Venice Travel Guide

Venice is lovely and prettiest city in the Northern Italy with a population of 1,600,000. Venice is popular for tourism as well as industry. Lovely canals, world class architectural buildings, historical and cultural attractions, plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, discos, operas, great shopping areas and unrivaled nightlife add charm to this wonderful city. It is also known as the world only pedestrian city means you can explore this charming city on foot. If you don't like walking then don't miss to use Waterbuses and taxis to reach different part of this wonderful city.

Top Attractions

Venice is a unique city with lots of sights to see. Don't miss to take traditional boat to enjoy the enchanting and lovely canals. I would suggest you to travel during spring and autumn season and if you can visit during Christmas and popular carnival in February, then it adds more worth to visit.

Top Attractions

Saint Mark's Basillica

San Giovanni e Paolo

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Santa Maria dei Miracloli

Correr Museum

Jewish Ghetto of Venice

The Jewish Museum

Venice Shopping

Venice is a paradise for shopping. Whether you are looking for great fashion, antiques, furniture, local made products and computer accessories, Venice will give you wide variety of choices to choose from. You will find plenty of showrooms, retail stores, malls and shopping streets in Venice. Piazza San Marco, Rialto area, the Mercerie and Calle dei Fabbri are the main shopping streets in Venice.

Venice Nightlife

Venice has active, vibrant and unrivalled nightlife. If you are in Venice for short breaks/weekend breaks, don't miss to enjoy the nightlife of Venice. You will find plenty of cafes, bars, discos, operas, nightclubs and restaurants, where you can relax and enjoy.

Famous Bars/Restaurants

Ai Sportivi

Al Volta

Dogado Lounge

Zen Café

Sottosopra

Travel Information

I always excited to share my traveling experience to everyone. I love traveling and it gives inner sense of achievement to explore long list of destinations across the World. I would suggest you that if you want to explore the truly Europe, then don't miss to travel by trains. It is rightly said that trains are becoming lifeline of the European. Last time when I visited to this charming city, I simply took high-speed Eurostar train(Chunnel Train) from London's St Pancras International train station and arrive at Paris Gare Du Nord in record time of 2hr 15min and then simply station change at Paris, I traveled onto Venice by Artesia Sleeper train. Speed is the name of Eurostar and I am telling you frankly that traveling through Chunnel train is most convenient and stress free.

My name is Ronny Disuza. I love to explore different places and my hobby is traveling. Moreover, I love to write and share my traveling experience such as how to travel to different places, what are the traveling options available, where to eat, where to sleep, where to hangout during nights, where are the places for great shopping and what are the cheap and best options to travel across world.

If you want to explore Venice, then read out important information regarding London Venice Train and Cheap Eurostar Tickets.

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Top 5 Italy Landmarks For Gay Travelers?

A lot of gay travelers from all over the world choose Italy as the ultimate vacation destination with its rich culture and history and a plethora of Italy landmarks tailored for representatives of gay and lesbian communities.

Italy with its acceptance and tolerance of sexual minorities that goes back centuries ago and plays a very important role in establishing a variety of gay friendly hotels, bars and popular hangout places. Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice have lately become unofficial centers of gay tourism with a myriad of fantastic entertainment options like gay-oriented hotels, bars, nightclubs and many more events tailored for homosexual crowd.

Listed below are the Top 5 Italy Landmarks that are worth seeing for gay travelers.

1. Gay friendly bars and clubs are important Italian landmarks for gay travelers arriving here from all over the world. Here you can relax in a friendly atmosphere, or perhaps form new friendships. Cafe Chopin in Bologna, Y.A.G. in Florence, Argos and American Disaster in Milan are just a few gay oriented hot spots that will offer great entertainment with Italian flair to it.

