Skiing on Mount Etna

With its beautiful coastline, hot summers and fascinating landscape, you may never consider the balmy Mediterranean island of Sicily as a destination for a ski trip. However, thanks to snow-capped Mount Etna’s 3,323 metres, Sicily holidays can provide skiers and snowboarders with stunning snowy slopes between November and March each year.

Anyone who has paid a visit to this stunning Italian region will know that Sicily offers an ideal environment for a cultured, relaxing and fun summer holiday destination. The beautiful beaches with crystal clear seas are perfectly complimented by the warm weather and exciting tourist towns and villages.

The slopes of Mount Etna

Mount Etna is the largest and highest volcano in Europe, and one of the most active volcanoes in the world, in a state of almost continuous eruption. Thousands of people live on its slopes and take advantage of its hiking and skiing opportunities.

Etna offers two popular ski centres and five pistes equipped with hi tech ski lifts and all the necessary facilities, such as equipment hire and schools. Each slope is in a different district – the northern one is pretty Piano Provenzana, which ascends from 1800-2300 metres and ends in Linguaglossa. The southern one, Rifugion Sapienza, ascends from 1900-2600 metres and leads down to Nicolosi.

Five reasons to ski in Sicily

1.       Something for all levels

The top slopes of the volcano are treeless, making them ideal for off-piste snowboarding and advanced skiing, while the lava bumps and high altitude winds provide fantastic conditions for kite skiing/snowboarding.

Lower down, the lava bumps spread out to form gently undulating slopes for those who are less confident, building their skills or are simply looking for a less strenuous ski or snowboarding experience.

2.       Space on the slopes

As Sicily is a lesser-known ski area its slopes are generally quieter than most of Europe’s more popular ski resorts. There will be more space on the slopes and in the restaurants and bars too!

3.       Guaranteed snow

The altitude of the pistes generally guarantees snow, particularly between December and April, so you’re unlikely to be let down by poor snowfall.

4.       Non-skiers

If not everyone in your group loves to ski, the island of Sicily has plenty to offer visitors looking to explore. For example, the delightful town of Taormina is conveniently located just a short drive from Linguaglossa and offers visitors a wide range of fantastic eating and entertainment options. Situated on the coast, it also means that visitors can enjoy exploring some of the fantastic ruins, architecture and beaches of the area and perhaps even enjoy sailing while you’re there.

5.       Unique opportunity

Taking the opportunity to ski down the lava trails of a live volcano is an exciting prospect for any thrill-seeker. What better way to ski than with the clear blue of the Ionian Sea stretching into the distance below and a dramatic plume of steam and smoke spilling out of the summit of Mount Etna above?

Remember that Mount Etna is an active volcano so seek advice on safety before you go. Check www.etnasci.it for weather and snow reports.

Where to stay

The best spot to stay for proximity to both the slopes and the coastline is nearby Taormina. Casa alla Scala is a private sea-front holiday apartment, which sleeps six and is within walking distance of shops and restaurants, perfect for relaxing after a hard day on the slopes.

For larger groups, Crossing Together is a sea-front villa that sleeps up to 15 people and houses a private swimming pool and includes daily maid services.

Article courtesy of thinksicily.com

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As this years winter season approaches, a video has been released online to highlight both the beauty and diversity of this region and to show exactly what the ‘other side of Italy’ has to offer winter sports enthusiasts. You see holidaymakers embracing everything that this amazing region has to offer, and the camera work perfectly captures the breathtaking landscape.

You will no doubt have heard of some of the main resorts in the South Tyrol but, like many others, won’t actually realised what region they were actually in. Top resorts such as Val Gardena and San Martino will be instantly recognised by skiing fans, and others like Obereggen and Glitschberg offer winter sports enthusiasts all manner of activities. It is amazing how much is packed into this relatively small area, and its little wonder it is growing so quickly in popularity.

