Classic Itinerary in Umbria, Italy

Umbria is a region of Central Italy, is a great place for a touring holiday, with picturesque hill towns, art of the highest quality, Roman and Etruscan history and some of Italy's most stunning scenery.

Here are LoveTravel's suggestions on how to get the most out of the region, whether you're attracted by the culture, the countryside or the cusine.

Perugia is the main city of Umbria: the lively evening passeggiata in the main piazza of Umbria's vibrant capital (a university city), is not to be missed. The key buildings are the pink-and-white cathedral, begun in 1345 but not finished until 1490, the 14th-century Palazzo dei Priori, which now houses the National Gallery of Umbria, and the extraordinary Fontana Maggiore, a marble fountain with carvings by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano.
Stay at: Le Silve, a retreat in the wooded valleys east of Assisi, with high-quality apartments from 100 EUR a night.

Assisi, the huge buttresses of the hilltop Basilica di San Francesco look forbidding as you approach, but they belie the extraordinary aubtlety of Giotto's frescos of the life of St Francis on the walls inside. Arrive early to miss the coach tours, and allow a full day here: the rest of the medieval town is less crowded than the basilica and well worth exploring.

Orvieto is likely to be the high point of your trip. Its 14th-century cathedral has a gilded-mosaic facade that glows spectacularly in the sunset. Look out for the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, the bell tower in piazza della Repubblica and the Pozzo di San Patrizio, a 16th-century well with a double-spiral staircase. The local wine is excellent too.
Stay at: Hotel Duomo, 15 stone-steps away from the majestic Gothic cathedral of the city.

In Spello the original Roman gates survive, but it is the steep, winding streets of this medieval town that give it so much character. Don't miss the Pintoricchio frescos in Santa Maria Maggiore.

Spoleto, has an extraordinary mix of Roman remains incorporated into much later buildings; the little church of Sant'Eufemia is one of the best examples of this. Make sure to see Lippi's frescos in the cathedral, and the vertiginous Ponte delle Torri, a bridge that spans a steep gorge on the edge of the town.
Stay at: Cavaliere Palace Hotel, in the 17th century Accoramboni della Valnerina Palace, adorned with splendid frescoes.

Todi's main square, Piazza del Popolo, is perhaps the prettiest in Umbria. Lined with medieval and Renaissance palazzi, it slopes gently upwards to the facade of the 12th-century cathedral. But you get the greatest sense of the town's long history from its three sets of tconcentric walls: they were built by Etruscan, Roman and finally medieval engineers.

Planning your trip
The most convenient way of getting to Umbria is to fly from Stansted to Perugia. Alternatively, fly to Rome from Heathrow or Gatwick and drive up the A1. There are also some good-value local car hire.

Click here for hotel booking in Umbria.

Holiday to Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh has become one of Egypt's most popular resorts on the Red Sea. The offshore waters are home to some of the world's most exquisite coral reefs and considered one of the prime water sports and diving locations throughout the world.

Diving In Sharm El Sheikh
Lying on the very southern tip of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh holidays are located in an impressive Red Sea holiday region that is an acclaimed area for divers. A diving holiday in Sharm El Sheikh gives visitors the opportunity to see the amazing exotic marine life of the Red Sea along with a variety of wrecked ships that lie at the bottom. Every level of ability is catered for and many people have had their first taste of diving on holidays to Sharm El Sheikh.

A Stunning Red Sea Sunrise
For a taste of Egyptian culture there are camel treks out to Bedouin villages, although the area is not renowned for having great links to historical Egypt, so there are not a great many historical sights in the Sharm El sheikh area.
A visit to Mount Sinai, where Moses reputedly received the Ten Commandments is a popular attraction of many Sharm El Sheikh holidays, especially an early trek up the mountainside to watch the stunning sunrise.

Book a hotel in Sharm El Sheikh for holiday
The Baron Palms Hotel, sister hotel to the Baron Resort, is a stunning Andalusian style oasis, located close to Naama Bay, the resort's lively centre. This stunning boutique property, with a backdrop of crimson mountains and desert landscape, is set just 80 metres through the lively Baron shopping Boulevards, from the resort's extensive private beach where crystal waters gently lap the shores. Lush tropical gardens incorporate two swimming pools with action packed entertainment such as water cascades, several Jacuzzis, horizon effects and waterfalls for a total swimming experience. Gourmet cuisine is served, buffet style in the Tiran Restaurant, whilst delicious Oriental specialities are served in the Egyptian Restaurant and an endless variety of mouth-watering snacks and exotic drinks in the pool restaurant/bar. the Baron Palms offers guests spacious and luxuriously furnished rooms, overlooking the tropical pools or the surrounding beautiful, landscape. All are equipped with first-class amenities.

