Festivals Celebrated in Rome

Rome (Photo credit: tejvanphotos)

Piazza di Spagna, Roma, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: The River Tiber in winter with St Peter's and Castel Sant'Angelo Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Spanish Steps, seen from Piazza di Spagna (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rome (Photo credit: Elescir)

[Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy] (LOC) (Photo credit: The Library of Congress)

By []M. Patrick Quinn

The Romans have been a festive lot since ancient times, when the Eternal City's marble-lined streets played stage to triumphant processions, colorful religious rituals and ceremonial feasts, held by a people whose sacred calendar was heavily dotted with celebratory occasions. In fact, the very word festival comes to us from the Latin word "festum", meaning holiday or banquet. The Romans of today continue the revelries with a vibrant variety of festivals, some unquestionably modern and others still very much rooted in tradition. For those studying abroad in Italy, Roma offers festivals of all kinds, not to be missed by students sojourning in the city.

Festa di Primavera -- The Spring Festival

From the end of March through the beginning of April, Romans welcome the arrival of spring with a range of cultural events. Guided tours of many of Rome's seemingly countless historical sites, including monuments and churches, are organized and made available for free, and a series of concerts take place on the famous Spanish Steps, an enormous staircase which surmounts the steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna and the Piazza Trinit� dei Monti, and which once linked the Bourbon Spanish Embassy with a church under the Bourbon family's patronage. It is this stairway which makes the centerpiece of the Festa di Primavera, for which it is adorned with a pink sea of azalea-filled vases. No springtime study abroad experience would be complete without witnessing this legendary sight.

Natale di Roma -- Birth of Rome

If you're spending a semester at a university in Rome, chances are you're interested in the city's incomparable history. This makes the Natale di Roma, or Birth of Rome festival, a must-do for the visiting student. Held on the 21st of April, Natale di Roma celebrates the birth of a little city-state on the Tiber River that would grow up to rule the known world. On this date in the year 753 B.C., Romulus founded the city of Rome. The occasion was marked in ancient times and is celebrated nowadays with fireworks, dancing and parades around Rome's ancient historical sites, while the city hall as well as many of the city's palazzi, or palaces, are illuminated during the night.

Festival Internazionale del Film di Roma -- Rome International Film Festival

So many iconic films have been shot against the one-of-a-kind backdrop of Rome -- think Roman Holiday or The Bicycle Thief -- that the fairly recent creation of the Rome International Film Festival seemed long overdue. Held in October, the high-profile festival now plays host to international films in several different categories. The award statue is shaped like the famous mounted sculpture of the ancient philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius.

Roma Europa

There would be no Europe as we know it today were it not for the Roman Empire, so it's only fitting that the City of the Seven Hills play cultural capitol with a preeminent festival titled "Roma Europa" through the months of October and November. Attracting artists, dancers, writers, filmmakers and digital innovators from across the world, Roma Europa was named one of the top four festivals in Europe by the Wall Street Journal. If you happen to be enrolled at a   rel=nofollow [http://www.johncabot.edu/about_jcu/default.aspx]university in Rome for the fall, give the books a rest for a bit and learn the arts at the Roma Europa festival instead.

Visit [http://www.johncabot.edu/]John Cabot University for more information about study abroad opportunities in Rome.

Patrick Quinn is a Copywriter at Higher Education Marketing, a leading web marketing firm specializing in Google Analytics, Education Lead Generation, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Social Media Marketing, and Pay Per Click Marketing, among other web marketing services and tools.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Festivals-Celebrated-in-Rome&id=8182097] Festivals Celebrated in Rome

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Christmas in Europe

Clifton Mill in Clifton, Ohio is the site of this Christmas display with over 3.5 million lights. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Der Erfurter Weihnachtsmarkt bei Nacht von der Zitadelle Petersberg aus gesehen. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Christmas lights on South Molton Street, Central London, UK. Christmas season 2010. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A gathering of Carol Singers in front of the Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square, London England. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Picture of the Ferris Wheel at the Hyde Park Christmas Market (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Cologne Christmas market lit up during the evening (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Christmas lights Nederlands: Kerstverlichting (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

the sexy santa assistants were there to take a photo of you in front of the xmas tree or you could just ask them to take a photo with you and pretend that your girlfriend is a sexy santa assistant See where this picture was taken. [?] (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Christopher Walters

