As one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Italy offers an endless array of history, culture, art, vineyards, countryside and beaches. It is for this reason that multi centre holidays in Italy are now extremely popular as they offer holiday makers the chance to see much of Italy’s beauty in one trip.
The modern state of Italy as we know it today only came into being in 1860. Historically and culturally, however, Italy was a major influence throughout the world long before that date. Each region of Italy has its own history and cultural background, which affects all aspects of life, from cooking to language. This cultural and historical diversity derives in past from the influence of the different civilisations, which have held sway over different regions throughout history; Etruscans in Tuscany, Greeks in Calabria, Romans with their empire starting in Lazio and extending throughout Italy and beyond, and Normans in Sicily, to name but a few. Italians feels a strong sense of loyalty, first to the city, then to the county, then to the region, and only last to Nation. This local pride is known as Campanilismo and can be partly attributed to the fact that the unification of Italy only happened relatively recently. The best example of this phenomenon is perhaps represented by the famous Palio di Siena, where 17 different districts of the town compete every year against each other in a traditional and frantic horse race with the total and wholehearted participation of the town.
Italians who live in the north of Italy have different habits from those who live in the south or on the islands, reflecting different rhythms of life. For example, in Lombardia and Piemonte, rich industrial regions in north, an hour is standard for lunch, while in Campania, which is southwards, lunch breaks can last 3 hours. Most companies and shops in the north work to the 9-to-5 system instead of orario spezzato in the south, when offices and shops close for lunch, which sees southern employees having to fight their way through the traffic twice per day.
There is also a wide linguistic diversity in Italy, from dialects to entirely different languages. Most regions have their own dialects, which are quite widely spoken. In the south there are entire communities that still speak Greek, while in the north in il Sud Tirolo in the Trentino-Alto Adige region school children are actually taught in German as their first language.
It is all this diversity and wide varied influences that contributes to making Italy such an amazing place to visit.
Bellarome Italian Holidays offer multi centre packages in Italy. We have a team of expert travel professionals who are perfectly placed to give you give you the best advice. Unlike many companies, we will listen to your requirements and then create you a package that is designed to suit your needs. Tell us which airport you wish to fly from, how many people are going, what dates you wish to go and we will put together a customised Italy multi centre holiday quote for you! Visit the website to organise your perfect break.
Today Italy’s very efficient railway network and the imagination and versatility of Bellarome Italian Holidays make it possible to combine almost any of Italy’s locations in one trip. Perhaps the most popular multi centre trip in Italy is a nine night visit across Rome, Florence and Venice. Three nights in each of these famous cities not only gives the chance to see thousands of years of history but it is also gives a true look into three very different cultures that lie within this great country. Rome, as a millennium-long centre of power, culture and religion, having been the centre of one of the globe's greatest civilizations ever, has exerted a huge influence over the world in its c. 2,500 years of existence. Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world due its impact on art, music, architecture and religion. The city is famed for is wide ranging collections of art and is regarded by many as the art capital of Italy. Most visit art locations are the Pitti Palace and the world famous Uffizi. Florence has been the birthplace or chosen home of many notable figures from history, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Dante and Niccolò Machiavelli. Florence's most reproduced sight is Michelangelo's statue of David, which can be seen at the Accademia Art Gallery. Venice is known as "The Floating City". It is famous for its many canals and Gondola boats that are used by tourists to travel around the city. Venice stretches across 117 small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea. Venice has played an important role in the history of symphonic and operatic music, and it is the birthplace of Antonio Vivaldi. Today there are numerous attractions in Venice, such as San Marco Basilica, the Grand Canal and the Piazza San Marco.
Other popular multi destination holidays in Italy include combining some of the charming northern cities in Italy such as Genoa, Turin and Milan, home of the La Scala Opera Theatre or the intriguing cities in the southern island of Sicily such as Palermo, Catania and Agrigento, well known for the famous Valle dei Templi. Often people find two centre Italy holidays appealing also. Rome and Sorrento gives people the perfect blend of culture and sun, Sorrento features beautiful architecture, many cafes and restaurants, and shops catering to tourists. It is the last stop on the Circumvesuviana rail system and therefore it is easily reached from Naples and an ideal base for visiting Pompeii and Ercolano. Ferries regularly commute between Sorrento for Capri also. Sorrento is also a short bus journey from many beautiful fishing villages such as Positano, Ravello, Minori and Maiori. Another popular combination is Verona with the beautiful Lake Garda. Verona is famous for being the home of William Shakespeares star-crossed lover Rome and Juliet and the home of beautiful outdoor operas at Arena di Verona.
The fantastic internal flight network in Italy means it is possible to combine many locations on the mainland of Italy with Sicily and Sardinia for multi stop holidays in Italy. The expertise and knowledge from Bellarome Italian Holidays is the best way to see this beautiful country in its true glory. Their expert advisors are on hand to help to create a dream multi centre package in Italy.
Visit the bellarome website to see some of the proposed multi centre packages available http://www.bellarome.com/multi-centres.asp
