Rome City Breaks

The Villa Borghese Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:22:00 +0000

Sometimes Rome can be a little overwhelming even for the most excited of tourists to manage. If you are visiting the city and you find the need to escape for some peace and quiet for a while, you can still combine that need with some sightseeing.

The Villa Borghese gardens provide the ideal escape for such an occasion. To call them gardens is to slightly miss the point on how big they are though; this area is actually a public park and it is the largest one of its kind in all of Rome. In a sense though, calling the area a park or a garden is a clue to its versatile history. In the past it was a vineyard, way back in the 16th century when it was first created.

Today though it is a place where everyone can come and enjoy the peace and tranquillity that the gardens provide. You will get your fair share of water here as well, since the middle of the park is taken up with a large lake. This was created some two centuries after the vineyard first took up residence here.

If you are nearby making your way up the Spanish Steps, you might be interested to know that once you make it to the top you will be very close to the Villa Borghese gardens. You’ll probably need a rest once you’ve negotiated all the steps so it’s the best possible time to do some exploring!

The name of the park comes courtesy of the Cardinal Scipione Borghese. He originally decided to get rid of the vineyard and transform it into a park in the very early years of the 17th century. This was clearly an excellent decision but even he may be surprised that his park is still being used and enjoyed some four hundred years later.

The Villa Borghese gardens are a key part of Rome and a pleasant green area to enjoy as well. It is easy to get caught up in the history of Rome from Roman times, but as you can see there is a lot more to it than that.

The Sistine Chapel

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:37:00 +0000

When it comes to visiting famous venues in Rome, you certainly have a lot of options to choose from. But one of the most famous of all has to be the Sistine Chapel.

Even the name of this chapel sends shivers down your spine. It doesn’t matter what your religious beliefs are; you will want to add this superb destination to your itinerary if you intend to visit Rome for a well deserved break.

The chapel can be found in the Vatican City, which as you will probably know is where the Pope resides. Several famous buildings comprise the Pope’s residence, which is known as the Apostolic Palace. But the Sistine Chapel is perhaps the most famous of them all.

Many famous names are associated with the chapel, not least of which is Michelangelo. Most people will be familiar with the famous painting called the ‘Creation of Adam’, where God brings Adam to life. The forefinger of each touches the other in the most famous and recognisable part of the painting. This adorns the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and in 2011 it will be exactly five hundred years since Michelangelo painted the amazing scene on the ceiling. It is just one of the reasons why a visit to the Sistine Chapel is well worth your time.

If you do intend to visit the chapel you should take heed of the rules that surround such visits. You can book your tickets in advance and indeed this is often the best way to get past the huge queues that can form there. This is after all one of the most popular sights in the whole of Rome, and certainly within the Vatican City.

One of the key things to remember is to dress appropriately for your time in the chapel. You may be wearing shorts every other day in Rome, but they are certainly not going to permit you access to the Sistine Chapel wearing them. Make sure you read up on the rules of attire before you go, so you will not be turned away when you get there. The last thing you want is to miss out on this most amazing sight in Rome.

Shopping in Rome

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 13:04:00 +0000

When you think of Rome you probably think about all the superb ancient monuments and signs of ancient times that exist there. Make no mistake – this is one of the world’s prime sites for revisiting the past.

But it would be easy to think that Rome is all about ancient times and very little else. You will be hard pushed to visit the city without also thinking about some very modern elements of it. One such example – and a very good one it is too – is shopping.

Rome is in Italy after all, and that means haute couture and general clothes shopping is a must do pastime here. If you are visiting Rome you cannot fail to be taken in by all the clothes and shops there are to explore here. Indeed many a city break has been punctuated by numerous visits to some of Rome’s best clothing stores. If this kind of outing would be good for you to enjoy, you will certainly have plenty of delightful hours to spend browsing around all the different kinds of shops you will find there.

If you want to go for the best clothes (and the most expensive price tags) there are plenty of designer stores in Rome. Prada, Gucci and Versace all have stores here, along with the likes of various other well known designers. If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to those particular stores you will find lots of individual boutiques as well. This is one of the charms of Rome – it has the ability to offer the most expensive and luxurious clothes alongside those that are ideal for any kind of budget.

Be prepared to wear comfy shoes as you traverse the streets of Rome looking for bargains and expensive luxuries as well. Look out for Via dei Condotti for the expensive designer stores, and also the Via del Corso if you want cheaper and more affordable wares. One thing is certain though – whatever your budget will stretch to, Rome has it all laid out for you to explore. You are bound to enjoy every moment of it.

A Famous European Square

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 11:44:00 +0000

If you are visiting Rome you really are completely spoiled for choice as to where you will want to go first. One good place to begin – and certainly one place you will want to see before you go – is the Piazza Navona. This is one of the most famous squares, not just in Rome or Europe but in the entire world. You may even recognise it when you first arrive, such is its fame and image.

When you are standing in the square you should be aware of its history too. The square is now occupying the space where an ancient stadium used to stand, and there are still parts of it that can be seen in certain locations. There are fountains that stand in the square now, along with plenty of places to browse round and sit down at for a coffee or two. This is a very welcoming square and one that attracts many visitors right throughout the year.

