Jetsettersblog

Essential Italy are offering a reduction on a 13 night stay at this beautiful 3 bedroom villa with a fantastically large pool. A perfect family holiday option.

Villa Margherita, Ostuni, Puglia
http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/villa-margherita.php

Offer: Saturday 26 June to Friday 09 July, 2010 (13 nights). A reduction of £300.00 on the published rate for these 13 nights. Total cost just £3000.00

Located between two of the most typical Pugliese towns, Ostuni and Martina Franca, Villa Margherita has a great feel of Mediterranean living with its fantastic outdoor area and spectacular swimming pool. The beautiful coastline is just a 25 minute drive away.

Accessed externally the older part of the house is the original trullo with its impressive coned roof. Very tasteful refurbishment has taken place with beautiful exposed stone walls along with stylish but simple furnishings.

There is 1 double bedroom and 2 twin bedrooms all with ensuite shower rooms.The very best part of Villa Margherita is the superb raised outside area and pool with views across the gently rolling hills of the Valle d’Itria.

We strongly recommend Villa Margherita as an excellent family holiday home and great value for money.

Prices: From £1295 – £1795 per week

Location: Ostuni 15km, Martina Franca 7km, nearest beach 25km, Bari Airport 80km, Brindisi Airport 75km

We have just added 4 new B&Bs/Residences and 2 cute apartments to our collection. All centrally located in the historical centre of Florence. We are currently offering a 5% discount to introduce these new properties to our clients, for all bookings received before the 15th February. For further details please view the following links…

www.italian-connection.co.uk/italiancollection/details2.asp?propid=2447
www.italian-connection.co.uk/italiancollection/details2.asp?propid=2448
www.italian-connection.co.uk/italiancollection/details2.asp?propid=2449
www.italian-connection.co.uk/italiancollection/details2.asp?propid=2450
www.italian-connection.co.uk/italiancollection/details2.asp?propid=2451
www.italian-connection.co.uk/italiancollection/details2.asp?propid=2452

Dooley Vacations is offering a four-night getaway to Florence, Italy, from $899 per person.

Travelers will stay at the Hotel Delle Nazioni, located in the historical city center of Florence near Piazza della Libertá and the Fortezza da Basso Exhibition Centre. The Duomo and other major landmarks are all within easy walking distance.

Also nearby is the Galleria dell’Accademia which contains Michelangelo’s David. The Florence Fling package includes four nights at the Hotel Delle Nazioni (fifth and sixth nights available from just $75 more per person, per night), roundtrip economy class trans-Atlantic airfare on Alitalia, and daily buffet breakfast.

This package is priced from $899 per person from New York, $1,289 from Newark and Boston, and $1,039 from Chicago for travel April 1 to May 15.

Other departure dates and gateway cities are available through Dec. 15 with rates depending upon date of travel.

All rates are per person double occupancy.

Taxes up to $143 per person are additional.

Travelers can also opt to upgrade to a Gold Package for more luxury and stay at the Hotel Tornabuoni Beacci in the heart of Florence for an additional $50 per person, per night. Dooley Vacations offers vacations to Ireland, Italy, Scotland and London.

Dooley Vacations is a subsidiary of Dooley Car Rentals, which has been in business for 50 years, and is now a provider of vacations to Ireland, Italy and Britain.

For more information, call 877-331-9301 or visit www.dooleyvacations.com

On Crystal Cruises is offering two Fashion & Style Experiences of Discovery voyages this year, when veteran hair, make-up, and fashion professionals will share their tricks of the trade and offer personal complimentary services at Crystal’s Style Desk.

The cruises will include one-on-one consultations, runway-style fashion shows, insights on the influence of European fashion, and fashion-focused films. Crystal Serenity’s June 6 “Culture & Couture” cruise will sail from Barcelona to Athens, and the Sept. 29 “Fashion Capitals” itinerary sails from Venice to Monte Carlo.

At the Hair and Make-up Style Lab, hair and make-up artists Lauren Favorule and Stephanie Kelly will offer hands-on sessions and share practical beauty tricks.

At the Style Desk, fashion stylist Caitlin Crespin will provide personal consultations.

