Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Torre pendente di Pisa in Italian) or just the Tower of Pisa is a free-standing bell tower or Campanile of the cathedral in the Italian city of Pisa. Located behind the cathedral, it is the third oldest structure in Pisa’s Cathedral Square or Piazza del Doumo.

Intended to stand vertically, like any other structure, the tower unfortunately started leaning to the southeast immediately after the construction was completed. Investigations revealed that poor foundation work and loose soil were chiefly responsible for this architectural fault. However this fault is precisely what has made this structure so famous and a tourist attraction.

Since the tower leans at an angle of 3.97º, its height varies in terms of the lean. In other words, the height of the tower is 183.27 ft from the ground on the lowest side, while it measures 186.02 ft on the highest side. The tower weighs approximately 14,500 metric tons or 16,000 short tons. And there are 294 steps to the top.

Even though Pisa is synonymous with its Leaning Tower, but to be honest about it, it is just one of the many beautiful monuments in Campa dei Miracoli, which is the city main square. As a matter of fact, Pisa has many historical sites - there are many other wonderful examples of architectural splendor, known as “Pisan Romanesque” and marked by their black and white marble fascia.

Since most of Pisa has managed to retain its medieval past, evidencing history that is as colorful as it is interesting, it has transformed Pisa into a city of marvels. It is worthwhile taking a tour of the famous and interesting sites of Pisa. And if you are visiting Florence to see this amazing city, you must always come to Pisa, which is just a short while away from Florence.

The regular Pisa Tour starts from the Cathedral square or Piazza dei Miracoli which is dominated by the world famous Leaning Bell Tower and ending at Piazza dei Cavalieri, the ancient market place and the San Matteo National Museum that has preserved many medieval and renaissance work of art.

The tour covers many buildings that were built between 11th and 14th century AD following an eclectic architectural style known as ‘Pisano’ having strong influences from Arabian, Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic form of art. The tour also includes the religious centre in the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Monumental cemetery and the Leaning Tower.

Grand Canal, Venice

The Grand Canal (Canal Grande In Italian) is the principal canal in Venice, forming one of the major water-traffic corridors in the city. While public transport includes water buses and private water-taxis, tourists usually ply the canal in richly decorated gondolas. The Grand Canal at one end leads into the lagoon close to the Santa Lucia Railway Station, and the other end leads into the Saint Mark Basin. In between the two ends, the canal makes a lengthy S-shape through the central districts of Venice. The canal is approximately 3,800 m long, varying between 30 and 90 m in width and has an average depth of 5m.

The banks of the Grand Canal are lined with numerous buildings, palaces, strongholds and turrets, showcasing the wealth and affluence of the owners that were responsible for creating the Republic of Venice. Among some of the notables are Palazzi Barbaro, Palazzo Dario, Palazzo Barbarigo, Ca’ Rezzonico, Ca’ d’Oro and Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, that houses Peggy Guggenheim Collections. The churches along the Grand Canal consist of the Basilica of Santa Maria Della Salute and a few more. Regattas are performed along the canal every year to perpetuate historical events of significance and tradition.

Since most of the city’s water-traffic floats through the canal instead of across it, there were no bridges across the canal until the 19th century except the Rialto Bridge. However, two more bridges namely, the Ponte degli Scalzi and the Ponte dell’ Accademia has been built now. A fourth bridge, Ponte della Costituzione, designed by Santiago Calatrava has recently been commissioned to connect the train station to the vehicle-open area of Piazzale Roma. Nevertheless, local people still prefer taking the ferry ride across the Grand Canal by standing up on the deck of a gondola called the Traghetto.

Visitors to Venice enjoy gondola rides on the Grand Canal as this seems to be the best way of discovering the natural, architectural and scenic beauty of this romantic city. A trip to Venice is a must in a lifetime, and a gondola ride is a must when you are in Venice.

Capri Island

‘Capri is a sun kissed island’, remarked the American actress and pop singer Lindsay Lohan on her first visit to the Italian island of Capri. And she is no exception – any other 18 year old sweet something or even her mother would have said the same thing. However, the charms of Capri may prove different when compared to the usual ‘sun and sea’ vacation spots offered by Honeymoon tour operators. Peace and tranquility rules supreme in Capri where all modes of vehicular traffic remain fully suspended.

Even though this serene island resort has been receiving visitors for little more than two thousand years (Caesar Augustus was the first royalty to discover the charms of Capri when he visited the island in 29 BC), Capri remains youthful even today. And because of the restriction imposed on mechanized traffic on the island, it has become a hiker’s paradise. Tourists accustomed to automobiles find exhilaration running through their veins, ambling through Capri’s undisturbed pathways.