In this region you will find an awful lot more that just skiing and snowboarding, there is cycling, hiking, climbing, horse riding, ice skating on frozen lakes, the list is endless. Due to the location of the South Tyrol, you are also guaranteed outstanding gastronomy during your stay in this small yet perfectly formed region of Northern Italy. This winter wonderland is just waiting to welcome this years visitors, the pistes are ready to be conquered, as are the many bars and restaurants.

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Alberoni is the last of the Lido beaches. Lido has many beaches but this is the best. Nothing spectacular, but a pleasant enough place and free as well. It does not quite look like the place to stake a claim with your umbrella but then again those things get in everyone’s way. The beach is the site of a nature reserve and is a world away from Venice. A great idea if you want to hire a bike and explore.

Rosolina Beach is over 8kms in length with fine, clean sand. Because of the size the beach is never overcrowded except in August and July’s weekends. It is also over 100 meters wide. You will have to stake a claim with an umbrella but the size of the beach makes it somewhat acceptable. There is a lot to do here with bicycles, tennis courts even a swimming pool.

Albarella Beach is located on a private island and is within a nature reserve. Albarella Island is about five kilometers long and about two wide and is known for having over two million trees.

Albarella means Poplar Tree. The island is private and only guest that are staying here have the right to use the place. It is a paradise for kid’s lots of sand, lots of sun, loads of tress and very few if anybody to bother you. No wonder many considered Venice’s best, even being private.

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Malta sea plane tours offer a breathtaking perspective of the island, its craggy cliff faces, beautiful beaches and the medieval settlements hard to see all at once on a Malta sightseeing tour. The scenic flight will take off from the water to take you over Malta and Gozo. This is arguably one of the more unique tours in Malta but there are other Malta tours which encompass a whole range of different experiences. Malta diving tours are incredibly popular and the Mediterranean is an ideal place for both beginners and certified divers to hone their skills.  If you are a Malta tourist then join a Malta sightseeing tour and you will be captivated by the city’s rich cultural heritage and history. Joining one of these tours in Malta will ensure you don’t miss out on the country’s most famous archaeological sites and famous landmarks dotted from the capital of Malta, Valetta, to the medieval town of Mdina.

If heights aren’t your thing, then opt for a leisurely cruise along the Portuguese coast. There are a range of different Algarve Tours available but the Algarve sea cave cruise is a popular and relaxing way to spend the day. Cruising along the Algarve coast you will dodge the awesome yellow cliffs which jut into the pristine waters while spotting pods of dolphin that frolic in the warm waters. If this isn’t exciting enough, finish your day with a trip to one of Algarve’s finest water theme parks, located just 40mins from Faro Aiport. Escape the tourist hotspots and venture to the quaint fishing town of Sagres where Cape St Vincent, only a few kilometres away, marks the most southerly point in Portugal and Europe at large.

For a more traditional experience, head to Venice where you can indulge your romantic fantasies by cruising along the Grand Canal on a gondola. Built on water, Venice is like no other city on earth and as such a Venice gondola ride is a truly magical experience.  Sail aboard a traditional gondola to travel down the Grand Canal past some of the finest architecture in the whole world. The Rialto bridge is a landmark in its own right and there’s nowhere more special to enjoy a gondola ride serenadefrom your Venetian gondolier than under its fine arches. After your authentic cruise down the city’s waterways and backstreet canals enjoy the sights at St Mark’s Square like Doge’s Palace and the Basilica.

Aquatic adventures in Malta, the Algarve and Venice offer a stimulating alternative to traditional sightseeing tours. Boats and sea planes are a fun and unique way to see the sights allowing you to see views and spectacular landscapes inaccessible by ground.

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Sorrento is one of the most enchanting resorts in Italy as well as one of the most popular tourist destinations. Nearby are the famous and wonderful holiday areas of Positano, Ravello, Capri and the archeological sites like Pompeii, Herculaneum with the Vesuvius and the Greek city of Paestum.

