Vatican City

The amazing city of Rome, Italy raises so many eyebrows when mentioned. This magical city has a long history. The civilization of ancient Rome was the largest the world had ever seen.

Rome the “Eternal City,” has long been a sacred place and internationally, it has been an important city dating back to ancient times.

Rome is about 31 centuries old and is often discussed equally between both its historical and religious past.

We feel the best way to see the city is by walking around its ancient streets, just like Romans many hundreds of years ago did. But first you need to get there.

You have two choices when arriving by air – the Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) and the Ciampino airports are the two options to choose from.

The Fiumicino airport is considered the main airport that provides international flights all over the world. The Clampino airport is smaller than the Fiumicino, and offers less expensive and budget airlines, as well as charter lines.

Arch of Constantine

Once you arrive, you’ll find several options of transporaton: buses, trams, trains, taxis, and subways. One tip is make sure you always get the metered fare and not the negotiated fare when you ride in a taxi.

Provided your taxi driver suits you, you can hire the driver as a travel guide, so he or she can make sure you don’t miss any points of interest.

There are many, many hotels in Rome, in a wide variety of price ranges. Staying at a hotel near the center of the city will allow you to walk to most places, despite Rome’s size. Of course, you might spend less money if you stay further away from the city and are willing to take public transportation to your destinations.

Rome has some amazing history and if you are traveling to Rome to see some of the historical sites, then you cannot miss the St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican.

At the Roman Forum, Colosseum, Arch Of Constantine and Palantine Hill, you will also view many of the most amazing and ancient Roman architecture.

Roman Colosseum

Courtesy of: Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort

Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort is an exclusive resort and member of Virtuoso, Leading Hotels of the World. Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort has also been certified as a prestigious Leading Spas and Leading Golf from the Leading Hotel Brand.

Located in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma region of Italy, Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort can be found in the medieval village of Saturnia.

The luxury Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort features 140 guestrooms, including 80 Junior Suites and two Grand Suites, state-of-the-art spa with 53 treatment rooms, two restaurants, an Aldo Coppola Hair Salon, a conference center with meeting room for up to 250 people.

Also there are six outdoor pools and an indoor pool, a replica of a traditional Roman bath house, fitness center, tennis court, practice green, Cruciani Luxury Cashmere, Spa Boutique, Spa Cafe and an art gallery.

In addition, Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort opened a championship golf course in spring 2008, designed by renowned architect Ronald Fream that allows golfers to take in the spectacular Tuscan setting.

A true medical spa with a staff of hydrotherapy treatments based on the area’s unique thermal waters which date back to the Etruscan period.

The 3,000-year-old thermal pool has been flowing continuously into the natural crater nestled at the center of the resort, containing precious minerals and salts which were found to have healing effects on aches and pains of the ancient Romans.

Terme di Saturnia recently unveiled six Blackrose Spa Suites, which serve as an “ultra-exclusive spa within a spa,” featuring signature treatments and therapies.

The suites feature black oak paneling, small traces of blue hues and pockets of natural sunlight and each detail has been carefully studied and paired to create a harmonious whole.

The Blackrose Spa officially opened in spring 2009, and treatments in the luxury suites range in rates from € 200 to € 300.

For additional information on the Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort, please visit – http://www.termedisaturnia.it/en/

Sicily is Italy’s largest island and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s also a geographical and political region of Italy, famed for its beautiful beaches, cuisine, and fascinating history.

Prepare to be overwhelmed by Sicily’s contrasts, landscapes, beaches and amazingly diverse, ancient heritage. From its bustling capital of Palermo to age-old Roman and Greek ruins, the sun-drenched beaches and the towering, smouldering Mount Etna, this is one island that overflows with wonderful treasures.

When you think of Sicily, sprawling five-star resorts don’t usually come to mind, but that’s about to change. Next month, the most rustic of the Mediterranean islands will be home to the most luxurious resort in the region.

Set to host its first visitors in May, Verdura Golf and Spa Resort will be the only property in the Mediterranean to offer an across the board 5-star experience.