The ancient and historic lands of Europe have town, villages, and cities where some of them date back to the day of the first historic Christmas. Other mostly established in the centuries that followed but their long histories are closely tied to the holiday of Christmas. Some of have dramatic festivals and snow covered scenery straight out of a storybook. No matter what you're particular religion, spending the Christmas season with your family in the fabled lands of Europe can be a one of kind and all together magical experience. Here are a few of the towns and villages with some of the best Christmas celebrations anywhere in the world.

1. Salzburg, Austria

The town of Salzburg is not only the birthplace of the legendary composer Mozart and the setting for the iconic "Sound of Music", it has one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe. It attracts millions of visitors every season to shop the hundreds of stalls, shops, and celebrations as the air fills with the amazing sounds of the season. There are children's puppet shows and choir singing songs, making this place a magical Christmas setting high in the stunning snowy mountains of the Alps. The town is light with million of lights and horse drawn sleighs trot along the cobblestones. There are countless places to find one of kind Christmas treasures, toys, treats, and ornaments. Step into a quiet caf� and warm yourself with a hot cup of cocoa or a glass of wine.

2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

This historic medieval town nestled deep in the Black Forest of Germany is probably one of the most magical and enchanting places to visit around Christmas time. Christmas is so important here that they even have a massive Christmas market that is open all year around. The city is transformed into a winter wonderland and the market, known as Reiterlesmarkt, dates back to the 15th century. Aside from the fantastic shopping where shops and stalled are filled with toys, ornaments, and heavenly treats, the town itself will have you swearing Santa's workshop might be just around the corner. The buildings are hundreds of years old and the cobblestone streets give the entire town a very romantic feel. Make sure to stop by and nibble on their signature treat, the Schneeball or snowball, which is essentially sweet fried dough, rolled in sugar. It's truly a winter fairyland.

3. Dresden, Germany

The Christmas market began in here in 1434 and is the oldest and most popular in Germany. The entire city is alight with Christmas lights and there is no shortage of holiday fun to have. From the Gingerbread Festival in early December to the Stollenfest to the Christmas Arch Festival, the holiday events last all month long. Each one brings to life the history, traditions, and customs through carols and dances and the entire city delights in the cheer of the Christmas season. The children are front and center for the season too. Santa and his elves meet with the little ones and there are enchanting storybook cottages that will have the kids sure they have stepped into one of their fairytales. There is also a children's railway and merry-go-round in the children's adventure land. Kids can enjoy puppet sows, story telling or simply sinking their teeth in delicious treats and chocolates. Enjoy authentic gingerbread in the very land where it originated or stop in and a local pub or restaurant to warm your toes.

4. Prague, Czech Republic

The Christmas season lasts all month long in the Czech Republic and the capital city of Prague hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe. The city is wrapped in Christmas lights and the air is filled with the sounds of Christmas carols emanated from both the streets and any one of the gothic churches. The Old Town Square and the Wenceslas Square host the main Christmas markets where you can not only buy ornaments, winter gear, jewelry, traditional souvenirs or toys, but also hearty food and hot wine on a chilly winter evening. Enjoy some traditional seasonal food such as roasted ham, sausage, or Trdelnik, which is a delicious sugary pastry. The pubs are a place where you can relax, socialize and enjoy some of the local beer. The children will enjoy the Nativity scene and a chance to pet the goats and sheep or awe at the massive Christmas tree in Old Town Square. You can also enjoy phenomenal operas and symphonies as well. All month long, the city becomes even more spectacular than usual.

