Europe Travel Guide » Italy

Christmas Shopping in Naples Italy

Melissa — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:41:50 +0000

Christmas season in Naples, Italy is usually celebrated every December 24 to January 6. The people in Naples celebrate the season from the Eve of Christmas to its epiphany. Although they start their celebration at 24 many Christmas events are most likely found earlier than 24. Following the pagan way in old Italy. In the eve of Christmas people at Naples dine the traditional 7 dishes of fish. One of the many traditions of the people at Naples is the bagpipe and flute playing also known as the zampognari and pifferai. They often wear traditional colorful costumes with sheepskin vests, long white stockings, and dark cloaks. Many of them travel from the mountains of the Abruzzo region to play outside churches and in popular city squares. Naples is the best city to visit for their presepi. Hundreds of nativity scenes are erected throughout the city. Some creches are very elaborate and may be handmade or use antique figures. Naples has a lot of nativity scenes it’s a tradition at Naples that is followed and passed by thru generations.

The greatest attraction during Christmas season in Naples is the little shops selling the terracotta nativity scenes with quaint figures. They are open all year long and the Christmas season is the best time to visit this street. A number of nativity shops have flooded the streets of Naples. The nativity of Christ is the most indispensable object in the market. In Via San Gregorio Armeno, religious or not religiously inclined there are best buys for you.

Where to shop during the Christmas season in Naples isn’t so hard to go either. There are certain districts in Naples that are more specialized than others. There are designer clothes whre you’ll find the most expensive boutiques in and around Piazza dei Martiri, there is also an area around Via dei Mille which is not so expensive, but quality buys I must say. The Vomero district has a long line of clothing and accessory shops, from whre you could drop your eyeballs out and shop for sales. If you’re up for shopping for furniture and fittings, Piazza Municipio and via dei Mille is the place suited for you. Antique buyers must visit via D. Morelli or towards via Costantinopoli in the historic centre.

Although the transportation and some restaurants in Naples are closed during this season you can make your travel a lot easier by renting a car or by foot. The restaurants of some hotels are also open where they serve special food in Christmas season. Although Christmas dinners at Naples are meat based, people who are vegetarian are allowed and is given by the restaurant the food they want to eat, they also have Christmas cookies for everyone. Aside from traditional Christmas beliefs, Naples also is a fun and amusing city. The Edenlandia Amusement Park is filled with lights and a lot of promos to enjoy this Christmas season. Children from 12 onwards will surely enjoy the treats. Truly an educational trip to experience before the Christmas day. Visit Naples in this holy Christmas season but don’t forget to bring your family along with you.

Naples travel guide

Melissa — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:14:13 +0000

Naples is easily Italy’s most controversial city. You are either going to fall in love with it or just hate it. However, Naples is still considered one of the most important tourist centers of Italy with its rich history and showcase of art. Here are some of the places that you can visit while in Naples.

One great sight to visit is Piazza San Giovanni Bovio. This piazza’s centerpiece is a Neptune statue which was designed by Domenico Fontana in 1600. On the left side of the piazza is the majestic Palazzo della Borsa, which serves as the stock exchange, built in 1905. This was founded by a Greek family on the ruins of Roman baths.

Santa Maria La Nova is a church next to Piazza Giovanni Bovio. It was built in the second half of the 13th century by Giovanni da Pisa. This church has often been altered and restored and is a great way to see the changes in Naples’ architectural design.

The church of Santa Maria del Carmine is one of the most popular churches to visit in Naples. It was built in the 12th century but later underwent alterations.

San Carlo Theatre is one of the largest theaters in Europe. It was built in 1737 for Charles III of Spain and Naples by Angelo Caresale by the Plans of Giovanni Antonio Medrano. The interior was decorated by Ferdinando Fuga and Domenico Chelli.

Palazzo Reale in piazza Plebiscito I is a palace that was designed by Domenico Fontana in the 17th century. The eight statues on the façade are of Neopolitan kings. The palace is located in the heart of the city and the square on which it stands is considered to be one of Naples’ most architecturally interesting.