2. Italy Art Landmarks. Homosexual relationships are openly portrayed in the famous works of Italian artists throughout the history. The most celebrated Italian artists like Caravaggio, Botticelli, Da Vinci and Michelangelo were homosexuals by nature so their creations have a special aura of homosexuality embedded into their work. Witness one of the greatest art pieces in famous Italian landmarks like The Statue of David by Michelangelo at the Piazza della Signoria in Florence to admire the greatness of manly proportions created by a famous gay artist. Visit the Val Camonica region caves and experience the very first drawings of gay culture that date back over 8,000 years ago.

3. Friendly Versilia in Tuscany is a special event that is tailored specifically to the interests of gay travelers to Italy. This area is in full bloom from April to September. Here you can find a broad net of gay friendly bars, restaurants, and disco clubs along with spectacular Laguna of Torre del Lago. Come and visit this region in August to participate in Friendly Versilia Mardi Gras, a great cultural event that gathers a lot of famous performers. Here you will also find gay owned and operated hotels that are impeccably maintained to make your stay in Italy unforgettable.

4. Gay Film Festivals in Turin, Florence and Milan are one of the most important Italy landmarks that attract gays and lesbians from all over the world every year. Turin International Gay Film Festival takes place every April while Milan Gay Film Festival opens its doors in May. The Florence Queer Film Festival is held every June of the year to welcome new cinematographic releases.

5. Venice, Italy deserves to be specially mentioned among all important places of interest that homosexuals from around the world frequent due to its magnificent beauty, variety of gay friendly hotels, bars and entertainment options. Porto de Mar Bar is a gay Italy landmark that is well worth seeing, located downtown and offering great entertainment for gay men. Check out the Metro Sauna after an especially busy sightseeing day and indulge in a Turkish sauna, tanning stations or relaxing Jacuzzi baths in a comfortable downtown setting. Venice Italy tourism offers unique experiences for gay or straight travelers.

These Italy landmarks are sure to enrich your next vacation and create some of the most unforgettable memories for gay travelers.

Caroline Hawthorn is one of the fellow contributors of the travel blog at: TravelInformation123.com.

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Italy Tourist Attractions

Tourists worldwide consider Italy to be one of the greatest places to visit. If you are considering a trip to Italy, it is a decision you will not regret.

While on holidays in Italy, sightseeing is a given. With the history of the country going back thousands of years, and buildings and structures still remaining, even if you are not specifically looking, the attractions would be staring you in the face. There are a number of interesting places to see, such as museums, castles, palaces, piazzas, bridges, and so on, all making your get-away a truly memorable one.

Part of the fun of going on a holiday is planning it. With all the possibilities in Italy, it is necessary to take some time to create an itinerary of which areas you will visit and which attractions you will see. If you decide to go with guided tours then your decisions will have to be which ones to book, based on what attractions are offered within the packages.

What are the popular places to tour while on vacation in Italy?

Rome seems to be one of leading targets on tourist's lists. Here the attractions seem almost endless. The famous landmark the Colosseum is a huge elliptical amphitheater that was built by Emperor Titus in AD80 for games and gladiatorial battles. This huge building originally could seat up to 60,000 people. Other popular tourist attractions include the Pantheon, Vatican City and St Peter's Square, the Spanish Steps and the Catacombs, just to name a few. The list in Rome goes on and on.

Coined as being one of Europe's most romantic cities, Venice is a great place to visit. Here you will see such places as St Mark's Basilica, the Grand Canal, Piazza San Marco. At times there are so many visitors in Venice that the city itself actually becomes really crowded.

If you stop in Florence during your holidays to Italy, you will not be alone. From April to October the tourists actually cause the population of the city to more than double. Arts and architecture define Florence. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest art museums in the Western world. You will want to pre-book tickets to get in as the wait times can be up to five hours at peak season, but will be much less if you already have a ticket. Other popular sights include the domed cathedral of the city, Santa maria de Fiore, and nearby the Campanile and Baptistery buildings. Located in the city's Pizzas della Signoria is a marvelous marble sculpture called the Fountain of Neptune. Go for a stroll on the Ponte Vecchio, a bridge with the distinctive feature of having shops built long its edges.

