Monday, September 19, 2011

Holiday tips: Atina and Cassino in Italy - Travel



If you have not chosen the destination for your holiday yet, and you wish to visit a nice Italian town, Cassino is the place you are looking for.

Cassino is famous in Italy and also abroad for its monuments, for its wonderful landscapes and for the nearby Abbey of Montecassino, which attracts many pilgrims throughout the year. Although you can visit Cassino in all seasons and be always sure to enjoy an unforgettable holiday, the best season to visit it is probably summer. In summer, indeed, you can make long walks in the city and in its surroundings, and planning also some excursions in the nearby cities and villages. Certainly you can do that also in other seasons, but in summer there is something special in the air of Cassino. And this is due not only to the beauty of the nature and of the city itself, which with the light of summer sun gains something more, but also to the many events that take place in Cassino in summer.

Visiting Cassino in summer means taking part in many different events, fit for all ages and tastes. Visitors are really spoilt for choice: you can choose among religious, cultural, music and folkloristic events, which are held throughout summer. The main events of June are religious feasts: the Feast of St Anthony, the Feast of St John the Baptist and the Feast of St Peter and St Paul. The Feast of Saint Anthony is held on the 13th of June, the day consecrated to the saint of Padua since 1232, but celebrations start some days before and include many events: pilgrims and believers never miss the mass and the procession, but also all the other people who are in Cassino in those days like to take part in these events and enjoy the wonderful fireworks and the performances of music bands. The celebrations in honour of St John the Baptist are held on the 24th of June, and remind us of the dedication of the Abbey of Montecassino to the saint. On the 29th of June the city celebrates the saints Peter and Paul. Saint Peter was very important for the city, and according to the legend it was the first person to spread the word of the gospel in Cassino. Another important religious feast that takes place in Cassino in summer is the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (on the 14th - 15th of August). Do not miss the crowning of the Virgin Mary on the 14th of August, when the statues of the Virgin and of Child Jesus are brought in procession. After the procession, the Abbot crowns the statue of the Virgin.

In addition to these important, religious events, the city in summer offers much more: if you love music, especially if you have a passion for Jazz, you cannot miss Cassino Jazz, which is part of Atina Jazz, one of the most important Jazz festivals in Italy, which is hold in a nearby city (Atina). During the festival (July-August) you can enjoy the performances of important jazz musicians and of emerging talents as well. Another important event that has taken place in Cassino for years is "Cassino Multietnica" (Multiethnic Cassino), an event that mixes music, theatre, movies, dance, folklore, literature, photography, food and wine, and which is meant to give voice to multiethnic cultures. 

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Best Holiday Destinations in Europe: Edinburgh

Edinburgh is widely regarded as one of the best holiday destinations to visit in the UK and offers a fantastic mix of rich Scottish history, heritage and traditions fused with the latest ground breaking arts, comedy and experiences. Named as a UNESCO world heritage site in the year 1995, the city is famed for its varied architecture and cultural experiences. With attractions and buildings spanning its long and rich history, Edinburgh offers holidaymakers the chance to combine visits to medieval castles, palaces and buildings as well as impressive gothic styled churches which also find spaces standing alongside some truly stunning modern architectural creations.

     Edinburgh is also without a doubt one of the best holiday destinations in the UK to experience some superb and exciting live events that are sure to excite and intrigue the British tourist visiting the city for a weekend, as well as backpackers travelling across Europe and visitors to Scotland taking holidays from overseas. Such is the wide reaching nature of the appeal of events such as Hogmanay (Scottish New Year celebrations) the Edinburgh festival and Fringe, and the pomp and ceremony of its world famous military tattoo that those visiting the city should plan well ahead. Indeed, getting accommodation of any kind in Edinburgh during the festival season around August to September and during the new year is extremely difficult and may need to be booked as long as a year in advance in some circumstances.

     Accessing the city from the UK can be easily achieved by train, with the main station Waverly regularly accepting numerous daily services from across the country. If you are visiting Edinburgh from Europe or further afield it is possible to fly to Edinburgh international airports and then take a Edinburgh airport taxi into the city. The airport is the most popular and frequented in Scotland and takes in flights from around Europe and the rest of the world.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

The 3 Best Travel Destinations in Europe

Europe is packed with fantastic places to go travelling, but there are certain places which have so much charm and such a wide range of attractions that you can’t help but go back. Below are my 3 top travel destinations in Europe that i will continue to return to time and time again:

Paris, France

Known as the city of love, but it’s so much more than that. Paris has everything; stunning icons, great food and all the attractions of a capital city. No matter what type of holiday you want to take, Paris will cater to your needs. Those wanting to sightsee and explore some of the most recognised spots in the world will be happy walking the streets from Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre. If you fancy a more relaxed break then you can wander through the beautiful parks, checking out the quirky fountains and stop off for coffees and hot chocolates all day long. Paris’ only drawback is the strain it puts on the purse strings, but even if you just head over for a long weekend you can guarantee a rewarding a stay. Sante!

Lake Bled, Slovenia

A stunning getaway for those wanting to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town of Bled is tucked away not far from Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana and is based around the shores of the beautiful lake. If all you want is some peace and quiet set on a mountain backdrop the Bled is the place for you. For those who are ready to incorporate a bit of activity into their visit then hire a boat and row out to the island at the lake’s heart and explore the beautiful church which stands high on its crest. You can even ring the church bell...