The National Archaeological Museum is another great site to visit in Naples as it contains one of Europe’s most valuable archaeological collections which were excavated at Pompeii and Herculaneum. The building itself dates from the 16th century and was turned into a museum two centuries later by Charles and Ferdinand IV of Bourbon.

Castle of the Egg is an interesting site to visit. The 2000-year old fortress overlooks the Gulf of Naples. It was an important site centuries before the birth of Christ and was fortified by early settlers. Later on, a major stronghold to guard the bay was erected and duly celebrated by Virgil. It is also said that Virgil built it on an enchanted egg of mystical powers. Legend has it that if the egg breaks, Naples will collapse.

Il Duomo is another interesting site. The Duomo of Naples has access to the 4th century Basilica of St. Restituta, the earliest Christian basilica erected in Naples. An even greater treat is the Chapel of San Gennaro, whose altar is said to have the blood of Saint Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples.

There are many more places to visit in Naples, each with its own history that could hold anyone’s curiosity. There are many more museums to visit, more castles to explore and more art and history to immerse your little tourist heart in.

Accommodations in Rome

Melissa — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:11:17 +0000

If you’re planning to visit Rome anytime soon, then don’t forget to find yourself a good hotel that’s within your budget but at the same time offers great accommodations and is near some of the places that you would want to go to. I haven’t exactly stayed or seen all of the hotels in Rome but I’ve found three that I like so far.

The Jolly Hotel Villa Carpegna Rome is a modern hotel which is set in its very own landscaped gardens. The gardens themselves are a sight to see. The hotel is located next to the city’s expansive Villa Pamphili park which overlooks the Roman rooftops west of the historic city center, under 2 kilometers from Saint Peter’s Basilica. If you’ve gotten tired of being a tourist in the city, guests of the Jolly Hotel Villa Carpegna Rome can soak up the sun on the terraces surrounding the outdoor swimming pool. The hotel is known for comfort, value and friendly attention of welcoming staff. It will almost feel like you’ve never left home but with great scenic views.

Another hotel that I liked is Starhotels Michelangelo Rome. It’s a 4 star hotel located close to Saint Peter Square in the heart of baroque Rome. It’s the best place to stay at if you’re planning to visit Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. The Sistine Chapel is also just a short distance away. The hotel is also just walking distance from the complex of Castel Sant’Angelo with its museum and the stroll along the Tiber embankment. A stay in one of the rooms of Starhotels Michelangelo Rome also offers a magical view of the Dome of Saint Peter’s Cathedral.

The third hotel that I liked lies just a mere hundred yards from Piazza San Pietro and the spiritual home of the Catholic church. The Emmaus Hotel is a 3 star hotel in Rome that has great access to the Vatican and all its treasures. It’s a great place to stay at for pilgrims and tourists alike. Like the Starhotels Michelangelo Rome, the Emmaus Hotel also features rooms with views of the dome of Saint Peter’s Cathedral. This hotel offers a refreshing and homely atmosphere by combining practicality and convenience with the peaceful ambiance.

Is it obvious that I haven’t strayed too far away when it comes to the sights I went to see in Rome? It looks like I definitely need to expand more on the Roman horizons and see more of the city. If you have any place at all that you can suggest, feel free to say so. These are just some of my choices for accommodations. I’m open to knowing any of yours.

Museums in Rome

Melissa — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:23:50 +0000

Rome is one of the Europe’s greatest treasures when it comes to arts and music. Many known writers lived in Rome like Rafaello and Caravaggio. Most of their works are located inside Rome’s greatest museums. Well known artists that contributed in Rome’s artistic and musical history are well kept inside these museums.

One of the many museums inside Rome is the National Etruscan Museum. Inside this museum in Piazzalle di Villa Giulia Rome are the well preserved artifacts of the great Etruscan empire. These artifacts are well kept and preserved to show how the Etruscan Empire molded the present Rome.

Another well known painter that lived in Rome is Michelangelo. He painted one of the greatest art in the world. It is located at the ceiling of the Sistine chapel re-enacting the scenes from the bible having over 300 figures in it showing the signature style of Michelangelo itself. This chapel is a must see location in Rome.

