Top Castles To Visit In Europe

Europe is a continent in the world that is known for its rich culture and history. If you are planning for a tour of Europe with your family, you should never miss to visit the most popular huge palaces and castles that are spread across the continent. Most of the legendary and popular castles known all over the world are found across Europe. There are some monarchs who still reside in popular castles across Europe. The following are some of the top castles that you will see in Europe.

Windsor Castle"  - FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Windsor Castle

If you have the time to just visit one popular caste on your trip to England, then it must be the Windsor Castle. It is a castle that you should never give a miss as it is a fully functional and running castle. It is the official residences of the Queens of England. It is a home to the Queen of England and her family and is also a museum. It is one of the most popular and major tourist attractions in Europe.

The castle consists of a lot of magnificent collections of arts and antique items. Most of the castle area is open for visitors. The St. George’s Chapel inside the castle is the place where many royal weddings and funerals have taken place. You will need to pay an entrance fee to take a tour of the castle and you will have a recorded self controlled audio option as your tour guide.

Image Credit: Flickr.com

Neuschwanstein Castle

If you are looking for a castle that will fulfill all your dreams and desires of what a castle should be, then you should surely visit the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. Just motoring up to the castle will take you to the bygone years of castles, princess and prince. The decorative elements and attractive towers make it a real treat for your eyes and its artistic beauty and design keeps you so engrossed that you will never feel like taking your eyes from the castle. It is one of the castles in Europe that would really grasp the attention of tiny tots and children as it embalms the Disney look.

Prague Castle

Prague is the place where the world’s largest castle is situated and is a place where a lot of palace buildings and museums are located today. It is a very important castle in the Czech Republic and it is the home of the President, has lots of historical documents and artifacts as well as houses the Crown Jewels. It is important for you to have a noon visit to the Prague castle in order to witness the royal change of guard. Museum at Lobkowicz Palace, concert at the palace, Saint Vitus Cathedral and several art galleries and viewing towers are the most popular things that attracts tourists to the Prague Castle.

Image Credit: "Prague Castle" via Flickr.com

Palace Of Pena

Portugal is home to the most attractive and elegant looking palace in Europe, the Palace of Pena. You will find everything that a palace has in the Palace of Pena, turrets, residences, moats, castle walls, winding roads and paths. The Victorian furnishings, decorative superfluities, paintings all add a touch of royal look to  the castle and is one that attracts a lot of tourists. Never miss to take a look at the Queens’s Bedroom, Arab Room, long Ballroom and Indian Room.

Author Bio:

Matt Anton, co-founder of http://backlinksvault.com/, has travelled the length and breadth of Europe and has  written lots of articles on  the castles seen around Europe.

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Top 5 Places to Go Fishing

Fishing is a hobby for many people. It can be as relaxing or as intense of a sport as you want it to be. Some of the best fishing in the world can be where you least expect it. If you want to try your hand at fly-fishing, spear fishing or other techniques, check out one of these top five places to go fishing.

Montana
When you want a serene fishing experience, there is nothing like spending time exploring more than 59,000 miles of streams and rivers throughout the state. If you want to fish for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout or Arctic grayling, you will want to check out the western regions of Montana.

Sicily, Italy

While Sicily may bring to mind images of lazy afternoons and mounds of Italian food, Sicily also is one of the best fishing spots in the world. While the number of fish in and around the island is not huge, you should still bring your spearfishing gear to try your hand at this exciting way of catching fish. Here you will find species such as dorado, tuna and barracuda.

Capetown, South Africa
When you come to fish in Capetown, you have different options. You can either choose the exciting big game sportfishing trips, or you can try fishing like the locals. Locals enjoy saltwater fly-fishing from the shore. You will be able to catch snoek and boggems, though many find that these species are better to catch than to cook up and eat.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
When you want to have a high seas fishing adventure, Cabo is the best place in the world to be. You can go out on a fishing expedition and try to catch a number of large marine species that include marlin, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, dorado and sierra. While the marlin are strictly catch and release, anything else you catch you can bring back to port.

