Beautiful Lake Como Italy. It’s a haven for travellers from here in Italy and from overseas. And it is little wonder that people flock here. It’s known for its scenery, its tranquillity, and the picturesque little towns and villages which nestle upon the shores of Lake Como.

My name is Guido, Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. I’ve been involved in the travel industry for many, many years. And I am proud to say that I have handpicked all of our Italian tours and Italian vacations – including our vacations to Lake Como. Here is why I think you might fall in love with Lake Como:

Lake Como Italy has been a popular Italian vacation destination for centuries. The Romans used to come here on their own holidays. And Lake Como’s popularity has not diminished through the centuries. The mark the Romans made is still evident with the sites of their ancient and palatial villas.

Lake Como Italy is blessed with beautiful scenery. From majestic mountains, covered in wooded slopes, which reach inky blue waters – Lake Como, is full of charm. The scenery attracts those who want to relax in its surroundings as well as those who want to walk in the mountains, cycle on the mountain roads or swim in the lake.

Lake Como Italy is also relatively easy to get to – as it lies less that 100km drive from Milan and is well served by trains and buses. It is also well served by paddle steamers and boats so you can travel between the towns and villages around its shores. To visit Lake Como could not be easier.

Como is Lake Como’s effervescent capital. Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours Lake Como Tour is based here. From here you can explore Como and its medieval architecture and walls, the beautiful cathedral and the 16^th Century tapestries it houses. Yet, Como has plenty of modern day boutiques and cafes so you can have the balance of soaking up the atmosphere of the past as well as its present day ambience. Como also has a funicular that will take you to Brunate, a town that sits 1,600 feet above Como, and boasts beautiful views of Lake Como below.

From Como, you will have the perfect base from which to explore the rest of the Lake by boat. Lake Como has an area of 146 square kilometres and is 400 metres deep, making it the third largest of Italy’s lakes, but we think it is still the most spectacular! Como is the perfect location to explore the other towns and villages on Lake Como, including Bellagio to the north which is known as ‘the pearl of Lake Como’.

Bellagio sits at the point where Lake Como splits in two – giving it an enviable view of the mountains and Lake Como itself. This is perhaps why it was a base for the wealthy to build their regal Villas here – something it has become is so well known for through the ages. They are a perfect accompaniment to the cobbled lanes and stone staircases that you’ll find throughout the town. It’s here you can find lovely little cafes, enotecas (wine shops) and shops selling souvenirs and Italy’s beautiful gelato.

The town of Tremezzo sits across from Bellagio on the western side of the lake. The area is sometimes referred to as the Azalea Riviera due to the fact that so many Azalea shrubs thrive here. Which, as you can imagine, really enhances the beautiful scenery even further. It was here that some scenes in the James Bond film, Casino Royale were shot. The film used one of Tremezzo’s fabulous Villas as a set – Villa Balbianello – an 18th Century mansion house. Like Bellagio, there are a number of cafes and restaurants to relax in during your visit.

Lake Como is the perfect stop on any Italian vacation thanks to its accessibility, its scenery and the perfect mix of history and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. With Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours you can enjoy a three-day stay on Lake Como on our Explore Italy – Lake Como tour. You’ll be staying in Como and having tried out the tour myself, I found it to be a perfect amount of time to explore the Lake and the beautiful town of Como.

Alternatively, there’s our 4-day Northern Lakes tour that takes in Lake Como as well as Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda. I found that this is best if you want to explore all three of these Lakes, including Lake Como.

From Italian vacation packages to Italian tours and sightseeing, Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours will help you make the most of your Italian holidays.

If you would like more information like this Lake Como travel guide – like other travel tips for Italy and information about tours in Italy or Italian vacations please do visit us at ciaoitalytours.com We always say that with us, your Italian tour or Italian vacations will be one you’ll never forget.

Ciao,

Guido.

There are plenty of reasons to come to Italy. As I said in my last post holidays in Italy are a celebration of the senses, and you would be justified to come here for the food, wine, weather and atmosphere alone. But it will be no surprise to you to find out that there’s more to Italy than that.

My name is Guido, Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. I’m proud to be able to share my love of Italy with others. Here are just some my favourite sights in Italy – they are the ones I love to share the most, and the ones I consider to be the must see sights in Italy. Seeing just some of these sights in the flesh would be, as we say at Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours, creating memories of a lifetime.

Ancient Rome.

Rome – the Eternal City – is brimming with history and one of the places you must see in Italy. Trace the footsteps of our ancient roman forefathers and marvel at the vast structure of the Colosseum – the biggest amphitheatre ever built and home to infamous gladiatorial battles. If you can, visit it at night for an extra special experience. Find out more here.

Spend at least a day in Venice.

It is a unique city and it is like no other because it is made up of 117 islands. Climb aboard a gondola for a trip along the Grand Canal and view it from dry land up on the Rialto Bridge. Explore the Basilica San Marco and stop at the Piazza San Marco – the place that Napoleon called the ‘the finest drawing room in Europe’. Find out more here.

Head off along ‘Amalfi Drive’

It is the most spectacular road in Europe. Winding your way along the cliff tops, you’ll be treated to the most fabulous views. Stop off at Amalfi – and ancient maritime republic – and Ravello. It is a tourist hot spot of the rich and famous, but I guess it is so for a reason and it is worth seeing these views and experiencing this exhilarating ride at least once in your life. Find out more here.

Contemplate the ‘Last Supper’

Milan is home to one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s greatest works of art – ‘The Last Supper’. Viewing the masterpiece will take planning as it’s something that you won’t be able to do on a whim – tickets sell out far in advance, but Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours can assist you with our tours that offer guaranteed advance reservations. Everyone who sees the painting will be limited to 15 minutes of contemplation but it is a beautiful experience, in my opinion. Afterwards, explore Italy’s most stylish city including the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping gallery and the medieval Sforza Castle. Find out more here.

Consider the fragility of life in the lost city of Pompeii.

Pompeii tells a sad but fascinating tale. Destroyed by an eruption from neighbouring Mount Vesuvius in 79AD, Pompeii was a city that was quickly suffocated by hot volcanic ash. The disaster took the inhabitants by surprise, and in so doing it preserved what life was like in Roman times until it was discovered again in the 18^th century. If you visit today it will be like viewing a window into that world – you’ll even see details like chariot tracks in the cobbled streets. Find out more here.

Explore the Vatican.

The Vatican State is the smallest country in the world in terms of size and population. Inside the Vatican state, take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums – this complex of museums covers 5 hectares of land and houses one of the world’s best art collections. Then explore St. Peter’s Basilica, and of course inside the Sistine Chapel you can gaze up at Michelangelo’s masterpiece on the ceiling. It is glorious. Find out more here.

Follow the evolution of Italian art in Florence.

The Uffizi gallery is arguably Italy’s most famous art gallery. Take a guided tour through the evolution of Italian art. Then in the renowned Gallery of the Accademia you can admire the famous David by Michelangelo and his other great works. Find out more here.

Admire Florence’s Duomo.

Whilst in Florence, take a look at the Duomo. Florence’s Santa Maria del Fiore or Duomo is a glorious building – unlike any other, with its magnificent dome, gilded bronze doors and the intricate ‘doors of paradise’. Find out more here.

Get close to the largest active volcano in Europe

Head to Sicily and its beautiful hillside towns and villages made famous by the Godfather trilogy. It’s one of the most authentic parts of the country and is quite untouched. At Taormina, you can explore the vicinity of Mount Etna and the Sylvester Craters and visit the villages that sit on ancient volcanic eruptions. Find out more here.

Sip Tuscan wine in the Tuscan countryside

Make your way to the Chianti region where the wine of the same name comes from. Here, the hills are full of vineyards and olive groves – a combination that makes for perfect scenery and perfect wine. There are seven regions here which all produce wine so you’ll be spoiled for choice on where to sample some of Tuscany’s most famous produce. Find out more here.

Catch a train in Cinque Terre

Explore the Cinque Terre area by local train or by walking on the hiking paths that are carved into the cliffs. Enjoy the fabulous views of the towns that cling to the cliffs themselves. Vineyards, bright coloured houses, coves and harbours – combined with fabulous local food and wine. A perfect combination and it has always been on my ‘must see places in Italy list’. Find out more here.

These are just a few of the must see sights in Italy. They are the highlights of a country that I love, and which has the most World Heritage sites.

Many of the highlights I’ve suggested above will be a place that Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours has the pleasure of taking visitors to. I have handpicked all of our tours and Italian vacations. They are based on my own experiences of this country.

If you would like information about tours in Italy or Italian holidays, taking in one or more of the must see sights in Italy, please do visit us at ciaoitalytours.com I am sure your Italian vacation will be one you’ll never forget.

Ciao,

Guido.

There is nowhere on earth quite like Venice. The sky, the sea and the land seem to converge in this city in the most unique way.

My name is Guido, Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. Since first visiting Venice Italy as a child, right up until the present, it is a city that never fails to make feel like I am in awe of it. Here’s what makes Venice so unique for me:

Having so much water in the centre of the city.

When you get to Venice during your Italian holidays, spend time just looking around. You will see so much water. It is unusual to see so much water in the centre of a city. But it is not that surprising when you consider that Venice is built upon a number of small islands and mud plains. However, the mix of water so close to urban infrastructure and beautiful buildings reminds me that I’m somewhere special – no matter how many times I visit.

It is a brave and confident city.

When you really think about Venice, the fact that so many beautiful buildings were built so close to water, or on land that floods regularly, you realise what a confident and brave city it is. Those who founded Venice, and who created its beautiful architecture found ways to make the structure of the buildings work with their proximity to water. Their technique was genius and the buildings still exist for us to enjoy today. I like that sense of certainty. I like to think that’s what made the city survive – whether a flood or what it later endured with Napoleon and during the war.

The view from the Grand Canal.

Whether on a gondola or vaporetto (water bus), I love the view from traveling along the Grand Canal. This is sure to be one of the most memorable parts of a vacation in Italy. You cannot fail to pick up on the sense of history one gets as you move and gaze at the beautiful buildings and think about their individual stories. Stop off at the Rialto Bridge – arguably Venice’s most famous bridge and survey the canal from here.

