Rome, the Eternal City, is a great place to start any visit to Italy. Wherever you go in this city you will find something to see. Also as Italy’s capital city, Rome has a wide range of accommodation to suit any budget as well as a plethora of fantastic restaurants in which you can experience the varied tastes of Italy. Rome is great for longer holidays and for those looking for a city base apartments are often located in areas close to the main tourist sights and offer good value.
The biggest problem visitors have in Rome is where to start with their sightseeing. One place that most people like to start is at the Coliseum, its image is everywhere in the city and a visit there is a definite highlight. Roman ruins are everywhere and for history lovers there are loads of interesting sites. The Forum was the centre of the ancient city and around this area are lots of fascinating ruins. Here can be seen the temples of Saturn, Castor, Pollux, Venus and Roma. The Palatine Hill overlooks the Forums and as the site where wealthy Romans made their homes it is also an archaeological site in its own right.
Like many Italian cities, the churches are amongst the most important sights for the visitor. San Giovanni degli Eremiti is typical of architecture within Palermo as it is a characteristic blend of Byzantine, Arab and Norman influences. Palermo Cathedral is another impressive religious building. The outside combines neo classical design with Moorish and Gothic styles whilst the interior has Greek, Roman and Norman tombs.
Other significant sights aren’t, strictly speaking, Italian. The Vatican attracts millions of visitors every year. Not only can visitors see St Peter’s Square and Basilica with all the requisite artefacts, they can also visit the Vatican Museum complete with the Sistine Chapel and many priceless works of art.
The Massimo Theatre, famed for its appearance in ‘The Godfather’ films is another oft frequented sight. Another great place to visit is the Catacombs. This creepy place has hundreds of skeletons and mummies, many of which were sent there from the 16th century up until the early years of the 20th century. The 700 year old Vucciria Market sells all kinds of goods and is used by locals and visitors alike.
There is plenty of accommodation around all the city’s main tourist sights and for those who wish for a city base serviced apartments are available in different areas of the city. There are apartments available within walking distance of the Old Quarter ideal for those who want to enjoy the architecture and atmosphere. Palermo’s blend of influences and cultures makes it unique amongst Italian cities making a great place to stay for an extended period.
As a city base apartments offer freedom to the visitor particularly if they want to explore the island of Sicily. There are some great beaches easily reached from the city such as the beach of San Vito lo Capa to the west as well as lots of resorts to the east en route to Cefalu. Palermo is within easy reach of the Marsala wine region of the island. The rugged mountainous interior makes for an interesting contrast to the coastal regions. It is also possible to visit the world’s most famous volcano, Etna. Another popular place to visit is the town of Corleone, popularised by the Godfather films. Trains run frequently between the main towns and buses can get you to more remote spots, though many visitors prefer to rent a car to give them the maximum freedom.
Accommodation in Florence is of a high quality and offers varied choices for different needs. Whether you decide to stay in basic hostels, luxury hotels or for those wanting a long term city base apartments are also available. Such apartments are often fully equipped and provide cleaning services, free Wi-Fi and sometimes an onsite cafe. For those wanting a long term city base apartments really offer the best value. Renting a short stay apartment can really give the visitor the chance to thoroughly explore the city of Florence and its surrounding region and help them truly enjoy the atmosphere of this amazing city.
The biggest problem visitors have in Rome is where to start with their sightseeing. One place that most people like to start is at the Coliseum, its image is everywhere in the city and a visit there is a definite highlight. Roman ruins are everywhere and for history lovers there are loads of interesting sites. The Forum was the centre of the ancient city and around this area are lots of fascinating ruins. Here can be seen the temples of Saturn, Castor, Pollux, Venus and Roma. The Palatine Hill overlooks the Forums and as the site where wealthy Romans made their homes it is also an archaeological site in its own right.
The Capitoline Hill offers wonderful panoramas of the Forums and was an important centre of power for ancient Romans and remains so today. Many of the buildings around Piazza Campidoglio were based on the plans of Michelangelo. The Piazza whilst dating from the 15th century reflects Rome’s ancient history. Another must see sight is the Pantheon which is one of the Roman Empire’s best preserved buildings. Built in the second century AD by Emperor Hadrian it is famed for its dome and rotunda. Rome, however, isn’t all about the ancient city.
Like all Italian cities, Florence is famed for its piazzas. As mentioned earlier, the Piazza del Duomo is huge but there are many other interesting piazzas. Piazza della Signoria is right in the centre of the old city and has been the centre of Florentine political life for centuries. The Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall, stands in this piazza. One of the city’s most popular piazzas is the Piazza del Michelangelo. This piazza overlooks the city and has a copy of the statue of David at its centre.
Many of Rome’s piazzas are rightly famous. The Piazza Navona with its famous fountains as well as its cafes is popular as is the Piazza di Spagna, which includes the Spanish Steps . The poets Keats and Shelley once lived here and there is a house in the piazza to commemorate this fact. This is also a great shopping area. Finally, there is the Piazza Venezia, one of Rome’s most central piazzas and home to the Palazzo Venezia, a world class museum.
There is plenty of accommodation around all the city’s main tourist sights and for those who wish for a city base serviced apartments are available in different areas of the city. There are apartments available within walking distance of the Old Quarter ideal for those who want to enjoy the architecture and atmosphere. Palermo’s blend of influences and cultures makes it unique amongst Italian cities making a great place to stay for an extended period.
As a city base apartments offer freedom to the visitor particularly if they want to explore the island of Sicily. There are some great beaches easily reached from the city such as the beach of San Vito lo Capa to the west as well as lots of resorts to the east en route to Cefalu. Palermo is within easy reach of the Marsala wine region of the island. The rugged mountainous interior makes for an interesting contrast to the coastal regions. It is also possible to visit the world’s most famous volcano, Etna. Another popular place to visit is the town of Corleone, popularised by the Godfather films. Trains run frequently between the main towns and buses can get you to more remote spots, though many visitors prefer to rent a car to give them the maximum freedom.
Accommodation in Florence is of a high quality and offers varied choices for different needs. Whether you decide to stay in basic hostels, luxury hotels or for those wanting a long term city base apartments are also available. Such apartments are often fully equipped and provide cleaning services, free Wi-Fi and sometimes an onsite cafe. For those wanting a long term city base apartments really offer the best value. Renting a short stay apartment can really give the visitor the chance to thoroughly explore the city of Florence and its surrounding region and help them truly enjoy the atmosphere of this amazing city.
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