Victoria, Australia
If fishing for sharks appeals to you, there's no other place in the world for shark fishing better than Victoria, Australia. Here you can find a number of interesting species to fish for, including school shark, great hammerhead, gummy shark, spurred dogshark and oceanic blue whaler. However, the great white sharks and grey nurse sharks are off limits due to protected status.

These are just some of the top places around the world where fishing is both a relaxing pastime and a serious sporting event. No matter what type of fishing you like to do, there are all types of great fishing spots for you to explore.

Author Bio: Rachel may not seem like a fisher on the outside with her high heels and business suits. But on the weekends look no further than the closest lake, or ocean to find her relaxing with her kids decked out in their spearfishing gear. She credits her father for teaching her to fish at a young age and her mother for teaching her to cook her catch!

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The Top 5 Affordable European Ski Resorts

Have you been dreaming of a dream ski holiday on the European slopes but do not want to break the bank? You will be surprised to find cheap catered ski holidays in Austria, Italy, and France. From the small village that will take your breath away to resorts preparing to host the elite in sport and a world of spectators you will find your dream vacation among these European getaways.

Söll, Austria

Söll, Austria

In the mountains of Austria you will find the bucolic village of Söll where there is a bit of everything for visitors. Boating a traditional village atmosphere Söll attracts first timers, families, and regular visitors seeking a good deal and a homey atmosphere for their ski holiday. After you spend the day on the more than 125 miles (200 kilometres) of ski runs that include beginner, intermediate, and advance pistes and 94 lifts, you will find authentic Tyrolean entertainment, disco bars, tobogganing, night skiing, guided hikes, snowshoe walks and even swimming.  The resort is available through easy access from Innsbruck, Munich and Salzburg.

Schladming, Austria

Schladming, Austria

Once upon a time, Schladming was a modest mining town, entrenched in silver and iron. The village grew into a centre for tourism and sport after the foundation of the Schladming Winter Sports Club in 1908. Now the resort town hosts events such as the Special Olympics, Alpine World Cup amid its 25 lifts (8 chair lifts, 15 surface lifts) that offers skiers an incredible 3802 feet (1159 meters) of vertical descent. Best suited for intermediate skiers and snowboards, the resort has some terrain for beginners but not much for advance skiers.  There are 156 miles (250 kilometres) of cross country ski trails as well as a terrain park and 3 half pipes. Excitement and anticipation fill the air at Schladming as they grow, upgrade and prepare for the 2013 World Championship. Grab your ski and parka, buckle in your bindings, and get lost in the bliss of this little hamlet.

Sestriere, Italy

Sestriere, Italy

There are few places you can travel on an affordable budget and experience the magical surroundings an alpine community, an Olympic village, and playground to all who venture through its milky way. Once owned by Giovanni Agnelli (owner of Fiat), Sestriere was developed in 1930 specifically for the use as a ski resort. There are 249 miles of runs located on northwest facing slopes as well as fine dining and cuisine, piano bars, and other varied nightclubs. Host to the Olympics, World Cup, Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, Sestriere is in love with sports and the elite competitor. Your visit here will be a premiere skiing retreat with bits and pieces of so much more.

Selva, Italy

Selva, Italy

In northern Italy with in the province of South Tyrol is the idyllic resort town of Selva, Escape to the Alps with a luxurious ski vacation in Selva di Val Gardena. Gorgeous mountains loom over world-class hotels and quaint bed & breakfasts, all dedicated to giving you the most indulgent stay imaginable. Accommodations consist of   4 or 5 star hotels, a small family run hotel, from the bed & breakfast to the cosy private apartment. Local craftsmen pore over intricate woodcarvings that have come to epitomize the artistry of Selva. Activities at Selva include hiking, heli-skiing, mountain biking, paragliding, billiards, bowling, fun court, golf, horseback riding, ice hall, indoor football, indoor tennis, squash, and shooting. The resort enjoys a spectacular combination of all that is best of both Italian and Austrian traditions, while proudly retaining its local Ladino culture. The local cuisine is a wonderful blend of Austrian and Italian specialties and there is a range of restaurants. A brilliant mix of Italian old country and Bavarian village, Selva will capture your heart on a budget.