The architecture.

You probably knew I would mention the architecture. Who could come to Venice during their Italian vacation and not notice the beautiful buildings. You are truly spoilt for choice in Venice, as there are so many thanks in some part to the wealth that the Venetian Republic accumulated and its trade links. My favourite building is one of the city’s most famous landmarks – the Doges Palace. I favour it for its gothic style – it is striking. And I am touched by its history – once a political and administrative hub for Venice, it has been refurbished and repaired and its role has been reinvented but it never loses its presence. The design is intricate and it’s hard to believe that part of this building was also once a prison – which is said to have housed Casanova.

Piazza San Marco – the drawing room of Europe.

Napoleon referred to the piazza as the ‘drawing room of Europe’. It is busy as it is one of the most popular places to visit in Venice Italy. Everything is here. The Doges Palace, mentioned above sits off the square, but so does the beautiful Saint Mark’s Basilica – which Venetians consider an expression of the city’s independence thanks to the story around how St. Mark’s remains came to rest here. (Join us on a tour and we’ll tell you more about that story!). Come see the Basilica in the evening – the sight is impressive – with the structure and its mosaics almost glowing as the sun sets on the day. You may even hear music from some of the local musicians as you spend time here.

Music and art

As I said at the beginning, the sky, sea and land seem to converge in Venice in the most unique way. But music and art also meet here in great abundance, unlike anywhere else. When it comes to music, I really like to attend a concert when in Venice. It’s not just the music that’s fantastic – after all this is the home of Vivaldi – it’s the combination of the music and the backdrop that creates such a special atmosphere. And added to this, today’s visitors are lucky that Venice is such a unique repository of art – the most well thought of artists have left their mark all over Venice. Whether it’s Tintoretto’s ‘Crucifixion’ at Scuola Grande di San Rocco or the Accademia – the place to which Napoleon moved Venice’s artistic treasures in 1807.

These are some examples of what makes Venice so unique to me. I hope that when you travel to Venice Italy on your Italian vacation you have the same reaction to this beautiful city. I am very sure you will. Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours has the pleasure of helping visitors to Italy explore Venice. We offer some of the best Italian tours and fantastic tours of the city – whether it is a half-day sightseeing tour, a tour of the city’s wine bars to see how Venetians live, our walking and gondola tour of the city or excursions to the famous Murano, Burano and Torcello islands – the famous islands of the Venice Lagoon. Visit us at ciaoitalytours.com for more information.

Seeing just some of these sights in the flesh would be, as we say at Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours, creating memories of a lifetime. And I am proud to say that I have handpicked all of our tours in Italy and Italian vacations. They are based on my own experiences of this country. Please do visit us at ciaoitalytours.com I am sure your Italian vacation will be one you’ll never forget.

Ciao,

Guido.

What makes Milan so special for shopping? Milan is so great for shopping because it is one of the fashion capitals of the world. When it comes to fashion, Milan is the Italian cousin of Paris, London and New York. It is here that world famous designers choose to set up a base. But, here you can buy fabulous fashion and style for all levels of budget. So perhaps the answer is – Milan is so special for shopping because it is the fashion capital that has something for everyone!

I am Guido, together with our partner, Ciao Italy, we make Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. We have been helping people to experience all that Italy has to offer for 90 years. I am no ‘fashionista’, as they say! But like all Italians, I am proud of our stylish reputation and I do know Milan very well and it is a great stop to include in your Italian holiday itinerary. Let me share a little more of what makes Milan so special for shopping:

Quadrilatero d’Oro or Quadrilatero della Moda

When it comes to shopping in Milan Italy, one of the most important addresses is Quadrilatero d’Oro or Quadrilatero della Moda. The golden rectangle or the Quadrilateral of fashion is the area of Milan where you will find all the flagship stores of the major labels. Versace, Armani, Valentino, Gucci, Prada, Dolce e Gabbana, Bulgari and the list goes on. They are all situated on Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni and Via Sant’Andrea. . And in addition to the Italian designers, you will also find the other fashion brand leaders like Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Burberry, Paul Smith Miu, Miu, and Louis Vuitton etc. It’s even fun to go and window shop and see their displays.

Gallerie Vittorio Emmanuele II

This is a beautiful and traditional spot for shopping in Milan Italy. It’s situated near Milan’s wonderful Duomo and is one of the oldest shopping malls in the world – it opened in 1867. It is also known as il salotto di Milano – Milan’s living room as all elements of Milan will walk through. The centre is a beautifully ornate building to look at so it’s one of the main sights to see when you visit Milan. It connects the Piazza del Duomo and the Piazza della Scala – the squares outside the opera house of Milan and the Duomo. The Gallerie has stunning decor – you will find beautiful mosaics adorning the ceiling. These represent Africa, Asia, America and Europe. On the floor are more mosaics – the coat of arms of the family the Gallerie bears the name of, as well as those of Rome, Florence and Turin. Turin’s coat of arms is a bull – and legend has it that visitors to Milan need to spin on their heel on the genitals of the bull three times to attract good luck. You’ll find some of fashion’s leading flagship stores here – but you will also find some beautiful art and antique shops and it’s a great spot to have a coffee and watch the world go by.

La Rinascente

The Piazza Duomo, this is also an important location if you plan to go shopping in Milan Italy. Here you will find Milan’s largest department store. It showcases Italian brands but also sells everything from clothing to soft furnishings, books and gadgets. And if you need a break, you can rest on the seventh floor in the bar or licenced restaurants that are based here.

The Brera District

Shopping in Milan Italy isn’t all about labels. It is also about quality and craftsmanship – something that applies to the Brera District as much as it does to the famous high-end labels. In the Brera District – just north of Milan’s Duomo, you’ll find beautiful boutiques set amongst cobbled streets, selling everything from shoes and accessories to books and art. It is also a quieter and more laid back area so it’s good to pop over here when you need a break from the centre.

Bargains in Milan

Given it’s the home of fashion and shopping, it may not be surprising that you can also find a bargain when shopping in Milan Italy. Make your way to Milan’s Outlet Malls if you want to find a designer bargain. Some items will find their way here if they didn’t sell during the season. For tourists, this can be a great find because Milan is usually a year or so ahead of other fashion capitals. Pick up a bargain here and it will still be ‘in fashion’ for long after you return home. (And bargains become even greater bargains in January and June when the end of season sales take place). Il Salvagente is a great outlet as well as Dmagazine Outlet.

The rule that Milan does a great bargain is also true of Milan’s second hand clothes – which will be a class above second hand clothes you can find anywhere else in the world. To find a pre loved classic, make your way to the Fiera di Sinigaglia – a market that runs every Saturday.

So you see, Milan is a very special place for shopping. It’s a great, fun stop on any Italian vacation. You will have fun doing some Milan shopping and also exploring its many other charms – from Leonardo Da Vinci’s last supper, the Duomo – its striking gothic cathedral and La Scala Opera House. Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours can help you explore:

– Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II as well as the Last Supper, La Scala and Sforza Castle in our Gran Tour of Milan sightseeing tour.

– Or you can focus on Milan style and Milan shopping with our trip to the Seravalle Designer Outlet.

From sightseeing tours to Italian vacation packages, Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours will help you make the most of your Italian holidays.

If you would like more information like this guide to shopping in Milan – like other travel tips for Italy and information about tours in Italy or Italian vacations please do visit us at ciaoitalytours.com We always say that with us, your Italian tour or Italian vacations will be one you’ll never forget.

Ciao,

Guido.

My name is Guido. I’m an Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. This season I found myself back in the small city of Taormina. It’s a beautiful and enchanting town on the eastern coast of Sicily. I think it is well worth a place on your next Italian vacation itinerary. Since I am Italy’s number one fan, you might expect me to say that, but let me explain a little about my short Italian holiday in Taormina Italy to explain why it’s such a great place to visit:

Taormina is a picturesque and natural beauty

The city of Taormina Sicily is a stunning location. The views and sights you can see from Taormina easily rival the Amalfi Coast and the Cinque Terre – so on that point alone, it’s a perfect location for an Italian vacation. Since the town is situated around 250 metres up on a cliff, you will catch a beautiful view from almost every direction.

Taormina’s Greco Teatro

This really is a treat! In Taormina Italy you will find an ancient theatre. It’s called the Greco Roman Teatro because it is built of brick, which would indicate that it’s Roman, but the layout is most definitely Greek in origin. It is so well preserved that it is still in use for open-air performances. And from the theatre you can get a stunning view of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.

Corso Umberto – the main street in Taormina

It’s worth visiting Corso Umberto during the day AND at night. In the daytime you will find Taormina’s main street full of wonderful shops and cafes. You can find great places to stop for a coffee or a gelato as well as good quality souvenirs of the area. At night you’ll also find local musicians playing on the street – which makes for a lovely atmosphere.

Taormina is a fantastic base to explore the surrounding area

Taormina Italy is a beautiful Sicilian city and a wonderful place to visit in its own right, but it also a great place from which to experience the surrounding area – from volcanoes to the set of the Godfather movies, there’s lots to see and do when you use Taormina is your base for an Italian holiday.

Mount Etna

Taormina Sicily lives in the shadow of Mount Etna and I’m not sure whether that’s a good or a bad thing for the locals. But for the visitor to Taormina it is certainly interesting. You’ll be able to get a good view of Mount Etna from Taormina. And it’s quite easy to visit the mountain – the highest active volcano in Europe – from the city, too. This is something we offer at Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. I’ll mention more detail on that later in this post.

The city of Syracuse

This historic Sicilian city is easily accessible from Taormina. This 2,700 year old town is packed full of Greek history, culture and architecture. It’s also renowned for being the birthplace of Archimedes. It’s can be a wonderful day trip out from Taormina (And again, we are one of the tour operators who are able to provide you with a trip to this city. I’ve provided more details below).