Another well known museum in Rome is the Vatican museum. It is located at the Vatican City, Rome known to have the greatest word literature of Christianity and religious Rome itself.

The carpet museum of the National Museum of Palazzo Venezia in V. del plebescito Rome s known for its large amount of carpets and tapestries. It is also the former residence of a pope in Rome.

Next is the National Roman museum which is built upon several buildings in its ruins. Some ruins are assembled with addition from the collection of other historical collectors. Rome also has a lot of ruins that can also be considered as an open museum for those people who have a short time in visiting Rome. The pillars and roads are dated way back the Roman Empire in where some are restored or renovated.

Another museum in Rome houses a lot of artworks; a lot I mean over 100,000 pieces of artworks are located inside this museum. This museum is the Museo di Roma, it is a former palace now reformed as a museum to show how great the artistic development of Rome way back their old time.

The well known artist Vincent van Gogh also has his paintings walled at the Municipal Gallery of Modern Art. This museum shows the great works of the modern artists from Vincent Van Gogh to the well known modern painter Jackson Pollock.

Last in my list is the Castel’ de Sant Angelo also known as the tomb of Emperor Hadrian who built the Hadrian’s Wall to protect to Roman Empire from attacks coming from the outside. This museum is known as a plush of the Renaissance period. Inside this museum are the dark, old and dank armors of the Roman army. The museum also has a café at the rooftop terrace ideal for the viewers above the city.

Rome houses the greatest museums showing the true Roman spirit and how the old empire evolved into one of the greatest city known in the present.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Accommodations in Florence

Melissa — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:48:19 +0000

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Florence, then you better start looking for the right one to suit your tastes. Accommodations in Florence offer a variety that’s unlike any other. From hotels to villas to apartments, Florence will definitely have a place for you. Mind you, some of these places offer great accommodations for very low prices. Some of the accommodations in Florence even offer discounts for longer stays in the city. And who wouldn’t want to stay in Florence when there’s so much history and culture to get lost in? Here are just some of the places that I found to be great places to stay.

The Relais Villa Antea is a great representation of Florentine hospitality. The boutique hotel offers a luxury atmosphere in the peacefulness of Florence’s most elegant areas. This villa easily boasts the charm of a private house for a very reasonable price.

The Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo is a grand ancient house. It features the uniqueness of a private aristocratic residence that is located in the heart of historical Florence which makes it easy for those who want to take the tourist route around the city.

Locanda De’Ciompi is a unique period-style cozy bed and breakfast located in Santa Croce, one of the oldest quarters in Florence. The rooms also offer a wonderful view of the Loggiato del Pesce. You can easily find yourself immersed in the history and culture of Florence just by staying at Locanda De’Ciompi.

Hotel Hermitage is a comfortable and intimate hotel which is located in the heart of Florence. All the main sights and attractions that any tourist would want to visit is just within walking distance from the hotel. You can visit the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, Duomo and Bargello. This makes Hotel Hermitage the perfect place for a tourist to stay at.

Casina Turchina is located in Firenze. It is a small house with a garden that is near the airport and the center of the city. I recommend this little bundle of an accommodation for anyone who wants some privacy during their visit of Florence.

Signoria Apartments is another great place to stay at. It’s a luxurious abode that is located in the heart of Florence’s historical center. It’s on Via della Condotta street which is just a block away from Piazza della Signoria where the Medicis erected the Palazzo Vecchio. Do I even need to say more after that?

So whether you want to act like a tourist or if you want to have a little private vacation in Florence, there’s going to be a perfect match in accommodations just for you.

The Many Places to Visit in Tuscany

Melissa — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:33:19 +0000

Tuscany seems to be a favorite vacation spot among tourist these days. Tuscany’s travel attractions include historic cities, art, great wine, good food, medieval hill towns, beaches and a beautiful countryside. All the world knows Florence, Siena, Pisa and even San Gimignano with its medieval towers. But this Italian region also has many secret treasures that I highly recommend that you find a nice villa or farmhouse and settle in for a couple of days.