A baroque church adds more drama to the square and makes it even more appealing. Even if you have seen pictures of the square before you will not be prepared for the views that meet you when you eventually see it for yourself. It is definitely worth looking round the square and spending some time there really appreciating every last aspect of it before you leave. It is quite something to think of how it has changed from the 30,000 seater stadium that was here in ancient times, to the welcoming and charming square that is there now.

When the weather is nice the outdoor cafes are one of the best places to sit back and enjoy everything the square has to offer. You will arguably see even more by viewing the square from a comfortable seat in one of these cafes, because you will be able to relax and sit back to watch what is going on. Tourists tend to fill the square for much of the time, appreciating the fountains and everything else they can see here.

If you visit the Piazza Navona, you may indeed find it difficult to leave.

Don’t Miss Out On The Chance To See St Peter’s Basilica

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:56:00 +0000

Whether you have ever been to Rome or not, you will be familiar with St Peter’s Basilica. It is arguably one of the world’s most famous churches and it can be found within the Vatican City. The city itself lies not far to the west of Rome and many of its attractions, such as the Trevi Fountain and the Capitoline Museums.

But why are people drawn to the Basilica? Is it because it lies in the enclave known as the Vatican City? Or are there other reasons why St Peter’s Basilica draws the crowds on a regular basis?

One reason has to be its stunning appearance. To say it is huge is to vastly underestimate its size. Some sixty thousand people can be accommodated inside the church at full capacity, which tells us something about the vastness of the interior. But it is also quite beautiful, and you would probably struggle to find the words to describe just how beautiful it is. The detail of every part of the inside of the Basilica is just amazing, and you will feel small and probably insignificant as well when you see it for yourself. That’s how amazing St Peter’s really is.

It is called St Peter’s because it was built on the very spot where St Peter was laid to rest in 64 AD. The site has long had a shrine – even before St Peter died – but over the years it was developed and the original basilica was eventually built. The one we see there today was not built until the early 1500s.

The good news is that you can see the interior of St Peter’s Basilica completely free of charge. The only charge made is the one for going up into the dome. Some choose not to do this but if you have a head for heights you should definitely try it. You’ll be rewarded with the most amazing views of Rome, thanks to the sheer size and height of the dome you will be peering out of.

When you think about it, there is no way you could visit Rome without seeing the Basilica itself.

Walk Along The Appian Way

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:29:00 +0000

If you take a holiday in Rome you are bound to want to explore the many ancient sights in the city. After all, Rome can do ancient landmarks better than most other world cities, so it makes sense to make the most of them.

If this is what you intend to do you should definitely think about walking along the Appian Way. Many of today’s modern roads in the countries Romans went to are based on the original paths the Romans used. But the Appian Way is one of the earliest genuine Roman roads that can still be seen in parts of Italy. When you are in Rome you can indeed do as the Romans did and walk along this very road.

The road itself is fascinating to look at. It is mostly constructed of cobbles and therefore provides a very uneven surface. If you intend to walk along as much of it as possible, ensure you have comfortable walking shoes otherwise you will feel the cobbles beneath your feet!

The road dates back to 312 BC, and it is named after the man who came up with the idea to build it. He was known as Appius Claudius Caesus. No doubt he would be amazed to see the road still there today and still being explored by the many people who visit Rome each year.

As you follow the road you will be walking along a major route through history. This is not just because of the road itself though. Also along parts of the route there are tombs of former residents of Rome. No burials were allowed to take place in the city, and so the major roads leading out from there were used as routes to burial places. Many tombs were constructed just by the roadside, and some can still be seen today.

And beneath the road there lies even more secrets. Catacombs and other curiosities are there beneath your feet as you walk the cobbles, giving another intriguing side of ancient Rome as it was back then. It certainly has much still to reveal to modern day man.

Touring Rome

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:51:00 +0000

Rome is one of those cities that immediately throws up some obvious and classic sights to see when you pay a visit there. For example you’ve got the likes of the Roman Forum, the Vatican and the Colosseum to name just three.

But it can be all too easy to overlook the less well known places when you go all out to see the famous sights Rome has to offer. This is why one of the best things you can do is to book a place on a tour of Rome.

It’s worth noting though that you’ve got dozens of potential tours to choose from, so you should make every effort to find out what is available before making your choice. For instance not all the tours are walking tours. Some take place over the space of a couple of hours while others last for the whole day. Many of them are also themed so you can take your pick from the many options that are available.

One good example of this is the themed tour which takes in lots of Rome’s crypts and catacombs. It may sound creepy but there is a lot to discover on this tour and some of the best sights in Rome are included in the tour. Watch out for entrance fees that are included in the tour price too – this can make any tour well worth doing from a value for money point of view.

It can also be worthwhile to try an evening tour if you want to see a different side of Rome. Any tour will have the advantage of giving you a knowledgeable guide who will make the whole experience even more memorable. You may be able to learn a lot from guide books but nothing prepares you for the experience of listening to an expert guide.

And since there is plenty of history to find out about in Rome, you can see why a few tours can virtually guarantee you a better trip. Don’t just explore on your own – book onto some tours to find out some of the real secrets of this amazing city.

The Most Unusual Place In Rome?

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:51:00 +0000

Rome is certainly filled with many signs and sights of what the city used to be like in ancient times. But some sights are a lot more bizarre than others.

