al Cairo, Alessandria, Antiochia, Bisanzio, among others.
Ships were built along the coast and these were large vessel ships that can travel across the Mediterranean. The ships had three masts with great big sails. They were large so that they can carry barrels and other trade items.

Warships were also built during the Byzantine era. They were called Dromoni, it had 100 rowers and was small enough to travel great distances at breakneck speeds. The Amalfi Coast is steeped in history as well as culturally diverse that it has become one of the best places to visit in Italy. If you are looking for a romantic time or wanting to spend a few days together with your loved one, this is the place for you. Plan to take a few days to soak in the Mediterranean sun and the history of the Amalfi coast.

How to Get There

Going to the Amalfi Coast is relatively easy. You can take a plane to Italy. The nearest airport is in Naples. From there, you can hire a car or if you want to be romantic, a limousine service. From the north, you can take the A1 and change to A30 and exit in Salerno. You can also take a train from Salerno to the coast. A public bus transport is offered by "Sita" that travels directly to the towns along the Amalfi Coast. Finally, you can do it like the sea-faring ancestors of the Amalfi republic and travel via sea. Ferries from Salerno, Capri, Naples and Sorrento can take you to the Amalfi Coast, however, they are only available during the summer months because of the capricious weather in the Mediterranean.

Where to Stay

There are many hotels along the Amalfi Coast including Hotel Luna, Hotel La Ninfa and Hotel Le Plame. Bed and breakfasts are also available as well as flats and villas that you can rent on a weekly or monthly basis. In some areas of the coast, some hostels and camp grounds are popular with back-packing students and is an economical way to see the area without spending too much.

What to See in the Amalfi Coast

One of the must-see places here is the Cathedral of Amalfi which is an architectural wonder. It is actually two churches with an ancient crypt, an atrium and a church tower that overlooks the town. There are also museums scattered around the area. The Museo Civico is located in the town hall of Amalfi and is a delightful museum that contains the Tabula Civitatis Malphae, a book containing 66 chapters of maritime laws. The Chiesa del Crocifisso houses the important pieces of the Amalfi Church. You can also take an afternoon tour of the old arsenal. Found on Porta della Marina, it is one of the oldest doors where seafarers enter before their journey across the ocean. Include in your romantic tour the villas of Rufolo and Cimbrone where the sprawling views can inspire you and your partner. In you last day, take a boat to the Grotta dello Smeraldo with its beautiful and translucent emerald waters which will surely enthrall you and leave you breathless.



Accommodation: Hotels on Amalfi Coast

Siena was once a Roman outpost during 30 AD. Legend has it that it was founded by the sons of Remus (the twin brother of Romulus- Rome's founders), Senio and Ascanio but there is no historical value for this. The Lombards governed the city in the 6th century and the Franks later on. Sienna grew to be a great economic and military power that disputes with Florence grew regarding territories and boundaries.

Disagreements turned into battles and resulted to Sienna's incorporation into the Florentine jurisdiction. Despite this, architectural, artistic and cultural achievements still flourished in Sienna. The Doumo is a beautiful monument that can still be visited until today as well as the Torre Mangia. In the 14th century, Sienna became an economic power with the founding of banks under the guidance of the famous Medici clan. Today, Sienna is a bustling city in Tuscany, with beautiful olive groves, sprawling hills and the magnificent Tuscan sun.

Senese Cuisine

The food of Siena is still Italian, which is already distinct in itself. But if the other places in Italy have pride in their complicated pasta recipes and stylish plating, Sienna's cuisine is simple and pure. The main ingredients are made of excellent quality. Siena, in fact is the home to the Cinta Senese swine, a native breed that is renowned for its tender meat. As an olive country, rich and healthy olive oil is used on almost all of its dishes.

Some Senese cuisine dates back to the Etruscans with their healthy use of herbs. The Roman's influence in their cuisine is the use of spices that adds that distinct flavoring to their dishes. Pasta is still a favorite part of the meal as well as pici, crostini neri, Tuscan salami, pecorino cheese and panforte, ricciarelli for dessert.

