With countless beachside restaurants, artisanal ceramic shops, and natural sceneries, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular Italy travel destinations that attract thousands of visitors every year. However, the coast is more about seaside setting rather than sights. Small pebble beaches, hidden coves, deep fjords, and natural arches make this coast a picture-perfect place to spend a lovely holiday and get soaked into the charismatic world of natural beauty.

This travel destination has warm summers and mild winters, so you can plan your travel to Amalfi coast at anytime time of the year. The town of Minori is the best place to start exploring this God-gifted land! Treat your taste buds to delicious pastas available here to discover the true essence of Italy. One of the pearls of the Amalfi coast, this town is full of small houses with great ancient architectural value.

Another great place to visit along the Amalfi coast is Positano. With a mesmerizing seaside view, this town has been an inspiration for artists for thousands of years. If you want to add another town to your list of already visited UNESCO sites, then check out Valle di Templi. This Greek town, which was once the center of culture still preserves its legacy and charm.

The beautiful town of Tramonti along the Amalfi sea coast is a picturesque place located between mountains. Famous for its excellent local vine, this town also mesmerizes you with magnificent sites of terrace top lemon gardens and olive trees. When you’re in the Amalfi coast, you might also want to spare sometime to visit the towns of Atrani, Scala, Cetara, and Scala.

Mountains in Amalfi coast are one of the major Italy attractions. Hike through the jungles or climb the mountains here to add excitement to your holiday. Travel to Amalfi coast to enjoy these nature’s gifts to earth.

To make your travel around Italy a memorable experience, visit Perillotours.com. Here you can also find several reliable Italy travel tips.

Photo By : sailreporter.com

Looking for a perfect hotel to stay in Italy? Well, apart from interesting historic remains, stunning art, and yummy pizzas, this country of wonders also offers a wide range of hotels to spend your holidays. From small apartments to seven star hotels, it gives you many accommodation options to choose from. The hotels in Italy not just offer good service, but also serve delightful Italian cuisines to make your vacation a memorable one. However, if you’re not very sure on how to go about choosing the perfect hotel, then we’re here to help you!

Your search for hotels must start depending on the location you are visiting. If you’ve planned to travel around Italy covering all the major attractions, then it is suggested that you select a hotel that is comparatively easy to reach from the places you are visiting. If it’s just one city on your list of vacation, then you can choose from B & Bs, apartments, hostels and luxury hotels depending on your budget.

The classic view of the Italian cities can be best enjoyed from balconies. So if you wish to wake up every day with the sun welcoming you, then choose a hotel that offers a great window view. There a few hotels in Italy, from where you can treat your eyes to the beauty of stunning piazzas and other monuments!

The next thing you should consider before renting a place is the room space. The rooms in Rome and Venice might seem to be small, while the ones in Florence are comparatively bigger. Though Italians are generally known for their courteous service and hospitality, it is always better that you check in advance about the service before you rent a room.  Some hotels in Italy even offer services, such as pick and drop from airport and prominent places, so check on the details about services before finalizing a place to stay. Also don’t forget to call up to the front desk of the hotel and enquire details about parking places, smoking rooms, neighborhood, and more before making a booking.

Any holiday to Italy is incomplete without tasting its delicious cuisines. To enjoy Italy’s authentic local favorites, you can stay as a paying guest with families, especially if you are visiting countryside.

If you still aren’t confident about choosing the best hotel in Italy, then plan your vacation with Perillo Tours. This reputed tour company offers several Italy travel packages with accommodation in some of the finest hotels. You can also visit the site for more Italy travel tips.

Photo By : italianreflections.com

The claim to fame of the lovely small town of Lajatico, 25 miles south of Pisa,  is that it is the birthplace of world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli. While Bocelli now lives on the Tuscan coast in Forte di Marmi, you can spot the house (with big red shutters) he bought for his mother in Lajatico. In 2006, Bocelli persuaded the local government to build an outdoor theater in the peaceful, rolling hills of the town.

Every July since 2006, Bocelli has performed at for one night at the open air venue — called Teatro del Silenzio – accompanied by fellow musicians such as Placido Domingo, Sarah Brightman, Kenny G and Chris Botti. Fans come from around the world for the performance. The theater remains silent the rest of the year. The venue features a small lake surrounded by travertine blocks and modern art by Igor Mitorai and Arnaldo Pomodoro.

If you plan ahead, you can purchase tickets to the July performance — in 2012, it will take place on July 12th. But this beautiful outdoor space is worth a visit no matter what time of year you visit this corner of Tuscany.