Alcantara Gorge

Outside Taormina Sicily you’ll also find Alcantara Gorge – which was produced when the Alcantara River cooled the lava flow from Mount Etna. The result is a beautiful natural phenomenon that you can walk up to and around – and get some great views in the process. There’s a small beach and a restaurant at the site also, which is very handy for the visitor.

The Godfather.

If you are visiting Taormina Sicily, it’s also possible to visit some of the scenes from the Godfather II movie. The ancient hill top town of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò are in easy reach. Savoca has a medieval atmosphere, narrow streets, ruined castle and of course the site of the opening scene of the Godfather II movie where young Vito Corleone cowers in the church as his pursuers call out his name. The town of Forza d’Agrò also lies outside Taormina and was also a setting for some exterior location shots in the movies.

So that’s just some of the reasons to visit the small city of Taormina Sicily on your next Italian vacation. Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours would love to have the pleasure of welcoming you to the area and helping you explore Taormina and its vicinity with our Italian tours of the area.

We can take you on our:

Half day tour to Mount Etna from Taormina – the highest active volcano in Europe.

Visit ciaoitalytours.com for more information.

If you would like more information like these Venice travel tips – like other travel advice for Italy and information about tours in Italy or Italian vacations please do visit us at ciaoitalytours.comWe always say that with us, your Italian tour or Italian vacations will be one you’ll never forget.

Ciao,

Guido.

My name is Guido. I’m an Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. I regularly travel in Italy, keeping myself up to date with what the country has to offer and testing out the Italian tours and Italian vacations that we offer at Ciao Italy and Carrani Tours. And for that reason, Bologna is a location I know well. If you haven’t been yet – then I’d recommend trying it. It is one of the main contributors to Italy’s reputation for good food. So if you are into gastronomy, then this is the place for you. But Bologna offers so much, in addition to great food! So, here’s my take on the top attractions in Bologna:

Definitely try out the food!

Italy is blessed with good food, so what makes Bologna SO good?

Well, firstly it’s a market city, so you’ll find colourful street markets full of beautiful and fresh ingredients – from in season fruit and vegetables to traditional balsamic vinegar, meats and cheeses. I always think that this is a great sign – as these ingredients will make their way to the city’s restaurants.

It also has its own signature dishes – for instance, it’s famed for its Tortellini and for its tagliatelle al ragù. Of course, outside Italy, this is sometimes known as Spaghetti Bolognese. In Bologna it will always be served with tagliatelle and never spaghetti. And, Bologna’s nickname is ‘La Grassa’. It means the ‘large one’, and perhaps hints at what you’ll experience by visiting Bologna.

Walk to the top of San Luca

And, in addition to sampling the food, when you visit Bologna you’ll see that it is a beautiful city. Make sure you walk to the top of San Luca to reach the Basilica San Luca. The walk up is as beautiful as the reward of the basilica at the top – since you’ll be under the longest portico in the world on the ascent. Bologna is famous for its porticoes, but more on that later.

Visit the Piazza Maggiore

This is the central square of Bologna. Like many of its other Italian counterparts, this square has a beautiful atmosphere – especially at sunset. You can watch the world go by at one of its cafes or you can visit the Basilica of San Petronio, which dominates the square and was at one stage going to be the largest church in the world, until the Vatican intervened. Although it’s not Bologna’s largest church (that is Cattedrale di san Pietro), it is the tenth largest in the world and I am inspired by the story of its construction. The building of the church was a communal project by the city of Bologna as opposed to being a project of the bishops alone.

Visit Torre degli Asinelli and the leaning Garisenda

One of the most famous attractions in Bologna is the Torre degli Asinelli and the leaning Garisenda. You can climb the Torre degli Asinelli for a fabulous view across the red roofs of Bologna. It has 498 steps and is over 97 metres high. It’s neighbour, the Garisenda tower, is a large leaning tower – and has a tilt of around 3 metres, so you can’t climb that. But yes, leaning towers are not unique to Pisa. Interestingly, in the 12^th Century, there were almost 200 towers in Bologna but most were destroyed or collapsed in time.

Check out the seat of the oldest university in the western world

The University of Bologna was founded in 1088 and it is the oldest university in the western world. The Archiginnasio building is one of the most important buildings in the city – since this was the first seat of the University. Prior to that classes were held in private houses, religious buildings or even in the open air. Although the University was relocated in 1803, you can visit this fascinating building – which includes an anatomical theatre where some of the earliest anatomy lectures took place – with corpses!

Shop at La Piazzola

La Piazzola is an open-air market that’s held in the Piazza Mercato in central Bologna. It was originally a cattle market, but now you can shop for everything from clothing to arts and crafts sold by local artists and craftsmen.

Explore the Porticoes

As I mentioned earlier, Bologna is famous for its porticoes. There are around 38km of porticoes and archways in the city. They are one of Italy’s UNESCO world heritage sites. You can find them all over the city – and as I said earlier, even on the ascent to Basilica San Luca. They are related to the demand for extra housing that came with the expansion of the university. Students travelled to Bologna from all over Europe and they found accommodation above the porticoes, which had shops and workshops located on the ground floor.

Marvel at the art of San Domenico

Perhaps one of the lesser-known Bologna attractions is the art inside San Domenico. The Basilica San Domenico was built to honour Saint Dominic – in the convent of the order he founded. His remains lie here in a marble tomb that was carved by some of the world’s most famous artists – including Michelangelo and Pisano.

Pop over to Parma

If you are in Bologna, it’s a great idea to pop over to Parma – a city known for its art, music and of course, its food produce like parma ham and parmesan cheese. It is also almost devoid of cars and has some beautiful architecture. It’s altogether a beautiful day trip from Bologna.

If all that Bologna has to offer tempts you into planning an Italian holiday, then please let my team at Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours help you organise your trip. We run a variety of Italian tours and Italian vacations across the country, including our 3 day Eatalia food and wine trip which includes both Bologna and Parma.

If you would like more information like these Bologna travel tips – including other travel advice for Italy and information about tours in Italy or Italian vacations please do visit us at ciaoitalytours.com We always say that with us, your Italian tour or Italian vacations will be one you’ll never forget.

Ciao,

Guido.

My name is Guido, Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. In my last blog about Venice, I said that it is a city that I always feel in awe of – every time I visit. And I visit regularly. As I explained, there are lots of reasons for that – the architecture, the Grand Canal, the music, the art. But I also think it’s because of the food that’s available here. It has got better and better in recent years. Having spent time in the city regularly, here are what I think are the best restaurants in Venice Italy. I’ve chosen them, as they are great to try when you are here on your Italian holidays.

Trattoria e Bacaro Da Fiore

This elegant yet rustic trattoria based in San Marco at Calla delle Botteghe is famous for its seafood dishes, which it sources locally. It’s known for using a select number of local producers and using their produce to make beautiful and traditional Venetian meals. Its approach is simple but makes it one of the best restaurants in Venice Italy. www.dafiore.it

Trattoria Altanella

This small family run trattoria overlooks the Rio di Ponto Longo. The fourth generation of the Stradella family serve traditional Venetian cooking today inside their vintage restaurant. Since it started trading in 1889, the place has been very popular with artists, musicians and writers – as you will see from the memorabilia on the walls. Over the generations Trattoria Altanella has been best known for its traditional seafood dishes. Beautiful. Definitely one of Venice’s best restaurants. facebook.com/pages/Trattoria-Altanella

Trattoria Dalla Marisa

This trattoria is nothing short of a Venetian institution and has been so since it opened around 50 years ago. It is based on the banks of the Canale di Cannaregio – and you can sit outside or inside in the oak panelled restaurant. It is always busy, particularly at lunchtime, because it is very reasonable priced and very popular with locals. You can get a starter, main, vegetables, wine and coffee for €15. Dinner is obviously more expensive but it is still very reasonable at €35 per head – house wine is included in the fixed price. It is a really popular place with locals and tourists alike so advance booking is recommended!

Trattoria Corte Sconta

It’s a good sign when a restaurant is popular with locals – and this one is, too. This trattoria is based on the edge of the Castello district on Calle del Pestrin amongst a leafy courtyard. It is known for its seafood, particularly its antipasti and unusual flavour pairings – like clams in ginger. Dinner is regularly fully booked so make sure you make your reservations early. Consistently gives a warm welcome and great service, as well as fantastic food. cortescontavenezia.com

Quadri

This restaurant is on the upper end of the scale and is one to consider if you are celebrating something special when you are on your Italian vacation. Taken over by the Alajmo brothers a few years ago, it won a Michelin star in 2012 for their contemporary take on traditional Venetian dining. They are based in St. Mark’s Square – so right in the beating heart of Venice, and their menu features fish from the Rialto fish market and locally available seasonal produce. If you are looking for a restaurant befitting of a special occasion, then this is it. But you must book ahead such is its popularity. alajmo.it

Osteria Santa Marina

Osteria Santa Marina is based just north of the Rialto Bridge and district at Campo Santa Marina. It’s a special restaurant because it cooks the usual Venetian type of meals but with a slight twist and creativity that makes it distinct and superior. The menu is not extensive but that can be a good thing because it focuses on what it does so very well. You will always find meat, fish and pasta on offer and to a very high standard. It has a great wine menu – with many local options. And although it is always busy, the service is unfailingly good. It’s a great choice. osteriadisantamarina.com

Osteria Alle Testiere

This small restaurant is located right in the heart of Venice near Saint Mark’s square and the Rialto Bridge, yet it is almost hidden away and is therefore quite popular with those looking to get away from it all. However it only has nine tables, so you would be wise to book ahead. The food and the philosophy are simple – catch of the day, cooked very well. As a result it has been listed in the Michelin guide for almost twenty years. An achievement which speaks for itself. osterialletestiere.it

So, as you can see, in Venice you are spoiled for choice in almost everything – including the food and wine. Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours has the pleasure of helping visitors to Italy explore Venice. We offer some of the best Italian tours and fantastic tours of Venice – whether it is a half-day sightseeing tour, a tour of the city’s wine bars to see how Venetians live, our walking and gondola tour of the city or excursions to the famous Murano, Burano and Torcello islands – the famous islands of the Venice Lagoon. Visit us at ciaoitalytours.com for more information.

