Florence

Florence - the capital of Tuscany, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and "Cultural Capital of Europe". "Venus" by Botticelli, "David" by Michelangelo and countless Renaissance palaces - this is a business card of Florence. After visiting it, you dive into a whirlpool of art and artifacts. This city is like a great theatrical scenery, which built many centuries ago, but did not bother to parse. In a small area of the city is located so many unique works of art, as nowhere else in the world. Here it is impossible to walk a single step, so as not to pierce eye once a monument to antiquity. In 59 BC Gaius Julius Caesar founded a colony of Florentia from crossing the river Arno. In the Middle Ages the town was in the shadow of their more fortunate brothers - Luke and Pisa. But in 1125 Florence began taking the surrounding areas, and its first victims turned out to Fiesole. This was not limited to: in 1406 fell Pisa, and in 1555 - Siena. Florence became the capital of the Duchy of Tuscany. Leading position in Tuscany, Florence has won in the XIII - XIV centuries, when the power in the city came to Cosimo de 'Medici the Elder of the tribe. Under him and his grandson Lorenzo the Magnificent in Florence has become the largest cultural center of Europe. This is where the creation of the first masterpieces of Renaissance art. Rhode Medici was extinguished in 1737, the Grand Duchy of Tuscany was then one of the possessions of the Austrian Habsburgs. After the unification of Italy (1860) Florence five years (1865-1870.) Was the capital of the country. Thanks Francesco Petrarch, Giovanni Boccaccio and Dante Alighieri, Florence, also called "the cradle of the Italian language", since it is Florentine dialect became the literary model of the Italian language. At present, Naples, along with Milan and Rome - is one of the main centers of the world fashion: here are "headquarters" of such prominent companies as Gucci and Ferragamo. The most elegant fashion stores, located between Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti, in the Via Guicciardini, Via de 'Tuornabuoni and Via Strozzi, will win you the richness and variety of goods. Florence has always been considered the city collectors and lovers of antiquity. There are many antique and book shops, where you bound to find something interesting, whether old or impressive interior object, yellowed by time, folio. Lovers of antiques will find furniture and luxurious accessories in Borgo Onissanti and in neighborhoods around the Via Vigna Nuova case. Florence is also famous for its jewelers: the most expensive and exquisite jewelry stores located in the famous "Old Bridge» - Ponte Vecchio . Plush leather products and footwear to be found in stores located between Ponte Vecchio and Via Por 'Santa Maria in Via de' Kaltsayoli and at the end of Via Roma. On Sundays, small rynochki work here, where it is pleasant to wander in search of some amusing little things - in the collection. Beautiful evening Florence: street musicians, the bodies of cathedrals, violin, small chapels and luxurious restaurants with Florentine cuisine.

Sicily

Open air museum ... It sounds corny, but on Sicily , the largest island in the Mediterranean, is really different to say. It is both Europe and Africa and even Asia. The titles of the Sicilian cities of proof: Messina, Taormina, Caltanissetta ... Here Greek temples adjoin to the Byzantine basilica, and the severity of the Norman buildings contrasts with the warm emerald sea. In Sicily, Mount Etna is located - and the highest active volcano in Europe, altitude 3323 meters, with a snow cap on top. On the surface of the volcano, there are about 200 conical formations, small craters, which are collected lava, gases and lava formed gatherings. The Greeks believed that the fiery bowels of Etna was a smithy of Hephaestus, and lived on its slopes grim Cyclops, one of whom, bloodthirsty cannibal Polyphemus, was blinded by the cunning Odysseus and impotent rage threw a trace of his ship huge boulders, which, to this day dominate from the sea at the foot of the volcano. However, the local nature uses underground heat and peaceful purposes. Another Greek classics sang healing properties of thermal springs near the Termini Imerese and Sciacca. Their therapeutic effect and to this day use the local SPA-resorts. Sicilian landscapes - it sandy beaches and steep cliffs, countless coves and majestic mountains. Is it any wonder that the European monarchs preferred to conduct the winter months here in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Siena

