Posts Tagged ‘Italy’

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Visiting the Tuscany Umbria border area of Italy


2010
05.18

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Visiting the Tuscany and Umbria border Region

South eastern Tuscany meets its smaller neighbour Umbria, on Umbrias north eastern border. The border area of Tuscany and Umbria in Italy is a wonderful place to stay as the visitor is able to visit the many cities and towns of the two regions while staying in one of the most picturesque areas the world has to offer and enjoying one of its greatest cuisines. The area is largely rural, the main crops are sunflowers, maize, olives, vines and tobacco which is being phased out. Modernity has been slow to reach this area and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, many visitors feel as if they had stepped back in time 30 or 40 years. Staying in this area you are within 90% of UNESCOs world art treasures: Rome and Florence are within two hours drive and one must not forget the important art works of nearer towns such as Arezzo, Siena, Perugia and Assisi. Apart from their art treasures these towns are places everyone enjoys visiting. All have their own architectural delights and meandering lanes and interesting shops and restaurants. Also worth visiting are the Tuscan towns of ; Cortona and Sansepolcro and the Umbrian towns of Gubbio,Citta di Castello, Todi and Orvieto. Lovers of ceramics will also want to visit Deruta famous for its production of some the worlds finest majolica.

Wine lovers are also in for a treat as many great wines are found in this area. Although Chianti is not strictly on the Tuscany Umbria border it is only a short drive. The brunellos of Montalcino and Vino Nobile of Montepulciano are found in this area.

There is a wide choice of accommodation available for those wishing to come to this area of Italy. Agriturismi offering either self-catering apartments or B&B type accommodation have sprung up everywhere. A popular choice for the visitor to this area of Tuscany and Umbria is to rent a self-catering villa, farmhouse or apartment through a rental agency. With a rental agency one can be sure that the house or apartment has been properly scrutinised and is priced fairly to reflect its quality, situation and accessibility. Farmhouses, villas and apartments with or without swimming pools are all available. If one wishes to stay in a country property in this area car hire is almost essential. Public transport in the rural areas of Tuscany and Umbria although reliable, is sparse. Most villages have a bus service once a day, relying upon this creates a lack of flexibility. Many of the farmhouses and villas for holiday rental are on hillsides a good walk from a main road. Often vacation rental houses in Tuscany and Umbria are reached along gravel roads or strade bianche . City inhabitants are often alarmed at these gravel roads but after the initial drive along them the nerves are soon overcome.
Please visit www.tuscanyumbria.com to find a rental property for your holiday in the
Tuscany or Umbria regions of Italy.

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Jamaica Celebrity Combo


2010
04.26

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Just mention the word Jamaica and the mind is filled with images of beach party, reggae and rum. The most populous English speaking island simply exudes with relaxed and laidback life on the beach. It is home to a lot of celebrities while still more rich and famous flock to the party island day in and day out.

The island nation is called Xaymaca by its native inhabitants, which in Arawakan means either Land of Springs or Land of Wood and Water. A compelling tourist attraction by itself, Jamaica actually owes its enormous and vibrant tourism industry to two persons namely, Bob Marley and Errol Flynn.

Bob Marley

Internationally revered as the King of Reggae music, Bob Marley is a homegrown talent that brought Jamaica to the worlds center stage. His phenomenal influence in the worlds music landscape is best demonstrated by the number of countries that have their own annual Bob Marley Day celebrations, which includes Germany, Belgium, Finland, Italy and Denmark to name a few. But of course, every fervent fan would always argue that the commemoration of the life and achievements of the person that introduced reggae to the world would never be as meaningful and significant as the one being celebrated in Bob Marleys own homeland Jamaica. Each year, the country honors Bob Marley through a weeklong music festival dubbed as the Reggae Sunsplash Festival held every February, his birthday month. A music lovers Jamaican escapade is never complete without a pilgrimage to various pit stops dedicated to the Reggae King, namely, Bob Marley Museum and Bob Marley Mausoleum to name a few.

Errol Flynn

If Bob Marley brought Jamaica to the world, Errol Flynn brought the world to Jamaica. The latter discovered and fell in love with the pristine beauty of the island when his yacht ran aground along the foreshores of San Antonio sometime in the 1940s. From yachting, he started one of the islands greatest attractions today which is river rafting. The Hollywood superstar came to Jamaica and never left. He bought a hotel and later a vast estate in Navy Island where he kept himself busy in his 3,000 acres of ranch and coconut plantation, one of the biggest in the island. Ever since he settled in his Caribbean hideaway, Errol Flynn was never out of guests to entertain, most of whom were Hollywood celebrities that marked the start of tourist exodus to the islands.

