Dream Vacation in a Tuscan Castle!!

Check out this awesome new Italian vacation package we have for you! It’s a 6-Night vacation to charming Tuscany where you will stay at a beautiful Tuscan castle. Travelers will be transported to Italy's most celebrated region to experience the unique charm and beauty of Tuscany, and some of the best food and wines in the world. Package prices for travel this spring start from just $699 per person, based on four people traveling, and include accommodations in a two-bedroom guesthouse on the historic 12-century estate of Montegufoni Castle, round-trip air to/from Florence and a rental car for the week. This package saves travelers $1,200 compared to the cost of booking air, hotel and car separately.

You will love it. It’s the perfect way for family and friends to enjoy a fairytale vacation in Tuscany. Set amidst lovely Italian gardens, with 400-year-old lemon trees, olive groves, and panoramic views of the world-famous vineyards of Chianti, the historic Montegufoni Castle Estate is the perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside. Just 30 minutes from vibrant Florence, and ideal for exploring nearby cities Siena, San Gimignano, Certaldo, Pisa, Lucca and Arezzo, you are right in the middle of the best wine region in the world.

Priced from $699 per person, based on 4 people traveling, the 6-Night Tuscan Castle in Spring Package includes:

Accommodation

• 6 nights in a 2-bedroom guest house at Montegufoni Castle

Transportation

• Round-trip economy class airfare between NYC-JFK or Newark to Florence. Other departure cities offered at slightly higher price.
• Manual shift rental car with unlimited mileage.

For more info, check it out online at www.sceptretours.com today!!  

Florence Italy: A Step Back in Time

There's no better spot in Italy for a family vacation than in Florence, Italy. Due to its rich culture, Florence holds appeal to both adults as well as children. With so many different options and sights to see, families with young children will have enough activities that no one will have time to get bored, and certainly no one on Earth can appreciate a gigantic cone of gelato more than a small child who has never tried it before.

After the fun of sightseeing has been completed, a family visiting Florence can introduce their youngsters to art and culture in one of the city's many attractions. The city of Florence rests down into the heart of Italy itself. Inside, one can be seen watching an argument between young men over the merits of an opera singer of all things! In no other country will you find such a thing! Tuscans in particular pride themselves on a vast cultural knowledge, and introducing your children to this can do a world of good for them in the future.

Your kids will have lots of fun visiting many of the best known sites in Florence, Italy with you. While hours and hours of time in museums might be a little much for little ones, a short amount of time isn't too bad at all, especially with so much of Italy's art focusing on paintings depicting sights that might even be exciting to children, with their extraordinary and otherworldly depictions of religious figures and mythical characters, alike. A good bet on the museum to explore if you are not going to get the entire primer on the Renaissance is the Galleria dell' Accademia.

For children who are more active than academic, the hiking around Florence is some of the best in Italy. Leave the museums and the other cultural attractions behind and amble up one of the famous hills that have often appeared in movies made by Italian directors. People will love to see the amazing views that this city has to offer. The children will also be able to run wild.

Take an Escape With Your BFFs

Today, girlfriend travel escapades are increasing in acceptance. Many women group as one for weekend car visits, days on the seaside, and - in a number of suitcases - global trek as well. Traveling with "the girls" is a lot more diverse that touring along with your boyfriend or your spouse and children, and many ladies note that it is a refreshing change from tour with the household as quite a lot less is expected of them and they have a tendency to have a greater chance to relax and simply be themselves.

Hence why not tour Italy together with the girls? There are a number of sights, activities, and adventures in Italy that are entirely suited to girlfriend getaways. Even though Italy displays romance and it's wonderful to tour Italy with your loved one, women traveling all together will surely enjoy the cities, countryside, and everything else Italy gives and will note that there's no shortage of things to undertake together.