Arrezo, the home of Petrarch, father of the modern Italian language, and Guido D’Arrezo, inventor of the modern musical scale, is one of the great Renaissance areas in Tuscany. Among Arrezo’s many masterpieces, Duomo and the 15th century church of Santa Maria delle Grazie stand out.

Cortona, home to Frances Mayes ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’, is one of the oldest towns in Tuscany. There’s still much of its Etruscan wall that remains which separates the medieval city from the surrounding olive groves and vineyards.

A few miles of the Tuscan shore is Elba, the island where Napoleon spent his first exile until escaping in 1815. You can visit his 2 homes, sip espresso in the port of Marina di Campo and hire a fishing boat to sail around Monte Cristo. I highly suggest spending a few days in this untamed island because of the great fun and relaxation it brings.

DH Lawrence described Volterra as “grim”. The ancient Etruscan stronghold overlooking the sea is a massive fortress that is surely unique. Volterra’s churches and palaces are also filled with countless masterpieces. You can find yourself immersed in just about every period of Italian history in Volterra with far fewer travellers than if you were in San Gimignano.

Maremma is a party of Tuscany that very few tourists have time to visit but it is quite fascinating if you do get to visit. The Etruscan tombs outside Sovana lie within the quiet confines of a forest. As you wander amongst the groves, you suddenly come face to face with stones that were planted there by a mysterious civilization that we still know very little about. Maremma also has the unique thermal waterfalls of Saturina, the ancient hill town of Pitigliano which is famous for its lace, its Jewish origins and its unspoiled coastline.

There are so many more places to visit in Tuscany but I have to admit that even I haven’t been to all of them. I’ve heard from other traveler friends that the seaside resort of Viareggio is a great place to visit in February. There’s also the home of Giacomo Puccini at Torre del Lago. Lucca with its perfect city walls, Piazza Anfiteatro and the inventive palazzo doors. There’s Pienza, Montepulciano, Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Pistoia and Prato. With all these great places to visit, I think a month-long stay in Tuscany wouldn’t even be enough!

A Different Kind of Nightlife in Rome

Melissa — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 22:38:24 +0000

The nightlife in Rome gets a late start. It’s not at all unusual for locals to meet up for dinner around 9:30PM or even 10PM. After dinner, a long discussion will start regarding where to head to for fun for the night. Needless to say, you’re going to need some patience if you’re itching for a party in Rome. You’ll need to decide where to go, where to park, what to order and where that special spot is. The thing is, Rome is quite unique when it comes to nightlife and entertainment and there’s a specific reason for that.

There are a lot of bars and clubs located all over the city but the best way to enjoy the culture, vibe and spirit of Rome is outdoors. The weather is mild in Rome for the most part of the year so every little square patch of the street often turns into a big outdoor bar. The locals love their evening walks around the cobble stone streets, sipping beer while chatting with friends just outside a bar or sitting at a table outside a café. Mind you, the streets are not for walking in high heels. This takes the phrase “seen and be seen” on a whole other level.

Most of Rome’s nightlife and night entertainment areas are concentrated downtown or nearby. Each place has its own distinct characteristic. The area around Piazza Navona and Via della Pace is riddled with wine bars and cafes that make it quite chic. Campo De Fiori is loud and is where tourists mix up with the locals. Trastevere is more on the boheme side. It’s a Roman quality that’s still international in a sense with coffee shops, restaurants, pubs and wine bars. San Lorenzo is where the main university can be found so the nightlife in the area hosts a young, laid back crowd where students hang out in the many bars. The main streets of Monte Testaccio and Via Ostiense and its surroundings are packed with bars - from hip to posh to house music clubs; from salsa bars to gay discos to resto-bars.

Another thing to note about the night line in Rome is that the Romans are found of Irish pubs so you’ll find them almost everywhere. Ironically, the stereotypical Irish drinking can’t be found though as Romans aren’t at all heavy drinkers.

