When you go to Italy you must visit Rome. There are several popular places here for sightseers. The Colosseum is a very famous landmark in Rome. It is a huge open air theatre that was built by Emperor Titus in AD80 for games and gladiatorial battles. When many people see the Colosseum the movie “Gladiator” comes to mind. Another magnificent sight is the Pantheon in Rome. It is a huge temple built in AD120 and up until 1960 it had the largest dome in the world. Rome is also the home of the Pope in Vatican City, another popular destination for sightseeing on an Italian Vacation. Other cities in Italy that are popular for sightseers include Milan, Venice, Naples and Sicily.

Pisa is a smaller city, but it is world famous due to the Leaning Tower. It is a bell tower in the Pisa Cathedral that is made up of a group of 4 beautiful white marble buildings. Construction on this started in 1173 and went on for 200 years because of a lot of interruptions. Since the construction took so long, the bell tower started to lean hence the name.

If you are a savvy sightseer or traveler and know some Italian, you may be able to arrange to see all these sights for yourself. But you may want to consider having everything arranged by someone else because you don’t want to miss any of the important places and you will benefit greatly from a guided tour. There are several sightseeing companies that offer tours for visitors. Guided tours will usually follow a pre-set route through a city or town during your Italy vacation. Not only are the guides fluent in English, but they also have a wealth of information on the historical sights and there are opportunities to ask questions. Some tours on your Italian vacation will allow you to get off the tour vehicle to explore and then catch another tour vehicle from the same company later on.

Or if you prefer not to walk, you can just sit back and enjoy the ride without leaving the bus. Sightseeing tours on your Italian vacation range in price. There are luxury tour coaches, full day tours, night tours and also several tours for vacationers on a budget. No matter where your Italy vacation takes you,  sightseeing should be an important part of overall experience.

Every year, the U.S. Tour Operators Association, a professional association of travel agents and tour operators who arrange travel for more than 10 million travelers every year, runs an informal survey among members to name the world’s top vacation destinations. Year after year, one country tops the list of international vacation destinations – Italy, the heart of civilization, the cradle of romance and the home of the Holy Sea.

What is it that makes Italy so special? The spectacular scenery and warm, wonderful climate are only the background of the picture. Italy is a colorful mosaic of travel experiences, a delicious mélange of flavors and cultures that offers something for every traveler. From cosmopolitan culture buff to adventurer, from the serious student of history to the socialite, Italy truly is the country that caters to them all and everyone in between.

Italy’s cities and countryside offer a true embarrassment of riches. You could easily spend months touring the countryside and never see half of what the country has to offer. What is it that brings so many to bella Italia every year?

See Italy for the Art

Italy was the center of the Renaissance, and is one of the most artistically rich countries in the entire world. According to UNESCO, half the world’s artistic and historic treasures are located in Italy. In Florence, Venice, Rome, Naples, Milan and other cities, you’ll find artistic and architectural wonders that you won’t find anywhere else. Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, Tintorello, Correggio, Donatello – the most famous artists of all the eras worked and left their legacies in frescoes, paintings and statues throughout the country. And while much of the art is held in museums in nearly every city, there is art everywhere, from the stunning stained glass windows in a tiny chapel in Abruzzi to the painted ceilings of cathedrals.

See Historic Italy

History lives in Italy. Long known as the cradle of Western civilization, Italy’s cities and countryside are a treasure trove of historical sites. You can walk the Via Appia and feel the weight of centuries drop away as you realize that two thousand years ago, this very road was traveled by the armies and citizens of Imperial Rome. Visit the Coliseum in Rome, or wander through the preserved city of Pompeii and become a part of history. And of course, there is the Vatican, the walled city inside Rome that is the home and the heart of the Catholic Church, where scholars come to study ancient texts and treasures.

Visit Italy for the Scenery

The scenic vistas of Italy are as varied as its twenty regions. From snowcapped mountains to sweeping, white sand beaches, the natural beauty of Italy is as alive and vivid as the paintings of its most famous artists. When you venture beyond the cities, you’ll still find the untamed beauty of the Tuscan hills with their craggy, winding paths and terraced vineyards. You can wander through twenty three national parks and nearly 500 protected nature preserves that are protected by the government. There are sea cliffs and alpine mountains, rolling hills and open plains. And there is always, of course, the sea with its ever-changing yet everlasting face.

