Sicily and its folkloristic events: St Joseph's day in Scicli, Ragusa

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Author: Francesca Tessarollo

Like all the other Italian regions, Sicily has much to offer to its visitors, and not only in terms of art, food and nature. Sicily is well-known for its wonderful sea, for its baroque monuments, but there is also one more feature that will make you fall in love with this region: its folklore and the traditional events that take place through the year in all of its cities.

One of the next traditional events to be held in Sicily will be "La cavalcata di San Giuseppe" (St Joseph's ride), which takes place every year in March in Scicli, a village in the province of Ragusa. Ragusa is a wonderful Sicilian province, a popular travel destination above all in summer, when you can enjoy the sea and the sun in well-known seaside resorts like Marina di Ragusa. However, visiting this city and the villages nearby is definitely very interesting also in all the other seasons, thanks to the historical and cultural heritage that these places preserve, and thanks to the folkloristic events that take place from spring to winter.

The 5 Best Beaches on Sicily

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Author: Rodney Ritchie

Sicily's beaches are renowned as some of Italy's best, with transparent blue-green waters, long sandy beaches and nearby picturesque villages. While everyone has his own opinion about which beach should make the top five, here are five of the most popular and possibly the best Sicily has to offer, and certainly worth a visit on your holiday.

Holidays in Sicily: Marina di Ragusa

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Author: Francesca Tessarollo

Thanks to the colours of its landscapes, to the number of artistic and cultural sites that all of its cities offer, to a crystal clear sea, and last but not least, to its wines and typical products, Sicily is an inexhaustible source or culture, amusement and relaxation. Every part of Sicily is worth a visit, no matter if you decide to visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, to sleep in Ragusa or to lay on Mondello beach: in any case you can be sure to spend an unforgettable holiday.

A Quick Tour of Italy - Eastern Sicily

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Author: Levi Reiss

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the island of Sicily, a region of southern Italy. Depending on your interests, this beautiful area can be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. And parts of Sicily haven't yet been discovered by tourists. This short article presents eastern Sicily. A companion article presents western Sicily; another presents the capital Palermo.



Messina is Sicily's third largest city. Founded by the Ancient Greeks it often changed hands over the centuries. The University of Messina started out as the world's first Jesuit College, founded by St. Ignatius himself. In 1908 the city was virtually destroyed by an earthquake and the ensuing tsunami. Make sure to see the cathedral, the Calapaj Palace, and the Sixteenth Century lighthouse.

Trendy Eats in Rome

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By Roo Sadegi

The former printworks of the Il Manifesto daily paper provide a post-industrial setting for Reef, a restaurant masterminded by Antonello Colonna, the Italian government's banqueting supremo. The design, by Marco and Ginaluigi Giammetta, is bold and raw-edged, right down to the sand on the floor which gives the place its name. Glass, iron, and light provide the ambiance for an inventive seafood cuisine that artfully marries the savours of vegetables, fish, and shellfish. Outstanding specialties include saltimbocca di rana pescatrice alla salsa di marsala (roulade of frog in marsala wine sauce), rombo (turbot) with artichokes, moscardini (small fish) kebabs with a salad of broad beans and Pecorino cheese, and swordfish couscous. For fans of raw fish, the sushi, sashimi, and makisushi menus change daily, depending on the latest catch.
Reef

5 Restaurants You Must Try in the Champs Elysees, Paris Area

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By James Burrows

The Champs Elysees is one of the busiest areas in Paris and one of the most popular with tourist. As part of the manufactured evolution of the area, many restaurants have opened in and around the Champs Elysees over the years. There are restaurants to suit all tastes, and budgets and expectations. Below are just some of the restaurants in the area which must be tried:
Chez Catherine - Chez Catherine is a must try for those who seek a quiet location away from the busyness of the city. It is nicely located down a quiet side street and the chef, who happens to be the regarded as one of the top female chefs in the country, uses fresh local produce to create traditional French dishes which have more than a hint of a south-western influence.