Of course, a meal in Siena is never complete without wine. Red and white wine accompanies each meal either as an aperitif or accompanying the main dish. Some wines are aged for fifty years, others for twelve or less and they can be produced in sweet, tangy or fruity flavors, with subtle hints of spices or herbs.

Must-See Sights

Siena is synonymous with the Palio, a race rich in culture and tradition that is hundreds of years old. It bespeaks of family, loyalty and rivalry. The city of Sienna is divided into seventeen areas with the "contrada" competing against one another during the annual Palio race. Horses and riders would race around a track in the Piazza twice each summer. Three days before the race, festivities are already held with banquets, dances and other events that make it one of the most colorful festivals around the world.

Siena also offers other sights that can leave you breathless. The Duomo or Siena Cathedral is a beautiful church that has magnificent frescoes and stained glass windows, as well as sculptures and paintings. Behind the Doumo, you can walk over to the Battistero showing a bronze panel designed by Lorenzo Ghiberto and Donatello and depicting the life of St. John the Baptist. Siena is also a city filled with fountains including the Fonte Gaia, the Fontebranda and the Fonte d'Ovile. You can take a leisurely walk around the city or use a bike to check out the wonderful sights.

When many people think of Citta del Vaticano - also known as Vatican City - they think of the Pope and big churches. Yet there's actually a lot more to this beautiful, historical city than that. In fact, there are so many different attractions in the city, it can be a daunting task to pick where to visit. But if you know a thing or two about the top locations, you'll know where to go and where not to go.
Places to Visit in Citta del Vaticano

1.Vatican Gardens While it is definitely true that there's more to Citta del Vaticano than just the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican Gardens are a top place for tourists to visit for two reasons: it's a beautiful place with great examples of the fine architecture of Italy. You won't be able to go here alone, as it is required that you get a guided tour in order to walk around this place and that it must be booked 24 hours in advance, but it'll still be an enjoyable place for you to visit. There are formal gardens, a French garden filled with flowers, and much more spread across 16 acres of land.

2.Vatican Museums If you at all have an interest in Italian history, then you're going to want to pay a visit to the Vatican Museums. If you didn't already know, they're a group of palaces. Inside the palaces are some of the most important collections in the world-such as the Etruscan Museum, Raphael Rooms and Loggias, the world-famous Sistine Chapel and Egyptian Museum. The Vatican Museum is a huge place to visit, so plan on walking around a lot to enjoy the painted ceilings, 1,400 rooms and galleries.

3.St. Peter's Basilica You need not be religious to appreciate this magnificent work of architectural art. Built in 326 AD, this basilica is built over the tomb of St. Peter, the rock of the Catholic church. The building itself has a dome ceiling, which was designed by the great artist Michelangelo. This old building has undergone some improvements over the years, but much of it remains the same and it still plays host to services and blessings. It can hold up to 65,000 people.

4. The Vatican Library This historic library holds over 1.5 million books-many of which are quite old. In fact, the library even contains a lot of manuscripts, early printed books and codices. It includes love letters written by King Henry the Eighth to Anne Boleyn, and some handwritten poems by Michelangelo. The library is a great choice to visit both for the single person and for the family looking to have some free fun in Vatican City.





Accommodation: Apartment Rentals near Vatican

San Gimignano rises on a hill (334m high) dominating the Elsa Valley with its towers. Once the seat of a small Etruscan village of the Hellenistic period (200-300 BC) it began its life as a town in the 10th century taking its name from the Holy Bishop of Modena, St. Gimignano, who is said to have saved the village from the barbarian hordes. The town increased in wealth and developed greatly during the Middle Ages thanks to the "Via Francigena" the trading and pilgrim's route that crossed it. Such prosperity lead to the flourishing of works of art to adorn the churches and monasteries.

Where to Go in San Gimignano

Every year, thousands, perhaps millions, of tourists descend on San Gimignano, Italy. All of them are hoping to find things in this beautiful city that they can enjoy, and pretty much all of them do. That's because San Gimignano is such a diverse place and has so many different attractions that few people will be bored while vacationing there. So what are some of these attractions? Find out below.