Hotel Sharm El Sheikh - Seven nights five-star all inclusive from £649pp

August in Capri, Italy

Isle of Capri is most attractive and fantastic Summer Resort in Italy, It has been one of the most famous tourist place in the world, a luxurious and excellent Island.

What to See
1) Arco Naturale and Pizzolungo, this bold Arch is what remains of a large grotto that penetraded the mountain. The waves of the sea extended its aperture and wasched away its debris.

2) Villa Jovis - Mount Tiberio, the most important of the island's twelve imperial villas, Villa Jovis was built in the First Century AD and discovered in the 18th Century under the rule of Charles of Bourbon.

3) Augustus Gardens - Via Krupp, the Gardens of Augustus are only few minutes walk from the Piazzetta, near the Via Krupp, the road which was the idear of A.F. Krupp, the German steel Industrialist, who - for this ene - purchased the "Fondo Certosa" (Certosa Estate), on the part of which rise the Gardens.

4) The Charterhouse of St. Giacomo. Count Giacomo Arcucci of Capri, Secretary to Jeanne I of Anjou, found just such a spot enclosed by walls in a small south-facing coastal valley called SAMA or LAMA, located some distance from the town. The Charterhouse's foundations date back to 1371 and it is believed that it was built on the remains of previous Roman buildings and the sixth villa of Tiberius.

5) Tour of the Island. Whether you choose to join an organised tour, or rent a private boat with captain, taking to turquoise waters is the only way to explore some of the most beautiful parts of the island. In fact, many of the most enchanting stretches of the Capri coastline are completely inaccessible by land. By boat visitors are able to reach those secluded bays which are just perfect for swimming or sun bathing - far from the crowds crammed onto the tiny pebble beaches.

6) La Grotta Azzurra, a magic no word or image could ever describe. It is a 60-metre-long, 25-metre-wide cavity; to get into it, yu need to take one of the small rowing boats moored outside the cave; since the opening is very narrow, you will have to lie on the bottom of the boat to get into the grotto (in case the sea gros rough, boat service is suspended). There is acturally a bigger but completely submerged opening; this very underwater entrance allows the blue coloration of the water inside the grotto, due to a phenomenon of sunlight reflection. There is an almost surreal view in the inside, the transparency and the blue colour of the water give us the impression of navigating through a clear sky, and the boats seem to float on a fantastic universe.

The blue Grotto has been known since the Roman times, and Emperor Tiberius chose it as his own personal nymphaeum (Roman monumental fountain, translator's note), later on almost nothing was known of the grotto, also because the fishermen of the island believed it to be haunted by evil spirits. It was rediscovered and made popular as late as April 18th 1826 by the German painter August Kopisch and his friend Ernst Fries with the help of Angelo Ferraro, a fisherman; since then, the grotto has been visited by millions of tourists from anywhere in the world.

7) Mount Solaro - Cetrella - Chairlife, it is the highest place on the island (589 metres above sea level). You can eigher walk there (by taking the narrow street at the beginning of Viale Axel Munthe) or take the chairlife.

- 12 minutes by chairlife from Piazza Vittoria: about 1 hr on foot.

8) Villa San Michele - Axel Munthe, is located on the north-eastern side of Anacapri, 327 metres above sea level, Here was an ancient Roman imperial villa, whose ruins were preserved by Axel Munthe and are now to be found in the garden. In the area there were the remains of a medieval chapel later moved to its present position by Munthe himself.

9) La Migliera. You will certainly not miss one of the most beautiful walks in Capri. The route dateds back to the Roman times and was built to link Capodimonte (the only access to Anacapri until the last century) to the Migliera belvedere where the remains of Imperial-age buildings were found.

10) Towers and Forts. It is a long itinerary with some inaccessible stretches but its extraordinary beauty is worth the effort. The blockhouses and the set of paths and streets are located along the western coast of the island, between the Blue Grotto and the Punta Carena Lighthouse.

11) Punta Carena and Faro (Lighthouse). It is named after the westernmost point of the Island, is the second most important and powerful lighthouse in Italy, standing on the rocky promontory named Punta Carena (Carena = keel) because it looks like the keel of a ship.

