Archive
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25 Destinations You Must Visit Before You Die
on 07 Mar 2013
While there will certainly be some debate over a few choices, we thought we’d include a mix of the most popular world sites along with a few of the more obscure. Please do tell us what you think. And we hope you enjoy the stunning photography.
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Lago Bracciano - A tranquil alternative for a Summer Rome visit
by on 01 Jan 2013
Lake Bracciano (Lago di Bracciano) is only 32 km (20 miles) northwest of Rome. Connected by train to Rome's major train stations, Bracciano is a wonderful alternative accommodation choice for your trip to the eternal city, especially in the height of summer. Lago Bracciano has long served as a reservoir for Rome's (surprisingly sweet!) drinking water and strict controls are in place to avoid pollution of the lake. As a result, sailing, canoeing and swimming are only a few of the wonderful activities which can be enjoyed in and around Bracciano's pristine waters.
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6 Reasons to Visit Rome at Christmas Time
on 29 Nov 2012
Rome is a great place to visit at Christmas. Unlike New York where it is full of glitz and glamour, Christmas time in Rome, focuses on the religious festivities and the real meaning behind Christmas.
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Best Traditional Cafés and Brasseries in Paris
on 22 Nov 2012
Cafés and brasseries are at the very heart of French culture. There are thousands all over Paris, but for the uninitiated, there are some a lot better than others. Brasseries offer a more complete menu than cafes, but both serve food and alcohol, along with tea or coffee. It is an unwritten law that once you have purchase your espresso, you can sit for a long as you want, to admire the view on a sunny terrace or to shelter from the weather on a rainy day.
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Fantastic Attractions to Visit in London This Christmas
on 15 Nov 2012
London is a vibrant city at any time of the year, but a visit at Christmas is to experience a wonderful festival of lights and entertainment unparalleled anywhere in the world.
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5 Reasons to Visit Greenwich the Home of Longitude
on 09 Nov 2012
Greenwich is well known as the place from which the rest of the world takes its time. It is also a historic town on the eastern approach to London by sea or by land and home to the Naval Museum and the Queen’s House, a magnificent building designed by Inigo Jones.
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5 Important Works of Art to See in Rome
on 01 Nov 2012
A trip to Rome is a pleasure for so many reasons. For those who love art, there is an abundance to see in churches museums and piazzas.
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on 26 Oct 2012
Before going to Italy, and to get a feel for places to visit and activities to do on your next holiday, check out some of these great Italian blogs.
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6 Reasons to Visit Île de la Cité
on 22 Oct 2012
The Île de la Cité, the boat shaped island on the Seine was first inhabited by Celtic tribes as far back at 3rd century BC. It is one of the oldest parts of Paris and is a must see destination for any visitor to to the city, here are just 6 reasons to visit this beautiful island.
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Italian food varieties – Pizza isn’t alone
on 11 Oct 2012
Modern Italian cuisine as we know it dates back to the 4th century yet it can be very easy to stick to the safe option of pizza. When visiting a place such as Rome there is one thing you will not have to worry about, and that is struggling to find a good place to eat. Italy is known as the home of a great homemade pizza but there is much more out there on offer. Pizzas may have a variety of different toppings but alternating between a ‘Margarita’ and a ‘Roma’ doesn’t mean you have tried an assortment of foods when on your holiday. Italian cuisine features simple combinations of exceptionally high quality ingredients which are engrained into Mediterranean tradition and culture. Try as many things as possible when visiting Rome, if you don’t you will definitely miss out.
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on 04 Oct 2012
During the summer months, the city of Rome becomes a sweltering haze of heat waves and stifling pollution. Locals flee to neighbouring regions to escape the furnace and return in the autumn months when the crowds of tourists and sizzling city have cooled. A prime time to visit, Rome is comfortably warm, allowing for outdoor excursions without much overexertion. Visiting the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain or the Vatican can be done at any time of year. Visiting Rome in autumn uncovers a road less travelled, one less of architecture and more of action. Here are five examples of what to do in an autumnal Rome.
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4 Great Travel Blogs To Review Before You Book Your Next Holiday
on 21 Sep 2012
If you want to plan your next holiday to Europe, but you feel it is such a large area and you don’t know where to start, try looking at travel blogs to find the best places to go and attractions to visit. These are just some of the travel blogs I have read and recommend for helping you decide where to go on your next holiday and what to see there.