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Asian Love Story: A Honeymoon destination in India


2010
04.23

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An Asian wedding? Probably. An Asian honeymoon? Why not? If youve already explored the streets of Venice, taken pictures of the Eiffel Tower, visited the numerous museums and art galleries in Italy and wined and dined on tempting Italian and French cuisine, perhaps you may want to explore a different culture and different taste on your first time together as a married couple. This is an experience that would definitely leave a lasting impression on both of you.

Asia offers as much richness and romantic mood as the West. And one place you can explore is India, one of the oldest birthplaces of world civilization. Its a cultural experience you both would never forget, with the colorful muslins, the dark-skinned complexion of its people, the million temples, mosques, churches and palaces you can explore. This will be a honeymoon that would never leave you bored.

Ooty is one of the best destinations of honeymooners in India. From the fragrant wind to the silence punctuated by the rustling of trees and the enchanting scenery, this place spells romance, romance, and more romance. Visit the botanical gardens and the Doddabetta peak with it view of the Nilgiri hill ranges. Seven-hours away from Ooty, theres the Kodaikanal tucked among the hills of Tamil Nadu. Take a boat ride in the Kodai Lake with your loved one and enjoy the trees, the water and the solitude.

If youre looking for something tropical and sunny, plus sand and water in India, theres Goa and Kerala, two of Indias most famous beach get-aways. Goa also boasts of wooden carvings and furniture, coir mats, straw hats, artifacts, brassware, and junk jewelry you might want to stash away as honeymoon souvenir. Bask under the sun and experience the calm and soothing natural beauty of India.

Dont fail to visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Made from white marble, this edifice was built by Emperor Shahjahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This is considered as one of the Orients greatest testimonies of love. Here you can feel the warmth and security of being loved greatly.

For some taste of Indian royalty, theres Rajasthan, one of the most colorful regions in India. Visit the Palace on wheels, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Lalgarh Palace.

Located in North India and covering the states of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, dont miss the ultimate experience of exploring the Himalayas. The peaks in Kashmir are perfect for mountain climbing and trekking, while the Himalayan peaks in Uttaranchal are pilgrimage sites.

India is also known as one of the spiritual centers of many religions in the world. Khajuraho offers a tour at its temples constructed by the Chandela rulers during the 9th and 10th century B.C.

Nature lovers can also consider staying at Darjeeling, Kodaikanal, Srinagar, Shimla and Manali, among others for an aesthetic experience with nature. Take pictures of the forest-covered hills and stroll through orchards and enjoy the sight of endemic Indian flora.

Its a paradise to be explored, boasting of pristine beaches, snow-capped mountains and a peaceful scenery. The hub of the Oriental culture, one of the melting pot of the worlds oldest traditions, religions and civilizations, India is the place to experience on your romantic sojourn.

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Vacationing in Italy was never this much fun


2010
04.22

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Paradise on earth is how Italy is referred as across the world. Its beautiful mountains, plenty of greenery, Victorian style architecture, all make it a popular holiday destination. For people in other parts of the world, if they want to go somewhere different and unique, Italy and Tuscany is what they look for in the map. While talking to your travel agent about planning the trip, make sure to look for a place where you can stay which will be away from the hustle and bustle of city life and close to all centers.

Italy is not a very big country, but it has some of the world famous personalities who had made it their homes. In order to enjoy the scenes and sights of this beautiful country, have all bookings done and ready as you board the flight. If you want to make your trip here memorable, pick out the perfect place to stay during your holiday. The holiday homes and villas in Italy and Tuscany encompass all other accommodations, such as luxury villas with private swimming pools, farmhouses with gardens and other places of beauty in this town filled with history.
Some words about Tuscany island, the largest island in the Tuscan archipelago and the third largest in Italy. This is the right place where tourists can match sea holidays with historical attractions, in a totally relaxing Mediterranean atmosphere.
All holiday homes are designed based on individual needs, and tastes. Some have various amenities in them which would make your holiday so amazing. These are homes which have fire place, a cozy kitchen and a staff on call to help you out anytime of the day or night. Also, there are transport facilities that come with the package, which you can avail when you are in the mood to explore the country side. If you think all this sounds too far fetched, and unreal, why not book yourself into one of the villas, and come over to see for yourself. You will be amazed at the size of the place and how breath taking the view is. Every bedroom has a balcony with a view to die for, along with its own private bath area and a play area around the house for children. Some of the homes are quite old and have a colonial feel to it. There are libraries stocked with interesting literature that could have you engrossed for hours together. You would not want to leave the home and go back to where you came from, that is how sensational and warm these places are.

Watch the country side pass you by, take plenty of pictures to remind you of the wonderful time you had out here. There is something perfect for everyone, so worrying about what your children will do here is quite unnecessary.

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