Les Deux Alpes, France

Les Deux Alpes, France

In France, visitors can ski the largest glacier in Europe at France’s second oldest ski resort 44 miles (71 kilometres) southeast of Grenoble.Les Deux Alpes offers approximately 137 miles (220 kilometres) of groomed runs and a 7546 feet (2,300 meter) vertical drop. The resort is a snowboarder’s fantasy come true with a half pipe, multiple kickers, two boarder cross courses, and many grinding rails. The resort is in a state of growth and remodels each season, adding new features for both skiers and snowboarders alike.

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Winter in Tuscany offers visitors a unique insight into this beautiful region, rarely witnessed by anyone other than the locals during these cooler months. You will need to wrap up warm but can benefit from fewer tourists, offering the opportunity to experience the culture, customs, food and sights in a far more personal way.

In winter the olive trees turn a magical shimmering silver and the hills are covered with a cool mystical mist and powdery snow. It’s also easier to spot the many wonderful boar, hares and pheasants that tend to hide in cooler spots throughout the summer.

There are also plenty of activities that are better experienced in the cooler months than in the hotter, more popular season. If you had never considered a wintery holiday in Tuscany, here’s a guide to some of the best activities to enjoy on a visit to this beautiful region of Italy.

Soaking in a warm thermal bath

When the weather cools and you’re wrapped up warm, how better to soak away your troubles than in a steaming natural thermal bath? Tuscany’s volcanic soil is rich with natural hot springs that are ideal for relaxing and pampering, often free of charge.

Some of the most famous can be found at the Cascate del Mulino di Saturnia waterfalls in Manciano, southern Tuscany, which are fed with thermal waters and have carved natural 37°C bath tubs in the rocks for visitors to explore and bathe in. The underground source contains sulphur and other minerals, which are believed to have cured minor ailments since Roman times. These outdoor natural falls are completely free and open to the beautiful surroundings of the great Tuscan outdoors; a truly magical winter time experience.

TOP TIP: For a more luxurious thermal soak, the Adler Thermae Spa offers wonderful natural thermal facilities in a luxurious setting. Day rates start from €217 per person.

Hitting the ski slopes

It may surprise you to hear that skiing in Italy isn’t restricted solely to the Alps – it’s popular in Tuscany too. As the bright leaves and foliage of charming Tuscan areas like Abetone, Amiata and the mountains of the Garfagnana and Lunigiana changes to crisp, white snow, then the Tuscan ski season really takes off.

Abetone’s close proximity to Florence, Pisa and Lucca makes it a particularly popular skiing destination. The slopes here offer options for a range of skill levels, including dedicated nursery slopes and relaxing tree-lined runs.

TOP TIP: The best time to visit is late December to February when this beautiful area is covered in natural snow, but it also houses its own artificial snow makers to ensure successful skiing throughout the season.

Make the most of the winter cuisine

Italian’s love seasonal food and winter sees some of Tuscany’s heartiest and most delicious items being utilised in a range of wonderful ways. Delicious, deep red wines, rich porcini mushrooms, delicate white truffles, festive chestnuts and hearty pastas with meat sauce are a delight for visitors to indulge in to warm away any winter chills. Plus, winter is wild boar season and it is used in pasta sauces and main courses widely whilst it’s readily available.

One of the most typical winter dishes in Tuscany is Ribollita, which visitors will find on the menu of almost every trattoria in the area. This satisfying soup is a classic comfort dish, filled with variations of bread and vegetables, usually including cannellini beans, carrots, cabbage and onion. Also popular at this time is Pasta e Fagioli, a hearty pasta dish cooked with cannellini beans, chilli pepper and tomatoes – perfect for the chilly winter evenings.

TOP TIP: Book in to La Taverna di San Giuseppe on Via Giovanni Dupre in Siena for a delicious, simple and hearty Italian meal, close to the city centre.