Things to See and Do With Kids In Rome, Italy

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By Aidan Fitzgerald

Rome for younger children
You may not think it, but Rome can actually be fun for the very young as well as the older culture buffs amongst you. Located in Via Flamini is Explora, the Rome Children's Museum. This is a must visit for the young ones. The trip through the museum is set up in four sections, Me, Society, Environment, and Communication. Children can learn about the world around them through games and activities under the watchful eye of the museum staff. The museum also has a soft play area for very young children.
The Teatro San Carlino is a puppet theatre in Borghese Gardens, on Viale dei Bambini (Children's Way). Colombina can be seen clubbing the head of Pulcinella for having eaten her master's supper. Children will delight at the antics of the misfortunate Pulcinella. There is also a little train, which can transport the little ones around the park, leaving from Viale Goethe.
Bioparco which is part of Borghese Gardens also includes Rome Zoo which is must stop for families. The park has lots of special areas and exhibits just for children. The Zoo itself hosts nearly 1000 animals from over 200 species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds.

I Love Italian Travel - Umbria Carnevale Season

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The city of Sant'Eraclio, Umbria is situated approximately some 25 miles (40 kilometers) southeast of the regional capital, Perugia. Its Carnevale was originated back in 1542 by the Olivetani friars of Mormonzone, who lived in a nearby convent that has long been abandoned. These forward-looking friars felt that the local populace deserved their own merry-making on the streets to balance the local gentry's exclusive palace parties. Good for them! Originally Sant'Eraclio Carnevale meant parades of oxen-drawn carts festooned with branches and flowers, and the people dancing and singing to the music of flutes and trumpets played by men and women in the traveling carts. But during the Seventeenth Century the Church decried this Carnevale as sinful and banned it. I have the impression that the local gentry's exclusive palace parties were not banned. Approximately a century later Carnevale was allowed to resume, but in this region only in Sant'Eraclio. Carnivale continued here without interruption until the Second World War.

Retire to Italy

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By Mitch Bowler
Ciao! That is the most common word that you will hear when you first set foot in Italy. As we, all know the capital of this country is Rome where you can find St. Peter's Basilica, located in the Vatican City. This is known as the biggest Catholic Church in the whole world.
The climate here will depend on your location. The northern part of the country has a semi tropical climate with humidity. In coastal regions they experience warm weather, arid summers and a mild winter.
If you want to retire in Italy, you must have an annual income of 8,000 Euros which is US$ 11,510, for each retiree. If you are a European Union citizen, you will not need a visa to live here. For EU citizens all you have to do is go to the police station and make yourself registered as an acknowledgment of your stay in the country and then apply a permit for residency. For those retirees who are not from the European Union you must apply for a residence visa, which means that you have plans to stay in the country for more than 3 months and you have to show a proof that you can sustain your financial needs without working since you are already considered a retiree.

Cheap City Break in Venice

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By: Asif Khan
Holidays in Venice is possibly the most romantic city you'll ever visit. It is almost redundant to describe the charms of this fabulous floating city, surrounded by hundreds of tiny canals. While wandering through the maze of footpaths or sitting back in a gondola and exploring the city by water, be sure to stop and visit San Marco Square, the famous Rialto Bridge, the elegant Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore. Venice is truly a place like no other, with its quaint alleyways, waterways and way of life.

Once you've reached the historic district, you may be surprised that, though there are no automobiles, getting around the city is relatively simple. While most tourists prefer to walk and take in all the sites, water transportation is the most popular way to get around the city quickly and serves as an adventure all its own. The most common means of water riding are the waterbus and water taxi, public boats that run consistently throughout the day and can be boarded with a ticket. Those planning on staying for longer periods of time can purchase Cartavenezia cards, which offer both convenience and a discounted riding fare. If romance and authenticity is what you're looking for, traditional Venetian gondolas are available, but expect to pay quite a price.
Piazza San Marco
St. Mark's Square is a popular tourist attraction and also is the most important square in Venice. The square also has Basilica, clock tower, major religious and political construction, shops, bars and amazing cafes such as café Quadri and café Florian. The square is usually crowded with lots of tourists and visitors holidaying in Venice as well as large flock of pigeons.
You will be able to find almost every sort of hotel in Venice. Some Venice hotels are budget hotels, while some are specially designed with a corporate look. If are looking forward for something lavish at the dazzling destination, opt for multi-star hotels in Venice, which are ready to offer you the most impeccable services. Comfortable beds, aromatic ambiance, flawless service, good food, plush spas and top quality gym are the normal features of these hotels.
About the Author
Log on to http://www.myvacations.co.uk/ and you'll find everything that you need for cheap Venice city breaks