Top 5 Tourist Attractions in San Gimignano

Museum of Sacred Art. Whether you're religious or not, you're sure to appreciate this museum that houses some of the most beautiful artwork in the entire world. Some of the artwork dates back several hundred years, and all of it has some significance to the art world. Common attractions inside the museum include 14th century choir books and other religious artifacts. A must visit for anyone who enjoys history and, specifically, art.

Torture Museum. A torture museum? That sure does sound pretty disgusting/scary, but in fact, it's really not. This museum, located inside the Torre della Diavola, has hundreds of torture instruments on display. These instruments each tell a story of how things were-or still are-when it came to punishing an individual. While not an appropriate place for children, it's an excellent historical museum to visit.

Sant'Agostino By now you may be thinking that San Gimignano has a lot of museums, and while that is true, it's not the only thing the city has. The Sant' Agostino is a historical church, built during the 13th century. It is a very small church that has a complicated, yet beautiful marble altar and also a 15th century carved tomb that holds San Bartolo. Both religious people and non religious people alike will enjoy visiting this tourist destination.

La Rocca It may be out of San Gimignano, but the La Rocca is still very much a part of the city. The La Rocca is a special fortress above the town that allows you to get an amazing view of the San Gimignano towers as well as the countryside. During the summer months, the La Rocca also has an awesome outdoor cinema and wine museum, so both adults and children will love this place.

Palazzo Comunale Government buffs and parents who want their kids to learn a little history whilst on vacation in San Gimignano will like going to the Palazzo Comunale. This building-the town hall--is the center of government for the residents of San Gimignano. Right next to the Palazzo Comunale is the tall Torre Grossa, the highest tower still in San Gimignano. Tourists can climb this tower and check out the aerial view of the city.



Accommodation: Farmhouse San Gimignano

Florence, in Italy, is known to be one of the world's best cities to study, with its reputable schools and courses. Many art students around the world travel to Florence to study or discover the real Italian way of living. Geographically, Florence is the capital of Tuscany, which is also the most populated city in Tuscany. Through the years, Florence has enjoyed being called the Athens of the Middle Ages. Its "Historic Centre of Florence" has been declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1982.

This city is also the center of the Medieval European trade and finance. This wonderful city is also considered as the birthplace of Italian renaissance thus the tag, "Cradle of Renaissance". Best known to be established by Julius Ceasar, Florence has grown from being the underdog of Italy's major cities into a world famous tourist and historical site. Florence is best sold to travelers as a city of beauty and history complete with the right mix of religion. The Santa Maria del Fiore which is a magnificent dome, was built by Filippo Brunelleschi. The Campanille and Baptistery share the applause for being splendorous works of architecture.

The Fountain of Neptune, in the heart of the city is both an artwork and functional structure as an aqueduct built by Bartolomeo Ammanati. The Ponte Vecchio whose name literally means Old Bridge is a very interesting bridge that stands out because of its quaint feature, the striking multitude of shops built upon its edges and held up by stilts. It also carries Vasari's elevated corridor which links the Uffizi to the Medici residence. The Bargello is one authentic place that concentrates on sculpture. The place houses several and priceless masterpieces by the art geniuses Donatello, Michelangelo and Giambologna while the Accademia dell'Arte del Disegno's highlight is Michelangelo's David.

The Pitti Palace is also one of the places worth visiting. This palace contain some of the Medici family's most priced collections. On the other hand, the Santa Croce Basilica contains the monumental tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Dante, and many other world renowned artists. If Milan is almost synonymous to fashion and design, Florence is the place to be for art and architecture.

Proof of the city's impact on the world civilization today is the fact that it is where the story of some of the world's highly recommended movies revolve. Some of these are The Hannibal, Tea with Mussolini and A Room With a View.

Accommodations in Florence is not a problem. There are many hotels to choose from. Some of the best known hotels to stay in are Westin Excelsior Florence, the Grand Hotel Florence, Grand Hotel Villa Medici, Hotel Casci and Alamanni Hotel. Staying in any of these hotels depends on how much one is willing to spend.

Overall, Florence is the place to be for budding artists and school freaks. The place is very ideal for studying and research. Numerous world class schools found their niche in Florence. Tourists will, undoubtedly enjoy their visit in this very enthralling city.