Consider booking a personalized organized trip to Italy for your pure-ladies trip. This offers all of you an opportunity to select someplace you would like to go and every participant can select or 2 of places that appeal to them. This way, there's something for all as you tour Italy with your girlfriends. Among you, for example, could be an ancient history fan. Meaning Rome should be a stop in your tour. Maybe another has a devoted attention in classical composition. Then perhaps a stop at La Scala in Milan for a night of opera must be on the roster. And don't discard destinations like Venice even though it's generally thought of as a "romantic" getaway. You will find still enough stuff to view and complete in this amazing canal-filled city that ladies can have collectively.

If you are all into cooking, your tour of Italy may consist of a stop in Tuscany where you can take up habitat in the lodge of the known chef and revel in a week filled with cooking instructions, learning the details of making any some of wonderful Italian dishes. In your tour Italy with your girlfriends, cooking can be a huge part of the experience and one you can take home with you, recreating the dishes for friends and family members when you return. Wine tasting can be incorporated into a vacation within the Tuscan region as well. You and your friends might be regarded to sips of a few of the world's most excellent wines and others that are yet to get discovered

Florence is an UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Florence, Italy is an a city of the Renaissance. Art, culture, and history are absolutely everywhere, and the romance is almost tangible in the air. Not only is this city one of the artistic capitals of the world, it's also regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Traveling to Italy requires a passport, however. Passports have become available online, where you can fill out a passport renewal form and have your passport shipped right to your door.

Of course Florence is famous for its Renaissance art, and it can be found everywhere in the city, not just in museums and galleries. In fact, there is a recognized ailment that results from the extreme amounts of awe inspired from seeing all of the amazing art - Stendhal syndrome. Look it up! So, if a sickness associated with overwhelming amounts of art was "discovered" here, then the art is something you don't want to miss out on. Be sure to visit one of the most famous art galleries in the entire world: the Uffizi Gallery. This gallery houses one of the most famous Italian art collections anywhere. There are often street performances outside the Gallery, and they are definitely part of the experience. The Bargello is the Uffizi but for sculptures, featuring works by Michelangelo, Ammannati, and Donatello.

Outside of museums and galleries, the art is abundant everywhere. For example, the Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as Duomo di Firenze, is the recognizable domed cathedral that stands as a national symbol of the city. Giotto's Tower is located right next door, and from here you can get one of the best views of the city available. Santa Croce is a famous church that houses the remains of Galileo, Dante, Machiavelli, and Donatello. The Boboli Gardens is a beautifully landscaped piece of paradise with lots of statues on display. Definitely be sure not to skip out on a stroll through the Gardens.

Taking a Vacation to Rome!

Tours are a part of everyone's life. Going on a tour to Italy helps in breaking the monotony of our fast and daily life. It refreshes the person a lot and hence the person can enjoy and remove all the stress from his mind and work properly. If you are planning to go for Italy then Rome is the best place to think of. Large numbers of people make it very difficult to find a right travel agency on the internet which can really make their tours one of the best tours they have ever been. Sceptre Tours is the best option to go with which can solve your each and every problem related to your Rome Vacation Package.

The Rome is the perfect place; Sceptre Tours can make it even more than perfect. The Sceptre Tours agency will take you to the most admirable places in Rome such as Amalfi Coast, Ancient Ostia Tour, Borghese museum tour, Caruso Tour, Casanova and a lot more. For your Rome Vacation Package, they will be proving you with proper accommodation if you are staying overnight. The Hotels will be full of perfect hospitality. These hotels are full of safety and providing with all your needs.

Sceptre Tours will organize and manage all the inclusive shore tours from all the ports of Rome so that you can enjoy a lot more at your Rome Vacation Package. They will provide you with the world class buses tours which will be roaming in all the parts of Rome at a glance. You can choose from morning tours from full day tours and moreover you can choose for overnight tours as well in Rome. The employees of this travel agency are very informative and have the full knowledge regarding every place they use to take the people.

An Amazing Journey Through Rome!

