Discovering the Stunning Wines of Sicily

A glass of the Italian dessert wine Marsala from Sicily. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: "Marsala" fortified wine, from Sicily Italiano: Vino "Marsala", dalla Sicilia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Helen Forbes

If you want to discover the true heart of the stunning Mediterranean island of Sicily, why not stay in one of the many excellent villas? In Sicily there are many to choose from and all are hand picked for their quality, location and comfort. Imagine having the independence to explore at your own pace and the luxury of returning to the privacy of your own space. Many villas in Sicily have swimming pools and outside dining areas come as standard. It is advisable to book the villas in Sicily through a travel company so you can be advised on the one that will suit your dream Sicilian holiday wishes.

Dotted throughout the countryside, located close to the beautiful coastline or even in the centre of local towns, villas in Sicily are found all over the island and all have their own rewards depending on what you and your group need.

Exploring the wines of the region

Top 3 Best Places to Stay in Sicily: Where to Book Your Accommodation

A baroque church in Modica (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Giorgia Di Mattei

The good weather, the stunning seascapes and the warm people make Sicily the perfect destination for pleasant and relaxing holidays. All around the island, there are a lot of heavenly spots, but with this little guide you'll be sure to choose among the best places to stay in Sicily.

Opt for the place that better matches with your ideal holiday and enjoy your stay!

1. Surrounded by nature in CefaluNature lovers get ready to have a trip around the best landscapes ever. If you want to enjoy the wonders of both the sea and the mountain, one of the best places to stay in Sicily is Cefalu.
This small seaside village is at about 10 miles from the park of Madonie where you can go trekking or birdwatching, among the lush paths of the reserve. Have a bath among the stacks in the bay of Cefalu, just below the promontory of the Rocca, or enjoy the naturist beach enclosed in the gorges of Tiberio, near San Mauro Castelverde.

Palermo Uncovered - Things to See & Do in Palermo, Sicily

Politeama theatre. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Michelle Elkins
Like the country itself, the people of Sicily burst with colour, passion and vitality, welcoming visitors to their spectacular island with a warmth that is infectious. As the capital of Sicily, Palermo concentrates all this wonderful enthusiasm and provides a getaway for holiday-makers that is unforgettable. Although parts of it are still crumbling, much work has been done to restore the grandeur of this amazing city which is rich in medieval ancestry and the sights, sounds and flavours of the Mediterranean.


Palermo Airport, also known as Punta Raisi Airport or Falcone-Borsellino Airport is located 32km northwest of the centre. For those not organising car hire at Palermo Airport, onward transportation comes in the form of trains, buses, taxis or a Palermo Airport Transfer, which is well worth the few minutes it takes to book in advance. Direct flights to Palermo from the UK go from Stansted Airport and are provided by the low cost airline, Ryanair.  


While the Piazza Pretoria equates the central point of Palermo, where the famous Pretoria Fountain complete with nude figurines takes centre stage, the Quattro Canti is at the original heart of the city. This ancient square is where the main roads of the Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda diverge and divided the town into quarters. It is here that one of the most impressive structures in Palermo lies, at least internally, the Palazzo dei Normanni, which is now where the Sicilian parliament resides. This Arab-Norman palace has been rebuilt significantly from the outside but inside is made spectacular by the unbelievable mosaics which cover the walls and ceiling of the Cappella Palatina and the old Royal Apartments.


Other places of interest to visit are the Museo Archeologico Regionale with its Greek and Roman artifacts, the Galleria Regionale within the Gothic-styled Palazzo Abatellis which exhibits a host of masterpieces, and for music lovers there is the Teatro Massimo. Finally finished in 1897, after 22 years of construction, it is the largest opera house in Italy.


For a truly spine-tingling treat however, the Capuchin Catacombs offer something a little more macabre. Situated under the monastery of the same name, it is home to over 8000 mummified cadavers which line the walls in a state of lifelike suspension. The effect is due to the special preservative used to freeze the corpses, although some have fared better then others. Some of the bodies date back to the 16th century, but the last person to be buried there was a 2-year-old called Rosalia Lombaro in 1920 who the locals have nicknamed "Sleeping Beauty". It is open daily between 9am-12 noon and 3pm-5pm.


