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

Italy v Wales 2013 rugby package announced!

Bellarome has released details and places for the 2013 Six Nation Rugby fixture between Italy v Wales, 23^rd February at Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Bellarome are chartering their own direct flights from Cardiff (to accommodate Welsh rugby fans the South of Wales and UK) and Manchester (to accommodate fans from the North of Wales and UK).

Bellarome’s 3 nights set Italy v Wales 2013 rugby package includes everything you need to enjoy the rugby and a great weekend in the most beatuful city in the world; Flights, Accommodation, Airport Transfers and Match Tickets – and all for just £499 per person! The best 3 night package available!

Bellarome’s own charter flights to Rome on the weekend of the Italy v Wales match are being provided to Welsh rugby fans as a way for them to avoid the high priced scheduled flights. Also, as there are no scheduled direct flights from Cardiff airport to Rome, so Bellarome are providing this convenient option to you.  However, packages with Bellarome’s chartered flights from Manchester and Cardiff are selling fast as people look to guarantee their seats on the plane and at the Stadio Olimpico for the Italy v Wales 2013 6 Nations match.

If you would like to book a 3 nights package to Rome for Italy v Wales 2013, please click on this link for more details on the package and how to book: Italy v Wales Six Nations Rugby 3 nights package

Want to stay in Rome for more than 3 nights for Italy v Wales 2013? No problem as we also offer Fully Customised Packages: Our 6 Nations in Italy rugby packages include everything you need for a fabulous weekend in Rome including Flights, Accommodation, Transfers and most importantly we provide official 6 nations rugby tickets! If you wish to fly from an airport other than Manchester or Cardiff or you wish to stay for more than 3 nights, tell us which airport you wish to fly from? How many people are going? And what dates you wish to go? And we will put together a customised quote for you!

Italy v Ireland 2013 and Italy v France 2013As well as Italy v Wales, 2013 has scheduled two other home fixtures for the Italian Rugby Team. On 3rd February 2013 Italy face local rivals France, then the 16th March when Ireland visit the eternal city of Rome to face the 'Azzuri'. The 2013 fixtures bring a little extra excitement for French, Irish and Welsh rugby fans as the Federazione Italiana Rugby have decided that rugby in Italy will again be held at the different venue of the Stadio Olimpico as it was in 2012. The Stadio Olimpico is the home of Roma and Lazio football teams and many other sporting events. This new venue is much bigger than the previous venue, Stadio Flaminio, and has a capacity in excess of 70,000.

If you would like to book a package for Italy v France or for Italy v Ireland 6 Nations Rugby visit this page for more details: Rome Six Nations Rugby Packages

Alternatively you can call one of the Bellarome dedicated team members 0844 993 4139 or Click here to send us an enquiry.

See more of Italy in one trip - multi centre holidays Italy

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