Holidays To The Italian Lakes - Discover The Jewel Of Northern Italy

Lakeside promenade in Riva del Garda, Lago di Garda (Italy) Deutsch: Seepromenade in Riva del Garda, Gardasee (Italien) (Photo credit: Wikipedia) By Hamish Nolen


There is something remarkable about the Italian Lakes district of Northern Italy. So very close to the Italian and Swiss Alps, it is a lush and temperate paradise filled with plants and trees usually found only near the Mediterranean. Filled with the finest food and wine, the region's landscapes are truly breathtaking, and the experience of meeting and mingling with the locals is very special.
If you want to see the lakes in all their beauty, then it is best to travel there between April and October. The weather is perfect, although it can get crowded through July and August, so be prepared to pay top dollar during this time. If you arrive at the lakes out of season, you will find that the ferry services are reduced, with some not running at all. Many restaurants close over the cooler months too.

Touring Northern Italy

Image via WikipediaBy Keith Barrett
For those wanting to experience Italy without the crowds and the sometimes unbearable summer heat, a tour of the north has plenty that appeals. Let's take a look at some must-see highlights.
The rise of budget airlines has meant that it has never been easier to find a cheap flight to northern Italy. Both Milan and Verona have busy international airports, with flights from most major European cities. Verona is served by regular flights from London Gatwick, making it a perfect starting point for any tour.
If you can't find a suitably priced flight from Verona, then you might also consider Bologna as a feasible alternative.
Lake Garda is within easy reach of both airports. This grand lake has a quite wonderful location, with a mountainous backdrop and a coastal feel. Lined by pretty villages and towns, Lake Garda is a natural focal point for any tour of northern Italy.
The area here is well known for its fine cuisine - eating out in Italy is not to be missed!
Verona itself, as well as providing an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding countryside, has a rich history. This is a city that was first brought to the attention of the English by no lesser figure than William Shakespeare.
The Dolomites, the mighty mountains of the region, provide some spectacular views and wonderful spots to enjoy. The popular towns of Vipiteno, Brunico and Bolzano are all well worth a visit.
Finally, no tour of this part of Italy would be complete without visiting the medieval walled magnificence of Trento.
A tour of northern Italy involves some of the most beautiful towns, villages and countryside that this country has to offer - it is not to be missed.
To find out more about Lake Garda Italy, check out Keith Barrett's other travel articles. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Barrett

Bologna, Italy

Image by Kliò via Flickr

Visitors to Italy will find the city of Bologna to be a pleasant place to pass their vacation time in. You will find this city is the capital city of the Emilia-Romagna region which lies in the Po Valley. The city which is situated in Northern Italy can be found lying between the Reno River and that of the Savena River. Exploring the city of Bologna will reveal to you are city which has a rich culture, history and all of the amenities which makes visiting this city a pleasure to the senses.

As you arrive in Bologna you will see a number of interesting places that you can visit. There will also be parks, fountains statues that you can look at. In order to see all of these sights you may want to become better acquainted with the city and its sights. To help you relax from your long trip you may want to relax in one of the city's many parks. Many of the parks you will find in Bologna today used to be private gardens which used belong to the nobles of the city.

Of these various gardens you may wish to the Giardini Margherita park or as it is called in English the Margherita Gardens. The gardens and the chalet that you will see here were created in 1875. The chalet is used today as a nightclub during the summer evenings. Visitors to this lovely park will find that it is opened from 6 in the morning until midnight. This is only one of the many parks that you can explore while you are in Bologna. From these numerous parks you may wish to see some of the religious buildings that you will find in the city.

One such place you may wish to visit during your sightseeing excursions is that of the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca or St. Luke's Basilica. This basilica was built during the mid-18th century. Within this basilica you will be able to see the icon of Bologna which is known as the Madonna di San Luca. The shape of this basilica is somewhat unusual as it is round instead of rectangular. You will be able to reach the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca by walking along the unique portico with its 666 arches. As you walk long these arches you will be able to see a stunning view of the city.

Your next stop here in Bologna should be that of the Fontana di Nettuno - the Fountain of Neptune as it is called in English - which was built in 1563. This fountain is considered to be one of Bologna's symbols. It was built by Tommaso Laureti of Palermo. The embellishments you will find on the fountain were added on later by Jean de Boulogne or as he was also called Giambologna.

These are just a few of the beauties that you will find when you come and visit Bologna in Italy. The rich culture and history you will find here go hand in hand with the warmth and hospitality of the people of this city. The next time you are thinking about visiting Italy make sure you book your holiday for some quality time spent in Bologna.

For a wide selection of Bologna hotels just click here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hannah_Rollma