Thou paradise of exiles Italy!
The quote beautifully depicts the immense beauty of Italy, from around the world people mainly come to Italy for its rich art,cuisine,history,fashion and culture, impregnated with beautiful coastline and beaches, its mountains, and priceless ancient monuments, especially those from the Greek civilization and Roman civilization.

The ancient relics and historical remnants reveal the culture reflects the spirit of enlightenment and elegance, existing among the Italians who are expert and efficient in all cultural spheres like literature, music, architecture and sculptures and are the creators of masterpieces in their respective fields.

Ever since its inception, the country has contributed sufficiently in the advancement of world culture. Destinations such as Pompeii, Naples, Ischia ,Capriand and especially Baiaeare among the ancient resorts of Italy and are inherent with rich roman society.

Such cultural richness and historical heritage that makes the country fifth most visited country in the world, with regard to this it makes a favorite destination for any traveler who wishes to explore and have an amazing experience.

Italy tours are a complete package to have a memorable time not only for one who wishes to pay a visit to the country as a personal tour but also becomes a place to have great amount of leisure time for one who wishes to visit country for business purposes.

Tours in Rome bring the enchanting experience of a watchful sight of the colosseum, the Vatican museum, st. Peters basilica, the roman forum and many more worth visiting places in Rome.
Tour Rome Italy to cities as Venice, Milan and Florence and Naples, along with Rome encompass a sole tour to a country as heavenly journey of lifetime.

Luxury in Tuscany

Lynbrook, NY (October 27, 2010) - For travelers who want to experience a luxury getaway to Tuscany at an affordable price, Sceptre Tours is currently offering its 6-night Luxury Tuscany Package from $899 per person including airfare, rental car, 6 nights at Il Borro Estate and more! This incredible deal breaks down to a little less than $150 a day!

Travelers will stay in a luxurious two-bedroom farmhouse at Il Borro, a beautiful country estate in the Tuscan countryside, near the Chianti region. Owned since 1993 by the Ferragamo family, the property has been carefully restored to offer guests a glimpse of Tuscany’s rural life combined with all the luxuries of a five-star property. The Il Borro estate extends over 1,755 acres and includes an award-winning winery, providing travelers plenty of activities on the grounds including wine tasting, cooking classes, fishing, horseback riding, and more. Perfectly located with access to Pisa or Florence airport, Il Borro is the ideal base to travel to Siena, Florence and Pisa.

Travel into Florence to the Accademia Museum and see the statue of David, or venture to Pisa to see the world-famous leaning tower. Travelers will enjoy six nights in a 2-bedroom farmhouse, which includes two-bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms, modern kitchen, living room, and more. As an added bonus, a complimentary bottle of wine from the Il Borro vineyard will await guests in their Tuscan home away from home.

This package can also be customized with an array of add-ons from cooking classes to winery tours and spa treatments.

The Luxury Tuscany Package is priced from $899 per person, based on 4 people traveling. The package includes:

o 6 nights at the luxurious five-star Il Borro in a two-bedroom farmhouse. A seventh night is available starting at only $79 per person with rental car;
o Round-trip airfare to Pisa (Florence available at slightly higher rates);
o Full-size standard rental car for the week (upgrade to an automatic from $75 per person);
o Complimentary bottle of wine from the Il Borro vineyard.

Available Package Options:

Upgrade to Medieval Village for $50 per person: Enhance your Il Borro experience by upgrading to the cozy Medieval Village located right in the heart of Il Borro offering easy access to the restaurants and Spa.

Tuscan Cooking Class for $99 per person: Learn the art of traditional Tuscan cooking. For approximately 2 hours you will experience cooking with local ingredients and enjoy your prepared meal in the restaurant.

Wine Tour & Tasting for $20 per person: Enjoy a guided tour of the cellar for an illustration of the wine-making process from harvest to bottling and concluding with a tasting of Il Borro's wines.

Spa Treatment for $139 per person (Save 40%): Relax one afternoon for an hour and half spa treatment at a reduced rate! women will enjoy a "Total Beauty" Body Massage and Facial Treatment, and men will receive "Tone" body massage and reflexology.