Seeing and experiencing Venice, as we say at Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours, is creating memories of a lifetime. And I am proud to say that I have handpicked all of our tours in Venice and Italy as well as our Italian vacations. They are based on my own experiences of this country. Please do visit us at ciaoitalytours.com I am sure your Italian vacation will be one you’ll never forget.

If you would like more information like these Venice travel tips on where to eat in Venice Italy, or information about tours in Italy or Italian vacations please do visit us at ciaoitalytours.com We always say that with us, your Italian tour or Italian vacations will be one you’ll never forget.

My name is Guido, Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. In my last few blogs I’ve talked about Venice – namely, why Venice is so unique and the best restaurants to try when you visit Venice. If I may, I’d like to add something else to your Venice bucket list – and that’s to see Venice from a gondola. Too touristy? Think again!

A unique Venetian institution

As you know, Venice is a city of canals. Traveling by boat is the only way to move around this city. And the gondola is a Venetian institution. Although you can jump aboard a Vaperetto (water-bus), there is something quite unique about the gondola and it adds to the atmosphere of visit to Venice Italy. I don’t feel a visit to Venice is complete without a trip on a gondola – and this is particularly the case if you plan to travel to Venice during an Italian vacation.

Best way to see Venice

Traveling on water is the best way to see Venice Italy. But when you travel by water taxi or Vaporetto you are going at the pace of their carefully planned schedule – which is about getting from a to b, promptly.

When you travel by gondola, you are going at a better pace for a visitor to the city. It is slower, but there’s more time to take in your surroundings. Seeing Venice from a gondola means you get a better view of the city and the unique way it was developed.

Experiencing Venetian history

Traveling by gondola means experiencing a piece of Venetian history. The first accepted documentation of the Gondola is the late 11^th Century, but many claim they can be dated as far back as 697.

Gondolas were once the only way to travel in Venice Italy. They were used as a means of traveling across, and up and down the canals. Some wealthy families owned their own gondolas and so, a gondola in Venice could also be a status symbol. This was particularly the case after horses were banned from the city. Nobles used to compete with each other over the decoration of their boat until a Doge outlawed this in the 17^th Century.

From the 16^th Century up until the 19^th Century there were likely to be as many as 10,000 gondolas in Venice Italy. So traveling by gondola is like experiencing a piece of Venetian history.

Romance!

Seeing Venice from a gondola is romantic, too. In days gone by, it was said a gondolier would never speak of any romantic trysts that took place under the canopy of their gondola. Since then, the gondolas have never lost this romantic reputation. And a gondola trip will certainly add romance to your Italian holidays.

Healthier for the city

In addition, seeing Venice from a gondola rather than traveling by the powerboats that cruise up and down the Grand Canal Venice Italy is healthier for the city of Venice. The waves from the boats are said to be speeding up the decay of the structure of the buildings that line the Gran Canal, as well as negatively affecting the lifespan of the gondolas themselves. And now with only 400 boats in operation, I like to take a gondola to help this ancient institution survive.

Tips on taking a gondola in Venice

That said, seeing Venice from a gondola is not the cheapest option. So here is some advice:

It is particularly good value to take an organised, licensed tour, which includes a Venice gondola ride – like Ciao Italy and Carrani Tours’ Discover Venice and Gondola Ride option. It offers you a romantic and relaxing afternoon exploring the key sights of the city on foot before embarking on your Venice gondola ride.

Or there’s our Gondola Tour and Gondola Serenade – a tour that takes n the Grand Canal and the minor canals that connect with it. It’s an atmospheric and traditional tour of the city.

And finally, some tips for you if you plan to take a Venice gondola ride independently:

• The prices of gondola rides in Venice are set and managed by a gondoliers’ association which is € 80.00 for a 40 minute tour for a maximum of 6 people. Some gondolier’s may charge you more, so keep this in mind.
• An additional 20 minutes costs another € 40.00
• You can ride with a maximum of 6 people to reduce the cost
• Have a plan in mind before you go. Think about what you want to see and consider the route with the gondolier before you go.

I hope that when you travel to Venice Italy on your Italian vacation that you thoroughly enjoy this unique and culturally rich city. I am very sure you will. Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours has the pleasure of helping visitors to Italy explore Venice and other sights with our tours in Italy. We would love to help you do the same during your holidays in Italy. Visit us at ciaoitalytours.com for more information.

If you would like more information like these Venice travel tips – like other travel advice for Italy and information about tours in Italy or Italian vacations please do visit us at ciaoitalytours.comWe always say that with us, your Italian tour or Italian vacations will be one you’ll never forget.

Ciao,

Guido.

Hi. My name is Guido. I’m an Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. In my previous posts, I have mentioned Italy’s love affair with good food. And for every dish, there’s a good Italian wine that will compliment it perfectly. However, with so much choice, choosing the right Italian wine can be tricky. So, I’ve put together some tips when choosing an Italian wine, to help you make the right choice on your Italian holiday, or even when you’re at home. Cin Cin!

Firstly – everyone has a different palate.

When it comes to tips on choosing an Italian wine, or any wine for that matter, the main thing to remember is that everyone will have his or her own tastes. Your palate is unique to you. For instance, you may like red, white or rose. You might also prefer light or heavier versions of wine. You might also like dry or fruity. Either way – you will decide what your preference is. This guide on Italian wine basics will just help you choose the right Italian wine for you and your palate.

Geographical area and traditional production methods

One of the main differentiating factors amongst Italian wines is the region in which it is produced. The region the Italian wine is produced in usually features in its name.

How the wine is produced will impact its quality – and for that reason the law protects Italian wines that are produced using traditional methods and recipes. Producers can ask the government for their Italian wines to be tested prior to bottling. This test determines that the wine has been produced in the region it says it has, and has used a traditional method and doesn’t contain any additives.

DOCG or DOC on the label

If the wine passes this test, it will be able to carry a specific label to say it has been tested and complies with the legal standards of quality and production of Italian wines.

The DOCG label shows the highest standard of quality. This means that the Italian wine has complied with tests on the producer’s output yield, grape variety, geographic authenticity, and alcohol content and ageing period. There aren’t that many DOCG Italian wines around!

A DOC label is the next highest acknowledgement of the wine’s quality. This means that the Italian wine has also passed the same kinds of tests, but these tests are less strict. For instance, the geographic zone they are testing on might be a little bigger, or the rules on the kind of grapes used might be a little more relaxed. Either way, it’s still a sign of a wine of great quality. And the good news is that these wines are much more common.

IGT on the label.

If one sees the term IGT on the label of Italian wine, then this is a sign that the wine has also gone through a testing process for quality. The IGT label was created after the DOCG and DOC labels were created and it usually signifies a wine whose producers couldn’t meet all the criteria of the DOC wines but were still producing great quality wines.

Price and quality.

I think you cannot go wrong with Italian wine. There is something to suit all palates and budgets. But before I finish this piece, I also wanted to explain what might impact the price variation on wines on the wine list.

To produce the best fruit, plants need space. So, a producer of good wine might not have too many plants on his or her ground, as this would affect the quality of the wine produced. So, it figures that this can affect the price of the final product.

Italy is known for its quality wines, so in my opinion, you cannot go far wrong with an Italian wine! But this will go some way to help you understand the difference in the price of wine. Whether that affects the perceived quality of the wine depends on your taste and palate!

The year of production.

The year the wine was produced will give a clue to what that wine will taste like. The year will be a clue to what the growing conditions were like for producers that year. What was the weather like that year in that particular region? Was it a good mix of rain and shine, or was it very wet or very hot and sunny? This will have a bearing on the wine. More sunshine than normal means that the wine can be sweeter or stronger in terms of alcohol levels. More rain than normal means the taste can be less strong. Your Sommelier will be able to guide you on that information.

Much like our food, Italian wine is fabulous and I’m sure you’ll enjoy finding which one you like best. At Ciao Italy & Carrani Tourswe love our Italian wine. So much so, we offer a number of food and wine related Italian tours and Italian vacations. If you would like us to help you plan your food and wine inspired trip to Italy, then please do get in contact with us at Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours.

In the meantime, you can peruse these tours, hopefully with a glass of Italian wine in hand!

Luxury Dinner with paired wine tasting near the Pantheon

Private tour: Fashion shopping and wine tasting

Tasting tour in Rome

If you would like more information like these tips on choosing an Italian wine – please do visit our blog at ciaoitalytours.com We always say that with us, your Italian tour or Italian vacations will be one you’ll never forget.

Ciao,

Guido.

Shore excursions are a great way for cruise passengers to make even more of their trip. They are a great platform from which to explore the country or city your ship has docked at. After all, your ship can only take you so far! And when it comes to shore excursions in Italy, there is a lot of choice so it can be difficult to make the right selection.

My name is Guido, Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. I’ve been involved in the travel industry for many, many years. And I am proud to say that I have handpicked all of our Italian tours, Italian shore excursions as well as our Italian vacations. So with those experiences still fresh in my mind, I thought I’d share my advice on how to make the most of your shore excursions in Italy.

Firstly the background – as I said at the beginning, shore excursions in Italy are a perfect way to enhance your cruise experience. As you sail to your next port of call, you’ll be able to experience all the wonderful amenities of your cruise ship. And when you dock you can take a shore excursion to explore your cruise ship’s destinations even further. You can do this with the shore excursions your cruise ship offers or you can go it alone, or you can book an independent tour company and explore with their help.

Booking a shore excursion from every port can quickly add up. So, it is best to think about what your really want to see and book a shore excursion, either independent or via the cruise line, for your priority sights and locations.

It is also good to book a shore excursion, either independent or with the cruise line, when the sight you want to see is a little further away from the port you have docked at. Or indeed when you are planning to visit a larger city like Rome or Florence etc.

Your ship’s shore excursions can be booked before you set sail or when you are on board. Booking direct with the ship’s shore excursion will usually mean a licensed operator will handle your tour.

