Italy Blog

Backpacking in Europe: Making the most of Italy

ssureuk — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:55:19 +0000

Backpacking is one of the truest forms of adventure, allowing us to become one with the elements and immerse ourselves within a variety of different cultures. Europe makes for an ideal backpacking destination due to the variety of countries and cultures that are right next to one another. The freedom of backpacking is that you can make your own agenda; you may have discovered a remote farming village that you want to explore for a few more days before continuing your journey, making up your route as you go.
If you are planning a backpacking trip throughout Europe it is highly recommended that Italy is on your radar: not to overuse a cliché but it really does have something for everyone. The direction you are coming from may influence the route you want to take; for example crossing over the French border will lead you neatly in to Turin, famous for the Shroud of Turin. After enjoying sights such as the historic Palazzo Madama, the fashion and design capital of Milan awaits before visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa, art museums in Florence and working your way to the capital of Rome.
It would be understandable if you wanted to spend a longer stay in Rome as the city plays host to a wealth of experiences. The Trevi Fountain and The Colosseum provide examples of culture and amazing architecture, with Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel being the Mecca for art lovers. If you can manage to pull yourself away from this beautiful city, to the south you will find Naples which is home to some of the world’s greatest vineyards, before making your way back north to Venice.
Backpacking is something that you wouldn’t want to be hasty about; it’s not uncommon for trips to last for several months. Making sure you are safe whilst travelling is essential, which is why having adequate travel insurance is of great importance. Long stay travel insurance can cover you for a minimum of 3 months, with some companies able to offer up to 18 months of cover. This is ideal for those wanting to make the most of their backpacking experience, making sure that their health and possessions are fully covered should the unforeseen happen.

Luxury in a tent

tomomruk — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:37:07 +0000

Staying in Rome can be an expensive business, at any time of year.
Just like with many major western European cities, the prices of hotels has risen quite sharply over the past couple of decades, which means many people have begun to consider alternatives.
One way of cutting down the cost of accommodation is to stay in a hostel, but clearly this is not for everyone.
To get the cheapest rate, you might have to steel yourself to share a room with 10 strangers. That’s hardly a recipe for a good night’s sleep – particularly if eight of them are loud snorers!
It can be hard enough as a single traveler or a couple to find reasonably-priced accommodation, but those who are traveling in family groups have particular issues.
If you have teenage children, you’re likely to have to pay for two rooms. And if you have youngsters, it can be hard to find hotels that have comfortable family rooms.
One of the best options is to camp. Rome might not seem like a city that offers that facility, but actually there are a number of excellent campsites that are accessible by public transport.
Don’t worry that you’re going to find yourself stuck in a farmer’s field in the middle of nowhere, desperately trying to find someone who speaks English. The reality is that the campsites often have great facilities for their guests, including heated swimming pools and tennis courts.
There’s usually a choice of tents for hire, or you can take your own tent. You’ll find it a great way to make new friends, and also to get tips from fellow travelers about the best places to visit or how to get around on the buses.
Many of the campsites have cafeterias or shops where you can buy food, and some will even arrange transport to and from the airport.

Gaetano Fiore wins the 2011 Il Segno Contemporary Art Prize

upsconnect — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:59:14 +0000

Tweet The other weekend I was invited by my ever productive and active Italian artist friend Gaetano Fiore to attend the Il Segno Art Prize awards ceremony at the Zamenhof Art Gallery in Milan. I’d heard on the grapevine that Gaetano might well win a prize. Indeed, he did

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Gaetano Fiore wins the 2011 Il Segno Contemporary Art Prize

16,000 Centenarians in Italy

tomomruk — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:10:06 +0000

According to Istat, the national statistics bureau, Italy boasts 16,145 people over 100 years old. Of these centenarians, 13,040 are women and 3,105 are men. Centenarians are most concentrated in the northwest (4190) with less living on the islands (1533).

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16,000 Centenarians in Italy

Miss Italy 2011 Crowned

ssureuk — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:56:21 +0000

18-year-old Stefania Bivone has been crowned Miss Italy 2011. To become Miss Italy Stefania was first awarded the title of Miss Calabria, a competition that she claimed she entered just for fun. She then went on to win the national title of Miss Wella, and started to believe that winning Miss Italy 2011 might be possible

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Miss Italy 2011 Crowned

In Memoriam: Salvatore Licitra (1968-2011)

tomomruk — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:23:55 +0000

Custom Teaser: Remembering the talented tenor who tragically passed away 5 September 2011 after a motorbike accident.

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In Memoriam: Salvatore Licitra (1968-2011)

Martini Offers 150,000 Euro to a Professional Kisser

upsconnect — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:58:48 +0000

Say goodbye to brand ambassadors like George Clooney and model Thiago Alves, Martini is searching for a new hunky face to star in an upcoming ad campaign. Candidates for the new commercial are expected to be between 25 and 30 years old, but there are few requirements beyond that.

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Martini Offers 150,000 Euro to a Professional Kisser

80,000 Lightning Strikes Hit Italy in 24 Hours

tomomruk — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 05:34:17 +0000

In the last 24 hours, 80,000 lightning strikes have fallen in northern Italy, almost one sixth of the yearly total in a single day.

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80,000 Lightning Strikes Hit Italy in 24 Hours

Vegetarianism Rises Dramatically in Italy

tomomruk — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:55:06 +0000

According to a new survey by Eurispes, 7 million Italians (a full 12% of the population) identify as vegetarians, up from just 1.5 million in 2000. Based on projections, by 2050 Italy will host 30 million vegetarians. Of these 7 million meatless citizen, a full 600,000 are vegan (meaning they abstain from eggs and dairy as well).

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Vegetarianism Rises Dramatically in Italy

Silvio Berlusconi: In It Up to His Bunga Bunga Eyeballs

tomomruk — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:45:02 +0000

Tweet Playboy Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi ‘s already rock bottom reputation and credibility sank to new lows today. It has been revealed that the contents of more than 100,000 (yes, you read that correctly – one hundred thousand plus) intercepted bunga bunga case telephone conversations are about to see the light of day.

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Silvio Berlusconi: In It Up to His Bunga Bunga Eyeballs