Italy – AMARYROAD

How to Have the Perfect Italian Holiday

Shalyse — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 04:50:55 +0000

Italy, as soon as people hear the name of this country, they feel the desire to visit it. The most charming European destination in all. Italy has all the ingredients of an ideal tourist destination from beaches, mountains, historical and archaeological landmarks, culture, civilization, and luxury villas to stay in, not to mention the cuisine is the most delicious, most famous, and most demanded around the world.

Aside from the many charming places that you should not miss visiting in Italy, in this article we will also talk about the rituals that make your holiday in Italy a perfect and unforgettable memory.

Places to visit in Italy

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Venice

Venice, located in the north of Italy, is an ideal choice to start your holiday in Italy. This charming city offers Italian tourist beauty at its best. Venice is famous for its water taxi boats that sail through the canals. Tourists flock annually to take this tour and simulate the beauty of Venice, which was embodied in the films.

It is also characterized by cobblestone roads. So it should be at the top of the list. When you visit Venice, you must tour the canals and discover the narrow side streets away from the crowds of tourists, where you will be fascinated by the alleys and houses with old architecture. You will also find many of the locals’ favorite authentic restaurants. And to see the view of the city from a high place, you should not miss a visit to the large bell tower in Piazza San Marco, where you will take special pictures of your trip.

Also, you can choose where to stay, either in the city center, outside, in an old building, or a luxury hotel. The busiest hotels are located in Piazza San Marco. At the same time, the island of Giudecca has the most lavish hotels.

Florence

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Like Venice, Florence is a city to fall in love with, where you can wander the streets and be dazzled by the ancient architecture that you will find in every corner of the city—eating gelato, known for its deliciousness. And visit the famous Duomo. Also, you must visit the Bardini villa garden, climb the hills to enjoy the view of the city, which is filled with medieval walls. Don’t forget to visit Tuscany, where you will tour the famous vineyards on horseback and sample one of the best wines in the world—and see the hills and olive groves and contemplate the magic of the Italian countryside.

While visiting Florence, you must pass by the Cinque Terre, five tiny villages with small colorful houses characterized by their cliffs with a breathtaking view. In Florence, the train ride will allow you to discover the tourist areas easily, so it will be easy to go to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and take some pictures while doing the famous (pushing the tower) position.

Rome

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Whoever visits Italy can not miss a visit to its capital, Rome. Rome is full of historical and archaeological monuments. Like the famous Roman Amphitheater and Trevi Fountain. This richness of historical attractions makes the tourists fascinated by Rome. In addition, Rome stands out as a city that exudes history, culture, and art. So, through a walking tour, you will see the famous Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pyramid of Cestius, which is a witness to Rome’s attempt to introduce the Egyptian pyramids into its architecture.

You can also visit the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla and see the historic theater. Rome also has a cuisine known for its delicious and authentic Italian dishes such as pizza, spaghetti, etc. And if you are thirsty for historical monuments, Pompeii in Rome will quench your thirst. This city is rich in ruins and ruins left by the Roman Empire.

The Amalfi coast, Sorento, Positano

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Italy has no better place than the Amalfi Coast for a refreshing Italian holiday; the cities on the cliff overlooking the blue sea have an irresistible charm. One of the most beautiful is Sorrento. So make it your home and enjoy discovering the rest of the Amalfi Coast. The seaside city of Sorrento sits on top of a cliff facing Naples, and it’s crowded with tourists who spend their summer vacation.

The main square is suitable for enjoying lively scenes of the vibrant city where street artists abound. You can take a walk to discover the narrow and winding alleys and clothing stores. There are many old cathedrals. It is also rich in restaurants perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea, famous for serving fresh seafood. Positano is a charming Italian village stretching along the Amalfi Coast, not far from Sorrento.

You can get there by public transport or rent a scooter. It is a romantic beach town rich in hotels, restaurants, and distinctive shops. You can enjoy visiting art galleries and eating pizza. Or spend the day relaxing on the Italian beach in the sun. A night in one of the hotels set on the cliffs is ideal for enjoying the sea view.

Summary

Whether you are a fan of history and archeology, vineyards, mountains, the coast, or even a fan of the famous Italian cuisine, there is no doubt that you will find what you want in Italy. All you have to do is plan your vacation meticulously. But, then, not to waste a minute without discovering the Italian beauty in every city and village.

