Rome NYE: Countdown to a Buon Capodanno

Happy New Year Italy - Buon Capodanno.  

Click for more about Italy New Year and Italy Carnevale.

To plan your vacation to Rome click for Rome holidays.

Italian Tourism has the best Rome Italy pre-cruise tours and Rome Italy post-cruise tours.

Italian tourism also specializes in Italy cruise tours from Rome. For a Italy cruise from Rome click Rome cruise.

If you'll be on a Rome cruise 2011 be sure to visit the Roman forum. Click for January Rome cruises 2011.

Italy New Year's Eve Traditions

Italy New Year's Eve Traditions - NYE Rome, Florence and Venice and all the villages and towns are celebrating the coming New Year.

To plan your vacation to Rome click for Rome holidays.

Italian Tourism has the best Rome Italy pre-cruise tours and Rome Italy post-cruise tours.

Italian tourism also specializes in Italy cruise tours from Rome. For a Italy cruise from Rome click Rome cruise.

If you'll be on a Rome cruise 2011 be sure to visit the Roman forum. Click for January Rome cruises 2011.

NYE Rome Traditions and Festivals

New Year’s Eve is known as la Festa di San Silvestro (Feast of St. Sylvester) in Italy. New Year’s Day is called Capodanno. On both days you will find people celebrating by eating lentils symbolizing wealth or pork specialties such as cotechino or zampone symbolizing richness for the coming year. Fava beans are also widely eaten for good luck.

At midnight, there are fireworks displays throughout Italy with the largest and longest taking place in Piazza del Popolo in Rome. The fireworks last for an hour and also there is a concert that goes on for hours both before and after the fireworks.

Whatever your choice of rituals, if you are celebrating New Year’s in Italy, you will be well entertained until dawn - and beyond if you wish!

Click here for more about Italy New Years and Italy Carnevale.

To plan your vacation to Rome click for Rome holidays.

Italian Tourism has the best Rome Italy pre-cruise tours and Rome Italy post-cruise tours.

Italian tourism also specializes in Italy cruise tours from Rome. For a Italy cruise from Rome click Rome cruise.

If you'll be on a Rome cruise 2011 be sure to visit the Roman forum. Click for January Rome cruises 2011.

Baroque and Renaissance Rome: Bernini's Vatican City - The Architect of St. Peter's

Bernini was called "The architect of St. Peter's" by Urban VIII (1623-44). And Bernini would have considered this quite a complement, as Bernini was one of a handful of artists in his time who would be come to known as a Renaissance Man due to his accomplishments in a variety of fields, including architecture, painting, and sculpture.

Popes Paul V and Gregory XV of the two great Roman families Borghese (see Cardinal Scipione Borghese the Pope's nephew) and Ludovisi (see Sant'Ignazio and Jesuits) respectively. It is these two Popes in the first two decades of the 17th century that created what is known as Triumphant Rome.

Truimphant Rome gets its name from the art and particularly the sculpture of that time, which had a triumphal role because it occupied a rhetorical position in the philosophy of the century. By the end of the 16th century theorists of New Science rationalized that the center of every operation is the man. In De sensu rerum et magi (1620) Tommaso Campanella writes: "Man is the epilogue of the whole World. The World is statue and image. It is the living Temple of God, where he has depicted his acts and written his own ideas. He adorned it with living statues, simple in heaven, mixed and feeble on earth; but from them goes the way to God."

In short, God created the world by means of three great arts:

• Sculpture, because it is statuary;
• Painting, because it is image; and
• Architecture, because it is a Temple.

Men are thus living statues, sculpture in motion.

Bernini's aim was to unite painting, sculpture, and architecture in his work, which he mastered beautifully by the time of the Ecstasy of St. Teresa and the Cornaro Family, both inside the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria.

Urban VIII was the Barberini Pope after Gregory XV, who with Innocent X (1644-55), and the Chigi Pope Alexander VII (1655-67), all erected churches and palaces around Rome and it was these Roman families who were the stimulus for many works by Bernini.

Today when you travel to Rome walk down Via dei Seminario, just off the Piazza Pantheon, to Sant'Ignazio where inside on the ceiling is painted an allegory depicting the nine arts battling for the Jesuit's heart.

