Luxurious Italian Romance

About Venice

Venice is a city in northeastern Italy sited on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. Venice is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks. The city in its entirety is listed as a World Heritage Site, along with its lagoon. It is also known for its several important artistic movements, especially the Renaissance period. Venice is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world for its celebrated art and architecture. The city has an average of 50,000 tourists a day.

Venice is a city in northeastern Italy sited on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. Venice is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks. The city in its entirety is listed as a World Heritage Site, along with its lagoon. It is also known for its several important artistic movements, especially the Renaissance period. Venice is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world for its celebrated art and architecture. The city has an average of 50,000 tourists a day.

About Verona

Verona is a city straddling the Adige river in Veneto, northern Italy. It is one of the main tourist destinations in northern Italy, owing to its artistic heritage, several annual fairs, shows, and operas, such as the lyrical season in the Arena, the ancient amphitheater built by the Romans. The city has been awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO because of its urban structure and architecture. Three of Shakespeare's plays are set in Verona: Romeo and Juliet, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and The Taming of the Shrew.

Verona is a city straddling the Adige river in Veneto, northern Italy. It is one of the main tourist destinations in northern Italy, owing to its artistic heritage, several annual fairs, shows, and operas, such as the lyrical season in the Arena, the ancient amphitheater built by the Romans. The city has been awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO because of its urban structure and architecture. Three of Shakespeare's plays are set in Verona: Romeo and Juliet, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and The Taming of the Shrew.

About Como

Como is a city and commune in Lombardy, Italy. Its proximity to Lake Como and to the Alps has made Como a popular tourist destination and the city contains numerous works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theaters, parks and palaces: the Duomo (seat of Diocese of Como), the Basilica of Sant'Abbondio, the Villa Olmo, the public gardens with the Tempio Voltiano, the Teatro Sociale, the Broletto (the city's medieval town hall) and the 20th century Casa del Fascio.

Como is a city and commune in Lombardy, Italy. Its proximity to Lake Como and to the Alps has made Como a popular tourist destination and the city contains numerous works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theaters, parks and palaces: the Duomo (seat of Diocese of Como), the Basilica of Sant'Abbondio, the Villa Olmo, the public gardens with the Tempio Voltiano, the Teatro Sociale, the Broletto (the city's medieval town hall) and the 20th century Casa del Fascio.

About Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera. It is in the Liguria region of Italy, to the west of the city of La Spezia. "The Five Lands" is composed of five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the centuries, people have carefully built terraces on the rugged, steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the sea. Part of its charm is the lack of visible corporate development. Paths, trains and boats connect the villages, and cars cannot reach them from the outside. The Cinque Terre area is a very popular tourist destination.

Cinque Terre is a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera. It is in the Liguria region of Italy, to the west of the city of La Spezia. "The Five Lands" is composed of five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the centuries, people have carefully built terraces on the rugged, steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the sea. Part of its charm is the lack of visible corporate development. Paths, trains and boats connect the villages, and cars cannot reach them from the outside. The Cinque Terre area is a very popular tourist destination.

About Florence

Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany. Florence is famous for its history, a center of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages. A turbulent political history includes periods of rule by the powerful Medici family, and numerous religious and republican revolutions. The Historic Center of Florence was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. The city is noted for its culture, Renaissance art and architecture and monuments. The city also contains numerous museums and art galleries.

Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany. Florence is famous for its history, a center of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages. A turbulent political history includes periods of rule by the powerful Medici family, and numerous religious and republican revolutions. The Historic Center of Florence was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. The city is noted for its culture, Renaissance art and architecture and monuments. The city also contains numerous museums and art galleries.

About Siena

Siena is a city in Tuscany, Italy. The historic center of Siena has been declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is one of the nation's most visited tourist attractions, with hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. Siena is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and the Palio, a horse race held twice a year.

Siena is a city in Tuscany, Italy. The historic center of Siena has been declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is one of the nation's most visited tourist attractions, with hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. Siena is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and the Palio, a horse race held twice a year.

About Positano

The cliffside village, a stunning beach town, is the most picturesque and romantic of all the towns on the Amalfi coast - no wonder that it's become a vacation magnet for masses of wealth, young Americans who are looking for a relaxing, chilled vacation. In Positano, you will find expensive hotels, luxury boutiques, and restaurant.

The cliffside village, a stunning beach town, is the most picturesque and romantic of all the towns on the Amalfi coast - no wonder that it's become a vacation magnet for masses of wealth, young Americans who are looking for a relaxing, chilled vacation. In Positano, you will find expensive hotels, luxury boutiques, and restaurant.