Come to Italy for the Food

Italian food and hospitality is famous the world over for its abundance. Abondanza is a concept that is well-understood in the Mediterranean country. Everywhere you go, you’ll find groaning tables and open, welcoming arms inviting you to mangia! Mangia!! A full tour of Italy is a gustatory delight, for there is no single style of Italian cooking. Instead, each region of Italy has its own unique flavors and combinations that are drawn from the local specialties and available foods. Tuscany is famous for its seafood, Milan for its rich sauces and complex flavors, Bologna for its traditional red sauce. Eating and drinking well is a way of life in Italy, and whether you treat yourself to a fine meal in one of Rome’s five-star restaurants, or stop at a roadside ristorante in a small province, you’re sure to be served the best of the best.

To Your Health!

Italy has been famous for its thermal spas and springs since the times of Hippocrates. Italian spas enjoy the benefits of both sea and fresh water springs. Hot water thermal springs are plentiful, thanks to the country’s geological peculiarities and the network of underground volcanic springs. Today, the thermal spas are a popular attraction in nearly every region of Italy, and have become popular holiday destinations in their own rights. Italian health spas offer more than just the baths. Many are located close to cultural and leisure attractions, and make a wonderful base of operations for your stay in the country.

Travel Gems in Italy

If you visit Rome, spend at least one day just walking around the city. You’ll discover many tiny sites and historical finds that are not on any tourist map. These sites may have been uncovered during the construction of another building and never completely excavated, but are there to stumble across and enjoy away from the bustling crowds.

By all means, visit the well-known museums in the major cities, but for a real treat take a drive outside the cities and seek out small towns and villages. You’ll discover some of the most amazing and unexpected treasures tucked into alcoves or painted on the walls of village churches throughout the country.

Skip the hotels and rent a villa or cottage in a small town if you’re staying in Italy for more than a few days. In many cases, it won’t cost much more – and will often be less – than a stay in a good hotel, and your hosts will treat you as part of the family while you’re there.

Italy is a country of contrasts and beauties whose charm grows deeper and warmer with every visit. It’s no wonder that it regularly tops the list of holiday destinations worldwide, or that so many who visit return again and again to its warm and welcoming arms.

During your vacation to Italy, you will find that there is something to suit everyone’s needs. However, to completely experience Italy on your vacation it is recommended that you stay at a small bed and breakfast if you can. Most of these are family run and you will hear all kinds of stories, folklore and little known facts that may not be in any of the guide books you may have with you on your Italy vacation.

If you are traveling in style and you are visiting Venice, you may want to consider staying at the Novecento Boutique Hotel. It is a chic bed and breakfast that is family run and offers luxurious accommodations. 30 minutes from the airport and offering free internet services, this hotel is modern but still maintains the old Venetian feel to it that will be appreciated by even the most discerning visitors. It is very close to many of Venice’s main attractions and with only 9 rooms, it is most suited to smaller groups or pairs. Most of the rooms have antiques collected by the owners through their own world travels, and the bathrooms are especially large. The food here is said to be excellent and this boutique hotel is noted for its peaceful setting even for being as close as it is to all the action in Venice. This is the perfect place to stay if you are in Venice for your Italy vacation.

If you are visiting Florence, you should consider staying at a place called The Artist’s Residence. Florence is the seat of Italy’s artistic soul and this bed and breakfast is the perfect place to experience the renaissance. It is in the middle of old Florence and is furnished with 19th century sculptures created by Giovanni Dupre. The present owners of the bed and breakfast are his descendants. You will find original florentino tiled floors and even the bar counter was a confessional from 1500AD.  Some bedrooms have terraces, and you may be able to see the courtyard gardens from your terrace. Breakfast here is also said to be excellent and there are numerous restaurants close by to choose from for your other meals. There are 45 air-conditioned rooms here and also a gym and a solarium. This hotel also provides access to the Internet if you cannot go without it on your Italy vacation.

A destination wedding idea sounds very romantic. A couple chooses one of many paradise countries and decides to exchange their vows there. Later, they realize that planning a destination wedding is not an easy task.

Practically, destination weddings combine a wedding ceremony and a honeymoon. Guests may join the couple several days before the wedding and spend some time together in a seashore villa, medieval castle or nice hotel. Later, the couple usually stays alone in the romantic gateway and the guests come back home.

It`s possible to rent a small castle or several rooms in the castle for the wedding event, making it a very intimate party for both close friends and family. The most popular of these castles are located in Florence, Tuscany and are surrounded by grape and fruit gardens in the low mountains. The ceremony can be made in many variations. These are some of the options: an event on the open air near the pool or in the garden, a ceremony in the old small church near the castle, or a wedding ceremony in the small chapel or the gorgeous hall, which connected with villa.