Bernini took advantage of the Jesuit's new call for propaganda or "spreading the faith", such as the allegory on the ceiling of Sant'Ignazio by designing and building art around Rome that conveyed a universal and rhetorical message that is persuasive.

The idea of persuasion through images impelled the intellectuals of the time to rediscover the power and resources of rhetoric. The whole act of artistic creation could be viewed in a particular way through the lenses of the "Aristotelian telescope" (the title of a treatise on rhetoric by Emanuele Tesauro); viewed, that is, in terms of such rhetorical devices as antithesis, anastrophe, metonymy, ellipsis, hyperbole, oxymoron, and above all metaphor.

Under Innocent X Bernini created his most complex fountain conceived as an allegorical monument, the Fountain of Four Rivers (1648-51) in Piazza Navona, to the figure group as a theatrical vision in St. Teresa (1647-52).

Under Pope Alexander VII, Bernini busied himself with architecture: Sant'Andrea Quirinale, Colonnade in front of St. Peter's Basilica, sculpture Constantine inside St. Peter's, Daniel and Habakkuk in the Chigi Chapel in Santa Maria del Popolo, and the Chair of St. Peter in the apse of St. Peter's Basilica.

Bernini the architect designed St. Peter's Square and the colonnade, and inside St. Peter's Basilica Bernini the sculptor designed a number of works including the bronze and gold 95 foot tall Baldachine (1624-1633) over the High Alter of St. Peter's Basilica, which cost the papal-state 10% of its annual revenue. It was testament to Bernini that the Vatican's would spend that kind of money on Bernini. And it was a testament to triumphant Rome that the Pope and super-rich of the 16th and 17th centuries used their wealth and money, chariots, like today's Gulfstream V jets, for the artists to travel between Rome, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Istanbul, France and Spain for the artist's sole benefit. And 10% of the annual revenue of the papal state was enough to keep an artist living well for several lifetimes. Of course, rather than sit back and just play the game like today's NBA basketball players, the genius-artist of the 17th century went on working day by day despite millions and millions in today's money in the bank.

To plan your vacation to Rome click for Rome holidays.

Italian Tourism has the best Rome Italy pre-cruise tours and Rome Italy post-cruise tours.

Italian tourism also specializes in Italy cruise tours from Rome. For a Italy cruise from Rome click Rome cruise.

If you'll be on a Rome cruise 2011 be sure to visit the Roman forum. Click for January Rome cruises 2011.

Books about Rome

Rome

Founding of Rome and Thereafter:

1-Roma

2-Lavinia

3-The Aeneid

4-Rome

Cicero-The Life and Times of Rome's Greatest Politician by Anthony Everitt (2001)

Route 66 A.D.-On the Trail of Ancient Rome by Tony Perrottet (2002)

Playing Away-Roman Holidays by Michael Mewshaw (1988)

A Thousand Bells at Noon-A Roman's Guide to The Streets and Pleasures of His Native City by G. Franco Romagnoli (2002)

Roma-The Smart Travelers Guide to the Eternal City by Paul Hofmann (1993)

The Seasons of Rome-A Journal by Paul Hofmann (1997)

City of the Soul-A Walk in Rome by William Murray (2002)

As The Romans Do,The Delights, Drama, and Daily Diversions of Life in the Eternal City Alan Epstein (2000)

The Vatican's Women, Female Influence at the Holy See by Paul Hofmann (2000)

Rome Antics by David Maculay

Notes From A Roman Terrace by Joean Marble (2003)

Pasquale's Nose, Idle Days in an Italian Town by Michael Rips (2001)

The Smiles of Rome-Susan Cahill (2005)




Rome Guides:

Rome City Map by Dorling Kindersley Travel Guides

Top 10 Guide to Rome by Sharri Whiting

Trattorias of Rome, Florence and Venice by Maureen B Fant

Rome Insideout by The Map Group

Cafe Life Rome-Joe Wolff (2002)

Great Sleeps Italy, Florence, Rome, Venice by Sandra Gustafson (2002)

Access Rome by Richard Saul Wurman

To plan your vacation to Rome click for Rome holidays.

Italian Tourism has the best Rome Italy pre-cruise tours and Rome Italy post-cruise tours.

