South eastern Tuscany meets its smaller neighbour Umbria, on Umbria’s north eastern border. The border area of Tuscany and Umbria in Italy is a wonderful place to stay as the visitor is able to visit the many cities and towns of the two regions while staying in one of the most picturesque areas the world has to offer and enjoying one of its greatest cuisines. The area is largely rural, the main crops are sunflowers, maize, olives, vines and tobacco which is being phased out. Modernity has been slow to reach this area and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, many visitors feel as if they had stepped back in time 30 or 40 years. Staying in this area you are within 90% of UNESCOs world art treasures: Rome and Florence are within two hours drive and one must not forget the important art works of nearer towns such as Arezzo, Siena, Perugia and Assisi. Apart from their art treasures these towns are places everyone enjoys visiting. All have their own architectural delights and meandering lanes and interesting shops and restaurants. Also worth visiting are the Tuscan towns of ; Cortona and Sansepolcro and the Umbrian towns of Gubbio,Citta di Castello, Todi and Orvieto. Lovers of ceramics will also want to visit Deruta which produces some of the finest majolica.

Wine lovers are also in for a treat as many great wines are found in this area. Although Chianti is not strictly on the Tuscany Umbria border it is only a short drive. The brunellos of Montalcino and Vino Nobile of Montepulciano are found in this area.

There is a wide choice of accommodation available for those wishing to come to this area of Italy. “Agriturismi” offering either self-catering apartments or B&B type accommodation have sprung up everywhere. A popular choice for the visitor to this area of Tuscany and Umbria is to rent a self-catering villa, farmhouse or apartment through a rental agency. With a rental agency one can be sure that the house or apartment has been properly scrutinised and is priced fairly to reflect its quality, situation and accessibility. Farmhouses, villas and apartments with or without swimming pools are all available. If one wishes to stay in a country property in this area car hire is almost essential. Public transport in the rural areas of Tuscany and Umbria although reliable, is sparse. Most villages have a bus service once a day, relying upon this creates a lack of flexibility. Many of the farmhouses and villas for holiday rental are on hillsides a good walk from a main road. Often vacation rental houses in Tuscany and Umbria are reached along gravel roads or “strade bianche” . City inhabitants are often alarmed at these gravel roads but after the initial drive along them the nerves are soon overcome.
Please visit www.tuscanyumbria.com to find a rental property for your holiday in the Tuscany or Umbria regions of Italy.

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With a handwritten letter to the Minister of the Interior dated 20 December 1857, the 27-year-old Emperor Franz Josef confirmed his already discussed decision to expand the city of Vienna and for the construction of public buildings. Many participants in the international contest announced on 30 January 1858 for the expansion of the inner city of Vienna planned the new opera house to be near the Kärntnertore, thus close by the theatre it was to replace, which indicates a strong tradition of opera-awareness.

It was especially tragic that criticism of the building, which started in the autumn of 1868, only came to an end after the untimely deaths of the two architects. The style was criticized. In 1861 the opera house had been started in a romantic concept, which however, at the latest in 1865 had been replaced by the monumental conceptions of the strict style of historicism.

Following the destructions of the opera house on 12 March 1945 due to the effects of war, a completely different opinion emerged during the lengthy discussions on the reconstruction. There was no doubt that the facade should be restored, whereas a faithful restoration of the interior gave rise to differences. The reopening of the opera house was celebrated on 5 November 1955.

Vienna Opera House is situated in the first district of Vienna at the southern end of the Kärntnerstrasse. August von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll built the State Opera House from 1861 to 1869.

The Vienna Opera House has a world-wide standing for its first-class opera performances and is also known because of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. A night at the State Opera is one of the most impressive events any visitor to Vienna can experience.

The building itself closely resembles Italian Renaissance, as this epoch was immensely important for art and music. The first operas were written and performed in Italy during the 16th century. The loggia towards Ring Boulevard aims to emphasize the house’s openness to the public. It is adorned with a precious cycle representing the Mozart’s ‘Magic Flute’ and other famous operas accomplished by painter Moritz von Schwind. Numerous statues and figurative embellishments at the inside and outside of Vienna opera underline the festive character of the house.