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The Top 5 Must See Sites in Florence

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As one of the most popular cities to visit in Italy, Florence is filled with an array of fantastic tourist attractions. Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is home to some of Italy's best museums, cathedrals and churches; as well as many character-filled streets and squares which are home to exquisite buildings and both modern and traditional shops and cafes.

There is so much to see and experience in Florence that you can't fit it all in during one trip. If you are planning a vacation in Tuscany here are our suggestions for 5 'must see' site while you are in Florence.



Piazza Della Signoria is the most famous square in Florence, situated in the heart of the city. Here, tourists will find themselves standing in a place of history as the piazza has been the political centre of Florence since the middles ages. The Palazzo Vecchin town hall is situated within the middle of the piazza and is one of the many medieval buildings you can find within Florence. The Palazzo boasts many decorated public rooms and private apartments and there is an array of cafes and eateries which are dotted around this area.

When visiting Florence, it is doubtful you will not hear about Il Duomo, which is one of Florence's most popular sites. The cathedral is a great chance to experience some of the many pieces of gothic architecture which are found within Florence and is a true piece of beauty on both its interior and exterior. Consecrated in 1436 and with the ability to hold up to 20,000 people, the cathedral's exterior is made up of green, pink and white marble and includes many elaborate doors and statues. The dome of the cathedral is a piece of art in itself of which tourists can purchase a ticket to climb the 436 steps which lead to its top.

The Baptistery of John the Baptist is one of the oldest buildings in Florence having been originally built during the 11th century. Its exterior constitutes of green and white marble and also boasts three sets of astounding bronze doors. Inside the Baptistery, visitors will view many mosaics and marbles pavements which illustrate the zodiac- a truly stunning sight.

Art lovers will flock to visit the Galleria degli Uffizi which holds the world's most important collection of Renaissance art. As Italy's most popular art museum, this can often be extremely crowded, but tickets can be purchased in order to avoid queuing up for entry. The gallery holds many historical paintings from medieval artworks to modern art and an array of antique sculptures and tapestries. Some of the art works visitors can hope to see include Botticelli, Leonardo di Vinci and Raphael.

One of the largest Franciscan churches within Italy is the Santa Croce. This church is home to the tombs of many important Florentines such as Michelangelo and Dante and its stunning interiors include beautiful pieces of stained glass windows and frescoes. Those who love historical artworks will also enjoy the Cappella dei Pazzi by Brunelleschi which can also be found within the Santa Croce.

When it comes to visiting Florence in Tuscany, there is plenty to be seen and inspired by, no matter what types of historical sites you normally enjoy. Whether you love viewing historical art, architecture or places of worship; Florence is sure to provide all this and more and is sure to see you return again in the future in order to take all of its brilliance in once again.

Mark Scriven is an online marketing expert and has written many articles on business, travel and the internet. For a wide selection of luxury villas in Tuscany visit Cottages to Castles, specialists in luxury holiday accommodation in Tuscany.

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The Leopard

The Leopard: "This month marks the 150th anniversary of Garibaldi's landings in Sicily as part of the national unification movement - and nobody in Sicily seems to care. Fact is often stranger than fiction, and the historical novel that provoked serious reconsideration of the unification war and its aftermath remains the bestselling Sicilian work of fiction half a century after its initial publication.

