Celebrate & See the New Pope with Our Pilgrimage to Rome Package Trips

An electric atmosphere surrounded the Vatican this week as Argentine Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope Francis. Thousands gathered on St Peter’s square awaiting the smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney.

The 76-year-old has already made history as the first Latin American and Jesuit to be appointed. Although his election came as a surprise to many due to his age, Bergoglio is described as an experienced humble pastor who chose to commute by bus and lived in a simple apartment. He aims to concentrate on modern reform and social outreach, and in his first appearance on the balcony he asked people to pray for him.  Amid a busy schedule, Pope Francis begun his first day at the Catholic Church on Thursday, leading cardinals in his first mass and appointing appropriate staff. The weekend will see a special Papal Audience where he will speak of his global vision.

Pilgrimage to Rome
What better way to celebrate the election than with a pilgrimage to Rome? As specialists in trips to Italy, our experienced team can tailor your very own package holiday. Pilgrimages to Rome are perfect for experiencing the incredible Vatican City and four famous basilicas.
See the new pope by attending a Papal Audience and enjoy many popular tours of the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel, and Gallery of the Tapestries.

Born and raised in Italy, our travel team have the best knowledge to arrange your perfect holiday and ensure you get the most from your stay. We have a selection of city centre hotels and bed and breakfasts to choose from and each package includes flights, transfers, accommodation, excursions and even restaurant booking, so you can relax and enjoy every moment of your stay.
As a beautiful sovereign independent state, Vatican City is one of Italy’s wonders. Take a stroll through St Peter’s Square and take in the incredible architecture before entering the Sistine Chapel to view the famous Michelangelo painted ceiling.

For more information on our Rome pilgrimage packages or for a customised quote, contact our friendly team today.

Experience a Tour of Italy and Watch the Six Nations Rugby

Here’s one for all you avid sports fans. Why not treat yourself to a unique break and head to Italy to watch a Six Nations match?

Italy’s home games have, in recent years, moved to Stadio Olimpico in Rome. With a capacity of around 82,000, this magnificent ground is within easy reach from the city centre, making it ideal to combine with a city or multi centre holiday. After being beaten by Wales last recently, Italy’s next home game is against Ireland on Saturday 16th March, just one day before St Patrick’s Day. Our Six Nations package trips include flights, transfers, accommodation, and official match tickets. Combine an exciting weekend in Rome with a relaxing trip to Florence or let us tailor make your ideal getaway with a one or two week tour of Italy’s most beautiful destinations. Next year, Italy will host matches against England and Scotland. Plan ahead and make sure you get terrific seats to experience all the action and incredible sporting atmosphere.

Trips to Rome
As Italy’s capital, Rome has so much to offer and you will probably need at least 2 -3 days here to catch a glimpse of all the beautiful sights. Go back in time and connect with your inner gladiator at the Colosseum or experience a Papal Audience with the new pope! Head from piazza to piazza and take wondrous photographs of ancient sites before relaxing and enjoying an alfresco lunch in one of the many quaint cafes and restaurants. Like most capital cities, Rome is of course still very much alive at night and there are many chic bars and nightclubs to choose from. The country’s mild weather means there are also many outdoor bars in most of the squares where you can really experience the vibrant Italian culture. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, by yourself, or with friends and family, we can help you create your ideal break and take care of all excursion tickets, so you won’t have to worry about a thing during your stay. We offer a wide range of hotels and bed and breakfasts to suit all budgets. Our travel experts were born and raised in Italy and have the best knowledge as to where you should stay, helping you get the most from your break.

For more information or to book your Six Nations tickets and holiday to Italy, get in touch with our friendly team on 0844 933 4139 or fill in our online booking form.

Easter Holiday Delights – Treat Your Family with a Trip to Florence

As one of the world’s most famous art cities, with an abundance of galleries, museums and spectacular architecture, visiting Florence is a must. Treat your family this Easter and visit one of Europe’s most beautiful city break destinations.

Things to do in Florence

Museums and Galleries: You can’t possibly visit Florence without seeing the incredible paintings on display at the Uffizi gallery. You don’t have to be an expert to appreciate the magnificent Renaissance artwork, sure to take your breath away. The Palatine Gallery also has a collection of paintings which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Those wanting to see famous pieces by Michelangelo can head down to the Accademia Gallery, where you’ll find his statue of David.

Architecture: Great for taking some amazing holiday photos, Florence has many architectural masterpieces, including the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (also known as the Duomo cathedral) which acts as the cultural and historical centre of the city. Those feeling active can climb the 414 stairs of the Campanile bell tower where you can enjoy amazing views of the entire city.