But, sometimes it pays to undertake a shore excursion with a reputable and independent tour operator. If you choose to book with a reputable independent tour operator, then you will often find that the cost of taking the shore excursion will be less than the cost of taking a shore excursion with your cruise ship. We regularly check our prices at Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours and have confidence that our shore excursions in Italy are always cheaper than the cruise ship options.

In addition, choosing an Italy shore excursion with an independent tour operator means that you will usually be in a small group, or you can choose to be in a small group. In fact this is the norm with Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. Our Italy shore excursions are private so you will only ever be traveling on your own, with your own companions or with a small group on a shared tour. The choice is yours.

Also, with an independent operator like Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours you’ll be traveling in a luxury mini van during your Italian shore excursion. There will be less people in your group therefore at the sight you are visiting and you’ll have more time, and more attention from, the expert and licensed guide.

With an independent tour operator, your Italian shore excursion will still be shaped to suit the cruise passengers’ schedule. For instance, your itinerary will mean you are back at your ship well before departure. And when on your excursion you’ll have skip the line tickets and you’ll be driven directly to each sight so you make the most of your time. And just to be extra sure, we keep in touch with the shore and port authorities to make sure there are no changes to the timetables.

We would always advise all our guests to read the description of any tour or shore excursion they are booking. This helps you to fully understand what you will get for your purchase. At Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours you can check these details on our website and we also welcome you to call us if you want to chat through any specific requirements you might have – for instance to check whether the tour is suitable for your mobility levels etc.

So you see, if you think ahead about how you want to make the most of your shore excursions in Italy, then you will be able to choose the option which is best for you – either booking with an independent tour operator, booking with your cruise like, or indeed going it alone.

Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours has the pleasure of welcoming many cruise passengers to Italy and helping them to explore some of Italy’s greatest sights during their time ashore. We offer some of the best Italian shore excursions. Visit us at ciaoitalytours.com for more information.

If you would like more information like these Italy travel tips or information about Italian tours or Italian vacations please do visit us at ciaoitalytours.com We always say that with us, your Italian tour or Italian vacations will be one you’ll never forget.

Ciao,

Guido.

Situated high up on the cliffs, Sorrento gives wonderful views out towards the bay and to Mount Vesuvius. As well as being a lovely town in its own right, it’s also a great location from which to tour the other highlights of the area; Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, the Sorrentine peninsula and the Island of Capri – all favoured Italian vacation destinations.

I am Paulo Delfini – president and third generation owner of Carrani Tours. Together with our partner Ciao Italy we make Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. We have been helping people to experience all that Italy has to offer for 90 years and there are few places as captivating as Sorrento. Many civilisations have called this their home over time, and many artists and writers have spent time here – such is the beauty of the region. Let me tell you a little of the history of Sorrento Italy.

Sorrento and the Sirens

The earliest history of Sorrento Italy shows that the town took its name from the Sirens – which were mythical creatures of the sea that were said to seduce sailors with their lovely voices and then lead them to their demise. There were three sirens – daughters of Achelous and their names were Ligeia, Leucosia and Partenope. They were said to enchant passing sailors until they were submerged. Today you can see remains of the Temple of Minerva, which was built by Ulysses as a token of thanks to the goddess for passing unharmed through the waters. He did take extreme measures to avoid the temptations of the sirens – since he plugged his ears full of wax so he would not hear them and was tied to the mast of his ship.

The founding of Sorrento

A Greek historian named Siculus studying the history of Sorrento determined that Liporos, son of King Ausone and grandson of Ulysses founded Sorrento. They were connected to one of the most ancient ethnic tribes in the area. Prior to the Roman age, Sorrento was home to the Greeks between 474 and 420 BC. Elements of their influence are still visible today. After this period, Sorrento fell under the Roman influence, however the town did rebel in the social war but it was defeated and conquered once more.

Mount Vesuvius

When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD, it destroyed Pompeii and the surrounding towns of Herculaneum and Stabia. Sorrento was very badly affected by the earthquake caused by the eruption. There is an inscription dating from 80AD, which points to the Roman influence on the town – it shows that Titus restored the clock of the town after the original was destroyed.

The Romans and Sorrento – the early holiday resort

The history of Sorrento Italy shows that tourism of a sort has always played a large part in its life. Sorrento became a popular holiday destination with the Romans in the Imperial age. And it was here they spent the summer months and their leisure time. It was their favoured Italian holiday destination. It was here they built their beautiful and palatial villas by the sea, or established farms for the production of oil and wine.

After the fall of Rome

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the history of Sorrento shows it entered into a period of unrest. It first came under the control of the Byzantium Empire in the east. From this point on it was passed from one group to another, hence it has been influenced by several civilisations. After Rome fell, the Lombards besieged Sorrento, unsuccessfully. As the influence of the Byzantium age faded it became an autonomous Duchy in the 9^th Century.

Sorrento passed back and forth from Lombard hands before it was annexed into the Kingdom of Sicily in 1137. Then midway through the 16^th Century it was impacted in the fight between the Turks and Spain, which controlled much of southern Italy at the time. Given its position next to the sea, Sorrento was often the focus of sieges and raids – this led to the construction of many city walls to fortify the city. The work was completed in 1567.

Revolt against Spanish domination

In 1648 a riot broke out against the Spanish. Giovanni Grillo led a coup against the government of Sorrento who were loyal to Spain.

The Grand Tour

In the 19^th Century saw Sorrento join the Kingdom of Italy and from here its role in the country’s tourism trade began to grow further. Wealthy and influential visitors – just like they had done during the Imperial age regularly frequented it. Sorrento became included in what was known as the ‘Grand Tour’, the ultimate in Italian holidays or tours of Italy. The Grand Tour of Italy was a journey, which took in all the main Italian sights, that noble sons did to complete their cultural education. This perhaps why names like Byron, Keats, Wagner Nitszche, Dickens and Ibsen all came to Sorrento to stay – in the home town of Torquato Tasso, one of Italy’s greatest poets.

Sorrento remains as charming today – with its medieval streets and alleyways, which help to retain its simplicity. It’s a beautiful stop on any Italian vacation. You can sense its history as you explore. Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours creates perfect Italian travel itineraries for the lowest prices. You can build your own tour of Italy and take in the sights of Sorrento with our independent tours option and escorted tours. Or, you can explore the surrounding area of Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast with our help. From sight seeing tours to Italian vacation packages, we will help you make the most of your trip.

If you would like more information like this introduction to the history of Sorrento, or travel tips for Italy and information about tours in Italy or Italian vacations please do visit us at ciaoitalytours.com We always say that with us, your Italian tour or Italian vacations will be one you’ll never forget.

Ciao,

Paulo.

My name is Guido, Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. In my last few blogs I’ve talked about Venice – namely, why Venice is so unique, the best restaurants to try when you visit Venice Italy and the benefits of seeing Venice from a gondola. Now, to follow on perfectly from seeing Venice from a Gondola, here is a little piece about the Rialto Bridge in Venice and why this interesting little bridge is definitely a sight to stop off at when you visit Venice Italy during your Italian vacations.

For instance, it is one of four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice. But for many years, this crossing was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot. And so, the Rialto Bridge, or as we say the Ponte di Rialto is the oldest bridge in Venice Italy.

Barrattieri built the first version of the Rialto Bridge in 1181. It was called Ponte dell Moneta as it was located close to the mint.

In 1225 this was replaced by a new wooden structure because of the increasing importance of the Rialto area and the associated pressure on the old crossing. It was designed so the central section could be removed to let tall ships pass through. I do love the stories of Venetians and their ingenious approach to architecture.

In 1310, the Rialto Bridge was partially burned down during the infamous riots in the city which were connected to Tiepolo’s plot to over throw the current Doge.

In the 15^th Century, the bridge had two rows of shops added to it. The rents from the shopkeepers helped to maintain the Rialto Bridge. However, the bridge was obviously under pressure as it partially collapsed in 1444 as a crown of venetians stood and watched a boat festival pass by. The same thing happened in 1524!

In 1551, the authorities progressed the idea of building a new bridge. Given its history, they thought stone would be a good idea. Architects and designers submitted plans – including the famous Michelangelo. However it was the aptly named Antonio da Ponte who won the contract to design and build the bridge. And it is his bridge that stands in position today – over 450 years later. It remained the only way to cross the Grand Canal until 1854 when the Accademia Bridge was opened.

My name is Guido. I’m an Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. I regularly travel back to Italy testing out the Italian tours and Italian vacations we offer to our guests. And as you can see from my blog, I also like to share some of the information I pick up on my travels as it might help my readers get the best possible experience from an Italian vacation.

This time, I want to talk about the best wine bars to visit in Venice. As I have said previously, I love Venice for her beauty and her architecture. And as it turns out, I also love Venice for the fact that when it comes to wine bars Venice offers something for everyone! It’s one of life’s pleasures to sit with a glass of something and watch the world go by in Venice. So much so, we even offer a wine bar tour of Venice as it’s also a great way to experience Venetian culture. More on that later! In the meantime, here is my take on just some of the best wine bars to visit in Venice:

Harry’s bar – where the Bellini was born!

No list of Venice wine bar tips would be complete without mention of Harrys Bar. It is a Venetian institution. Situated on the waterfront at St. Mark’s, it offers the visitor a sense of history as well as a warm welcome. It can be pricey – but I love it for the story it carries. The founder, Giuseppe Cipriani, had once known a young American socialite called Harry Pickering who frequented the bar he tended at Hotel Europa. When Pickering stopped drinking at the bar, Giuseppe noticed his absence and asked him why. Apparently Pickering’s family didn’t like his drinking habits so cut him off financially. Realising Harry Pickering was broke; Giuseppe offered him a loan of 10,000 lire. Two years later, Harry returned to pay him back and gave him 40,000 extra lire as a thank you – enough to open a bar. And of course, he asked him to call it Harry’s Bar. As you might expect, it’s had many famous patrons over the years including Charlie Chaplin, Earnest Hemingway, Orson Welles, and Aristotle Onassis.