If you are planning to hire a car in Sorrento to tour the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento Car Rent is the best and cheapest car company, based near Sorrento city centre.  So you could easily reach all the most beautiful places in total freedom and without stress of public transportation.

Sorrento Car Rent has a modern and wide range of vehicles (Ford Ka, Smart ForTwo, Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta Tdi, Fiat Barchetta, Peugeot 206 cc, Citroen Pluriel Hdi, Lancia Lybra SW, Renault Grand Scenic).  Working directly with customers, this car rental company can offers some of the best all inclusive prices.

It promises many services: 24 hours of customer service, unlimited mileage, theft protection, liability insurance. For those booking by june 15 2009 Sorrento car Rent offers a discount of 5% off the official rates.
Visit their webpage special offers amalfi coast car.

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If you choice Villa Fiorentino dream atmosphere, breathtaking view, panoramic swimming pool and the parfums of lemon three will be the ingredients of your wedding in Amalfi Coast. The Villa, overlooking the sea and facing the island of Li Galli, is the best location for an unforgettable wedding.

For honeymoon Villa Fiorentino offers you a romantic suite, classic and refineted, with an antique mirror of 7th century and decorated with Vietri ceramics. Moreover a wedding planner, Paola Fiorentino, will help you for all particulars of your special day; wedding hairdress, weeding souvenir, decorations and musical entertainment.

Anything wil be perfect! If you want more informations about prices and offers check on this page special offers wedding Amalfi Caost

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While the line-up for the final is yet to be decided, the calibre of the teams that have made it through to the semi-finals means that the conclusion of the football tournament is sure to be electrifying.

Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United will face each other over the coming weeks in order to determine the teams that will progress to the final in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on May 27th.

The 72,689-seat venue has been one of Europe’s most impressive sporting stadia for more than 70 years, having previously played host to the Olympic Games in 1960 and the IAAF World Championships in 1987.

Current Uefa champions Manchester United have already handed the Champions League trophy to Gianni Alemanno, the mayor of Rome, so that it can be displayed in the Italian capital ahead of the match next month.

As such, people planning on heading to see the final may well be tempted to book a few extra nights at one of the many Rome Hotels in order to get a close look at the silverware before it is fought for by two of the world’s most impressive football teams.

LateRooms.com has a wide range of hotels near Stadio Olimpico, which will be sure to please travelling football fans. Here fans heading to the Italian capital will be perfectly placed for visiting the city centre prior to attending the game.

Depending on what type of hotels are required there are numerous deals to be had even at this late stage.  LateRooms.com stock over 500 hotels in the city centre of Rome.

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The rooms are contemporary but reminiscent of a glamorous bygone era – a mix of modern and antique furniture and vaulted ceilings set against colourful handmade Vietri floor tiles. Rooms with terraces and balconies overlook the blue sea and at night the gentle sounds of the lapping waves can be heard. The bathrooms are sophisticatedly simple using marble with Jacuzzi baths and separate showers and the hotels signature Eau d’Italie body care products. Modern luxuries such as i-Pod stations and pre loaded sounds are available in every room as are wi-fi, flat screen TV’s and DVD players.

Champagne and Oyster Bar

The Champagne and Oyster Bar is open only during the summer months and is a place where guests can relax and listen to music under the stars. Located on an enchanted terrace, the bar is lit by candles and enjoys breathtaking views over the bay of Positano.

La Sponda Restaurant

La Sponda Restaurant specialises in simple Italian food using the finest local ingredients. The menu is designed by the well known chef, Alfonso Iaccarino and his son Ernesto, owners of the two Michelin star restaurant “Don Alfonso 1890” in nearby Sant’Agata sui due Golfi. There is an extensive Italian wine list providing the best Italian wines. Dinner is accompanied by the sound of live mandolin and guitar. During the summer, guests dine al fresco on the terrace with a stunning view out over the terraces of Positano and in the cooler months move inside, under the warm glow of hundreds of tiny candles.