Italian tourism also specializes in Italy cruise tours from Rome. For a Italy cruise from Rome click Rome cruise.

If you'll be on a Rome cruise 2011 be sure to visit the Roman forum. Click for January Rome cruises 2011.

Italy Christmas Traditions

Italian Christmas traditions video from Naples via San Gregorio Armeno to Rome's Piazza Navona holiday market and festival, Italy at Christmas is wonderful time of year for your next Italy vacation.

To plan your vacation to Rome click for Rome holidays.

Italian Tourism has the best Rome Italy pre-cruise tours and Rome Italy post-cruise tours.

Italian tourism also specializes in Italy cruise tours from Rome. For a Italy cruise from Rome click Rome cruise.

If you'll be on a Rome cruise 2011 be sure to visit the Roman forum. Click for January Rome cruises 2011.

Best Christmas Holiday Destinations

Welcome to travel guide Europe and our guide to the best holiday destinations to visit in Europe during this wonderful Christmas period. If you have been lucky enough to avoid being grounded by the snow at airports such as Gatwick that have ruined so many peoples holidays this winter – why not pack your bags and set off on a holiday to one of the many great European holiday destinations for winter travel.

Of course, when it comes to choosing the best Christmas holiday destinations in Europe opinion will be divided and there is always going to be differences in choice depending on your interests, age and disposable income.. For example, if your personal cup of tea tends towards a fantastic Christmas party inspired by twinkling Christmas lights, superb local cuisine and part filled music – then the best countries to visit in Europe for a Christmas holiday must surely be found in the UK and France. London and Paris are famous for their seasonal festivities, whist you can also travel to Germany for an authentic outdoor market experience with beers a plenty!

If you can afford to travel to destinations outside Europe, cities such as New York and Florida are brilliant places to visit at Christmas – and of course New York will provide you with all the Christmas shopping opportunities you will ever need! Florida will of course also have some good weather for this time of year if you fancy something a bit different to snow and freezing temperatures!

Rome Christmas - St. Peter's Square Presepe

nativity scene next to obelisk and Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square.

To plan your vacation to Rome click for Rome holidays.

Italian Tourism has the best Rome Italy pre-cruise tours and Rome Italy post-cruise tours.

Italian tourism also specializes in Italy cruise tours from Rome. For a Italy cruise from Rome click Rome cruise.

If you'll be on a Rome cruise 2011 be sure to visit the Roman forum. Click for January Rome cruises 2011.

Rome Christmas Eve: Things to do

Italy Right Now brings you to Rome Christmas Eve - wear comfortable shoes and be ready to walk for a Roman festival.

For more video of holidays in Italy click here.

For video of Rome click here.

To plan your vacation to Rome click for Rome holidays.

Italian Tourism has the best Rome Italy pre-cruise tours and Rome Italy post-cruise tours.

Italian tourism also specializes in Italy cruise tours from Rome. For a Italy cruise from Rome click Rome cruise.

If you'll be on a Rome cruise 2011 be sure to visit the Roman forum. Click for January Rome cruises 2011.

How to do Scavi Tour

Want to a Scavi tour of the Vatican in Rome. Try sending an email to :
visiteguidate.musei@scv.va.

In the email include names, date and time you would like to visit.

The Scavi tour is separate from any tours of St. Peter's Basilica or the Vatican Museums.

The tour itself takes about 1.5 hours. Less than 20 people enter with each tour.

If you want to take the Scavi Tour send an email when you know you will be in Rome.

Then pray for a reply ;-)

For more on travel to Italy click here for Web Vision Italy vacations.

To plan your vacation to Rome click for Rome holidays.

Italian Tourism has the best Rome Italy pre-cruise tours and Rome Italy post-cruise tours.

Italian tourism also specializes in Italy cruise tours from Rome. For a Italy cruise from Rome click Rome cruise.

If you'll be on a Rome cruise 2011 be sure to visit the Roman forum. Click for January Rome cruises 2011.

Rome - Outdoor Markets

Rome Holidays

Markets in Rome are as old as time. Today in the United States fresh seasonal organic locally grown fruits and vegetables are a real luxury. In Italy and in Rome it is part of La Dolce Vita - access to locally grown fresh organic fruits and vegetables in neigborhood street markets is the way of life.