By Kathy McCabe

Ready to travel to Italy this year? Perillo Tours has been leading group trips throughout Italy since 1945 and ItalyVacations.com can custom design an independent itinerary for your dream Italy vacation!

Taking your first trip to Italy in 2012? Learn everything you need to know when you get your FREE copy of The First Timer’s Guide to Italy by ItalyTravel.com contributor Kathy McCabe.

If you want to celebrate your love for that special someone in your life, then head towards Rome, which tops the list of world’s most romantic destinations. Mesmerizing views, romantic boat tours, and the rose scented air in Saint Peter’s will make your honeymoon in Rome an affair to be remembered all through your life. When you have planned to go on a honeymoon trip or just a vacation to Italy, Rome will create moments to be preserved deep in your heart.

Love Affair in Calabria

With mountains on one side and sandy beaches on the other, Calabria makes the perfect location to spend time with your better half. Walk along the beaches holding hands and renew the promise of love in this small town situated south of Naples. The mountains here are great places to go hiking with your partner. One of the popular Italy tourist attractions, this dusky town is a favorite among honeymoon travelers, so make your booking in advance to avoid last minute hiccups.

Breathtaking View from Gianicolo

Rome is also known as the city of seven hills, so what’s better than climbing one of these hills when you go on a vacation to Italy. The glittering city with its charming people is what will catch your eyes as you stroll around the hill with your partner.

Boat Trip in Tiber

When climbing the hill makes you tired, get ready to take a boat trip along the river Tiber. White marble banks and tall lime trees along the river will certainly attract you with their never-ceasing beauty. Romance will be in the air when you go on night cruises, some of which include dinner on board.

Roses of Saint Peter’s

Rose is the symbol of love. Your honeymoon in Rome will be incomplete without a trip to the rose gardens of St. Peter’s. The lovely view and sweet scent of roses will captivate your heart and leave you wishing for more.

Make sure your vacation to Italy also includes a visit to the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon. These historical monuments will leave a magical impact on you, while you enjoy your best time with your special one in Rome.

For a memorable honeymoon in Rome, plan your vacation with PerilloTours.com. You can even find many informative Rome travel tips here.

Photo By : dexknows.com

A short train ride from Rome, Castel Gandolfo is a picturesque town with a population of about 8,000 people, overlooking Lake Albano. It is home to the Pope’s summer residence and is one of the Castelli Romani, historic hill towns located around the Alban Hills and dominated by impressive villas.

In Piazza della Libertà, the main square, visit the Chiesa di San Tomaso di Villanova, a 17^th century church designed by Bernini. The square is also home to the Papal palace which has an astronomical observatory attached. This is closed to the public, but get close enough and you can catch a glimpse of Swiss Guards on duty. The secret Papal gardens, even more elaborate than those found in Vatican City, are tucked away out of sight. 

In and around the main square grab a gelato or frullato, a smoothie made with Italian ice cream, or browse the shops selling local produce. Enjoy the tranquil, small town atmosphere as the summer crowds tend to gravitate towards the surrounding beaches. It’s the perfect place to sunbathe lakeside, go for a swim, snorkel or rent a paddle boat.

Dine out on the terrace of Taverna dei Caccatori (Via Zecchini, 1), where the views offer a feast of their own. Taste the cucina castellana, the typical cuisine of the Castelli Romani, including char grilled meats, local seafood and pasta dishes.

Castel Gandolfo can be reached by bus from Anagnina Metro station in Rome, or by train from Termini station. The scenic journey takes 45 mins to an hour. There are trains and buses that connect the town with the rest of the Castelli Romani.

By Kathy McCabe

Ready to travel to Italy this year? Perillo Tours has been leading group trips throughout Italy since 1945 and ItalyVacations.com can custom design an independent itinerary for your dream Italy vacation!

Taking your first trip to Italy in 2012? Learn everything you need to know when you get your FREE copy of The First Timer’s Guide to Italy by ItalyTravel.com contributor Kathy McCabe.

Photo by Danielle Rovet

Many spring events in Italy mark the arrival of the season’s flowers and colorful plants. The medieval village of Castel di Fiori  in Umbria holds a particularly colorful celebration each June, Archeoflora.   The event, to be held this year on June 2 and 3, brings nature and art lovers together for a celebration of flowers, plants and garden furnishing in this historic town in the Umbrian hills between Orvieto and Chiusi.

“Every year for four years now, floral merchants and artisans of various stripes (think wrought iron smiths and ceramicists from world-famous Deruta) come to this idyllic haven, known as Castel di Fiori, for Archeoflora. The name comes from the variety of floral displays (think a mini Chelsea Garden Show) and the nearby archeological site and a necropolis of the Longobards,” says Kip Keenan, President, Assn. Amici di Castel di Fiori.

