Reminiscing About Venice - My Holiday in Pictures

Being sat back at home in freezing cold England makes me want to go travelling again, and although I am set for a short break in Riga in February - which I'm sure will be great fun, its not exactly going to be warm there either at that time of the year! All the cold weather has made me think about some of the great holiday destinations in Europe I have been privileged enough to have visited in the last few years, and in turn this inspired me to start looking back at some of my old photo collections from these trips. One set of photos that made me feel a lot warmer inside were my pictures of Venice, taken during my trip to the stunning Italian city during summer 2010. I have shared below some of what I consider to be my favourite pictures from Venice here, so you too can see what a wonderful city it is - making it surely one of the best holiday destinations in Europe.

Grande Canal


Venice's biggest and most famous of all its many waterways in all its glory!

Gondolas


Venice's world renowned mode of transport - but not a cheap one!

Bridge of Sighs


There are few more famous and architecturally stunning bridges across the world - but it is now sadly covered in advertising boards :(

Fish Market


Eating fresh fish and seafood in Venice's restaurants was one of the highlights of my visit - and the fish market from which it all is bought is a great thing to visit and experience in itself.

Skippered Yacht Charter Holidays

If you are a person whose perfect idea of a summer holiday or vacation is enjoying a thrilling life out on the open ocean then there is surely no better break for your tastes than a yacht charter holiday. Enjoying the sea air and beautiful sunshine is a great way of getting away from it all and forgetting all the stresses of your daily life by exploring the unspoilt beauty of the open ocean. Such experiences are rarely surpassed, and you a certain to enjoy an unforgettable experience.

If you are not an experienced sailor then fear not – these wonderful experiences are still available to you. By choosing to book a skippered yacht charter holiday, you will have the opportunity to utilise the experience of a qualified and friendly skipper and crew who can help make your sailing holiday dreams into a reality. By choosing a skippered yacht charter holiday you will be able to enjoy all the good things you would expect from such a vacation but without the stress and strains of manning the yacht yourself.

By drawing on the expertise of an experienced sailing crew, you will also be able to draw upon their knowledge in terms of the best holiday destinations to sail to and also the many superb places and attractions you can to visit inland – whether you are enjoying a yacht charter holiday in the Mediterranean or Caribbean. Simply turn up with all your kit packed up and let the skipper and his crew do all the hard work as you sail away on your dream break.

Italy Amongst Best Holiday Destinations in Europe

Italy is a truly beautiful country to visit and offers a range of unforgettable holiday destinations -whether you are travelling to see the fantastic historical buildings you would find in the country’s capital Rome, the great shopping experiences available in modern Milan, the unique canals and side streets found in Venice or the outstanding natural rural beauty that typifies the region of Tuscany. Put together, all of these places make Italy one of the best holiday destinations in all of Europe.

     The country draws in visitors from all over the world for a wide variety of reasons – some will travel to Italy on backpacking trips, some on romantic breaks and others will visit Italy on family holidays. However, regardless of the type of holiday on which you are travelling, you are always going to need somewhere to stay.

     While backpackers may choose to find more budget accommodation such as a youth hostel, others may seek to stay in one of the stunning old hotels. If you are looking for accommodation in Italy, the best way of finding it is by searching online as this can result in great discounts and save a lot of time searching travel agents in the high street.

Umbria or Tuscany for your Next Italy Holiday?

When planning a holiday to Italy, one of the places you should ensure that you spend some time in is Umbria. This region is known as the “Green Heart” of Italy because of the vast rolling hills and it is this beautiful vista which has contributed to Umbria becoming one of the top holiday destinations in Italy.

While in Umbria, make sure to pay a visit to Perugia, an ancient capital of the region. This town has a lot of history much of which is still apparent from the ancient buildings and these now sit comfortably alongside many modern buildings including a University.  The city is also home to an internationally known Jazz Festival and a Chocolate Festival both of which should definitely not be missed.

Assisi is another ‘must see’ destination on an Umbrian holiday. Once a Roman colony, Assisi is known for being the home of Saint Francis and the tomb of the Saint can be visited at the Saint Francis Basilica which is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Italy.

If you are looking for a quiet and romantic Italian holiday, consider Tuscany. This is a region full of breathtaking architecture, beautiful landscapes and amazing Italian cuisine all of which make Tuscany a popular destination for newlyweds.  The romance of the area can be felt throughout the region and with the option of renting luxury Tuscany villas and farmhouses, you will surely find the perfect romantic getaway in Tuscany.

Italian holidays are becoming more and more popular every year and Umbria and Tuscany are likely to remain at top of the list for popular destinations for some time. Both have great qualities that make them amongst the best holiday destinations in Europe.