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on 14 Sep 2012
Berlin is one of the most exciting vibrant cities in Europe and as such is well worth a visit. Now that the peak of summer is over, with shorter days and cooler temperatures, it is the perfect time to explore what the city has to offer. An added bonus is that as it is outside of the main tourist season, there are great deals on offer to tempt the most intrepid traveller. Here are just a few events taking place in Berlin this autumn.
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Using your mobile to plan a holiday in Venice
on 06 Sep 2012
Venice is an unforgettable holiday destination. Whether you are visiting on a romantic break, keen to soak of the history of the city, or just looking for some great places to eat out, your mobile will you help to have an amazing holiday. Use mobile apps to steer your way through the crowds, get the best seats at the best restaurants and much more!
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The Paralympics Start This Week
on 29 Aug 2012
The Paralympics start this week, Wednesday the 29th of August and will last until the 9th of September. There will be 4,280 athletes from 166 countries competing in 20 sports in 19 venues. To coincide with the Paralympics and to celebrate this being the first time the Paralympics are hosted in London, there will be a number of events taking place across the capital.
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on 24 Aug 2012
Venice is one of the most well known cities in the world. Famous for its canals, gondolas and Murano glass, not forgetting its unique history, art and architecture, the “City on the Water” is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Located in the lagoon of the Adriatic Sea, Venice appeals to all ages and is one of the most interesting and exciting places to visit.
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5 Attractions to Visit in the 18th Arrondissement of Paris
on 16 Aug 2012
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements which is indicated by the last two digits of the numerical post code. For example, Montmartre is in the arrondissement 18 and therefore the post code is 75018. The arrondissements are laid out in a clockwise direction, from the centre of Paris. Each has its own unique characteristics, here is a look at 5 attractions to visit in the 18th.
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Events for The Last Week of The Olympics
on 09 Aug 2012
The twenty two gold medal won for Great Britain for the women’s heptathlon, athletics, double sculls, sailing, tennis and show jumping beats the previous record of 18 at Beijing and there are still four days left of the Olympics. The total number of medals now puts team GB just behind China and the USA.
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Olympic Events and Venues This Week
on 31 Jul 2012
The Olympics is now in its first full week and this past weekend has already been very exciting especially with the spectacular Opening Ceremony. The first gold medal was won by China’s Yi Siling. Ryan Lochte won the first gold for his country, the United States and 16 year old Ye Shiwen of China set the world record of the women’s 400m swim at the weekend.
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Run Britannia with Sweaty Betty
by on 27 Jul 2012
We love Sweaty Betty, it's Britain's answer to LuLu Lemon and their products are great quality and well priced, in the spirit of the Olympic games they are inviting you to grab your running shoes and embrace British heritage with Sweaty Betty Run Britannia - a series of 5K and 10K sight seeing runs around London. Starting from four of Sweaty Betty's most iconic boutique locations, Soho, Kensington, Harrods and the Kings Road, join Sweaty Betty for a morning or evening run. Remember - come ready to run. See London's iconic sights.
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The Countdown is Over - The Olympic Games Start This Weekend
on 26 Jul 2012
After 7 years of planning, a 100 day countdown and a 70 day torch relay in the UK, the Olympic Games begins this weekend. There will be 10,500 athletes and 8.8 million ticket holders at The Games during the 17 days with 26 different team sports being played over this time.
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5 Events in Amsterdam this Summer
on 20 Jul 2012
If you are in Europe this summer, hop over to Amsterdam for the weekend. Tickets can cost under £100 (if booked well in advance) and you can even take direct flights from London City Airport, saving you time and money (avoid paying for the airport express trains) as you can use your Oyster card. There are lots of activities taking place in Amsterdam this summer, here are just a few.
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5 Exciting London Events in July (Excluding The Olympics)
on 13 Jul 2012
Despite the weather, the show must go on especially in the run up to the Olympics when millions of visitors will be descending upon London. Here are just a few of the events taking place this month before The Olympics begin.
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Wimbledon Championships Final This Weekend
on 05 Jul 2012
There has been a mixture of sunshine and showers this past week and some of the favourites to win the Championships have now been knocked out. Spain won the football on the weekend and as Nadal was defeated last week, which country will now win Wimbledon?
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Where to Watch the Euro 2012 Final in Italy
on 29 Jun 2012
This Sunday is the final of Euro 2012. After Italy beat Germany 2 – 1 in last night’s match, Sunday in Italy will be crazy. The Italians love football and given the celebrations from the semi final, there is sure to be one big celebration if they win Euro 2012.