What To See In Capri

Stride uphill to reach the Villa Jovis at the top of Mount Tiberius, the headquarters of the Roman Emperor by the same name who seemingly enjoyed punishing criminals in the most bizarre ways. The ill-fated victim was flung to the sea from an overhanging cliff and thus ending his life in the cruelest fashion. Today of course, this is mere tittle-tattle and all that remains of the villa of death are stony ruins silently lamenting the spiteful past.

To experience the most exhilarating entertainment that Capri is famous for, involves entering into a cavern half submerged within the sea and is known as the Blue Grotto. This entails lying flat on your back to clear the low entrance to the cave. But once inside, an ethereal blue light engulfs the whole of the cave which is caused by a thin sliver of sunlight filtering through the narrow entrance, first reflected and then refracted through the limestone cliffs hanging outside. It is indeed a lifetime experience not to be missed under any circumstances.

However, Capri also offers elegant dining and shopping for the visitor. The Piazza Umberto I, locally known as the Piazetta is where most of the sidewalk cafes are located. And like 24-hour coffee shops, these are open all through the day and night. Make yourself comfortable at any of these snack bars and order local dishes that are quite tasteful and health.

Wine Tasting in Italy

Italy’s Tuscany and Veneto regions, famed for their ruby red wines that are endowed with immaculate color and superb aroma. Apart from its widespread reputation in the fashion world, Italy is also famed for its exotic vineyards and world-class wines that are born out of a classical combination of Sangiovese vine and customary cannaiolo, malvasia, trebbiano vines. So it is no wonder that thousands of wine lovers from all over the world flock to these regions for wine testing every year.

Now, there are two ways of doing it – either you plan it on your own or come through specially organized wine Tasting Package Tours offered by many Italian tour operators. Some of these are quite flexible, providing you the opportunity of customizing the tour to your pocket and taste. Nevertheless, whatever way you may choose, you are going to explore the enchanting vineyards and wineries of Tuscany including Chianti, Classico, Montalbano, Colli Fiorentini and Rufina. And don’t forget to visit some of the well-liked Chianti vineyards to taste their delectable product that is well appreciated all over the world as one of the finest Red Wines.

But your wine tasting in Italy is not over yet. Tell your tour operator to take you to the famed vineyards and wineries of Euganean Hills, Valpolicella and especially to Conegliano which is well-known for its Prosecco di Coneglino wines. And of course you must also visit the wine producing regions in Italy that include the Collio region known for its dazzling Whit Wine, Suavignon; Friuli Region, Valpolicella, Montalcino and Montepulciano – inimitable wines ever produced in Italy or elsewhere.

While we are on the subject, it may be relevant to tell you not to concentrate only on the wines; spread you eyes and look at the compelling sceneries all around you. Some of the Italian vineyards are as picturesque as postcard graphics that fills the heart with sublime views of the nature, so rare to come across in our day to day city life. Cheerio, and best of luck for a happy wine tasting holiday in fairyland Italy.

Luxury Villas in Italy

Italy is known for many exotic items that include cars like Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Ferrari, Maserati, Ghia, Lombardi and many more. Yet at the same time, Italy is also known for its world-class luxury villas ensconced among breathtaking settings. You will find them in scenic Tuscany, Venice, Sicily and Sardinia in this spectacular country. Most of these luxury villas are built amidst picturesque surroundings far from the madding crowd. Indeed they offer you the most perfect retreat to savor a relaxing holiday.

These luxury villas provide elite-class customized service along with traditional Italian hospitality not to be found even in 5-star hotels all over the world. In some cases where an Italian nobleman’s personal villa is rented out to special guest, the arrangements are nothing less than royal regal.

Most luxury Italian villas are equipped with central air conditioning, Satellite TV, IDD telephones, high speed internet connectivity while their bathrooms are fitted with princely amenities that include Jacuzzi, sauna and automatic massagers. Some villas have in-house chauffer-driven automobiles for exclusive use of the guests.

There are some who believe that Italy has the largest number of such luxury villas in Europe. In fact, almost every region of the country boasts of elite-class villas. While the luxury villas in Tuscany are well-known for their picturesque landscape and world-class hospitality, those in Florence, Cortona, Siena, Venice and a lot more other places provide unmatched personalized comfort to guests throughout the year.

You can stay in stunning lake-side villas, sea-facing villas or countryside villas, all equally comfortable and guest-friendly. Explore your villa holiday tour to select the right one that suits you best. If you like walking or cycling, go for a serene countryside solitary villa that has its own sidewalk. If on the contrary, you prefer excitement and stimulation; your choice should be aimed at townhouse villas. In fact, there is a villa in Italy for persons of all qualities and taste – it is the selection issue that makes all the difference.

