Italy Travel Tours

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An Italy travel consultant can save the travelers to Europe a lot of headaches and lost enjoyment by guiding them around any problems that might be present. With the way the economies of the world are on shaky ground, having an insight to what is occurring in a country can be very beneficial.

Like most European countries, there are labor strikes in Italy. Luckily, they are mainly restricted to the larger cities like Rome. Your consultant will be aware of this and can help plan your trip around any trouble spots that might be taking place. In addition, most strikes only last a day or two so scheduling a trip when no planned strikes are going to take place is possible.

Other advantages of having a travel consultant is that they will know when the harvests of the grapes are scheduled and the releasing of new wine vintages are taking place. This way, the best possible wine tasting tour can be arranged.

With over 1000 festivals, timing your arrival during festival season can be made possible. These festivals take place year round, but a majority of them are held during the summer months. Knowing when and where to go can make your trip more enjoyable.

For those that want to avoid the crowds, timing is also important. The month of June is when most workers across Europe go on holiday and visit the beaches. With Italy being the southernmost region of Europe and having the vast area of beaches available, most Europeans on holiday venture there.

These are just  a few of the ways that your Italy travel consultant can assist you with on your travel plans that will help you get the most out of your next visit to Italy.

When packing Italy travel clothes, many would-travelers, especially women, get a little anxious at what clothes to bring. We all know that Italians are, almost to a person, a fashionable lot.  But as a tourist traveling to Italy, you do not have to spend a fortune in designer frocks either to feel like you fit in as a traveler in Italy. Do not be too overly concerned with looking “out of style.” Wearing habits are the result of culture-rooted traditions.

Check the weather forecast. Keep in mind the temperatures can vary widely from north to south of the peninsula. Look at the temperature average of the destinations you are going to visit before packing your luggage.

It is worth spending time, and money, to get the right comfortable shoes even if you just plan to walk in the cities. Consider the sidewalks and streets paved with cobblestones you have to face for your visits to museums, churches, archeological sites, and historical areas. Narrow and climbing streets are typical features of historical centers in Italy, whether in the large cities as well as in small towns. However, buy your shoes in advance and break them in before your holiday starts if you plan on bringing a new pair of shoes.

Pack tops and bottoms that you can mix and match. Keep them comfortable, loose-fitting, and easily washable. Pack short-sleeves or pretty tank tops and a couple of longer-sleeved layers. Remember that you are required to avoid shorts, tops, or similar clothing that reveal too much skin when visiting churches and monasteries. Bring a lightweight jacket for rain or chill, or a couple of long silk scarves which will add some pizzazz to a mundane look, as well as keep you cozy if the weather turns a bit chilly. Include at least one dressy outfit for a night out on the town.

Whatever your fashions sense, remember to travel light when thinking of what Italy travel clothes to pack.  We want you to enjoy whichever of the Italy Travel Tours you decide to take.

Your Italy travel checklist is a very important item that should not be discounted because it is inconvenient. It should be remembered that you are traveling to a foreign country where the laws are different, and what is readily available is not the same as in America.

Your passport will not be hard to remember but there are other items that, if forgotten, could mean more than discomfort during your trip. Any medication should be on the top of your checklist. Just in case something happens, you should take twice the amount needed and have them in two separate bags. This way you will be assured to have a readily available supply.

Another personal item that should be thought of is if you wear prescription eyeglasses. It would be a shame to be somewhere new and not be able to see it clearly. A spare pair of glasses is recommended.

Personal hygiene products vary from country to country. It would be uncomfortable to have a rash while visiting Italy. To help avoid this, you should bring your own soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. Shaving products and feminine hygiene products are also advisable to bring.

Along with your passport, your driver’s license should be readily available. Most countries, including Italy, allow visitors to drive as long as they have a valid license from their home country.

The documentation of your insurance might be needed. This should be included in your belongings that travel with you. This should include both health and travel insurance.

If you want to take any electronic equipment or electrical items, keep in mind that Italy uses 220 volts. Most power converters for cell phones and computers are capable of being used there, but hair dryers and curling irons will not.

The last thing on your Italy travel checklist should be how you are leaving your home. The lights should be set on timers and have a neighbor pick up the mail and newspapers. If your home looks vacant, the chances for an intrusion are increased.

A simple check of your list will make your vacation to Italy a most pleasant memory.  Have fun!

When visiting Italy, travel tips should be known. For most visitors, this is a foreign country that most have only read about in history books, and seen in movies.

For American citizens, entry to the country of Italy is regulated under the Schengen agreement. In this document, Americans entering the country of Italy for tourism or business reasons can stay for a period of 90 days without a visa.

When traveling around Italy, you should be aware there are areas around many of the historical centers that have limited traffic. If an unauthorized vehicle crosses into one of these areas, a picture of their license plate is taken and a ticket is sent to the vehicle owner. These areas are limited to buses, police cars, and ambulances. These areas are identified with a white sign that has a red circle on it. The words “zona traffico limitato” are also present. In most cases, the hours of this limitation are stated below the sign.

