Valpolicella - An Area in the Verona Province
This is the Valpolicella area in Italy, not the wine. Situated between Verona, Italy and Lake Garda, lies Valpolicella a fertile valley which has been home to wine-making traditions for centuries. This hilly agricultural and marble-quarrying region is famous for its wine production. During the 6th century AD, the Roman writer Cassiodorus indicates that the sweet wines from this area were favorites in the courts of the Ostrogothic Kingdom of Italy. In 1968, the Valpolicella region received official recognition for quality wine production when it was granted its own DOC. Thus came an expansion of vineyard areas that were permitted to produce Valpolicella DOC wine. Most of the wines produced under the Valpolicella DOC are red and typically contain a sizable amount of the area’s most distinguished grape, Corvina. Some of the other grapes used in producing this wine include Barbera, Corvinone, Molinara, Negrara, Rondinella, Rossignola, and Sangiovese. (read more about Valpolicella)
Bologna - A City in the Region of Emilia Romagna
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This city is an important economic hub of Italy although it’s not on the coast. It’s also one of Italy’s finest cities for food and culture. Bologna’s nickname is “La Grassa-the fatty,” because of the city’s culinary significance. As the capital of the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, Bologna offers a captivating blend of medieval-era Renaissance-era architecture in its historic city center, honoring the city’s history and its compelling present day. (read more about Bologna)
Sorrento - A City in the Region of Campagnia
What a beautiful part of the world this in - rocky, rugged terrain interspersed with pastel colored villas and bridges alongside a sparkling blue ocean. This is the famed Amalfi Coast and Sorrento is one of its finest jewels. (read more about Sorrento)
Venice (Article 1)
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Most of us long to visit Venice – to see this magnificent floating city, to sense the culture and learn its history, to savor the food and to enjoy the ambiance and romance that is – uniquely VENICE. (read more about Venice)
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Venice-Get Local (Article 2)
Get "local" in Venice. And, get "lost" in Venice too. Once known as Serressima Republicca di Venezia, the Serene Republic of Venice, this city will captivate your heart. It was a republic for over 1100 years. Separated from the mainland by a few miles of water, it was protected from the Pope, politics, and foreign attacks. Thus, Venice became a maritime hub, and important trading capital. And, for me, it's become one of my very favorite Italian cities. Both the words "mystical" and "magical" suit Venice very well. (read more about Venice)
Florence
Florence, Italy has long been known as the “cradle of the renaissance.” Travelers go to Florence for the art and culture, to go shopping, and for the city’s fine food and wine. You might want to take a cooking class while you’re there in addition to going to wine and olive oil tastings. The main center of Florence is rather compact and there is no need for a car while you’re in the city. You’ll walk to many of the attractions – consider taking one of the city walking tours by itself or as part of a larger city tour. Firenze, as it’s called in Italian, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. (read more about Florence)
Portofino
Portofino is both a quaint seaside fishing village and a well-known resort town on the beautiful Liguria (Italian Riviera). I was there the very first time a long time ago and wondered if perhaps I had just romanticized it in my mind. No! I was there again very recently and fell in love with charming Portofino all over again. Last time I went out on the sea to visit “Jesus Christ in the Sea” (formally known as Christ of the Abyss) and I vividly recall leaning over the side of the boat to view this magnificent sculpture. (read more about Portofino)
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, (five lands), in Italy is a wonderful region of this country and in the small fishing village of Manarola is a marvelous hotel called Arpaiu. Located at the very top of the town, it offers marvelous views from its sleek, modern rooms and a private rooftop terrace. The catch - you'll climb almost 200 steps meandering up through alleys to the hotel itself. The payoff - magnificent view(s) of the coast of the National Park of Cinque Terre. (read more about Cinque Terre)
Lake Garda
...is the largest of the lakes located in the shadow of the Dolomite Mountains, in the lovely Lake District of Italy. This lake is surrounded by lemon groves and olive trees and has a mild climate. Until the end of WWI, part of this lake belonged to Austria. Today, there are three provinces around the lake – Brescia, Trento, and Verona. (read more about Lake Garda)
Portoferraio