Outdoor Pools: Florence has many large swimming pools which are great for cooling off in the hot summer sun. Let the kids play in one of these gigantic pools whilst you catch some rays.

Wine Tasting: Experience the unique tastes of fine Tuscan wines and discover how these beauties are made in one of the many wineries. Head to the Chianti region and enjoy the incredible scenery and local wines.

City Sightseeing Bus Tour: A great way to ensure you’ve seen all the wondrous sites of Florence. Jump on the hop on, hop off bus and spend the day discovering what the Italian city has to offer.

Nightlife: If you’ve got any energy left after all that sightseeing, experiencing Florence at night is a real treat with many cosmopolitan bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. As experts in organising trips to Florence, we can book you on a whole host of tours and excursions to ensure you make the most of your stay. Celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just want to surprise a loved one? We can book you a table in one Florence’s finest restaurants - organising every detail before you set off.

Where to Stay
We have hunted down some of the best three, four and five star hotels in great locations so you can explore this gem of a city with ease. Whether you just want a place to rest your head or a luxurious room with a view, we have the accommodation for you.

For more information on our trips to Florence, speak to one of our travel experts today 08449934139 or fill in our booking form.

Venice – The Perfect City Break this Valentine’s Day

Fall in Love All Over Again this Valentine’s Day with a Romantic Trip to Venice. What better way to treat your loved one this Valentine’s Day than with a romantic break in Venice? Forget Paris, Venice is known as one of the world’s most beautiful, unique cities. It’s winding canals, incredible architecture and rich culture makes the destination perfect for spending some quality time with your partner. Sit back and relax in one of the famous Gondola boats (an ideal place to propose) as you glide down quaint, narrow canals before entering the Grand Canal. On certain tours you will even be serenaded throughout the boat ride, offering a truly intimate and romantic experience. Venice is full of picturesque scenery and spectacular churches and cathedrals. The St Mark’s Basilica is a must see. Located just off the famous Piazza San Marco square, the glamorous building features a lavish interior and exterior, and dates back to the 11th century.
  
City Breaks to Venice
Those looking for a short Venice break can wander through the many winding streets and alleys. Charming squares feature excellent cafes, restaurants and bars where you can watch the Italian world go by. Venice is also fairly quiet in February, so you can enjoy a touch of romance and avoid the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds. One of the great things about Venice is that unlike other cities, there are barely any roads or cars as the boats along the canals are their main transport link. This really does create a ‘silent city’ making Venice a perfect relaxing getaway. Take a seat by the canal and watch the sun set before returning to your love nest or attend one of the many free concerts the city has to offer. We have a selection of three, four and five star hotels to choose from in excellent locations to help you really get the most out of your stay.  As experts in holidays and short breaks to Italy, we can help you arrange the perfect Valentine’s Day break. If Venice doesn’t sound like your scene, why not try Florence, Pisa, Naples or Rome? Whatever you fancy this February, let our experts organise the perfect trip for you and a loved one. Get in touch today for more information.  

Experience the Incredible Vatican City on a Rome Pilgrimage

 

As the world’s smallest sovereign state, Vatican City is a must see Italian destination full of beautiful architecture, including St Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel and many breathtaking galleries and museums. The capital of the Catholic world, this is one of Rome’s most visited areas and really must be seen to be truly appreciated.

On a Rome pilgrimage package holiday you and your partner, group of friends or family can experience the four famous basilicas of Rome:

- Santa Maria Maggiore:  Renowned as one of the most beautiful churches in Rome, the Santa Maria stands in a commanding positioning on top of the Esquiline Hill. Dating back to the 4th century, you can expect to see magnificent ancient layouts and interiors. Mosaic panels portray scenes from the early life of Christ, whilst the marble supporting columns are the oldest parts of the church.

- St John Lateran: As the most ancient church in the world, St John’s is also Rome’s cathedral, once the residence of the popes until 1377 when they moved to the Vatican. When visiting this beautiful building be sure to glance upwards to view the 7 meter high statue of Christ.

- St Paul (Outside the walls): Built over the tomb of St Paul, this is regarded as one of the most elegant churches in Rome. Take a walk around the beautiful gardens away from the crowded city streets and browse the gift shop where you can buy treasured religious items.