While in Rome, be sure to get up in the morning, have an espresso, and then wander to a Roman street market.

Depending on the season you'll find artichokes, zucchini flowers, peppers, tomatoes, etc etc. Taste delicious Roman spices like amatriciana and saffron. Enjoy Italy travel with the street fairs and markets.

Rome Street Markets: Monday-Friday

Campo de’Fiori - food and flowers - Mornings
Largo della Fontanella di Borghese - antique books and magazines - Mornings
Via Sannio - second hand clothes and accessories - Mornings
Piazza San Cosimato, Trastevere - high quality food - Mornings
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele - food - Mornings
Via Andrea Doria – food - Mornings
Via Magnagrecia - food - Mornings
Ponte Milvio - mornings


Saturday and Sunday you may find fairs here:

Via Tirso and Via Metauro - antiques and jewellery - Mornings
Lungotevere Capoprati - antique flea market - Afternoons
Porta Portese, Trastevere - flea market, clothing and antiques - Mornings
Centro Sportivo, Via Angelo Battelli - books, collectors’ items - All day
Via Tirso and Via Metauro - antiques and jewellery - All day from 10:00
Via Francesco Crispi - antiques and collectors’ items. (Closed during Summer) - All day
Piazza della Marina, Flaminio - Bric-a-brac, antiques and vintage clothing - All day


For more on markets in Italy visit the Spice Man in Campo de' Fiori.

To plan your vacation to Rome click for Rome holidays.

Italian Tourism has the best Rome Italy pre-cruise tours and Rome Italy post-cruise tours.

Italian tourism also specializes in Italy cruise tours from Rome. For a Italy cruise from Rome click Rome cruise.

If you'll be on a Rome cruise 2011 be sure to visit the Roman forum. Click for January Rome cruises 2011.

What do in Rome after The Vatican and St Peter's Basilica

 

Vatican Tour on a Rome Holiday

After the Vatican tour take a leisurely walk to Piazza Navona indirectly by crossing the bridge to Vittorio Emanuele II. After crossing take second right on Via Paola to Via Giulia. Enjoy Via Giulia all the way to Via dei Farnese. Take a left.

Nice wine bar in the Piazza Farnese square or keep walking through to Campo De' Fiori. Check it out:

http://www.webvisionitaly.com/category.php?id=221&ref_genre=&ref_item=180

Then I'd head over to Piazza Navona To the west of Piazza Navona, behind Brazilian Embassy, is the Via Della Pace neighborhood. There go to Raphael Hotel roof for a drink. Even better if the sun has not set yet.

And you can go shopping in that neighborhood on Via dei Coronari.

And there is plenty of nice Rome holiday trattoria around too:


Our favorite thing to do in Rome is wander.

-Motorino Man

To plan your vacation to Rome click for Rome holidays.

Italian Tourism has the best Rome Italy pre-cruise tours and Rome Italy post-cruise tours.

Italian tourism also specializes in Italy cruise tours from Rome. For a Italy cruise from Rome click Rome cruise.

If you'll be on a Rome cruise 2011 be sure to visit the Roman forum. Click for January Rome cruises 2011.

Espesso: La Dolce Vita Caffes of Rome; Historical Caffes of Turin

Rome Caffes

Travel to Rome Italy must include like ritual morning coffee. I prefer macchiato, espresso stained with a little milk. Rome is the capital of espresso, and living la dolce vita includes starting the day in a caffe.

Italian Broadcasting Company and Web Vision Italy bring you these videos about morning coffee in Rome, and the classic battle between Sant'Eustachio and Tazza d'Oro.

Click here to view video about Rome travel, La Dolce Vita - The Caffes of Rome.

Click here to view video about Turin travel, Historical Caffes of Turin.

TAZZA D'ORO ORIGINAL COFFEE srl
Via degli Orfani, 84 (Pantheon) - 00186 Roma

Sant Eustachio Il Caffe Srl
Piazza Di S. Eustachio
00186 Roma (RM), Italy

To plan your vacation to Rome click for Rome holidays.

Italian Tourism has the best Rome Italy pre-cruise tours and Rome Italy post-cruise tours.