Some couples rent romantic places even for just the two of them, where they spend several days together in a nice and idealistic atmosphere. They ask wedding planners to organize a wedding ceremony, which is arranged, similar to Romeo and Juliet, just for two.

Some may prefer a city ceremony, for example in Rome or Paris. A range of historical locations are available in this case – ancient churches, basilicas or famous halls for the memorable event. Dinner parties may be perfectly organized in 5 – star hotels.

The correct timing of a wedding is very important, especially for an outdoor wedding. Weather forecast research is a very significant task, which should be done before the wedding date planning. As example, it is warm in Italy April through July and August is the hottest month, which is not recommended for weddings. But in some years July in Italy was unusually hot and August was more comfortable.

All documents and paperwork, including visas and passports, are necessary for the wedding and should be checked at the start of the process (6-9 months before the wedding). So, preparation of the paperwork for a wedding ceremony in a Roman Catholic Church in Italy may take time – from two to seven months.

Most Roman Catholic Church documents must be created in the home country and then finished in Italy. It is necessary for both the bride and groom to arrive several extra days before the wedding to wrap up the last of the paperwork. If religions of the bride and groom are different, it may take extra time for preparation as a result the additional statements/documentation.

Wedding planners usually help with paperwork and other different services, such as wedding flowers, photographer, videography, limousine and more. The wedding planner can also plan everything down to the last detail. Before they can move forward, it will still be the bride and groom’s responsibility to make all the decisions. Both the wedding planner and the couple, (and sometimes the parents) work together toward the best result – a magnificent wedding.

Italy is the perfect place for a dream wedding and is becoming a popular choice with destination weddings. The reason for this is simple. The country caters to almost everyone’s tastes. Finding beautiful wedding locations in Italy is not a very difficult thing to do. You will find plenty of options on various websites with detailed descriptions and pictures. If you are hiring wedding planners, they would have a few suggestions as well. However, this article should give you a head start on what you can look forward too.

Options, options and more options…

Beauty and more beauty is all you will find in Italy – a perfect destination for a wedding. Beautiful wedding locations in Italy are a very common sight. Here are a few of the locations that you might want to consider:
Lake District: As the name suggests, plan your big day in what could possibly be the most relaxing and romantic atmosphere in Italy, on the edge of a lake.
Friuli and Veneto Regions: Venues that are tucked away and intimate is what you will find in this region made up of old towns that still retain their charm, dreamy castles and gorgeous villas.
Tuscany: Ancient towns on the top of hills, enchanting landscapes, mouth watering food and some of the best is wines is what defines this region.
The Italian Riviera: Quaint fishing villages and vineyards dotting a gorgeous coastline define this area. It is the perfect place for an outdoor wedding.
Lazio, Rome and Florence: The beauty of these cities is timeless and that is what ranks them amongst some of the most exhilarating venues for a wedding in Europe.
Amongst other venues are Capri, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Sorrento and the Southern regions.

Weddings in Venice

Venice is considered the most romantic city in the world. With the unique experiences and its atmosphere of magic, who wouldn’t want to get married here? Venues for weddings in Venice are easily available. Civil ceremonies take place at the Palazzo Cavalli which dates back to the 17th century, while blessings can take place at the Anglican chapel. Lovely Venetian restaurants, villas and luxury 5 star hotels are available for receptions.

Italy is a very popular holiday destination for families going on holiday and staying in holiday homes. It is a country rich in culture and good food, making it a perfect holiday destination for those families staying in self catering holiday apartments or holiday villas with swimming pools.

It is situated in the Mediterranean and borders France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. The country, which is a peninsula and is surrounded by the Ligurian Sea, the Sardinian Sea, and the Tyrrhenian Sea in the west, the Sicilian and Ionian Sea in the South, and Adraitic Sea in the East.

Italy has a very diverse landscape, but can be primarily described as mountainous including the Alpes and the Apennies mountain ranges that run through it. Italy has two major islands as part of its country: Sardinia, which is an island off the west coast of italy, and Sicily, which is at the southern tip of the country.

Italy has beautiful sunny summers and sun lovers can enjoy some of the fabulous Italian sandy beaches. Many holiday makers choose to stay in a holiday villa with swimming pool in Sicily. Sardinia is also a very popular tourist destination and has some outstanding self catering apartments and holiday cottages available for rental direct from their owners.

