In the picturesque town of Alba, in Italy’s northwestern Piedmont region, there are few more enticing destinations when it comes to wine tasting. Piedmont is known world-wide for its rare white truffles, velvety red Barolo and Barbaresco wines and delicious fruit. Settled in pre-Roman times by Celtic and Ligurian tribes, Alba has many signs of Rome’s intervention in its city gates and slabs of marble used on later buildings. The town is sprinkled with lovely castles, medieval palaces and towers, and many churches.
Archive for the ‘Europe’ Category
Ancient Rome
When most of us think of Rome, we think of the pictures we have been shown of the Colosseum and the ruins that are scattered amongst the city. We realize they are old, colossal, and extravagant structures that are in the midst of decay, but do we realize just how old? And, do we realize just how important these structures were to this thriving civilization? Before venturing on a tour of the ancient city, it is important to know (in order to appreciate) just how old and essential these structures were.
Rome in the Off-Season
There is never a bad time to visit Rome. However, if you dislike large crowds, there are some important guidelines to follow when booking your trip to Italy’s capital.
A Tour of Northern Italy
Many people come to Italy to explore the tropical south of the country without ever realizing how many gems that northern Italy has to offer. No trip to Italy is complete without venturing north as it arguably has it all. It has beautiful mountain ranges, world class wineries, magnificent large cities, sleepy smaller cities, Italy’s largest fresh water lakes, and has coastline on the Ligurian Sea in the west and the Mediterranean in the east. Here are some ‘must see’ destinations when venturing to the north of Italy.
Exploring Cinque Terre, Italy
Perhaps one of the most stunning and photographic locations on the Ligurian coast is Cinque Terre, a must see on any vacation to northern Italy. Sometimes overshadowed by nearby Pisa and Tuscany, this small piece of coastline paradise provides an unforgettable and visually astounding journey.
Cinque Terre, or ‘Five Lands’, is a series of five coastal villages all of which are within 24 km from tip to tip. These villages are popular tourist destination for hikers, photographers, artists, and anyone who is awestruck by aesthetically pleasing scenery. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso are each tough to reach by car. A single steep winding mountain road is the only access point by car, and no doubt quite treacherous. A safer and more commonly used mode of transportation to and throughout the villages is the train which finds itself a way along the coast through many tunnels.
Out for Tapas in Spain
One characteristic of Spain that sets it apart from other European countries is its late start on the night and its unique, small appetizer size meals called ‘Tapas’.
Typically, Spaniards have a light breakfast of bread, ham, cheese, and coffee. Lunch is the largest meal of the day which is always followed by an afternoon siesta. The Spaniards take this chunk of the day very seriously. When it is time for siesta, the town shuts down. The siesta time for shops and businesses is from approximately 2pm-5pm while bars and restaurants close from about 4pm-8pm or 9pm.
Ancient Sites of Verona, Italy
Verona, Italy, is located in the northeastern region of Veneto. It is known as a romantic and ancient city that is often overshadowed by larger tourist destinations like Venice. Although many people flock to Venice when in the north, Verona is a welcome escape from crowds as well as a relaxed, pleasant and historically rich place to visit. Famous as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona was a Roman city, and many Roman ruins have been preserved, notably it’s Arena. Most of the historical sites which grab the interest of tourists date back more than 800 years.
Exploring Lake Como, Italy
Located in the region of Lombardy, Lake Como is Italy’s 3rd largest Lake. This beautiful Lake is tucked into the northern Italian mountains, is only a few minutes drive to the Switzerland boarder, and a mere 40km from Milan. A popular travel destination since Roman times, this gorgeous Lake is the perfect vacation for sightseers, honeymooners, photographers and families.