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a city of two halves which it seems you can never fully explore. Every time you go back you will discover another corner of the city which you didn’t know was there, filled with great bars, noisy restaurants and packed with locals. There’s plenty you’ll find first time around as well mind. Split into Buda and Pest by the Danube, the city boasts beautiful Baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau architecture to satisfy anyone’s needs and enough parks to shake a stick at. The Danube itself is a great way to explore, hopping on and off as you please and cruising down river when you fancy resting tired legs. If you need even more rest and relaxation then the numerous Turkish baths will help on that front. One of the resident burly Hungarian men will even give you a rub down if you ask nicely. Once you’re suitably refreshed it’s time to hit the town and Budapest can match any city for a good night out, hence its popularity for stag and hen dos. No matter what you go for, Budapest will show you a good time.
  
This is a guest post from Tom at Top Backpacking Destinations – you can follow him on Twitter: @BackpackerBoy

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Tuscany on the road

This is an idea of a two days travel to visit Tuscany on the road.

First stage, Florence.
Obviously, this is a "must" step. The numerous works of art there would deserve a longer stop, but given the time available, I would suggest you to spend a morning strolling through the city center, starting from Piazza Duomo.
In the square, located in the heart of the historic center of Florence, you can admire the Cathedral, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery of S. John. The visit could continue onto the elegant Via de Calzaiuoli to reach Piazza Signoria, Florence's central square a few meters from the famous Ponte Vecchio.
The short walk might move towards Via de Tornabuoni, with perhaps a brief moment of relax, drinking a cup of coffee in the historical bar Paszkowski in Piazza della Repubblica. Via de 'Tornabuoni, is a luxurious way of the historic center between Piazza Antinori to bridge of the Holy Trinity. It is one of the most elegant streets of Florence since the Renaissance, which is overlooked by many historical buildings, and that today is also characterized by the presence of the best high fashion designer boutiques and jewelry shops.

Before lunch, next stop is Greve in Chianti, Via Chiantigiana. This is the scenic road that leads from Florence to Siena, passing through the Chianti Classico area dominated by hills, villages, castles and country houses of the famous wine-producing DOCG. The stop in Greve in Chianti is dedicated to the tasting of wines and typical Tuscan cuisine, perhaps visiting one of the many wineries of the famous wine producers of the place.
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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Lovely Beaches to Enjoy Ferragosto in Italy


With Italy's Ferragosto just a few days away it is time to take a look at Italy traveler favorite beaches in Italy.  Given Italy is a peninsula with almost every region touching the sea, be it the Mediterranean, Adriatic, or Tyrrhenian, Italy is full of beaches lapping along its lovely seas to visit and enjoy on your Italy tour.

Ferragosto, an Italian holiday celebrated on August 15, originated with Augustus when it may have related to a celebration of the middle of the summer and the end of the hard labour in the fields. Now almost the entire month of August is taken as a holiday and leisure time in Italy in honor of this feast day.  If you are heading to Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples, or Venice during the month of August you may wonder if anyone lives in these usually bustling cities because they are sure to be quiet in August when only a few cats remain to sweat it out in the heat of the city.  Ferragosto in Italy is when the entire population all vacation together crowding the beaches and filling the water with sun;oving Italians paying homage to the Sun.

Who better to refer to than TripAdvisor and its Italy vacation experts when ranking the top 10 beaches in Italy.


Top 10 Beaches in Italy

1. San Vito lo Capo

2. Villasimius

3. Lampedusa

4. Vieste

5. Alghero

6. Positano

7. Monterosso al Mare

8. Otranto

9. Santa Teresa di Gallura

10. San Teodoro

To visit our favorite beach on Capri check out our Amalfi Coast Holidays.

What's your favorite Italy beach? Let us know in the comments below.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

The province of Grosseto, Tuscany.

Sovana was a flourishing Etruscan center, and was then an important city in Roman times, so much so that in the early centuries of Christianity it became a bishopric. It was conquered by the Lombards, and came under the dominion of the Duchy Aldobrandeschi which extends to the whole province of Grosseto. Then it passed to the Orsini family for inheritance it was sacked and destroyed by the Sienese.
From Aldobrandesca Rocca, along a tiles pavement, we arrive at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, enclosed between the symbols of the powers which have ruled, Sovana still retains its original charm and splendor. In the Praetorian Square you can admire the Praetorian Palace, the Loggia del Capitano, the
Palazzo of the Archives and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the seventeenth-century Palazzo Bourbon del Monte, leaning against the ancient Church of San Mamiliano.
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Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Does My Breakdown Cover Policy Cover Me in Europe?

To do true justice to many of Europe’s more scenic and rural holiday destinations, either taking your own car (and thereby being all but bound to the consequences and limitations of travelling by ferry) or alternatively taking up the option to hire a car upon arrival at your destination is all but essential if you are to get the maximum enjoyment out of your trip. I would suggest that it is all but impossible to fully enjoy all the stunning natural beauty of some of the greatest European holiday destinations such as for example Tuscany, The Greek Islands, Ireland etc. without the freedom to drive off and explore these brilliant places and their unspoilt natural scenery without having a car at your disposal.
    
But what happens if the worst comes to the worst and you have a breakdown or mechanical fault with your vehicle? If you are based living in the UK, does your current breakdown cover policy cover you for travel overseas and in Europe? Are there any limitations to the length of period of which you are covered in such territories?  Such factors are key things to consider if you are planning on using your own car or hiring a car in Europe. If in doubt, it is highly recommended that you take the time to study your existing policy documents or contact your insurer directly to establish the limitations and terms of your breakdown cover.
    
There is nothing worse than having a dream holiday ruined by unforeseen problems, and unfortunately such things can happen to any of us. By establishing whether or not you are covered prior to departure you may save yourself a whole heap of hassle in the long-term. Even if your current policy does not cover you for breakdowns outside of your country of residence, there are now short term breakdown policies available that can for example, cover you for short holiday periods ranging from 1 to 30 days, based on which region of Europe to which you are driving. Investing in such as policy will give you greater peace of mind and freedom to enjoy your holiday and explore the rural reaches of Europe without the fear of being stranded should your car break down.