Boasting two championship golf courses, a first-rate spa, a yoga center, six restaurants, a private beach and 55 luxury private villas, the luxury Verdura Golf and Spa Resort is certainly upping the ante when it comes to Sicilian hotels.

Book your vacation now and stay at the luxury Verdura Golf and Spa Resort in Italy. Read our luxury blog to learn about the best luxury travel destinations in the world.

l’Austral – Compagnie De Ponant

The only thing that can complete the enjoyment of music by Jules Massenet, Mozart, Rossini, Puccini, Delibes, and Verdi performed by accomplished musicians, is actually cruising the places that inspired the beautiful music.

Compagnie du Ponant’s newest mega yacht, L’Austral, fulfills any opera enthusiasts’ dream by taking them from Suez to Venice on a 12-day Et Vogue l’Opéra cruise, departing on May 10, 2012. The intimate surroundings of the new ship allows an unique opportunity for the guests to spend time with the artists outside of the theater setting.

The music program on the ship is extremely rich in culture and operatic arts. Guests can also choose to attend Operatic-themed lectures from renowned experts such as Dr. Elizabeth Fresnel, an author and phoniatrician who specializes in the voice as related to memory. Artistic and Stage Director of works such as Le Comte Try, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, The Sound of Music, Carmen, Jean-Francois Vinciguerra will direct a selection of compositions on board and in private concerts ashore.

Featured performers include dancer Eugenie Andrin, known for her choreography work in Parisian musicals and operatic ballets; Swiss soprano Brigitte Hool, awarded the Parisian Prize Trofemina; and Fabrice di Falco, whose creative range has earned him performances before Denmark’s Queen.

Departing from the city of Suez, L’Austral will sail through the Suez Canal from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, and explores Lebanon’s lively capital of Beirut. Guests will also get a taste of the beauty of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Greek port Colossus Rhodes. Also can be seen on this excursion is Nafplion, a Peloponnese peninsula seaport that served as the first capital of Modern Greece. Itea, Delphi Valley, and the picturesque beaches of Parga are all among the destinations on the itinerary.

The ship will also spend a day in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik, an architecturally rich city of palaces, monuments and white stone churches, and visits the largest of the Dalmatian Islands, Split, centered around the ancient Roman Palace of the Emperor Diocletian. At the final port of Venice, guests also has the option of adding a post-cruise tour of the famed St. Mark’s Square.

A shorter version of the cruise with a 7-day (May 10-16) itinerary is also available on sailing from Suez to Itea. A 6-day excursion (Mary 16-21) is also available from Itea to Venice. 30 percent discount is currently being offered under Ponant’s Bonus program. Reduced prices range from $3,910 to $9,885 per person, double for the full-length 12-day option; $2,542 to $6,459 for seven days; and $2,093 to $5,314 for six days. Included in the price are all meals with wine, beer and soda; Captain’s welcome aboard cocktail party and gala dinner; 24-hour room service; and all entertainment, events and shows as indicated within the itinerary.

The 466-foot L’Austral mega-yacht houses two restaurants with gourmet haute and country French cuisine, spacious lounges, theater, games area, two open-air bars, a swimming pool, library, fitness area, expansive sun decks, and a comprehensive spa. It also boasts over 132 staterooms, 124 with private balconies, and all the latest technology, including flat screen satellite TVs and Wi-Fi.

The luxurious opera cruise will surely provide an experience that will please the artist and the traveler.

With nearly 3000 years of history … Rome is truly the Eternal City. Across from the Temple of Vesta inside the Roman Forum, Hotel Fortyseven combines the best of old and new Rome.

Deep in the heart of this ancient city, Hotel Fortyseven celebrates recent Italian art, as each of the hotel’s five floors is dedicated to a different 20th-century artist (Mastroianni, Greco, Modigliani, Quagliata and Guccione).

Combining contemporary art with an ancient location, you can’t beat the Hotel Fortyseven setting in the historical center of Rome.

Look out the and enjoy incredible views of the 2,000-year-old city from the rooftop of the hotel’s Circus Restaurant. It’s been recently remodeled, and this fine restaurant can boast it’s one the best places to eat in the city. The Circus Restaurant also offers a wonderful Sunday brunch.

