Italy is The Ancient Heart of Europe : Discovering Europe Part 2

Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008

As a country that is nothing short of amazing, Italy proudly carries the banner for exceptional cuisine, world-class wine, enchanting sights, and mesmerizing landscapes. We want you to have the opportunity to experience Italy for yourself, so we now offer luxury villas throughout Italy at affordable prices! It’s no longer a pipe dream to see Saint Peter’s in Rome or to take a water taxi through the narrow canals of Venice. Stop merely reading about the beauty and take this opportunity to finally encounter Italy for yourself!

Campania/Apuila/Sicily

Campania

This region comprises what many school children would call “the sole of the boot.”
Near the middle of the “boot,” you’ll find the region of Campania. Campania is home to the provinces of Naples and Salerno, as well as famous sights including Greek Temples, the Ruins at Pompeii, volcanoes at Vesuvius, and the gorgeous Amalfi coast. In this region you’ll be drawn to beautiful Naples, which is imperative to visit. Not only is Naples exceedingly rich with history and beauty, it is home to the original pizza known as “pizza margherita”. If you want to try pizza where the real Neoploitans go, grab some locals and head to Da Michele or Trianon a Forcella. Once you’ve gotten your fill of the best pizza in the world, soak in the sunshine on the beautiful mediterrainean coast, throw back a drink of Limoncello, and gaze into the entrancing Blue grotto.

Apuila

Making up the heel of “the boot” is the easternmost region of Apulia. While touring Apulia, visitors should check out Old town in Bari. Not only is Old town intimately constructed between two harbors, it’s home to much of the area’s nightlife. Additionally, Old town boasts the amazing Basilica of San Nicola as well as the breathtaking Cathedral of San Sabino. Take in the architecture, party the night away and relax the day away on the beaches of Monopoli.

Sicily

With its independent culture, unique history, and unique language, the autonomous region of Sicily provides visitors with a whole new spin on the Italian adventure! Bike your way through thousands of years of history then delve into the decadent cuisine that Sicily is so famous for. Famous for some of the best dishes in all of Italy, the Sicilian palate is blessed with a top-notch affinity for exotic spices, making this beautiful island an epicurean’s paradise! Land of myth and majesty, ancient ruins are found all throughout the picturesque landscape, bringing history to life for many awestruck visitors. While carefully traveling throughout Sicily, make it a point to see the Aeolian Islands as well as the breathtaking Greek Temple Valley at Agrigento. The Aeolian islands are a group of volcanic islands just off the coast which are becoming more and more popular as time goes on. If you can stomach smelling a little sulfurous for a while, take a dip in the mud baths and rejuvenate your epidermis the old fashioned way! The Temple valley at Agrigento has been compared to the Acropolis in Athens, due to the sheer density and quality of ancient structures still intact to this day. To make sense of all of the structures, it’s important to make a trip to the Archaeological Museum and learn a little bit about all of the massive temples and shrines that make this city so spectacular.

Rome and Lazio

As the most famous city in Italy, Rome continues to draw crowds from all corners of the globe. The ancient city is slowly being unearthed while the modern heartbeat continues to pump life into all of the Roman ways. The charm of Rome is something nearly indescribable! Having been the absolute center of Western civilization for thousands of years, Rome boasts an array of cultural influences as well as unique and delightful quirks. Gaze at the spectacular horizon while exploring the city via hot air balloon then continue your examination of magnificent beauty from one of the famous rooftop bars you’ll find perched throughout the city. Hear the roar of lions and cheers of ancient spectators echo out of the stone of the Colosseum. Witness the magnanimous spectacle that is the Pantheon: temple to all of the ancient Roman gods. Keeping in mind the strictly enforced dress code, prepare yourself for a visit to St Pietro’s, where the Pope resides. This is truly one of the most magnificent modern sights in all of Rome and it’s sure to impress. While in Rome, you can explore the surrounding region of Lazio, or you may choose to stay in the tranquil Lazio countryside. There are quality attractions all throughout Lazio, including beautiful gardens, the ruins at Ostia Antica and the Pope’s summer residence of Castelli Romani. While it is easily visited, a week is certainly not enough to experience this region in all of its glory.

Marches

Located on the East coast of the country at the foot of the Apennine mountains sits beautiful Marches. Recently, Marches has become more popular as an alternative to Tuscany as having all the same attributes but with less crowds. Rolling hills and pleasant Adriatic beaches serve as a perfect backdrop for ancient towns showing the true character of central Italy. Like spokes on a wheel, there are two main highways that lie along the coast, providing an easy means of transportation through the smaller towns and areas in Marches where it seems tourists never go. This region offers a beautifully untouched coast, granting visitors with unsurpassed opportunities to enjoy the Adriatic seascape in relative solitude!

Sardinia

As the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia boasts a plethora of attractions and destinations that you’ll find seemingly never end! The island has some of the most notable beaches in all of the Mediterranean, as well as a wealth of quaint sea towns and intriguing archaeological ruins throughout the landscape. The cliffs at Capo Caccia and the world-famous Neptun Cave are some of the great sights to see. Discover age-old traditions and an uncommon atmosphere this secluded island in the middle of the sea!

Tuscany

In all of Italy, Tuscany is likely the most famous of all and rightly so. The Renaissance city of Florence hails from Tuscany as well as the the famous “Leaning Tower of Pisa“! Enjoy the best that Italy has to offer during your stay in Tuscany! In recent years six Tuscan sites have become UNESCO protected sites, which goes to show how historically rich and meaningful this region really is. Aside from historical significance, Tuscany is simply breathtaking. Countryside views and vineyards as far as the eye can see complement the everyman’s expectations of what Italy should be. From mountains to sea, grapevines to forest, Tuscany is an amazing adventure for all!

Umbria

Modesty and mystery gather over Tuscany’s lesser neighbor of Umbria. The modest hill towns upon the gentle gliding landscape create an essence of beauty and stillness that could only be found in such a magical land as this. Dotted with castles, watchtowers, and other interesting structures, Umbria’s medieval character comes to light. Ancient monasteries are found throughout the region which were home to saints such as St. Francis Assisi! Although Umbria may be landlocked it is far from lacking in gallantry!

Veneto

A region overflowing with culture and prestige is that of Veneto. With a countryside riddled with extravagant villas filled with beautiful frescoes painted by famous artists, Veneto’s claim to fame is Venice. Hop on a gondola and ride your way through the great maze of canals that have made this beautiful city so famous! Nearly the same as it was 500 years ago, Venice broods over a collection of gorgeous sights. Saint Mark’s Basilica is one of the most notable as well as the Rialto market and bridge, with a history of over 800 years! Large parks and expansive lakes surround many of the attractions in this area, providing a welcome haven from the hustle of many other Italian cities of the same magnitude. The Venetian hills are home to thick vegetation, hot springs, and woodlands perfect for afternoon walks. While touring, it’s not uncommon to stumble upon medieval structures and hamlets such as villas and castles or even old harbors which overlook the sea. Veneto is a as pleasant and alluring as it is historic and commemorated.

Now you have the knowledge of the land, now decide on where you’ll visit first! Choose carefully because we know you’ll fall in love with wherever your heart leads you. Whether it be the seas of Sardinia, wine-country of Sicily, or the horizon over Rome, the allure of this beautiful country will magnetize your soul, leaving you coming back time and time again!


Leave a Reply