The Vienna State Opera is one of the first opera addresses in the world – offering great diversity at the highest level. The program of this renowned opera house changes daily and presents 50 opera and 15 ballets on 300 days of the year.

Once a year, the stage and orchestra stalls of the Vienna State Opera turn into a giant dance floor – for the Vienna Opera Ball. More than a hundred debutante couples in long evening dress and tailcoats open the ball in the presence of the Austrian Federal President; once more, one can feel the ambiance of the Vienna of the great Ring Boulevard era.

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When deciding at which time of the year to go to Italy it may be worth scheduling around a couple of festivals as they are invariably spectacular occasions.

Here is a shortlist of the best on offer:
Festa dei Ceri, Umbria in May
Il Palio, Siena in July and August
Carnevale, Venice in February
Festa di San Gennaro, Naples in December
I Candelieri, Sardinia in August
Palio delle Quattro Antiche Repubbliche Marinare, Venice / Pisa / Amalfe / Genoa in May / June
Processione dei Serpari, Abruzzo in May
Sa Sartiglia, Sardinia in February
Umbria Jazz, Perugia in July

In August prices tend to skyrocket across the country along with the weather, so is best avoided. However, that is not true of the whole of the country. In a country such as Italy the weather is incredibly diverse, ranging from stifling heat in the low-lands of Florence to the snow-capped chills of the Alps and the Dolomites.

Overall you can expect long hot summers the further south you are, with Sicily and Sardinia enjoying the best of all, where sea swimming is possible right into mid October.

Italy is a fairly expensive country with accommodation being the single most costly aspect of a trip. You may find cheaper accommodation out of the city centres and in surrounding satellite towns. Expect to pay around 12 to 20 euros for a youth hostel, 25 to 45 euros for a basic pensione or small hotel, and around 70 to 120 euros for a mid-range hotel.

Eating out is an incredible experience throughout Italy. As any Italian will tell you, there really is no such thing as Italian food, as each region tends to be known for its particular specialities. Budget for around 20 to 35 euros for a great full-course meal with a house wine on average.

The delectable Cucina Italiana is never far away in Italy. If youre a bit of a gastronomic connoiseur then id recommend touring around the Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna and Umbria regions for the quintessential food tour.

Shop for Italian delights to take home in the Mercato delle Erbe in Bologna, then head off to nearby Modena for a bottle of perhaps the worlds finest balsamic vinegar.

Next pick up a delicious antipasto in the most well-known food town of Parma – see Parma ham and Parmesan cheese.

For you first dish perhaps Umbria for some umbricelli (pasta served with shaved truffles). If you can try to get your hands on the ever-elusive tartufo nero or black truffle from Norcia.

For the next course perhaps a taste of the infamous bistecca alla fiorentina from Florence or head to Perugia for a porchetta, an Umbrian speciality of suckling pig stuffed with its own liver plus a handful of wild fennel and rosemary.

What to drink with these delights? Head to the Chianti region for a rocking red, or Orvieto for a succulent and sharp white.

Round off this tour with dessert in Siena in the form of a slice of panforte, a hard flatcake of candied fruits and nuts, or perhaps cantucci e vin santo (yes you guessed it – a biscuit doused in sweet white wine), a Tuscan speciality.

Getting around Italy is relatively easy and cheap, although car hire prices are on the rise. If you decide to take a train the regionale (local stopping trains) are much cheaper than the diretto (fast intercity and eurostar trains) and in my opinion are far more rewarding as you get to see more and take photos along the way.

It youre in search of good reading to help in capturing the spirit of Italy then id recommend picking up a copy of Il Gattopardo by GT di Lampedusa, The Aeneid by Virgil, La Storia by Elsa Morate or perhaps Grazia Deledda’s Canne al Vento.

Have fun!