You can check out photos here.

A sample from the chef’s new Mediterranean menu at Circus Restaurant can be found here:

Starters
Parma ham with green apple and raspberries sauce
Smocked beef angus with rocket salad, aged Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar reduction
Squid salad with lime and crunchy vegetables, tuna bottarga and caper flowers

Main dishes
Home made tagliatelle with lobster sauce, Liguria olives and brised eggplant
Trofiette durum wheat pasta with basil pesto, pistacchio nuts and swordfish
Rack of lamb in crust herbs and braised spinach
Grilled salmon steak in a red Chianti wine sauce

Savoia Excelsior Palace

For history lovers who also enjoy heritage hotels, your search is now over.  The iconic Savoia Excelsior Palace (part of the Starhotels Collezione) celebrates its 100^th year as a hotel, providing the perfect excuse to uncover the fascinating Italian city of Trieste and experience this iconic grand dame.

The Savoia Excelsior Palace epitomizes grandeur and glamour, and was built by celebrated Austrian architect Ladislaus Fiedler. The luxury property had first public opening back in 1912 and was recognized as ‘the most luxurious hotel in Austria-Hungary’.

Celebrating 100 years, Savoia Excelsior Palace houses over 20,000 meters of silk and velvet, over 6,000 porcelain antiques, plus room-upon-room of delicate period furniture, luxury reigns now as it did a century ago.

Savoia Excelsior Palace is located in Trieste, Italy. Many smaller Italian cities like Trieste are relatively undiscovered by the world’s travelers. Trieste has been part of La Repubblica for less than a century and is a fascinating melting pot of Italian, Mittel-European and Slavic cultures.

Historically tempting the ‘Grand Touring’ elite through its doors with the promise of panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, from its south-easterly setting on the waterfront, Savoia Excelsior Palace welcomed many aristocrats, artists and diplomats.  Emperor Franz Josef of Austria-Hungary was a frequent guest and his apartments remain perfectly intact today.

Savoia Excelsior Palace went through an extensive renovation project between 2007 and 2009. The result was stunning as turn-of-the century frescos, precious mosaics and intricate architectural detailing have been restored to their former glory.

The restoration project brought an air of contemporary chic by sensitively working with the existing classicism of the building to ensure that it remains the must-visit address in Trieste 100 years on.

Grand Hotel Villa Cora – Florence, Italy

The Grand Hotel Villa Cora in Florence, Italy is truly a luxury hotel in one of the most beautiful and cultural cities, not only in Europe but all the world.

Whythebest Hotels is a new group of Italian hotels and introduces the reopening of the Grand Hotel Villa Cora after three years of restorations.

Villa Cora was originally built as a mansion by Baron Oppenheim back in 1868. The design of the Villa Cora hotel displays the incredible architectural styles of that period.

Grand Hotel Villa Cora guests will enjoy the original 19th century sculptures, frescoes, and ornate artisanship found everywhere you look. Villa Cora is the embodiment of Florence – the Renaissance City.


Grand Hotel Villa Cora room – Florence, Italy

Villa Cora was at one time the popular hotel of choice by emperors, princes, and artists. Several notable hotel guests include Japanese Emperor Hirohito, Princess Eugenia wife of Napoleon III, plus Russian composer Tchaikovsky.

To this day, Grand Hotel Villa Cora is still considered one of the main symbols of elegance and aristocracy in Florence.

Experience Fascinating Florence, Italy.

The fascinating city of Florence is one of the most popular cities in all of Italy. Florence offers a wide variety of attractions for tourists of all ages.

Florence is truly a Renaissance city in the heart of the Tuscany region. It includes many of Italy’s best museums, spectacular churches and cathedrals, as well as intriguing streets and squares with elegant buildings and quaint shops.

There is almost no time of year one cannot find events somewhere in Florence Italy. There are parades, parties, festivals, exhibits, and fun almost every week. Many of the city’s events last for several months. People can enjoy the festive environment and sincere love of the Italian people for a fun and entertaining time.