Must-See Sights of Naples

Shalyse — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 00:06:23 +0000

Oh the charm of Italy! Each time I have gone it has been a challenge to make a decision on which cities to hit, because they just all have so much to offer. As you’re planning your destinations, Naples is not to be missed! Naples is full of delightful sights and it is really manageable to visit many points of interest during your stay.

Photo credit: Pandionhiatus3

You can enjoy Naples any time of the year and arriving is easily accessible; however, late spring or fall are the best times to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower temperatures. There are some great options through fly dubai tickets to get a start on exploring.

Although Naples is the third-largest city in Italy, it is great for exploring by foot. There is so much that can be seen even with a short visit. Many of the sights are within walking distance of one another. Six of Michelangelo’s churches, the National Archeological Museum, the Capodimonte Museum, Castles, and San Carlo Opera House are all one simple walk away.

Getting around Naples is surprisingly easy, with a well-organized system of public services that includes a Metro system, bus lines, taxi services, and an electric streetcar system. For those who want an experience on the water, the city also has many different boat excursions you can take to see the city from another point of view.

As you plan out the dreamy details of your visit, I highly recommend making sure these sights are on your list.

Must-See Churches

With an amazing 16 churches, Naples has the highest concentration of masterpieces by Michelangelo across Italy. You can really get lost admiring the incredible paintings, sculptures, and architecture of the Michelangelo churches.

When narrowing down the overwhelming list of churches to visit, there are six Michelangelo churches in Naples you really shouldn’t miss:

Sant’Angelo a Nilo,
Santi Severino e Sossio,
San Giovanni a Carbonara,
San Mango al Majorr,
Santa Maria di Montesanto, and
San Lorenzo Maggiore.

National Archeological Museum

A visit to Naples isn’t complete without a stop at the National Archeological Museum, which is an easy 10-minute walk from the city center. There are so many things to explore, you could spend an immense amount of time to truly see it all.

On your first visit, I’d recommend hitting the museum’s highlights and setting aside another day to poke around in more detail. That way you can cover more ground without it being so overwhelming.

Castles

Naples is home to some impressive castles. The Castel Nuovo, also called Maschio Angioino, is an imposing medieval building which was once home to the nobles of Naples.

The Castel dell’Ovo, on the other hand, is one of the oldest castles in Europe. It sits perched on the magnificent Bay of Naples. It’s important to know that you must book tickets in advance for a set time slot, so be sure to plan ahead.

Make sure to check hours of operation before you go, as hours are reduced over the weekend. You don’t want to be disappointed if you don’t plan around the castle’s operating hours.

Mount Vesuvius

No visit to Naples would be complete without an ascent of Vesuvius, an active volcano. Vesuvius towers above the Bay of Naples, about 45 minutes outside of Naples. From its summit you can peer into its main crater and see plumes of smoke rising from fissures in the jagged rocks.

This is a relatively easy hike, easier than it looks, depending on your level of physical ability. There is also an intermittent bus service if you prefer. Allow about an hour and a half to complete the hike and take time to enjoy the views.

This is another destination requiring scheduled time slots, so make sure to plan well and secure a time in advance, especially during peak times.

Pompeii

Visiting Pompeii from Naples is pretty simple. You can hop on the Circumvesuviana train at the Garibaldi station, located in the center of town. Travel time is about 45 minutes to Pompeii, but keep in mind despite the short distance, you can easily fill up a whole day exploring the area.

Be aware there are actually two separate entrances to Pompeii and the gates are about a 20-minute walk from each other. I suggest buying your ticket online and also getting an audio guide. You will be able to skip the lines and save some time.

Photo Credit: Pablo Debat

Last but not least, make sure you try some authentic Neapolitan pizza before you go home! It’s a must!

No matter how much or how little you pack into your trip, Naples will leave a charming impression on you. Enjoy its treasures!

The Hidden Pathways of Sardinia

Kyle — Tue, 18 May 2021 10:20:40 +0000

One of the most beautiful places in the world, the Italian island of Sardinia is a place of natural wonder and excitement. With miles of beaches and turquoise-coloured Mediterranean water, it’s also home to some incredible villages, hiking opportunities and incredible ancient structures. The second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, it’s located west of the Italian Peninsula and south of the French island of Corsica.

Definitely a fantastic location to take photos, enjoy its natural wonders and learn about the vestiges of the Nuragic civilization. There is nowhere else in the world like it, which is why it’s frequently visited by tourists every single year who want to take in its splendour for themselves. It’s also a favourite spot for writers, photographers, artists and more who are inspired creatively by the environment and its history.