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This heritage sits side by side with the more cosmopolitan parts of Florence and Pisa, as well as with the rustic simplicity of the Tuscan countryside, dotted with small villages and peaceful vineyards. There are 10 provinces in Tuscany, and each one is worth a visit; so deciding what aspects of Tuscany you would like to visit is a must.
One of the most importance cities in Tuscany, if not in the whole of Italy, is Florence. An influential capital since the middle ages, Florence is still surrounded by mementoes of the Renaissance, which was nurtured into its full glory in this state. Tourists tend to travel there to imbibe the beautiful, well, everything. Florence is a gem and an unforgettable experience.
Pisa is also an unforgettable experience. Never mind, for the moment, the Leaning Tower of Pisa; this city is fascinating for other reasons as well. Only recently, a series of magnificently preserved wooden boats were discovered in the marshes, dating from between 200 BC to 500 AD. The boats and their contents may not be removed from the marsh in our lifetimes, and a carefully planned visit may mean that you can actually go to the dig itself. This is definitely something that the history-hungry tourist will be dying to see, one of the archaeological miracles of our age.
If you want something a little more off the beaten track, but still awe-inspiring, try Lucca. The north of the city is overshadowed by the Apuan Alps, and you can simply enjoy the marvels that the still-medieval landscape and the fantastic landscapes. Most of Lucca has remained unaffected by the tourist trade, so you can eat eels in sauce at the Giulio without having to wait in a queue to be served.
For one of the most astonishing sights in the whole of Italy, visit the Maremma, Tuscany’s Wild West. Drive by the open wheat fields of this area, and you’ll come across Cowboys in fedoras doing what cowboys do (herding cattle, we mean). The best way to learn about the Italian cowboys is to stay in the area, at one of the fantastic hotels. Maremma is also the place where the Saturnia spa is to be found. One of the earliest Italian cities, Saturnia boasts warm sulphur springs that makes it as famous a spa town as the English Bath.
The important thing to remember about Tuscany is that it is not just a haven of culture and history; it also has some of the best nature parks in the Italian states, as well as one of the few bird sanctuaries in this country of fanatical bird-hunters. Once you get tired of all the sumptuous art, fantastic walks, history and health spas, then you can take a look at some of the beauty not created by man.
Since Tuscany is all about the culture of Italy, and reminders of its past, you may want to consider planning your trip around some of the festivals and events that are held there. Florence even has a Cricket Festival, and the insects are released after the festival, as this brings good luck.
An Italian experience would not be the same without visiting a few good restaurants, and Tuscany has a lot of eating places, both modern and traditional. Some places, such as the ‘Cibreino’, do not even serve pasta, but concentrate upon the local cuisine instead. For the best meal for a little price, the Trattoria Pallottino in Florence is one of the best; mountains of pasta, and huge servings of whatever you choose. It is very popular, however, so you would need to plan ahead.
Accommodation in Tuscany should not be an issue, as the countryside has adapted to the many tourists that visit the region. From luxury hotels and resorts to self-catering farmhouses and cottages, you should not be short of options; in fact, Tuscan farmhouses offer an alternative for the traveller who is bored with resorts and arranged trips. There are plenty of places that have been adapted to suit a short-term stay, and any visitor to Tuscany should seriously consider this option. Though, on the other hand, a number of Tuscan castles have been turned into luxury hotels, so if you are coming to the area for the history, you may be attracted by the opportunity to stay in an authentic piece of the Italian past. Either way, Tuscany is a popular resort, and you need to make your plans early.

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Allepey in Kerela
Amongst the most visited cruises, Alleppey is famous for boat races, fishing and beautiful lakes. It runs through the middle of Punnamada Lake and moves on to Chavara Bhavan for one to explore the hidden beauty of ancient wooden houses and the 400 year old Champakulam church. If lazing around on the beaches, relaxing in houseboats, sailing in continual stretches of silent waterways, and at the same time exploring long lost temples is your idea of holidaying, then Kerela is the destination for your next holiday.

Aruba in Caribbeans
Aruba is a great vacation spots in the Caribbean for cruise passengers. Right from beautiful beaches for a perfect tan of your skin, there are a variety of sports that one can participate in.
Often connoted as the Happy island of Caribbean, there are many places that one can visit in Aruba. One of them being Oranjestad, which is the capital city, is tremendously scenic with its Dutch royal architecture showcased in muted colors.
Being an island, it is well known for its water sport. This is a top spot for windsurfing or snorkeling. In fact, Aruba is the host to the Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge windsurfing tournament that takes place every year in the month of June.