Christmas and New Year festivities

The festivities of Christmas and New Year make Tuscany a truly magical place, particularly in the cities like Florence and Pisa. From December 8^th the Christmas lights begin sparkling and Christmas markets fill most piazzas – try the Natale alle Logge in Montepulciano or the Mercanti di Natale in Siena. Also look out for the popular Nativity Scenes, including some truly beautiful live re-enactments. Locals usually spend Christmas Day with their family, but restaurants will still be open and busy, so book in plenty of time.

Italians also love New Year and in Tuscany there are celebrations and delicious dinners to be enjoyed everywhere. In Florence and Siena there are a multitude of events throughout the city centre including several free live music concerts, perfect for bringing in the new year in true Italian style.

TOP TIP: Join the locals by gathering on the banks of the Arno River in Florence at midnight to enjoy the fireworks that greet the New Year.

Where to stay

In Tuscany it’s easy to be surrounded by beautiful countryside, yet still be only minutes from the historic cities. Siena is a lovely medieval city in the centre of Tuscany that can provide the perfect base for excursions throughout the region. Its piazza, Il Campo, is a wonderful hub for the festive season, with Christmas markets and New Year concerts.

Or stay closer to Florence to experience the wonderful culture of a city filled with some of the most awe-inspiring art galleries in the world, just minutes from sweeping Tuscan hillsides. The city boasts countless restaurants and bars, as well as iconic monuments such as the Ponte Vecchio Bridge.

TOP TIP:  Villa Poggio Ramerino is a luxurious property, close to Florence, with warming fireplaces and a toasty sauna; ideal for staying snug in the winter months or celebrating a family Christmas in Tuscany. Prices start from €14,159/week for eight people.

Author Bio: Laura Wilkins has travelled to destinations all over the world and now that she’s home, enjoys working with Tuscany villas specialists Tuscany Now, writing about and exploring this beautiful region.

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A music themed trip is the best way to explore the musical heritage of the locals and unravel interesting trivia. The best of musicians have risen to fame in Europe, making it the most sought after destination for a music trip. Some of the places in Europe that still reverberate with ancient music are discussed below.

Paris

Apart from being acknowledged for its food and romance, the French capital is one of the most visited music destinations. Music is the backdrop for the romantic whisperings of this land. The music scene of Paris is strongly felt in its many venues. La Cigale is an exquisite venue which hosts quite a few of the world’s best musicians. The ancient musical venue dates back to the early 19^th century.

Vienna

The Austrian music destination has many renowned musicians such as Arnold Schönberg and Franz Schubert who hail from Vienna. The venues showcase how Austrian music has evolved over the years. Travelers can marvel at the works of Austrian musicians such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The land has many opera houses that are reputed for their elegant architecture and wonderful music.

London

Recently London has been in the news for a song publication called Singing Histories. The booklet attempts to relate the history of London through a song. The music scene at London glorifies the works of legends such as Beethoven and Mozart.

The city is fraught with impressive music auditoriums that host splendid performances. . For the last 100 years the city has witnessed the best of London’s music. Popular landmarks of London such as the Abbey Road have shot to even greater fame after the Abbey Road album by The Beatles.

Glasgow

The Scottish city has quietly asserted itself in the world map as an emerging music destination. Many artists who are yet to make a statement have got their first break in Glasgow. The venues differ from their European counterparts in being smaller. Pubs rather than auditoriums are popular venues. The city is best known for contemporary music as it lacks the old-world charm of destinations such as Vienna. It was recognized as a UNESCO city of music in 2008.

Prague

Prague is renowned for classical music renditions which are strongly experienced in places such as the Czech Museum of Music. Here you will find over 700,000 items that document how music has changed over the years. The best of Prague’s culture and music is witnessed at the International Music Festival held during spring. The festival which began in 1946 was initially an outcry of joy after the oppressive Nazi rule came to a halt. Prague’s spring festival hosts some of the best musicians of Czech Republic.

Andrew Williams is a professional associated with Finesse Entertainment Ltd, a company that hires talented musicians to perform at live at wedding and parties around the UK. Carry the music that you’ve experienced into parties by selecting from a list of  Entertainment Acts in Manchester. You can visit the website  to have a better idea of the programs on offer.