The speed of a vehicle is also closely monitored by an electronic system called the Autovelox. If your vehicle exceeds the posted speed by 5%, a ticket will be issued. This system is on most major highways and many auxiliary roads.

In northern and central Italy, topless sunbathing is a common occurrence, but only on the beaches. The south is more conservative and most ladies keep their tops on, but it is not required by law.  Be sure to bring plenty of sun tan oil or sun block as the sun is very powerful on the beaches here.

Dress comfortably in light clothes but have a sweater or wind breaker handy for the evening hours.

These are just a few Italy travel tips you should be aware of when making plans to visit Italy.

For Italy travel, June is the most popular month of the year. This is when everyone seems to go to Italy for a holiday. The weather is fantastic and the towns are filled with festivals. Because of the crowds, some of the prices are higher with the airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies but that is just the old economics of supply and demand.

Besides the great sunny and warm weather, there are over 5000 festivals, historical re-enactments, and sagre or feast festivals that take place every year. The month of June has the greatest number of these celebrations, which is what attracts the big crowds.

The month of festivals starts off with the Festa della Repubblica on June 2nd. The Corpus Domini is celebrated 60 days after Easter which falls in the month of June each year. On the 24th of June, the Feast Day of San Giovanni is celebrated. All three of these festivals are celebrated in numerous towns across Italy. In Rome, the Pope leads a procession from Rome’s Cathedral to Santa Maria Maggiore.

The Sunday after Corpus Domini, there is a flower petal festival called Infiorata where art displays are exhibited to the public in many towns across Italy.

On June 16th, the Luminara of Saint Ranieri is celebrated in the town of Pisa. After night fall, the buildings along the river and the bridges are illuminated with over 70,000 lighted candles in small glass holders. The following day is the feast of Saint Ranieri which is the patron saint of the town of Pisa. Also on the 17th is the Regatta of Saint Ranieri. In this race, all four districts of Pisa are represented and it is held on the Arno River.

The last week in June, there is the International Ceramics Festival in Montelupo, Tuscany, and the Medieval Festival in Umbrian of Bevagna.

This is just a partial list of what you can expect in your Italy travel. June is the month to become an Italian for a short time and enjoy the good life.  It is not too late to contact: Tuscany with Me and take in some of these excellent festivals.

Many Americans take Italy travel tours to Tuscany, but where do you begin to absorb all that this region has to offer?  Tuscany means different things to different people.

Some people associate Tuscany with olives and the many products made with this ancient fruit.  Chief among them is olive oil and there are hundreds of farms, both large and small, that press the nectar from the olive to produce a staple of cuisine; olive oil.

Recognizing the allure of watching ages-old artisan techniques, some groves now open their operations to visitors.

Tuscany also means wine and the famous “wine road” of Chianti is another popular activity for travelers.  Your tour guide will take your intimate group to the many vineyards around Greve, including Casaloste and Villa S. Andrea.  You’ll learn how 21st century technology meets practices hundreds of years old to produce world-class wine.

Fine art is how some people define Tuscany.  There is no greater collection of Renaissance art in the world than what can be found in Florence.  Michelangelo’s “David”, considered by many to be the greatest statue in the world is a must-see, however there are lesser known works hidden throughout this city and your knowledgeable guide will help you discover it.

Perhaps the simple geographical and historical beauty of Tuscany is what you desire most.  In that case, your guide will have many options for you.  Would you like to explore one of the most scenic places in the world?  Then Cinque Terre is for you.  Consisting of five towns, Cinque Terre is navigable by boat, train, car and foot, depending upon your activity goal.

Whatever you seek in Tuscany, your guide will be ready with information, organization and a wealth of English-speaking help to make your Italy travel tours a memorable experience.  Check with Federica Merli at TuscanyWithMe.it to help you design the perfect tour of Northern Italy.

There are Northern Italy tours that are economical with transportation by train and bus. For those that want something a little more intimate, there are also guided tours in the back of a limousine with your own private chauffeur. The choice is yours considering the amount of money you are willing to spend.

Regardless of the mode of transportation you have decided to use, the places will be the same. The northern part of Italy has many villages and historical sites that are enjoyed by travelers from around the world. One site most travelers stop and see is Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. This famous painting is located on the back wall in the dining hall at Santa Maria delle Grazie which is located in Milan.

Also located in the north is the town of Saint Francis where masterpieces created by Giotto and Cimabue can be found. This town has other mystical qualities with the ancient walls still standing to help transport tourists to a long ago time.

For those wishing to ski or go mountain climbing, the Italian Alps are located at the northern extreme of the country, or the beautiful water roads of Venice can be enjoyed.

The temperature in this upper region is also ideal for the growing of grapes which is why so many of the best wineries are located here.

