-
Going to the mattresses
Blog: Send The Bugger Back - 22 October 2009
No sooner have I come up with a new travel itinerary than I’ve changed it again, don’t worry I’m not going to post it once more though and the modifications are only subtle. After advice from 2 mates and a sibling, I’ve knocked a night off Venice and am just doing 2 there now and [...]
-
Va’ fa Napoli!
Blog: Send The Bugger Back - 21 October 2009
I slept not too badly last night considering. I tried spreading myself out along 3 or 4 seats but that wasn’t working out very swell, too lumpy and narrow (that’s the seats, not me). So I shifted my blow-up pillow and sleeping bag to behind the back row of the seats and slept on the [...]
-
The Trulli Houses of Alberobello
Blog: Brilliant Tips Travel Blog - 21 October 2009
A small town in the Italian region of Puglia, Alberobello is famous for its unique and fairytale-like trulli houses. The trulli are very unusual houses and an example of a building technique that has survived from prehistoric times. Built by simply laying the stones on top of each other, without using mortar, they are characterized by their cylindrical roofs many of which are adorned with curious hex signs adding mystery to the already bewitching setting. The houses themselves all look quite similar with a few exceptions such as the two-story ...
-
Rome’s Villa Borghese Gardens
Blog: Brilliant Tips Travel Blog - 20 October 2009
Comprised of the grounds of a seventeenth century pleasure palace, the Villa Borghese Gardens is a large park in Rome with a widespread area that includes a lake, lots of manicured green grass and a number of museums and attractions. The second largest public park in Rome after Villa Doria Pamphili, the Borghese Gardens is the perfect spot to find peace and quiet in the middle of the busy city. The main entrance, off Piazzale Flaminio, is flanked by colossal roman columns. The road at this entrance stretches the entire ...
-
Visiting the Vasari Corridor
Blog: Florence Journal - 20 October 2009
Excellent new tip just posted on Florence-On-Line on how to get reservations for the Vasari Corridor - until December 18th.
-
A glorious day at Da Adolfo
Blog: velvet escape's blog - 15 October 2009
“Da Adolfo? Ahhh… bellissimo. Good food!”, the hotel receptionist said with a broad smile as I mentioned that my friend and I were heading there. Da Adolfo is a little beachside restaurant, a short boat ride away from Positano, on the Amalfi Coast. We headed down to the Positano jetty and asked around which boat [...]
-
Duomo hours, news
Blog: Florence Journal - 14 October 2009
This past weekend the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore) had shorter than usual visiting hours - 1:30 to 3:30 PM. I was hoping to go in to see the Ucello painting of Sir John Hawkwood after reading about him in...
-
Praia a Mare – An Undiscovered Gem in Italy
Blog: Brilliant Tips Travel Blog - 14 October 2009
A region of southern Italy, Calabria is considered by some to be the Caribbean of Europe with its unadulterated beaches, brilliant landscape, and homespun charm. Historically one of the poorest regions in Italy, Calabria is quite undeveloped and not well-known by tourists. With the hidden treasures of Praia a Mare and Dino Island along with hillside towns and ancient Greek temples dotting the countryside, Calabria just may be Italy’s best kept secret. Praia a Mare is an undiscovered gem and the perfect place for travelers looking to get off the beaten ...
-
Betty Woodman at the Porcelain Museum
Blog: Florence Journal - 12 October 2009
The following is part of the press release from the exhibition: The refined and imaginative creations of Betty Woodman find an appropriate setting among the prestigious porcelain conserved in the Palazzina del Cavaliere, in showcases that have been specially designed...
-
The Blue Grotto, Capri
Blog: velvet escape's blog - 12 October 2009
The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is a well-known sea-cave on the island of Capri, Italy. It’s a bit of a squeeze getting into the cave as the entrance from the sea is narrow and low. Visitors have to lie flat in the boat as the boatman pulls the boat through the small channel. The cave [...]
-
Hotels in Florence for Under $150
Blog: Florence Journal - 10 October 2009
The NY Times just published a great list of bargain hotels for many cities - including Florence. Some of them have shared baths. Among the suggestions: Hotel Colomba 80 euros Residenza Proconsolo 85 euros Hotel Cestelli 80 euros Hotel Globus...