In Milan, the Duomo, Milan Cathedral is the fourth-largest church in the world, having taken five centuries to complete this Gothic structure. To experience how the Royals lived, check out the castle where the family ruling Milan lived, the Castello Sforzesco. Today it is home to a number of museums and art collections. There is an exquisite street in Milan called Via Monte Napoleone. You will want to check it out, especially if you have an interest in fashion and jewelry. Milan also has bragging rights to being the home of the world's leading opera house and ballet theater, the Teatro alla Scala.

As one of the oldest cities in the world, Naples has many tourist attractions. There are squares, museums, palaces, castles, churches, buildings, etc., to see. Also, underneath Naples is a series of caves and structures created from centuries of mining, as well as catacombs in and around the city to see.

If you have always want to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you will need to arrange a stop in Pisa to check it out. This bell tower in the Pisa Cathedral is made up of a group of 4 beautiful white marble buildings. Construction on this originated in 1173 and went on for 200 years due to numerous interruptions. Since the construction took so long, the bell tower started to lean, hence the name.

To really make the most out of an Italy vacation, many choose to book guided tours to insure they get to see the popular sights. With guided tours you also have the benefit of hearing the wealth of knowledge they share as they escort you through these remarkable attractions, plus you have the chance to ask questions.

Traveling through this beautiful country will truly be a rich experience and you will find with all the tourist attractions there are to see, the sightseeing really only has to stop when you are too tired to do any more.

If you are looking for Italy Travel Deals to help you get there and see the sights, saving you time and money, we have what you're looking for. Whether you want to book complete packages or individual parts such as museum tickets or guided tours, we can help.

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The 5 Most Beautiful Villages in Tuscany

There are so many wonderful destinations in Tuscany that it's difficult to know which you should visit on your vacation. All Tuscan villages have interesting restaurants, coffee shops and wine bars, but each has an amazingly varied and interesting history on show in their many buildings and museums.

If you are short of time on your vacation to Tuscany here is a small, diverse selection of villages and towns that will give you an excellent feel for the fascinating past and present of this stunning region of Italy. To us, these are the 5 most beautiful villages in Tuscany.

Lucchio
The scenic village of Lucchio, in Lucca Province, with the sparse remains of its ruined medieval castle and quaint stone village houses, blends into the side of a mountain. The castle, dating back to the 11th century, was built to control the main road that followed the river Lima between Pistoia and Garfagnana.

Reached, with some effort, by walking up a narrow, winding road, this isolated, old stronghold blends in to the rocky outcrop so well that it is sometimes difficult to see where the rocky mountaintop ends and the village reborn from the castle ruins begins. The village streets are really just narrow walkways. From the old castle are stunning views of the Lima River Valley and surrounding villages.

San Casciano dei Bagni
Nestled in the Tuscan hills south of Siena, this traditional Tuscan hillside town has winding streets that lead to a hilltop tower. Places of interest include the Collegiata dei Santi Leonardo e Cassia, with its Gothic facade, the Fighine Castle, and the small church of San Michele Arcangelo, dating from 1191.

This picturesque town is the home of the thermal Fonteverde Spa, with roots dating back to the 17th century - the spa treatments include mud therapy, massage, and inhalations. There are 42 thermal springs in the surrounding countryside.

Montalcino
Known for its Brunello red and its extra-virgin olive oil, this small walled town, in the remote and steep countryside south of Siena, is renowned for The Duomo (San Salvatore). At the Piazza del Popolo you'll find the Palazzo Comunale and the 14th-century La Loggia.

In the San Francesco church, renovated in the 18th-century, are frescoes by Vincenzo Tamagni. Just outside the town is the stunning Romanesque monastic church of Abbazia di Sant'Antimo.