12) Villa Damecuta. Excavations at Villa Damecuta began in 1937 under the direction of Amedeo Maiuri. Amongst the findings salvaged from recent excavations, are fragments of columns made from pure Greek marble. These point to the villa's rich decor of marble floors, stucco work, decorations and works of art. The panoramic loggia of the villa si still preserved and reflects a structure similar to that of the imperial loggia at Villa Jovis.

Getting here
You can reach Capri by ferry or hydrofoil from either Naples or Sorrent. Trasportation from Naples is available either at the port of Calata Porta di Massa (only ferries) Molo Beverello and Mergellina (both only hydrofoils); however, it is much more convenient to depart from Molo Beverello because of the greater frequency of departures and larger selection of hydrofoils. The port of Calata Porta di Massa is connected with the nearby Molo Beverello with a shuttle service.

From Naples, the ferry takes about 80 minutes and costs about 9,00 EUR, while the hydrofoil takes about 20 minutes and costs about 12,00 EUR.

Where to stay
Hotel La Floridiana, 4-star hotel, ideal ofr those who want to relax in a central but quiet position (a mere 5 minutes form the piazzetta), this hotel is surrounded by greenery and faces south in a marvellous triangle of sky, sea and pine trees.and near a public swimming pool, tennis courts and disco. For other hotels information, please refer to Hotel Capri page in Booking.com.

Summer Holiday in Barcelona

Where to go for spending your Summer Holiday, if you go to Spain, Barcelona is ideal and a great place to go, which both the kids and adults are sure to enjoy it, which can make your summer holiday an exciting and unforgettable experience.

In a privileged position on the northeaster coast of the Iberian Peninsula and the shores of the Mediterranean, Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain in both size and pupulation. It is also the capital of Catalonia. There are two official languages spoken in Barcelona: Catalan, and Spanish.

Barcelona has over four kilometers of beaches for enjoy your holiday. Barceloneta beach is the closest beach to Barcelona city centre. If you walk to Colom at the end of the Ramblas you have about a 15 mins walk to the beach. Barceloneta has many great sea food restaurants serving up fresh catches of the Day. Barceloneta beach can get busy during the peak season (June to Sep) in which case you could try visiting lcaria Beach the next beach along from Barceloneta.

The capital of Catalonia is unequivocally a Mediterranean city, not only because of its geographic location but also and above all because of its history, tradition and cultural influences. The documented history of the city dates back to the founding of a Roman colony on its soil in the second century B.C. Modern barcelona experienced spectacular growth and economic revival at the onset of industrialization druing the second half of the 19th century. The 1888 World's Fair became a symbol of the capacity for hard work and the international outlook projected by the city. Culture and the arts flourished in Barcelona and in all of Catalonia; the splendor achieved by Catalonian modernism is one of the most patent displays.

Barcelona, more than just a single city, is really a collection of multi-faceted and diverse cities. The visitor unfamiliar with its history might be surprised that such a modern and enterprising city preserves its historic Gothic center almost intact, or by the curious contrast between the maze of narrow streets and grid-like layout of the Eixamples, the urban planning "Enlargement" project of the end of the 19th century.

My favourite hotels in Barcelona, Spain
Hotel Barcelona near the Barceloneta area.

Summer Holiday in Marseille

MARSEILLE (Marsiglia, in Italian) is a coast city in the South of France, the second most populated city of France, the biggest mediterranean port and the economic center of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region. Marseille has a rugged, unpredictable charm. With the tanned plutocrats of Monaco and the blazered aristocrats of St-Tropez to the east, and sniffy Aix to the northm, its colours even brighter, the louche, sun-soaked terraces of its cafe's even sexier.

Don't miss Get up early and explore the legendary daily seafood and fish market at the Vieux Port. Foodies should book in for a bouillabaisse course and learn to cook the local dish. The legendary fish stew was invented by Marseille fishermen, who cooked it for their families using their unsold catch.

The sun-bleached white turrets of Chateau, the 16th-century island prison immortalised in Alexandre Dumas masterpiece The count of Monte Cristo, are nowadays populated by seagulls and salamanders rather than convicts. The chateau is quickly visited, so bring a picnic and enjoy the clean seawater.

How to get there British Airways flies from London Gatwick to Marseille.
During the summer holidays, EuroStar can take you to Marseille easier any time you want.