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Tennis and Football All in the Same Week
on 20 Jun 2012
It happens every two years when the Football World Cup or Euro Cup clashes with the Wimbledon Championships and this year it has happened again. But then, doesn’t it make the week more exciting? June 25th is the start of the Wimbledon Championships and also the week the semi finals for Euro 2012 begin. Here is your guide on what to see and do if you are lucky enough to have tickets for the tennis, you will still be able to watch the football in the evening:
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Best Bars In London to Watch The Euro 2012 England Match
on 14 Jun 2012
England and Sweden are playing on Friday, June 15th , kick off at 19:45 UK time. Both teams will be under pressure to win this match as Sweden was beaten 2 - 1 by the Ukraine earlier in the week and England drew 1 – 1 with France in their first Euro 2012 match on Monday. There are many pubs and bars in London that will be showing the game this Friday, here are just a few recommended bars to watch the match.
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Best Places to Watch Euro 2012 in Berlin
on 08 Jun 2012
Today is the start of Euro 2012. Germans love football and this weekend the first match Germany is playing is against Portugal this Saturday. It is going to be tough to get through to the final as all four teams in Group B (Germany, Portugal, Denmark and Holland) are in the top 10 of FIFA’s world rankings. There will be a great atmosphere, so if you are in Berlin this weekend, here are some of the places you should go to watch the game.
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Epsom Derby – The Beginning of The Diamond Jubilee Weekend
on 30 May 2012
Epsom Downs is located 3km from Epsom town and 25km from Waterloo. Epsom Downs holds the Derby every year in early June and the Derby is one of the most Classic English Races. Tickets to the Queen’s stand and Duchess’ stand can be bought in advance, alternatively, if you arrive early, you can take a picnic and enjoy the Derby free of charge.
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A Day Trip To Kingston Upon Thames
on 25 May 2012
Kingston Upon Thames is a former old market town just 10 miles south of London situated on the river Thames. It is in the county of Surrey and was originally where the Saxon kings were crowned. Kingston is located in zone 6 of the London transport network, with 4 trains an hour from London Waterloo. It is well worth a trip out to visit here are some of attractions to see.
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Events in Paris in May and June
on 18 May 2012
Summer is right around the corner, which means there are a number of events taking place in Paris. If you are going to Paris in the next few weeks, it is a perfect time to go.
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More Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Take Place This Week
on 09 May 2012
2012 is the year of the Diamond Jubilee. The peak of activities starts in June, but there have already been a few events earlier this years to start the celebrations. In March the Queen made a speech to Parliament to mark the occasion and unveiled a stained glass window which was commissioned for the Jubilee. There has only ever been one Diamond Jubilee in the UK before and this was for Queen Victoria in June 1897 which means there is more reason to celebrate and take part in the Jubilee this summer.
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on 04 May 2012
London has an abundant number of theatres all over town showing a variety of theatre shows. Some people may be put off by expecting high prices, but it does not have to cost an arm and a leg to see your favourite musical. There are a several venues where you can get a discount on theatre tickets. Here are some of the best plays in London.
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5 Reasons To Visit Covent Garden
on 27 Apr 2012
Covent Garden is located right in the centre of London, within walking distance of The Strand, Leicester Square and Shaftsbury Avenue. Its name derives from the time when it was a garden of Westminster Abbey and Convent. Now a popular destination for Londoners and tourists alike, the former vegetable and fruit market has something for everyone.
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2 For 1 Offers: London Attractions Along The South Bank
on 20 Apr 2012
There are many attractions to visit in London and it can work out quite expensive if you want to go to even a few of them. However, these attractions offer a discount rate for those that use the train or “go by train” and allows people to buy two tickets for the price of one. One of the busiest stations in London is Waterloo which is home to a number of London attractions.
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6 Fantastic Events in London 2012
on 13 Apr 2012
2012 is set to be a busy year in London. There is so much going on starting with the Marathon, then the Diamond Jubilee right up to the Olympics in August. If you have never been to London before, there is no better reason to go in 2012.
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by on 13 Apr 2012
When you're traveling, keeping up your regular exercise routine can often get stumped by either inferior and uninviting gyms and yoga studios or restrictive expensive one off fees for casual visitors. If you practice YOGA or PILATES "triyoga":http://www.triyoga.co.uk is the perfect solution ...