So, next time you are visiting Italy, get in touch with Luxury Villa Booking agents and book your luxury villa wherever you want in picture postcard Italy.

Valle di Templi

In simple English, it means Valley of the Temples, and it is located in old Sicily. The archaeological splendor of Italy is beautifully reflected in the vale or valley where you can find the remains of several stupendous Greek temples that were mostly built during 5th century BC and have survived the ravages of war, religious hatred and natural calamities.

History often plays amazing games, especially when millenniums cover events, as had happened in the case of these colossal monuments. Rivalry between the Carthaginians and Romans had once reached to such heights that most of the temples were set ablaze by the former, only to be restored to their former glory by the latter a century later. The subsequent state of disrepair was mostly due to seismic disorder and apathy on part of the local administration but had eventually received adequate preservation facilities at a much later date. The only edifice that somehow stands in its former glory is the Temple of Concord that was unceremoniously converted into a Christian Church at a later date.

All the temples in the valley or whatever remains of them face the rising sun (East facing) with the sole idea that the earliest rays of the golden orbit will worship the images of God in no uncertain manner. Constructed mostly in limestone, the edifices tend to provide exceptionally impressive sight to visitors who drive down to the precincts. At sunset, the picture turns more dramatic with a warm golden hue spreading all over them.

A half-day walking tour of the Valley of the temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site will easily cover most of the temples that include that of Hera, Concordia, Herakles, Zeus and the sanctuary of Chtonian deities. On your next trip to Italy do not forget to visit the Valley of Temples.

Rome - The Eternal City

Unlike the city of Babylon that rose to glory and then died a natural death, some cities just refuse to die. These are simply eternal cities. Varanasi in India and Rome in Italy are sources of such eternal wonder. Surprisingly enough, both of these two cities have roots in religion and enjoy the favor of ever flowing rivers (Tiber in the case of Rome and Ganges that flows past Varanasi) while the vagaries of Euphrates/Tigris regrettably destroyed Babylon.

Rome, for more than five centuries, was one of the most powerful and enchanting cites of the western world, most of which was spent serving as the capital of the Roman Empire. However, it began to feel the twinge of decline during the third century that continued right up to the 4th and the 5th when the capital was shifted from Rome. Gone were all the hustle and bustle, construction of roads and bridges and many other developmental works that came to a grinding halt following the transfer of the centre of power.

But the city recovered soon by becoming the capital of the catholic world. The wife of Emperor Constantine reportedly bestowed to the church what was to become San Giovanni in Laterano and thus the sanctuary turned into the centre of perpetual papal power. A greater milestone was added by the end of the 4th century when the Basilica of Saint Peter was built at the site of the death and burial of Saint Peter. And as a result, Rome became an important centre of pilgrimage in whole of Europe and started flourishing again. New churches and sanctuaries were built with the money the pilgrims brought with them. Pope was re-installed and all went well.

However, the Napoleonic war of the early 19th century brought disaster to Rome once again. Pope was expelled but when he returned after the restoration he had to face public discontents that led to rebellions. Nevertheless, these were eventually crushed with the help of French troops and papal power was once more restored and Rome thrived again.

Strange, as it may sound, when the rest of Italy got together under Piedmont’s rule during 1859-60, Rome was left alone, thanks to the presence of French troops in the city and stranger still how Rome again became the capital of Italy through the birth of the young state. And this time things really began to take shape. The “new” or the “Third Rome” not only recovered all its former glory but also spread its wings to cover new territories and thus turned into a sprawling city teeming with vitality and vigor.

Cinque Terre

To me, the whole of Italy appears to be a hiker’s paradise. From the Land of the Sirens across the magnificent Amalfi Coastline you may hike to the delightful nearby towns of Positano, Praaiano, Ravello and a few others, each of which having its own distinctive feature and cuisine. Or, if you happen to be a seasoned hiker, you may love to follow dodgy mountain trails, taking the help of Via Ferrata through the Dolomites in the north eastern Italy.

