Archive for the ‘Traveling in Italy’ Category

Situated on a hill of olive groves and cypress trees, Assisi stretches out along the slopes of Mount Subasio. Every part of this Umbrian town is full of beauty from its stone houses to the piazzas and streets. Spending the day here is like going back in time. Just walking the paths of Assisi and taking in the sights and its remarkable views makes a visit well worth it. Most of the town streets are narrow and short which offers perfect shade for wandering in the hot summer months.

An obvious attraction is the St. Francis Basilica. The huge size of this magnificent complex can be seen from a distance as you approach Assisi. Both the lower and upper churches were consecrated by Pope Innocent IV in 1253.

As you approach the main entrance from the piazza below you will see a series of low arcades to the sides of the slope and the immense structure of the Basilica directly ahead of you, dominated by a square bell tower decorated with mullioned windows and large arches. The entrance way into the lower church is one of the most beautiful in the world with its double portal surrounded by rose windows and a portico.

Inside there is a staircase that leads down into the crypt where the sacred remains of St. Francis are kept in a stone urn. The lower and upper churches are connected by a small courtyard where you can stock up on souvenirs.

The St. Clare Basilica is much smaller than St. Francis but still worth a visit as the original wooden crucifix that allegedly spoke to St. Francis and told him to fix the church is found here along with the tomb of St. Clare.

The Temple of Minevra is one of the best preserved monuments of the classical world. Dedicated to Minevra because of a female statue found in the ruins of this Roman Temple but unlikely to actually be that of the Roman Goddess. Next to the Temple you will find the Palace of the People and facing it, the Palace of the Deputies. The Tower of the People is also here.

The Castle of Rocca Maggiore dominates the entire skyline and the town below with its towers and imposing ramparts. The ancient fortress of Assisi, once connected to Rocca Minore, has been restored over the years and its impressive and elegant rooms can now be visited by tourists. It is also often used as a location for art exhibitions.

Whether you decide to visit the numerous churches, the medieval castles or just take in the atmosphere of this stunning town, you will have a feast for your eyes in Assisi.

http://www.tiberlimo.com ~ +39 06 6390108 ~ Tiber Limo Rome, Italy Travel

Founder of Tiber Limo, Andrea Santucci, talks with an American about what it is like for Americans to travel to Italy.  Andrea explains that Americans can find communication easy since many Italians speak English.  Americans traveling to Rome don’t need to bring cash; as credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted.  Italians love American visitors.

Touring Rome and its surrounding area can be one of the most beautiful, serene experiences – after all, it is one of the world’s best travel destinations. If you are traveling with a senior, however, your trip could be the worse experience for you or the senior if you don’t plan correctly. Here are several senior tips to help you:

Senior Tips #1 – Consider using a private limousine service for your tours. These services can help you preplan and customize your tours around the senior’s needs for frequent breaks and rests. They provide English-speaking and knowledgeable drivers and tour guides. Wheelchairs or companion chairs can be easily stored in the trunk. And besides the comfort and privacy, these services offer hassle-free tours, transportation between sites and destinations, and recommendations for whatever you desire.

Senior Tips #2 – Preplan and customize your trip around your senior’s rest needs. Don’t over schedule. Allow for rest days between itineraries.

Senior Tips #3 – Visit Rome between mid-March and May or between September and October, when the weather is cooler and the museums and churches are less crowded.

Senior Tips #4 – Let porters transport your luggage at airports, hotels and on cruise ships.

Senior Tips #5 – Arrange for a wheelchair and assistant from the airlines to be waiting for you and your senior at the airline or cruise ship ticket counter – or if needed, curbside. You’ll pass through special security areas and forego the long waiting lines. Also, do this for each plane change to avoid the long treks between gates.

Senior Tips #6 – Rent a companion chair to take with you. It will come in handy on tours – your senior will enjoy his/her sightseeing much more without tiring as easily.

Senior Tips #7 – Consider renting a vacation home in or near the city. You’ll both be more comfortable enjoying a morning coffee on the terrace, made in your own kitchen.

Senior Tips #8 – Don’t take away your senior’s independence – shop together before your trip for a safety pouch that hangs around your neck. Valuables, including passport, can be stored here with your senior, while he/she still carries a purse/wallet with smaller bills.

Senior Tips #9 – When planning your tours, do it with your senior or have them okay the plans. Seniors enjoy different sites and sounds than younger people. Three days of museums can overload their senses or bore them. You always will have time for another trip to see and do whatever you miss.