Renting Luxury Holiday Homes in Italy

Finding the best luxury holiday home in the best location is an important part of planning your Italian holiday. Tuscany is home to some of the most luxurious and extravagant villas in Italy and renting an Italian holiday home in this iconic location will provide you with the experience of a lifetime.  Choose the right option and you will find yourself living in the lap of luxury while on your holiday

Many of the holiday home rentals in the area include private pools, gardens, fireplaces and Jacuzzis. Most rentals are available for a week at a time or longer if you want to make that fantastic trip even better. All are very spacious and completely furnished, so you will never want for anything and very quickly you will feel right at home while staying in a luxury villa.

For a taste of the truly rustic Italy, there are also some farmhouses that are available to rent as a holiday home. Whilst by their very nature these will not provide many of the modern amenities of a villa, the farmhouses do provide a charm and luxury quite unlike anything else. The traditional exteriors are beautifully complemented by the furnishings which are often ornate and antique, making for a romantic atmosphere throughout your stay. The farmhouses are set on beautiful tracts of land, surrounded by breath taking gardens, trails and scenery that cannot be found elsewhere.

Renting a luxury home is one of the best ways to enjoy a holiday in Italy. It allows you the freedom to go out and enjoy the country and then return to the comforts of home.

Terrific Tuscany - Birthplace of Modern Europe

Few existing regions of Europe can surely paint such a romantic and idealistic picture in ones mind than those that are drummed up by the sheer imagery of Tuscany and its stunning historical capital Florence. Famed the world over for its rich and immeasurably important historical contribution to the fields of European arts, music, the sciences and high culture - the region that has over the years remained synonymous with the birth of the Italian Renaissance offers holidaymakers and backpackers from across the globe a unique flavour of Europe that is quite unique and apart from any other area of Italy, Europe or any other place in the world.

     Famed for its museums and galleries including the Uffizi and Chianciano art museums that offer intriguing and stimulating insights into Europe's artistic traditions and history, Tuscany gives the visitor a sense of true awe - and if you can take the time to soak up the information and stunning visuals on offer here, hopefully an enhanced understanding of the region's lasting influence and legacy on modern Europe. Alongside the great Renaissance works that are housed in the museums of Florence (including such famous paintings such as The Birth of Venus by Botticelli), the entire region of Tuscany is dotted with beautiful churches and cathedrals each with their own beautiful and attractive interiors and ornate decorations.

     When looking at the various accommodation available in Tuscany you will tend to find that it is incredibly varied and is largely dependent on which area of the expansive 8,800 square mile region in which you find yourself in. With places to stay ranging from high priced but exceptional hotels to some equally fantastic villas in Tuscany with pool in some of the more rural areas. Hiring out a villa in Tuscany can be a great and relaxing way of spending a holiday with your partner in beautiful surroundings and rich history and culture.   

Rent Villas in Italy for a Relaxing Holiday Experience

Although as you’ve probably read here on my travel guide blog, I’ve spent a great deal of my time backpacking in many fantastic places in Europe - traveling around by train and visiting the many great city destinations that the continent has to offer - I’ve also spent some great holidays here with friends and family. One great holiday experience in Europe that I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking to relax and put their feet up in order to get away from the stress of the day job is renting a villa somewhere in the beautiful Italian countryside.

Villas in Italy are a great way to unwind and spend time with your closest friends in a superb authentic Italian environment. Taking a holiday in Europe in this way gives you a chance to explore your surrounding area, go for walks, take in some fresh air and enjoy some truly beautiful natural surroundings that we often forget about when stuck in the office. If you rent an Italian villa by the coast you'll also have the benefit of some great sea views and the possibility of unwinding with a bit of fishing. Sometimes I feel its nice to travel to a holiday destination that is a little less intense than many of the great cities I’ve visited in Europe to party such as Krakow and Prague. So if you feel like this is something you would like to get out of your holiday in Europe then why not give it a try.

Pescara: Amongst the Best Holiday destinations in the Adriatic

The city of Pescara is undoubtedly one of the finest holiday destinations to visit if you are travelling in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Many people who are backpacking in Italy will look to reach the city by train, but there is also access via the Pescara airport if you are just looking to take a holiday here. Located on the east coast of the country, Pescara is a quaint port city that lines up against the beautiful clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. The city has a fine beach which is well worth a look if you fancy a bit of sunbathing or maybe a quick dip, and has all the usual sun beds and umbrellas for hire to tourists visiting the city.

If you fancy a drive to the nearby Majella national park to enjoy the stunning natural scenery, then you can easily get car hire Pescara airport. Similarly to many other European countries you may visit, cheap car hire Italy is widely available to book online if you are visiting Pescara. The park is also a great place to go walking, hiking or climbing as it sports some impressive mountains, the largest of which is Mount Amaro which stands at 2793 meters tall. It also has some interesting caves to explore if that’s your thing - but always be safe and go with some experienced local guides if possible.

Stay in Tuscany in Style: Rent a Tuscany Villa

Italy is surely one of the finest and most varied holiday destinations in all of Europe, with its many different cities and regions offering something unique and fresh – with characteristics all of its own. Whether you enjoy a ski or snowboard trip in the north of the country, the numerous fantastic ancient historical attractions of Rome, or are more interested in checking out the many brilliant designer boutiques in Milan its easy to understand and recognise just how much Italy has to offer as a holiday destination.