The Alps of Italy
Italy is often referred to as the number one honeymoon spot for couples. Italy casts its spell with many romantic places and one of the not-much explored area is ‘The Italian Alps’. Connecting Central Europe and the Mediterranean, they are a blend of many cultures and can be traced back to the Stone age. Lake Maggiore, sheltered by an Alpine ring, Dolomites, often referred to as the vacation of sanity and Aosta Valley, surrounded by Europe’s four highest mountains are some of the few destinations and a must visit amongst the gorgeous Alps of Italy.

Orlando
Florida becomes a top tourist vacation spot because of the city of Orlando. It is the county seat of Orange County, Florida. The city is best known for the many tourist attractions in the area, in particular the nearby located Walt Disney World Resort, which resides in Lake Buena Vista, that is 32 km south of Orlando. Other must-visit attractions include SeaWorld and Universal Orlando Resort.

Oahu in Hawaii
Hawaii visitors often prefer Oahu as their first stop destination. Oahu is a lively and vivacious island with all the luxuries and comforts of a modern life. One can trek in a lush green mountainside, dine under the stars at the five-star restaurants, sunbathe all day at this vibrant beach. A tourist can also Indulge in the nightlife, explore the rich culture and heritage of this island.

Southern California
Southern California is the best vacation getaway for a million reasons. From Universal Studios Hollywood for a movie buff to East Los Angeles, everyone can find something to visit in California. Worthwhile attractions are Legoland California, which comprise of rides, live shows, and miniature lands prepared from Lego blocks; San Fransisco Bay area which is home to Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz island.

Luna Lodge of Costa Rica
This tops the vacation list of the tourists on the lookout for forest spots. It is home to rare and beautiful bird species encounter native and very interesting wildlife. This vacation spot is excellent for people looking for secluded area for a therapeutic massage, bird watching and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells is a perfect family vacation spot. One can bring their children to huge number of waterpark resorts. Many resorts offer enclosed water parks for its guests to enjoy the beauty and the excitement of such a stay. There are many beautiful courses for golfers to test their skills, antique shops and museums for such lovers, exotic spas and hotels for a romantic getaway.

Museums of Paris
Paris is known for its rich culture and heritage and has a lot to be explored by the tourists in the area of museums. Rodin museum, known for the amazing marble and bronze work done by Auguste Rodin, Mailol Museum, full of collections of mordern art bound together by Dina Viemy, and ‘The advertising museum’, that presents thematic, artists and brands. Louvre Museum is the biggest museum in the world and brings together art from around the universe.

Door County, Wisconsin
Door County, Wisconsin is a weekend vacation spot for tourists from Chicago and other nearby places. The reasons are many. One can plan a romantic honeymoon, golfers can try their skills on the lush green and beautiful golf courses, and one can also chose Door County as a place for a family reunion. Horse riding, sailing the islands to discover lighthouses and even rent a bike and go for the bike riding that the rush hours in the city often does not allow you to do.

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Three centuries of history and landmarks that represent the Revolution, Civil War, the War of 1812, and the birthplace of our national anthem are all found in this compact state.

Maryland incorporates an area of just 10,000 square miles and extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Appalachian Mountains. With the magnificent Chesapeake Bay at its heart and the Atlantic Ocean its eastern boundary, Maryland is all about water. Baltimore is a major port, Annapolis is home to the U.S. Naval Academy and the Chesapeake (which comes from a Native American word meaning great shellfish bay) provides the ingredients for Marylands world-famous crab cakes

A stop in Baltimore is a must. The area is filled with history and there are great sights throughout the city, but its Inner Harbor is the best place to begin any visit to Maryland’s largest city. Once a collection of ramshackle warehouses and abandoned factories symbolic of urban decay, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is now a showplace of urban renewal.