The Piazza dei Mulini is a lively hub of shopping and sightseeing in Positano. You’ll find trendy fashion as well as local artists displaying their distinctive crafts. Handmade leather sandals are one of the unique things to buy in Positano, for an authentic experience, get yourself fitted for a custom pair in one of the many shops. For a spectacular view of the town, Spiaggia Grande is the place to be. This large and bustling beach offers kayak rentals and boat trips and, with its vibrant nightlife and abundance of charming restaurants, is Positano’s social center. If you’re looking for more activity, visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta – one of Positano’s architectural gems – or explore the Sentiero Degli Dei nature trail with its stunning views which links Positano to the other Amalfi coastal villages. There are no cars allowed in the town’s steep, narrow streets so leave your car in a central parking lot and roll down the town’s slopes by foot to the popular pebble beaches.

About Capri

The island has been attracting vacationers and tourists with its beauty throughout history– from the emperors Augustus and Tiberius of the ancient Roman Empire to Hollywood celebrities of today.

The island has been attracting vacationers and tourists with its beauty throughout history– from the emperors Augustus and Tiberius of the ancient Roman Empire to Hollywood celebrities of today.

In addition to basking in its beauty, what is there to do in Capri? The main attraction on the island is the Blue Cave. It is said that the Emperor Tiberius, who was hypnotized by the mystical kiss of the Blue Cave, used to hold parties in "modest clothing" in its waters, illuminated by blue light. To get to the Blue Cave, you have to hire the services of the boatmen who are waiting at its opening, sailing their boats to and from the cave. Entrance to the cave is dependent on the waves – at times, the opening is blocked at high tide. Once you've arrived and stepped inside, the sight is indeed unforgettable. Capri was used in the years following the fall of the Roman Empire as a place of refuge and exile for monks, and it was revived in the 19th century when tourists from Germany and England discovered its magic. The island can be reached by speedboat, ferry, and private boats which are available for rent. Once on the island, there are minibuses and open-top taxis to take you around. Even if you haven't entered the Blue Cave, a visit to the island is highly worthwhile, especially the ride in the steep, open cable car that climbs slowly from the center of the town of Anacapri to the top of Monte Solero, the Mountain of the Sun. Rising high above gardens full of lemons, tomatoes, and basil bushes, you’ll reach a breathtaking 360 degree view of the island and its surroundings. Many movies have been shot on Capri, and it received additional publicity thanks to the book, “The Legend of San Michele," written by the Swedish doctor Axel Monte who lived there for several years and tell its story. A winding path through the white houses in Anacapri leads to the writer's villa which now serves as a museum. In the two towns on the island, Capri and Anacapri, you’ll enjoy seeing small alleys between white houses, well-kept gardens, shops, restaurants, and many lemon trees from which they make the famous local limoncello drink. While spending a day in Capri can be enough to see the sites, you may want to stay overnight in one of the small boutique hotels, relax in one of the restaurants with a magical view, and order the local specialties. Caprese is an outstanding dish which originated on the island and is made of sliced local red tomatoes topped with slices of good mozzarella cheese, fragrant green basil leaves, and, above all, a sprinkling of virgin olive oil. And, of course, finish off with a shot of refreshing limoncello. The good life... Ready to start planning your trip to Capri? Tourist season on Capri is traditionally from the spring to the first weekend in November, and April to mid-June and September to mid-October are considered by locals to be the ideal time for a visit.

About Rome

About 2,000 years ago, during the peak of the Roman Empire, the Romans paved an extensive network of roads spanning approximately 50,000 miles. These roads, originating from Rome, the heart of the Empire, became the origin of the famous saying, "All roads lead to Rome."

About 2,000 years ago, during the peak of the Roman Empire, the Romans paved an extensive network of roads spanning approximately 50,000 miles. These roads, originating from Rome, the heart of the Empire, became the origin of the famous saying, "All roads lead to Rome."