Add a 7th night stay from $79 per person: Spend an additional night with car rental at the 5-star Il Borro Estate.

Let's Go to the Amalfi Coast!

Lynbrook, NY (November 1, 2010) – For those who dream of a vacation to Italy's Amalfi Coast, there's never been a better time to go! Sceptre Tours is offering incredible savings on its Amalfi Coast With Car + Air package — as much as $1,000 per couple — when you travel this winter.

Let Sceptre Tours take you to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, overlooking the beautiful blue waters of the Bay of Naples. Nestled in the center of this coastline is Sorrento, a quintessentially Italian town. Enjoy 6 nights at the Hotel Gardenia located in the center of Sorrento, and a short walk to shopping, dining, and the ferry to the famous Isle of Capri. As an option, travelers can upgrade their final two nights to the four-star Villa Franca in Positano, the famous town carved out of the rock of the mountains behind it and overlooking the bay in front of it.

Sceptre Tours' Amalfi Coast With Car + Air package includes:

* 6 nights accommodation at the Hotel Gardenia in Sorrento*;
* Round-trip economy class airfare to Naples, Italy;
* Manual rental car for the week

This package is priced from $799 from New York and Newark or $829 from Boston for travel from November 1, 2010 to January 31, 2011 (excluding December 24, 2010 to January 2, 2011). Rates are per person, based on double occupancy. These rates exclude government taxes/fees/facility charges of up to $140 per person and the September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 for US enplanements. This package is available for travel from February 1 to May 15, 2011 at higher rates.


*Travelers may opt to upgrade this package to the Positano Gold for $99 per person which involves changing the final two nights in Italy to the Villa Franca in Positano (available November 2010 to March 2011 only).

An Escorted Tour Through The Best Of

For those travelers who are looking for an introduction to Italy, Sceptre Tours' escorted tour "A Taste Of Italy" provides all the right ingredients: visits to the country's most popular cities, airport transfers, accommodations, breakfast daily, sightseeing with an expert guide, and an affordable price. This tour is priced from $1,579 per person based on double occupancy, land only. Air-inclusive pricing is also available.

This is the perfect option for a solo traveler or group of women or even a couple who want to visit Italy, but prefer the security of traveling on an escorted tour. This comprehensive Italian vacation covers Rome, Florence, and Venice with enough free time for travelers to also do their own explorations — which is rare on an escorted tour.

Participants will enjoy sightseeing with a Local Guide in all cities including the must-see sights such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in Rome, Michelangelo’s celebrated David statue, the cathedral, and sculpture-studded Signoria Square in Florence, as well as St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, and the Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs in Venice. A full day at leisure in Venice provides the opportunity to join an optional excursion to the island of Burano. A special welcome dinner in Rome and a private boat ride in Venice are included.

The Taste of Italy package includes:
•6 nights hotel stays throughout Italy (2 nights at the Albani in Rome, 2 nights at the Atheneum in Florence, and 2 nights at the Boscolo Bellini or All'Angelo in Venice;
•Transfers from the airport to the hotel and back to the airport at the end of the tour if you purchase air through Sceptre;
•Private luxury motorcoach with services of a professional Italian driver/guide;
•Daily buffet breakfasts and a welcome dinner with wine in Rome;
•Sightseeing in Rome, Florence, and Venice

The land only portion of the tour is priced from $1,579 for travel on departures in March, 2011 and ranges from $1,699 to 1,829 for travel from August through December, 2010 and again in April, 2011. Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single room supplement is $246 - $261. Triple room reduction of $54 per person. Extra nights per person in Rome: in single room $228, in twin room $165, in triple room $135. Extra nights per person in Venice: in single room $230, in twin room $185, in triple room $168. Airport transfers are included if you purchase air from Sceptre.

Air into Rome is available from as low as $300 (approximately $590 with taxes and fuel surcharges) round trip from New York for travel from November to March on select Wednesday departures. Passengers should contact Sceptre for exact air pricing based upon their dates of travel and gateway city.