If you’re looking to go for a visit to this must-see location, here are some of the top places to not miss out on.

Mamoiada

This lovely little town is situated in the Barbagia hills and famous for its carnival costumes. Mamuthones wear masks, black leather and large bells and Issohadores wear red-and-black outfits and hats. It’s definitely a cultural sight like no other, so well worth checking out when you’re in Sardinia. You’ll not regret it and will return home with some incredible stories to tell of what you’ve seen!

Neptune’s Grotto

This seaside staircase known as “goat steps” (or escala del cabirol) is a mystical trip down into one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders. Based near Alghero, this grotto takes its name from the Roman god of the sea, Neptune. Once inside, visitors can experience stalactites and stalagmites as well as a large saltwater lake, making for an otherworldly experience for all who enter.

For those who aren’t so keen on climbing down and up the 656 steps, you can take a pot from the harbour in the Port of Alghero if it’s a calm day!

Take in views from a yacht

If you’re looking for an extra luxurious experience to add to your stay, it’s a think whether you should charter a yacht in Sardinia.

From the beautiful mountainous landscapes of Supremonte to the white sandy beaches and emerald sea of Porto Istana, you can witness all the most amazing sights up close and personal by a chartered yacht. Live life like a celebrity from this very Instagram-friendly experience. You definitely won’t regret it!

Castelsardo

Based on the northwest coast, this town is one of the prettiest in Italy and features spa hotels, beaches and a castle. You can also visit Roccia dell’Elefante, an incredible rock formation as well as the Museo dell’Intreccio Mediterraneo — a museum that is completely dedicated to the art of basket weaving which is so popular on the island.

La Pelosa Beach

It’s pretty much impossible to name just one beach as the most beautiful in all of Sardinia. But La Pelosa Beach is definitely one of them. Beautiful water and sand are one side, with incredible Mediterranean flora and fauna, and a view of Asinara island on the other. It’s definitely one of the hotspots for becah lovers, as well as those who like architecture as it features a 17^th century tower.

Tempio Pausania

Tempio is transformed over three days of winter with carnival. A celebration featuring parades, floats and masked performers, it’s like nothing else out there. Keep an eye out for Lu Linzolu Cupaltatu — the female figure seen walking along the streets wrapped in a sheet. Also Ghjolghuju Puntoglio — who marks the end of carnival celebrations as well as the beginning of Lent.

The murals of Orgosolo

The buildings in the town of Orgosolo, based in the Barbagia mountain region, are a canvas to some amazing murals by its inhabitants. With work starting from 1960, you’ll find depictions of daily life, creative ideas and political statements painted across the walls. It’s an incredible sight and worth going for a visit, especially if you’re an art-fan. There’s really nothing else like it.

Gola di Gorropu

The majestic natural wonder is often called the Grand Canyon of Italy. Located on the Supramonte mountain at almost 1,500ft down and a mile wide, it’s an astonishing view with trails to hike and rivers to swim in. It’s a fantastic spot, especially for those who enjoy a nature walk that’s completely out of the ordinary.

Cala Brandinchi

Often called Little Tahiti, this beach is a glorious spot to visit and soak up some sun. A little spot of paradise that can be reached by charter a yacht from Sicily, you can visit private beach clubs and rent out umbrellas and sun loungers to get the most out of the day.

Su Nuraxi di Barumini

Nuraghe — ancient, mystical structures — are found all across Sardinia. Su Nuraxi is part of the Barumini archaeological site and is considered by many to be ones of the best examples of Bronze Age villages. Listed as a Unesco World Heritage site, it’s an impressive view and a great one to check out whether you’re a historian fan or just want to see something otherworldly and impressive.

POINT OF INTERESTS IN ABRUZZO – THE HIDDEN GEM OF ITALY: Point Of Interest In Abruzzo

Mary — Sat, 11 Aug 2018 19:39:08 +0000

The beautiful Medieval Castle – Roccascalegna Castle

The first time I went to Italy was in 2014, from there, I made my way up north until I reached Venice. Without any doubt, these two cities in Italy are both very rich in culture. Rome offers such remarkable history while Venice will serenade you with its beauty. All these amazing features of these two cities bring so many tourists in one place resulting in a very crowded place. I did have a great time, however, the massive crowd set me off.