The most bizarre one of them all must surely be the Capuchin Crypt. The word crypt will surely make you wonder why you would want to add this to your tour of Rome upon arrival. Certainly, it is not for everyone, but there is something about this particular attraction that does beg to be seen.

So let’s consider what is in store for you here should you be willing to see it. Firstly it is indeed a crypt, and a relatively small one at that. There are several chapels here and each one is tiny, so it might not be ideal for those who tend to feel claustrophobic.

But what of that word Capuchin? Well, Capuchin friars were laid to rest here between the early 1500s and the late 1800s – but they were not laid to rest in the traditional way. Instead their bones were used to create the decorations on the walls and ceilings in the chapels themselves. This bizarre way of handling the dead is undoubtedly the reason why so many people visit this crypt today.

Each part of the crypt has its own unique name, and some of them indicate exactly what you will find inside. For example the Crypt of the Skulls is fairly self explanatory, as is the Crypt of the Pelvises. Some of the bones are used to create designs and ornate patterns on the walls, mixing the bones of hundreds of people to create the finished effect.

If you feel you have the nerve to see this very unusual crypt, you will find it underneath a church on the Via Veneto. The church is called the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini. It is certainly very unlike anything you will have seen before. It might be just a short visit, perhaps an hour at most depending on whether you have the stomach to stay, but it is a memory that will definitely last a lot longer than that.

Don’t Miss Out On The Colosseum

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:39:00 +0000

We’ve mentioned plenty of sights you can go and see in Rome, but of course none is better known than the Colosseum. But you should not expect to see a round building though, because the Colosseum itself looks more oval in appearance if you see it from above. As you walk around the outside of the building you will see this is the case.

This structure goes way back to 80 AD, and this was the time it was actually finished rather than the time it started being built. As such it doesn’t take much imagination to think of all the different people who have walked in and around the Colosseum during its lifetime.

The most famous events which took place in the Colosseum were of course the gladiatorial events. Since many gladiators lost their lives during those times, it is quite amazing to think of how many contests were won and lost during those Roman times.

Of course the Colosseum that we can see today is not the same as the structure the Romans of all those years ago would have seen. It is the same building of course but it has undeniably fallen into some degree of ruin in more recent centuries. However this does seem to give the building a certain classic appearance that cannot be denied.

Amazingly enough there is still occasionally the opportunity to see a performance or two in the Colosseum today. While you won’t see any major shows there, the odd performer has held a concert there from time to time. The one downside is that the Colosseum cannot accommodate a large number of people as it once did. Although you can see the Colosseum is ruined from how it once was, you will see that its interior is even worse. This is why the size of any show held inside the Colosseum is so limited.

Whenever you are in Rome, do as the Romans do and visit the Colosseum. You will love every minute of it and there is no doubt that history will be there waiting for you when you arrive.

Visiting The Capitoline Museums In Rome

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:39:00 +0000

No one will argue about the depth of history that is present in modern day Rome. This is one of the most historic cities in the world, with a past that stretches back over many centuries into different ages, times and peoples.

You will notice from the title of this post that we refer to museums rather than just a single museum. This is because the Capitoline Museums are situated in three separate buildings, albeit all next to each other and forming three sides of a square. There is a piazza in the middle so it forms quite a stunning scene even before you enter the buildings themselves.

But what can you expect here? Well, the three buildings are called palazzos. There is the Palazzo Senatorio, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo. The first of the three buildings is by far the oldest, having been constructed some four centuries before the second oldest building, the Palazzo dei Conservatori. You don’t have to go outside to get from one building to another, since there is a walkway that has been built underground for this purpose.

The Palazzo Nuovo has among other things the Cabinet of Venus. This shows a wonderful statue called the Capitoline Venus, which is quite something to see. You will also be able to view the Hall of the Emperors, which is full of marble busts of various emperors through the ages.

Elsewhere in the Palazzo dei Conservatori you will find another two floors to explore, added to the two in the previous building. The Castellani Halls are just one of the delights to see here, which have many archaeological pieces and historical objects to see and appreciate.

Finally you have the Galleria Lapidaria, which is the underground gallery that runs across in front of the third palazzo. An offshoot of this leads you into the Palazzo Senatorio, which houses the Tabularium among other things.

As you can see there is much to learn and view at these palazzos. The Capitoline Museums hold many secrets and exhibits that relate to the long history of Rome, and it provides a good way to get to know this city.

Visiting The Museum Of The Walls

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:25:00 +0000

Every city has a good selection of museums you can visit. Some are unusual, some are absolutely essential to add to any list of things to see and do, and others are not very well known at all.

But just because some museums are not heard of very widely, it doesn’t mean they are not equally worth visiting. One of the best examples of this is the Museum of the Walls in Rome.

Otherwise known as the Museo delle Mura, this museum costs very little to get into and it gives you another insight into Rome’s past. Even the location of this one is a little unusual. You need to look for Porta san Sebastiano to begin with, which is in itself a very attractive landmark to look at. This is essentially a gate, but above it you will see two circular towers. This gate has been standing for many centuries and if you climb the stairs which lead up inside the building you will find yourself entering the Museum of the Walls.