After all that sight-seeing, a leisurely trip to the beach may well be in order and on the north coast of Sicily the choice is fantastic. The chance to wade in mesmerising, warm blue waters and lay out on soft, golden sands in the glorious Sicily weather is guaranteed along the north coast.. Travel west 12.2km, a journey of around 25 minutes in a Palermo hire car, and you come to the riviera-type resort of Mondello. This pretty seaside location is full of beautiful grand villas, many in the art deco style, and swaying palm trees sat cocooned between the gentle, lulling sea and the majestic mountains of Cape Gallo and Mount Pellegrini. The town has plenty of quaint cafes to find refreshment in or for something altogether swankier, there is a beach club with a restaurant located at the end of a pier which treats diners to some spectacular views. To get back to nature, the Capo Gallo National Park provides some fantastic walks with its rocky, lush green beauty and is just a further 20 minute drive north.   


Travel in the other direction, 67km or 55 minutes east from Palermo by car and Cefalù offers the perfect place for a day trip. More classically Italian in spirit, Cefalù boasts a colourful beach and a plethora of traditional eateries, while the town´s Norman and medieval heritage is still very much in evidence in its narrow winding streets and architectural remnants. The Palermo-Messina trains also stop along this route and buses regularly stop here.


It would be impossible to come to Sicily though and not visit one of nature´s biggest attractions. Although Mount Etna is over a 3 hour drive from Palermo, roughly 250km, the chance to see the most active volcano in the world is unmissable. The south side of the mountain is free for all to climb but to get to the very top and stare into the eye of the volcano, a guide is necessary. Here the scenery changes from vines and wooded areas to a spartan wasteland of craters and hardened black lava, dotted with snow for much of the year. The result is akin to the conditions on Mars which is why scientists frequently use the area to test robots before they are sent there.


Although it can be done in a day, it is advisable to stop off in nearby Catania for the night and take the opportunity to visit some of the unusual black sandy beaches, a direct result of the resident volcano. Also on the list should be Siracusa, approximately 66km and an hour´s drive south. The town itself and the nearby Necropolis of Pantalica are listed as UNESCO world heritage sites, and have some amazing examples of ancient Greek and Roman archaeology.

Michelle Elkins is a regular contributor to the Sicily Airport Guide, which provides the best rates on [http://www.sicily-airport-guide.com/palermo-airport-car-hire.htm]Palermo Airport car hire and information on everything from [http://www.sicily-airport-guide.com/palermo-airport-transfers.htm]Palermo Airport transfers to Palermo Weather.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Palermo-Uncovered---Things-to-See-and-Do-in-Palermo,-Sicily&id=2092727] Palermo Uncovered - Things to See & Do in Palermo, Sicily

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Learning Holidays in Chianti

Vineyards in Gaiole in Chianti in the Chianti Classico region (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Giovanni Balboni

New research tells us that learning is good for our health! Learning new skills offers numerous health benefits: mental, emotional, and physical. By learning new skills you are building new neural pathways that keep your brain active, healthy and ward off the dreaded dementia. Learning in a class situation is sociable and provides opportunities to make new like-minded friends; so, why not combine some of your hard-earned leisure time with the opportunity to improve your mind and spirit and head to Italy!

Visiting Croatia's Adriatic Coast

Diocletian's Palace viewed from the south (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Naomi Wilson

Situated at the crossroads of central Europe, the Mediterranean and the Balkans, Croatia is hub of activity with a history that dates back to the early seventh century. With lovely summer weather and a long coastline on the Adriatic Sea, it is an ideal place to go for a holiday that is focused on sailing. Croatia's coastal region is rife with inlets, small islands, and archipelagos that create a vastly differing and visually stunning sailing experience that changes as you travel down the coastline and in and out of the smaller waterways. While you are exploring the waters, take a bit of time to sail down to the large island of Mljet. Then, head inland for a spot of kayaking on the country's rivers, before going on land at Split to see the huge structure that is Diocletian's Palace.

Computer-generated imagery of the eruption of Vesuvius in BBC/Discovery Channel's co-production Pompeii. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ancient sites and monuments in Pompeii

Author: Preety Gupta
Pompeii in Campania State of Italy is one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world. Life came to a complete standstill on the fateful day of August 24, 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the city with volcanic ash, killing about 20,000 people in a single stroke and freezing in time buildings, monuments and last moments of the people on that fateful day for posterity. Pompeii attracts millions of visitors every year. The tourist infrastructure is well in place and visitors can choose from a range of accommodation options including Italy villas, guesthouses and hotels, depending on their budget and requirements.
Here are just some of the sites that you can visit in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
House of the Ancient Hunt: This is an attractive, open-style house with many beautiful frescoes of hunting scenes.

Introducing the Glamorous City of Dusseldorf

Düsseldorf - Stadterhebungsmonument (Photo credit: jaime.silva)

By []Alice Rice

Dusseldorf in Germany is one of the business hubs of the region. It is famous for its fashion houses, and banking and telecommunications industries, making it one of wealthiest cities of Germany. Airline tickets to the city are plenty, with close to 200 flights to Dusseldorf every day.