About an hour's drive from Florence is Siena strong> - a medieval town, situated on three hills, surrounded by a fortress wall. The city is protected by UNESCO, is proud of its ancient appearance, honoring the mores and customs of the Middle Ages and is considered the most conservative city in Italy. Siena, the city, unlike anything any other in Italy. Since medieval times it has retained its original appearance of severe unavailable. The streets are paved with brick and stone. Uncharacteristic for a small provincial town tall buildings, decorated with elegant two-and tripartite windows and lancet arches. The narrow alleys almost devoid of vegetation, but the air is surprisingly clean, but absolutely do not feel crowded - the city center is closed for most types of transport. The city was founded as a Roman colony. Like many Tuscan towns, Siena for many years remained in the shadow of the mighty Florence, subjected to constant attack from the provincial capital and the side of government forces. It is noteworthy that until now residents of the city with the cool and can say with contempt, refer to the Florentines, and they in turn are responsible to them the same affection. Siena - the city friendly and keeps true to their own traditions. He lives almost two parallel lives. On one side are tourists and thousands of professors and students of the university for foreigners, one of the best in Italy, on the other hand - Sienese tied to his custom, seemingly inscrutable neophytes. Siena is synonymous with pride, contrasts and natural connection with the land. Since ancient times, Siena is divided into 17 Contrada, each of which is a city within a city - with its boundaries, church, municipality, the patron saint, laws, flags, a symbol and name. Contrada friendships and feuding among themselves, in a fanatical devotion to their "city" children grow up. Twice a year, 2 July and 16 August, at the main square of Campo happens Palio - competition riders from around the Contrada of the city. Also called a flag that goes to the winner. Horse - the main party celebration. A few days before the race it round the clock guard 12 men. The horse finished first, even without a rider is the winner. Although this festival lasts only 2 days the people of Siena are preparing for it ahead of time, making themselves medieval costumes and walking in the guise of knights or festive attire XV century, the streets almost all summer.

Sardinia

Island Sardinia the largest island of the Mediterranean, second only to Sicily. It is hard to believe that this prosperous corner of fifty years ago was the poorest region of Italy. Now tourists from all over the world are going to Sardinia for purely melkopeschanyh beaches and warm emerald sea. The sand on the island is so soft and pure, which declared a national treasure. Unique landscapes striking contrast: the limitless horizons, the ridge of rocks, hills of granite and limestone, whose age is estimated 3-4 thousand years, the mountains, covered with impenetrable thickets of wild, expanse of salt lakes, where flamingos nest. Eucalyptus and pine trees growing on Sardinia everywhere, make the air salubrious, highlighting the essential oils. The unique tradition - a consequence of various effects visited on the island of invaders: the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, Byzantines, and Spanish. Visit monuments revive history: from the ancient necropolis of the first inhabitants of the island until Roman buildings and buildings in the style of the Flamboyant Gothic style. Sardinia will appreciate gourmet local cuisine - real poetry of cookery. Be sure to try the traditional dishes - from zucchini caught Northern mussels and tomatoes, and a young pig (Su porcheddu a sa Sarda). Resorts Sardinia are designed for people who prefer a luxurious vacation. Among others highlights the luxurious resort of Costa Smeralda ( "Emerald Coast") - the realm of granite rocks among the thickets of juniper and wild olive trees, pristine beaches, washed by the sea of the brightest hues, which scattered hundreds of small islands.

Riccione

Riccione is adjacent to the south of Rimini, located south of Rimini, is considered more elite and, consequently, more expensive resort in the Adriatic Riviera. Convenient public transport system makes it easy to move between the two resorts. True connoisseurs of night life in Italy noted that discos and night spots Riccione more stylish, and in the tourist season more crowded. In addition, in Riccione is one of the largest water parks in Europe and the Dolphinarium. Central Street Tsetsorini in Riccione attracts lovers of fashion, because it is here are some of the most famous brand shops and boutiques of the Adriatic coast. In Riccione comfortable (especially for children), sandy beaches - broad and flat, calm, shallow sea, many hotels and apartments for every taste: from affordable family hotels to luxurious grand hotels. Riccione - is a whole network of modern, comfortable hotel with all amenities. It bars, restaurants, where you can taste the famous dishes of national and local cuisine. Coolness of green pines and the sea breeze, thermal waters, the shallow sea near the shore and the soft warm sand characterize this Adriatic resort. Cervia is famous for its thousand-year history of salt mines that were in ancient times a source of wealth for the bloody wars that were fought in the time of the ancient Roman Empire. Pine groves were planted by the ancient Romans to build the Mediterranean fleets. Riccione - is well-established infrastructure of recreation industry, well-equipped sandy beaches, which stretch for 7 miles, the beautiful sea - "safe", as a huge outdoor swimming pool. It is ideal for family holidays, especially for children.