Greve
Located in Val di Greve, between Florence and Siena, Greve comes alive during the September Greve Wine Festival, the region's largest wine event. The old part of town features a triangular square, Piazza Giovanni da Verrazzano, where you can purchase fine local produce.

Medieval buildings here include the 11th-century Santa Croce Church, with paintings by Beato Angelico's school, and a triptych by Bicci di Lorenzo. The former San Francesco convent now houses the Museo di Arte Sacra, with its important collection of paintings, sculptures, and religious artefacts. Just outside of the town is the Santo Stefano Church, which displays a Madonna with Child painting, dating from the 13th century.

San Gimignano
Known as the 'medieval Manhattan', this walled village lies 56 km south of Florence. The village itself was founded in the 6th century and is sited on the old route that pilgrims took, from Northern Europe to Rome. A famous feature of the village is the 13 remaining towers that date from1150. As well as these towers, which were built by the wealthy when the village was an important centre for trade, its walls, gates, and palaces are intact.

Sites of interest include The Duomo, The People's Palace, The Museum of Sacred Art, and The Archaeological Museum. You can also visit a nearby winery to sample Tuscany's famous white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

If you are touring Italy but have limited time then the five villages mentioned above will give you a taste of the best that Tuscany has to offer.

Mark Scriven is an online marketing expert and has written many articles on business, travel and the internet. For a wide selection of vacation rentals in Tuscany visit Cottages to Castles, specialists in luxury holiday accommodation in Tuscany.

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Top Hotels in Italy

In Bologna, the Grand Hotel Baglioni Bologna is without a doubt one of the most luxurious hotels to stay at during your visit to Bologna. Situated in the heart of the city, the hotel is dressed with white marble, frescoed ceilings, chandeliers and a grand stairway. The hotel is known to give guests a feeling of a royal palace rather than a hotel. The hotel is also not lacking in activities for their guests. The Baglioni is a great choice for golfers, tennis players and for swimming.

A quiet getaway to Italy can be accomplished by staying at the La Scalinatella in Capri. This hotel is a small boutique hotel that provides guests with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and is an ideal lodging option for honeymooners and romantic getaways. La Scalinatella means "little stairway" and represents the hotels peaceful location at the top of the hill in one of the most beautiful locations of the Island.

A popular romantic destination in Italy is of course Florence, and Hotel Savoy is the epitome of romance and luxury. This hotel is situated in a convenient location near shopping, major attractions and restaurants.

Villa d'Este is a beautiful hotel, full of history that is located in Lake Como. The hotel is a former 16th century princely residence and is surrounded by 25 acres of beautiful landscaping. The hotel guests can enjoy a peaceful walk through the Renaissance-style garden as well as view a unique 500 year old lane tree. Each hotel room is uniquely designed to represent the 16th century era.

In Milan, the Four Seasons Hotel is a great choice for modern accommodations. The hotel is decorated in contemporary furniture with a clean and crisp look. While the furniture is contemporary the hotel itself was once a 15th-century monastery and is located near Milan's couture houses. Guests can enjoy a nice day at the spa or have a gourmet meal at the hotels restaurant, Il Teatro.

These hotels may be on the pricey side, but they are truly impressive locations to get the most of a great Italian getaway. Between scenery, culture, food and historical locations, these hotels make it all possible. Make your next trip to Italy memorable by staying at one of these top hotels.

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Italy's Golden Beaches

Home of spectacular art, top class fashion and some of the world's most famous cuisine, Italy is the epitome of glamour and luxury. Living la dolce vita is what Italians love to do most - and it's certainly an experience with holiday makers to this golden country can enjoy.

In the hectic cities, sightseeing is king. But out on Italy's more tranquil - but no less glittering - coastline, life takes a step back into that wonderful dolce vita vibe, and the luxury hotels Italy is famed for make their mark.