Where to stay The new Hotel Bompard and cool off in the poor, doubles from £97. Or refer to Hotel in Marseille for more information.

Frankfurt Travel Guide

FRANKFURT, the most internatioanl city in Germany, the largest financial centre on the contienent, the historical city of coronations, the city of Goethe and the Frankfurt School...

Almost one in three of the people living in Frankfurt do not hold a German passport. No matter where visitors come from, they will always meet people in Frankfurt who speak their language and a restaurant that serves their favourite food. The open and hospitable atmosphere in Frankfurt stems from its centuries-old role as a trading centre.

Getting Here and Travelling around Thanks to its location at the heart of Europe and Germany, Frankfurt is an important traffic hub and can be reaches by visitors extremely easily.

Frankfurt Airport, is the Europe's second largest airport, with more than 50 million air passengers a year optimal travel connections, and also the station in Germany with the highest volume of traffic are situated. Passengers can reach almost 300 destinations around the world from Frankfurt Airport. The motorway connection via the Frankfurt interchange also offers a good way of getting here.

Tourism Frankfurt am Main, the dynamic and international financial and trade fair city with the most imposing skyline in Germany. This is the image that many visitors associate with the Main metropolis. A discovery tour of Frankfurt can easily reach many of the sites on foot or by bus and train. Many attractions are not very far from one another in the city centre. Near to the skyscrapers you can find cosy Ebbelwei Express, is particularly popular. And culture lovers will find an impressive selection of renowned museums on both banks of the Main. The Kaiserdom (Cathedral) and the Paulskirche, the cradle of German democracy, are also to be found here.

Shopping in Frankfurt, is a real "el dorado" with its many shooping streets and centres. "Zeil" in the city centre, lies a shopping street with one of the highest turnovers in Europe. On the Zeil, the shops offer practically everything you could ever with for; "Fressgass", here you cadn find a large selection fo restaurants and various fine food shops.

Overnight Accommodation on Hotels in Frankfurt, you will definitely find a suitable room in the required price category and location.

Brussels - the Capital of Europe

Brussels is one of the most attractive city in EU, and the capital of Belgium, the administrative centre of the European Union. This has earned the city the title of the Capital of Europe.

The Monnaie is the main theatre in Brussels, it is home to the National Opera of Belgium.

The Grand Place is Brussels central market square and one of its biggest tourist attractions.

Manneken Pis (translation, little man pee) is a bronze fountain just outside the Grand Place. Depending on the occasion he is dressed in one of his hundreds of costumes.

The Brussels Palace of Justice, or Court House, construction finished in 1883 (perhaps this if why it is undergoing some major restoration work).

The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the King of belgians, However, the Royal Family does not currently dwell here.

Exterior of St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral. Located on the Treurenberg Hill.

Brussels is home to the head offices of many major European and International Companies. Brussels is also the heart of the European Union (EU) parliament and offices.

How to Get: by train, International trains, high speed trains (Thalys and Eurostar) connect Brussels to other important cities in neighbour countries. From London, just 1 hours by Eurostar, from Lille, just half an hour. You can find more informations on any railway company and their schedules at Railway Info website.

Where to stay Brussels Hotels
Sheraton Brussels Hotel, the hotel is across the street from the city’s main shopping area (Rue Neuve) and just a 5-minute-stroll from the renowned Grand Place.
Best Western Premier Carrefour de l'Europe, this elegant 4-star hotel is ideally located in the centre of Brussels, just 50 metres away from the historic centre and the Grand Place.

My holiday in Lille

My holiday in Lille on May, is perhaps not as exciting and romantic as a trip to Paris, but it is nevertgheless a city with distinguishing qualities. A tour of Lille reveal a charming mix of French and Flemish features, and a historic core that is filled with impressive architecture, squares and cobblestone streets.

Lille Attractions
1, Musee des Beaux-Arts, housed in a beautiful 19th century building, this is one of the most important museum in France. The displays contain exceptional European paintings; sculptures; 17th and 18th century ceramics from all over europe; a department of the Middles Ages and Renaissance; and an important collection of drawings. There is so much to see and learn here.

2, Notre-Dame-de-la Treille, located just off rue de la Monnaie. The body of this cathedral is a fairly homogeneous, but not unattractive, neo Gothic construction begun in 1854, but the new facade, completed in 1999, is completely differnet, Its a translucent marble front supported by steel wires, best appreciated from inside, or at night wehn lit up from within.