When the night is almost up, locals usually like to indulge in their favorite habit connected with the nightlife in Rome. Romans like to grab a croissant and drink a hot cappuccino on the way back home. Stop in one of the coffee bars still open spread all over the town and feast on a warm croissant before saying goodbye to the night.

Rome can definitely provide you with a whole other experience in nightlife.

Rome for singles: http://www.europetravelguide.net/2009/top-european-cities-for-singles/

Shopping in Rome: http://www.europetravelguide.net/2009/shopping-in-rome/

My Top 10 Cities to Visit in Europe

Melissa — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:03:44 +0000

Everyone has their own favorite place to visit and I have mine. You can decide to agree or disagree with me, but here are my choices for the top 10 cities to visit in Europe. You can find hot deals on hotels in Europe with Twenga.

Top 10 cities to visit in Europe 1: Milan, Italy

Milan, Italy is considered as one of the world’s fashion and design capitals. It’s the most modern of all of Italy’s cities while still keeping most of its history intact. Here’s a tip: save on travel and splurge on shopping. This is why Milan is one of my top 10 cities to visit in Europe.

Top 10 cities to visit in Europe 2: Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and also considered to be the capital of the European Union. Don’t worry about being surrounded by international diplomats though. The city has vibrant areas filled with restaurants and bars and beautiful parks. The city also happens to be right in the heart of Europe so you can easily go to other European hot spots from here. This is why this is in my top 10 cities to visit in Europe.

Top 10 cities to visit in Europe 3: Berlin, Germany

Berlin remembers its colourful past with monuments and museums that are definitely worth seeing. The city is the heart of Germany and is a wonderful and exciting city to visit. There are trendy restaurants, shops, bars and boutiques. It also has great transportation which makes getting around easy. The festivals are also a key factor in being chosen as one of my top 10 cities to visit in Europe.

Top 10 cities to visit in Europe 4: Munich, Germany

Munich is the largest city in Germany and it has a fabulous culture. The city is historical and grand and features some of the best museums in Germany. There’s great architecture, culture, fund clubs and the famous Oktoberfest beer celebration. Why wouldn’t Munich be in the top 10 cities to visit in Europe?

Top 10 cities to visit in Europe 5: Istanbul, Turkey

If you want to feel intrigue when you arrive at a city, visit Istanbul. The city is shrouded in history, layered in religion and wrapped up in theater. There’s a rich culture to immerse yourself in. And that’s enough for me to name Istanbul as one of my top 10 cities to visit in Europe.

Top 10 cities to visit in Europe 6: Manchester, England

Manchester, England has a classy culture with a historic vibe. It’s never short of partygoers. They’ve got a great soccer team and tons of music venues to have a great time at. What else could you want in one of the top 10 cities to visit in Europe?

Top 10 cities to visit in Europe 7: Athens, Greece

Athens has a lot to offer with its many old and beautiful buildings and ruins that date back to BC. It’s rich in history and culture too. Why wouldn’t the birthplace of modern civilization be in the top 10 cities to visit in Europe?

Top 10 cities to visit in Europe 8: Seville, Spain

Seville lures tourists with its colors and vibrant nature. It’s the cultural and financial center for Spain. With a fascinating history, sights and attractions that will blow you away, and the wonderful coastline, Seville makes it into the top 10 cities to visit in Europe easily.

Top 10 cities to visit in Europe 9: Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is built on history, romance and culture. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for history, festivals and a great nightlife. From visiting Edinburgh Castle to experiencing a rugby match, this city left an impression that made me list it in the top 10 cities to visit in Europe.

Top 10 cities to visit in Europe 10: Marseille, France

Forget Paris for a moment and think of Marseille. It’s one of the older cities in Europe and is listed as a major center of art and history. The city is fashionable in different aspects without forgetting its rich history. Marseille offers great bars and fun around every corner. This is the final entry to my top 10 cities to visit in Europe.

What’s on your list?

Security Tips for Visiting Naples

Melissa — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:39:35 +0000

If you are a tourist, Naples gives you the impression of a colorful city which is marked by close human contact and an amusing sense of chaos. However, it’s also a place where you should always be on your guard. In some quarters, tourists need to be aware that they may be the targets of street crime. Don’t let this put you off from visiting the city though. I just want you to have some security tips to make sure that your visit is safe.