Accommodation: Hotels Florence

Pompeii is a ruined and partially buried Roman city near modern Naples in the Italian region of Campania, in the territory of the comune of Pompei.

It, along with Herculaneum (its sister city), was destroyed, and completely buried, during a catastrophic eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius spanning two days on 24 August 79 AD.

Making the Most Out of Your Pompeii Vacation

Italy is by far one of the greatest countries that you can vacation in. With a wide variety of beautiful cities-each offering something interesting-it's no wonder that Italy is such a popular country. If you've made the decision to vacation in Pompeii, Italy, you might be wondering what you need to do in order to ensure you have an amazing time there. As it turns out, there are a lot of different things to take into consideration when planning a vacation to Pompeii, and we're about to introduce you to several of those.

What You Need to Think About

What Type of Vacation is It? In other words, who is going to be going on this vacation to Pompeii? If it's just you, you won't need to take into consideration the thoughts of others. If, however, it's you and a significant other, you might consider making the vacation to Pompeii a romantic one. But if you're planning on taking your family with you on vacation, that will determine what exactly you do while there.
Book the Hotel Early. Hotels go quick in Pompeii-especially family hotels. Once you've decided to go to Pompeii and know who is going with you, it's time to book the hotel. If you're traveling with kids in tow, you'll want to pick a kid-friendly hotel, but if you're going just with your spouse, you might choose a romantic bed and breakfast instead. Whatever you choose, make sure you have it booked before you get plane tickets.
How Long Am I Staying? One of the biggest mistakes that Pompeii tourists make is that they arrive there without a plan as to what they'll be doing during their vacation. And before they know it, the vacation is over with and they're back home, wishing they had planned better. So decide on how long you'll be staying in Pompeii and then devise a schedule that will allow you to see what you want to see.
Pack Well. If you're coming from another country, you might just be surprised at some of the differences between Italian clothing, medicine etc. and the same things in other countries. That's why it is crucial to make sure you have enough clothes packed, as well as all your medicine, your passport and any other basic necessities. Don't expect to be able to buy stuff when you get there, as you may not find what you're looking for.
Where Do I Want to Go? Pompeii has many tourist attractions, and for most, it's impossible to even visit 10 of them during their vacation. So it's a good idea to decide what ones you'll visit before you go to Pompeii. Popular attractions include the Herculaneum Ruins, an ancient part of the city, as well as a variety of museums and churches. How do you decide which to visit? Well, it'll all depend on what you like. If you are fascinated by history or art, museums are a great choice, while if you enjoy architecture, you'll want to check out the many building designs in the city.



Accommodation: Hotels near Pompeii

Italy is definitely the country of love. Statistics show that public displays of affection are shown more in Italy than in most other countries. If you're planning on going to Venice, Italy, you might be planning a romantic vacation for your significant other. In which case, you're probably wondering how exactly do you do that? Well, it's not actually that difficult, provided you follow the tips found below. Do that and you're well on your way to a great trip.

Tip #1: Hotel Matters

The hotel or bed/breakfast you pick for your romantic getaway to Venice can make or break the trip. If you choose a hotel that is extremely bland and not comfortable, it's probably going to ruin the trip. But if you choose a great bed/breakfast or hotel, it'll make things that much more enjoyable for you and your significant other. So how do you pick the right one? Take a close look at the amenities offered by the place, as well as reviews of the place by other tourists. Pick one that meets your needs and has high reviews.

Tip #2: Take a Boat Ride

Very few people are unable to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of a boatride down Venice's beautiful river, so this is a surefire way to make your vacation to Venice amazing. You'll get to see the various buildings, canals and so much more during your boatride. You may even consider hiring a private boat with someone playing Italian love songs for you and your significant other.

Tip #3: Go During the Summer

Just as it's ideal to go on a vacation most anywhere else during the summer, it's also a great idea to plan your romantic Venice vacation during the summer months. Why? Well, it'll all but guarantee that you and your significant other will be treated to sunny, warm weather, beautiful sights and swimming in a pool or at the lake. However, if you must, you can plan a trip during the Winter or Fall-just don't expect the same type of warm weather.