Activities:

The Sant’Antonio, a magnificent old wooden vessel, is the pride of Le Sirenuse and from June to September, it carries up to fifteen people twice a day for complimentary excursions along the coast. Otherwise, the hotel’s 1972 Riva Aquarama Special, a classic, luxury speedboat is perfect for a special day out on the sea or just to enjoy a romantic glass of Champagne at sunset. Other private boat excursions, to visit Capri or other sights along the coast, can be arranged through the concierge. The concierge can also organize private excursions by car to visit the many cultural and archaeological sites nearby – Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi, etc.

The Swimming Pool:

The swimming pool is a haven of stylish relaxation, surrounded by lemon trees in terracotta pots and comfortable deck chairs offering a peaceful atmosphere in which to unwind. Nineteen metres long, it is temperature controlled and perfect for lap swimming. The restaurant lunch menu is available at the bar tables.

Le Sirenuse Spa:

Le Sirenuse Aveda Concept Spa is a very small and sophisticated spa, which reflects a modern attitude to health, and provides a perfect atmosphere for rejuvenation, designed by Gae Aulenti (please see the Spa document attached)

Eau d’Italie:

Inspired by the enchanting aromas of the Mediterranean and the refined charm of the hotel Le Sirenuse, Eau d’Italie is a collection of uniquely Italian fragrances and bodycare products. “Eau d’Italie” was the first fragrance to be launched in 2004 to celebrate the hotel’s 50th anniversary and in 2007 it won the Best Unisex Scent Award by Allure magazine in the US. Subsequently, Paestum Rose, Bois d’Ombrie and Sienne L’Hiver were created. In every hotel’s bathrooms is available the Eau d’Italie original bodycare collection. To know more visit www.eauditalie.it

Emporio le Sirenuse:

Two boutiques located in the hotel, sell a fabulous range of eclectic Italian fashion from Etro, Stephan Janson, Metradamo, Lisa Corti and Eres. Specialist items such as Kaftans, pashminas sourced from India, straw hats from Australia and jewellery from Milan. Guests are also able to purchase Carlo Moretti’s fabulous tumblers used in the Champagne Bar, accompanied by a selection of Venetian glasses made by the finest Italian artisans. Also available are Fornasetti’s plates, Le Sirenuse exclusive silk scarves designed by Rubinacci, exquisite candle holders by Franco Sersale and of course the Eau d’Italie range.

For more information on the hotel visit – www.lesirenuse.com

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The classes or demonstrations are informal and can be adapted to a family’s preference and the time of year. Seasonal produce is a big focus and can include foraging trips, like truffle hunting. The produce is brought back to the house and the family is shown how to turn simple, fresh ingredients into fabulous meals. A great option that kids will love is how to make pizza and fresh pasta. The classes are run by two seasoned local caterers who are also able to cater for any special meals guests desire.

The property has a bang up to date bright green kitchen designed for passionate cooks, with SMEG range cooker and De Longhi espresso/cappucino maker, as well as an extensive array of pots, pans, knives and cookery implements. It also has a large dining room with a ten-seater dining room table, perfect for enjoying the masterpieces that have been prepared.

“Families rarely get a chance to cook together these days. At Casa Alberi you can, and, everyone will learn in the process. Best of all, families can choose whether they want a one off cookery session with the rest of the time lazing in the sun, or spend most of their holiday focused on food,” says Wendy Shand, founder of Tots to Travel.

With 5 bedrooms, the property sleeps ten adults plus has plenty of rooms for cots. It has a large swimming pool with an electric cover for safety, magnificent rural views and easy walks to the nearby River Tenna. Like all Tots to Travel properties, it comes fully equipped with everything families with young children need including cots, highchairs, bedguards, stairgates, sterilisers, toys and plenty more.