Independent Travel is Awesome!

There is a changing tide in the travel industry. Traditionally massive package holiday companies have block booked villas, hotels, flights, tours and coach transfers from and to the airport. Every detail of ones holiday was catered for by the tour operator. Two weeks in July with bacon and eggs by the pool. The situation is however changing and the trend is towards independent travel.
The independent traveler is on the scene and with the arrival and growth of the internet individuals no longer need accept a tin sardine holiday. Low cost airlines have made it possible for individuals to make huge savings on flights especially by booking mid week and at least two weeks in advance. There has been more and more one way tickets purchased. The modern traveler wants more flexibility and will often extend or shorten their trips depending on how much they are enjoying themselves.

The reliance on packaged holidays has caused severe pressures on the infrastructure and environment of holiday hot spots like the Algarve and Majorca, Spain. Their ability to monopolise the accommodation market and dictate pricing has not only created ghost towns that are virtually deserted for most of the year, it has also conned thousands of people with misleading real estate opportunities and created a housing bubble and surplus as well.

Some Gems in Italy

If you visit Rome, spend at least one day just walking around the city. You’ll discover many tiny sites and historical finds that are not on any tourist map. These sites may have been uncovered during the construction of another building and never completely excavated, but are there to stumble across and enjoy away from the bustling crowds.

By all means, visit the well-known museums in the major cities, but for a real treat take a drive outside the cities and seek out small towns and villages. You’ll discover some of the most amazing and unexpected treasures tucked into alcoves or painted on the walls of village churches throughout the country.

Skip the hotels and rent a villa or cottage in a small town if you’re traveling to Italy for more than a few days. In many cases, it won’t cost much more – and will often be less – than a stay in a good hotel, and your hosts will treat you as part of the family while you’re there.

Visiting Italy you will find out it is a country of contrasts and beauties whose charm grows deeper and warmer with every visit. It’s no wonder that it regularly tops the list of holiday destinations worldwide, or that so many who visit return again and again to its warm and welcoming arms.

Italy's Food and Scenery

Visit Italy for the Scenery

The scenic vistas of Italy are as varied as its twenty regions. From snowcapped mountains to sweeping, white sand beaches, the natural beauty of Italy is as alive and vivid as the paintings of its most famous artists. When you venture beyond the cities, you’ll still find the untamed beauty of the Tuscan hills with their craggy, winding paths and terraced vineyards. You can wander through twenty three national parks and nearly 500 protected nature preserves that are protected by the government. There are sea cliffs and alpine mountains, rolling hills and open plains. And there is always, of course, the sea with its ever-changing yet everlasting face.

Visit Italy for the Food

Italian food and hospitality is famous the world over for its abundance. Abondanza is a concept that is well-understood in the Mediterranean country. Everywhere you go, you’ll find groaning tables and open, welcoming arms inviting you to mangia! Mangia!! A full tour of Italy is a gustatory delight, for there is no single style of Italian cooking. Instead, each region of Italy has its own unique flavors and combinations that are drawn from the local specialties and available foods. Tuscany is famous for its seafood, Milan for its rich sauces and complex flavors, Bologna for its traditional red sauce. Eating and drinking well is a way of life in Italy, and whether you treat yourself to a fine meal in one of Rome’s five-star restaurants, or stop at a roadside ristorante in a small province, you’re sure to be served the best of the best.

Italy's Art and History

See Italy for the Art

Vacations to Italy was the center of the Renaissance, and is one of the most artistically rich countries in the entire world. According to UNESCO, half the world’s artistic and historic treasures are located in Italy. In Florence, Venice, Rome, Naples, Milan and other cities, you’ll find artistic and architectural wonders that you won’t find anywhere else. Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, Tintorello, Correggio, Donatello – the most famous artists of all the eras worked and left their legacies in frescoes, paintings and statues throughout the country. And while much of the art is held in museums in nearly every city, there is art everywhere, from the stunning stained glass windows in a tiny chapel in Abruzzi to the painted ceilings of cathedrals.

