October 27, 2008 at 8:03 am · Filed under europe
Do you bear a passion for history? Are you interested in ancient architecture and temples? Do age-long and legendary activities beckon you? If so, then you must definitely explore the ancient lands of Rome, at least once in your lifetime.
With an area of about 150 square kilometers, and a population of 3.8 million, Rome still stands tall in the vast field of world history. Whenever we come across Rome, Etruscan tombs, Republican meeting rooms, Imperial temples, ancient Christian churches, medieval bell towers, Renaissance palaces, and Baroque basilicas strike the core of our mind and we enter the superficial world of history and architecture. Rome takes us through the pages of history.
Rome is situated halfway down Italy’s western coast, about 20 kilometers inland. Rome is a large city, though the historical area is quite small. A majority of the Rome historical sights are restricted within a reasonable distance of the central railway station, Stazione Termini. All the main Rome monuments are situated west of the train station in Rome. However, it is always advisable to use the map of Rome, once you arrive in Rome.
Attractions
The central attractions of Rome are the Palatine Hill and the Forum. Via Del Corso is located north from the Forum to Piazza Del Popolo, accompanied by Spanish steps and the Trevi Fountain on the east. The Vatican in Rome is situated northwest of the Forum, across the River Tiber in Rome.
Rome offers a great deal of pleasure with the likes of the arrogance of the Vatican, the immemorial haunting memories of the Coliseum or the sheer thrill of going back to centuries ago of timeless history.
Rome offers you a wide range of excitement, adventure, and enjoyment. The thrill and sheer experience of Rome is very distinctive and unique. Rome gives you the liberty to thrive on wine, architecture, history, and sunshine.
Tags: Italy, rome, Rome Coliseum, the VaticanItaly, rome, Rome Coliseum, the VaticanShare This
October 26, 2008 at 4:02 am · Filed under europe
Introduction
Lake Iseo, also called Lake Sebina, is the fourth largest
lake in the Lombardy region of Italy. The lake was formed by
the Valcamonica Glacier, and is 24 kilometres long and up
to 5 kilometres wide. This width is not always obvious as
the largest lake island in Europe, Monte Isola, sits in the
centre of the lake. The lake is situated just north of Brescia
and Bergamo, this being reflected in the fact that it is
administered on the western bank by the Bergamo district
council, and on the east bank by the Brescia district council.
The River Oglio, flowing down from the Val Camonica and
entering between Lovere and Pisogne, mainly feeds the
Lake from the north. The Val Camonica has thermal spas
and prehistoric rock carvings. At the southern end of the
lake lies the Torbiere, a peat bog and now a nature reserve.
South of this lies the Franciacorta valley, producing the best
sparkling wine in Italy.
On the eastern bank, a few kilometres up from the lake, is
the Natural Reserve of the Pyramids of Zone, a unique
formation of pillars created by uneven glacial erosion. The
sixty-kilometre perimeter lakeside is dotted with villages
and towns, the main ones being Iseo, Sarnico, Lovere,
Pisogne and Marone. These towns are full of historical and
cultural interest, yet it is pleasant to stroll along the
promenade or linger over a drink in a caf
Tags: italian lakes, Italy, lake iseo, lombardy, travel Italyitalian lakes, Italy, lake iseo, lombardy, travel ItalyShare This
October 25, 2008 at 1:02 am · Filed under europe
You may be ready for your trip to Boston, but is your bank
account? As one of the most expensive cities in the country,
Boston can quickly deplete your vacation funds. The average
hotel cost per night in 2004 according to the Greater Boston
Convention & Visitors Bureau is $187. Now imagine all your other expenses added on top of that.
Here’s some ways to hold on to that cash:
1. Consider booking a hotel just outside the city.
Brookline and Cambridge are two nice cities that come to mind.
You can easily hop on the “T” for a short ride and take it into
Boston and back each day. You can save a large chunk of change
depending on how long you are staying on your trip.
2. Check out the prices of flights arriving into Providence.
It is only a 50-minute bus ride to Boston. Southwest Airlines,
which can offer significantly lower rates, does not fly directly
into Boston so what you’ll lose in convenience, you’ll gain in
savings.
3. Book a package deal.
Websites such as Orbitz.com, Hotels.com, Expedia.com, and
Travelocity.com all offer packages that will save you money by
purchasing air and hotel together. You may even want to check
directly with the hotel to see if they are offering a lower rate
than advertised online.
4. Stay at a local B&B or rent a furnished apartment.
Normally, they end up being cheaper and give you a better feel of what living in Boston is really like. Two companies that offer many prime Boston locations are The Bed and Breakfast Agency of Boston (http://www.boston-bnbagency.com/) and The Bed and Breakfast Associates Bay Colony (http://www.bnbboston.com/).
5. Ride the MBTA (also known as the “T”).
This is the subway and bus system that covers all of Boston.
Driving and parking in Boston can be frustrating and expensive.
If you plan on seeing many sights, you can pick up a visitor pass for a flat fee of $7.50 for one day, $18 for three days, or $35 for seven days. Most rides are $1.25 otherwise.
6. Buy a Boston CityPass (http://www.citypass.com/).
This allows you to see six of Boston’s most famous attractions
for 50% off the price and avoid the ticket lines. You can
purchase this pass online or at the first attraction you visit
for $36.75 for adults and $25.50 for youths. These include the
Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Skywalk Observatory,
Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard Museum of Natural History, and the
JFK Library & Museum.
7. Spend time at the free attractions.
You can enjoy the street performers and browse the shops at
Quincy Market. Go for a walk on the Freedom Trail. Spend time
in Boston Common, the oldest US park. Ride its famous swan boats for under three dollars. Go to the Harvard University Art
Museums on Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 Noon to receive free
admission. Other museums offer specials as well so check their
websites.
8. Use coupons.
Check with your travel company or with the hotel you are staying
at for specials and coupons. When I booked my trip to Las
Vegas through Expedia.com, I was given a booklet at my hotel with numerous discounts throughout the city. If you are a member of AAA, give them a call to see what deals they offer. You can even check an attractions main website.
Follow these tips above and you can save significantly on your
upcoming trip to Boston. Enjoy!
Courtesy of Metrowestlistings.com, http://www.metrowestlistings.com
Looking to move to Massachusetts? We feature information and listings of the Metrowest area which includes Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Franklin, Grafton, Medway, Millis, Natick, Northborough, Southborough, Shrewsbury, Sudbury, Westborough, Wayland, Upton and more.
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Tags: boston, Hotel, hotels, massachusetts, New England, travelboston, Hotel, hotels, massachusetts, New England, travelShare This