Italian tourism also specializes in Italy cruise tours from Rome. For a Italy cruise from Rome click Rome cruise.

If you'll be on a Rome cruise 2011 be sure to visit the Roman forum. Click for January Rome cruises 2011.

Amalfi Coast Holiday: Air, 6 Night Hotel, 7 Day Car Rental & Breakfast Daily from $899

8 Day Amalfi Coast Holiday Fly & Drive
This Italy travel package includes:
Roundtrip airfre to Italy;
6 nights hotel;
7 day car rental; and
Breakfast daily

Regular rate of $939 reduced to $899+*

*Lead Price Travel Dates: Jan 19, Jan 26, Feb 2 2011
Promo valid for Departure Dates: December 2010 – March 2011


Italy Travel Deal
This affordable Amalfi Coast holiday deal allows you to explore the charming, picture postcard towns of the Amalfi Coast, stacked high above the sea. This independent fly & drive Italy travel package gives you the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. If you see something that sparks your interest, just pull over. We've included a suggested itinerary with stops in Pompeii, Positano, Caserta, Capri and more. Spend your time relaxing, taking in the beautiful scenery, or check out the sites of the neighboring towns – it's completely up to you!

Amalfi Coast Holiday Italy Travel Package Includes:
Round trip flights NYC-Naples.
Airline fuel surcharges
6 nights accommodations in your choice of hotels
7 day car rental: Economy Manual (Fiat Panda or similar). Upgrade available.
Car rental includes: Unlimited mileage, Third Party Liability Insurance (RCA), Collision Damage Waiver Reduction (C.D.R.), Theft Protection Reduction (T.P.R), Airport charges, local taxes (VAT)
Breakfast daily

How to Book this Amalfi Coast Holiday
This Amalfi Coast holiday must be booked by December 20, 2010 to save $40 per person off our regular price. Click here to book with Italian Tourism or call 305.914.0220 to speak with one of our certified Italy travel agents.

Other departure cities available. Inquire for exact airfare supplemental.

Click below to chat live with an Italian Tourism certified Italy Travel Agent:



Email Italian Tourism or Call Italian Tourism 305.914.0220 for rates from other citites.

*The following additional fees are not included, where applicable: airport taxes, fees & September 11th Security Fee of up to of up to $150, Car Rental Fees of $57 per vehicle, optional car rental insurance and parking. For more details, see our Terms & Conditions.

Click to see a full listing of Italy travel packages including cruises around Italy, cruises from Rome and cruises from Venice and other Amalfi Coast Holidays.

Spas an easy drive outside of Rome: Fiuggi and Terme di Vertralla

If you're feeling like you can't handle another night in the city of Rome, then the best way to relax and rejuvinate is get away for a night at a spa close by Rome.

South of Rome, off the A1 autostrada on the way to Naples, is the spa of Fiuggi, in the province of Frosinone. Fiuggi has been the watering hole of the rich and famous since the time of the Ancient Romans. Acqua di Fiuggi is thought to have curative powers. These days, Fiuggi is exceedingly popular, with many fashionable hotels and shops and places to eat. We suggest hotel reservations.

North of Rome, off the A1 autostrada on the way to Florence, is the spa of Terme di Vertralla in Viterbo, a 50-minute drive north of the city. The terme are naturally-occurring hot springs that have sprung up in the middle of a field. They have been used for about two millenia, first by the Etruscans. Everywhere around you you can see the remnants from ancient structures. They are free of charge and open to the public, just simply drive up, park the car and submerge yourself in the hot water.

Visit Fiuggi,

Visit Viterbo

For more on Italy, view webvisionitaly.com

Salute Per Acqua [good health through water] = SPA

To plan your vacation to Rome click for Rome holidays.

Italian Tourism has the best Rome Italy pre-cruise tours and Rome Italy post-cruise tours.

Italian tourism also specializes in Italy cruise tours from Rome. For a Italy cruise from Rome click Rome cruise.

If you'll be on a Rome cruise 2011 be sure to visit the Roman forum. Click for January Rome cruises 2011.

Cruises Around Italy Cruise Rome to Venice 3-Day Sale

Cruise around Italy Rome to Venice Italy cruise $ale!