- St Peter’s Basilica: Located within Vatican City, this late renaissance church is a must see on any trip to Rome. As one of the largest churches in the world its designers include the likes of Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Roman Catholics will know the building as the burial site of St Peter (one of the 12 apostles of Jesus) and the Pope presides here at a number of services throughout the year.

As well as incredible tours you will also have the opportunity to see the papal audience event which takes place each Wednesday and gives visitors and pilgrims a chance to see the Pope.

For more information or to book one of our pilgrimages to Rome, contact our dedicated team today.

Beat the January Blues with a trip to Florence

With Christmas done and dusted and the decorations packed away for another year, many of us are feeling a little deflated. An empty social calendar plus stacks of housework certainly doesn’t give us the motivation to plan and look forward to the months ahead.

Booking a holiday is a perfect way to avoid the post-Christmas blues and treat yourself and your family. Despite having time off work, the festive period is by no means relaxing, meaning we return to the office feeling like we’ve had no break whatsoever. This year, why not steer clear of the tourist driven destinations and visit a city that boasts breathtaking architecture, exquisite food and plenty to see and do.

Florence is one of Italy’s most beautiful areas. Located in the Tuscan region, the city is known for its fine wines, art galleries and historic buildings. Visit the Ponte Vecchio a medieval arch bridge with dozens of shops built alongside it. Here you can buy unique jewellery, souvenirs and gifts. Visit in spring or summer and you can enjoy the glorious parks and gardens, including the Boboli which dates back to the 16th century. Take a walk up to the border and view the incredible rose bushes or check out the lemon house where you’ll find an abundance of lemon trees.

For those wanting to hit the town in the evening there are many stylish and sophisticated bars and restaurants. Enjoy live music with a cocktail at Central Park summer club with three floors where you can either boogie on down or chat with friends. Ever get bored of staying in the same old hotel for days on end? With a multi centre holiday you can experience a wide range of destinations throughout your break. Spend a few days sightseeing in Florence before heading to the Shakespearean setting of Verona on a twin centre holiday.  If you’re looking for something a little longer, a 14 night multi centre break is a real treat and will enable you to visit fabulous cities like Venice, Rome and coastal locations like Sorrento where you can catch some rays. Here at Bellarome our Italian holiday experts can tailor-make your ideal getaway. Whether you’re a group of friends looking for adventure, a family looking to create new memories or a couple looking for a romantic break - give us a call today and make sure you’ve got something to look forward to this January.

If you would like to book a trip to Florence and a chance to see the famous Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (pictured above), please call one of the Bellarome dedicated team members 0844 993 4139 or Click here to send us an enquiry.

A tour of Italy’s festivals

Italy is well known for its festivals and events. Many people have heard of Le Tomatina, in which crowds gather to pelt each other with tomatoes, but there are other, lesser known festivals which are just as fascinating. These often draw on the rich history and traditions of Italy, as well as its food, and can form interesting stopping points for tours or multicentre holidays.

Many of the cultural events in Italy produce a carnival atmosphere, and as such, can be truly unforgettable experiences. The ‘Battle of the Oranges’, for example, in Ivrea, Turin, recreates a medieval battle. At the time in Italy, it is said that the lord had the right to sleep with newly married women, but the miller’s daughter, Mugnaia, refused. In the modern re-enactment, oranges are thrown, which represent weapons hurled at the duke’s men. A tour of Italy timed to visit Turin during the event can be a useful way to escape the winter gloom, as the event usually takes place in February.

There are also events later in the year. In Easter, in Fermignano, there is a frog race, again with a medieval connection. In addition to period costumes, hawks and fireworks, young men race around the streets, carrying frogs on wheelbarrows. The food also takes on an amphibian flavour, with frogs-legs served in local restaurants.

Races are a familiar theme in Italy, one of the most famous being the Palio of Siena. This is a horse race run in the city’s square, the Piazza del Campo. It also runs twice a year, in July and August, and includes religious ceremonies and a parade, as well as the race itself. As the race is run with horses representing different neighbourhoods of the city, it is taken very seriously, and a visit to see it could easily be incorporated into a tour of Tuscany’s vineyards.

One location virtually synonymous with the word ‘festival’ in Italy, is Venice. Its annual carnival is one of the most flamboyant in the country, and is famous for its masks, many of which are highly decorated. There are also balls, parties, concerts, and parades. Venice, with its beautiful canals and unique character, would make an excellent base as part of an Italian multicentre holiday.
For more information on tours of Italy taking in one or more festivals, or an Italian multicentre holiday visit the bellarome website to see some of the proposed multi centre packages available http://www.bellarome.com/multi-centres.asp