This is exactly what it sounds like – a chance to find out more about Rome’s city walls. These date back as far as the third century, so you really are seeing another slice of ancient life in Rome as it was back then. Access to the museum is definitely advisable because you can enjoy a walk along part of the walls themselves once you are inside. This so called ‘wall walk’ is ideal for tourists because you get a fantastic view of the city below. Watch out in particular for the Baths of Caracalla, or at least what remains of them. You can see plenty more from your vantage point atop the walls though too.

Needless to say you need to be fit enough to walk up the stairs and onto the wall itself. The trip is worth it and you will learn a lot about the history of Rome’s walls while you are there. As museums go this must surely be one of the more unusual ones Rome has to offer, but it is unmissable nonetheless.

Step Back Into Ancient Rome At The Pantheon

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:45:00 +0000

It is always captivating to see a building that has stood the test of time and remained standing for many years. But when that building was built way back between the years 118 and 126, you can see that you are standing inside a piece of ancient history.

Such is the case in Rome when you go and visit the Pantheon. When you consider that this building was created nearly 1,900 years ago it really makes you think about who was around at the time and what role they played in its creation. Could they have dreamed it would still be standing and looking this impressive in 2010?

One of the first things you will notice is the inscription which is carved into the stone above the eight huge columns that support the front of the building. It reads “M.AGRIPPA.L.F.COS.TERTIVM.FECIT” which can be translated to mean “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, Consul for the third time, built this”. It is essentially a signature placed there by the creator of the Pantheon all those centuries ago.

Rome is filled with countless signs left by the ancient Romans, but the Pantheon is one of the best preserved of them all. But as you step inside you will be able to see beyond the ancient Roman building and witness history as it took place in the years since. With every passing generation a new use has been found for the Pantheon, and this is why you can now see the tomb of Raphael the famous painter among others.

But this is not just a piece of history. The Pantheon still sees regular use today too, as church services go on here on a regular basis. In fact it is possible for some people to get married in the Pantheon, which must surely be one of the world’s most stunning locations to say your wedding vows.

Needless to say though, it receives many visitors each and every year who simply wish to see a slice of Roman history from times when names such as Septimius Severus were a part of life. Don’t miss it.

The Baths Of Caracalla

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:29:00 +0000

Most people are familiar with swimming baths. But if you ever visit the Baths of Caracalla in Rome you will be amazed that the Romans had their own version of our modern baths way back in AD 216, when they were finally finished.

And they were quite impressive too, especially when you consider how long ago they were built. The Baths, or Thermae, as they were known, were housed in a large building that looks stunning from the outside. It has survived the ensuing centuries very well, and while it does not look exactly the same as it did all those years ago, you can get a pretty good idea of what it did look like back then. What’s more they were in operation for a full three centuries before finally falling into disuse.

What you see today is a shadow of the former baths as the Romans would have known them. But this does not make any visit here any less worthwhile. You can stand where the Romans would once have bathed and see marks on the walls where other levels would once have been. You may need to use your imagination to get an idea of exactly how they would have looked back then, but you do not need to use much to see how the Romans would have come here to relax and socialise.

There are statues here too and you can see one of Aesclepius which is a full four metres high. It stands among the ruins that cannot fail to charm or delight visitors, no matter how deep their love of Roman history runs. You only have to use your imagination to picture the Romans coming here to swim, to relax and even to box. There was a part of the baths that was dedicated to this activity.

The Baths of Caracalla were so called because they were named after the son of the Emperor Septimus Severus, whose idea it was to construct the baths in the first place. Could he possibly have known or believed that hundreds of years later we would be staring at the majestic ruins of his vision?

Will The Trevi Fountain Bring You Back To Rome?

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:49:00 +0000

Rome is a city that will never run out of things to show you. Your first visit will likely take in many of the most famous sights however, and one of those will surely be the Trevi fountain.

It is not often that you get to see a large fountain taking up lots of space in a relatively small square, but that is what you will see here. And as you might expect from such a famous fountain, there is a legend that goes along with it as well.

The legend states that if you stand in front of the fountain and turn your back to it, you should throw a coin over your shoulder and let it drop into the water. If you do this you will return to the city of Rome at some point in the future. Since many tourists do go in for this legend, it would appear that Rome has enough to offer to make it a firm advantage to want to return to the city.

The fountain itself is breath taking mainly because of its size. Measuring an amazing 85 feet high, you will hear the water long before you actually reach the square that the fountain sits in. This makes it quite easy to find and you will definitely be amazed at the sight of it when it finally comes into view.

The idea for this fountain first came about back in 1629, although it would be some time before it developed to anything beyond an actual idea. In reality it would not be until 1762 that the Trevi fountain was finished for all of Rome to see.

Needless to say since then it has made it onto many people’s ‘must see’ lists while they are in Rome. This at least makes it a good thing that the fountain is so big, because lots of people can crowd around it to throw in their coin and it doesn’t get crowded.

So the next time you are in Rome, listen out for the rushing waters of the Trevi fountain and bring a coin out of your pocket.

Go Back In Time To The Roman Forum

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:08:00 +0000

Rome is filled with sights that are left over from ancient Roman times. Wherever you go you will see one or more of them without really having to look.

But while the Colosseum is probably one of the best known sights in the city, the Roman Forum has been there longer. It is also one of the biggest sights and wraps up plenty of temples and arches all in the one space. And that makes it well worth seeing for lots of different reasons.