Prices for the property range from £1325 to £2600 per week. Pasta making classes for children cost 15 Euro a head for a minimum of four children or if the family want to order a meal made by the caterers, the pasta making class is free. A morning’s truffle hunt followed by bruschetta costs 15 Euro per head, while a truffle hunt followed by a cooking lesson and lunch costs 40 Euro per head.

The property is 80 minutes drive from Ancona airport, serviced by Ryanair. Contact enquiries@totstotravel.co.uk or call 0870 458 5528 for more information.

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To realize what you want Villa Fiorentino, a luxury villa only a few minutes away from the beaches of Positano, the ideal vacation in Amalfi Coast if you want to spend your holidays in the best place of Italy, have a great range of offer for apartments in villa and to organize weddings and cerimonies.

And from now it will be possible to live a weekend in this corner of paradise with a real special price.
Till 9th April 2009 Villa Fiorentino suggests two differents offers for the
Three night accommodation Honeymoon or Sogno d’Amore suites.

The offer includes a relaxing massage for two people, one romantic dinner with local products and three night accomodation with breakfast in the room,

everything with an unreapeatable price of 325 € each one all inclusive.

All information are available on site >> Romantic Weekend

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In Sorrento there are several bed and breakfast, but if you looking for something special the Le Due Sirene is a good solution to enjoy the real Italian lifestyle. The b&b le Due Sirene is located in the hillside of Sorrento in a quiet place surrounded by the green and the amazing scenery of Amalfi Coast.
Le Due Sirene offers rooms and mini-apartment supplied with a kitchen corner. Every room has a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea and the amazing landscape of Amalfi Coast. The balconies are supplied with sunbeds and little table, so you can enjoy relaxing time above the sun.
Around the b&b there are some good Italian restaurant, very appreciated from the locals. A swimming pool is a walking distance and you can reach Positano and Sorrento with the public bus witch stop just under the door of Le Due Sirene.
If you book now your summertime at Le Due Sirene, the b&b will give you a special early booking offer. To know the best price for you, write an e-mail to info@leduesirene.com or visit the web-site b&b Sorrento

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Sorrento could offers in each period of the year an infinity of solutions to spend a relaxing, romantic or enjoing holidays.

Despite mondial economic is starting to go in a recession period, the only way to have an budget holidays in Sorrento, is represented by apartment rentals or holiday house structures that usually offers the same comfort of hotels at lowest price.

At only 10 minutes of car from Sorrento and Positano, in the midway, there is a very special structure composed by apartments and rooms with bed & breakfast traitment, so it could be classified as bed & breakfast in Sorrento or as apartment rentals. We are talking about Le due Sirene, which offers private bathroom, tv sat, private balcony with seaview on amalfi coast, minibar and much more.

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The Sorrento City’s rooms are little but clean and comfortable with air-conditioning and private bathroom with shower. Every room has also a little balcony.  Also if the hotel is on the central street the silence in the rooms is guaranteed by the sound proof-glasses.  The good quality of Sorrento City is certificated by the good reviews on Trip Advisor.
Continental buffet breakfast is included in the price and the helpful staff can help you to organize your vacation in Sorrento.
The price start from 59 euro for a double room with breakfast and triple and quadruple room are also available.
For more information about this offers check on this page: hotel Sorrento special offers.

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See Amalfi Coast is the best solution for transfers from Naples to Sorrento and Amalfi Coast and for shore excursions in all places of Campania.

In one day (8 hours) you can choose between differents tours that will make you visiting the main towns like Ravello, Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento and join one the dreamland Capri.

All offers includes driver english spoken, parking, highway tickets, and fuel.

The company of car service is suitable also for transfers from/to Naples airport from/to Amalfi Coast with an english driver who will lead you to your hotel or accomodation. Prices start from 120 € for 1/3 people to 150 € for 4/7 people.

Your trip will be in total confort and safety with the moder park auto composed by a Bus of 29 seats,a minibus of 18 seats and two limousine ( 7 and 5 seats ) all of Mercedes.

