| ITALY |
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| Until recently the only part of Italy we had been to was to Venice. In June, 2001 we expanded our knowledge of the country considerably with visits to Lake Garda and Tuscany. Italy is indeed a beautiful Country and certainly one of contrasts. The mountain scenery of the lakes and the Dolomites is stunning and the views of the mountains still with their white caps of snow quite breathtaking. The lakeside towns around Lake Garda each have their own individual identities, no two are the same and all can be reached by a criss-cross of ferries and water taxis in a most relaxing yet invigorating way. Riva in the north is a bustling terminus for visitors to this lovely old town, its prettiness at times threatened by the crowds and commercialism. At the other end of this 35 miles long lake is its most popular spot, Simione. Try and take a tour involving a coach or bus trip with a ride on one of the many ferries to complete the lake circuit. To do the whole lake in one day by ferry is pushing the limits almost too far and will not leave time to explore the lakeside towns. Moving further south through the region of Emilia Romagna into Tuscany the striking mountains of the Dolomites are replaced by the old volcanic hills of Tuscany. In summer the golden browns, yellows and greens of the luxuriant countryside present a counterpane of colour to swamp the senses. Besides the hillside towns such as Montepulciano which are well worth exploring in their own right, you really must explore the gems of the region such as Sienna and Florence. Be prepared in summer for swarms of tourists disgorged from the fleets of coaches that converge on these fine cities. Take plenty of water, avoid the overpriced bars and restaurants in the main Piazzas and pace your sightseeing with frequent stops being made at the small (and cheaper) backstreet bars (air-conditioned!) and Ice-Cream Parlours to sustain you in what can be extremely hot conditions at the height of the Season. We only scratched the surface but Italy has a lot to offer including of course its lovely food and wines. Definitely calls for more visits! As I said earlier, our other experience of Italy was to one of the gems of the Italian crown, Venice. Flying to Venice you land at the Marco Polo Airport, and from there it is a lovely water taxi ride of some 20-30 minutes to the centre of Venice at St.Marks Square. It really is a most delightful way to arrive at any resort, but the rising towers and domes of the numerous churches evoke memories of seeing the same scene time and time again in pictures, photos and films. You almost feel that you are coming back home, you recognise so much of the skyline that is so familiar. Staying in Venice need not be a problem. When we flew with GO we were recommended to use their associated Hotel Booking Agency, Hotel Connect at Berkley House, 18-24 High Street, Edgware HA8 7RP (tel.no. 020-8381-2233)(see also their Web Site: www.hotelconnect.co.uk) which came up with several options. We chose the Hotel Diana, some 50 metres from St.Marks Square, recently renovated, sound-proof doors and walls, air conditioning, colour TV and minibar, all for £42 pppn bed and breakfast at the height of the season in July, 1999. The Hotel can be contacted direct at Tel.no. 39(0)415-206-911, or email : htldiana@iol.it. If you eat out anywhere near St.Marks Square or have any refreshments there be prepared to pay through the nose. Just a few metres back from the Square down any of the maze of alleys that spread out from there you will find the most marvellous Travatorias, cafes and bars with prices at a fraction of what you would have to pay at any of the City`s honeyspots. It is the same with travel on the canals. You can pay £40-£60 for 40 minutes in a gondola, £20 for a half hour journey by special water taxi, or else use the Water buses, the Vaporettos, for which a daily pass will take you over all the main canals for a day at a fraction of the alternative forms of transport. And understand, there are no cars, everything travels either by boat or on foot. Have a good sense of direction because the maze of little alleys, which are really the main pedestrian thoroughfares, twist and dive in every direction, and it is the easiest thing to get lost. With all the crowds at the height of the season, there are really only two phrases you will need. Mi Scusi (I beg your pardon) and Grazie (thank you). Both will be invaluable to you as you fight your way onto the Vaparetto to grab the best seats at the prow, so that you will have an uninterrupted view of the Grand Canal on your round trip up the large S Bend as far as the Railway Station and all the way back again to St. Marks Square. Whilst there it is well worth while taking one of the larger Ferry Services which run to the many little islands that lie around the lagoon of Venice, the largest being Murano (where they manufacture Venetian glass) and Burano, which is famous for its lace, but also as one of the most colourful villages you are likely to find. The story goes that so each fisherman could recognise his house when he was out at sea it was painted a distinctive colour different from that of his neighbours, and the practice has continued, even though the fishing hasn`t and the result is a Technicolor vision!! |
| Here are a few of the pictures we have taken, more on next page: |
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| ENJOY |
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