Easter is a special time in Italy, a joyous spring event that brings together religious traditions and culinary delights, an occasion to celebrate with family or take advantage of the warm spring weather to travel and explore something new.
Category: Travel Vacation
Italia travel region
Discover the regions of Italy through the wonders they offer. Here some of the regions present at the Dolce Vita in London 2012.
Tutti frutti in the Province of La Spezia
Take a stroll along the trails, surfing on the waves, water rafting down rivers on a dinghy and on a canoe, slowly admiring the territory by bicycle or horse riding; these are just some of the options the tourist has available to discover the nature, the beauty of the landscapes and enjoy the Fruits of the territory of the province of La Spezia.
The old part of Luni, a Roman town which was a strategic port for olive oil and wine trading, is surrounded by the terraces of the Cinque Terre cultivated with grapes, the monumental landscape architecture realized through man’s hard and skilled work, recognized by UNESCO World Heritage, the pastures and organic chestnut groves of the Vara Valley, the widespread vegetables gardens, mussel farming in the Golfo dei Poeti.
In the area there are plenty of villages and medieval castles, museums, parks and marine reserves; they are the generous Fruits of history, art and environmental protection. Here, in the “Triangolo del gusto”, (i.e. taste triangle), which is one of the world’s most important food and wine districts, the Fruits of agriculture and fishing in the province of La Spezia turn into delicacies for gourmet palates, through an itinerary which links the mountains to the sea. Tuttifrutti of the Province of La Spezia: there is always a good reason to get to know them or rediscover them.
VISION ITALY – PAVIA (LOMBARDY) –
Even though it is less than 30 kms south of Milan, the beautiful medieval town of Pavia remains off the beaten track.
Lying on the banks of the Ticino River, it is truly an authentic, unspoilt microcosmos, untouched by mass tourism.
Around the town unfolds a landscape of plains covered in checker-board rice paddies. Nearby rolling hills rise up, scattered with castles and abbeys perched amid soft green vinyards and chestnut woods. Activities: Art and Gourmet Highlights, Shopping Tours, Italian Classes, Cookery Lessons, Ski Slopes, Walking and Trekking, Airbalooning, Truflle and Mushroom picking, Cheese Making, Painting and Sculpting, Spa Holidays, Opera and Art, Romantic Weddings, Individual Itineraries with private car or mini-bus, Group Services and Tours, Incentive Holidays, Exclusive Backstage Visits.
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Discover the Flower riviera
In this corner of Liguria, bordering to the west with the French Riviera, quality of life is part of the tradition. An ever mild climate favours the growing of local produce used in the preparation of the simple but creative recipes of the Mediterranean cooking (pasta, extra virgin olive oil, vegetables, fish, wine). Here the beauty of the sea can be appreciated from the beach or from the boat of exciting whale- watching trips to the Sanctuary of Cetaceans. In the Flower Riviera historical mansions linked to great characters of the past are but a short distance from the medieval villages and olive groves of the hinterland and the amazing palette of colours of the Ligurian Alps.
Emilia Romagna
One of the richest and most developed regions in Europe and a major cultural and tourist centre, containing major cities such as Bologna, home of one of the first universities in the world, the renaissance city of Parma and Modena (birthplace of the late Luciano Pavarotti). Emilia Romagna is also a prime centre for iconic foods (such as Parmiggano Reggiano, Parma Ham and Balsamic Vinegar), wines such as Lambrusco, Romagna’s Sangiovese, Bologna’s Pignoletto and for the production of specialist and iconic automobiles and superbikes (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, De Tomaso and Ducati – to name but a few). The region also provides a lively and colourful coastline, with numerous tourist resorts such as Rimini and Riccione and the beautiful mountain area of the Appennines (where some of the best Italian skiing and resorts can be found).
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Bergamo
Bergamo and its surrounding province are without doubt amongst the most beautiful parts of Lombardy, with their remarkable variety of unique ambiences and environments! Situated between the green plains of the Po Valley, the Iseo Lake and the Orobie Alps, this territory is recognised as one of the most picturesque in the Italian lakes region.History, tradition, art, sport, well-being and nature: these are the many facets that make the province of Bergamo so fascinating, placing it firmly on every visitor’s list of essential destinations to discover in Italy.