5. London, England

In the land of Charles Dickens, the classic Christmas tales come to life in front of your eyes. Seems as though every inch of the city is covered in Christmas lights. During the holiday season you can enjoy ice-skating and Christmas choirs singing into the chilly night air. A visit to the annual Winter Wonderland and you can see ice sculptures and shop until you drop. There are several Christmas markets that offer all kind of treats, toys, souvenirs, clothing, ornaments, etc, There are shows, plays, and symphonies to get yourself in the mood for the season. There are sleigh rides and Santa's Grotto along with a stroll through the 105-acre wildlife oasis. You can hear the story of Scrooge in London's Wetland Centre. The famous store Harrods also gets a visit from Santa giving the family a chance for shopping, photos with Santa, and even real-life reindeer. You can also see real reindeer at the London Zoo along with Santa and his elves as well. The list is endless and you are sure to stay in the Christmas spirit for a long time.

For more information on traveling to Europe please visit http://www.destinationeuropeonline.com/blog/?page_id=510

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Christmas-in-Europe&id=7946826] Christmas in Europe

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7 Travel Beauty Tips

By []Michelle Blackmore

Everyone wants to feel and look good on holiday but travelling, and the sun, can take its toll on our hair and skin.

Just as you plan your itinerary on holiday, so should you plan to take care of your hair and skin, so here are some helpful travel beauty tips for when you next jet off on your next trip, be it for business or pleasure!

Moisturise Before You Fly

Keep your skin hydrated - the night before you fly, apply a heavier-than-normal moisturiser and apply again in the morning. This will help your skin combat the dehydrating effects of being in the cabin, leaving you more 'fresh faced' when you disembark.

Forget the Foundation

If you can, be prepared to ditch your usual foundation and instead just travel wearing moisturiser. Trying to wear sunscreen and foundation isn't easy. If you don't like going without foundation, one option is to take your make-up off just before you board, putting on your moisturiser, and then reapplying once you've landed if you really can't travel without a full face. Alternatively, consider a tinted moisturiser.

Blotting Paper

If you're going somewhere hot then you will be applying suntan lotion to your face. This can sometimes make even usually normal skin become greasy and oily. So travel with some facial blotting papers and gently dab your T-bar area to lift off the oil and eliminate blocked pores.

Luscious Lashes

Thick, black, luscious lashes make you look and feel amazing regardless of make-up. So wave goodbye to mascara and have individual lashes applied at a salon before you go so you look a million dollars by the pool. You'll never have to worry about mascara running down your face either.

Leave In Conditioner

If possible, use a leave-in conditioner in your hair during the day time when you're out in the hot sun, it will protect your hair from drying out and becoming brittle.

Drink Water

In hot climates you need to stay hydrated so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout your travels - whilst flying, on the beach all day and also in the evening too.

Sore, Tired Feet

To help you recover from sore and tired feet, lay down against a wall and lift your legs right up into the air, placing your bottom flush with the wall. You'll be amazed at the near instant effect this has on reviving sore and tired feet.

Michelle is a frequent traveller and contributor to http://www.help-me-park.co.uk - the meet and greet parking company at London Gatwick Airport.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?7-Travel-Beauty-Tips&id=7817697] 7 Travel Beauty Tips

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The Pompidou Centre and the Musee D'Art Moderne Museum in Paris

Nuit des musées (Musée d'art moderne de la ville de Paris) (Photo credit: dalbera)

Centre Georges Pompidou (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pompidou (Photo credit: Positive / Negative)

view from The Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Kate J Davis

The Pompidou Centre, or the official name of Centre Georges Pompidou, or the other name of Beaubourg due to where it is constructed, or if you prefer its nickname of "the inside out building" due to how the building techniques which were used to provide much space, has much to offer for all of the family.

Although the history of the Pompidou Centre shares some light onto why it is here. With the initiative of French President Georges Pompidou who longed for a free public library to gain information but also a multi-cultural centre that would become home to Musee d'Art Moderne and more.

The opinion of the Pompidou centre can vary from being hideous to some and for others being an interesting tourist attraction in Paris, which has picked up popularity over the years. With millions of visitors from around the globe who visit the Modern Art Museum and the Pompidou itself, it has become one of the top places to visit while on holiday in Paris, suitable for all ages.

Within the middle you can find Biblioteque Publique d'Information, or for short, BPI, and it is a free to use informational library which provides many documents - both visual and audio, materials and much more which are up to date. On the same floor you can also find the Mezzanine cafe.