Travel to Historic Italy

History lives in Italy. Long known as the cradle of Western civilization, Italy’s cities and countryside are a treasure trove of historical sites. You can walk the Via Appia and feel the weight of centuries drop away as you realize that two thousand years ago, this very road was traveled by the armies and citizens of Imperial Rome. Visit the Coliseum in Rome, or wander through the preserved city of Pompeii and become a part of history. And of course, there is the Vatican, the walled city inside Rome that is the home and the heart of the Catholic Church, where scholars come to study ancient texts and treasures.

Why is Italy the Top Tourist Destination?

Every year, the U.S. Tour Operators Association, a professional association of travel agents and tour operators who arrange travel for more than 10 million travelers every year, runs an informal survey among members to name the world’s top vacation destinations. Year after year, one country tops the list of international vacation destinations – Italy, the heart of civilization, the cradle of romance and the home of the Holy Sea.

What is it that makes vacations to Italy so special? The spectacular scenery and warm, wonderful climate are only the background of the picture. Italy is a colorful mosaic of travel experiences, a delicious mélange of flavors and cultures that offers something for every traveler. From cosmopolitan culture buff to adventurer, from the serious student of history to the socialite, Italy truly is the country that caters to them all and everyone in between.

Travel to Italy’s cities and countryside offer a true embarrassment of riches. You could easily spend months touring the countryside and never see half of what the country has to offer. What is it that brings so many to bella Italia every year?

Places to Stay in Italy

When you travel to Italy you can be rest assured that accommodations will not be a problem. Remember that this is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world, so there is a healthy helping of hotels, villas, inns, and bed and breakfasts to choose from. You may be on a budget, you may want to live in luxury, you may want to experience Italy in the home of an Italian or you may be traveling in a group and prefer to stay at a place that can accommodate everyone. All the largest international hotels chains have a place in Italy, so if that is what you prefer then there will be plenty of choices - especially in Rome.

During your vacation to Italy, you will find that there is something to suit everyone’s needs. However, to completely experience Italy on your vacation it is recommended that you stay at a small bed and breakfast if you can. Most of these are family run and you will hear all kinds of stories, folklore and little known facts that may not be in any of the guide books you may have with you on your Italy vacation.

Passports and Visas for an Italian Vacation

When traveling to Italy there are several things you must have. The least of these are a passport and maybe even a visa. If this is your first time traveling out of the US, you will need to apply for a passport. You may also need to apply for a passport if your old one has expired, is damaged or lost. Applying for a passport is a fairly simple process which may be as simple as a trip to the post office, but be sure to start early so you can be ready. There are stories of people who have had to cancel vacations because their passport was not ready.

When traveling to Italy, the US Department of State asks that you allow six months for them to process your passport application, however some travelers have found it only took a few weeks. You can apply online, however first time applicants must apply in person. The main supporting document that is required is a valid original US birth certificate. Passport applicants are sometimes surprised to find that their original birth certificate needs to be submitted to the Department of State with a promise of it being mailed back. Many people tend to be leery of this especially because they have found how difficult it is to get a replacement birth certificate. However, most report that within a short period of receiving their new passports, their birth certificates arrive in the mail safe and sound.

Italian Wine and Dessert

Let us, of course, not forget about the famous Italian wine. Italy is the world's leading producer of wine. Not only does it produce and export more than any other country, it also offers the greatest variety types, colors and flavors. Some of the vines around Rome have been producing wine for many centuries. But the art of wine-making itself goes back thousands of years in Italy.

However, it was not until the 1960's that a nation-wide program regulating the industry was enacted by the Italian government. An indication of DOCG (Denonominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) will ensure that the wine has passed the strictest standards by the government. However, wine tastes are very subjective, and that label will not always ensure the best tasting wine. Many of the table or house wines ("vino di casa") served by restaurants will also be very good. I suggest that you experiment with as many wines as possible. And of course, don't drink and drive in Italy. They have tough laws as well.