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on 05 Apr 2012
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and with the long weekend coming up at Easter, it is the perfect time to go There are still a few last minute deals with Eurostar and on some hotels and apartment rental companies.
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on 02 Apr 2012
There is a lot happening in England’s capital over the 4 day Easter weekend. There are activities for all the family, some which do not even cost a penny. Take the kids out of the house and head into London for a weekend full of Easter adventures.
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by on 09 Jun 2011
In Paris, what could be more appropriate than a museum dedicated to the romantic life?
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by on 04 May 2011
The inevitable Parisian question upon entry into bars, cafes, and restaurants: would you like to sit inside or outside, 'en terrasse'?
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Venice Apartments vs Venice Hotels – Another Story!
by on 12 Apr 2011
I'm just back from a delightful trip to Venice to inspect a lot of new apartments, April can be glorious in Venice, the sunshine warmed my body through to the bone and the flow of tourists is still handleable.
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by on 14 Oct 2010
If you ask a Parisian about Paris’ level of safety what to avoid and where not to end up alone at night, they will most probably tell you that in general, Paris is a safe city, but you can easily turn a corner and find yourself in a rather “daunting” street or neighborhood. For example, you may be having a coffee outside Centre Georges Pompidou, then head over to Rue Saint Denis, where the majority of stores either sell pornographic DVDs or charge a small fee for, let’s call them, “exclusive viewings”… The atmosphere can literally change in a matter of seconds. However, sticking to the classic guidebook, step-by step arrondissement itinerary can be a downfall.
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by on 10 Oct 2010
For Parisians, nothing is ever perfect … and this includes the weather: a sunny, cloudless sky, like the one today can be completely ruined by ‘un petit vent’. Nevertheless, this unusually warm October day seemed to entice every Parisian and tourist in the city, and rightly so. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the ‘petit vent’ behaved itself
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by on 19 Aug 2010
There are so many pizzerias to choose from in Rome (as there are apartments in Rome), many quite good, but in my mind the three below rate way above for their thin crust Roman pizza as well as for the atmosphere you expect from a Roman Pizzieria. Don't forget to order some of the delicious "Supli" fried rice balls stuffed with mozzerella to start to really enjoy the true Roman pizzeria experience and remember that according to tradition, beer accompanies pizza, never wine...
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by on 17 Aug 2010
I can confidently say that these are by far the two best places to enjoy coffee in Rome, with many options to buy their coffee in airtight containers to take home...
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by on 16 Aug 2010
There's Gelati and there's Gelati. If you want to enjoy a real taste sensation, don't just dive into any old Gelateria, the list below are some of Rome's best gelaterie where the owners use real fruit, fresh eggs ...
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A Guide to the Eateries of Venice
by on 01 Aug 2010
Finding a good restaurant in Venice for those not "in the know" can be a little tricky, however on a recent trip I discovered a small book - A Guide to the Eateries of Venice by Michela Scibilia, when I realised that my own few favorites were included I bought it in view of my next Venice trip,
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Florence Station - taxis from Santa Maria in Novella Station
by on 01 Jun 2009
I was in Florence today to inspect some new properties and am now definitely convinced that there are no signs directing you to the taxi stand. On my previous visits I have only ever discovered it by walking around the outskirts of the station until I found it, always arriving at the end of the very long queue..
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Rome Marathon, Sunday March 16th
by on 16 Mar 2008
For all the runners out there, here's a photo of today's Rome Marathon race as it passes near our office... The winner at a time of 2:09:36 was Ken Kemboi Chelimo of Kenya. The women's winner with a new record time was Souad Ait Salem from Algeria at a time of 2:25:07.
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by on 16 Feb 2008
The winter months on the Sorrentine Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast is known to be very quiet and some say, don't go, it's all closed, so on a very sunny February weekend we decided to take a drive down to Meta di Sorrento to stay in one of our properties Apartment Sunset and take some photos and see for ourselves just how closed it is in February.
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1/2 a Million Balls Roll Down The Spanish Steps
by on 17 Jan 2008
TV cameras filmed half a million colored balls cascading down Rome's 18th Century - Spanish Steps, in the most recent stunt by the man who dyed the waters of the Trevi Fountain red, Graziano Cecchini. The balls rolled down the steps into the boat-shaped Barcaccia fountain in Piazza di Spagna below in a spectacle that stunned passers-by, who snapped photos and scooped up the balls as souvenir
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Da Oio A Casa Mia - A True Roman Experience
by on 18 Nov 2007
Da Oio A Casa Mia is where you go to enjoy true Roman cuisine in a completely unpretentious atmosphere in the Testaccio quarter of Rome, an old working class zone just across the river from Trastevere, you may find it a little rough and ready in the service department - but this just adds to the authenticity of a real Roman location... you'll eat the most wonderful Roman delights here such as Caccia Pepe, Carbonara, Ox Tail and Tripe. Don't Miss it!!