The Italian lakes are regarded as some of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. Lovers of outdoor pursuits and water sports often stay in self catering holiday homes and explore the local area. Umbria is an area of outstanding natural beauty and many families go there on vacation. Many stay in a villa with swimming pool and use the villa as a base to go hiking and explore the area.

Florence and Tuscany are full of contrasting architecture and offer the tourist a holiday full of culture and fine cuisine. Lovers of good food and wine come back to this part of Italy year after year and stay in some of the self catering apartments and beautiful holiday villas.

Rome is now one of the most popular cities in Europe, visited by families spending long vacations staying in holiday villas. They use these holiday villas as the base to explore the culture and history of this fine city. Rome is also a popular destination for couples going on romantic breaks with many staying in some of the fantastic self catering holiday apartments.

Italy is a diverse country offering holiday makers some of the best beaches in Europe. In summer it has long months of sunshine and many families love going on vacation to the Italian Lakes where they can stay in holiday cottages or Italian farmhouses. Lovers of history and culture are spoilt for choice where to stay, with self catering apartments available for rental. No mater what your budget there are some great holiday homes available for rental in Italy.

Italy is normally overshadowed as a ski destination by the better known ski resorts in France, Switzerland and Austria, but the Italians have a superb selection of their own resorts and are perhaps happy to keep their skiing secrets to themselves.

However, as hosts of the 2006 winter Olympics which took place in and around Torino (Turin), Italy has proven itself worthy of competing as a ski destination in the international arena and for many clued-in Brits, Italy’s laid back attitude to life, love of fine food and wine, good value for money and beautiful mountains are an ongoing draw.

Italy has over 100 resorts scattered throughout the northern part of the country, in the Italian Alps, and the jagged Dolomites. With plenty of cheap flights to Milan, the city is one of the gateways to Italian ski resorts, with a number of superb options less than three hours’ drive from the airport.

Bardonecchia, the French border town which hosted snowboarding events for the 2006 Olympics, is a truly authentic Italian experience with tree lined streets and rustic chalets. Cervinia, has a long ski season running from December to May, and is also linked to Zermatt in Switzerland, meaning you can pop over the border for lunch, should you feel the need for a chunk of Swiss chocolate!

One of the more recent favourites with British skiers is the duty free ski town of Livingo. Known for its lively nightlife, (not surprisingly fuelled by the availability of duty free alcohol), wide open and expansive pistes and one of the best terrain parks in Italy, the resort tends to attract a young crowd looking for a great value destination with superb skiing and snowboarding.

As Britain’s skiers become increasingly well travelled, Italy, along with other countries slightly less well known for their skiing, are likely to become even more popular for those looking to experience the laid back lifestyle, incredible scenery and warm Italian reception.

There is just something so romantic about Italy. It is the wine, the food, the ambience, and above all, the warmth and passion of the Italians.

Marriage is a choice dictated by love, a special day that in our dreams represents the most beautiful experience in our life time, celebrating and having fun with friends in an absolutely unique atmosphere will make this day unforgettable for you and your guests. Having a destination wedding in Italy would be truly incredible!

Italian Wedding Dream has a lot of contacts with the best local providers in Umbria, which makes it possible for them to offer you the best services at the best price!

This will help you save money and stress because they will assist you from the beginning to the end making your wedding day unforgettable!

Italian Wedding Dream is based in Todi, which is in central Umbria and makes it easy  to work in all the wonderful towns of this region as Assisi, Orvieto, Spoleto, Todi, Spello…

According to individual needs they organize different types of events in the most beautiful locations in Umbria, religious, civil and symbolic weddings in beautiful hotels, restaurants or in exclusive private villas, taking care of all the details such as flower arrangements, photographer, musicians, make-up artist, hair dresser, wedding favors and much more!

Italian Wedding Dream offers also theme weddings, these can vary from very simple to luxurious, it depends on what you choose and how much details you want to include in the wedding.

When choosing a theme wedding, you should choose a theme that matches the personality of you both, goes with the chosen location, the time of the year and the time of the day in which you will marry.

Italian Wedding Dream can help you select the perfect wedding theme, give them some hints of what you have in mind and they will help you to plan it in all its details.