And when it comes to ice cream, or "gelato," Italy has some of the finest that there is to offer. You can savor just about any fruit, flavor or combination in "gelato" form.

Some Eating Etiquette in Italy

Consequently, a dinner ("cena") can last for a few hours. You will always have to ask for your check in an Italian restaurant. A good Italian waiter (or waitress) will never bring the check without you asking for it (unless it is closing time). With that in mind, everything is usually very carefully made with the finest ingredients. They don't rush things. If you are in a hurry, you do not want to eat in an Italian restaurant. But since you are here for vacation, just relax and try to enjoy "la dolce vita", or the good life, that the Italians are experts at doing.

Tipping: Usually the restaurant will include the "servizio" in the bill. However, it is not uncommon to leave some change on the table, (or maybe even 1 Euro per person) if the service was exceptionally good. At a bar, it is customary to leave 10 or 20 Eurocents on the counter after you are done.

For Italian households, lunch ("pranzo") is usually the main meal of the day which starts around 1 or 2PM. However, in the northern industrialized cities such as Rome and Milan, dinner ("cena") is becoming the most important meal of the day for working families.

Italian breakfasts ("la colazione") are usually not much to brag about....they will start their day with an espresso and a croissant-type pastry called a "cornetto". You will have a hard time finding a breakfast consisting of eggs and pancakes in Italy, as you would in the United States or Canada or even Great Britain.

Italian Cuisine

Italians don't eat to live...Italians live to eat! Once you have a taste of their cuisine, you will know why. Many people mistakenly believe that Italian cuisine consists of only pizza and spaghetti. Nothing could be further from the truth!

Italian cuisine is very varied and very regionalized. That's one of the beautiful things about Italy is that visiting each region is almost like visiting a new country. The cuisine in Bologna (region of Emilia-Romana) is a lot different than what you would find in Sicily.

There are many different types of eating establishments in Italy. I recommend that you try as many as you can.

Meal times are usually around 2PM for lunch and around 8PM for dinner time. Dinner can even start later down south around Naples or Palermo.

A full Italian meal (excluding breakfast) will usually run the gamut from:

* Antipasta – Appetizers

* Primo piatto (First course -usually pasta or rice)

* Secondo piatto (Second course - usually meat, fish or chicken)

* Contorni - Vegetables

* Insalata - Salad

* Dolci - Desserts

Places to Visit in Italy

There are wonderful places like to visit Rome, picturesque Venice, cultural Florence, and the wonderful coastlines of Amalfi and Italy’s distinctive islands. The most famous place of Italy is Tuscany. It is without doubt considered the most beautiful region in Italy because of its landscapes and its artistic legacy. In 1860 Tuscany became a part of Italy. Pisa is the budget airline doorway to Tuscany, but Florence also has its own airport. Rome and Bologna Forli are other options with excellent transport links to Tuscany. Tuscany is a place where best italy vacation rental can be found. The main railways running through Tuscany are the Rome-Pisa-Genoa-Turin line and the Rome-Florence-Bologna-Milan line, which provide quick and well-organized connections with the rest of Italy. Tuscany’s smaller towns are well-connected by bus.

Florence is Tuscany’s crown, with its beautiful buildings, rich history, priceless art and distinctive atmosphere. For decades Tuscany has been the dream holiday for many travelers all over. Minor Tuscan destinations which are famous with holidaymakers include Lucca,San Gimignano area. San Gimignano has been called a “medieval Manhattan and people group to this tiny village to see the popular skyscrapers. If you arrive here before 9:30 am you will see the village as it was meant to be seen, i.e., tranquil and peaceful, localities enjoying their first cappuccino of the day as they contemplate an active day ahead. This place will be packed with tourist At 9:30 the buses begin to park outside the ancient walls and the day trippers start coming. All day there will be a steady stream, arriving frequently in groups of 20 or so.