Rimini

Rimini - is the gateway to Italy and the number one resort on the Adriatic Sea, is synonymous with Italian hospitality and cordiality. The city is located in the region of Emilia-Romagna and is the capital of the province of Rimini. The town has a beautiful coastline for 32 miles with lots of great, probably the best sandy beaches in Italy. Of all the cities on the coast, Rimini is the biggest and most popular. This is the pulsating heart of the coast with its history and culture. The settlement, which bore the name Ariminum , was founded in 268 BC, Most of the Emperor Tiberius, the Triumphal Arch of Emperor Augustus, the Temple of Malatesta, the area of the Three Martyrs (former Roman Forum) - majestic witnesses of the epoch, when the Rimini was a Roman city. Rimini - birthplace of the great Federico Felini. As evening streets and squares of the resort towns turn into one big theater stage, where you can feel one of the actors. In areas Cavour and Malatesta arranged colorful markets. The most fashionable and elegant interior and a meeting place is the central avenue in Riccione - Viale Ceccarini, paved with quartz-stone, white and pink marble tiles. The atmosphere of elegance highlight the numerous shops, stores and boutiques of the famous Italian designers. The coast is literally full of discos, dance halls, nightclubs. No one resort in Italy you will not find many opportunities for leisure and entertainment, as in Rimini. At 40 km from Rimini is the best theme park in Italy, "Mirabilandia," which, incidentally, is the largest in Europe after the French "Disneyland in Paris and Spain, Port Aventura in Salou. But, above all Rimini attracts tourists with its stunning beaches and exciting nightlife.

Rome

Rome - «caput mundi», head of the world, as told in ancient times - is the capital for over 2000 years. In ancient times, he ruled the world as the chief city of the Roman Empire in the Middle Ages was the capital of the papacy and the center of Christianity, and today it is - the capital of the Italian Republic and the region of Lazio. Rome - was and remains one of the most visited cities in the world. There are many myths, legends, proverbs and idiomatic turns of the Eternal City. One of the popular cliche is unshakable assertion that Rome stands on seven hills: Capitol , Palatine , Quirinal , Viminal Hill , Esquiline , Caelius and Aventine strong>. Each of the hills has a long history and importance to the city. For example, the Palatine - the historic city center, at this point began Rome, Quirinal - State Center of town (here is the presidential palace, which is one of the most beautiful in Rome and throughout the country), Capitol Hill, and in particular the area of Venice, is " tourist "town center. In the precincts of Rome is a sovereign state - Vatican - center of the Catholic world, the residence of the Pope and the Catholic Church collected a treasure house of unique works of art. Another legend says that the founders of Rome, are the twin brothers Romulus and Remus, fed wolf, who later found and brought up a shepherd Faustulus. After his prolonged effort to lay the city, the device state and the army Romulus ascended to heaven and become God-patron, referred to as Quirinus. Despite the burden of a thousand stories, The Eternal City is alive and dynamic growth: the famous Coliseum is adjacent to the Metro, the ancient Baths of converted the existing temples, circuses and beautiful parks around the villas are used by modern Italians for jogging and recreation with his family. Rome is magnificent throughout. Demanding tourists will appreciate the luxury hotel in Rome, the Palazzo, which stopped the European monarchs and celebrities and fashionable restaurants, which are famous for its culinary delights and wine list.

Lake Maggiore

Lake Como

Lake Como - also called Lake Lario - divided almost equal parts - sleeves Como and Lecco Colico. The length of the lake about 50 km, maximum width of 4,3 km. Situated in an idyllic corner of the mountain in Italy, the lake for centuries attracted the tourists coming to ride a boat, stroll among the picturesque hills, inspiration or just relax. The coastal area is renowned for its cozy towns in medieval style and the many ancient castles. Northern expanses enveloped almost supernatural calm. From the shores of a long narrow lake offers breathtaking views of the Alps and the city, located along the lake. Main attractions: Park Villa D'Este , Villa Del Balbyanello , Island Kamachina - an ancient fort built in 1169, Villa Carlotta (XVIII cent.) known for its extraordinary park of rare plants and a collection of sculptures.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda - the largest lake in Italy: its length is 52 km, maximum width is 17 km. The lake is located in the picturesque three provinces: Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino. The plain area around the southern shores of the lake is farther to the north all the more impressive, ending with the majestic rocky cliffs, in some places overgrown with pine trees on the northern coast. Tremendous opportunities for sports, a lot of architectural monuments and the splendor of landscapes made lake a favorite summer resort. Main attractions: Grotte di Catullo - arhelogicheskaya area with ancient Roman excavations, extraordinary in its beauty Mount Baldo, where guests bring a modern cable car, Riva del Garda - a venue for international competitions in surfing town of Sirmione and the medieval castle of the XIII century - Castello Scaligera, thermal park , a water park and, of course, the famous amusement park for children and adults - Gardaland with unique attractions, shows, theme restaurants.