Italy cruise Rome to Venice cruise ports of call include Monte Carlo, Florence, Naples, the Greek Isles including Santorini and Mykonos, on to Athens, Olympia, and Corfu then cruise the Adriatic sea to Split Croatia and finally Venice Italy. This Rome cruise around Italy to Venice is on sale for 3 days.

Cruise from Rome enjoying FREE balcony upgrades and up to $100 cash back when this Rome cruise around Italy is booked between December 15-17. Book your 2011 Rome cruise today!

Call Italian Tourism 305.914.0220 to book your Cruise from Rome to Venice cruise around Italy.

Cruise around Italy cruise sale good for May – November 2011 sailings

Cruise around Italy - Cruise Rome to Venice sale for the following sailings:

May 30 Cruise around Italy Cruise Rome to Venice
Schedule: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (30 May d1800); Monaco (31 May 0700-1800); Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy (01 Jun 0600-1800); Naples, Italy (02 Jun 0800-1900); Santorini, Greece (04 Jun 0800-1900); Mykonos, Greece (05 Jun 0100-1800); Piraeus (Athens), Greece (06 Jun 0600-1745); Katakolon (Olympia), Greece (07 Jun 0800-1700); Corfu (08 Jun 0700-1600); Split, Croatia (09 Jun 0900-1800); Venice, Italy (10 Jun a0900(+1)disembark)

Call Italian Tourism 305.914.0220 to book your Cruise from Rome to Venice cruise around Italy.

June 23 Cruise around Italy Cruise Rome to Venice
Schedule: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (23 Jun d1800); Monaco (24 Jun 0700-1800); Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy (25 Jun 0600-1800); Naples, Italy (26 Jun 0800-1900); Santorini, Greece (28 Jun 0800-1900); Mykonos, Greece (29 Jun 0100-1800); Piraeus (Athens), Greece (30 Jun 0600-1745); Katakolon (Olympia), Greece (01 Jul 0800-1700); Corfu (02 Jul 0700-1600); Split, Croatia (03 Jul 0900-1800); Venice, Italy (04 Jul a0900(+1)disembark)

Call Italian Tourism 305.914.0220 to book your Cruise from Rome to Venice cruise around Italy.

July 17 Cruise around Italy Cruise Rome to Venice
Schedule: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (17 Jul d1800); Monaco (18 Jul 0700-1800); Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy (19 Jul 0600-1800); Naples, Italy (20 Jul 0800-1900); Santorini, Greece (22 Jul 0800-1900); Mykonos, Greece (23 Jul 0100-1800); Piraeus (Athens), Greece (24 Jul 0600-1745); Katakolon (Olympia), Greece (25 Jul 0800-1700); Corfu (26 Jul 0700-1600); Split, Croatia (27 Jul 0900-1800); Venice, Italy (28 Jul a0900(+1)disembark)

Call Italian Tourism 305.914.0220 to book your Cruise from Rome to Venice cruise around Italy.

August 10 Cruise around Italy Cruise Rome to Venice
Schedule: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (10 Aug d1800); Monaco (11 Aug 0700-1800); Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy (12 Aug 0600-1800); Naples, Italy (13 Aug 0800-1900); Santorini, Greece (15 Aug 0800-1900); Mykonos, Greece (16 Aug 0100-1800); Piraeus (Athens), Greece (17 Aug 0600-1745); Katakolon (Olympia), Greece (18 Aug 0800-1700); Corfu (19 Aug 0700-1600); Split, Croatia (20 Aug 0900-1800); Venice, Italy (21 Aug a0900(+1)disembark)

Call Italian Tourism 305.914.0220 to book your Cruise from Rome to Venice cruise around Italy.

September 3 Cruise around Italy Cruise Rome to Venice
Schedule: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (03 Sep d1800); Monaco (04 Sep 0700-1800); Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy (05 Sep 0600-1800); Naples, Italy (06 Sep 0800-1900); Santorini, Greece (08 Sep 0800-1900); Mykonos, Greece (09 Sep 0100-1800); Piraeus (Athens), Greece (10 Sep 0600-1745); Katakolon (Olympia), Greece (11 Sep 0800-1700); Corfu (12 Sep 0700-1600); Split, Croatia (13 Sep 0900-1800); Venice, Italy (14 Sep a0900(+1)disembark)

Call Italian Tourism 305.914.0220 to book your Cruise from Rome to Venice cruise around Italy.