…means “port of iron” and is located in the Italian province of Livorno and on the island of Elba. In 2014, cruise ships are calling at this interesting port. Tourism is Elba’s main industry but boutiques feature jewelry created with local gems and minerals. Once the rainy season is past, you can see purple amethyst and green beryl crystals glistening on island slopes. The only way to reach Elba is by ferry or private watercraft. (read more about Portoferraio)
Campagnia
…is one of the most beautiful regions of Italy, including the magnificent Costiera Amalfitana (Amalfi Coast) and the Isle of Capri. Add the ruins of Pompeii, the Blue Grotto (Capri) and the romantic towns of Positano and Sorrento and you have a truly wonderful area to explore. And, in Ravello, the town at the highest point in the area, you will have unsurpassed photo opportunities. (read more Campagnia)
…is one of the most beautiful regions of Italy, including the magnificent Costiera Amalfitana (Amalfi Coast) and the Isle of Capri. Add the ruins of Pompeii, the Blue Grotto (Capri) and the romantic towns of Positano and Sorrento and you have a truly wonderful area to explore. And, in Ravello, the town at the highest point in the area, you will have unsurpassed photo opportunities. (read more Campagnia)
Turin
Amongst other things, Turin – or Turino in Italian, is home to Italian automobile manufacturers such as Alfa Romeo, Lancia, & Maserati. Other auto makers are here also including General Motors. Torino is located in northwest Italy and is the capital of the province of Piedmont. It was the first capital of unified Italy and once home to Italy’s royal family, the House of Savoy. (read more about Turin.)
Bellagio
Located on Lago di Como (Lake Como), this fascinating town seems to rise up out of the mountains. The road up is narrow and winding but you'll find the locals driving it very quickly, but also competently (well, most of the time.) The lake looks spectacular with the mountains as a backdrop. Known as the "pearl of Lake Como," Bellagio's narrow streets are lined with canopied shops and above the shops there are houses, with colorful potted flowers hanging over the balconies. The variety of shops is tremendous - from trendy little dress boutiques to jewelry stores to art stores and cafes and gelato shops. Pastel colored villas with roccoco trimmings line the shore. (read more about Bellagio)
Located on Lago di Como (Lake Como), this fascinating town seems to rise up out of the mountains. The road up is narrow and winding but you'll find the locals driving it very quickly, but also competently (well, most of the time.) The lake looks spectacular with the mountains as a backdrop. Known as the "pearl of Lake Como," Bellagio's narrow streets are lined with canopied shops and above the shops there are houses, with colorful potted flowers hanging over the balconies. The variety of shops is tremendous - from trendy little dress boutiques to jewelry stores to art stores and cafes and gelato shops. Pastel colored villas with roccoco trimmings line the shore. (read more about Bellagio)
Vincenza
…a Unesco World Heritage site since 1994, is also the sight of the first indoor theatre, the Teatro Olimpico, ever built in Italy. This city is located in northern Italy, and lacks the “touristy” feel many of the larger, more popular Italian cities possess. It is here that the well-known 16th century artist, Andrea Palladio left his legacy. Today, you will still find many of the villas and palaces he built.
In addition to the famous Teatro Olimpico, the Basilica Palladiana is another important landmark. Also referred to as the “Palzaao della Signori, this building is located on the main town square. Following several years of renovation, the Basilica Palladiana re-opened in 2012. Its ancient clock tower from the earlier building still stands today. The Loggia del Capitano is at the front of the Palladiana building and was built in 1571, of red brick and using no stucco.
Be sure to check out the Cathedral of Vincenza, which dates back to the 11th century was rebuilt several times since, including renovations following the damage from World War II. Another church was built in the 4th and 5th centuries and includes a cemetery. (read more about Vincenza)
In addition to the famous Teatro Olimpico, the Basilica Palladiana is another important landmark. Also referred to as the “Palzaao della Signori, this building is located on the main town square. Following several years of renovation, the Basilica Palladiana re-opened in 2012. Its ancient clock tower from the earlier building still stands today. The Loggia del Capitano is at the front of the Palladiana building and was built in 1571, of red brick and using no stucco.
Be sure to check out the Cathedral of Vincenza, which dates back to the 11th century was rebuilt several times since, including renovations following the damage from World War II. Another church was built in the 4th and 5th centuries and includes a cemetery. (read more about Vincenza)
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Umbria
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