Italy takes top spot on the luxury charts

New research released by the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), has revealed Italy to be the most popular country for top-end travel. “From the exquisite fashions of Valentino to the heart-throbbing design of Ferrari, Italy offers the best of what life has to offer. The Italians know what it means to enjoy la dolce vita and are willing to share this way of life with their visitors,” she added. According to the ILTM research, other destinations tipped to be in strong and growing demand over the coming year include the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Vietnam and China.

New book divulges 'Where to Go When'

Thirty destinations are presented for each month, with 11 covered in depth. Tuscany, Italy, is recommended for October, when the grape and olive harvests take place, and when porcini mushrooms, prized truffles and other specialties appear on regional menus. The listing includes a six-day itinerary on the "Chianti Trail," from Florence to Siena.

Rome: "I'm searching for your face, Lord"

An airline with a difference is due to take to the skies on Monday. Its slogan: "I'm searching for your face, Lord". Flights will be chartered from Rome by the Vatican.
The first will be to Lourdes, followed by other places of pilgrimage, including Santiago de Compostela in Spain, Guadeloupe in Mexico and Fatima in Portugal. The Italian cargo airline Mistral Air, which will operate the flights, is not promising miracle cures, but it does say it will show mercy, if not charity, when it comes to setting fares.

Sicily - Italy's Island Adventure

Sicily is a great place to visit off peak October/November to March/April - during Italy's winter and cooler months and outside the core Italian tourist visiting months of April to October. A Sicilian summer is not for the faint hearted when it can be very, very hot particularly in July and August; so if you travel to Sicily avoid these months. In August, the Italian holiday month, many of the hospitality industry close up shop and go on holiday - it's just too hot to work. However during the winter months November to March while Milan's temperature ranges between 1.1C and 6.9C [34F and 44F] Palermo the capital of Sicily, in the north west of the island, enjoys the wonderfully mild winter weather of between 12.5C and 17.1C [54.9F and 62.8F].

Perugia, Italy - Chocolate Paradise in October

Perugia has much more to offer than just chocolate with history going back to the ninth century BC. Today Perugia, the capital of central Italy's Umbria region, is a cosmopolitan hill town with historic buildings, people-filled squares, and great views over the valley. Served by two train lines and buses, it makes a good base for central Italy travel. Perugia is one of my favorite Italian cities and one of our picks for Top Ten Cities to Visit in Italy.

Honeymoons in Italy capture la dolce vita

The best vacations are thoughtfully planned and there are myriad magazines out there offering everything from the best places to vacation to cool travel tips to make the sojourn a little easier.The Chicago Sun-Times launches its new travel magazine column. We will check out magazines for the best travel tips. Here are some of the highlights:

Easy riding on a train to Tuscany

I took the train north from Rome this week to spend a little time in some hillside villages in southern Tuscany. . I would enjoy having the freedom of a car here, to do the remote villages and countryside justice. But I truly enjoy the chance to sit on a train and watch the landscape, with little effort on my part beyond trying to stay awake. I always seem to pop back to reality before my stop, however, and haven't missed one yet. Perhaps I am being watched over by the animus of some ancient Etruscan who once roamed these hills and valleys. That's a comforting thought.

Travel in Italy with Disabilities

As someone who is lucky enough to not be limited on what I can eat (except for the fact that I still don’t like mushrooms), I might have passed these lists of resources for food allergy translations into Italian. But my in-laws are plagued with food allergies, from wheat to shellfish to milk, so when I saw this information I immediately thought of them. And, of course, they’re not alone. Food allergies are becoming more and more prevalent these days, and some of them are serious enough to require hospitalization. That is the last thing you want to deal with, especially on vacation. So, be sure to read up on these useful tidbits.

A tour of Italy to celebrate

We did all our traveling by train and did all the planning ourselves; it was the best way to go for us! It was a wonderful trip, and we highly recommend Italy in October, when the weather is beautiful.

New Bridge Over Venice's Grand Canal

Venice, one of Italy's most romantic cities, is one of the top Italian travel cities. A trip down the Grand Canal, lined with beautiful buildings, is a must for the traveler in Venice.Venice's Grand Canal, Canale Grande, is like Main Street to the city built on canals. The Grand Canal cuts through the middle of Venice but there are currently only three bridges that cross it - the Rialto (the oldest), Accademia, and Scalzi Bridges.

Italy Travel Tip: Avoiding Petty Theft

A friend who was recently traveling in Rome had her wallet stolen. Although there was no major loss, she had to cancel all her credit cards as well as spend time reporting the theft to the police. While you're unlikely to be a victim of violent crime in Italy, when traveling in tourist areas in big cities like Rome and Florence you may be a target for pickpockets or purse snatchers. To avoid loss, it's always wise to carry any important documents (like your passport), your credit cards, and most of your money in a travel security wallet or passport holder that can be worn under your clothing.

New Website for Italian Villa Rentals

While most villa rental agencies are merely intermediaries between owners and renters, the owners of Italian Vacation Villas have personally visited all the properties listed on their website. The site emphasizes the value of choosing a villa rental instead of a hotel for those who are seeking a base for sightseeing, more space, and a local experience with more access to Italian cultural life and provides enhanced photos, a database for the selection process, and in-depth tips on traveling to Italy.

Italian Police Investigate Luggage Chaos

Italian police have started an investigation into the circumstances that led to the chaos after thousands of pieces of baggage went astray at Fiumicino Airport in Rome during the heaviest travel weekend of the year. Government ministers have called for an immediate inquiry into the chaos after one MP dubbed the crisis a national disgrace. Italy's Civil Aviation Authority has accused baggage handlers of sabotaging obsolete equipment resulting in huge delays.

Highlights of Italian Art and Architecture

Every year millions of visitors trek through Italy in search of ancient culture, great food, art, architecture, and more. The allure is immediate even to those who have never been. There is more art and architecture to see in Italy than one person could possibly experience in a lifetime. Rome, Florence, and Venice alone offer an unending array of design excursions. Highlighted here are some of the must see designs of both ancient and modern Italy. Talk a trip, bring a sketch book, and see the gorgeous art and design that is synonymous with Italian life.

Travel Tips For Your Cycling Vacations In Italy

You're in Italy, and you're seeing the sites. Depending on where you are, you will be in a crowd of other tourists. If you're traveling with family or friends make sure that you have contingency plans in case you get separated. Distribute your money in such a way that if you lose a wallet you will not lose your vacation. Be aware of the rules for each site you visit, and make sure you follow them. Not all of the sites you visit will allow you to take pictures, for example, and if you are inside buildings such as art galleries or museums you will certainly not be able to use a flash.

Italy is now the number one honeymoon destination

This is the first time it's come in first. Second on this year's list is Hawaii, which was the top destination in the Modern Bride survey for the last ten years. Tahiti is third, followed by Costa Rica, Mexico, France, the Maldives, Anguilla, Fiji and Greece. The survey was conducted through a network of 6,000 luxury travel agents who ranked their 50 favorite honeymoon spots.