Welcome, northern Italy tours have never been more affordable and exclusive now that you’ve found out about Tuscany with Me.

Our friend Federica Merli was born and raised in Tuscany, is fluent in English and German and, with extensive work experience in public relations for an Italian winery, is now completing her certification as a Sommelier.  If you’ve experienced the Wine regions of the U.S., you’re ready to travel the ancient Wine Road of Italy.

But you won’t want to limit your trip to Tuscany to just the wineries.  Federica is an authority on all the best Northern Italy has to offer.  Tell her of your interests and she will research them in advance to provide your small group with the most personalized and exclusive customer service available in all of Europe.

Whether it’s a guided half day tour, full day excursion, or an entire week or two of touring, Federica can create a suitable itinerary with each person in mind.  If you’re planning a honeymoon, the celebration of retirement, a family reunion or if you simply want to gather a small group of friends or colleagues, there’s something for everyone in Italy and Federica will help you to find it.

Have you ever considered a trip to an olive grove where you can see the presses at work creating the finest olive oil in the world?  Or how about a tour devoted just to gourmet food?  You might want to devote a day to shopping where Federica will cut through the tourist traps and take you to the places the locals call authentic and a good deal.

Italy invented spas and the Italians are still pampering guests with the finest techniques and treatments in the world.   And for an adventure you may never have thought of, Federica highly recommends a tour of a white marble quarry, the same quarry used by Michelangelo beginning in the year 1500. You’ll never look at marble in the same way again.

The euro is decreasing in value against the dollar, making a European vacation the most affordable in 20 years.  So gather your group, update your passports and start planning your custom Northern Italy tours today.

These Italy travel hints are to assist any travelers to this wonderfully romantic European country to have a more enjoyable time during their brief stay. The busy season in Italy is between June and September. For this reason if you are traveling there at this time expect crowds and some lines at the major destinations.

With all things in economics, when the demand is higher, the prices are higher. Expect a small price increase on hotels, car rentals and other amenities when there during this time of the year.

Because of the crowds, certain precautions should be taken so your vacation is not marred by an unpleasant event like the loss of money. Travelers checks can be replaced if stolen, but it would be better to just keep them.

To help do this make it difficult for pick pockets to have access to them. By either not carrying a wallet or placing it in your front pocket, chances are you will make it impossible for someone to place their hand on your money.

When packing for the trip, remember you will be making purchases of some cloths while you are there. In addition you will be carrying what you pack. Many of the hotels in the smaller cities do not have elevators and the main form of transport is trains. A back pack should be sufficient. Traveling lite will give you more energy to explore Italy.

Do a little research on the places you wish to visit before you leave. There are statues that are only visible at low tide to see if you know about them and islands with monasteries that have nightly prayer vigils. By having a good plan, more things can be seen which generally translates to a better trip.

The most important of all the Italy travel hints is to have fun and enjoy yourself while visiting this historic country. It will be a trip to remember.

The well known Italy travel highlights are pretty much a given. This includes Rome, Venice, and the Italian Riviera. With over 20 million visitors a year, more and more sites are becoming popular tourist attractions.

This is how the leaning tower of Pisa became a tourist attraction. It is unique, one of a kind and has become a World Heritage site. This tower was constructed in 1173, but there are many buildings older than this in Italy.

What most people come to see, at least on their first visit, are the old Roman ruins to give visitors a feel for how much Rome has expanded from this time. One of the oldest is the Pantheon. The construction on this temple was started in 27 BC. When it was constructed, the Pantheon was on the outskirts of Rome. Because of fires, the present day Pantheon is the third one that has been built. The present day building was rebuilt starting in 126 AD. This building has been in continuous use since it was first constructed. Since the 7th century, it has been a Roman Catholic Church that is dedicated to Saint Mary and the Martyrs.

The Roman Coliseum was constructed in 80 AD.  It too has seen the effects of fire and earthquakes that have left it in disrepair. It had been in continuous use until the early 19 century when finally, because of the numerous earthquakes and fires, it has become only a place for tourists and as a sacred place where so many Christians were sacrificed.

There are also the canals of Venice where over 400 bridges crossing the waterways can be found. Florence is in the heart of Tuscany. This is home to the renaissance period where works from Machiavelli and Michelangelo can be found.

Sorrento is the kind of Italian town that most people think of when imagining Italy. This city overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea, on top of high cliffs.

These are just a few of the better known Italy travel highlights. With so much to see, it is nearly impossible to mention them all.

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.