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Il Baretto - New Hip Rome Cafe/Cocktail Bar
by on 15 Nov 2007
Now Rome is... as most people know, an incredibly beautiful historic city, but cool, modern and hip?..... it's hard to find, it's just not Rome's thing .... so when you happen upon a fabulous new cool cafe, cocktail bar, it's worth talking about. Il Baretto has just opened on via Garibaldi on the way up to the Gianicolo Hill from Trastevere. It's just a 5-10 minute walk up from John Cabot University and is - SO - worth the walk. The same owners have GOA, one of Rome's well established nightclubs. The garden at Il Baretto is definitely its best asset, in spring and summer this place will be heaven, but even today a freezing but perfectly sunny Rome Autumn day, the modern interior and the abundance of glass make this a heavenly spot to spend some time... I happen to be sitting in here borrowing their wifi while waiting for an appointment. This would be a perfect stop after a visit to the Gianicolo hill or Villa Pamphili, so don't miss it.
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Driving from Rome to the Maremma
by on 31 Oct 2006
If you are driving up to the Maremma region from Rome, you must stop at this roadside shop for a panino, forget stopping at an Autogrill !
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A Weekend at Rocca di Castagnoli
by on 22 Oct 2006
It seemed as though winter simply did not want to arrive in Italy this year. On the last weekend in October the beaches near Rome were full of Roman's that were enjoying a beautiful sunny and warm day a the sea. Rome is famous for its Ottobrata Romana - the Roman October...
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by on 01 Oct 2006
If you're in Rome with your husband, lover, or even your best friend - go to the lovers bridge, Ponte Milvio - one of Romes older bridges that spans the Tiber River near the football stadium.
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by on 01 Oct 2006
If you're fortunate to be in Rome on the first Sunday of the month, this antique market is a wonderful place to stroll for a few hours, of course you'll only have room for the smaller items in your suitcase
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Apartment vs Hotel - Why Choose an Apartment
by on 20 Apr 2006
When our family planned our last Easter holiday, there was the usual family debate deciding where we to go. Finally everybody voted on Nice; so, I commenced the process of pouring over many websites looking for an apartment, that might suit our family of four.
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by on 18 Oct 2005
A new discovery for me is Traghetto in Venice, I had always used the bridges when going from one side to the other of the Grand Canal - these - as anyone who has stayed in Venice will know can sometimes be quite out of the way, but a recent trip with a friend in tow for company taught me something so useful and fun.
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Luxury Apartments with Hotel Services
by on 18 Oct 2005
Undoubtedly the most luxurious serviced apartment complex in Venice (and probably the only one!) We had the pleasure of staying there for the weekend in the apartment "Bucintoro", a two bedroom, 1 & half bath apartment on the fifth floor of this restored grain mill on the island of Giudecca.
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by on 06 Jul 2005
Last weekend we had the good fortune of traveling to Tuscany to inspect one of our latest properties in the heart of Chianti - Rocca di Castagnoli. Possibly due to the fact that the Palio was on in Siena (only 30 minutes away) Chianti was a true paradise, hardly a soul to be found anywhere, and after a two week heatwave in Rome the significant drop in temperature in the countryside was a great relief.
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by on 12 Jun 2005
Being fortunate enough to live in the absolute heart of Rome; any more central and our bed would be on the Spanish Steps; our office is located just five minutes on foot from our apartment - so sometimes when I indulge myself in the pleasure of taking that short walk as though it were the first time, I can momentarily forget that I had to wait ten minutes before the water in the shower turned hot this morning or that I lined up for an hour and a half in the post office yesterday to pay an electricity bill - because the girl behind the counter was answering her cell phone to argue with her boyfriend every five minutes.
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Italy - Buying an Italian Sim Card
by on 10 Jun 2005
Yesterday in the vodafone shop in Rome, my daughter and I came accross 3 lovely Australian girls, all first time travelers who were nervously checking their phrase books for the right words -- needless to say, they couldn't find the phrase "I'd like to buy an Italian sim card please".