The first thing you will notice about the Roman Forum is the size. There are three basilicas included here alongside plenty of different temples, all dedicated to different people. That should give you an idea of size, as a temple isn’t exactly one of the smallest structures in the Roman world.

The Arch of Septimius Severus is worth seeing as it has survived hundreds of years of changes relatively intact. Look for the writing right at the very top – it is still perfectly readable.

The Temple of Julius Caesar is another popular sight for obvious reasons – Caesar is one of the best known figures from ancient Roman times, both for his life and his death. The remains of the temple are in far worse condition than many others in the area though. You can only see the remains of the base of many of the walls, and there are no real pillars or other sights on offer. This is in direct contrast to the Temple of Romulus for example, which is in much better condition.

If you are going to see the Roman Forum, be sure to take plenty of water with you and wear some comfortable shoes. You can spend hours wandering around and immersing yourself in what is left of the buildings and structures where the ancient Romans used to spend their days.

There is no doubt that the Roman Forum has many stories to tell – you only have to wander around to hear them. Don’t miss it if you are going to Rome in the near future.

Savvy Travellers Know how to see Europe on the Cheap

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 08:49:00 +0000

15 July 2007

Frequent travellers to Europe know to cut expenses by traveling in the off-season, choosing buses over taxis and prowling supermarket aisles for lunchtime fare.

Here are other tried-and-true tips from travel agents, tour guides and frequent travellers for cutting costs in Europe without having to resort to hostel bunk beds, fast food and shared baths.

Click on this link for more cost effective tips.

http://www.modbee.com/life/travel/story/13791927p-14370730c.html

New Seven Wonders Unveiled

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:32:00 +0000

On the fitting day of July 7, 2007, the new seven wonders of the world were announced after months of voting at http://www.new7wonders.com/ which ended at 6 p.m. ET Friday. Over 90 million votes were cast for 21 sites.

They were then announced at a lavish ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal on Saturday which featured performances by Jennifer Lopez and Chaka Khan and hosted by Hilary Swank, Ben Kingsley, and Bollywood star Bipasha Basu. The seen winners announced include:

¨ The Great Wall of China

¨ Petra in Jordan

¨ Brazil’s statue of Christ the Redeemer

¨ Peru’s Machu Picchu

¨ Mexico’s Chichen Itza pyramid

¨ The Colosseum in Rome

¨ India’s Taj Mahal

The 21 nominated attractions were made public for voting in early June. Among these, the oldest was Stonehenge in England, and the newest was Australia’s Sydney Opera House. All of the competitors had to have been built or discovered before 2000, and they are all among the top tourist attractions around the world.

After these were announced, voting doubled to about 50 million votes being cast. Voters were able to vote multiple times. However, some complain that the campaign was not universally recognized. The United Nations’ cultural organization UNESCO claimed to have no link to the voting ballots. Many of the votes came from text messaging, and the others were from the website.

Now, the Seven Wonders site is holding a contest to choose the top seven wonders of nature. Nominations are being considered until August 8, 2008. A list of 21 candidates will be chosen from a panel of experts, and then final voting will begin. The rules maintain that the natural site may not have been created or significantly altered by humans.

Physical or natural phenomena like the northern lights, gulf stream, or shooting stars are not eligible. The nominations must fit into one of the following categories: natural site, natural monument, or landscape, animal reserve canyon, fjord cave, grotto coastline, cliff forest, wood geological site ,glacier mountain, volcano, rocks, nature conservancy park oasis, deserts, prehistoric natural site, underwater world, reef water, sea, lake, river, waterfall, or other.

London Eye is Europe's Top Attraction

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 15:11:00 +0000

2 July 2007

The London Eye has come top in a poll of Europe's visitor attractions, beating the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre in Paris, and the Coliseum in Rome.

The list was put together from the travel editors and users of the popular website www.tripadvisor.com, which ranked the world's tallest observation wheel, the London Eye, as Europe's biggest visitor draw.

London also took second place with the Tower of London, home to the Crown jewels, followed by Paris' Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, and the Rome Coliseum.

Also in the top ten was Anne Frank's House in Amsterdam, the Musee d'Orsay in Paris, St Peterburg's Hermitage museum, Denmark's Tivoli Gardens, and Spain's Alhambra palace and fortress.

The website also polled its users and experts on the USA's top visitor attractions, revealing Magical Mecca in Orlando, Florida as the top visitor draw.

Also in the top five were Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Hana Highway in Maui, Hawaii, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and Central Park in New York City.

Marathon Tourism Lets you Combine Race, Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:01:00 +0000

29 April 2007

Running an out-of-town marathon used to be a weekend experience: fly or drive down on Friday, go to the expo on Saturday, race on Sunday morning and head home Sunday night or Monday morning.

Now, according to travel industry experts (who are mostly people at travel agencies trying to sell trip packages), marathon tourism is on the rise. People are booking vacations around their marathons and visiting exotic destinations where they combine sight-seeing and racing, rather than zipping in and out as quickly as possible.

One thing to consider is how to fit the marathon into your vacation timeline. If you put the race at the end of your visit, pre-race anxiety and diet restrictions may limit your holiday fun. If you race first and tour later, you may have to set aside a day or two for recovery.

Many tourists head for the world's biggest marathons in New York, Boston, Chicago, London and Berlin or to other big-city races like Paris and Rome.