Until in the summer of 2018, I was invited to go to Abruzzo, a region in Italy just two hours east of Rome. Without any expectations in my head, I was very curious about what it has to offer.

Abruzzo has four provinces; L’Aquila, Teramo, Pescara, and Chieti. Abruzzo has a lot of things that almost no one is aware of, from points of interest, Italian food with a touch of their own style, the wine that will make you drink up the bottle as it taste so good – I am really surprised how come a lot of tourists in Italy didn’t know about this hidden gem.

In this article, I will discuss not only why this place is perfect for your road-tripping, food tripping, the hunt for the best wine. I will also show you the point of interests in Abruzzo – where to go, places that are must no miss, how to get here, and of course where to stay.

HOW TO GET TO ABRUZZO ITALY

There are cheap flights directly to Pescara with Ryanair. You can also fly to Rome, from here you have these options:

Bus: 3.5 hours from Rome, buses can be found right at the airport. I highly recommend Flixbus
Train: you can also take a four-hour train with Italia Rail
Hire a car: which I highly recommend, this will give you so much convenience especially when you start exploring Abruzzo. The drive is about 2-hours with amazing scenery along the way. You can take road A24 then change to E80.
Fly: Ryanair fly directly to Abruzzo region; Pescara province to be exact

WHERE TO STAY

Like I mentioned above, the best is to head to Pescara, one of the cities in Abruzzo. Pescara will not far from everything you want to see in the region. Also, it’s a very young and lively beach city with so much to offer and more budget-friendly than the other major destinations in Italy.

CHECK WHERE TO STAY IN ABRUZZO

POINTS OF INTERESTS IN ABRUZZO: Where to go and what to do in Abruzzo

Abruzzo is definitely for every type of traveller. There are so many things to do for all ages; family travellers, solo tourists, couple travellers, and whatever kind of activity you are looking for, Abruzzo will have your back. I will give you some ideas, and in my upcoming posts about Abruzzo, you will get to know more about different places to see, food to try, wine to taste, and so much more in a more detailed way.

Canoeing in Bussi Sul Trino with II Bosso

Water Activities in Abruzzo

If you are into water activities just like me, Abruzzo can cover that too with their 140 kms coastline. If you head to Pescara, you can enjoy the Adriatic sea which is facing directly Croatia. From the classic chill on the beach or some more active outdoor things to do, there are plenty to choose from, here are the few things you can do:

Canoeing – head to Bussi where you can do canoeing in the nature park reserved located in Tirino. The town called Bussi Sul Tirino is a good place to start for this activity. I highly recommend the experienced tour company II Bosso
Rafting – rafting fans can also enjoy this activity at Marina di Pescara. You can explore the adventurous path of between Mount Campli, or Mount Fiori or Mount Aventino which is the eastern slope of Majella
Swimming – get your swimsuit on, sunscreen and enjoy the beachside of Pescara; one the liveliest cities in Abruzzo

Castles in Abruzzo

A visit to Abruzzo is not complete without a visit to any castle, this region is also full of the historical event whereas these castles carry them.

Chiola Castle/Castello Chiola – the fun and well-location castle. Located at the hill of Loreto Aprutino, Chiola castle also now functions as a hotel and restaurant. If it’s been your dream to sleep and dine in a castle, this is the place for you.
Medieval Castle of Roccascalegna – it’s definitely one of my favourite castles in Abruzzo. With a stunning view of Majella mountain, it will take you to another world. Inside the castle, you will find great information about its history and its town.

Roccascalegna Castle

Other Outdoor Activities to Do in Abruzzo

Like what I mentioned before, Abruzzo is definitely an underrated holiday destination. The following outdoor activities are also possible to enjoy throughout the region:

Horseback Riding and Horse Trekking – there are plenty of options to choose for this action; from beginner’s level to advance that can last for hours
Hiking and Camping – the best places to do these activities are in the national parks and the mountains. The top places are Mount Majella and Fara San Martino where you can also see wild animals that can only be found here in entire Europe.
Mountain Climbing – Abruzzi is the only peninsular region (the Alps included), where you can enjoy a classic mountain climbing. Head to Gran Sasso for abundant options of walls to climb.
Windsurfing – with a 130-kilometre coastline, Abruzzo is a great place for this exciting activity. You can also head to the other Abruzzi lakes especially Lake Campotosto.
Paragliding & Hang-gliding – although there are limited options to choose from for take-off and landing, if you will head to the west slope of Monte Morrone (Sulmona Aq), north-eastern slope of Tocco da Casauria (Pescara), Villa Santa Lucia (L’Aquila), and other areas around L’Aquila, you will be able to enjoy this activity.