Italian tour- La Tacita Country Club, Castel Giuliano, Grand Hotel, Terme di Stigliano
Guests will leave from Rome in the early morning and arrive at La Tacita Country Club, a 260 acre paradise of peaceful greenery with a 20 thousand square metres rose garden.
Vacunae Rosae has over 6 thousand rose bushes with more than 5 thousand different varieties and is considered one of the most elegant rose gardens in the world.
After the tour guests will be taken to Triskelis, a double Michelin star chef’s restaurant, where they will taste high-quality organic dishes prepared in a contemporary style. All the organic products come from the on-site allotment.
Castel Giuliano
At approximately 1:30 PM the guests will be driven to the second destination, Castel Giuliano (one and a half hour away), where guests can enjoy a private 45 minutes tour of the exclusive garden.
Once an ancient estruscan and roman settlement, it has been occupied by the Patrizi marchional family since the sixteenth century.
The garden extends within the castle grounds and takes up a large share of the park, its character evolving from formal to landscape garden.
It begins adjoining the buildings before merging itself with native Mediterranean scrub, breathing the light and shade emanating from giant trees and hundreds of antique roses and plants, the garden pervaded by sea breeze and a north wind.
Grand Hotel Terme di Stigliano
The guests will be driven to the fortysix-rooms 4-star Grand Hotel delle terme di Stigliano, only 20 minutes away, where reasonably-priced spa treatments are available, and a swimming pool adjacent to natural hot springs awaits them.
Grand Hotel delle terme di Stigliano is situated in one of the most charming parts of the Latian hinterland. The building, built in the 18th century, rises from ruins of Roman temples.
Today, the hotel offers a tasteful and refined atmosphere which acquiesces to tradition but also considers modern comforts. The furnished walls make Stigliano a charming place where you can completely relax and enjoy the majestic landscape of the grounds from the immense terraces facing the panorama.
Guests can also experience luxurious spa treatments suitable to all ages. The heated outdoor swimming pool feels part of the lush green gardens.
After one night, guests will be able to choose whether to return to Rome after breakfast or to continue enjoying what the hotel offers and, of course, the beautiful surroundings, at their own expense.
THE HIDDEN PETALS TOUR
While we expect demand for this tour to be high from April to September and low in winter, many of the flowers and plants are evergreen and the parks are a fabulous sight to behold in winter. La Tacita Country Club will be open all year round whilst Grand hotel delle Terme di Stigliano will be closed from January 8th until March 23rd 2011; Castel Giuliano, as a privately-owned building, is available for booking upon request.
This tour can accommodate 46 guests or 92 couples but this is subject to availability. The hotel also has two suites.
Oasis of the Seas largest cruise ship in the world
Oasis of the Seas is the next generation of cruise ships. Currently the largest passenger ship on the seas, Oasis of the Seas is an incredible 220,000 tons and 1,187 feet with a capacity of 5,400 passengers. Its common areas are split into 7 distinct neighborhoods, making it easy for you to find your way around despite the ship’s enormous size.Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Oasis of the Seas Recreation A ship this size has plenty of room for fun, and Oasis of the Seas does not disappoint. As the latest and greatest cruise ship available, Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas offers incredibly innovative recreational opportunities.
The Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness neighborhood features a full salon and day spa as well as a gym with 158 cardio and resistance machines, fitness classes, and a full list of spa services. For fun and fitness, visit the Pool and Sports Zone. With four pools and 10 whirlpools, the H2O aqua park designed specifically for kids, and a relaxing poolside Solarium, there’s room for everyone to lounge by the pool. For athletes, the Pool and Sports Zone includes two FlowRider surf simulators, full-sized sports courts, mini-golf, and an incredible zip-line.
The Entertainment Place is the spot for onboard entertainment. Try your luck in Casino Royale, catch an ice show or free skate at Studio B ice skating rink, enjoy a Broadway musical, or see live music, comedy shows and more. With 28,700 square feet of dedicated youth space, the Youth Zone keeps kids and teens busy with dancing, activities, computer stations, and more. Childcare is available for a fee, and for the first time ever, kids under the age of 3 are eligible to participate in onboard activities with the Royal Tots and Royal Babies programs. The Boardwalk offers shops, restaurants, and even a full-sized carousel.