However, when hiking through the Cinque Terre, the famed five villages on the Ligurian coat in Western Italy, you sure will forget about all others. Hikers all over the world would be happy to know that although all the five villages comprising Cinque Terre are linked together by a series of hiking trails, all forms of vehicular traffic are forbidden to enter the hiking zone. However, the trails range from fairly simple to quite difficult. Nevertheless, most of them go wandering up precipitous mountain regions covered by enchanting vineyards or offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Now, let me be a little more evocative so that you may be able to appreciate some of the significant points of the hike. Although the trail that runs from Monterossa al Mare to Veranazza is quite a pleasant track that goes through some of the finest Italian vineyards over stony structures along the coastline, the one that goes from Veranazza to Corniglia can be considered as difficult to negotiate. Even though there are handrails to provide support at a few places, you may still need a walking stick as a precautionary measure. Of course, hiking boots or well fitting tennis shoes would provide added help. By the way, in taking the trail you are not entering into any kind of competition or winning any prize money and so, why not take it easy? Take an occasional break and relax. Sit down and enjoy the sublime beauty around you that nature has bestowed for soothing your nerves.

With the exception of the trail linking Veranozza and Corneglia that runs away from the water path, leading you through the high cliffs much above the sea most of the primary trails offer magnificent views of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. And on a sunny day the colors run riot.

Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius

Pompeii is a ruined and mostly buried Roman city that is situated about 8 miles from the volcanic Mount Vesuvius in the Italian region of Campania. It is close to Napoli or the modern day Naples. On a hot afternoon in August, 79 AD Mount Vesuvius literally blew up its crest, spewing tons of molten lava that engulfed Pompeii along with its sister city Herculaneum resulting in complete destruction of both the cities and total loss of life.

Even though details of this disastrous destruction was recorded by those who had accidentally survived the holocaust, both Pompeii and Herculaneum remained lost for more than 1600 years before their fortuitous discovery in 1592. Since then periodic excavations have been undertaken and this finally unearthed the tragedy that happened so many years ago. The excavation also provided glimpses of how people lived during the hey day of the Roman Empire. However, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has now become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, and it is visited by thousands of tourists from across the world.

“Explore legendary Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius, the only active volcano in continental Europe”, eulogize some of the tour operators, “on a full-day guided tour from Naples”. It includes “both a guided tour of Pompeii’s haunting ruins plus a climb to the smoking summit of the volcanic Mt. Vesuvius,” it reaffirms.

This sounds fine to most tourists since taking a guided tour is the ideal way to experience the mysterious ruins of Pompeii, which incidentally, happens to be the biggest archaeological site in Europe. For people joining the guided tour, it takes about a couple of hours to the Forum, the Thermal Baths, Vetti’s House and the Lupanare brothel, all of which had lain under a thick covering of molten sludge and ashes for thousands of years.

After finishing a pizza lunch break lasting for an hour or so, you will be taken by coach to view Mt. Vesuvius, which is situated around 8 miles away from the scene of the disaster. Here tourists are given the option of scaling the treacherous mountain and reaching the crater (3900 feet) from which plumes of steam still reach the sky, grimly reminding the onlooker of what happened in the far too distant past. Or you could go on a helicopter ride to the top of the peak as well. Of course, as an added incentive, you could see the city of Naples, the coastline and as far away as Capri from the sky.

Amazing Tuscany

Tuscany (Toscana in Italian) is indeed an amazing expanse ensconced in the core of Italy that can boast of numerous remarkable attainments which few other regions in the world can match. Apart from the fact that it is universally recognized as the true birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, it is also the birthplace of a score of outstanding personalities that include Dante, Petrarch, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, Amerigo Vespucci to name a few. Tuscany is no less famous for its wines too of which the Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano and Brunello di Montalcino are sold and appreciated all over the world. In fact, there is an old Italian adage that proclaims ‘true love needs Chianti to mature’.

Even when you consider the significance of a region in terms of World Heritage Sites, you can’t beat Tuscany. No less than six Tuscan localities have already been designated as WHS and they include (1) The historical center of Florence; (2) The historical center of Siena ;(3) The square of the Cathedral of Pisa; (4) The historical center of San Gimignano; (5) The historical center of Pienza and (6) The Val d’Orcia.

It is no wonder that with so many astounding features to its credit, Tuscany along with its capital Florence draw millions of tourists from all over the world. Florence alone draws a record number of visitors each year irrespective of recession or inclement weather conditions.

However, to many, a tour of Tuscany in a convertible seems most alluring. This may include a drive to the scenic hilltop villages, exclusive seaside resorts and of course visiting some of Florence’s unique museums that are open throughout the year. Also explore other Tuscan hill towns that include Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, Montalcino and Monttepulcino, each having its own culinary specialties. And then , if you have the time, go for some wine testing and cheese sampling till you feel sleepy. Spending a couple of nights at Alain Ducasse’s L’ Andana which is known for its spa and superb location will sure prove rewarding for you. Then take an early morning drive to Il Pellicano which is an exclusive resort in Porto Erocole with which you may draw the end to your amazing Tuscany tour.