Lake Orta is the place for romance. The tiny village of Orta San Giulio on the lake’s edge is the destination for many Italian couples as the perfect place for their wedding. On the lake is the island of San Giulio that is the home of many monks from the Benedictine Monastery of Mater Ecclesiae.

These are just a few examples of what is in store for tourists on the many Northern Italy tours that are available.

Contact Federica Merli of TuscanyWithMe.it to design the perfect customized tour of Italy for  your favorite vacation of a lifetime.

The northern Italy travel destinations    do not include the famed Rome, but there is so much more than that old empire’s capital that Italy has to offer. One of the most luxurious places in all of Italy is Liguria or the Italian Riviera. This is the smallest of the 22 regions in Italy but for its size, there is more than enough to see. This is also where the city of Genoa is located.

The most prosperous industrial region is Lombardy, located in the northwestern part of the country. This is a rugged mountain area, along with wide stretching plains. This is the region where Milan is located. The Lake region is also here, along with the Italian Alps which reach for the sky.

In the northeastern part of the country is the famed Venice. Most visitors to this part of the country arrive in Milan and take the scenic 175-mile train ride to Venice. While on this route, travelers will pass through Brescia, Verona, Vicenza, and Padua.

In Brescia, there are Roman ruins and the Monastery of Santa Giulia with three churches in its walls.

Verona is the world famous setting of Romeo and Giulietta. This is also referred to as the Florence of the North, due to its valuable art.

Vicenza is the home town of the famous architect Palladio.

The oldest botanical garden in all of Europe is in Padua. This town is so close to Venice many visitors stay here and take the day train when they wish to visit the city.

If a straight shot from Milan to Venice is preferred, then the train ride will last less than 3 hours, but there is so much in between as northern Italy travel destinations along the way.

Our sponsor, Tuscany with me, will provide the most memorable vacation ever, give them a call.

With vacations to Italy reasonably priced due to the fall of the euro, now might just be the right time to go. Unlike neighboring Greece, Italy is still open for visitors with just as much history and better wine.

The current exchange rate of 1 Euro to 1.2824 US dollar is most favorable. This dropping of the exchange rate started 5 months ago and should continue throughout the summer.

With this favorable exchange rate, places like the ancient Roman coliseum are less expensive to experience. The waterways of Venice can now be further explored with a private gondola, and the country side where twilight evenings in Tuscany are more enjoyable.

When in the Tuscany region, remember not only was the area controlled by the Romans 2000 years ago, but before them were the Etruscans. You can step back 3000 years when you visit the ancient town of Volterra, which was an Etruscan stronghold.

In the town of Volterra are the small cobblestone alleyways that the ancient people walked while living their lives. You can see and purchase their ancient funeral urns along with works of art from the master carvers of Alabaster.

If a medieval castle is more to your liking, then a visit to Chianti should be on your list of places to visit. This is in the Florence region of Tuscany. While there, you can visit the two wineries that made this area famous.

One of the best things about Italy is all the history a tourist can see while staying in 3 or 4 star hotels that have all the comforts of home each night. Vacations to Italy are like stepping back in time but with an internet connection, so you will never be out of touch with reality.

Give Federica Merli, at TuscanyWithMe.it, a call or send her an email for a preferred custom Italian vacation plan.

Some northern Italy group tours go to famous places, but others find tucked away, out of the way locations for a unique and memorable experience.

For example, on Via Aggiunti in San Sepolcro in Arezzo, you’ll find a civic museum with collections from the 14th century till today.  These civic items include frescoes and sinopites from churches of the town.

Another unusual stop is the convent verna in Chiusi Della Verna, also in Arezzo.  Your host will usher you in on the A1 highway to local road SS 71.  Or, your group may wish to experience the thrill of European train travel and arrive by rail.

The convento complex consists of several buildings, primarily the Franciscan sanctuary which houses several churches in a row.  The Santa Maria degli Angeli is notable for the two altars decorated by Andrea Della Robbia.  Be sure to dress respectfully when visiting Italian churches.

The Public Museum of Medieval and Modern Art is located on Via San Lorentina in Arezzo.  Collectors of majolica decorative items will find a stunning display from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.  Ask your tour guide to point out the 16th century basin highlighting St. Matthew, and a Chinese flask from the 14th century.  There are painting and other pictures by Giovanni Fattori, Adriano Cecioni and Telemaco Signorini.

In the town of Camaldoli in Arezzo is the Sacro Eremo di Camaldoli, an example of 11th century hermitage architecture in the Camaldoli forest.  The building includes a sheltered area of approximately 20 “cells” along four paths, and a church, chapter house, a refectory, guest rooms and a library.

Lastly, your guide will recommend a beautiful park and nature reserve called the Valle Dell’ Inferno.  This area is home to fish which are all but extinct elsewhere as well as several species of birds of Tuscany, proving northern Italy group tours have something to offer everyone.

Click through to our sponsor’s website.  Send Federica an email and ask her what she thinks would be best for the type of holiday you want in an Italy Travel Tour.