Rome, often referred to as the "Eternal City," has maintained its allure as a global tourist destination. Its attractions include a wealth of iconic historical remnants, awe-inspiring architecture, churches and temples of grandeur, internationally acclaimed art and museums, charming squares and winding streets, bustling shopping districts, diverse culinary hubs, and an enchanting atmosphere. Nestled within the city lies the Vatican State, often regarded as its spiritual nucleus. The official appellation of the city, S.P.Q.R, stands for Senātus Populus Que Rōmānus, symbolizing the Roman Senate and People. A visit to the ancient section of Rome, encompassing the Roman Forum and the Coliseum, offers a captivating glimpse into the remnants of the Empire's glorious past. The Colosseum, once known as the "amphitheater of the plebeians," stands proudly on one side. Its oval structure had the remarkable capacity to accommodate up to 80,000 spectators and served as the venue for thrilling gladiator battles and captivating hunting and entertainment shows. Beneath the Colosseum lies the Underground Hypogeum, an intricate system of rooms that provided living quarters for the gladiators and served as confinement for dangerous beasts, such as lions. Contestants entered the arena via elevators, and the arena itself could be transformed into a water-filled stage for spectacular marine exhibitions, courtesy of the Aqueduct Claudia water carrier. The emperors entered the arena discreetly through a concealed underground passage from their residence on the Palatine Hill. Today, defacing the walls and stones in Rome is a serious criminal offense, but the etched graffiti from Rome’s heyday 2000 years ago has become a valuable resource for researchers, shedding light on the lives of the participants, prisoners, and gladiators who once dwelled within its historic walls. The "Forum Romanum," which was the political, commercial, and social center of the city for hundreds of years, extends from the Colosseum for about 820 feet. The forum is home to several historical buildings, including the Constantine Gate, the Titus Gate, the Severus Septimius Gate, the Settimo Severo temples, basilicas, the market, and the Curia Lulia that was the seat of the Roman Saint. A few steps to the north, in the outer part of the forum, there is a smaller forum - Trajan’s Forum- that contains Trajan’s Column. The triumphal column, standing tall at close to 100 feet, has a long spiral relief that commemorates the victories of Roman Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century Dacian Wars. Napoleon Bonaparte copied Trajan's column to describe his own victories, and it stands in Place Vendome in the heart of Paris. Piazza Venezia earned its name from the Venetian embassy that operated there until the early 20th century. The embassy building, adorned with the emblem of Venice—a winged lion - has been transformed into a museum. Dominating the square's center is the grand Vittoriano, a significant symbol in Italy's unification history, featuring the mounted statue of Vittorio Emanuele II. Within this memorial complex lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. An elevator ride up to the balcony treats visitors to a splendid view of the city and the bustling Via del Corso, which stretches from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo. To the west of Via del Corso lie the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, while to the east lies the enchanting "wishing fountain," the Fontana di Trevi. Visitors toss coins over their shoulders into the fountain with the hope of returning to Rome one day. Just a short stroll away are the iconic Spanish Steps, adorned with Bernini's boat statue, and the upscale shopping street – the Via Dei Condotti. Starting from Piazza del Popolo, a majestic staircase leads up to a vantage point offering a spectacular view of the remarkable square. From there, you can also access the Borghese Gardens, home to the renowned Galleria Borghese (make sure to book tickets in advance). Inside the museum lies an extraordinary collection of masterpieces from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, a true treasure trove for art enthusiasts. The Vatican City, along with its awe-inspiring Basilica and Vatican Museums, is a magnet for millions of tourists and believers each year. Saint Peter's Basilica, the world's largest Catholic church, stands as a popular pilgrimage site. The basilica's magnificent architecture, highlighted by Michelangelo's iconic dome and breathtaking works of art like Bernini's Baldacchino, are awe-inspiring. The Vatican Museum houses an extensive collection of plastic and decorative arts spanning various historical eras. The most renowned is undoubtedly Michelangelo's masterpiece "Creation of Man," adorning the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Alongside it, there are other outstanding artworks like Raphael's "The School of Athens" and the mythological sculpture "Laocoön and His Sons." A visit to the Vatican is truly a journey through the peak of artistic and religious heritage. Wandering along the city’s charming cobbled streets, enchanting squares, and romantic alleys you will be immersed in Rome’ unique atmosphere. As evening falls, both tourists and locals flock to the Trastevere area, drawn by its many restaurants and delightful culinary experiences. While you’re there, don’t miss a visit to the beautiful Santa Maria church, which adds to the charm of the neighborhood. Make your way to the Belvedere Del Giancolo observation deck for an unforgettable sunset experience, where you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of the cityscape. This article provides just a glimpse of the countless wonderful sites that Rome has to offer. Between sites, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in the delights of Italian cuisine, making Rome a paradise for food lovers. From authentic pastas to mouthwatering pizzas, superb coffee, and delightful Italian gelato, be sure to savor the outstanding Roman cuisine. Rome's charm extends beyond its historical sites to encompass the delectable culinary delights and enchanting ambiance that graces every nook and cranny of the city.