In the centre also there is the Musee d'Art Moderne museum which showcases many different arts which over the years have accumulated to over 60,000 different pieces of work to make it the largest collection in Europe which covers both the 20th and 21st century.

Obviously as you can imagine the building is very large, but even so it cannot display all of the artworks at once so there are different exhibitions over the year. With another part of the museum found on level 4 dedicated to contemporary art and a modern art section one level higher on level 5.

This tourist attraction has an unusual construction as we mentioned it is known as the inside out building and it makes the construction of the Pompidou centre rather unique due to having all ducting, escalators etc on the outside. But in addition to the museum and library, there are also two cinemas found at the Pompidou Centre, where one is on the 1st floor and the other is in the basement level where you can go and watch a film of your choice.

Also there is an area made for children for ages twelve and below, known as the Galerie des Enfents where workshops are available. As well at the 13/16 Studio which is designed specifically for teenagers with interactive workshops and it is available for free.

In other nearby areas you can find other sections including a graphic design studio, graphic arts galleries and other sections dedicated to media and film as well as a bookshop, cafe and much more.

Centre Georges Pompidou also has a visitors lounge and various information areas for the Musee d'Art Moderne, which generally translates to the Museum of Modern Art, as well as terraces on the 5th floor and not forgetting the restaurant named Le Georges on the 6th floor which proves fantastic views across Paris.

The centre is open every day except for Tuesdays and on the 1st May. From 11am it opens through to 10pm, although on a Thursday it stayed open an hour longer for exhibitions on the 6th floor.

The Musee d'Art Moderne is open from 11am to 9pm and has the same day closings as the Pompidou centre, whereas the BPI is open from midday to 10pm on weekdays and 11am until 10pm at weekends.

The centre is also accessible for those with disabilities with the entrance for them being on Rue du Renard is needed to be used, instead of the main entrance the piazza on Place Georges Pompidou.

Although there are also themed visits which are held here throughout the year in accordance to the different temporary exhibitions which are on display at the time as well as different workshops available.

Additionally there are also documentaries and films about the artists available in the lounge of the Museum of Modern Art on the fourth floor.

Also if you wish for an audio guide you can get one at the stand beside the bookshop in either English, French, German, Spanish or Italian.

Access to the centre for all the exhibitions and museums is valid for a whole day as well as giving you access to the panoramic views of the 6th floor. And for under 18s the permanent exhibitions of them museum are free, as well as being free for everyone on the first Sunday of every month.

There is also a panorama ticket you can buy if you are more interested in the view which can be seen, although for people under 18 it is free and those under the age of 26 who are a resident of the EU are also free, and only being €3 for those who do not fall into those categories make for a great way to see out over the rooftops of Paris and possible see some of the   rel=nofollow [http://www.eutouring.com/tourist_attractions_in_paris.html]tourist attractions in Paris.

So if you are visiting for a holiday in Paris the Pompidou Centre is a great place to visit with just one of the many museums in Paris and other tourist attractions in Paris for you to visit, great for any age. [http://www.eutouring.com]www.eutouring.com - Published by Kate Davis - European traveller and author of travel to guides to Paris holidays along with research for French monuments, tourist attractions, museums and much more by helping people to get the most out of a holiday in Paris.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Pompidou-Centre-and-the-Musee-DArt-Moderne-Museum-in-Paris&id=7781885] The Pompidou Centre and the Musee D'Art Moderne Museum in Paris

8 Unique London Venues

Clare College (Photo credit: Paul Stainthorp)

English: The City of London skyline, including the Willis Building and the Broadgate Tower. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: London - The Gherkin & Canary Wharf Taken from Tower 42 (formerly NatWest Tower) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

30 St Mary Axe (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Izzy Evans

London, as England's capital city, has so much heritage and culture on offer it is not surprising that it is home to some of the best conference and dining venues in the country. From the huge and grand to the small and cosy, there will be something on offer that suits you. However, London is also home to a wide selection of venues that cannot be found anywhere else, to venues that have historical significance, a unique-selling point or are just something fresh and different. Here are a selection of 10 unique venues for those looking for a more unusual venue or for those who simply like to peruse and imagine what kind of event they would hold.