North: Venice - Lido di Jesolo

Venice is typically known for its gondolas and waterways, but this romantic city also hides some magnificent beaches out in the lagoon. The man-made and sandy Lido di Jesolo is the perfect escape from the tour groups and summer heat of the city streets. Rows of sun beds decorate the miles of dolomite sand and entertainment abounds when night falls thanks to the popularity of this fashionable town.

West: Emilia-Romagna - Rimini

Often known as the Italian Riviera, Rimini boasts more than just beautiful beaches. Here, the most trendy and famous seaside destination in Italy has the archaeological attractions and luxury hotels Italy offers so pleasingly to its visitors. The historical town centre is well worth exploring once relaxing on the shore becomes a tiring. But after dark, things really heat up in summer as the clusters of bars and nightclubs attract both young and old revellers to enjoy a few glasses of local wine.

East: Lazio - Sperlonga

South of Rome, this beautiful seaside town is Italy at its most unspoiled and traditional. Whitewashed houses cluster on a headland above the coast, whilst narrow stairways lead down through the streets to the sand below. North of Sperlonga, the area is more developed (with hotels staking out their territory with sun beds and parasols), but the real haven is south of the harbour where gorgeously clean and untouched stretches of beach open up before you.

Out to Sea: Sardinia

Often overlooked by visitors to Sardinia, the island of Sardinia is a treasure trove of secluded beaches and ancient ruins. Easily reached by air (into major airports at both south and north points on the island), it is still isolated enough to remain wonderfully unspoiled. At the northern tip of Sardinia, the Emerald Coast is the island's glitzy stretch of tiny private beaches - often reached only by water, they haven understandably been popular with yacht owners. Down south, excellent diving opportunities and flamingo filled lagoons bring a more relaxed type of visitor to this coast.

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Backpacking In Siena Italy

Ah, the glamour of backpacking through Europe. Of course, the glamour comes with a price as I found in Siena, Italy.

Siena

Siena is located an hour or so outside of Florence, Italy. My handy dandy guidebook suggested it was a side trip that just had to be made. A medieval structure located behind protective walls on the top of a hill. The central area was generally closed off to cars and it was a taste of true Italy. Who was I to argue?

As I sat on the train, I check my backpack for any excess weight. I had already discarded or sent home unnecessary items and was feeling pretty light on my feet. Next thing I knew, the train had stopped and I was standing on flat road next to a rolling hill covered in trees and homes. Siena proper was at the top.

The thing about rolling hills with lots of foliage is they are simply evil. You can never get a grasp on how far it is to the top. You keep thinking the top appears to be a few hundred feet in front of you until you reach it. Then you discover it is just a dip before another upward section. The hill up to Siena is just such a rolling hill. Throw in a road that twists all over the hill like a drunken sailor on leave, and you'll never scoff at a moped again.

Getting in touch with my inner mule, I began to climb and tame the great beast. As I trudged along, I thought of all the great people that must of walked up the same hill throughout history. As I stood in the shade panting, I thought all of those great people probably hitched a ride instead of walking like me.

After thirty-five minutes or so, I was seriously starting to think about hitching a ride. Of course, this would mean admitting defeat. The battle between my genetic male stubbornness and "this sucks" attitude was intense. Like a mule, I kept going. Five bends, three dips that I could have sworn were the top.

Just as I was giving in...a wall. A really big wall. I passed it and suddenly was in a large parking lot area with tourist buses. Hands on knees, shirt soaking, I tried to maintain my dignity as the tourist looked at me like I was insane. Did that moron walk up here? One even took a picture!

After composing myself...err, getting my breath back, I booked a room in a little hotel. The young lady working the desk seemed hesitant, but I made some comment about it being a long way up from the valley. She started giggling and I had the room.

I showered and went looking for trouble. Well, trouble that was on a flat surface. In the town centre, I stumbled upon a small café selling Mexican beer. Being from San Diego, this was nirvana. My inner mule was quickly appeased and the hill of death forgotten.

Reflecting on my climb from a historical perspective, I learned a good lesson. It is far better to be behind the wall than trying to attack it!

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