The year starts off with fireworks, parades, and parties with the New Year’s Eve celebrations which take place throughout Florence. This party and several fashion shows are held throughout the month of January. This time creates an exciting place for visitor to enjoy the excitement of fashion and the great food that Florence offers.

February brings Italy’s largest carnival which lasts throughout the month. This carnival includes street festivals, dancing, street acrobats, and festivities throughout the city. A person can spend time in the plaza with the actors and performers and talk about the history and tradition of the carnival in Italy.

The month of April is another that will take a visitor on an adventure in both the culture and love of life shared by the Italian people. One begins the month with the Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart). This parade and party begins on Easter Sunday and includes a huge fireworks display on a cart that is set ablaze by a dove that comes from the cathedral on a wire.

In May, the Festa del Grillo/Cricket Festival is held and crickets in woven cages are released by their owners for good luck. This festival includes parades, food, wine, and dancing. Through the rest of May and early June the Maggio Musicale is held celebrating the city’s major arts festival. This event in Florence Italy include concerts, dancing, outdoor theatre, and ballet performances.

Also in June one can participate in the Calcio in Costume/Football in Costume which is held in the Piazza di Santa Croce. There are parades, parties, food, wine, and a game that combines football and rugby is played by regional champions. The Estate Fiesolana/Fiesole Summer held right after this festival celebrates music, arts, drama, dance and film.

Through the months of June to December there are regular parades, parties, festivals, dancing, and exhibits. The Festival Puccianiano performs the composer’s operas in an open air theater by the lake near his home through the early winter.

The Giostra del Saraceno is a huge event that starts with a parade through Florence with participants in costumes. It ends with a party in the Piazza Grande. This medieval-style joust is something that one shouldn’t miss.

Nearby Tuscany is another popular destination for people who want to experience the best of Italy. Tuscany is rich in natural beauty, artistic and culinary treasures. Enjoy your stay in a luxury Tuscany villa. Another popular choice is an exclusive Tuscany villa with pool where you can enjoy beautiful local views and relax by the villa’s private pool.

The Trastevere area of Rome Italy, is well known for its restaurants, clubs, theaters, arts and its famous narrow cobbled alleyways.

In the evening, all of the cafes and restaurants tables spill out over to the pavement, especially in the area of Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. The morning is better to appreciate the antique charm of Trastevere’s characteristic narrow alleyways.

Trastevere is the district that lays on the right bank of the Tiber. It was called “Trans Tiberem” (across the Tiber) and it was considered a precarious region.

It belonged to the Etruscans until Rome conquered it again and get back in control of both banks of the river. “Pons Sublicius” bridge (from Latin: “bridge built on piles”) was the only one way from Trastevere to the city (Rome). With the Emperor Augustus this area soon began to be considered part of the city.

During the Republic era in 509, the number of sailors and fishermen making a living from the river had increased, and many had taken up residence in Trastevere.

Later, with the wealth of the Imperial Age, luxury villas and gardens were constructed on the hillside of Trastevere. To name a few: Clodia, (Catullus’ “friend”) and Julius Caesar (his garden villa, the Horti Caesaris). The flat land below was occupied by the houses of the poor and small shops. Some of which are still there today!

Trastevere grew in a network of small, curly streets in the Middle Age because of structures on the front of buildings that left no space for carriages to pass.This is why a strong contrast between large houses for rich people and small houses for poor people are still creating such a contrast.

Until the 15th century Trastevere streets had no pavement. Bricks were used first replaced by sampietrini (cobble stones) in a second time.

The church of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, perhaps the first to ever host an open ceremony. This is the queen of all churches in Trastevere. This basilica became the focus of devotion to the Virgin Mary by its people. It is believed that perhaps it was in this church Mother of God was worshiped in Rome. In the piazza, one can admire the Octagonal fountain which has now become a meeting point. Along the years the church has been altered with modifications, but despite of the 18th century additions, Santa Maria has retained its medieval character.