November 2 Cruise around Italy Cruise Rome to Venice
Schedule: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (02 Nov d1800); Monaco; Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy; Naples, Italy; Santorini, Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Katakolon (Olympia), Greece; Corfu; Split, Croatia; Venice, Italy

Call Italian Tourism 305.914.0220 to book your Cruise from Rome to Venice cruise around Italy.

This cruise around Italy cruise Rome cruise to Venice includes a free balcony upgrade and up to $100 cash back. Start planning a relaxing getaway to Europe.

Contact Italian Tourism Italy Cruise travel agent today for a quote. This is the perfect Italy cruise to include a Italy pre-cruise tour in Rome and Italy post-cruise tour in Venice.

Italian Tourism has the low priced Italy airfare for flights to Rome and returning from Venice to make this Italy cruise tour a special Italy vacation to remember.

Detailed Cruise Around Italy itinerary:

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy: 6:00 PM Embark
Monte Carlo, Monaco: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Naples/Capri, Italy; 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
At Sea
Santorini, Greece: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Mykonos, Greece: 1:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Athens (Piraeus), Greece: 6:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Katakolon (Olympia), Greece: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Corfu, Greece: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Split, Croatia: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Venice, Italy: 9:00 AM - Overnight
Venice, Italy: 5:00 AM

Call Italian Tourism 305.914.0220 or email us "travel @ italiantourism.us" to take advantage of the Italy cruise sale.

Italy cruise sale begins Monday December 13. Book your Italy cruise tour Rome cruise to Venice and enjoy a cruise around Italy.

Best Backpacking Holiday Destinations in Portugal

A Brief Overview of Portugal

Portugal offers one of the warmest climates in Europe and provides the backpacking tourist with a wealth of things to see and do.  Typically, a backpacking vacation implies that you are travelling on a budget or have limited funds.  Not to worry.  There are a number of cheap hotels in Portugal that you can take advantage of.  Additionally, since most international flights land in Lisbon (the capital), there are a number of Lisbon hotels that you can take advantage of as well, although we wouldn’t call all of them cheap.

Backpacking Hot Spots

Although many backpacking tourists prefer to explore the inland regions of the country, it is the beaches and seaside mountains of Portugal that holds the allure for many backpackers.  If your choice is Portugal’s countryside, then you might want to consider one of the following areas:

- Castelo Branco
- Évora
- Douro Valley
- Leiria
- Miranda do Douro
- Viseu

However, if you want to observe the wildlife of the region in its natural state, then you owe it to yourself to backpack and explore the Azores or Madeira Islands.  Additionally, the mainland has nature reserves situated in the Douro Valley, at Peneda-Gerês and at Serra da Estrela.

Gems and Secrets of the Country

For many tourists, the Algarve is the destination of choice with its abundance of natural beauty and some of the most stunning coastlines in Portugal.  Unfortunately, it is gradually becoming overdeveloped and is no longer the hidden gem or secret that it once was.  However, it is still worth exploring because some of the Algarve’s beaches are less visited than others.

Amarante is one of Portugal’s most magnificent little towns and well worth the visit.  It is a lovely city that features some spectacular architecture with beautiful paths and trails to explore along the River Tamega.  Many tourists have commented on how beautiful the architecture and the green streets are as they reflect off the waters of the river.

If you travel to Oporto in the north, you will be at the gateway to another one of the gems and secrets of the country, namely the Douro River Valley.  The most outstanding characteristic of this valley is the vineyards growing along the sloped banks of the river.  The local wineries in the area are complemented by some stunning panoramas of the river.

Events and Cultural Festivals in Portugal

During the summer months, there are numerous fairs that take place especially in the northern regions of the country.  Additionally, there are a number of music festivals that take place that might be of interested to you.  These festivals are typically set in some of the most beautiful countryside and small, quaint villages.

To the north – the two oldest festivals in the region are the Paredes de Coura festival and the Vilar de Mouros festival.

To the south – along the western part of Portugal’s southern coast is the Festival Sudoeste, by far the oldest and most famous of Portugal’s many festivals.