Tip #4: A Gondola Ride is Fine

You've seen it in the movies: the couple enjoying themselves in Italy on a romantic ride. That romantic ride is the Gondola Ride, and it's a great choice if you and your significant other want to see Venice sights while cuddling close. A typical Gondola Ride will set you back $100-$200, but for the romantic, "I Love You" look you get to see in his/her eyes, it's totally worth it.

Tip #5: A Romantic Italian Dinner

While you're there in Venice, you're obviously going to eat. What better place to do that at than an authentic, Italian restaurant? A Italian dinner in Venice at a restaurant can be a truly romantic experience. It will set you back at least $40 for a quality dinner, but it'll definitely be a memorable part of your romantic Venice vacation.

Known as the birthplace of the father of the Franciscan order, St. Francis was born in the town of Assisi. It is located in the province of Perugia in the region of Umbria. It was originally inhabited by the Umbrians in 1000 BC and subsequently taken over by the Etruscans. It became a Christian settlement in 238 AD when the bishop Rufino converted the inhabitants of the town. It became independent in the 11th century and St. Francis came into the picture and renounced his wealth and position in society for a life as a beggar.

Today, the city of Assisi is a World Heritage Site protected by UNESCO and was added to the list in 2000. It is a beautiful place where you can experience cultural, historical as well as spiritual rebirth.

You can get to Assisi by car from the north through the Valdichiana exit on the A1. You can also travel from Rome along the A1 and exit at Orte and follow the ss204 to Terni and straight to Assisi. If you are coming from Florence, you can take one of the dozen daily trains to Terontola / Cortona and go on a connecting trip to Assisi. You can also opt to go by air and the nearest airports are in Pisa, Rome and Florence and continue on to Assisi through train or car. Three days in Assisi would be enough to give you and your family a deeper appreciation of St. Francis' birthplace.

Day 1
Assisi has numerous hotels, bed and breakfasts as well as cheap hostels. After settling in and freshening up, you can start you tour of the city. First, you can do a religious tour of the churches that can be found around the city. The Basilica of San Francesco d' Assisi, a World Heritage Site has beautiful frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue. It was constructed in 1228, after St. Francis' canonization as saint. Next, you can go over and marvel at the gothic structure of the Basilica of Santa Chiara. It is the final resting place of the St. Clare, for which the church was named after. Other churches include the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli and Chiesa Nuova, the latter built on what is thought to be the home of St. Francis.

Day 2
See the super sized aspect of Assisi. The Rocca Maggiore is a German feudal castle built on a hill and is massive as it is impressive. Emperor Frederick II of Swabia lived here as a child and was even baptized in Assisi. For many years several personages lived in the castle. The lord of Assisi Jacopo Piccinino added a tower and wall to the castle in 1458.

The Temple of Minerva is an imposing structure that was thought at first to be dedicated to the goddess of wisdom but was later on corrected as being to that of Hercules. It has six fluted columns and Corinthian bases that make it distinctly Roman. In the late afternoon, visit the Palazzo Capitano del Popolo and the Roman Amphitheatre that can be accessed easily by car.

Day 3
On you last day, chill and have coffee while checking out the sights along Via San Francesco. You can see the Palazzo Giacobetti and the city library and the archives of Sacro Covento. If you desire something more substantive and hearty, take a scenic walk at the Park of Mount Subasio with its beautiful views of the city. There is nothing like the mountain air to make your last day perfect.



Accommodation:
Farmouses near Assisi

Apartment and Villa Rentals in Assisi

Positano is one of the most beautiful towns located along the Amalfi Coast. The Mediterranean, with its sparkling emerald waters is a perfect backdrop to your holiday if you plan to come to Positano. Rich in history, as well as natural sights and magnificent landmarks, Positano will surely become one of your favorite destinations.

