Italy Travel Tours

Posts Tagged ‘Vacations to Italy’

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.

Thanks to the internet, Italian vacations are easy to plan right from your own home.  In fact, many travelers believe the fun begins with the click of a mouse as soon as they begin their research.  Here are some tips to make your trip go smoothly.

First, know how to pay for things.  Italy is part of the European Union and it uses the Euro as currency.  There are several online sources available right from your cell phone to convert U.S. dollars to Euros.

You will see Euros listed quite differently than prices in America.  The commas and periods are reversed.  What is $2.25 in the U.S. is 2,25 in Euros.  Conversely, $1,900.00 will appear as 1.900.  You will find sales associates very patient with you as long as you present a friendly demeanor for your transaction.

That leads to another important consideration for travel throughout Europe.  Most Europeans speak English better than Americans speak other languages, but it is important to try some conversational Italian.  As long as you attempt to converse in the language of your hosts, you will find them more than happy to take it from there.

ATM machines in Italy are called Bancomats and they appear different from their American counterparts, especially those in smaller cities and towns.  In Italy the ATMs are located outside the bank in a glass enclosure.  This allows the machines to be accessed 24 hours per day.  Oftentimes you’ll need to use your ATM card to gain access to the enclosure which is excellent security to have you in there exclusively.

Be aware of your surroundings when accessing cash in the ATM.  Some of these locations are hot spots for thieves looking to rob tourists.   With a little vigilance and attention, vacations to Italy will have a happy ending with a lifetime of good memories.

Traveler’s vacations to Italy needn’t be complicated or overwhelming.  With a little time and research, anyone can plan an excellent trip that will provide a lifetime of memories.

First of all, begin by asking friends and colleagues about their experiences in Europe.  Do they have a travel agent they recommend or did they rely on a website for their planning?  More and more vacationers are turning to the web for all their research, whether it’s the history of the country, flight schedules or prices and hotels and itineraries.

Americans often book trips to Rome, Florence and Venice, and with good reason.  These ancient cities are the cultural capitals of Italy housing centuries old works of art in classic structures built for the ages.  Likewise, the cuisine in these cities is remarkable.  You won’t go home hungry.

However you would do yourself an injustice to overlook the lesser known villages in this beautiful country.  Rustic and charming, life in the places off the beaten path is often the most memorable.   Locals welcome tourists to their little corner of the world and it is not uncommon to be invited into the home or vineyard of an Italian-born citizen.  The Italians take great pride in their offerings and are eager to share.

If you are not invited into a private home or winery, why not give your tired feet a break with an afternoon spent at an outdoor café.  Europeans have talked politics and gossip from the little metal chairs and tables that are set out in all weather except rain.

If you plan to travel extensively in the country you will want to enlist the services of a local guide, many of whom are on the internet.  They make vacations to italy pleasurable and stress-free and would be happy to serve you.  We recommend that you contact “Tuscany with Me” for a fabulous and unforgettable vacation.