The Inner Harbor hosts many great attractions, restaurants and shops. A highlight for visitors is the Showcase of Nations, which offers colorful ethnic festivals each weekend from June to October. A favorite stop is the National Aquarium, a five-story structure which houses an Atlantic coral reef in a 335,000-gallon tank, a South American rain forest in a glass pyramid, the Open Ocean where visitors can get an up-close look at several species of sharks, and a 1.2-million-gallon dolphin habit.

At Pier 1 is the USS Constellation, the last Civil War vessel still afloat and the last all-sail warship built by the Navy. Many artifacts are displayed and visitors can try their hand at turning the capstan and setting the sails.

For a personal look at the people who have made Baltimore their home, groups can take a walking tour through the charming neighborhoods of Little Italy, Union Square, or Federal Hill, where 4,000 residents gathered to celebrate the ratification of the Constitution in 1788.

From the Inner Harbor you can reach Fort McHenry, which guards the entry to Baltimore’s harbor, by boat (or by motorcoach). This is where Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the War of 1812.

A flag of a different color flies at Pimlico Race Course on race days. Home of the Preakness, this is the second jewel in horse racing’s Triple Crown. Pimlico is the second oldest race course in the United States.

Another 19th-century event has evolved into the Baltimore & Ohio Railway Museum. Started as a tradeshow exhibit for a major Baltimore railroad, the museum has evolved into the best collection in the world of American railroad rolling stock and railway memorabilia. Now a National Historic Landmark and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, visitors gain a sense of both the importance of the railway in Americas expansion and also the elegance of railway travel in its heyday.

In Columbia, groups are in for a treat at Tobys Dinner Theatre. Now in its 27th season, this award-winning regional theatre offers groups Broadway-style entertainment in an intimate setting.

This article is sponsored by: www.grouptravelblog.com

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Climate
Winters are long and cold in the northern alps; the summers can be rainy with frequent storms. The far south is warm but often lashed by the sirocco – the hot and humid African wind that brings weeks of stifling heat to the areas south of Rome. Pleasant temperatures make spring and autumn the best times to visit Italy.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Italy

Milan:cutting edge design and fine shopping

Milan’s drab facade belies the fact that it’s the innovation capital of Europe.

transport: getting there and getting around

Malpensa airport, located about 31 miles northwest of Milan, handles most international flights. For domestic and some European flights, Linate airport is used. Stazione Central, which as the name suggests is in the city centre offers an extensive rail network.

Milan has an efficient public transport system is efficient. It includes four underground lines, buses and trams.

climate

Other than the odd heat wave, the climate in Milan is mostly temperate.

accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts
Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Milan hotels

events:what’s on and what’s hot

For all its consumer-driven culture, Milan celebrates the spiritual as well as the worldly.

*The first ten days of June celebrate the Festa del Naviglio, a potpourri of parades, music and various performances.

*The Milan Jazz Festival gets the city swinging in November.

*The Festa di Sant’Ambrogio, on 7 December is celebrated with services, offerings and fairs around the Fiera di Milano. This is also the day that Milan’s renowned opera house La Scala opens its season.

Rome:the eternal city

Drenched in history and weighted with monuments famous the world over – the Vatican and the Colosseum, Rome stands as the epitome of history and culture.

transport:getting there and getting away

Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) airport is 16 miles southwest of the city with the Stazione Termini direct train running hourly into the city. The main bus station is located outside the Stazione Termini. The Rome Metro service has two lines, both of which go through Termini. It runs from 5:30 a.m to 11.30 p.m. and 0:30 on Saturdays.

climate

The climate is mild with sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. However July and August can be oppressively hot, November is often rainy, and December to February can be chill.

accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts
Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Rome hotels

Events: what’s on and what’s hot

*Holy Week (Easter) is time when Catholics from all over the world arrive on pilgrimages to visit the city’s churches and to hear the Pope at the Vatican. On Good Friday a procession of the Cross goes from the Colosseum to Capitoline Hill.

The Estate Romana (Roman Summer), is at the heart of Roman social life from June to September. It’s a time when the city reverberates to free concerts, street theatre and outdoor cinema.

In September museums, galleries and shops stay open all night from 20:00-08:00 on the occasion called Notte Bianca (white night). It’s also a time of free concerts and other happenings all over the city.

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