Location: Calle Vallaresso, 1323, 30124 San Marco, Venice Italy

Enoteca Al Volto

Al Volto is the oldest wine bar in Venice and is definitely one for wine lovers. Located just a few steps from the Rialto Bridge, this bar also has a sense of history, having been in business since 1936. The bar’s atmosphere is very relaxing and welcoming. The drinks menu shows that it has access to around 1,000 wines from Italy and overseas – but obviously they are not all available at the same time. The owners offer a selection each day, which means if you visit more than once, you will be sure to find something different.

Location: Al Volto, Calle Cavalli 4081, San Marco, Venice Italy

Bar Canale on the Grand Canal

This sophisticated bar is situated in the 5 star Bauers L’Hotel. Overlooking the Grand Canal, the Bar Canale has a lovely outdoor terrace from where you can enjoy the peace and wonderful views of Venice, her canal and the gondoliers sailing by. It is wonderfully atmospheric – particularly at sunset in the summer. It’s a sophisticated bar, full of charm and although it’s a wonderful place to relax, being there is an experience in itself.

Location: The Bauers Venezia, San Marco 1459, Venice Italy.

Osteria al Squero

Situated in Dorsoduro, Osteria al Squero is a lovely wine bar that is incredibly reasonable and serves some lovely cicheti – which are small snacks. Interestingly, this bar is opposite a working gondola yard called the Squero di san Trovaso – the oldest one in Venice. And as you can sit outside by the Canal, it’s wonderful to watch the master craftsmen at work. It’s one of the few remaining windows into the old, traditional Venice.

Location: Dorsoduro, 943-944, 30123 Venice Italy

Bacareto da Lele

This is another institution and it’s very popular with those who live and work in Venice. You will find many locals here after work. It lives up to its name and is quite a small bar, but it has space outside, which has a lovely atmosphere too. So it’s great if you want to get away from the bars which visitors are more likely to frequent. And, what is more – the prices are incredibly reasonable for wine and also for cicheti.

Location: Campo dei Tolentini, Santa Croce 183, 30121 Venice Italy

Caffe Florian

Now – at the other end of the scale is Caffe Florian. It has been a café on Piazza San Marco since the early 18^th century. But away from the coffee and cakes, there is a bar area at the back of the building, where you will pay less for service and where you can watch the highly skilled bar tenders prepare sumptuous cocktails.

Location: Piazza San Marco, 57, 30124 Venice Italy

Skyline Rooftop Bar

You will find the Skyline Rooftop Bar on the eighth floor of the Hilton Molino Stucky hotel on Giudecca Island. You can see the whole of Venice from the terrace of the Skyline Rooftop Bar. It’s well worth building this in to your trip to Venice Italy. Not only will you get a great view of the city, but also it’s a prime location to experience a beautiful Venetian sunset. This was on my own personal Venice bucket list. Tick!

Location: Giudecca 810, 30133, Venice, Italy

Venice is a fabulous place to visit on your Italian vacation. And visiting Venice’s wine bars are a great way of experiencing Venice’s culture and atmosphere. At Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours we love helping our guests visit this unique city. If you would like us to help you plan your next trip to Venice Italy, then please do get in contact with us at Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours or check out some of our tour packages below. As I mentioned previously, we even have a Venice wine bar inspired tour – which is first on the list below – naturally!

Bacaro tour – A tour of Venice wine bars in the heart of Venice.

Absolute Venice – the highlights of the city in a half-day sightseeing tour

Excursion to the Islands – a tour of the most popular sights of the Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.

If you would like more information like these Venice wine bar tips – please do visit our blog at ciaoitalytours.com We always say that with us, your Italian tours or Italian vacations will be one you’ll never forget.

Ciao,

Guido.

Hi. My name is Guido. I’m an Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. I love helping people get the best possible experience from an Italian vacation. Recently I have written about the best Venetian restaurants to try and how to choose the best Italian wine. Continuing on that theme, I’m now going to share with you some of my thoughts on money saving tips for visiting Italy.

Think about traveling ‘off-peak’

Many of you may have commitments at home – like children and young people in education, which means the timing of your trip to Italy has to coincide with school vacation. But to those who have a little more flexibility, you can save money by traveling outside the peak season. Since the warm weather in Italy lasts long into the autumn, this can be a great option.

Book early and be the ‘early bird’

For those of you who have to take your holidays during specific times of the year that are considered ‘peak season’, definitely think about booking your holidays far in advance. For instance, if you book right at the start of the year or earlier, you can take advantage of some wonderful early bird discounts. You’ll also avoid having to pay a premium rate to get the location, accommodation type or dates you want.

Bring comfortable shoes and explore our cities on foot. Then you’ll really ‘see’ Italy.

When you are exploring Italy’s main cities, you can really take advantage of the walking tours that offer great value for money. They also help you to find your bearings in a new city. If you continue this theme by walking from your accommodation to your destination then you’ll save money but you’ll get to see more of Italy.

Make meals even more affordable

Eating in Italy doesn’t have to be expensive. Try eating away from the main tourist areas and you’ll find that the prices will be much cheaper. You can always ask a tour guide for advice on where the locals eat. Also, consider eating your main meal at lunchtime and you could save even more money. Most Italian restaurants will serve the same meal at lunch for much less than they will in the evening.

Try the Apertivo in the evening.

In Italy, when you buy a drink in in a restaurant between 6pm and 9pm – you’ll also get access to what is essentially free food. The food is small, snack size portions of good quality Italian food, and of great quality. And you can eat as much as you want.

Ask for tap water at the restaurant.

In Italy, you won’t be asked if you’d like bottled or tap water at the restaurant. So, if you are ok with it, ask for tap water. The water in Italy is of very good quality from taps and water drinking fountains in the city.

Decline the bread.

At the restaurant you’ll usually find bread on the table. You probably didn’t ask for it, but it’s not always free and can cost you more. If you don’t want it, then you can send it back.

Escorted tours and packages offer good savings

The prices of these are usually less than you expect because tour operators, like myself, are able to build in the discounts we achieve from our long-term relationships with the accommodation providers into the overall cost we charge you the traveller. So booking with someone like us at Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours is often cheaper then doing it all yourself.

Let the train take the strain.

If you plan to travel in Italy independently, then using the train is an affordable option if you book ahead. The network is extensive and reliable and the trains are clean and comfortable. Traveling by train in Italy means you will be able to see more of the Italian countryside as you go. You can save even more money by taking local trains instead of the intercity high-speed options. If you are touring Italy on a budget then it’s an affordable way to travel. They will be slower, but if you have the time, it’s quite relaxing.

Standing up versus sitting down.

You are on holiday so it’s natural that you want to rest and relax. But you can save some money if you opt to stand at the counter or the bar and have a coffee and snack instead of sitting at a table in a café or restaurant.

Invest in a pre-paid SIM

When you arrive in Italy, you should consider investing in buying a pre-paid SIM card. If you do this, you will be able to access a cheaper rate for calls, texts and data.

Visiting areas outside of the main cities

Italy is blessed with a breath-taking number of fabulous cities, regions and sights. Not all of them are in the well-known places like Rome, Florence and Venice. You can try other areas like Apulia – or Puglia as we say in Italy – and generally get more for your money. Apulia is at the ‘heel of the boot’ – so the south east of the country. And although many tourists visit, it is generally less crowded than the cities; it is very authentic and has lots of beautiful sights, miles of beaches and coastline to explore. I recently wrote a blog post on the area which you can find visit to get more information.

Italy is a fantastic location for your next vacation and it is possible to have a great Italian vacation without spending more than you need to. I do hope this guide will help you do that. At Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours we aim to deliver quality and value for money with our Italian tours and Italian vacations. If you would like us to help you plan your next trip to Italy, then please do get in contact with us at Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours.

If you would like more information like these money saving tips for Italian vacations – please do visit our blog at ciaoitalytours.com We always say that with us, your Italian tour or Italian vacations will be one you’ll never forget.

Ciao,

Guido.

My name is Guido. I’m an Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. I regularly travel back to Italy testing out the Italian tours and Italian vacations we offer to our guests. And as you can see from my blog, I also like to share some of the information I pick up on my travels as it might help my readers get the best possible experience from an Italian vacation.

So, last year I was lucky enough to take a trip to Palermo. Here’s my insider’s guide to Palermo, Sicily’s largest city:

For those who’ve not visited, here’s what Palermo is like:

Palermo is Sicily’s capital. It’s a lovely port city based on the northwest of the island by the Gulf of Palermo in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It sounds beautiful, doesn’t it? It is, and yet many people who travel to Sicily on holiday visit mainly the beaches and the countryside and miss Palermo. It is well worth a visit, because at 2,700 years old, it has a deep sense of history and culture, wonderful food and produce, as well as some beautiful sights and experiences. Here are my favourite tourist sites in Palermo Sicily:

Visit the majestic Royal Palace of Palermo and Palatine Chapel.

The Royal Palace of Palermo is also known as the Palazzo dei Normanni, which when translated means Palace of the Normans and this hints to its previous role. It was the seat of the Kings of Sicily during Norman times. It’s the oldest royal residence in Europe and is home to Sicily’s regional assembly. When you visit you’ll be able to see the majestic mosaics that were added during the Norman ownership of the building. If you enjoy this, then make sure you also visit the Capella Palatina or the Palatine Chapel – again with many mosaics that are visually stunning.

Royal Palace of Palermo (Norman Side) #Palermo #SicilianArchitecture #NormanArchitecture

Head to Monreale

Monreale is 9 miles south of Palermo. It’s a lovely place to visit – I loved seeing the town’s Duomo, which has over 100 beautiful mosaics inside. The Benedictine Cloister is also not to be missed – it’s intricate archways and columns are delightful. You can also get a lovely view of Palermo from Monreale.

Inside the Duomo in Monreale Sicily. #Stunning #Mosaics

Be wowed at Teatro Massimo.

The Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele is Italy’s largest opera house and one of the biggest in Europe. It’s a beautiful building that stands proudly on Piazza Verdi, Palermo. To truly appreciate it, please do try to get a ticket to a performance, or at least take part in the guided tours.

Teatro Massimo, Palermo Sicily. #Opera #ItalianOpera

Check out Palermo Cathedral.

Palermo Cathedral is a window into the fascinating history of this part of Italy. In the architecture of this imposing structure you’ll find Arab, Norman, Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque influences. Remarkable!

Caption: Palermo Cathedral, Palermo Sicily. #BeautifulArchitecture #FascinatingStory

Are you brave enough to visit the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo?

Now for something completely different and it has to be said it’s not to everyone’s taste. The Capuchin Catacombs are literally lined with the 8,000 clothed corpses, which are on display for you to see. It started as a graveyard of the monks of the monastery but it’s now a museum.

#Capuchin #Catacombs are full of mystery, do you dare enter the halls?

Visit the coast and the beach.

Many people visit Sicily for the beaches. If you visit Palermo you’ll also have access to some wonderful beaches as well as all these wonderful tourist sites in Palermo. The closest beach to Palermo is Mondello beach. It is beautiful but busy – as this is also where the locals go; however it is worth it.

Mondello beach, Palermo Sicily. #Mondello #Palermo

I do hope my insider’s guide to Palermo, Sicily has been useful. At Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours we offer sightseeing tours of Palermo Sicily and vacations in Sicily, which take in Palermo. So, if you are coming for a city break to Palermo or you are looking to spend more time in Sicily, then visit our website at: ciaoitalytours.com

For more Italian travel inspiration – check out my twitter page and visit our testimonials page to find out what our guests thought of their time in Italy with us at Ciao Italy and Caranni Tours.

Ciao,

Guido.

My name is Guido. I’m an Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. I regularly travel back to Italy testing out the Italian tours and Italian vacations we offer to our guests. And as you can see from my blog, I also like to share some of the information I pick up on my travels as it might help my readers get the best possible experience from an Italian vacation.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Florence over the years. Some of my time there has been for business, some of it for leisure. However, I have to admit that it has been a while since I visited the Uffizi Gallery, Florence. However, I made it back last year and it made me wish I had been back sooner. It really brought it home to me that it should be on everyone’s itinerary when they visit Florence. Here’s why you should visit the Uffizi Gallery Florence:

It is one of the oldest and most important galleries in the world.

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest and most prominent galleries in the world. It is home to some of the world’s most famous masterpieces, which represent our evolution in art. There are around 45 museum halls filled with works of art and I am sure it is one of the finest collections in the world. Top tip from me – there’s so much to see that you should visit with a tour guide who will also have skip the line tickets, (lines can be lengthy). Alternatively, make sure you at least have a plan of what you want to see before you visit. It can be overwhelming without one.

The Uffizi is home to Botticelli’s La Primavera.

Dating from between 1477 and 1482, experts still haven’t interpreted all of the meanings within La Primavera, but it still left me speechless. There is so much detail in the work and the figures appear so refined that it is marvellous when you consider it came from the stroke of a brush.

Botticelli’s La Primavera at The Uffizi Gallery credit: www.uffizi.org

Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus is also at the Uffizi Gallery.

The Uffizi is also home to Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus – one of the world’s most famous pieces of art, which is said to represent the birth of love. You’ll find this and La Primavera in rooms 10-14 in the Uffizi Gallery.

Raphael’s Madonna of the Goldfinch is also on display at the Uffizi.

This is perhaps Raphael’s most loved piece of work. There have been many restorations, and the most recent one, completed in 2008, was successful in bringing it back to its former glory. It looks amazing when you consider it was once very badly damaged in the 16^th Century.

You’ll also find Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo at The Uffizi Gallery – a masterpiece of Italian art.

This is Florence’s only painting by Michelangelo. It was created around the same time he sculpted David. In fact it is one of the few examples of Michelangelo’s paintings – together with those in the Sistine Chapel, Rome.

There’s a room full of Leonardo da Vinci too.

Room 15 is given over to Leonardo Da Vinci. The one I find most interesting in this room is the work that is said to mark his coming of age. It is the Baptism of Christ, which was created by his teacher (Verrocchio). Apparently, his teacher was to be out of town for a few days and he left Leonardo with a task to finish one of the angels in the painting. When he returned, Verrocchio was stunned because he felt this far surpassed his own skill and therefore his work as Leonardo’s teacher was done. Soon after, Leonardo began to work by himself – on work that you will see in this room.

A room full of Leonardo da Vinci. Credit: www.uffizi.org

A visit to the Uffizi is where history can come alive through the art.

I strongly recommend that you do visit with a guide – because a guide that will tell you stories like the one above about Leonardo Da Vinci, and it will really improve your experience of the Uffizi Gallery.

At Ciao Italy and Carrani ours we do cover the Uffizi Gallery in our various tours of Florence, and in our Italian vacations, generally. We work with local guides, who because of their local expertise will give you the best experience – like they did to our guests Patti and Stephen Murray, who toured with us back in August 2016. They said: “I will be honest when I say that I did not hear of Ciao Italy and Carrani Tours before we booked with you. We booked with you because we wanted to see all the cities in that particular tour. Well, I have to tell you that we had a WONDERFUL time. We loved that when we went each city we had a local guide that gave us all the information for that city – wonderful!”

For more Italian travel inspiration – check out my twitter page and visit our testimonials page to find out what our guests thought of their time in Italy with us at Ciao Italy and Caranni Tours. In the meantime you can find out more about our tours of the Uffizi Gallery Florence including the guided visit of the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries, or the Afternoon Visit of Florence, or Breakfast at the Uffizi Gallery.

Ciao,

Guido.

My name is Guido. I’m an Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. My job is all about helping others to enjoy an Italian vacation. However, every so often, I get to go back to my homeland to visit family and friends and to test the experience of our guests on Italian holiday packages and tours of Italy. Lucky me!

A few months ago, I tried out a mini tour from Rome to Naples and Sorrento, which we offer. It was lovely to see Naples, the Sorrentine Coast, and beautiful Capri. I was lucky enough to build in some free time in Sorrento before heading back to Rome. Exploring the town itself was just as big a highlight as the rest of the trip, perhaps unexpectedly so. Sometimes I get so bowled over by the surrounding area that I forget that Sorrento is a great place to just wander, explore and to shop. So, to ensure I don’t forget about this again, I wrote down some notes on what I did in Sorrento – which was indeed mainly shopping. Here are some of my tips for an unforgettable shopping experience in Sorrento.

Corso Italia.

This is one of the best and most well known shopping streets in Sorrento. It’s popular with locals as well as tourists. It’s full of wonderful fashion boutiques. Of course Italy is well known for its contribution to fashion, and this street demonstrates that wonderfully. You’ll also find some lovely home furnishings and accessories for sale here too. The backdrop of this area is lovely also – the buildings are beautiful and quite grand, which adds to the overall experience.

Sorrento’s beautiful main streets are bursting with Italian Style. #Sorrento #Shopping #VisitItaly #CiaoItaly

Handmade items.

In the narrow streets around this main shopping area you’ll find lovely handmade items – from sandals and bags to local handmade gifts that are both stylish and unique. Highly skilled artisans make them all – everything is excellent value and quality. I like to buy items made here for that reason – plus it helps to keep these very important and ancient skills alive.

Narrow streets of Sorrento are a treasure trove of handmade goods. #Sorrento #Shopping #VisitItaly #CiaoItaly

Intarsia.

This area is famous for the use of Intarsia – which is wood inlaying. There are shops that are dedicated to items made in this way that all carry a design or picture made from delicate wood inlaying. The skill used, and the level of detail these artists achieve is quite breath taking. You can find out more about the skill at nearby Museobottega della Tarsialignea which houses examples from as far back as the 19^th Century.

Lemons and Limoncello.

You’ll spot many fruit and vegetable sellers in this area selling the region’s most well known home-grown item – lemons. The lemons here are special. They are vibrantly coloured and they are full of flavour – which makes them perfect for making Limonecello – a lemon liquor that is regularly served in the area. There are many shops dedicated to selling Limoncello and other lemon infused items. These are superb items for taking back home with you.

#Sorrento is famous for its #Lemons and #Limoncello

Evening opening hours.

What I do love about this area is that the shops are open late – sometimes until 10pm during the season. When the weather is warm, it’s wonderful to peruse this area. It feels like you have all the time in the world.

Evening in #Sorrento #Shopping #VisitItaly #CiaoItaly

Rest and recuperate.

Once you’ve finished shopping, stop and rest with another item Italy is famous for – Gelato. You’ll find plenty of options here in Sorrento – you won’t find flavours like these outside of Italy.

How Ciao Italy can help you explore Italy, and Sorrento.

As I mentioned at the beginning, I founded Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours – we are experts in Italian tours and Italian vacations. We have a number of travel options covering Sorrento – our Essential Italy Dolce Vita and Limoncello options or our Eatalia Food and Wine – Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast or Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.

To find out more about us and what our guests thought of their time in Italy with us, you an visit the reviews page of our website. From new to repeat customers, our focus is on making sure you experience the best of Italy.

For more Italian travel inspiration – check out my twitter page and my other travel blogs about Italy.

Ciao,

Guido.

My name is Guido. I’m an Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. My job is all about helping others to enjoy Italy and their Italian vacations. I want to tell you a little about the Amalfi Coast. It is quite possibly the most magnificent stretch of coastline in Europe. Here’s what lies behind its popularity:

Its beauty

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Europe. I’m sure you will have seen pictures of it. Blue skies, coastal mountains plunging down to the azure blue sea, picturesque harbour towns, beaches, and rich green olive groves and lemon terraces. This combination is what gave it a reputation for being such a desirable and romantic destination through the ages.

Food and hospitality.

The Amalfi Coast has been a popular destination since the time of the Greeks and the Romans. It has learned to cater for visitors very well and it is now renowned for its restaurants and hotels. They also thrive upon the wonderful produce that grows nearby. You will be spoiled for choice for establishments offering good, honest and delicious seafood and deserts.