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From historic architecture to stunning coastlines and epic volcanoes, the picturesque Italian region of Sicily is a treat for the senses for any visitors. Huw Beaugie, owner of Sicily holidays specialist villa agency Think Sicily, lived on the island for over 10 years. Here he has picked some of his favourite activities in the region to showcase the unique and often remarkable elements of this beautiful area.

Delights of the capital

“One of the best places to start is the Sicilian capital Palermo. It’s over 2,700 years old and is filled with countless historical delights. My top recommendation would be Palermo cathedral, with its varied architectural styles due to the many alterations and restorations it has undergone. Palazzo dei Normani is another great sight, one of the most beautiful Italian palaces and a beautiful example of Norman architecture. Inside is the famous Cappella Palatina (Palatine Chapel), which was constructed in 1080 and is intricately decorated with mosaics and fine art.”

Fiery volcano

“It’s fair to say that no trip to Sicily is complete without a trip to Mount Etna on the east coast of Sicily, and you can walk on its slopes, ski on it in winter or even ride a cable car or 4x4 to its fiery peak. The views from the top are stunning and showcase the incredible surrounding landscapes. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil there are many beautiful vineyards and orchards spread across the lower slopes of the mountain, making it a lovely spot to explore the Sicilian countryside.”

Take a walk on the wild side

“Sicily remains a walker’s paradise, particularly during the cooler spring and autumn months. There is a huge range of hiking routes to enjoy throughout the region, particularly in the lush National Parks.

“One of my favourite wonderful walks can be found on Vulcano, one of the most popular offshore Aeolian islands. Its star attraction is the dormant volcano Gran Cratere, which offers a well-trodden three hours walk from base to peak, and affords hikers spectacular views of the surrounding islands.”

Exquisite beaches

“Sicily is home to some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches, with azure, clear waters, exciting coves and soft sandy beaches.

“Renowned for its quiet and relaxing nature, Porto Palo di Menfi beach in the south-west of the island regularly receives the highest award possible in Italy for its quality, services and cleanliness. With its mix of bars and restaurants, the nearby marina is nearby gives visitors the opportunity to watch the many boats coming with a drink and some excellent Sicilian food.”

Back to nature

“West of Palermo, the coastline becomes slightly more rugged, rocky and, in places, spectacular. Part of the coastline in question is home to Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve. Stretching along the coast for 7km this park and its surrounding areas are one of the most beautiful parts of western Sicily. There is a vast array of flora especially suited to the terrain thanks to the humid microclimate which makes it possible for over 650 different species to thrive here. Dwarf palms and other shrubs line most of the paths, while in the spring the grass of the slopes is dotted with thousands of colourful wild flowers – a glorious sight!”

Think Sicily can arrange for anyone staying at one of their villas to have the services of professional guides who can provide fascinating insights into the various regions, as well as years of experience on the best walking routes, tourist attractions and safety advice.

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Must See Europe Attractions

Europe is home to a number of destinations that attract tourists from every part of the world. While the list of places you can visit in the continent can run into hundreds, or even thousands, there are a few that everyone must see. Here is a note on some of them that you must visit when in Europe.

Photo Credit: Parthenon by iStockPhoto

The Parthenon, Athens

The Parthenon in Athens tops the list of must see attractions in Europe. The Parthenon is a temple built in 447 BC and is perhaps the most important monument of classical Greece that is still standing. It is a peripteral Doric temple in octostyle, with features of Ionic architecture. The temple was dedicated to Goddess Athena and housed the statue of Athena Parthenos, till it was lost.  Besides the Parthenon, the Acropolis is another monument that is a must see when you are in Athens.

The Coliseum by Night - iStockPhoto

The Colosseum, Rome

The Colosseum is a globally renowned amphitheater and one of the greatest Roman architectural structures in the world. Located in the capital of Italy, Rome, the Colosseum was built between 70 and 80 AD and can seat around 50,000 spectators. The structure was built by the Flavian dynasty emperors and was originally known as Amphitheatrum Flavium. Before it was closed temporarily in the medieval era, the Colosseum was used for public spectacles like gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, mock sea battles, re-enactments of mythological dramas and famous battles. Although it is partially damaged due to natural disasters and stone-thieves, the Colosseum remains as the symbol of Imperial Rome even today.