-
Brunch at the Grand Hotel
Blog: Florence Journal - 9 October 2009
The Grand Hotel is in Piazza Ognissanti, across from the Westin. They just started their fall Sunday brunch again, the first one is this weekend:
-
Italy (Day 5) – Vatican City
Blog: Andy's Rotten Ideas - 8 October 2009
After having our breakfast at the hotel, my wife and I got into the bus to Vatican City. A territory enclosed by stone walled or buildings within the city of Rome. It’s the smallest country and population in the world. How ironical. At least, something to put into my travel profile. The city is ruled by the bishop of Rome; guess who…it’s the Pope who is the head of state and head of government of this city. On our way to Saint Peter’s Square, I saw this impressive round structure was once a castle called Castle San Angelo. Today, it's a museum and a place to explore.
-
A High-Tech Hunt for Lost Art
Blog: Florence Journal - 6 October 2009
Maurizio Seracini has been looking for "The Battle of Anghiari" for over 30 years. I really think something has to be behind the wall in the Palazzo Vecchio - Vasari doesn't seem like the kind of guy to destroy a...
-
Italy (Day 4) – Florence & Pisa
Blog: Andy's Rotten Ideas - 3 October 2009
Our journey to Florence begins right after breakfast at Prato. It’s just another day to visit the churches, squares and some other attractions. On reaching Florence and the bus parked at the parking lot, my wife and I took a short walk to Basilica of Santa Croce. What so interesting in Basilica of Santa Croce? According to the tour guide, it’s the burial place of Michelangelo and Galileo; and also the largest Franciscan church in the world.
-
This weekend in Florence
Blog: Florence Journal - 3 October 2009
Sorry for posting these a little late! This weekend in Florence there is a fair in Piazza Santa Croce with mostly crafts and food, etc. from Germany and Austria. Good for a stroll and maybe some early Christmas shopping and...
-
FIRST FRIDAY FOTO THERAPY
Blog: Travel With Julie - 2 October 2009
Portofino, Italy Taken by: Julie Gilley On the first Friday of every month, I will share a photo from my travels, or yours. If you'd like a chance to see one of your fabulous vacation photos published on this site,...
-
Free Champagne Tasting tonight!
Blog: Florence Journal - 1 October 2009
Free tasting of Champagne tonight - I have the whole schedule of their tastings up on Florence Wine Merchants (every Thursday during the fall): ENOTECA ALESSI Calendario Degustazioni Gratuite Free Wine Tasting Dalle ore 17:00 alle ore 19:00 From 5...
-
Art Opening on Friday
Blog: Florence Journal - 29 September 2009
There isn't a lot of contemporary art on display in Florence - I think competing with the ghosts of the Renaissance is just too difficult for most aspiring artists. But that doesn't mean people don't try. One little gallery I...
-
Cellini's Perseus
Blog: Florence Journal - 28 September 2009
Cellini's Perseus is one of the absolute masterpieces (and that is saying something!) of Florence. Still in place in the loggia (for nearly 500 years!), braving the elements century after century, Perseus never tires of holding Medusa's head aloft. What...
-
5 Family-Friendly Hotels in Rome
Blog: Heather on her travels - 27 September 2009
My guest-post today is from Amie O’Shaughnessy of Ciao Bambino, who shares her tips for finding family-friendly accommodation in Rome. The accomodation challenge for families in Rome The biggest challenge in finding a family-friendly hotel is Rome is figuring out which properties accommodate 3 or more people in a single configuration given that rooms in the historic [...]
-
Italy (Day 3) - Venice
Blog: Andy's Rotten Ideas - 26 September 2009
After checking out the Crowne Plaza Venice East hotel, my wife and I boarded the bus for a short ride to Tronchetto Pier, taking a private motorboat to San Marco in Venice.
-
Orsanmichele museum reopens!
Blog: Florence Journal - 24 September 2009
Orsanmichele will be open one day a week - read more on Orsanmichele.net