The picturesque towns and villages on the coast.

The most famous of these are Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.

Positano looks as it might have done 100 years ago, since strict regulations have controlled the architecture here. It sits on a dramatic stretch of the coastline and since it only allows traffic on one street; it keeps its old world charm.

Amalfi is a very pretty town and was once a great maritime power. It is popular with visitors because of its dramatic and beautiful setting between the sea and the hills.

Ravello is different again and sits above the Bay of Salerno. It attracted great literary and artistic geniuses in the past, and it still holds the same attraction today thanks to slower pace of life high up above the bay.

The opportunity to have a break on the beach.

The Amalfi Coast offers a wonderful opportunity to take a break on many beautiful beaches. Right next to the beach you’ll be spoiled for choice for restaurants and bars in many of the coastal towns.

But it’s not all about the beach – it offers wonderful opportunities for outdoor pursuits.

The Amalfi Coast is also popular with walkers and hikers and is well placed to offer some glorious hiking routes – like the Path of the Gods – the name is a nod to the beautiful coastline you will see en route. It is one of my favourite views in Italy, and that is a high standard.

A rich and vibrant history.

The Amalfi Coast offers the visitor the opportunity to spend time at the beach, a swim in the beautiful warm waters off the coast, wonderful views, super walking and hiking, delicious food and warm hospitality. Added to this it also has a rich and vibrant history to explore. From the Arab Sicilian architecture in Amalfi, Roman Villas, and ancient cathedrals to beautiful gardens – they all connect us to the area’s past.

How Ciao Italy can help you explore the Amalfi Coast.

As I mentioned at the beginning, I am the founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours – we are experts in Italian tours and Italian vacations. We offer a number of ways to help you explore this glorious part of the world. Visit our website at of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours for more information.

Or specifically, you can check out our half-day tour of the Amalfi Coast by luxury yacht, no less. Alternatively, there’s our trip to the Amalfi Coast from Rome by high speed train. We also offer vacations on the Amalfi Coast – from our 4 day break in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast to our 9 day vacation in Rome and the Amalfi Coast.

What’s different about Ciao Italy and Carrani Tours is that we can take care of everything about your trip – whether that’s an Italian holiday package with us, or a one-day tour. Here’s Patti and Stephen from Wilmington MA, USA telling us what they thought about their trip: “Everything was well organized, from our pick up at the airport to the individual tours in the each city. Perfect. Our only regret is that we wanted to stay in the Amalfi Coast longer-haha!! We are talking about going back again next year and seeing more of the southern part of Italy. We will most definitely be using your company for that trip too. We have been telling all of our friends about Carrani Tours and I wanted to thank you for helping us plan a wonderful trip. Sincerely, Patti and Stephen Murray Wilmington, MA”

To find out more about us and what our other guests thought of their time in Italy with us, you an visit the reviews page of our website. From new to repeat customers, our focus is on making sure you experience the best of Italy.

For more Italian travel inspiration – check out my twitter page and my other travel blogs about Italy.

Ciao,

Guido.

Containing 8 temples and a variety of other ancient ruins, this wonderful snapshot of a time gone by is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. There’s a lot to see at the Valley of Temples. To help you get the most out of your trip, here’s our guide.

The History

Thousands of years ago, the city of Agrigento was known as Akgragas, a Greek colony founded in 582 BCE. This city quickly became prosperous and between 510 BCE and 430 BCE, a number of temples were built.

But as the city grew, it became the target of successive invasions first from Hannibal and the Carthaginians in 406 BCE, and then from the Romans in 210 BCE. By this point, the city had fallen into disrepair and the Romans rebuilt and renamed the place as, Agrigentum.

The Temples

But throughout this tumultuous period of time, the 8 temples to the south of the city survived. And it is the Valley of Temples that remains the core of the archaeological worth of the city to this day.

When exploring the area, pay particular attention to The Temple of Zeus (or Jove the Olympian) one of the largest temples built in Greek antiquity. Look out for the Temple of Hercules, which is the oldest temple at Agrigento, and then explore the Concordia. This is the best preserved of the 8 temples and it’s perhaps the finest example of Greek Doric architecture outside of Athen’s Parthenon.

Then there’s the Temple to Hera Lacinia, built around the same time as the Concordia. Unfortunately a fire damaged this temple in the 5^th Century BCE so it isn’t as well preserved as the Concordia. There are other temples to explore too, from the Temple of Hephaestus, located next to a large pool fed by an aqueduct, to the Temple of Isis dating back to the late Augustan-Tiberion era. This eclectic collection of temples lets you catch a glimpse of the scale and scope of religious expression in times of antiquity. It’s truly wonderful to behold.

Other Sights

The Valley of the Temples at Agrigento is rich in history; it’s a meeting place of several different cultures. The ancient ruins reflect this melting pot and there’s plenty to see here besides the stunning collection of temples.

There’s the Greeco-Roman agora, and there’s an ancient Gymnasium too. There are aqueducts, mosaic floors, and Hellenic and Roman villas. This corner of Sicily, under the beating hot Italian sun, contains more than its fair share of ancient ruins and archaeological curios.

For anyone looking to get more of an idea of the history of the place, it’s highly recommended that you visit the archaeological museum. If you have time, it’s also worth exploring the modern city of Agrigento too.

This part of Sicily is steeped in history, rich in beautiful architecture, and full of culture and stories. Make sure you plan your route, or book a tour guide, as there’s so much to see, you wouldn’t want to miss out!

To find out more about us and what our other guests thought of their time in Italy with us, you an visit the reviews page of our website. From new to repeat customers, our focus is on making sure you experience the best of Italy.

For more Italian travel inspiration – check out our twitter page and other travel blogs about Italy.

Ciao!

Hi. My name is Guido. I’m an Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. As an Italian native, I’m passionate about food. And it will come as no surprise that I love Italian food. I’m lucky that Italy is well known for its gastronomy, and some of her most famous food regularly appear on menus outside of Italy. But when you visit Italy on your Italian holiday, in my opinion there is some Italian food that you have to try. Here’s my advice on some of the Italian staples to the less well-known specialities you have to sample when visiting Italy:

Pasta

What list of Italian food you have to try when visiting Italy would be complete without pasta? But, when it comes to trying pasta in Italy – a general rule to follow is to make sure you try the regional variations on the menu. I’ve mentioned some specific pasta dishes below. This way you will really understand why pasta is special to us Italians. And you’ll also see how well we use the local ingredients to enhance these dishes.

Pizza

Similarly, I have to mention pizza, don’t I? Hands down the best place to eat pizza is in Naples – its spiritual home. A Neapolitan pizza is the style of pizza that immigrants took with them to places like the USA and it’s iconic in Italy too. In Italy, this protected style of pizza will be baked in a wood-fired oven. The dough and ingredients will pass the rules that govern traditional Neapolitan pizzas. The toppings will be far simpler and more sparse – allowing the natural and local ingredients to shine through, and it might even be a bit soup like in the middle. Wonderful. To widen your experience of Italian food in Italy, try some other varieties from street vendors and small bakeries in Italy.

Tortellini en Brodo

With the holidays just having taken place, many Italians will have eaten Tortellini en Brodo. It’s a staple dish from the north of the country and it is quite often eaten over the holiday period, in particular. The tortellini is served in a simple broth as opposed to a creamy sauce. And it’s topped with some grated Parmesan. Like so many of Italy’s traditional dishes – it is simple, yet delicious.

Focaccia di Recco

When it comes to Italian food to try when visiting Italy, you simply have to try some Focaccia di Recco. It is comfort food in a blanket! It’s a regional dish from Recco in the region of Genoa. Again – it’s simple. It’s made from a thin layer of focaccia baked with a layer of creamy crescenza cheese in the middle. Modest and so delicious.

Arancini

This is a dish of fried rice balls that are coated in breadcrumbs. The fillings have all sorts of regional variations – from ragù to mushroom or aubergine. It’s a classic Italian dish available all over the country.

Tagliatelle al ragù

This dish is native to Bologna. It is almost identical to what you may otherwise know as Spaghetti Bolognese. But in Italy, you will never ever find Spaghetti Bolognese on the menu and you will never ever find ragù served with spaghetti – instead it is only ever served with Tagliatelle. This pasta suits the sauce much better. Although you may be familiar with it, try this Italian food in Italy – your taste buds will thank you for it.

Torrone

And now for some sweet stuff! The Italians did a great job of introducing gelato to the countries they emigrated to. But like many other Italian exports, gelato in Italy is a cut above what you find outside Italy. And continuing on the sweet theme, you should definitely seek out some Torrone. You’ll find it in many cafes and sweet shops. It’s a nougat style sweet made with honey, egg whites and toasted nuts.

Tiramisu

Definitely try to seek out some Tiramisu, for house made Tiramisu is always splendid. The Italians have this dish down to a fine art. It is a favourite of locals – which as I have said before is always a great sign for visitors. You may even find some new twists on the traditional tiramisu including a chocolate version and a fruit version.

Coffee

In Italy, we do our coffee short and strong. You’ll be spoiled for choice on where to buy your cup of morning coffee, but regardless of where you go, the coffee will always be a shot of espresso. It will fire you up for the day of exploring ahead.

I am confident that you will be bowled over by our Italian culinary delights. If this has given you the appetite to plan a trip to Italy, then please let my team at Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours help you organise your trip. We run a variety of Italian tours and Italian vacations across the country covering all Italy’s main sights and attractions.

And for the real foodie fans, we also offer many food related Italian tours and Italian vacations so you can experience Italian food and wine at its best. For instance:

Our Experience Apulia food and wine tour

The Eatalia Bologna 3 day culinary tour

Or the Sorrento and Amalfi Coast Eatalia tour

Visit the market before enjoying a cooking lesson in Rome

We also offer many more tours with a real taste of Italy, and if you would like more information like these tips on the Italian food you have to try when visiting Italy – please do visit us at ciaoitalytours.com We always say that with us, your Italian tour or Italian vacations will be one you’ll never forget.

Ciao,

Guido.