Milan

Milan - the capital of Lombardy - is the second city after Rome, Italy on the number of residents. It is home to about two million people. Almost all the roads of northern Italy are in Milan. Here - There are two airports (Linate and Malpensa), and major railway junction, which has significance not only for Italy but for the whole of Europe. Milan - is one of the oldest cities in Italy, founded in the late V century BC Celtic tribe insubrov. In the III century BC it was conquered by the Romans, who gave him the name "Mediolanum", that is, a town situated between the lands. Later the word was transformed into a modern Milan. As an important strategic and trading center, for a long time the city was subjected to raids of the barbarians. This happened even before the conquest of Milan Lombards. In 1152 during the invasion Barborossy city was razed to the ground. After the restoration of the rules Signora Visconti and Sforza dukes, in 1395 it became the capital of the duchy. In the future, Milan have repeatedly found himself at the mercy of foreign countries - Spain, France and Austria for as long as Napoleon did it the capital of the Republic of transalpine, and then - the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. After that, the period of Austrian rule. In the years 1815-1859 Milan was the center of the Lombardo-Venetian kingdom, and in In 1860 the city became part of a united Italy. Since ancient times Milan have been trade, crafts and Banking (hence occurs, for example, the famous "pawn"). Extremely attractive to professionals and the famous Milan "Fiera" - the annual demonstration in Milan industries - from cars and furniture to fashion and interiors. Impressions of high fashion, regularly held in Milan, has become the event of global importance, they are celebrities come from all over the world. Although Paris is considered a trendsetter, it is all "sewn and cut out on the outskirts of Milan in northern Italy. Milan - is also an important cultural center of the country. Here are all the biggest publishing houses, two universities, many institutions, the Academy of Arts, Academy of Sciences, Conservatory, museums, libraries and theaters. It was in Milan is world famous Theater "La Scala» strong> - the main opera house in Italy. From the famous drama "Piccolo Teatro".

Lido di Jesolo

The resort town of Lido di Jesolo is located 35 km north-east of Venice, at the base of the spit that separates the Venetian lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. Lido di Jesolo has arisen in the 60-ies of XX century, but has since gained fame as one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. The city has a classical layout of the spa town, its main street stretching along the coast. The main street of Lido di Jesolo is one of the longest in Europe, its length is 15 km. In the evenings, street turns into a pedestrian zone, there are shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and halls of slot machines. Each year the popularity of the Lido di Jesolo is growing. This largely contributes to the favorable climate: due to the proximity of the Alps there are no strong winds, rough seas and high waves, the sea is clean and shallow, which is especially good for children around the resort there are no industrial facilities. A special kind of "golden" sand, perfectly groomed and equipped beaches, long and wide. Brisk traffic artery passes away from the city, so in Lido di Jesolo very calmly. Countless souvenir shops, small boutiques and shops are open till late at night. And in the evenings you are waiting for new entertainment: discos and nightclubs.

Italy - tours, recreation, tourism, Italy, resorts in Italy, holidays Italy, Travel Italy, Italy hotel description