Winter Activities

Skiing– There are about 16 winter downhill skiing resorts in the entire Abruzzo, which offers all levels and all types of skiing. The most popular ones are Roccaraso and Campo Felice.

CHURCHES AND HISTORICAL PLACES

Spoltore and San Panfilo Fuori Le Mura
Moscufo: Santa Maria Del Abbey
San Clemente a Casauria Abbey

FOOD AND WINE OF ABRUZZO

It’s not Italy if there is no wine and great food, is it? Abruzzo can live up or even go beyond your expectation for Italian food and wine. Have a set, let the locals suggest what are the best food to try and wine to taste, they can never go wrong.

Having fun at Meditteranean event in Pescara

Wines to Taste

The wine industry of Abruzzo is massive, it’s one of their producing products. The classic style of Italian can be found here where you literally can drink glasses to glasses without any bitter aftertaste – which gives you the opportunity to enjoy it well. Chieti, another city in Abruzzo makes up 65% of their product from wine.

Check out the top wine that I tried and enjoyed:

RED/ROSE:

Duchi di Castelluccio – Cerasuolo D’Abruzzo

WHITE:

Divus – Montepulciano D’Abruzzo (Ciavolich)
Colle Moro – Trebbiano D’Abruzzo
Duchi di Castelluccio – Centacri’ Biologico
Granaro – Trebbiano D’Abruzzo (Chiarieri)

SPARKLING/CHAMPAGNE:

Birrificio Agricolo e Agripub Golden Rose (Ariib Arrib’A)

Food to Try

Cheese – Abruzzo is well-known for their cheese production and it’s also one of the main product they sell throughout Italy and abroad
Salami/Ham – If you love tapas just like me, Abruzzo offer
Olives – Abruzzo is also rocking the production of olives which mostly ends up as olive oil but if you visit farms and shops, you can get the best olives, you will most likely to bring some home

It’s not Italy if you didn’t eat your holiday out!

FACTORIES TO VISIT

Abruzzo is not only just a place to explore, the big companies that Italy is very proud of are also located in this region. You can come to visit their farm/factory and buy (best deals) their products:

Delverde – this is a pasta factory where no pasta will be wasted. If the pasta didn’t make it up to the standard, these rejected ones will be sold to companies who make pet/animal food; the location is in Fara San Martino where you can also visit a natural reserve.
Chiarieri – a farm and factory where they make not only wine but also jams and olive oil – which of course I remembered to buy and enjoyed at home!
Rustichella d’Abruzzo – this one has my heart because they also make bio-organic products, they are located in Pianella

Del Verde Factory – find out how Italians make such great pasta!

I can honestly make an endless list. I personally think Abruzzo will be an amazing holiday destination for any type of person. I will definitely swap my Rome or Venice trip to a more relaxing but exciting place like Abruzzo – definitely one the best places to visit in Europe if you have limited time.

If you have any questions, leave a comment below and I’d be happy to assist or answer.

DISCLAIMER: I would like to send my huge thank you to the Regional Tourism Board and Chamber of Commerce of Abruzzo. This trip and discovery of such hidden gem would not have been possible without your help.

Tips for an Affordable Road Trip in Florence

Mary — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 14:59:20 +0000

TIPS FOR AN AFFORDABLE TOAD TRIP IN FLORENCE, ITALY

Who doesn’t love road trips, especially in a foreign city that’s so rich in history and culture? No one! Being on the road is such an enriching experience. While Florence and the rest of the Tuscany area are easily navigated by trains, driving around gives you a totally different appreciation to the city.

Tagged as the home of Renaissance, Florence is such as a beautiful city that one must visit at least once in their lives. The city offers a lot of diversity and richness that you never want to miss out. So if you’re in Florence, hop on that car, tune in your favorite playlist, and start experiencing the best of the city even if you only have budget for 3 weeks. But if you are feeling a little more adventurous, why don't you go for a road trip across Europe, check out this guide for Europe on a campervan.

Here are some tips on how to make your Florence road trip a fun and affordable one:

TIPS FOR AN AFFORDABLE ROAD TRIP IN FLORENCE

Renting A Car Is The Priority

To make sure your affordable road trip in Florence will be an unforgettable one, make sure to spend a little extra time in deciding about which car to rent. Remember to compare car rental deals in Florence, don't just go with the cheap one, choose the company with great reviews, amazing features, and of course meet the necessary coverage. The last thing you want to happen on your road trip is to run into big problems.