The Royal College of Physicians

The Royal College of Physicians is England's oldest medical foundation and is well known for its high standards of medical practice. However, a lesser known facet of the College is its conference and dining facilities. The building itself is in the modernist style but the rooms on offer vary in d�cor and style. The Censors' Room features a much more classic style with wood panelling while the Council Chamber is a modern circular hall with an impressive ceiling. The decoration is not the only draw, the College also has a collection of artefacts, portraits and manuscripts on display throughout the building making it a stand out venue. Events can also be held in the Medicinal Garden which is home to over 1,300 plants from the history of medicine.

30 St Mary Axe - 'The Gherkin'

30 St Mary Axe is a skyscraper in the financial district of London that has been nicknamed 'the Gherkin' by Londoners in a reference to the building's distinctive shape. The Gherkin is 180 metres tall, was opened in 2004 and has since won a number of awards for architecture. For those that want a spectacular view the Gherkin is the right choice. Searcys Restaurant and Bar covers the top floor of the building and offers fantastic 360 degree views of the London skyline. The venue is only available to members and tenants during the day but is available for hire in the evenings and at the weekends.

The Roof Gardens, Kensington

The name of this venue is not just a misleading misnomer, the venue is actually comprised of a roof garden that covers 6,000 square metres on top of the former Derry and Toms building in Kensington. The gardens are Grade II listed and are divided into three themed gardens; Spanish, Tudor and English Woodland. There are not just a vast variety of plants to see but the Gardens are home to fish and wildlife, including four resident flamingos. The Roof Gardens are open to the public but can be hired out for private events in the daytime or the evening all week excluding Saturdays which are only available during the day.

 Ladur�e

Ladur�e are a French patisserie company that specialise in making luxury cakes and pastries and are famous for their macarons. The Ladur�e premises in Covent Garden are designed to look like a vintage Parisian tea house and are available for private hire. This venue is the perfect choice for those with a sweet tooth and a love for pastels, but savoury items are also available.

IceBar

If you are looking for somewhere cool for your event, look no further than the ICEBAR. The very unique selling point of this venue is the fact that everything is made from Swedish Torne River ice. The bar is kept at -5 degrees Celsius and everything, from the glasses to the tables and the bar itself, are made from ice. Sessions in the ICEBAR last for forty minutes and each guest is given a designer cape and gloves. The venue is completely redesigned with a new theme every year. The venue also hires out heated, and less icy, dining rooms and lounges.

The Folly

The Folly is an aesthetically unique venue that brings a feeling of the outdoors to London. It describes itself as London's secret garden and has a six foot Norwegian tree trunk as a focal point. The Folly offers food and drinks but also has flower arranging classes in its flower shop and butchery classes in its deli. The Folly has a distinctive bar styled like a beehive and is decorated with a variety of plants and flowers.

Tower of London

For those looking for something different for their event or party the Tower of London may be the perfect choice. Although hundreds of years ago the Tower was a place that many people feared to go, now it is a historically fascinating and wholly unique venue. The Tower has six function rooms available for hire, these include the Martin Tower - home of the Crown Jewels - and the New Armouries. As well as having an exciting place setting for events, you can also choose to have a private viewing of the Crown Jewels or a Yeoman Warder tour as an extra.

The Cutty Sark

The Cutty Sark is probably one of the most famous, and sole surviving, clipper ships in Britain. It was built in 1869 and was used in the tea trade. The ship was badly damaged by fire in 2007 and has only recently reopened to the public after a huge restoration project. The ship has been suspended from the ground, allowing visitors and guests to walk around the ship and get the full effect of its brass hull. The huge space around the ship can be hired out for events, but spaces on board the ship, the Tween Deck and the Master's Saloon, are also available for smaller parties and events.

