Visit Sensational Maratea

If you were to make a list of the most beautiful places to visit in the world, then the Amalfi coast in Italy would have to be in the top ten category.

This is the coast which is famous for hairpin turns, breathtaking views, sweet lemons (I mean sweet) charming hotels and picturesque towns.

The Amalfi Coast is situated in the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula of Italy The best way to visit the coast is to fly to Naples, rent a car and drive down to Sorrento. If you make Sorrento your base camp, you can spend several days visiting the jewel towns of the Amalfi Coast at your leisure.

Start in Sorrento and drive to Positano. It is best to carry a Michelin map with you to avoid getting lost.

Before you arrive in Positano, you might want to stop at Positano Belvedere; a vantage point on the road that allows you to see the town of Positano in the distance. The view is breathtaking.

When you arrive in Positano, stop and walk around town. Chances are you have seen it in commercials. Once a small fishing village, it is now popular with the international crowd and some celebrities who stay at Positano’s  4 and 5 star hotels.

Most houses look like small boxes painted white with bougainvilleas growing along the walls.

After Positano, continue to Vertica Maggiore, and then Furore del Valle, another gem of a town. Near by is the Emerald Grotto. An emerald color cave only reachable by boat. The water of the Tyrrhenian Sea, enters the cave and the sun takes care of the rest.

Continue to the town of Amalfi and Ravello. Ravello also has unforgettable views.
In Ravello, you will see white washed houses perched on the hills with gardens planted with vines,  lemon and olive trees. It is a major tourist destination, the beauty of the city, and its charm, has inspired its inhabitants and guests for centuries.

Things to see:

Ravello:
Villa Rudolfo
Villa Cimbrone
Cathedral

Amalfi:
St Andrea Cathedral
Cloisters of Paradise (Chiostro del Paradiso)

Dining in the region:

Sorrento and the Amalfi coast are situated in the Campania region, and typical southern dishes are likely to appear on the menus. Among those are  pizza, pasta, tomatoes, eggplant, mozzarella cheese, seafood and citrus fruits.

If you have ever had tomato and mozzarella salad, you will surely  have it there. It is called “Insalata Caprese” named after the Island of Capri. The famous San Marzano plum  tomatoes that grow in the region, together with silky soft buffalo mozzarella cheese, olive oil and basil, will surely make  a delightful dish.

And let’s not forget the wines. The region is rich in volcanic soil, an ideal medium to grow grapevines, and although wines from this region are not well known internationally, they are just as good as more popular Italian varieties.  Wine at lunch and dinner is usually served in small carafes, but you can also order wines by the bottle.

Don’t forget to finish your meal with a cup of dark espresso just as most Italians do.

Resources:

If you decide to go, arm yourself with a good map and a good guide book. My favorite travel guides are Frommers and Michelin. You can find them at any major bookstore.
Italians are a friendly people by nature and driving around the area should not be difficult even if you don’t speak Italian.
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When visiting Italy, it seems every destination has enough historical sites to keep you busy for a month. Oddly, Milan and Pisa don’t fall into this category.

Milan

Milan is a thoroughly modern city and I would hazard to guess a wealthy one. This is not really the place for a budget traveler, but then again budget travelers seem to survive anywhere.

Milan is a good city to stroll around in. One can see a lot of interesting little shops and neighborhoods, but there isn’t the “monument to…” you find in most Italian cities. Don’t worry, the Cathedral makes up for it all.

In a city with a very modern feel, an old structure dominates. If you have interest in churches, you must visit Milan. The “Duomo” is simply staggering in appearance. From the outside, it is all gothic spires and frescos. I don’t know why, but the place is just radiates intensity and power. The inside of the structure is world unto itself. Marble is everywhere and you can’t help but stand around with your mouth open.

I hate to say it, but Milan can be a bit boring once you’ve had your fill of the Cathedral. The nightlife can be vibrant, but there is a definite dress to be seen feel to the place.

Pisa
Who hasn’t heard of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. When you visit, you will indeed find the tower is leaning. Unfortunately, you will not find much else. The tower is impressive as are the buildings immediately surrounding it. Nonetheless, the rest of Pisa is more interested in getting on with things. A nice place to visit, but don’t plan on spending more than a day or two.

There is nothing inherently wrong with Milan or Pisa if you know what to expect. If you’re expecting destinations similar to Rome, you’ll be disappointed.

Tuscany, Italy is a popular destination for holiday travel. The region offers many choices in accommodations, including hotels, apartment rentals, farmhouses and luxury villas in Tuscany. Large city hotels or a rural Tuscany villa offer two completely different styles to fit every personality. Several large websites offer information including pictures and descriptions of various rentals in the region. Reviews can help you chose the best accommodations for your vacation needs.

Farmhouse Vacations in Tuscany Italy

Farm holidays in Tuscany are a very popular way to travel, especially if you prefer the countryside away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You get to relax in tranquillity in one of these Tuscany vacation rentals. Farmhouses are often large, with six bedrooms and several bathrooms. They are large enough to accommodate a few couples or two families with children. Rent one with another family and split the cost of the rental.

The typical farmhouse in Tuscany has thick walls, terra cotta floors and raftered ceilings. Most are furnished in older furniture that is about the same age as the house, which adds to the authentic feeling of a farm holiday in Tuscany. The décor will often contain older paintings and photographs on the walls.

Most have been modernized enough to be comfortable, without losing the traditional feeling. The kitchen will most likely have a wood burning hearth. You will be able to cook your meals here, or enjoy some at the many restaurants scattered throughout the region. The plumbing may not be totally modernized in many farmhouses. In addition, there tends to be low water pressure.

Spas in Tuscany Italy

Tuscany, Italy is well known for its thermal baths. These are hot waters supplied by deep springs in the ground. They have been valued since ancient times for their healing properties and are great for back pain, stress relief and some skin disorders. Each has different minerals in the water, such as carbon dioxide or sulphur and is thought to help heal a variety of ailments. Mineral mud baths are another popular attraction. Some smaller baths are open seasonally. Other, larger baths are open year round. An admission fee is charged to bathe in the waters.

A variety of large and small spas have been built around these baths. Some smaller ones are day spas. A few nearby resorts and hotels allow you to stay in the resort and enjoy the spa atmosphere. These vacations are great for relaxation and relieving stress.

Best Times to Visit Tuscany Italy

Summer is a popular time to visit this area, as it is throughout Europe. If you are planning to visit at this time, you will want to book your trip at least a year in advance. August is vacation season for residents of the area. Many shops and restaurants close for the month.

Holidays are also busy times in Italy. Easter is busy for holiday vacation rentals in Tuscany. There are a wide variety of celebrations and festivals scheduled throughout Easter week. December holidays include Christmas and the day after, which is the Feast of Santo Stefano. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th is another popular holiday. Most shops are closed on these days and some restaurants as well.