2 Days In Florence

If you are in a hurry and have just a couple of days to spend in enchanting Florence, I would recommend you to take a guided tour of the city on a bus the first day. You can follow it up by exploring the city on foot on the second day to know the place more intimately. There are some wonderful walks in this old city that you can take.

The first day of the guided sightseeing tour of Florence with an authorized tour escort will commence at 9.30 in the morning from Adua Square, and it will last for about 3 hours.

You would be driven around the city and the surrounding hills in a comfortable private coach with an English speaking guide. This tour is ideal for getting an introductory yet comprehensive picture of Florence that is known all over the world for its fascinating landscape and famed structures, buildings and statues. The coach will take you direct to the celebrated monuments or figurines where you are supposed to disembark and take a few steps to reach them when the guide will explain all the historical details associated with these. The inner objectives behind these guided tours are to acquaint you with the art, history and culture of Florence through the middle-ages and the Renaissance period.

In course of this guided tour you would be visiting Piazzale Michelangelo, the famous square in the Oltramo district that provides a magnificent panoramic view of the city and is a popular tourist destination. The view from this famed observation point is often seen in most picture post cards sent from Italy. After visiting Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry and the Cathedral with the grand ‘Cupola del Brunelleschi the tour will end with the visit to the interior of Accademia Gallery and the fabulous Michelangelo’s David.

The second day begins with exploring the city by walking through its numerous little streets till you get lost in a forgotten Time! Starting at 14 hours from Signoria Square at the Nettuno Fountain this guided walking tour covering three and a half hours would lead you to some of the fascinating landmarks of Florence that include Palazzo Vecchio, the grand Piazza della Signoria and the famed Ponte Vecchino, the medieval bridge over the Arno river that is noted for having shops built along it till today. Although butchers originally occupied these shops in days gone by, the present occupiers are jewelers, souvenir sellers and art dealers. Ponte Vecchio is considered to be Europe’s wholly-stone, closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge that is still in use. Tourists are often seen being photographed against the background of this ancient stone bridge in Florence.

The Amalfi Coast

Long before it was acknowledged as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the ethereal Italian Amalfi coast was immortalized by Homer in his epic poem “Odysseus” as the Land of the Sirens. Even the modern day American writer John Steinbeck was so moved by the scenic beauty, rugged terrain and picturesque towns and suburbs along the Amalfi coast that he had commemorated his reminiscences in his prize winning book Positano (1953), a charming little coastal township locally known as the pearl of the Divine Coast.

Amalfi is where the mountain meets the sea, creating spectacular coves, fascinating fjords and pebbled beaches that had been mesmerizing tourists all through the ages. The magnificent coastline that embraces such delightful little towns like Positano, Ravello, Amalfi, Praiano and many more will sure make the visitor feel himself/herself going back to sunny carefree days of the sixties. In fact, some of the earlier established hotels set in the mountains and perched over the sea still carry the old world charm and may oblige the traveler if he/she really wants to taste a bit of history. For instance, a hotel located in Positano boasts of the fact that one of their rooms, before being turned into a hotel, was used by Luigi Pirandello who was fond of visiting the Amalfi coast several times in a year.

Surprisingly enough, the small but cozy Amalfi coastal hotels not only serve some of the best local dishes but also provide excursion trips to nearby places of interest by arranging cars with or without driver for the benefit of their guests. For the more enterprising type, motor-boats are provided to visit Capri or other nearby enchanting isles. However, tourists usually take conducted tours to visit some of the following places of interest

• Vietri sul Mare is the gateway to the Amalfi Coast and is known for colorful ceramic objects-de-arts.

• Cetrara is famous for its salted anchovy sauce and wide variety of sea-food.

• Maiori where stands the famous Castle of San Nicola de Thoro Plano

• Minori is where people go to taste delicious hand-made pasta

• Tramonti is noted as a cluster of villages set amidst green mountains nestling superb vineyards

• Ravello situated more than 350 meters above mean sea level commands breathtaking views of scenery down below. Notable for hosting heads of state, littérateurs, artists and movie personalities that include JF Kennedy and wife Jacqueline, DH Lawrence, Virginia Woolf, Ingrid Bergman, Greta Garbo, and Humphrey Bogart. Stories go that the legendary Italian author and poet Giovani Boccaccio had spent many memorable days at this scintillating small town at the hay day of his life.

• Scala is the oldest township at the Amalfi Coast

• Positano is known as the Pearl of the Divine Coast that forms the title of Steinbeck’s prize winning book of the same name.

The nearest airport to reach the Amalfi Coast is the International Airport of Naples. From the airport to the town one may take the transfer taxi or public transportation system