However, here are eight different marathons in exotic and touristy locations that promote themselves as ideal places to race and visit.

Great Wall Marathon

May 19, 2007 and May 17, 2008: Held in China's Tianjin province, the Great Wall Marathon includes six kilometres of running on the wall itself, including 3,700 steps, plus a

flatter portion through the Chinese countryside. "A little tougher than a usual course," the race website says, "but no extraordinary experience is obtained ordinarily." I'm not sure whether the second half of that sentence is Confucian or just confusing, but "a little tougher" might be an understatement. Last year, only four runners broke four hours.

Easter Island Marathon

June 10: Some marathon courses make you feel like you're running in the middle of nowhere, but Easter Island is 3,700 kilometres from any major population centre, a little dot in the South Pacific. You get to run past the giant monolith statues for which the island is famous and ... well, that's it really.

Safaricon Marathon, Kenya

June 23: Had enough of Kenyan runners coming to North America and winning our races? Then go win the marathon in Kenya. The race is run on dirt roads through an African game park and wildlife conservatory. Trying for a personal-best time? Consider that lion following you as a pace bunny. Seriously, the organizers actually provide armed rangers to protect runners from pesky animals.

Niagara Falls International Marathon

Oct. 28: The only cross-border marathon in the world, the race starts in Buffalo and crosses the Peace Bridge into Fort Erie, Ont. The course then follows the Niagara River Parkway and finishes right at the Falls. Once it's over, you can begin a second marathon of tacky souvenir shopping.

Venice Marathon

Oct. 28: The pace cars aren't gondolas but you do get to run alongside and across some of the city's famous canals. The race begins 25 kilometres outside the city and finishes in the heart of the City of Water. Just before the finish, you cross the Grand Canal on a pontoon bridge built specifically for the race.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend,

Jan. 12-13, 2008: The perfect family vacation. You get to run through all the major theme parks and then limp along in a vain attempt to keep up with your kids as they race through them the next day. They hold the half-marathon the first day, the marathon the next. Finish both and you get a special Goofy medal!

Dubai Marathon

Jan. 18, 2008: It's one of the wealthiest cities in the world and the centre for banking and commerce of the Middle East, so perhaps it's no surprise that the 2008 race is being billed as the richest marathon ever.

You may not have a shot at the $1-million U.S. purse, but you can still make it your richest marathon experience by staying in a $1,500-per-night suite at the Burj al-Arab, which markets itself as a seven-star hotel.

Antarctica Marathon

March 5, 2008: The 2008 event is already sold out and the 2009 edition is half-booked. The marathon was created by a tour company, Marathon Tours & Travel, specifically so that some of its clients could form a Seven Continents Club by running a marathon on every continent.

The trip starts with a few days in Argentina, followed by a cruise down to Antarctica including lectures and wildlife excursions. "You will come face to face withicebergs, penguins, seals and whales while exploring the most pristine corner of the planet," the marketing material says.

I didn't know icebergs had faces.

Italy Hope to Win Euro 2012 Over Two Joint Bids

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:24:00 +0000

Hamburg - Italy are seen as favourites to host the Euro 2012 football tournament, but like other bidders they have been plagued by domestic problems ahead of Wednesday's vote.

The ongoing corruption scandal and the death of a policeman during fan riots have not helped Italy's bid to win the tournament for the second time since 1980.

Italy are competing against joint bids from Hungary/Croatia and Poland/Ukraine to win the vote from the 14-strong UEFA executive board led by president Michel Platini on Wednesday in Cardiff.

According to UEFA vice-president Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder of Germany, the final presentation before the UEFA officials on Tuesday can be vital.

'Emotions play a big role in football. This is the chance for all candidates at the presentation,' said Mayer-Vorfelder.

This was highlighted ahead of the vote for the 2004 edition, where outsiders Portugal got the UEFA officials on their side and eventually won the vote over favoured Spain.

Austria and Switzerland will host the 2008 edition which could work in Italy's favour as UEFA may prefer one nation instead of two in 2012.

Italy hosted the Euro finals in 1968 in the old four-team format and again in 1980, when the event was played as a proper tournament with eight teams in two groups for the first time. Italy won the World Cup a fourth time last year and has also hosted that event twice, in 1934 and 1990.

But the corruption scandal around officials from Juventus and other clubs which widened last week may hurt the bid. So could the fan violence which culminated in the death of a policeman during riots in Catania earlier this year.

Italian football supremo Giancarlo Abete has promised a tough stand of his body FIGC on the issues while bid committee chief Luca Pancalli hopes that winning Euro 2012 can help overcome the problems.

'Euro 2012 is not just a sports event. It offers a chance to win back the credit Italian football is looking for right now,' said Pancalli.

FIGC has also agreed to introduce stewards in the stadiums to take care of the fans after riot police police reportedly dealt harshly with Manchester United fans during a Champions League match in Rome's Olympic stadium. The force used drew criticism from UEFA and others.

The Euro tournament would also offer Italy a chance for a badly- needed renovation of its stadiums. Matches are to be played in Rome, Milan, Bari, Florence, Naples, Palermo, Turin and Udine. Bologna, Cagliari, Genoa and Verona will be added should the tournament be expanded from 16 to 24 teams.

Hungary and Croatia, meanwhile, hope for a boost in all areas from venues to tourism, and so do Poland and Ukraine.