© Izzy Evans 2013

If you are interested in finding a venue in London for an event then you can visit [http://www.rcpevents.co.uk/]RCP Events.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?8-Unique-London-Venues&id=7806705] 8 Unique London Venues

The UK's Top 5 Tourist Destinations

English: Glasgow Necropolis; view of the city beyond. Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Downtown Edinburgh (Photo credit: Extra Medium)

English: Glasgow Necropolis; view of the city beyond. Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: The City of London skyline as viewed toward the north-west from the top floor viewing platform of London City Hall on the southern side of the Thames. In the foreground: Dixie Queen and Millennium Time at Tower Millennium Pier. This is a 5 segment panoramic image taken by myself with a Canon 5D and 24-105mm f/4L IS lens. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Glasgow Tolbooth Steeple, Trongate, Glasgow Cross, City of Glasgow, Scotland (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Linda Hurren

The UK is one of the most popular destinations for the world's tourists and within this small island are many great towns and cities that prove massively enriching for all those who travel here.

We cover here the top five most popular cities with tourists and at number one there is no real surprise.

England's capital city, London, is the most visited by a great distance. It is in fact one of the world's most popular places with tourists, not least because of the huge and diverse mix of culture, history and entertainment on display. It is a world leader in the arts and has an abundance of different destinations. One cannot begin to list the various places as they are simply too vast.

London offers tourists so much from markets to green parks, classical architecture, modern bars and clubs and so much more. Holding nearly 8 million people, the capital is a rich tapestry of different cultures and will appeal to all who travel there. It is a wealthy place, a friendly place and somewhere where there is always something new to explore and do.

Number two in the list is the capital of Scotland: Edinburgh. An ancient and fascinating city, Edinburgh is now truly cosmopolitan and encompasses everything a great city should have. From its beautiful castle to the world famous comedy festival, Edinburgh has an atmosphere all of its own. The people who live there are famously friendly and the street parties they hold are the stuff of legend. Being a university city, Edinburgh is always lively and buzzing with a toxic energy.

Third most popular with tourists on the list is Manchester. Again, it classically juxtaposes the old with the contemporary and this makes it fascinating for any visitor. With stunning architecture, great shops, libraries and theatres, Manchester is a truly global city. Manchester has seen a great deal of restructuring since the mid 1990's and as such, is a place that feels current and exciting. Tourists are spoilt for choice, and given its far more compact size to London; it doesn't feel as overwhelming to the visitor.

Often cited as Britain's second city, Birmingham is the fourth most popular tourist destination. It is a truly multi-ethnic city and boasts numerous world class arts centres and top of the range shopping facilities. Birmingham is rich with music and fun and appeals to all age groups.

The fifth most popular city is Glasgow, Scotland's largest. The former European Capital of Culture, Glasgow is a place of awesome beauty, and contains so much to see and do. Noted for its music scene, clubs and comedy, Glasgow will always be a great place to visit. http://www.efaa.co.uk/ http://www.efaa.co.uk/locat.html

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-UKs-Top-5-Tourist-Destinations&id=7797071] The UK's Top 5 Tourist Destinations

Can a Holiday Improve Your Life? If the Destination is Florence Italy, You Bet!

English: Florenace, Italy at night, seen from Michelangelo's Piazza. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The equestrian statue to Cosimo I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, by Giambologna, Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Statue of Benvenuto Cellini, Piazzale degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Donatello's genius made him an important figure in the early Italian Renaissance period. His works include St John the Baptist as a Youth, his Marzocco (the Florentine heraldic lion) and his famous mature work of the bronze David. This is located in the Bargello Palace and Museum. Français : Sculpture de David en bronze, réalisée par Donatello entre 1430 et 1432. Elle est conservée au palais du Bargello de Florence. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Glenn Aitelli
Florence Italy is in the Tuscany region about midway between Milan to the north and Rome to the South. Florence is much more than a tourist attraction. It has been Italy's center of art and politics dating back to the renaissance period and continues to make an important contribution to global culture.

Florence Italy is our favorite European city to relax and enjoy the beauty of a special city. It is a city with a combination of qualities that allows you to do everything or nothing. You will have as much fun enjoying an espresso and people watching at a Trattoria in Piazza della Republicca as you would strolling through the Bargello museum!

Travelers can enjoy all of Tuscany while staying in one place. Florence is perfectly located to be your home base while traveling to multiple towns. You are just two short hours from Rome and 1 1/2 hours from beautiful Siena. With the large number of small towns near Florence, you could easily fill up a month vacation without ever going to the same place twice!