The city is located on the banks of the Rhine River and during the evenings the backdrop of the lights makes the river look spectacular. Vacationers can even take a cruise of the river if they like to get a glimpse of the attractions along the banks of the river. The city is known for its nightlife. There are plenty of bars and nightclubs which tend to get crowded during the weekends.

Travel Tips: Best Five-Star Hotels in Berlin, Germany

'Schlosshotel im Grunewald', accommodation of the German World-Cup football team 2006 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Brian Willett
With a vast trove of cultural treasures, awe-inspiring architecture, museums of all kinds, historical landmarks and other displays of German heritage, Berlin is a must-see destination in Germany. Berlin is the nation's capital and in many ways seems to be the nations' cultural capital, given the rich history and modern entertainment, from shops to theaters to spas. It would be impossible to take in all that is Berlin in one day, so staying the night is a must. Thankfully, Berlin has no shortage of fine hotels, which offer the utmost in German service and comfort.

Five Reasons To Visit Croatia Next Summer

English: Cavtat, Croatia and Cavtat Harbor viewed from Hotel Croatia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Ivan Barak

Croatia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and especially popular among those who are looking for a great summer vacation with their families. There's a ton of different activities and events happening throughout the year in Croatia, but summer is definitely when most of the action is going on.

If you're looking for a great vacation place in the nicest Mediterranean country, be sure to read my top reasons why you should visit Croatia. After you do I'm sure you'll add this country to your must-visit list.

Ideas for a Christmas Vacation in France

English: Christmas Market on Saint Louis square, Metz, France. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Mihaela C Schwartz

Spending Christmas in France looks like a great idea, no matter if you are planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation. Nicely decorated cities, scenic locations, great wine, delicious cuisine, exciting opportunities for outdoor activities, well preserved traditions, charming Christmas markets and lots of things to do are waiting for you. Here are a few ideas of Christmas vacations in France.

Visiting Calabria...not Only In Summer!

Lazy Morning in Diamante, Italy (Photo credit: NaturaLite's "snap decisions")

Calabria is famous for its wonderful beaches, its clear-blue sea and its landscapes, and for this reason it is a popular travel destination in summer. But Calabria is worth a visit all year round: the cities of this region, from Cosenza to Catanzaro, are beautiful and here you can find many interesting monuments and historical buildings; moreover, the breath-taking landscapes of this region can be admired in all the seasons; last nut not least, if you love fine food, you can be sure that in Calabria you can eat and try many typical dishes that you will certainly like. And if you visit Calabria in autumn, in particular, you will have the chance to take part in many interesting town festivals dedicated to typical dishes, food and specialties.

Walking in Italy's Dolomite Region

Gruppo del Sassolungo da Passo Sella (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Tony Maniscalco

Introducing the Dolomites
 The Dolomites, an area rightly popular for walking holidays in Italy's north-east province of Belluno, is named after a French scientist called Dolomieu. It was Dolomieu who first studied the local limestone rock that forms the distinctive scenery you'll find in this region of Italy. Hiking between these limestone giants you'll find Eden-like, green valleys, lined with rolling meadows and wild, alpine flowers. But it will be the dramatic triangular peaks that make you appreciate the awesome power of the glaciers that shaped these mountains.
 

Walking in Italy: Exploring Southern Italy's UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Alberobello (Photo credit: Allibito)

By []Tony Maniscalco

Anyone walking in Italy is likely to have cause to visit at least one site that has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status. This status is given to those areas and places that should be preserved for their beauty, their history and their contribution to the world.

Southern Italy has an impressive selection of World Heritage Sites for you to see. They are probably best seen on a guided walk with an experienced tour leader, since this will enable you to learn more of the history of each location. Are you ready? Grab your walking shoes and try these for size.

Walking in Italy's City of Stone - Pompeii

House of the Faun in Pompeii, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Tony Maniscalco

There are many people who go walking in Italy for the sights and cultural experiences on offer - however, there are others interested in discovering Italy's history while on foot. One of the most interesting events to have befallen the ancient occupants of Italy was the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, and the annihilation of Pompeii. Many scholars of ancient history are interested by the volcanic eruption and the remains of the city that can be discovered to this day. Whether you have a passing interest or you're a keen historian, the tale of Pompeii is absolutely fascinating.