How to Get There

You have several choices when you want to come to Positano. Naples airport is the nearest airport to the town. Visitors can then proceed to Positano either by boat, car or train. Boat travel is only available in the summer, when the sea is ideal for sea travel. There are ferry connections from Naples, Sorrento and Salermo. By car, you can rent your personal transport or hire a town car complete with driver. Visitors coming from the north or south can take the A3 Motorway exit at Vietri sul Mare. If possible, do not drive along the Amalfi Coast in the summer because traffic can be horrendous. Trains are available daily on intervals from the train stations in Naples and Salerno. There are also buses and connecting trips are made along the towns in the Amalfi coast. If you can afford it, visitors can arrive in style with helicopter service from the Naples Airport. It takes 15 to 20 minutes but only a maximum of four people can be accommodated in one trip.

Where to Stay

There are several five-star hotels in Positano, with majority of them having breathtaking cliffside views. Some hotels include the Il San Pietro, the le Sirenuse and the Covo dei Saraceni. More affordable three star hotels can also be found in Positano such as the hotel d' Oro, the Hotel Bougainville and the Hotel Pupetto. The Bacio del Sole is a delightful bed and breakfast that overlooks Positano. Villas and residences can be booked for longer visits. Choices for Villas would depend if you want a luxury villa or a more inexpensive one.

What to See

Positano was part of the sea-trading republic of Amalfi. It was an economic area in the 16th and the 17th century. By the early 20th century, Positano was an impoverished fishing village but by the 1950s, it started to bank on its beautiful landscape and surroundings to make it a definitive tourist attraction.

Visitors can visit the beautiful church of Santa Maria Assunta with its tile dome made in the 13th century, when Byzantine art was in its peak. Its showcase is a black Madonna which is the town's patron. Positano is simply picturesque and has an air of inspiration that has attracted many famous people before, with the likes of John Steinbeck, Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones and even featured the place in the movies.

Positano is situated quite conveniently near the coast so you can take boat trips across the sea to the nearby islands of Naples, Capri and even visit the Grotta dello Smeraldo. Or why not take a romantic stroll along the town with its beautiful houses on cliffs or spend a romantic evening in the town's piazza with serenading musicians and outdoor tables perfect for people-watching.


Hotels Positano

So you've chosen to go on a vacation to Rome. It's definitely an excellent vacation choice, and you should have a great time there. However, since it is such a big city, it can be a little hard to know what the best places to visit in Rome are. That's why we'll be going over all the places you should consider visiting while you're in the beautiful city of Rome.

Five Places to Visit in Rome

Piazza Campidoglio. It's the center of the government in Rome, and visited by millions of tourists each year-and yet it is still sometimes overlooked by first-time travelers to Rome. If you've ever wanted to see a part of history and check out buildings that were based on plans created by the great artist Michelangelo, then the Piazza is a great place to visit.

The Colosseum. You've seen it in the movies, and now it's time to see it in person. The Colosseum was once host to battles between lions and gladiators, and was designed to hold fifty thousand or more spectators. Nowadays, you can take tours of this ancient, classical masterpiece, and it's a must-visit for anyone who comes to Rome.

The Roman Forum. Even if you're not a huge history buff, you'll find something to like about the Roman Forum. It's essentially a huge complex of ruined basilicas, temples, and arches, and once upon a time ago, it was the center of Rome. Now it is simply a great tourist destination, where people can walk around, enjoy the sights, and take pictures. It's a cheap, fun way to enjoy Rome.

The Pantheon. Beautiful churches and temples are all over Rome, but few match the beauty of the Pantheon. Built in early 118 A.D. By Emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon was once made into a church by early Christians; now it is filled with tombs and is a nice place for tourists to come and walk around, as well as enjoy the occasional drink. It's also free to get into, making it a place you simply must visit while in Rome.

Trajan's Market. Shopping is a whole lot of fun, and Trajan's Market is what possibly started it all. This historic market is thought to be the oldest shopping mall still in existence-in fact, the current arcades in the market are believed by history experts to be the offices for Emperor Trajan, who the market was named after. The market itself is a multi-level structure and is home to shops and apartments. Tourists can visit many of these levels and enjoy the delicate marble floors and remnants of a library.

The above destinations represent only a tiny bit of all the great tourist destinations in Rome. However, they are five of the most commonly visited ones, so they should definitely be on your tourist checklist.



Accommodation: Rome Central Apartments

Luxury Suites near Piazza di Spagna