The exhibitors are distributed around the village. Throughout the day, from 9:00 a.m. until sunset, drinks, homemade cakes, pizza and pasta are served along with local wines. A variety of other activities are also offered, including a visit to the nearby 7th-century necropolis; a visit to the nearby Scarzuola Convent and grounds, listed as one of Italy’s national gardens; and the presentation of a new book by a local author.

“For Archeoflora you walk through the arch over a beautiful welcoming floor design made from colorful rose petals. Then you enter the stalls of shops and encounter the many characters in the village who make the Castel di Fiori experience. Ceramica, flowers and herbs, truffles and paintings compete for the wafting scents of grilled sausages and Buffalo mozzarella just trucked in from Naples. Archeoflora is a sensory overload rarely found in the midst of such diminutive villages,” says Ed McMullen, a frequent attendee.

The proceeds from Archeoflora will be used to help fund  a new community center in this tiny Umbrian town.

“In a country, where enterpreneurship has waned dramatically and funds to save the Italian patrimony are at exceedingly low levels, the Friends of Castel di Fiori have seized upon the opportunity to successfully promote their medieval village on the international stage,” adds Keenan.

By Kathy McCabe

Ready to travel to Italy this year? Perillo Tours has been leading group trips throughout Italy since 1945 and ItalyVacations.com can custom design an independent itinerary for your dream Italy vacation!

Taking your first trip to Italy in 2012? Learn everything you need to know when you get your FREE copy of The First Timer’s Guide to Italy by ItalyTravel.com contributor Kathy McCabe.

Your trip to Italy will certainly be incomplete if you don’t travel to Naples. Capital of the renowned Campania region, this city features a long coastline and an even longer history that attracts tourists from various countries. The city is loaded with historic and artistic treasures that will make a wonderful treat for the eyes. Here are a few hidden wonders that may interest you.

• National Archaeological Museum of Naples – If you have a strong interest in the history of Greece and Rome, then the National Archaeological Museum of Naples is a never-miss place for you. With the greatest collections of antiquities and valuables of ancient emperors in its display, this museum is sure to capture everyone’s interest.

• Cathedrals and Religious Architecture – The city of Naples has over a hundred churches on its soil. Amongst the most visited Italy travel destinations is the Cathedral of Naples, where the miracle of Saint Januarius takes place every year.

• Spaccanapoli – Spaccanapoli is an iconic road in Naples. Literally meaning “Naples splitter”, this road splits the city of Naples into two parts.

• Castles in Naples – When you travel to Naples, you just cannot afford to miss the beautiful castles of this ancient city. With their origin dating back to more than 500 years, these castles portray the taste and sculpting skills of ancient Italians.

• Naples under Naples – The underground architecture is what sets Naples apart from the rest! With numerous caves, tunnels, caverns, and aqueducts, the underground city of Naples is a great testament for Greco-Roman architecture.

Another most important thing that cannot be missed in Naples is the yummy pizzas. The Naples pizza is a celebrated dish that has its own place in the world’s menu of delicious food. This wonderful city, which is the birthplace of pizza, even hosts the “festival of pizza” in the month of September every year.

To know more about the famous Italy tourist attractions, log on to PerilloTours.com. This leading online travel organizer offers affordable packages and a lot of Italy travel tips, so you can enjoy Italy at its best!

Photo By : iffas.org

If you are on your trip to Italy, then make sure you have Milan in your “to-visit” list. This city, which is amongst the widely preferred Italy travel destinations, carries the true Italian spirit with a fusion of fashion and modernity.  Though, it can be visited throughout the year, there are certain special occasions when Milan will unveil its exotic beauty and culture.

The best time to travel to Milan is during the months of June and September. Despite the summer being hot and humid in Milan, tourists throng the city for sightseeing and shopping. However, the intensity of summer becomes so intolerable past August that even locals go out for vacation to escape the heat. So, if you are planning for a visit to Milan, make sure your trip falls around early summer, autumn, or spring to enjoy the beauty of this lovely city to the fullest.

Christmas is one amongst the widely celebrated festivals in Milan. With dazzling lights and Christmas decorations adorning the streets, Milan becomes exceptionally magical. The markets will be flooded with trendy and amazing stuff, making Milan the ideal destination for shopaholics. The Feast of Sant’ Ambrogio, which falls on the 7^th of December, is also celebrated with much pomp and gaiety.