'We would rather host the Euro tournament than win the World Cup. It is much better for our country in the long run,' said Croatian football federation president Vlatko Markovic.

Staging the event would be a massive image boost for Crotia which is a nation for less than two decades. Tourism is also expected to further rise.

While Croatia is a football-mad country and claimed a third-place finish at the 1998 World Cup, the game is on the decline in Hungary.

The national team has not qualified for an international tournament in 20 years, league matches attract few fans and the nation's most successful club Ferencvaros Budapest is in deep financial trouble.

'Give us a chance,' is the appropriate motto and Hungarian bid chief Tamas Gyarfas says that it is UEFA's duty to help countries lagging behind.

'For a long time now European football has split into two camps: top dogs and also-rans. If no helping hand takes care of those lagging behind, the distance between those ahead and those behind is bound to grow,' he said.

The same could apply to Poland and Ukraine, who can also do with a boost from an event like Euro 2012 despite massive public support in both countries for the event.

'UEFA has said explicitly that it wants to develop football in the east (of Europe), so our joint bid with Poland is the best choice in this sense,' said one football official in Kiev.

But there are uncertainties as well in the form of the Ukrainian political power struggle between the nation's president Viktor Yushchenko and prime minister Viktor Yanukovich. Poland's concern centres on football corruption and fan violence.

Let easyJet Propose the Best Place to go this Valentine’s

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 11:08:00 +0000

Whatever language, whatever city, whatever destination, you can enjoy the romance that surrounds Valentine’s Day. You could enjoy a candlelit dinner in Venice, a romantic trip along the Danube in Budapest or lock yourself away in a romantic castle in Scotland.

easyJet has identified the lovers’ choice of destinations across the network to help you decide the best place to pop the question this year.

In Rome Valentine's Day in known as Lupercalia as this day is a very romantic and pleasure-loving occasion. There are several theories about the origin of Valentine's Day celebrations.

Some believe the Romans had a mid-February custom where boys drew girls' names in honour of the sex and fertility goddess, while others maintain that the custom of sending Valentines on 14 February stems from the belief that birds begin to pair on that date. Whatever your belief, you can ensure romance is high on the agenda in mid-February across Italy.

In some countries, a young woman may receive a gift of clothing from a young man. If she keeps the gift, it means she will marry him. Why not try this in Rome by treating your loved one to the delights that await her in the designer stores, such as Gucci, Chanel and Gianni Versace.

Once you have shopped ‘til you drop, retire to any one of the romantic restaurants in and around the Centro Storico, along the Via Cavour and around the Borgo district close to the Vatican to bring the day to a relaxing close.

easyJet flies to Rome from London Gatwick, Bristol, Newcastle, Belfast, East Midlands and Bristol with prices from £22.99 one-way (incl. taxes).

For more destinations and offers visit:

http://www.easier.com/view/Travel/Flights/easyJet/article-96194.html

Visitors Flock to Rome’s Museums

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 11:40:00 +0000

Over 1.2 million people visited Rome’s city-run museums in 2006, up 50 per cent on 2005, according to Zetema, the organiser for Rome’s public museums and cultural events.

The number of visitors at the Capitoline Museums has doubled since it re-opened to the public in 2000. Palazzo Braschi has registered an increase from 30,879 visitors in 2005 to 74,000 in 2006 (also thanks to important exhibitions such as Ippolito Caffi and Henri Cartier-Bresson). Since its opening in April 2006 l’Ara Pacis has had more than 200,000 visitors.

The city council predicts that this trend will continue in 2007 and be further boosted by the re-opening of Palazzo delle Esposizioni (opening predicted September) and Trajan’s Markets (opening predicted in spring) this year.

Rome Taxi

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 15:17:00 +0000

Official taxis in Rome are white and have an identification number written on the door (usually a name of a city and a number, for instance Lima 14), and have a taxi meter. When you call a taxi company, you will be put on hold while an operator contacts the taxi closest to you. You will then be provided with the taxi’s identification code and the approximate waiting time.

Within Rome you will probably only need a taxi at night after the metro has stopped running and the number of buses has dwindled to once an hour. Within the center during daytime it is better to either use public transport or to just walk.

It is unusual for Romans to hail taxis (I was told by one driver, who did not seem to be joking, that they are too lazy to do this) so do not be surprised if you are ignored. There are taxi stands near most of the major tourist attractions.

For more information visit romanhostels.com

Vatican Puts a Squeeze on Visitors

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 16:05:00 +0000

The Vatican, overwhelmed by the growing number of visitors crowding into the Sistine Chapel, is attempting to reduce queues by cutting back opening hours for visitors in favour of tour groups that book in advance.

The Vatican Museums are marking 500 years as one of the “must see” sights of Rome. Visitors have doubled over the past ten years, with sometimes as many as 10,000 a day.

The Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, map gallery, Borgia Apartments and Egyptian and Etruscan collections are packed with treasures. A celebrated 1st-century marble statue of the Trojan priest Laocoon struggling with snakes is on special display to mark the museums’ anniversary.

However, the queue to get in often stretches up to six deep for a mile round the Vatican’s medieval walls, with a wait of two hours or more. The numbers in the Sistine Chapel increasingly risk damaging the frescoes by Michelangelo, restored in 1994.