geographical location. style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"> Italy - a state in southern Central Europe, located mainly on the Apennine peninsula and two large islands: Sicily and Sardinia . Washed by the Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, the Mediterranean, Ionian and Adriatic seas. Area. T he territory of Italy occupies 301 277 square kilometers. Strong> climate. In northern Italy, the climate is Mediterranean, temperate, with an average temperature of +30 ° C in summer and +12 ° C in winter. In the south of Italy - the climate is subtropical with warm, dry summers and warm winters, average summer temperature is + 40 ° C in winter + 12 ° C. Precipitation mostly in winter (600-1000 mm per year, in the mountains in some places more than 3000 mm). population. On Kolo 60 million people, mostly Italians (97%). Others - various national minorities: German-Tyroleans, Slovenians, French, Albanians, Greeks. Urban population - 67%. In Italy the population is 2-nd place in Europe (after Germany). Most of the urban population is concentrated in Northern Italy. language. Italian. In hotels, restaurants and tourist centers, as a rule, can be explained in English or in French. German language understood in the resort areas in the north of the Adriatic and on the lakes. Religion. K atolichestvo. Although the Church in Italy is separated from the state, it actively intervenes in the political life of the country and has a great influence on the population. holidays: 1 January (New Year), 6 January, Easter Monday (day after Easter), Easter Sunday (this day Pope blesses the crowd gathered in the square outside the Cathedral of St.. Peter. Easter is usually celebrated with friends, and the next day regardless of weather (in the Easter Full Moon usually go bad weather) arranged a big family picnic.) April 25 (Victory Day) , May 1 (Labor Day), 2 June (Republic Day, celebrated with a military parade in Rome), August 15 (Assumption (Ferragosto)), 1 November (All Saints' Day, Memorial Day and to honor their ancestors), Nov. 5, 8 December (Immaculate Conception), 25 (Christmas Day, the most favorite and festive holiday, there is usually at home, in the family circle), Dec. 26 (St. Stephen's Day). In addition, each town and village celebrates the day of his patron saint: Rome - Peter, Milan - Sant'Ambrogio, Turin -- John etc. In July and August, many companies stop their work and closed on holidays. At Christmas and New Year, they also can not work. When planning the trip and time of business negotiations, these features must be taken into account. Time. The time difference minus 1 o'clock Currency. In Italy, the official currency - euro. Advantageous to exchange money in the bank than in a hotel and shops. Hours of banks is very short from 08.45 to 13.45 and from 15.00 to 16.00. Transportation. In Italy, a well-developed network of intercity transport. For easy movement of trains and buses. Especially good speed trains « style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"> Eurostar». Metro operates in Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin. Tickets for trams and buses must be purchased in advance at kiosks and newsstands (in salons bus tickets do not sell). One ticket allows travel on all forms of public transport with changes in 90 minutes after you punch it. Take a taxi on the street is difficult. It is better to go to a special parking area or cause a car by telephone from the hotel, bar, shop. In Italy, two types of highways: public and private (paid). speed private - 110 km / h on public highways - 90 km / h on Human Settlements, the permissible speed - 50 km / h. Cuisine: Speaking of Italian cuisine, not to mention the Mediterranean diet. She "discovered" about 55 years ago, an American nutritionist, a university professor in Minneapolis, landed with the Fifth Federal Army in Italy during the Second World War. He noted that in southern Italy, elderly people get much less than their American peers. These are typical diseases of modern society as diabetes, sclerosis, stroke, obesity in Italy were not widespread. This type of food he first called style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"> Italian style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"> food, and then Mediterranean diet . Around 100 million people in the world adheres to its rules. Although This, in essence, not a diet, but rather a style of life, allowing the Italian population has one of the places in the world for life expectancy. Pizza, pasta, rice, tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, red peppers, young mozzarella cheese and a glass of light red wine - this is the Mediterranean diet . Of course, here to add more fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as sea and river fish. Do not forget the wine vinegar, especially on balsam vinegar, unparalleled. In Italy reigns cult spaghetti. It is no accident prudish Europeans call noisy Italians «wop». The word «pasta» comes from the Greek «makeron», meaning «the holy fathers». So in Ancient Hellas called flour foods served at the table. In 1295 the great Italian traveler Marco Polo visited China and brought to his native Venice recipe eastern vermicelli. Everywhere in Italy offers dishes under the title «paste» - the so-called multiple dough. In Rome, even has the world's only museum paste. other customary Italian dish - pizza. Pizza and Trattoria (snacks) mainly represent the family institution and found in all tourist centers. popular products from seafood, meat dishes, and coffee and ice cream to the Italians no equal. Also good Italian wines, known since ancient times. Italian restaurants are open for visitors from 12.30 to 15.00 and from 19.00 to 24.00. Required reservation for an hour or two prior to arrival. Usually Italian restaurants are no music or performances. Siesta . Siesta in Italy - a national tradition. From 13 up to 15-16 hours of the day almost no one agency is not working. Museums are open in summer from 09.00 till 13.00 and from 16.00 to 19.00, in winter they are closed one hour earlier. Smoking . From 1st January 2005 in Italy, came into force a new law on smoking. The fine for smoking in the wrong places is 250 euros, and in aggravating circumstances (such as smoking in the presence of a pregnant woman or a child under 12 years) to 500 euros. telephone calls. style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"> Call conveniently from the street payphones. To pay using coins or phone cards, which are sold in a tobacco or magazine kiosk, a bar. Cell Phones GSM system works without problems. Emergency Telephone Service in Italy style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">: inquiries - 100 strong> carabinieri (police) - 112 accidents - 113 strong> Ambulance - 118 strong> Fire Brigade - 115 strong> Breakdown car - 116. strong> Embassy of Ukraine in Italy: Address : 00198 Roma - Via Guido d'Arezzo, 9, Italia Tel .: +10-39 (06) 841-26-30, 841-33-45 Fax: : +10-39 (06) 854-75-39