Lipari Island Italy

Posted on Thursday, November 24, 2011

Lipari is the largest of the seven major islands making up the Aeolian Islands. They were originally named after Aeolus, the mythical god of wind who the ancients believed made his home in a cave here. Recently renamed the Lipari Islands, they were created by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago and have a primitive rocky beauty accented by Mediterranean greenery. Their natural beauty and easy lifestyle have made the islands increasingly popular for those who wish to escape the modern world and its stresses. The crystal clear aqua-blue waters and the volcanic beaches are some of the most inviting in Italy. Many are inaccessible except by fishermen's boats. An abundance of fish and shell fish makes for some very good restaurants specializing in seafood.

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La Piazza Della Signoria Florence

Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2011

"What’s the best vantage point to ponder the most illustrious town square in Florence, the Signoria? An outdoor table in the venerable Caffè Rivoire – preferably over a delicious, if not painfully expensive cioccolata con pane, a dark and mud-thick hot chocolate. Late at night, when the crowds have gone, you can search the long shadows and imagine that very little has changed here since the 1400s. The Signoria is the most elegant sculpture garden in Europe. Masterpieces include the splendid Neptune Fountain by Ammannati, Hercules and Cacus by Bandinelli and a precise copy of Michelangelo’s David, all strategically poised in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. This grand public space has been the centerpiece of Florence since the 15th Century, the golden age when the city was established as the most beautiful in Europe. Eminent merchants in their ostentatious finery met here to discuss business in the midst of Florence’s raucous daily life."

Travel Contest :: Show Us Your Italy Photo

Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009

Do you have amazing pictures of Italy you would like to share?

Fodor’s has partnered with Princess Cruises for the “Show us Your Italy Photo Contest.”

First-time visitors to Italy come in search of la dolce vita (the good life) and they quickly learn just how easy it is to escape completely. A romantic gondola ride in Venice. A walk in Caeser’s footsteps in ancient Rome. A meal of fresh tortellini in Bologna. There are thousands of discoveries to be made and places to explore, which provide travelers with plenty of reasons to visit again and again. Share the moments and photos that made your trip to Italy special for a chance to have your photograph featured in Fodor’s Italy and receive a suite of Fodor’s latest full-color guides (ARV = $130).

Runner-up winners will have their photographs featured in a slideshow on Fodors.com and will win two (2) Fodor’s guides of their choice (ARV = $45). In addition, if any photographs are selected to be included in a future Fodor’s guide, those entrants will also receive a complimentary copy of the guide in which their photo appears.

Enter today and tell friends and family who have traveled to Italy to enter as well. The “Show Us Your Italy” contest closes November 26, 2009.

Looking to travel to Italy in 2010, visit our Italy website for an amazing selection of Italy tours, Italy cruises and Italy rail packages.