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Romantic escapades to Italy
Looking for a romantic holiday, then Italy should be your ideal destination. Situated in the Mediterranean, this European country shares its borders with other hot travel destinations like France, Switzerland and Austria. But still the beauty of its old cities and landscape has made Italy as one of the top vacation spot.
Traveling to Italy
Italy is well connected to all the prominent airports of the world. In Europe, it is also connected by the rail and that eases the problems of the budget travelers. In Italy, travelers face a big problem of choosing their travel destinations. But traveling in this country is easy as it is well connected by rail, road, water and air.
Staying in Italy
Easy and budget accommodations are easily available all throughout Italy. There are more than 40,000 hotels in this country in different categories. Though you can bargain to get a good deal, but most hotels have fixed rates after consultation with the regional tourist board. Home-stays are also available with bed and breakfast schemes, but it is advisable to find the licensed operators before finalizing it. Day hotels are also available but mostly in the central part of the cities and you can take a small break here to refresh yourself before moving on to your next destination.
On arrival, you have to register with the local police station in three days. If you are staying in a hotel then they will take care of it, but if you are staying with friends in private room, then you have to go and register in person.
Places to visit in Italy
From the beautiful cities to the exotic snow capped mountains there are lot of places to visit in Italy. The cities of Rome, Milan, Venice, Napoli and Torino are some of the favorite tourist spots in Italy. You can enjoy a romantic evening in Rome or can enjoy a beautiful ride on the Gondola in Venice with your spouse. There are lots of options and you will be spoilt with choices. Italy also has two-thirds of world’s heritage monuments declared historical artistic by the UNESCO. In fact the region of Tuscany has more heritage sites than the whole of Spain.
Italy is also rich in landscape and has two mountain ranges – the Alpes and the Apennines. The Alpes run over 600 miles from east to west and its highest peak is Mont Blanc, which is more than 14,000 feet. A ride on the river Po that is lies in the foot of the Alpine ranges is also a worthwhile experience. It is also the longest river in Italy, running over 390 miles. The Apennines form a wide arc and runs till the Tyrrhenian Sea. It highest peak is the Corno Grande and in large part of central Italy this mountain range is characterized by its green landscape.
Italy also has some serine islands with white beaches. The most visited island is Sicily, which is home to the famous volcano of Mt Etna, which is 10, 860 feet tall. Other prominent islands to visit are Sardegna and the archipelagos of Tremiti Islands, Tuscan Archipelago, Egadi Islands, Pontine Islands and the Aeolian Islands.
Hotel And Shopping Tips To Enhance Your Luxury Travel Experience In Italy
Italy is consistently in the top five luxury travel destinations for American Express Vacation clients. Italy is full of history, beginning with the ancient Roman Empire, to the rise of the Vatican, to the Italian renaissance. Traveling to Italy requires certain tips to make your luxury travel vacation.
Hotel Tips
Though traveling to Italy is quite safe. However, it’s advisable and useful to gather some basic Italy travel tips. There are hundreds of small luxury hotels of the world and the cities of Italy have plenty to choose from. Some Italian hotels, and nearly all hotels in Rome, have at least one staff member who speaks English. Search out this person to ask for additional tips, such as great dining spots, local sights, public transportation and shopping areas. Staying in touch with family and friends can be expensive in Italy, especially if you call from your hotel. Keep in mind that American cell phones will not work without special international services or devices. And since hotels tend to overcharge for long-distance and international calls, it is best to make such calls from public phones, using international calling cards. Staying in a luxury hotel is quite fun, but if you have already been there and done that, it’s never too late to consider booking one of the many available luxury world cruises throughout the world.
Shopping Tips
One big draw for Italian tourists on a luxury travel trip is the shopping tour. Consider booking one of these guided tours, instead of charging off on your own. These shopping tours offer travelers a more comfortable way to “shop ’til you drop.” Most of these tours include transportation to several different shopping districts and stores. Your guide will speak both English and Italian, in order to mediate your shopping experience. Yes, your major credit cards, such as American Express, Visa and Master Card, will work. But keep in mind that most American credit cards will charge a hefty currency fee, and use the most unattractive exchange rates. The best way to be safe and save money would be to use a combination of Euro Travelers Checks, Euros in cash and a credit card. Pick Pocketing can be an unfortunate reality of modern travel, so spreading the type of money you carry is the best choice.
Most stores and shops in Italy have operating hours that can be considered different, at least in comparison to what is expected in the United States. Normally, most Italian shops are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stores are usually closed between 1 and 3:30 p.m., to allow employees a chance to have a family lunch. Stores usually reopen around 3:30 or 4 p.m., and finally close around 7:30 to 8 p.m. In large cities and tourist areas, there is a tendency to stay open from 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., with possible variations from town to town. Keep in mind that shopping etiquette in Italy is much different than in the United States. When shopping for clothing, take note that many stores will not allow shoppers to try on shirts and blouses. Also, there is a size discrepancy, so make sure that an attendant measures your body before you purchase. It is also customary to tip attendants if they are personally assisting you with fittings and selection. Whether shopping or relaxing in a small luxury hotel, a customary tip can go a long way!
Your accommodations are often considered one of the most important parts of your http://www.amtvacations.com/american-express-vacations.html, so use these tips to make the most of your upscale hotel stay. When you use these American Express Tour tips to experience the best of small luxury hotels and high class shopping, you can enjoy yourself with no strings attached!