Pick A Strategic Time To Go

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Unknown to many tourists, the streets around Florence often get too busy during rush hour, which is typically 8 in the morning and 7 in the evening. This coincides with the start and end of office hours in the city and the traffic situation becomes quite annoying as there are tons of people on the road.

Deciding which season you are going is also a major factor, road trip packing list should be written down carefully to make sure you keep yourself warm enough or comfortable enough. Starting your road trip at an earlier time will get you to cover more places while avoiding the traffic rush.

Stay In Airbnbs Instead

For a more local feeling and affordable way to travel in Florence is to stay in Airbnbs instead of hotels. You can get a $50 off on your first trip through Airbnb.

Bring A Map

This may be a no-brainer, but with the advent of Waze or Google maps, bringing an actual, printed map on a road trip is no longer a requirement.

Not in Florence though – it is still safer and more convenient to get a local map, they’re more accurate and they’re more fun to use, too. If you feel safer to have a digital map like I do, make sure you stay connected while travelling abroad without spending too much.

Familiarize Yourself With The Driving Practices In Florence

Because most of them are not typical, really! Italians are quite known for their slight crudeness on the road – unnecessary honking or flashing cars out of nowhere. Parking can be a pain, too. Remember though that these are common in Florence and the rest of the Tuscany area, so just make sure you know that these things may happen often while you’re on the road.

Driving around Florence is not all chaos though, so don’t be discouraged. In fact, tourists love road tripping around the area because there are tons of inexpensive car rentals, some are available for as low as €7 per day, depending on the type of car. Renting a smaller car, if possible, will save you tons of money on gas as well. Gas price in Florence usually starts €1.45.

Don't Forget About The Museum

When you’re in Florence, it’s almost a crime to not see a museum. There are tons in the city and even if you’re not into art or history, it’s a guarantee that you’ll find one that you’ll appreciate.

he Uffizi Gallery, for one, is something every Florence visitor needs to see – it’s one of the most famous museums in Europe and houses the most unique and artistic pieces of Michaelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci. On peak dates, advanced ticket reservation is necessary to avoid long waits.

If you’re looking for a more dynamic and diverse collection, the Palazzo Strozzi is worth a visit, too. The Museo Galileo is another one for the books – it features interesting hands-on exhibitions for both kids and adults, so this museum is certainly a must-visit if you’re traveling with the family. Also, check out our must-see museums in Florence list.

Must-See Places And Attractions Within Florence

Apart from the most interesting museums in the world, there are other places and attractions that you wouldn't want to miss while driving your way around Florence. The world-famous churches like Florence Cathedral, Medici Chapel, and Brunelleschi's Dome.

If you are more of a traveler who craves for the sense of being a local, take a stroll around San Lorenzo Market or climb the Florence's Duomo for such a breathtaking view of the city. It takes about 450 steps, so make sure you can bare this high climb before considering to go here.

Check this out if you need more ideas for things to do in Florence. If your time permits, I really suggest you check out the world popular leaning tower of Pisa for a day trip from Florence.

Explore Around Florence

Despite the undeniable beauty of Florence, your road trip won't be complete without visiting other parts of Tuscany. If you have limited time, don't forget to explore other towns just a few kilometres outside Florence.

If you love the nature, make sure Montaine is on your list, just 35 kilometres Southwest of Florence, Montaine is known for its beautiful scenery, vineyards, olive trees, and simply its forest. While Borgo San Lorenzo is known for its hilly tops overlooking forest after forest, vineyard after vineyard.

It's a perfect place to enjoy a fresh air or do a picnic. If you like a little bit view of an old town scenery Calenzano is your place, the houses are from Medieval times, the roads, walls, and churches are all something that will make you feel like you are in a time machine.

There are more towns to explore not far from Florence or if you have more time, go check the nearest cities, just make sure you are experienced in road tripping around Italy.

RELATED POST: 2 Days in Rome Itinerary

Experience The Food

Wherever you are in Italy, Italian food is something you should never ever miss. Florence has a lot to offer in the gustatory department and your budget doesn’t even matter! Experience Lampredotto, a tourist favorite that is served either as a street food or a fancy sandwich, or the ever famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina, which is a fire-grilled smokey t-bone steak cooked over chestnuts. The steak is cooked ‘rare’ and that is the only way it’s cooked – so forget about asking your chef for a well done one.