Visitors to Italy are rewarded with unique and wonderful experiences to relish. Italian cities, Italian lifestyle, art and culture, stunning Alps, famous Italian fashion, the breathtaking islands all give many reasons for the visitors lining up in Italy. It is a dream destination for many and why not, when one will find amazing architecture all over the country, scintillating cuisines, world famous wines, the list can go on. Rendering a special touch to the country are the hotels in Italy, which are defining landmarks for it self. Catering to all kinds of visitors, Italy hotels strive to make the stay of their guests a pleasant and comfortable stay.

Italy has a certain romantic aura and the magical ambience associated with it who so ever comes here are spellbound. A major part of the country is mountainous and today’s modern Italy is the result of a turmoil history. Italy has today a thriving tourist industry, which is the result of its stunning natural landscapes, the majestic Alps; hills of Tuscany and Umbria, the Bay of Naples are among some of the treasures that the country holds. Italy has come to the forefront, amongst the most popular and visited travel destinations in the world. Italy has many faces to discover which you unravel as you stay here. With the mere mention of Italy, many different meanings come to everybody. For some it is the birthplace of Pizza, land of historic ruins, good wine, to hot beaches. Importantly, the country is very hospitable, obliges its visitors, and does not disappoint.

Italy is also the destination for those who want to go beyond the beaten track and take on some the adventurous and interesting activities, during their holiday. If your kind of holiday is beyond the sightseeing tours or just relaxing, then Italy has a lot many activities on offer that for will sure stir your senses, body and soul. Go on a skiing holiday or a walking tour on the beautiful countryside and the lofty mountain ranges. With so much in the offering, the country does not fall back on the accommodation front and there are number of accommodation options with Italy hotels in all categories available easily.

What better way then to add a little spice to your holiday, and a touch of color, engage in some entertainment when in Italy. You will run in to surprises as besides the monuments, hotels, museums there are number of options to be engaged and entertained. Italians also practice this, thus the place offers is full of entertainment options. From home to the world’s famous opera house, the colorful festivals, to world’s famous finest football leagues, there is something to sample. The people of Italy are fond of festivals and there are celebrations for all kinds of reasons, ranging from local fests to grand celebration. Become a part of them, get a taste of the rich culture, indulge in sampling wines, and watch the races of the wild horses. Ballet has a long history in Italy though Opera now has overtaken it in popularity.

All of we search for romantic, beautiful wedding villas or destination in Italy to get married. Italy is known as home of Europe. Charme of Italy can not be described in words. Italy is full of natural beauties, gorgeous villas, palaces and beautiful landscapes where any occasions can become mind blowing. Natural beauties and scenes add some perfume into wedding or reception atmosphere and make occasions more romantic.

Arrange your wedding in Italy will be exactly as you have always wished it, more than all your expectations, and – moreover – with the professional touch of expert wedding planner, who will guide you in the organization and choice of the catering service, of the menu, of the flowers, of the bouquet, of music, of the gifts for your guests, of the invitation cards and whatever will make your wedding a special day. Specialize in wedding planner will be personally attending the ceremony and the wedding reception in Italy, for assuring you a perfect happy day.

All wedding planners have their expert team who decorate your wedding place uniquely. According to your choice they decorate your wedding location with flowers, candles, marquee and other special requests from your side will be fulfilled. They can also arrange flowers for decoration of your choice. Romantic Vendela roses, flimsy gypsophila, precious orchids, lisianthus, orange blossoms or plenty of colorful tulips… we are able to find all your favorite flowers and an experienced florists staff will study and build, according to your wishes.

Keep Some Tips while selecting Wedding or Reception destination in Italy:
While selecting palace, villas or resort for wedding, keep your budget in mind.
Location should be located at most beautiful location with romantic atmosphere.
Prepare list of amenities which are your basic needs, and after completing it, tally once with list and amenities.
Read and understand all rules and regulations of wedding planners and also of location renters.
Do not forget to count budget for decoration, it may be possible that your budget of decoration went out of limit than budget of venue.
Personally involve with all arrangement of wedding or reception so that you can give comfort and ease to your friends and relatives.
Always plan and book in much advance so that at the end you do not have to face any hustle & bustle.
Keep in mind that your wedding should not give you stress, wedding is the occasion when all of you can enjoy each and every ceremony and beautiful unforgettable moments.
In any emergency do not get confused, tackle situation with cool mind.
If you are stressed your guests can not enjoy, so be happy and keep all happy.

Well planned wedding or reception can be memorable for you and for your friends & family. These are the occasions in our life, we only plan once and therefore we all wish it executes perfectly and without any trouble. So advanced planning will be helpful to you to enjoy your wedding.