The best time to visit Florence:

*Spring or Fall which are called the "shoulder" seasons. April and May and October and November will not only give you great weather but will also be easier on your wallet.

*The weather in the Summer months is extremely hot and the lines for all the attractions are gigantic.

*Try to avoid traveling to Florence in August, most Italians take their vacations in August and who wants to go to Italy to be surrounded by Americans?

Walking in Florence Italy enables you to see the city on a more personal level and it's also a good way to work off the excellent Florentine food! Walking through the lesser known and spooky areas of the city may be enough to make your hair stand on its end. How brave are you? Walk daily though the narrow, cobble-stoned streets lined with palaces and churches built by the architectural geniuses of the Middle ages and the Renaissance. View sculptures adorning outdoor walls and standing in the loggias of the grand piazzas.

Florence Italy is unique in that even small alleyways and courtyards are like museums with statues and frescos. Sometimes the best thing to do is put down the guide book for a day and just start walking. Just when you realize you're lost, you will discover some new piazza or neighborhood that you would never have found in a tour guide. I always ask locals where they go to eat or where they go to hear music to see how the Florentines live

Soggiorno Battistero is a charming Hotel in the heart of Florence, directly across from the Baptistery and Duomo. The hotel has simple, comfortable and large rooms at a price that even your accountant would approve of. You will get breakfast daily with the price of your room and the staff is very helpful and can assist you with restaurant reservations and advice on things to see. Hotels just next door are three times the price and don't offer the view or service that Soggiorno Battistero does. Florence is one of the greatest cities in the world and you will fall in love and long to come back again and again! http://www.Travel-To-Florence.com is owned and operated by Glenn and Jeanne Aitelli. We have traveled extensively throughout Europe but our passion is Italy. Both of us are graduates of the International Tour Management Institute in San Francisco and we are both certified Tour Directors. It is our hope that this site will not only help you plan your trip but enhance it.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-a-Holiday-Improve-Your-Life?-If-the-Destination-is-Florence-Italy,-You-Bet!&id=2675916] Can a Holiday Improve Your Life? If the Destination is Florence Italy, You Bet!

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Romantic Rome Vacations

English: Panorama of the Trevi fountain at night. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The "Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi" (Fountain of the four rivers) by Gianlorenzo Bernini in piazza Navona in Rome, Italy, topped by the "obelisk of Domitian". Picture by Radomil 28.09.2004. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: A 4x4 segment panorama of the Coliseum at dusk. Taken by myself with a Canon 5D and 50mm f/1.8 lens at f/5.6 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Spagna, Spanish Steps, Spanische Treppe in Rom (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rome (Photo credit: tejvanphotos)

By []Asma Rofik

Rome - the undying town! splendid, celebrated, significant, idealistic! Discuss a Rome vacation and romance strikes you immediately. To be on an Italian holiday and not to take a vacation in Rome is actually, seeing Italy without its heart. It is not easy to describe Rome in words - it is simply overwhelming has architectural wonders are obvious in the haughty Vatican, the huge Coliseum, the enduring Roman Forum, majestic shrines, Renaissance palaces and decorative and elaborate churches, and its ancient bell towers. Not astonishingly, our Rome vacation packages make certain that you get to walk around all the magnificent delights this mysterious and treasured city provides - the Piazza Navona, Circus Maximus, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Consequently, for a Rome holiday, there are a large number of packages, each tailored for utmost satisfaction and pleasure.
 
 Perfect Packages
 One package that is Rome Special package lets you exist every second of la dolce vita in the undying City. Take pleasure in Christmas and the New Year Italian-style with the Rome Christmas Special or Rome New Year's Special vacation tours. If you are hunting for economical vacation, there are just the kinds of Rome holiday packages you desire for. Go for the Rome break in your journey, Rome Escape, Express Rome, or Rome Getaway -- actually great vacations and hard to resist prices!
 
  Rome combo vacations
 One can even unite a Rome vacation with other great Italian cities such as Milan, Venice and Florence. There is a selection of Italian vacation packages where you can mingle two or three great Roman towns together. You can go for Rome & Florence or Rome & Venice or Florence & Venice tour. You are improbable to find enhanced value for money than these inexpensive vacation packages!