Oasis of the Seas Food
Offering more dining options than any Royal Caribbean cruise ever, it’s possible to try a different dining venue at every meal for your entire 7-day cruise. As on every Royal Caribbean cruise, the main dining room is open for formal seating at dinner and open seating for breakfast and lunch. The Windjammer Marketplace and its smaller version, Wipe Out Cafe, serve breakfast and lunch buffet-style. Try Sorrento’s for a slice of pizza or Cafe Promenade for snacks and sandwiches.
For a mid-day treat, you’ll love Mondo Coffee Bar, the brand new Cupcake Cupboard, Ice Cream Parlor or Boardwalk Donut Shop. Oasis of the Seas also offers more specialty dining options than any other ship. Chops Grille and Johnny Rockets are old favorites available on other ships. New options include Giovanni’s Table for delicious Italian food, the glitzy 150 Central Park, Seafood Shack for fried favorites, or Solarium Bistro for spa-inspired cuisine. For a personalized dining experience, reserve a place at the Chef’s Table dining experience which only seats 14 people at each service. Room service is available 24 hours a day.
Oasis of the Seas
Line:Royal Caribbean InternationalLaunched:5th December 2009Tonnage:225,000Length:1184 feetTotal Crew:2,165Occupancy:5,400Rating:
stars
Cabin Types
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Aquatheater Suite with Balcony (A1) Please Note: Smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however, it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Aquatheater Suite with Balcony (A2) Please Note: Smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however, it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Aquatheater Suite with Balcony (A3) Please Note: Smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however, it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Boardwalk view Stateroom with Balcony (B1) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Boardwalk view Stateroom with Balcony (B2) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Boardwalk View Stateroom (BV) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Central Park View Stateroom with Balcony (C1) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Central Park View Stateroom with Balcony (C2) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Crown Loft Suite (CL) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Central Park View Stateroom (CV) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Large Balcony (D1) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony (D2) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony (D3) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony (D4) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony (D5) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony (D6) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony (D7) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony (D8) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Ocean View Stateroom (F) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Family Stateroom with Balcony (FB) Please Note: Smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however, it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Family Interior Stateroom (FI) Please Note: Smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however, it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Family Ocean View Stateroom (FO) Please Note: Smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however, it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Royal Family Suite (FS) Please Note: Smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however, it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Grand Suite with Balcony (GS) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Ocean View Stateroom (H) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Ocean View Stateroom (I) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
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Junior Suite with Balcony (JS) Please Note: Effective January 2008, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on Oasis Class Boardwalk or Central Park private balconies, however it is permitted on the private ocean view balconies of balcony/suite staterooms. |
Traveling in Europe EU
Passport or identity card
There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between 22 EU countries. This is thanks to the Schenger rule which are part of EU law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place effective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are not in the EU.
You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when travelling to the five non-Schengen countries and when entering or leaving the EU at the external borders.
Carry them when travelling in the EU because they may be required for identification or security purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from national authorities. Check thePublic Register of authentic identity and travel documents.
Make sure that any children travelling with you either have their own passport or ID card or are registered on your passport. By 26 June 2012 all children who wish to travel will have to have their own passport.
Visa
There are 39 countries whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the EU for three months or less. These include Australia, Canada, Croatia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The list of countries whose nationals require visas to travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland differs slightly from other EU countries. Apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting.
If your visa is from a country fully applying the Schengen rules, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well. Moreover, if you have a valid residence permit from one of those Schengen countries, it is equivalent to a visa. You may need a national visa to visit non-Schengen countries.
Border officials in EU countries may ask for other supporting documents such as an invitation letter, proof of lodging, return or round-trip ticket. For the precise requirements contact the local consular services of the EU country in question.
More information about visa requirements for non-EU citizens including a list of countries
Access to healthcare
As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, failing that, when you get home.
A European health insurance card simplifies procedures, cuts red tape and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance office. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse side of a national card and others issue separate cards.
Find out more about the European health insurance card in your country.
Travel insurance
The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out separate travel insurance to cover those risks.
Medicines
Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.