Today this area still has its own style due to the narrow cobbled streets built in the medieval era. At night, both italians and tourists gather together around its many restaurants and pubs. Trastevere is attracting tourists, locals, artists, foreign expats, and many famous people and it is incredibly charming.

The area is home to John Cabot University, a private American University. Also to the American Academy in Rome, and the Rome campus of the Thomas More College of Liberal Arts. The Canadian University of Waterloo School of Architecture (between the months of September and December), and the American Pratt Institute School of Architecture therefore serving as a temporary home to an International student body.

In the sixties and seventies, the American musicians/composers Frederic Rzewski and Richard Teitelbaum, of the group Musica Elettronica Viva, lived in Via della Luce. Sergio Leone, the director of Spaghetti Westerns, grew up in Viale Glorioso (there is a marble plaque to his memory on the wall of the apartment building), and went to a Catholic private school in the neighborhood.

As you can see Trastevere is the real heart of Rome!

Jewelry is an incredibly subtle accent for any ensemble. What you choose to wear and how dramatically effect the way you see yourself and the way that others see you. A special piece of jewelry can either make or break your outfit. It can add the precise accent you need to compliment your attire. Your jewelry is timeless.

The timelessness of jewelry perfectly defines the very character of Murano glass jewelry. Its color, detail, designs and uniqueness surpasses the dictation of fashion trends. In a list where diamonds, emerald, and gold is included; there surely is a fine Murano glass jewelry to complete the list with.

Murano glass is more popularly known for its high-end glassware, which never fails to leave an impression of fine artistry and craftsmanship.

Murano glass was originally used to make chandeliers, wine goblets, which is why jewelries made from such material is not yet popular. However, it gives the sparkle and luminosity that it gives to exquisite glassware to its glass jewelries.

Very few people are familiar with Murano glass jewelry. All these people are drawn to its sophistication and uniquely beautiful colors and design. Hence, every piece of such jewelry will surely make a fine addition to any jewelry or accessory collection.

Murano glass is actually made using raw materials such as flux or melting agents, sodium oxide, sodium, nitrate and arsenic. It is blown at low temperatures, using the flux and other melting agents. The sodium oxide content of the glass mixture then determines how fast or how slow the glass solidifies; the more sodium oxide content the slower the glass solidifies. In the creation of the glass, nitrate and arsenic may be added to the glass mixture to make the glass surface opaque and to eliminate bubbles.

Coloring and opacifying substances are commonly used particularly in materials used for making special pieces of Murano glass jewelry such as beads and pendants. Also, the glass is specifically hand made and blown by an artisan. That explains for its uniqueness and high regards for craftsmanship. Add up the details such as enamel painting, engraving and submersion that artisans bring to every piece of jewelry and a beautiful piece of jewelry comes to life.

The colors, technique of creation and design of each piece of this jewelry created from Murano glass redefines what delicate and exquisite in jewelry is. It simply recreates the awe-effect that diamonds normally posses. On the other hand, simpler yet chic designs of Murano glass necklaces, rings and bracelets also goes well with everyday wear. Hence, the look of these glass jewelries brings style versatility and wearability under its fine list of features.

Murano glass jewelry is slowly reaching its pinnacle of production. So many designers and celebrities have grown fond to the distinct, exclusive, bracelets, pendants, rings and necklaces. See for yourself, and add a touch of elegance to your life with a noteworthy piece of Murano glass jewelry.

Author: Patty J. Matherson is a jewelry lover with an expertise in Venetian Glass Jewelry. If you would like to see a bold collection of Murano Glass Necklaces she invites you to visit Hilary Londons site.

Doge’s Palace and Campanile, Venice – Smithsonian Journeys

The name Smithsonian is widely known for “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery,” which is the core of Smithsonian Journeys and its more than 150 expert-led international and domestic tours featuring exclusive access and unforgettable experiences.

Smithsonian Journeys has just announced its exciting line of all-inclusive, value cruises to the Mediterranean for 2012, which include international airfare.

If you have always wanted to explore the world, look into the awesome travel itineraries from Smithsonian Journeys. Their tours bring both culture and local sightseeing together in a seamless manner.