With See Amalfi Coast in one day you could reach Pompei, Amalfi, Praiano and have lunch in a typical Italian restaura and after reach Naples or Capri or you can decide all destinations you want.

If you need more informations visit the site >> Amalfi caost tours

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One of the best ways of enjoying the area is to stay in rented villa or aparment, perhaps in Sorrento or Positano.  Companies such as Sea & Sky Italy have a lovely selection of properties offering a relaxing and luxurious holiday close to all the places worth visiting.  You can reach Pompei, Naples, Sorrento, Capri in less than one hour.

For more information >> Amalfi Coast Rental

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If you need a tranfer from Rome or Naples airports to Sorrento, Amalfi coast and your Hotel
and for the excursion in the wonderful places of Campania, Syrenlimo is the best solution.

With Syrenlimo you will be able to get pleasure in the total relax travelling throught the most panoramic
landscapes taking memorial photos and you will have no care a part from yourself.

In one day you can reach Positano, Amalfi, Praiano and have lunch in a typical Italian
restaurant and after reach Naples or Pompei with its unique ruins or you can decide all destinations you want.

One of the driver English spoken will wait you in the hall of airport and he will lead you on the door
of your accommodation.

You can find more information here >> Sorrento transfers 

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One possibility to enjoy the action and to stay in luxury is the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, one of the city’s most sought-after hotels, situated on the banks of the Grand Canal. A former 17^th century Palazzo, it has a classic, composed elegance, and a restaurant that’s very popular with the Venetians.

A three-night stay is from £790 pp (two sharing) including BA flights from London to Venice and accommodation with breakfast. Private water taxi transfers can be arranged at a supplement. Call Sunvil on 020 8758 4747visit www.sunvil.co.uk.

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Modica, Sicily – August 13, 2008 – For the first time, U.K. travellers will
enjoy luxurious complimentary perks this October as Italian Connection –
Italy’s most exclusive and intimate walking, cooking and cultural tour company
– unveils three tours featuring the new Complimentary Smooth Arrival®
service. The company’s Piedmont Vineyards and Lakes, Savoring Sicily and
Splendors of Sicily tours will each feature the new Complimentary Smooth
Arrival® service providing U.K. visitors with free airport transfers and free
pre-tour hotel stays at 4-diamond properties.

“For the first time, we are delighted to offer our guests from the U.K.
complimentary airport transfers and free accommodations in luxurious 4-diamond
hotels in Catania, Turin, and Palermo,” said Anita Iaconangelo, founder and
CEO of Italian Connection. “Our exceptional, personalised service and superb
attention to detail set our tours apart from all others in Italy – thereby
creating the most authentic local Italian experience available.”

Italian Connection’s Splendors of Sicily tours are October 10-18 and October
20-28, and include complimentary Catania airport transfer and free stay at a
4-diamond hotel in Catania. Guests will be among the first to experience the
Roman mosaics recently unveiled to the public at the Villa Tellaro on this tour.
This particular tour was selected by National Geographic Traveler as one of the
“50 Tours of a Lifetime.” Cost is £2745 GBP.

For those seeking culinary decadence – including fresh truffles – coupled
with dazzling countryside walks, Italian Connection’s Piedmont Vineyards and
Lakes tour is October 17-23. It includes complimentary Turin airport transfer,
and a free stay at a 4-diamond hotel in Turin. Cost is £2285 GBP.

For U.K. explorers interested in the authentic sights, sounds, and tastes of
Sicily – far removed from the hurried bus tour concept – the Savoring Sicily
tour from October 29-November 4 provides a rare look at the area’s distinct
past and diverse culinary present, with hands-on cooking lessons and visits to
archaeological sites. Tour includes complimentary Palermo airport transfer and
free stay at a 4-diamond hotel in Palermo. Cost is £2135 GBP.

Visit http://www.italian-connection.com for detailed itineraries or to book a
tour.

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