Eiffel Tower in Paris - iStockPhoto

The Eiffel Tower, Paris

An engineering marvel constructed in 1889, the Eiffel Tower is a must see when in Europe. The tower, which stands 1,063 ft tall, is located in Paris, France, and held the record for the tallest man-made structure in the world for 41 years, till the Chrysler Building in New York surpassed it in 1930.The top of the tower, which is one of the most romantic places in Paris, gives you the best view of the city. The monument attracts millions of tourists every year and also houses a restaurant and gift shops on the first and the second levels.

Another must see when in Paris is the Louvre, which is one of the largest and the best museums of the world. If you love art, or architecture, you cannot afford to miss a visit to this place.

The Big Ben and London Eye, London

When in London, you cannot miss a trip on the London Eye, nor can you ignore the great clock, the Big Ben. While the Buckingham palace, Westminster Abbey, the Palace of Westminster and the London Bridge are other major attractions in the city, nothing beats the view of London city from the London Eye.

The Big Ben - iStockPhoto

The Big Ben, which is the world's biggest 4-faced chiming clock, was built in the year 1858. If there is one thing that the clock is known for, it is reliability, for it has rarely stopped functioning in its 150 years of existence.

While you are visiting the UK, make some time to visit the grand Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. The castle consists of numerous structures that were built between the 12^th and the 21 century, and is currently owned by Scotland’s Ministry of Defense.

Andy Butler is associated with Burger Davis Sotheby's International Realty, which provides top class luxury villa sales and rental services in France. To know more about their services, visit the company's website.

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Venice: A Guide to Visiting Venice

Venice is one of the most visited places in the entire world since 1,500 years ago. However, in contrary to the busy Venice we now know, it was a very serene city so serene and beautifully humble that Lord Byron called it La Serenissima meaning “the most serene.”

Attractions in Venice

Venice is known for its unique way of transportation where only foot traffic and water transportation exists. Another feature unique to Venice is the traditional past time of stopping by local bars for a glass of un ombra or a serving of cichetti and the delightful diner meals of outstanding seafood Italian dishes.

Visiting Churches in Venice
San Giacomo di Rialto is Venice’s oldest church. The church has an enormous 15^th century designed clock on its entrance. The architecture and design of the church is graces by the elegant combination of red and gold making the air about it elegant and majestic.

San Simeone Piccolo is a beautiful church located right across the Grand Canal. It is said to be the newest of the oldest churches built in Venice and holds Tredentine Celebrations on Sundays.

Saint Mark’s Basilica is among the best things you can do during a Venice visit. However, due to the fact that there are lots of people who come to visit the church the whole year round, be prepared to pay a fee of € 1,00 for admission reservations so you would not be waiting in line for hours to spend 10 minutes within the cathedral.

Art Galleries and Exhibitions
Palazzo Ducale is a monument of extraordinary architecture and design. Take the time to book ahead for the “Secret Itineraries in Doge’s Palace” and roam about for the most fascinating rooms and corners inside the palace.

Correr Museum is located in San Marco Piazza and is home to 16^th century Roman archeological artifacts. It also preserves yet displays a wide array of globes, antique pieces and pictures in its galleries.

Leonardo da Vinci Exhibition in the Chiesa di San Barnaba showcases replicas of da Vinci’s inventions as produced after the designs dedicated in the old master’s very own plans and manuscripts.  

Outdoors and Activities

Rialto Bridge

Rialto Bridge offers a spectacular of free pass and you can make the most out of this attraction when you schedule to go during times when foot traffic is on its least. Get up very early in the morning and spend your wait for the sunshine in the bridge. As the skies make way for the sun, you will see the fun and colorful activities in the nearby market from the bridge itself.