The Leopard is the story of an aristocratic family of Palermo beginning in 1860. Important themes abound within its pages, and it remains as fresh and readable today as it was over fifty years ago. It was published shortly after the death of its author, Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, himself a Sicilian nobleman.

What's interesting is that this unique novel is still fairly popular. More than any other book, it has shaped the opinions of many Sicilians over the last five decades, challenging what - until the fall of the House of Savoy and the end of Fascism - was advocated by the Italian police state as the 'official' view of Italian unification.

"

Things to do While in Florence, Italy

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Florence is one of the highlights of a trip to Italy. Whether you enjoy museums, art galleries, eating and drinking Italian food and wine, or simply wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere, you will find that Florence Italy Tourism has something for you.

Easily the most visited square in Florence is the Piazza della Signoria which is an open-air sculpture exhibit. The Loggia della Signoria is home to famous statues such as a copy of Michelangelo's David and the Fountain of Neptune. This square is in the historic center of Florence and is one of the highlights of the city.

Next on the list is the Cattedrale de Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence's most popular cathedral. The outside of the cathedral is made of green, pink, and white marble. Inside you can marvel at Brunelleschi's Dome masterpiece. Also, by purchasing a ticket you can climb the 463 steps to get to the top of the bell tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the city, which is simply breath-taking. Do note, however, that there is no air-conditioning, so bring water!

Make sure you visit the Galleria dell' Academia on your visit to Florence. This museum gallery holds some of the most important sculptures and paintings from the 13th to the 16th centuries. Here you will find many of Michelangelo's original works including the famous David. You can also see many musical instruments from the Medici family.

While in Florence you will also want to visit Italy's most crowded museum, the Galleria degli Uffizi. The gallery has one of the most prominent collections of Renaissance art in the world. You can enjoy the thousands of paintings from medieval and modern times, as well as antique sculptures and tapestries. Long lines can be a problem, so if possible buy your tickets ahead and avoid them all together.

Finally, what would a trip to Florence be without shopping? Many consider the Florence shopping to be the finest in Europe. From leather goods to paper goods, jewelry to art productions, Florence has it all. There are also plenty outdoor markets where you can find lots of bargains while enjoyingthe surrounding architecture.

There is no doubt that Florence has a rich history and many places that you must visit. From the Galleria dell' Academia to the open air markets, Florence Italy tourism offers something for everyone!


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For more tips and advice on Florence visit Suzanne's Florence, Italy website - http://www.PlacesToVisitInFlorenceItaly.com - here you will find everything you need to know about travel in Florence and Tuscany.


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Vino Con Vista Florence and Tuscany: Wine With a View of Italy (Volume 1)

Poll finds Italians to be the best lovers | Life &Style | ITALY Magazine - StumbleUpon

For those of us who are Italian or of Italian descent we already knew we were the best. Now we have credibility from 10,000 women over the world.

Italians make the ideal lover, according to a new poll which placed Germans at the very bottom. The poll quizzed 10,000 women of 50 different nationalities and was taken for the wayn.com (where are you now) website which specializes in bringing people together who travel often.

Read the rest here
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How to Learn The Italian Language - Effortlessly

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Copyright © 2010 Lynsey Carter

Buon giorno! I just said 'hello' to you! See? It isn't that hard to learn the Italian language at all! When someone speaks to you in Italian, do you just look at them and smile?...but how would you like to rattled off a confident and natural reply - IN ITALIAN- and watch their jaw drop in amazement!

...Now, you too can learn to speak an advanced Italian language confidently and naturally in a dynamic, comprehensive, and proven way that works!

Why do YOU want to learn to speak Italian? Let's see:
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* are you, like me, a big fan of Italian food, wine, and culture, and want to completely immerse yourself more fully in their language?
* do you like to watch Italian language movies or go attend Italian language films with friends or relatives?
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Whatever your reasons are, you will get immensely satisfying results FAST...

You'll be able to challenge yourself with conversational Italian by starting to speak the language right away, and in contexts that reflect everyday life in an Italian-speaking environment. At the same time, you'll be able to do so in a comfortable and supportive way.

