Italy: Art and Culture

Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Italy has been witness to the birth of two of the most powerful and influential forces in not only Europe, but the Western World. The mark the Romans left on the world is not only cultural but the evidence of their highly sophisticated society is no more abundant than in the heart of the former Empire itself, Rome.

Almost 1000 years after the fall of the ancient Roman Empire, Italy again (this time with Florence leading the way) became the cultural capital of the world, the Renascence (not just an art movement, but an intellectual awakening, an explosion of science, technology and discovery that changed the way the people of Europe operated and saw themselves) flourished here.

Florence is still today the undisputed capital of Renascence Art, fueled by the Medici Family in the late 1400’s and into the 1600’s the city was host to Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Donatello and a who’s who of art science and philosophy legends . People still visit the city today to witness for themselves the beauty and perfection in painting, sculpture and architecture that was created during this time. Some of the cities most famous and visited museums include the Accademia and the Uffuzi.

Rome was never far behind Florence in this cultural awakening and is home to the Vatican City, home to the Vatican Museums and the roof of the Sistine Chapel so famously painted by Michelangelo as well as his ‘Last Judgment’. People also flock to Rome from every corner of the globe for religious pilgrimages, to St. Peters Basilica, home of the Catholic Church and the Vatican City, located in the heart of Rome.

Venice also provides a totally unique experience with it’s canals, bridges, gondolas, the Basilica of St Mark and the square, reputed to be one of the most beautiful and romantic in the world.

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Sardinia, Italy

Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2011

In the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, about 125 miles from the Italian mainland, lies the unique island of Sardinia, or Sardegna in Italian.

The island is relatively free of large cities or heavy industry, and its beaches are some of the cleanest in Italy and mostly uncrowded, except during peak season. But Sardinia offers plenty besides sun and sea.

Although not known for its cultural riches, the island does hold some surprises, remains of the various civilizations that passed through here.

The island was ravaged by a succession of invaders over the centuries, each of them leaving some imprint behind: Roman and Carthaginian ruins, Genoan fortresses, a string of elegant Pisan churches with some impressive Gothic and Spanish Baroque architecture.

Perhaps most striking of all, however, are the remnants of Sardinia's only significant native culture. The Nuraghic civilization, named after the 7000-odd nuraghi that they left behind, was unique to Sardinia.

Their mysterious, stone-built constructions are often in isolated places, but there are a few to be seen in the museums of Càgliari and Sassari.

The capital is Càgliari. With good accommodation and restaurants, it makes a useful base for exploring the southern third of the island. The Costa Smeralda is Sardinia's best-known resort area and lives up to its reputation for opulence. 

Alghero, on the western shore, has a Spanish ambience, a legacy of long years in which the town was a Catalan colony, and a wholly different feel from the rest of the island.

Inland, Nuoro has impressive literary credentials and a good ethnographical museum. As the biggest town in Sardinia's interior, it also makes a useful base for visiting some of the more remote mountain areas, in particular the Gennargentu range, which covers the heart of the island. This is where you can find what remains of the island's traditional culture, best embodied in the numerous village festivals.

Italy Fascinating Culture

Posted on Thursday, August 18, 2011

Italy is home to a rich and beautiful culture. The Italians are very proud of their past and are very much still “living in” today. A closer look at Rome will reveal a city bustling with modernism and fashion, yet cobblestone streets are and timeless architecture are constant reminders of a time once passed. This country is renowned for romance, food, and passion and every ounce of life within its culture will undoubtedly convince you likewise.

The cuisine is, of course, outstanding – there is simply no way to describe the divinity of the dining experience. The full aromas alone are enough to wet you appetite throughout the day. You will discover that the delicious Italian food everybody raves about is actually very simple and made from simple but classic Italian ingredients and herbs, that just blend perfectly in a balance of spice and texture. The Italians really know their food!

Let’s not forget about the world of art and fashion that nestles within the country. Milan, the capital of fashion, boasts a number of designers including Armani, Gucci and Versace. In addition to the posh designer shops, there are a myriad of affordable boutiques that allow for purchasing of Italian goods, designs, and souvenirs.

CUISINE: Come and discover Italy must order dishes, favorite ingredients, and an Italian wine and meal pairing guide. A few specialties described include chicken parmigiana, veal marsala, linguini with clam sauce, shrimp fra diavolo, and more seafood and regular dishes.

FASHION/SHOPPING: Ask your tour director about the Italian specialty products and designers (Armani, Prada, Gucci, Versace, Valentino), as well as a location of shopping centers, major stores, and markets.

LANGUAGE: Discover Italian phrases that will help you feel more at home during your travels and will enhance your Italian experience as you can communicate with locals. Do you research early!

ARHITECTURE/DECORATIVE ARTS: A brief history of the styles of architecture that you will see on your trip, as well as some famous works of art that can be found throughout Italy includes a directory of artwork by Donotello, Raphael, Da Vinci, Michelangelo Caravaggio, and many more. In addition, Italy is home to the most famous building structures including the Sistine Chapel, the Coliseum, and Basilica San Marco.

ROMANCE: Come see why Italy is popularly known as a romantic destination; explore the history of romance in Italy through the your experiences in the Venetian canals, Portofino on the Italian Riviera, Lake Como, the Blue Grotto, and many more.  

ENTERTAINMENT: Art, music, theater; take your pick from the many spectacular exhibitions and performances set throughout Italy. Our suggestions range from classics such as Italian opera to exciting festivals, such as the Venetian Carnival.

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Milan, Italy

Posted on Thursday, July 28, 2011

Shopping, dining and partying are serious business in chic Milan, Italy's most sophisticated and prosperous city. This financial and commercial center of Italy attracts fashionistas, world-famous designers, business leaders, opera lovers and other fans of all ages. The city is also home to many artistic treasures including the restored "Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci as well as the majestic Duomo, the world's largest Gothic cathedral, presiding over the Piazza that bears its name. Milan is also home to the world's most beautiful shopping mall, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Several tours begin in Rome and end in Milan, but airfare can be expensive in and out of two cities, so many clients choose to include Milan when just visiting northern Italy and parts of Switzerland. Milan and Italian Treasures for example, is a popular choice.

Venice

Posted on Thursday, July 21, 2011

If you are thinking of seeing Italia Bella, the most entrancing country in the Western World, don’t forget about Venice.  Italy’s vast richness in culture, art, food, wine and love are all represented in Venice – and Venice has gondolas!

Some people believe that Venice is old and dirty.  They need to see Venice as it is; yes, it is old, and yes, some of the palazzos are sinking but is there a more fascinating and serene city? No.  In fact, Venice’s nickname is La Serenissima.  

Arriving by motorcoach you really see nothing until you walk off the bus and turn right at the corner.  There she is!  Venice, the Grand Canal, the beautiful entrance to the train station and awaiting just a short boat ride away is the famed Rialto Bridge, St Marks Square with the Doges Palace and Bridge of Sighs, the Basilica and more.  There are Venetian Glass artisans showing how they blow the glass.  There’s Caffe Florian, one of the oldest cafes in Europe and if you sit outdoors you can hear violins playing romantic melodies as you sip a Campari.  All right it sounds good but stick to wine or coffee.  Campari’s not as good as one would hope.

Nighttime brings  a must do romantic gondola ride. 

Hopefully you have another day in Venice to take a short boat ride to Burano  to see lace making and the very colorful homes – each one painted a bright red,  purple , etc. and to hopefully visit a museum like the Peggy Guggenheim when back in Venice.

Not to be missed!