Gondola Rides are among the most common things tourists seek to experience in Venice. Gondola rides are not only fun, they can be romantic experiences too especially when done during times of the year aside from summer.

Beach of Lido is the Venetian’s place to be during the hot summer. It is a place where they head to for a cooling dip at the Adriatic Sea without going too far. The best times to head to the beach for a break from busy Venice and for fresh air is during the autumn months where there are less people than in summer.

Reminders in Visiting Venice

Certain attractions, especially the churches, have certain requirements aside from admission tickets so be mindful of dress codes too. Venice maybe Lord Byron’s abode of serenity but today the place is pretty crowded compared to that of his time. So it will be beneficial to bring along you most comfortable walking shoes as walking is the best way to get around the city.

Written by Mike at http://www.globaltravelguide.co.uk

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Puglia Beach by s3ldon

The Caribbean, the Seychelles, Barbados; while these are all great romantic destinations, they have also become, well, a little clichéd!  When booking a honeymoon these days, people are looking for something a little different... though not so different to include camping in a desert or anything even slightly uncomfortable! No for a honeymoon, pure luxury is required.

One up-and-coming destination is Puglia – often referred to as the next Tuscany or Italy’s biggest secret. Puglia is situated at Italy's south-easternmost region (known to many of us as the heel of the boot) and is a great destination for an amorous escape.  To begin with Puglia is only a short flight from the UK so you won’t start off your romantic getaway with jetlag and your partner won’t witness you stepping haggard and bleary eyed off the plane.

Great beaches

 Classic exotic images showcase romantic, deserted beaches, making places like the Caribbean so popular. Puglia has all you could wish for on the beach front with a varied coastline incorporating rocky beaches, white cliffs, beaches reached through greenery and forests, small town sandy bay beaches and of course large stretches of Caribbean-esque sandy beaches.  All sit next to the clear blue-turquoise sea and many of the beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status - an internationally recognised guarantee of the quality of the sea water. In the summer months the sea warms up to the mid-20s and the gentle climate allows for comfortable swimming in the sea until October.

Great food

One of the best parts of any holiday is splashing out and eating exciting new dishes and after all, food is the language of love! And Italy has some of the finest food in the world. Puglia produces around 40% of Italy's olive oil and a large proportion of its wine. It is largely an agricultural region - often called the garden of Italy - so wherever you go you will find fresh local produce such as artichokes, rocket, tomatoes, fava beans, courgettes, fennel, peppers, beef and lamb.

…And you always need great wine to accompany the food

 A little known fact is that Puglia produces more wine than Australia. Principal wine towns in Puglia include Lecce, Martina Franca and Manduria. If you sample enough, there’s a good chance you will find some new favourite wines, as wineries from the north of Italy, and even America, are beginning to see the potential of Puglia and starting to invest heavily.

Great weather

Puglia has a wonderful climate, with an average 300 days of sunshine per year. If you are going in the hottest months of the year (May-September) there is minimal humidity. The temperature is fairly constant between the coast and the inland areas, rising to around 30°C in July and August and only dropping out of the 20s at the beginning of December.

Quirky (yet luxurious) accommodation

 While many people may prefer to stay in an all-inclusive hotel to enjoy room service, villas give a lot more privacy, which is much more romantic.  There’s a great selection of luxury villas in Puglia, where you can enjoy as much privacy as you wish, including your own private pool.  But if you feel things like cooking and washing up will spoil the romance, you can always hire a private cook to come in, do their thing then vanish.

Trulli

If you are looking for something a little more quirky, how about looking at the range of trulli that are available? Trulli, mysterious stone buildings with conical roofs, are dotted all over the region, making Puglia look like a fairy-tale land peppered with mini castles. No one really knows how trulli came about, everyone has a theory (this is Italy after all), but they are unique to Puglia and so definitely an option to look into if the region has whet your appetite.  While the term trulli refers to a house that’s internal space is covered by a dry stone corbelled or keystone vault, many trulli have been made into luxury houses that can be rented out.