If you have the time, you can also try and join a cooking class, a food tour in Florence, or other best tours in Florence. Don’t end your road trip without having a gelato for dessert!

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On a Budget: Tips on Organising a Group Trip to Sicily

Mary — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 04:48:19 +0000

Tips on Organising a Group Trip to Sicily

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com

Travelling alone is very challenging, but also very rewarding and can help you really grow as a person. However, sometimes you just want a go on a trip with friends so you can share your experience (and the costs) with them. If you’re looking for a holiday where you can both relax on the beach or by a pool, or find adventure, hiking and excitement- Sicily is the right choice. Here are the tips to have a fantastic group stay or a memorable family holiday in Sicily, without breaking the bank.

RELATED POST: Guide for the Museums in Florence

Tips on Organising a Group Trip to Sicily

ISLAND HOPPING

When in Sicily, you and your friends should definitely visit the nearby islands. More specifically, the beautiful islands that surround Sicily are called the Aeolian Islands; not to be confused with the many other wonderful ones that are all over Italy’s coasts. The Aeolian Islands include destinations like Stromboli or Panarea, two very hip places to be. Not only is island hopping a budget-friendly trip for you and your group, but it will also leave you with great photos, day trips around Sicily, and memories!

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

RELATED POST: Did you know that Italy banned Uber?!

ACCOMMODATION

Whenever, and wherever you choose to travel to, one of the first things you look for is the accommodation. When you’re travelling within a group, the accommodation may even be the first thing you look for- where are we going to stay? Staying in villas in Sicily for group travel and splitting the cost is a good way for everyone to have fun together, without spending too much money.

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com

Local company Wishsicily have also got a specific section of last minute villa deals for those looking for extra savings. Staying in a villa also helps to save on food money as you can shop together and make big dinners in your own kitchen using delicious fresh ingredients available in Sicily, at half the price.

TAORMINA

One of the more elegant of the Sicilian points of interests, this city is one of the best places to see in Sicily. It offers you and your group many different activities. Whether you choose to visit the ancient Greek theatre or go all the way to mount (but actually a volcano) Etna, you and your group are in for a fun time.

Photo Credit: Maximel

Although Taormina is one of the more "up market" of the Sicilian getaways, the city is still absolutely manageable for you and your group particularly if you choose to visit outside of peak season. With names like Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton floating around the town as past guests, you can add your name to the list as well!

ORGANISE BEFORE

In order for you and your group to have a smooth and fun trip, an important tip to follow is the “organise before you leave” one. I’m not saying you have to plan every little detail, but having a general direction and guide you can follow will save you plenty of time, and money.

By having an idea of what your days will look like, you will be able to plan around the day’s activities, or night’s. Save up on meals that you could eat at home instead of always eating out at restaurants, save your souvenir shopping for unique objects rather than the usual ones, and definitely pack smart- you don’t want to be buying extra while you’re there!

So, it is safe to say that if you and your friends want to travel together, you definitely can. Group holidays can be tricky to negotiate as people will be bound to want to do different things, but if you find the right destination, your holiday will be fine. In fact, Sicily has something for everyone! Even if you want to do a road trip within Sicily, it's possible very easy to do so. So as long as you’re all willing to go with the flow and allow others to have their say, it should be an amazing holiday to remember.

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Must-See Museums in Florence, Italy

Mary — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 09:15:53 +0000

Must-See Museums in Florence, Italy

Florence isn’t tagged as the birthplace of the Renaissance for nothing. Its rich history is overwhelming in all the good ways, and more and more people are drawn to its inviting beauty and heritage every year.

Known for its historic museums and art galleries, Florence is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Not only is it famous for its impressive history, as it is also home to Italian fashion and a significant economic center for the country.

Florence has so much to offer that it is almost impossible to explore everything in one visit. Choosing which ones to see first can even be an actual dilemma when you are in the city!

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MUST-SEE MUSEUMS IN FLORENCE

The good thing about discovering the city is that you do not have to be a hardcore art enthusiast, as it has tons of other galleries that would make you appreciate every bit of history from art, sculpture, mathematics, physics, fashion, and everything else.

While if you have more than enough time on your hand, you might want to do a few day trips from Florence. Below is a list of the museums in Florence that you must not miss to completely appreciate its exquisite charm.