Would you like to learn Italian rapidly, effectively, and easily. Do you want to be able to speak at the Italiano language restaurant, at a train station, with new friends... in basically every situation you can think of!

I am extremely passionate about learning another language, and for me it is such a privilege to be able to share this training with you. It is a wonderful experience to be able to speak to other people in their own language. You will be able to enter into a different culture, a different world! Being bilingual is a very special ability, and not that hard to learn with a little dedication and commitment from you!

Nearly 300,000 people worldwide have used this unique multimedia course to fast-track their language learning, AND managed to have a whole lot of fun in the process . Why not join in on all the action?

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The 33 tracks average 25 minutes in length - that is over 13 hours of Italian lessons audio that you can listen to, again and again and again! They cover everything that you need to know to become part of a living, breathing Italian community, from introducing yourself to getting around on public transportation, and a whole lot more in between. Italian people just love it when tourists and travellers speak Italian to them!

Not only do you get the 33 audio tracks, you also get the transcripts of the conversations in Italian and English, so that you can keep up with the lessons and the extra Italian vocabulary relevant to each lesson!.

Learn to listen to, speak, and understand modern Italian with this super effective and ever-popular conversational learning tool!

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These lessons will take you on an adventure from being a newbie to being a natural in your Italian-speaking ability. They contain detailed grammar lessons and examples, invaluable cultural notes (that not only help you with what to say and when to say it but also how to act), along with instructions and explanations on written Italian.

And it doesn't matter what level you are currently at - beginner, intermediate, or advanced - this course is packed full of quality step-by-step resources to rapidly advance your learning

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So you too can be like the thousands of people that have found out how to easily and effectively learn the Italian language. Then take control of your language learning as mentioned in this article. All you have to do is go here: http://www.myitalianlanguagesite.com


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I Love Touring Venice, Italy - Hotels In The San Polo And Santa Croce District

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The San Polo district is the smallest of Venice's six districts. It covers only 86 acres (that's about 35 hectares) in the center of the city. It's home to Venice's main market and has been for over 900 years. The main attractions are the Rialto Bridge and several churches including San Giacomo di Rialto, said to be consecrated in the year 421 and perhaps the oldest church in Venice. Santa Croce is north and west of San Polo. You may well stop by here because of the parking lots (cars aren't allowed in the five other districts of Venice) and bus station. But the eastern part of the district has a medieval air and is home to some tourist attractions such as historic churches and the Galleria Internazionale d'Arte Moderna whose collection includes many masters of modern art. For your convenience we have listed district hotels in approximate order of cost, starting with the least expensive. We have personally verified all website addresses making sure that they include English-language pages.

The Acca Hotel has only one star but may be an option for economy-minded tourists. You'll be close to many attractions such as the San Pantalon church whose ceiling was painted by Gian Antonio Fiumani, and is said to be the world's largest painting on canvas. Breakfast is served in the courtyard. Maybe because the hotel has only 8 rooms and 1 suite there is no night porter. The hotel address is Calle Pezzana, San Polo 2160.

The Hotel al Ponte Mocenigo is our only suggestion for the Santa Croce district. It's on two floors of a palazzo that once belonged to the local Mocenigo bigwigs. There's a courtyard for breakfast and a Turkish sauna. Access is via a private bridge with a history that you can read on the hotel website. All 10 rooms and the junior suite are non-smoking, but none of them offer a canal view. The hotel address is Fondamento de Rimpeto a Ca' Moncenigo, Santa Croce 2063.

The Ca' Angeli Hotel occupies two floors of a palace on the Grand Canal that belonged to a famous Venetian architect who oversaw its renovation. The fine breakfast is served in a room overlooking the Grand Canal as do some of the guest rooms. There are only 5 rooms, 2 suites and 1 apartment. The hotel address is Calle del Traghetto della Madoneta, San Polo 1434.