Senior Tips #10 – Choose tourist sites that are senior friendly. Some, including the Coliseum and the Vatican, have elevators for those in wheelchairs. Other sites, such as the Roman Forum, are hilly terrain, have uneven paths, or require tourists for walk up flights of stairs.

Senior Tips #11 – Most museums and monuments give free admission to seniors. Hotels, cruises, etc. many times give senior discounts – book all of your reservations months in advance to ensure you get the discounts.

Senior Tips #12 – Always ask for a vendor’s refund policy before you make final arrangements or pay deposits or total prepaid fees. Senior health issues can crop up suddenly and prevent him/her from going on the trip – or it might need to be postponed.

Senior Tips #13 – Lastly, always have the name and contact information for an English-speaking doctor and pharmacy – just in case.

It’s a common myth that traveling becomes harder and more tiring the older you get. However, that doesn’t have to be the case. The Golden Years can be one of the best times in life to travel, especially to locations like Italy. There are all sorts of great benefits for seniors traveling in Europe, including discounts, special packages, extended stays and a variety of services. The savvy senior can experience an excellent European vacation unlike any other!

One of the main issues seniors encounter when traveling abroad to locations like Italy and other parts of Europe are the distances between main tourist attractions and the most comfortable accommodations. More often than not, one has to travel many miles to visit a variety of monuments and other attractions. Or in other cases, tours to most tourist attractions call for a lot of walking. This can be problematic for seniors who may be traveling to Italy and Europe for the first time or who aren’t familiar with certain areas. With a bit of research before your trip however, you can ensure that touring the most popular monuments and attractions will be a breeze for you and your party.

First off, research alternative methods of transportation throughout the region. Buses can be over-crowded, have steep steps or pick up and drop off and locations that require lots of additional walking. They can also consist of long trips that may be uncomfortable due to lack of space, weather etc. Trains and cabs, while a little less crowded, aren’t much better and can be expensive. There are alternative methods of transport throughout the region, such as private limo and car hire, that can greatly enhance your travel experience. Private cars offer comfort and convenience at an overall better price than most other methods, will pick up and drop off at exactly the time and location you choose, and are generally safer while allowing you to tour the best spots at your own pace.

And lets not forget that most hotels, hostels, transportation and many restaurants and shops honor seniors with generous discounts for traveling, staying, dining or shopping with them. Not only do most places offer amenities and services to make your stay more comfortable, but they give seniors the opportunity to travel and enjoy the sites and experiences for much less than other travelers.

So the next time you think traveling abroad to Italy, Europe and other locations will be difficult, remember that the travel industry makes it much easier, more comfortable and cheaper for seniors to enjoy traveling! Make the most of your golden years by traveling in comfort and style while seeing the world. All it takes is becoming a savvy senior traveler!

When most people think about traveling to Italy, they think of the most popular cities, tourist attractions and historical monuments known the world over. And in truth, those places do make up some of the highlights that Italy has to offer. But having a truly authentic Italian experience is more than just the most common attractions. Experiencing authentic Italy means immersing yourself in the culture, lifestyle and customs of local society, and here are some great ways to do so.

Local Festivals & Events

One of the best ways to experience a truly authentic Italian vacation is to attend and participate in local festivals and events. You’ll be able to experience everything from authentic music and cuisine to hobbies like poetry, art and sports Italian-style. Events like Carnevale, Vinitaly, the Festival of St. Ranieri, Outdoor Opera and more help you dive right in with the locals, hear more of the language, experience more authentic culinary dishes and learn about the traditions and customs of this unique country.

Religious Holidays & Monuments

For those interested in history, Italians celebrate many religious holidays and pay tribute at various religious monuments throughout the country. Visitors on these holidays and at these monuments can experience how the people of Italy believe and worship, and learn about the history of religion throughout Italy and Europe with guided tours and ceremonies. To add to the truly authentic experience, there are specific customs that visitors are asked to recognize when visiting churches and religious monuments, or participating in religious holidays. If you’re planning to travel during the time of religious festivals or visit monuments such as the Vatican, be sure that you check on necessary customs before hand and adhere to them to show respect and enjoy a more authentic experience.

Smaller Cities, Bays & Beyond

Traveling to Italy doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to the most common destinations. You can enjoy an even more authentic Italian experience by traveling to more remote or less populated areas. There, you’ll find slight differences in dialect as well as varied regional cuisine, fashion, customs and beliefs. Try your hand at Orvieto or Chiavenna if you’re looking for the unique and localized food, wine and way of life.