Addressing museum staff in November, Pope Benedict XVI said that the number of visitors had reached four million a year. Although many of them were “not Catholic, not Christian and perhaps not even believers”, the Vatican’s collection of masterpieces “leads the mind to open itself to the sublime” and so highlights “the continuous interweaving between faith and art, the divine and the human”, he said.

Francesco Riccardi, a senior museums administrator, told The Times: “Our intention is to optimise visits while reducing the long queues.” The galleries were created as the Pope’s private collection during the Renaissance and were never meant for public viewing.

From Monday the entry fee for individual visitors, who will not be able to enter before 10am, goes up from €12 (£8) to €13. Earlier slots from 8am will be reserved for groups booked 30 days in advance through tourist agencies that lodge a deposit of €6,000 with the Vatican. The museums remain open until 1pm in winter and 4.45pm in summer.

But the move is not without critics. John Fort, author of the updated version of The Companion Guide to Rome, said that the new system would not solve anything. “I do not believe people will be discouraged from queueing — all that will happen is that they will feel frustrated because they are paying more for less time.

“The problem is exacerbated by coachloads of passengers from cruise ships which dock at Civitavecchia and offer day trips to Rome,” Mr Fort said. “I sometimes wonder if it wouldn’t be better to build replicas of the Colosseum or the Sistine Chapel outside Rome instead.”

He added that the real problem was “the exponential increase in the number of tourists to Rome”. Walter Veltroni, the Mayor of Rome, recently announced that 18 million tourists visited the capital last year and he forecast a rise to 20 million this year.

In the Sistine Chapel Clive Burgess, from Grays, Essex, said that shortening the opening hours was not the answer. “There is not nearly enough time to see everything as it is,” he said as he gazed at Michelangelo’s Last Judgment while museum guards sought to move visitors on and shouted for quiet amid the hubbub.

To offset any drop in income through the shorter hours the Vatican is increasing charges for “special tours” in the afternoon, after the museums close to the general public. Groups of up to 30 people, who at present pay €1,800 for the privilege of having the museums to themselves, will pay €2,500, while for groups of 400 people the price almost triples, from €7,000 to €20,000.

Top 5 Italian Wedding Destinations

noreply@blogger.com (Co-op Travel) — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 10:06:00 +0000

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' wedding in Bracciano in Italy hit the headlines thanks to its all-star guests, intriguing secrecy and charming romance of the Italian town hosting all the drama.

Though most people are unlikely to be able to have Hollywood stars flocking to their wedding, getting married in Italy is much more of a possibility.

For couples that want to get married in one of the most romantic destinations in the world, Kirker Holidays has come up with its top five wedding ideas for Italy.

1 - Venice City Hall

The Palazzo Cavalli is a 16th-century Venetian palace furnished with 18th-century paintings, furniture and ceramics and is ideal for a magical, grand wedding.

The palace has views over the Grand Canal and Venice's landmark Rialto Bridge as well as the added bonus of being in one of the world's most romantic cities.

A three-night stay at the four-star Londra Palacecosts costs £815 per person including breakfast, return scheduled flights, water taxi transfers, entrance tickets to the Doge's Palace plus Kirker's guide notes to restaurants and sightseeing.

2 - Positano town hall, Positano

Positano on Italy's Amalfi coast has been charming visitors to its spectacularly steep coastline since the 1950s. An inspirational place for writers and artists, the town makes a wonderful place for a wedding to remember.

Couples can stay in the five-star Poseidon hotel, which has its own fitness and beauty centre, ideal for preparing for the big day.

Positano town hall offers an authentic Mediterranean setting for your ceremony, and also has a great terrace to take in the sea views.

Prices start at £744 per person for three nights' accommodation including breakfast, return scheduled flights and transfers.

3 - Campidoglio, Rome

The 'Sala Rossa' on the Capitoline Hill, the smallest of Rome's seven famous hills, is a great place to soak up the magic and drama of Rome. The Sala Rossa (meaning red hall), is located on Piazza del Campidoglio, which was designed by Michaelangelo in the 16th century, and makes a perfect place for wedding photos.

Couples can stay in the elegant four-star hotel d'Inghilterra, located close to the Spanish Steps from £666 per person for three nights' accommodation including breakfast, return flights and transfers. Visitors also get Kirker's guide notes to restaurants and sightseeing in Rome.

4 - Palazzo Vecchio, Florence

The 14th-century Palazzo Vecchio in Florence is one of the most lavishly decorated places to be married in Italy.

Located close to the Ponte Vecchio, couples can stay at the four-star Degli Orafi, which offers panoramic views of the city from its fifth-floor bar.

Prices start from £598 per person for three nights' accommodation including breakfast, return flights, transfers, a ticket to the Uffizi Gallery and guide notes to restaurants and sightseeing.

5 - Castello Malcesine, Lake Garda

If like the Cruises' you find the romance and charm of a medieval castle hard to beat, Castello Malcesine, surrounded by Italian gardens and perched on a hilltop, makes a great place to get married and enjoy views over Lake Garda.

Couples can stay in the four-star hotel Sirmione overlooking Lake Garda, which also has a waterside terrace restaurant and offers thermal treatments.

Prices start from £524 per person for three nights' accommodation including breakfast and return flights and transfers.