 To get pleasure from Venice in its right fortitude, Venetian Lagoon Cruise where you discover Venice and its adjoining islands in an exhilarating and reinvigorating six nights cruise that gives you lifelong memories.
 
  Historic Capitals
 If you keen to see two of the most talked-about capitals of Europe in one vacation package, we let you get an excellent combo tour of the Historic Capitals - Rome, London, and Paris jointly by Eurostar and rail.
 The holiday Packages have also been planned and tailored for the convenience of the travelers. Italy vacation packages help you discover the country at your own speed.

Author is an associate editor for [http://www.makemytrip.com/holiday-packages/]Holiday Packages. Get all possible information about [http://www.makemytrip.com/holidays-international/tour-rome-all_packages.html]Rome travel Packages and Holiday Pakcages India.We also provide nformation about online hotel reservation, Holiday Packages in India and Flights Booking in India.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Romantic-Rome-Vacations&id=3999733] Romantic Rome Vacations

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Travel Guide of Modena, Italy

'Nativity with the Two Midwives', oil on canvas painting by Pellegrino Aretusi, Galleria Estense, Modena, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Luciano Pavarotti in Vélodrome Stadium, 15/06/02. Cropped version. Français : Luciano Pavarotti au Stade Vélodrome de Marseille, France, le 15 juin 2002. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A factory of Parmigiano-Reggiano. There are two storerooms, both with 20 of these shelves. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Modena (Photo credit: Axel V)

English: Parmigiano Reggiano festival, Modena, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Balsamic vinegar drizzled over chunks of parmesan cheese, Modena, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Asma Rofik

Famous across the world for such representations as Enzo, Ferrari and Luciano Pavarotti, and gastronomical foodstuffs such as tortellini, Lambrusco wine, and balsamic vinegar, Modena is today one of the most affluent and highly developed town in the continent of Europe.

To be found in the middle of the Po valley, in one of the mainly urbanized region in the entire continent, all along the most important routes of the trading passage between Northern Europe and the Mediterranean Sea, Modena is to be found at the intersection flanked between the Brenner motorway and the Autostrada del Sole, just a few miles from the significant railway and airport junction in Bologna.

Modena is very famous for its creative and enlightening treasures such as the church, the Palace of Museums, the Ducal Palace, and the Este Gallery. You can in addition find theaters, amusements, concerts, traditional markets and exhibitions, take pleasure in the classic and well-known local food, and have a high regard for the astonishing and unusual racing cars.

Modena's past town center, with its shopping arcades, cathedral, and palaces, presents desirability for travelers and lovers of Italian art in a similar way. Its restaurants have exceptional menus with distinctive Modena dishes, and its shops provide the most excellent of Italian and foreign products.

At the present moment, Modena is set apart by a very imperative focus on auto industry like Ferrari, Maserati, Bugatti, De Tomaso, Lamborghini, etc. and earthenware industry with approximately 348 factories, as well as world renowned foodstuffs of culinary art like balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Lambrusco, and culture Opera and Este Gallery, Prosaic Theater and Library.

Planning your exceptional Honeymoon in Italy 2010
Italy is the dream place for lovers. Ideal for honeymoons and to celebrate an anniversary, you will certainly spend in Italy one of the most passionate and loving holidays in your life.

With the beginning of new life together and the couple require to celebrate it in the most perfect and ideal way. Trips to Italy want you to feel extraordinary throughout the trip,the tour that would remember the rest of your life. The people over there greet you with lot of warmth and generosity and your loved one deserve as the sites online assist you in planning an wonderful and incredible travelling experience in Italy and you will be pleased to visit an exclusive and etched in your mind Italian Honeymoon.

Author is an associate editor for [http://www.makemytrip.com/holiday-packages/]Holiday Packages. Get all possible information about Italy Tour Packages and [http://www.makemytrip.com/holiday-packages/]Holiday Packages India. We also provide information about online hotel reservation, Holiday Packages in India and Flights Booking in India.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Travel-Guide-of-Modena,-Italy&id=3999917] Travel Guide of Modena, Italy
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