If you are however looking to get away from all the mad traffic, endless hussle and bustle and congestion of Italy’s big cities but still fancy a holiday to this great European country then you may prefer to take up the option of renting a villa in the Tuscany region of Italy. Whether traveling to Italy with a group of friends or family, many holidaymakers choose to rent Tuscany villa to get a much more authentic experience of rural Italy and the local Italian way of life.
If you do somehow tire of the beautiful countryside in the region there are also some great nearby cities you can visit such as Florence, Siena and Pisa – each with their own unique charm and great visitor attractions, restaurant, bards and cafes. With so much to do in the region and with a great degree of freedom to experience it in – you’ll find that renting a villa in Tuscany can be a very different and exciting way to experience Italy.

Lake Como: Best Holiday Destinations in Europe for Rest and Relaxation

Soaking up the atmosphere on the edge of Lake Como in Italy has to be one of the most pleasant ways one can spend a summer evening in Europe. Sinking back into your chair and sipping on a cold beer or glass of fine Italian wine is hard to beat in such stunning natural surroundings, and as the evening draws in you’ll find that your mind starts to wander as you listen to the gentle lapping of the waters and take in the true beauty of this fantastic natural feature. There are numerous great little cafes and wine bars to explorer along the banks of Lake Como that all give you that great sense of rustic and traditional Italy.

Feast out on great Italian foods such as pasta, pizzas fresh fish dishes and delicious grilled meat and vegetables in the many great restaurants that span across the banks of the lake. It’s hard not to feel relaxed in such a great holiday destination as this, and if you need to take time out to unwind then this is a great place to do it. Although not a cheap place to visit (unlike many of the places I have been backpacking and covered on this blog), a trip to Lake Como is one that is truly unique and is undoubtedly one of the best holiday destinations Europe has to offer - particularly if you are looking for a quick week away with your partner.

Most Romantic Holiday Locations in Europe: Italy

If you are looking for a European country that can provide you with a great opportunity for a romantic vacation break with a partner, a short city break with a loved one or even the perfect location for a magical wedding day or honeymoon - then there are surely fewer more suitable countries you could consider in the region than Italy. Italy vacations offer the visitor a vast number of diverse yet equally stunning, beautiful - and of course highly romantic rural and city locations that can provide the perfect backdrop for you and your partner on that most special of days. Whether your tastes are for the unique architecture offered up on the streets of renaissance Florence, the classical city backdrops of Rome, or even enjoying a peaceful summer evening with your loved one on the canal ways of Venice - then Italy undoubtedly has something very special to offer you in order to make your wedding vacation a memory that will be treasured by you and your partner for a lifetime. It is well known that Italy weddings are becoming increasingly popular amongst young couples who are looking to get married and celebrate their special day or honeymoon abroad, with the warm Mediterranean climate making it a highly attractive holiday and wedding location - particularly in the spring and summer months. So why not check out the fantastic holiday options that Italy has to offer.

Enjoying the Sites and Sounds of Florence - Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance

The city of Florence is the capital of the Tuscan region of Italy and a city steeped in rich history and renaissance art. Lying along the river Arno, the city is a sheer delight to behold with its fantastic buildings and architecture. Florence is without question a “must see” for any young backpacker travelling across Europe - although it may not necessarily be the first city that springs to mind when you are planning your trip. Established in the year 59BC by the famous Roman Emperor Julius Caesar, it was originally an army camp for Roman army veterans. However, it is more famous as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance during the middle ages with buildings constructed in the classical “Romanesque” style such as the Basilica Di San Miniato al Monte also helping to define the city of Florence and its architecture.

The main landmark of the city however is surely the fantastic Santa Maria del Fiore - a cathedral famed for its large dome - which remains open for visitors to the city to help them enjoy spectacular views of the city and its ornate buildings from up on high. Along the Arno is the Ponte Vecchio bridge which is also worth a visit for any tourist or traveler in Florence.

Enjoying The Beauty of Venice

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and physically unique cities in the entire world, the great city of Venice located in Northern Italy presents a travel destination quite like no other for any young backpacker travelling around Europe. Venice is of course most famous for its numerous rivers and canals that help to clearly define the unique and intriguing natural characteristics of this Italian Adriatic jewel.

The city itself is built upon 118 small islands that sit proudly amongst this intense intertwined network of waterways. When you picture the perfect ideal of Venice in your mind you always think of images of romantic boat trips on summer evenings - and travelling serenely along the waterways of the city by the numerous traditional gondolas that can be hired is surely a must have experience for any tourist or backpacker visiting the city and is also a great way of taking in the city's incredible architecture.

Indeed, it is these enduring images and traditions that not surprisingly have continued to make Venice a very popular holiday destination for young couples travelling around Europe.