Puglia ticks the key romance boxes; plentiful beaches, great food, superb wine, beautiful weather and luxurious accommodation. On top of this, it is an easy place to stay - the locals are friendly and you can dabble in Italian but will have no problems speaking English. So if you are looking for a romantic retreat which still oozes luxury, Puglia should definitely be on the list.

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Florence is a capital city of province of Florence and Italian region of Tuscany. It is one of the most crowded cities in Tuscany with over 1,500,000 in metropolitan area. Florence is quite famous for its history and significance in Middle Ages and Renaissance particularly for art and architecture and cultural heritage.

A centre of medieval European finance and trade and one of the wealthiest cities of the time, the Florence is considered to be the birthplace of Renaissance. It has also been called the Athens of Middle Ages. Florence is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities of the world and its impact of its historic and cultural heritage in the world remains till date.

The city has major impact in religion, music, science, architecture, philosophy, education, fashion and cuisine. The Florence’s historic centre comprises churches, historical squares, gardens, ateliers, monasteries, Renaissance palaces, parks, art galleries, museums and academics.

Palazzo Strozzi

Florence boasts wide range of collections of art, which includes Dante, Emilio Pucci, Boccaccio, Coluccio Salutati, Leonardo da Vinci, Leonardo Bruni, Botticelli, Roberto Cavalli, Niccolò Machiavelli, Salvatore Ferragamo, Brunelleschi, Franco Zeffirelli, Michelangelo, Guccio Gucci, Donatello, Antonio Meucci, Galileo Galilei, Luigi Cherubini, Catherine de' Medici and Giotto di Bondone.

Florence Travel Guidewill give you information on all different attractions and sigh

ts in Florence such as Ponte Vecchio, Galleria degli Uffizi, Piazzale Michelangelo, Accademia Gallery, San Miniato al Monte, Giardino di Boboli, Battistero di San Giovanni, Florence American Cemetery & Memorial, Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, Basilica di San Lorenzo, Museo Stibbert, Sarallo Sport, Certosa del Galluzzo, Birreria Centrale, Palazzo Pitti, Santa Maria del Carmine, Museo di Palazzo Davanzati o della Casa Fiorentina Antica, Basilica della Santissima Annunziata, Gelateria dei Neri, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Ferramenta Ceccherini, Busatti Firenze, Chiesa di Santo Spirito, Piccolo Teatro Comunale, Enoteca Baldovino, Museo del Bargello, Villa La Pietra, Museo Casa di Dante, Mandarina Duck,

Museo di San Marco, Mercato del Porcellino, Villa Gamberaia, Loggia dei Lanzi, Dolce Vita, Rotonda (La), Cabiria, Palazzo Pazzi, San Salvatore al Monte, Palazzo Strozzi, Carabe, Cinema Odeon, Museo delle Cappelle Medicee, Loggia del Bigallo, Villa Medicea La Petraia, Loggia dell'Ospedale di San Matteo, Parco di Villa Stibbert, Villa Medicea di Cafaggiolo, Galleria dello Spedale degli Innocenti, Museo Archeologico, Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana, Cappella Rucellai, Chiostro dello Scalzo and Loggia del Grano.

Starhotels Tuscany

Hotels in Florence Italy include Hotel Calzaiuoli, Hotel Londra - Firenze, Hotel Bernini Palace, Grand Hotel Baglioni, Ambasciatori B&H Hotels, Hotel Pendini, Golden Tower Hotel, Hotel Albani Firenze, NH Porta Rossa, Grand Hotel Minerva, Grand Hotel Cavour, Park Palace Hotel, Waldorf Suite Firenze, Hotel Art Atelier, Starhotels Tuscany, Hotel City, Residenza Fiorentina, Hotel Executive, Hotel Leonardo Da Vinci, UNA Hotel Vittoria, Hotel Home, Borghese Palace Art Hotel, Hotel Sempione, Hotel Caravaggio, Hotel Santa Maria Novella, Hotel Angelica, Hilton Florence Metropole, First of Florence, Orlando Palace Apartments, Residenza Del Moro, Hotel Magenta, Eden Rock Resort, Hotel Curtatone, Together Florence Inn.

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