3, The Distillery, this building became distillery in 1817. Classified historic building since 1999, the distillery manufactures according to an old method a grain alcohol (rye and barley malted). Here distillation, passing by cooking.

Lille Restaurants
Aux Moules, 34 rue de Bethune. The best restaurant in Lille to eat mussels and it's been serving them since 1930 in its Art Deco-style interior. Nothing costs much over 8 Euro, including the other brasserie fare, and it's all excellent value. It is very popular with locals and tourists alike and is highly recommended.

Le Compostelle, 4 rue St-Etienne. this trendy restaurant in a renovated Renaissance palace, with its designer furniture and conspicuous olive-tree has some unusual dishes, such as turbot in beer, The food is excellent and the menus are reasonably priced, 20~30 Euro.

Lille parks and gardens
Manoir de l'Estracelles, this manor dated back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Located in the manor are two 18th Century barns, and historical monuments, surrounded by rare birds and plants not native to the area. This is a great place to relax and take a break from signtseeing around town.

Jardin des Plantes, found on the south side of Lille, this is a great place to take a relaxing wark through this beautiful garden. Open to the public since 1948, it has a stylish greenhouse displaying tropical plants from South America, housed in an all-year round tropical heatwave.

WHEN There is no real bad time to visit Lille, although the peak tourist season tends to be spring (March to June) and autumn (September to december). In November and December the Christmas markets are a popular attraction.

Lille has become a popular weekend destination for those travelling from London on the Eurostar, but anyone who enjoys the ambience of a medieval old town, with its Grand Place at its centre, will enjoy a break in Lille. Those with a taste for Belgian beer will also not be disappointed.

Where to stay Hotels in Lille
Express by Holiday Inn Lille, this hotel has all the convenience you can expect from 3 star establishment.
Crowne Plaza Euralille is located in central Lille near the train stations, the shopping district, and the International Trade Centre. It is ideal for a stay in the Flander’s Capital.

Trip in Dublin

Dublin is thriving capital city，and largest and major port of the Republic of Ireland. It is noteworthy in terms of its vibrancy, its nightlife and its tourist attractions, and it is the most popular entry point for international visitors to Ireland.

Tourists are fond of the National Museum, the National Library and the National Gallery, which are located very close to one another in Dublin. All three are worth to visit, not at least because they are free of charge.

Dublin is split into two halves by the River Liffey. On the north side of the Liffey is O'Connell Street—the main thoroughfare that is intersected by numerous shopping streets, including Henry Street and Talbot Street. On the south side are St. Stephen's Green, Grafton Street (also popular for shopping), Trinity College, Christ Church and St. Patrick's Cathedrals, as well as many other tourist attractions.

Visit the Guinness Storehouse to view an interesting, self-guided exhibition of Dublin's most famous drink. The Gravity Bar at the top of the Storehouse offers fantastic views of the city and a free pint of Guinness with your entry fee.

How to Take a Literary Trip Through Dublin, Ireland: Is there any city as literary as Dublin? Sure, you could make the case for Paris, London and New York. But there’s something about Dublin that has produced - or inspired- some of the world’s finest literature, from Dubliners who called Ireland home as well as from those who recalled their homeland from elsewhere. An exploration of Dublin’s literary history, both before and during your trip, will give you wonderful insights into this lovely city and help give your visit added depth.

WHY GO To admire Georgian architecture and relax with a Guchitecture and relax with a Guinness or three.

THE VIBE Friendly and welcoming.

BEST FOR Glorious walks where you can check out St Patrick’s Cathedral and Ha’penny Bridge.

WHERE TO STAY History was forged in The Shelbourne, where the Irish Constitution was drafted in 1922. Rooms from £189 a night.

WHERE TO EAT Take in the views of Trinity College at Jacob’s Ladder (00 353 1 670 3865), where you can feast on pork belly. A meal for two, £40.

WHAT TO DO Head to Temple Bar, where there is lots of free outdoor entertainment to be found.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT Take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse Tickets from £12.

TOP TIP Celebrate James Joyce from 13-16 June, when fans of the author take walks following in the footsteps of Ulysses protagonist Leopold Bloom.

GETTING THERE Aer Lingus flies from Gatwick to Dublin for £39.98 return.

HOTEL IN DUBLIN You can easy to find on Booking.com.