While some may be on the adventurous side and want to discover a city on your own. It’s sensible advice to travel in a group while visiting Naples as a lone tourist is an easy target.

If you want to avoid walking, I say it’s your life. They say that if you can drive in Naples, you can drive anywhere as the rules of the road are completely ignored. It isn’t necessary to drive your own car or scooter in Naples, so for the security of your own life, I say just rely on the excellent public transport network. There are also guided tours in double-decked coaches that tour you around the city in complete safety.

Just like any big city, it’s common knowledge that you shouldn’t put your wallet in your back pocket while traveling. Another security tip is to travel with a money belt. It’s a good idea to avoid obvious displays of wealth like jewelery and cameras. The government in Naples actually placed security guards in plain clothes on buses to try to prevent pick pocketing.

If you find yourself in Piazza Garibaldi, it’s best to leave quickly. As soon as you get off the train, you will probably get hounded by offers of taxis. These are illegal vehicles without permits or meters. Do not converse with them, don’t even smile. Just walk straight out of the station and take a licensed taxi from the line. Authorized taxi drivers never go by the trains to offer services.

My last security tip for visiting Naples would be to not buy anything unless it’s from a proper shop. There are many people that many think they got themselves a real bargain after buying a cheap camera or a mobile phone. It’s only later on that they find that the box just contains half a brick. You obviously can’t take that to any sort of complaints department.

I’m not meaning to steer you clear of Naples. These are just some security tips to make sure that your visit is a safe and pleasant one. if you take these into consideration and get to enjoy Naples, you will see that it is a city which values culture with a deep desire for change. The violence is often exaggerated anyway.

Top European Cities for Singles

Melissa — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:51:58 +0000

Regardless of what your status in life is, there’s likely to be a city in Europe that would fit the lifestyle you live or would want to live. If you want to mingle with other singles, whether you’re gay, lesbian, a young one, divorcee, retiree or whatnot, try taking a vacation to any of these hotspots in Europe which I think are the top European cities for singles.

I think Amsterdam is one of the top European cities for singles. It’s a city rich in culture, it has a booming nightlife and the city itself is pretty open-minded. Gay singles can meet up during Amsterdam’s annual LGBT film festival to meet culturally aware film enthusiasts. Amsterdam is also a popular spot because of its marijuana cafes and being known for its legal red light district. That easily makes it one of the top European cities for singles.

For the younger generation of singles, the best places to visit are always the ones with the best parties. So why not visit Ibiza? It’s one of the top European cities for singles for being internationally known as the party island off the coast of Spain. You can enjoy a world of clubbing, lounging on the beach and having an adventure of a lifetime.

If you’re someone who’s trying to gain some personal fulfilment or discovery, then London is the place for you. It may not be as overtly PDA as cities like Paris or Rome but history buffs, art enthusiasts, theater patrons, food gurus, bookworms and a whole load of other people can benefit from this capital rich in culture while still in the middle of the busy streets of London.

If you’re a single who’s looking to just let go of all inhibitions, then I’ve got a few top European cities for singles on my list for you. Namely, these are the cities that have nude beaches where you can stare at any hot guy or girl without being called a pervert. There’s Red Beach on Crete, Paradise Beach on Mykonos, Greece, Leucate Plage in France and Costa Natura in Spain.

But if you’re more like the single who wants to get a vacation away from all the wild parties and meet someone stable and traditional, here are my choice of top European cities for singles. Vatican City can easily take you away from the nightlife and get immersed in the religious architecture, gardens, historical arts and monuments. Dublin, Ireland may have some rowdy crowds during parades and festivals but there are also plenty of opportunities for shopping, going to the cinema, visiting historical monuments and museums or just relaxing in one of the city’s many parks.

Of course, these are just some of my choices for top European cities for singles. I haven’t visited all the cities yet so I don’t know if there’s something better than the choices that I made. Do you have any other ideas as to what the top European cities for singles are?

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