Five Superb Destinations For a Luxury Honeymoon

Deutsch: Maldives (Photo credit: Wikipedia)






By Claire Bryant


Planning a luxury honeymoon is a challenging proposition. There are so many destinations to choose from, each offering a very different experience, and of course you want a romantic honeymoon that you'll remember forever! But whether you are looking for a desert island retreat or a cultural city break, an ultra luxury experience or an unspoilt wildlife holiday, there are some countries that are just made for a luxury honeymoon - here are five of the best...

3 Exclusive Tuscany Wedding Venues

English: View of Montalcino from the Castle (Fortezza).  (Photo credit: Wikipedia) By Laura Frappa


Getting married in Certaldo

Certaldo is one of Tuscany's best preserved villages, with wonderful barley fields, cypresses trees and olive groves: the word "cerrus", in fact, meant "hill sorrounded by oaks" in Latin. The town is divided in two parts and the most picturesque between the two is Certaldo Alto, birthplace of Giovanni Bocaccio and made of medieval houses and palaces. Different wedding ceremonies are available: it's possible to choose between civil wedding, symbolic or catholic marriage in one of the many reception venues available. Couples who get married in Certaldo experience an authentic medieval atmosphere since the Wedding Hall is located in the medieval walled town on a hill. This charming upper town can be reached on foot or by cable car anyway we always provide complete info on the upper town, the Old Certaldo, to have everything: accommodations, wedding hall and restaurant on hand.

Syracuse, an Amazing Sicilian Tourist Spot

English: Piazza Duomo, Syracuse, Sicily, Italy. Français : Piazza Duomo, Syracuse, Sicile, Italie. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Author: Jacob

The city of Syracuse sits handsomely on the shores of Sicily facing the Ionian Sea. Probably one of the few cities which could challenge Rome in terms of power and prosperity, Syracuse exudes an old world charm that will transport you back in time. Make sure you spend some time in Syracuse while travelling around Italy.
This ancient city was founded in the year 733 B.C by the Corinthians and has a bloody political history that had seen the rise and fall of many great leaders. Syracuse was allied to Sparta and Carthage when it was founded and later became a powerful city-state in the Mediterranean region. Later it came under the Roman Republic and thrived as a port of trade between the Eastern and Western parts of the Roman Empire. The Vandals captured Syracuse which was not meant to last for long as the Byzantine Empire came to claim it in the year 535 A.D. In the year 828 A.D., the Arabs besieged the city and under their two century rule, they rebuilt the city along Islamic styles. Again in 1038 A.D., the Byzantine Empire reclaimed it and thus ended what seemed to be the most part of Syracuse's blood-spattered history.

The Venetian Lagoon

Venetian Lagoon as seen by Landsat 1 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
By Lukas Johannes
The fact that Venice is built on water is common knowledge to anyone who has looked, however briefly, into this Italian city. But what most tourists will probably not be aware of, as they step out of their Venice airport boat transfer, is that the city is built over a myriad of small islands, inside a natural preserve called the Venetian Lagoon.
Formed six to seven thousand years ago, in an age well before Venice airport boat transfers, vaporetti or gondole, the Venetian Lagoon stemmed from the flooding of an Adriatic coastal plain. This flooded area was then sealed off by natural debris and sediments, leading to what would become internationally known as a "lagoon".

Soaking Up the History of Sardinia

Castel del Monte, Andria. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)


By Helen Forbes


As the second largest in the Mediterranean Sea, this island off the western coast of Italy boasts many wonderful places to go and things to do - all of which are easily accessible when you stay in a centrally located villa. In Sardinia, you can spend weeks just lounging on the beautiful beaches that are in abundance around the coast, or, if you are more of a history buff, this is a great holiday location for you too. While you are staying on the island, you should take in a bit of culture and visit Oristano, Castelsardo, and Su Nuraxi di Barumini.

Basilicata – The Last Undiscovered Region Of Italy

Image via WikipediaThe southern Italian region of Basilicata borders on Campania to the west, Puglia (Apulia) to the east, and Calabria to the south, and has a short coastline on the Tyrrhenian Sea and another on the Gulf of Taranto in the Ionian Sea to the southeast. While it’s not the first place you might think of for a holiday in Italy, the region has a special charm that is slowly being discovered by visitors who are keen to get away from the more touristy parts of Italy.
Basilicata offers stunning arid mountain scenery and inland villages, perched on the hills, where time seems to have stood still. On the coast there are charming villages and seaside resorts such as Lido di Metaponto, with its archaeological relics, Marina di Pisticci, Lido di Scanzano, and Lido di Policoro. Remains of the Roman Era can be seen in Venosa along with medieval art. Basilicata is divided into two provinces: Potenza and Matera.
Matera and the sassi