If you are more of a fashionista, then Milan is where you belong! The city plays host for a number of eye-catching exhibitions and fashion shows throughout the year. Here, you get to see some the world-famous fashion designers displaying their creations.

Milan is also famous for its tourist attractions. Your travel to Milan will almost be incomplete if you fail to visit the historical monuments and museums of this wonderful city. The art galleries here exhibit some of the finest collections of Italian paintings that make a fantastic treat for the eyes. The city also boasts of some of the oldest cathedrals in Europe.

To know more about Italy tourist attractions, log on to PerilloTours.com. The site provides some of the best Italy travel tips that might come handy while you are on your trip.

Photo By : flybe.com

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of pizzas? It’s the rich, creamy, mozzarella cheese, isn’t it? But did you know that the finest mozzarella cheese comes from Campania? Yes, this Italian region is the birthplace of a delicacy that is enjoyed by the young and old all over the world. Mozzarella of Campania stands out from the rest exclusively for its distinctive taste and nutritional content.

Mozzarella of Campania is available in two distinct varieties. One is made from raw buffalo milk and the other is made from cow’s milk. The former, widely known as the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, is regarded to be the best mozzarella cheese in Italy. However, it doesn’t mean the latter is less popular. Also known as Fior di Latte, mozzarella made from cow’s milk is commonly used in most Italian restaurants and homes.

So, what makes the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana more special? The answer is the key ingredient- milk!  Mozzarella di Bufala is a soft cheese that is made from the raw milk of water buffaloes, which are found in plenty in Campania.

On the other hand, the Fior di Latte is the most commonly used form of mozzarella.  Comparatively less priced than the Mozzarella di Bufala, this cheese has its very own place in popular Italian foods like pizzas and pastas.

Preparation of the mozzarella of Campania is definitely a skill. Initially, the milk is processed to form the cheese. Once the processing is done, the cheese is worked by hand and kneaded until its gets a smooth and shiny texture. The smooth pieces are then pulled off and soaked in cool water for hours together before you can make a wide range of mozzarella cheese recipes. The pieces are either braided or formed into large balls or smaller ones, commonly known as bocconcini.

Another interesting fact is that the mozzarella of Campania is stored in room temperature. It comes packed in liquid and should be consumed within two days of production. Want to know more about Italy’s food culture? Log on to PerilloTours.com. This online site is the best place to get a lot of Italy travel tips and affordable packages for a memorable stay in the wonderful cities of Italy.

Photo By : gustoraro.com

If scrumptious food, active nightlife, and impressive landscapes form one face of Italy, then magnificent architectural remains, stunning historical monuments, and renowned museums form the other. Of all the cities of Italy, Florence remains the epitome of breathtaking Italian architecture. To be precise, the truly interesting art and architecture of Florence is what makes this Italian city a must-visit tourist destination.

If you have planned your vacation to Italy in summer, then you have no good reason to miss a visit to Florence. When you visit this Italian city during the warmer months, you’ll probably find the museums and churches there less crowded than the beaches and operas. However, a visit to these monuments can give you a broader insight on the Italian traditions and culture.

Let’s begin exploring the historic architecture of Florence!

The Baptistery of St. John:

Also known as the Florence Baptistery, the Baptistery of St. John is one of the of the major Italian tourist attractions. With a unique octagonal shape, it stands gracefully amidst the busy city squares or Piazzas as a fine example of the Florentine Romanesque style of architecture. The exterior of the building has served as an inspiration for many famous architects around the globe. The interior is as beautiful as the exterior and exhibits many interesting sculptures, stained windows, and mosaics created by skilled artisans belonging to the 11^th century.

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella:

Built during the 13^th century, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella in Florence is an emblematic representation of the Roman architecture. The church houses several chapels including the glorious Strozzi, Gondi, Della Pura, Rucellai, Bardi, and the Spanish chapel. After a visit to the basilica, you can stride through some of the most elegant Piazza and city squares and take a look at how the area looks completely medieval.

The Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens:

When we talk about the architecture of Florence, we definitely cannot afford to miss the splendid Pitti Palace. The palace is named after its first inhabitant Luca Pitti and is situated to the south of river Arno. When you step into the palace, you have so much to explore, such as the large amphitheater, costume gallery, royal apartments, and several museums with priceless artifacts displayed. Behind the Pitti Palace is the eye-catching Boboli Gardens. You will find interesting sculptures dating back to 16^th century here! And don’t forget to take a panoramic view of the city from here.

Plan your trip to Italy with Perillo Tours to make it more comfortable and fun-filled.

Photo By : nileguide.com