The Oltre il Giardino'Casaifrari can be a fine choice if you are looking for peace and quiet. You may even have trouble finding this little hotel hidden behind a brick wall. Alma Mahler lived there in the 1920s after her husband Gustav's death. Its centerpiece is the garden where breakfast is served, weather permitting. All 4 rooms and 2 suites overlook the garden. By the way, you can't believe everything that you read. Quoting their website, "The house... has now been turned into an exclusive but homely retreat." This place is anything but homely. The hotel address is Fondamenta Contarini - San Polo 2542.

The three star Locanda Sturion hotel was used by the Doge of Venice to house foreign merchants selling their wares at the Rialto Market more than 700 years ago. The decorations have been updated to the Eighteenth Century. Its breakfast room and reading room overlook the Grand Canal. The onsite restaurant offers a historic menu, with dishes and delicacies dating back to the Fourteenth Century, reinterpreted for today's tastes. Be warned, the stairs are steep to this fourth and fifth floor hotel and there is no elevator. There are 11 rooms. The hotel address is Calle del Sturion, San Polo 679.


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Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet but he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches various computer classes in an Ontario French-language community college. Check out his wine website http://www.theworldwidewine.com with a weekly column reviewing $10 wines and new sections writing about (theory) and tasting (practice) organic and kosher wines.


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Organic Wine | A Mendocino, California Cabernet Sauvignon

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I Love Organic Wine - A Mendocino, California Cabernet Sauvignon

By: Levi Reiss
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Mendocino County faces the Pacific Ocean, past Sonoma and Marin Counties to the north of San Francisco. This lovely area is best known for its sparkling wines including some by the French Champagne house Roederer Estate. The wine reviewed below comes from the Ukiah Valley, home to several prestigious wine makers, two breweries, and a town named Ukiah once voted the #1 best small town to live in California. Bonterra is an organic wine producer who also makes biodynamic wine that costs more than twice today's offering. Their main ranch building is made of reclaimed materials.
OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon (V) 2006 12.8% alcohol about $18
Let's start by quoting the marketing materials. Description: This Cabernet used only organically grown grapes. The extra effort rewards with pure and polished aromas and flavors of cassis, cherry, roasted herbs, licorice and ripe blackberry, all wrapped in silky tannins with a medium-long finish. Enjoy with rosemary-and-thyme-rubbed veal chops, or with a hearty lasagna of beef, zucchini and eggplant. Our Quality Assurance Laboratory has determined that this wine contains 15 mg/L of free sulphur. And now for my review.
With the first sips the wine was mouth-filling and quite long. The initial meal consisted of slow-cooked beef ribs with sliced potatoes and a side of eggplant roasted with the skin in lots of olive oil and garlic. The wine was very plummy with some tobacco and soft tannins. Its length was fine. The eggplant dish intensified the tobacco taste. When I added a spicy green jalapeno pepper sauce the wine stepped up to meet it.
The second meal included zucchini and onions stuffed with rice and ground beef, cooked with potatoes and spices including pepper, garlic powder and cumin. The Cabernet Sauvignon was round with black cherries and some oak; it's aged in a mixture of French and American oak. It was mouth-filling and I tasted tobacco in the background.
The final meal centered around store-bought barbecued chicken wings in a sweet and sour sauce and chicken thighs whose skin was dusted with paprika. The sides were rice and green beans in a homemade tomato sauce. Once again the wine was round; now I got more than a touch of tobacco in the background. It was quite a good match.
As usual I tasted this wine with two cheeses; a goat's milk cheese and a Swiss Emmenthaler. The Cab was fruity and long when accompanied by the goat's milk cheese. With the Swiss I noted dark cherries and tobacco, with a good length.
Final verdict. This wine was quite good. But if you don't need organic I don't think that it justified its price tag. Once in a while I've had $10 wines that are almost as good.
Author Resource:
Levi Reiss authored or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but prefers drinking fine wine with the right foods and people. He teaches computers at an Ontario French-language community college. His global wine website www.theworldwidewine.com features a weekly review of $10 wines and new sections writing about and tasting organic and kosher wines. Visit his Italian travel website www.travelitalytravel.com.

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