Fashion designer and model Lauren Elaine will present a runway-style show of her contemporary, European-influenced collection. And designer and stylists will give interactive lectures and interviews.

The 12-day June 6 cruise visits Barcelona, Monte Carlo (overnight), Porto Venere, Rome, Sorrento (overnight), Sicily, Kusadasi, Mykonos and Athens.

The Sept. 29 nine-day voyage begins with an overnight in Venice and then visits Dubrovnik, Sorrento, Rome, Porto Venere, Florence and Monte Carlo. With two-for-one rates, per person double occupancy cruise fares start at $5,045 or $5,640 for the nine- or 12-day cruises, respectively, including $1,000 per person shipboard spending credit and free air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways; Penthouse guests get business-class air.

Brendan Vacations is offering independent and escorted vacation packages to Rome via Alitalia Airlines.

An independent package called Romantic Rome includes six days and five nights in a standard room at the three and a half-star Tempio Di Pallade Hotel, starting at $369 per person.

Also included are daily breakfasts, roundtrip airport transfers, a hop on/hop off bus tour of Rome and all hotel taxes.

The escorted program Italian Dream is an eight-day/seven-night itinerary priced from $1,525 per person.

The tour begins in Rome with stops at the Coliseum and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, then a trip to Venice and a ride on one of its gondolas and finally a trip to Florence to experience the essence of the Middle Ages in the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella and the Florence Cathedral.

The package includes roundtrip airport transfers in Rome, twin-bedded rooms; sightseeing with local guides in Rome and Florence; admission charges where applicable; services of a professional tour director; private luxury motorcoach with air conditioning, reclining seats and emergency restroom; seven breakfasts and three three-course dinners; a portfolio of travel documents; and all hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling.

For information, call 800-421-8446 or visit www.BrendanVacations.com

The coastal region of Liguria in north-western Italy is often associated with beautiful beaches, picturesque seaside towns, and gastronomic specialties such as the world famous Ligurian pesto. Beyond the coast however lies a wealth of natural parks, lush landscapes, hills, mountains and lakes dotted with quaint medieval villages and off-the-map eateries, perfect for discovering in Spring when the days are warm and the crowds of tourists are yet to arrive.

Liguria offers a wealth of well signposted hiking, cycling and horse riding paths linking the coastal towns with the valleys and on to the mountain peaks and cliff tops where free-climbers scour the sheer rock faces, often hanging over the dark blue sea.

Rafting and canoeing are other popular pursuits in Liguria and with beautiful landscapes, vine-terraced backdrops, hidden corners and the coastline never more than a day away, Liguria is perfect for the independent minded traveller, whether it be a light stroll or a 40 kilometre bike ride.

Cycling

One of the best ways of discovering the arc shaped region of Liguria is by bicycle. 15 unique itineraries for cyclists and trekkers have been developed to take visitors to every corner of the region, meandering from coast to rural interior, through medieval villages and on to cool mountains and cliff tops.

For 2010, a new cycle and hiking route will be inaugurated, built into the old railway and connecting Ospedaletti to San Lorenzo al Mare, a route which is sandwiched between the sea and the Mediterranean scrub.

Up to now, this stretch of Ligurian coast has been unavailable for cyclists and hikers because of the railway.

The first 8km connecting Santo Stefano and San Lorenzo al Mare will be inaugurated in July 2010.
http://www.area24spa.it

Hiking and Trekking

For those keen to discover the region of Liguria by foot, the Alta Via is a 400 kilometre hiking trail covering the whole of the Ligurian mountain range, from Ventimiglia to Sarzana.

Hikers can look out to sea towards Corsica and beyond and admire the spectacular Alpine Ridge. This well-signed trail can be broken into manageable sections or day hikes, parts of which can also be enjoyed by horseback.

http://www.altaviadeimontiliguri.it

Imperia

The province of Imperia offers over 2000 kilometres of well indicated cycle and hiking tracks ranging from easy dirt tracks suitable for families to the more challenging and narrower tracks for the more experienced mountain biker or hiker.

www.alpidelmareinbici.it

Savona

Curving West from Genoa to the French border, this stretch of the Ligurian coast is known as the ‘Riviera di Ponente’ and offers five themed routes called ‘cycling by the sea’ exploring the natural parks and picturesque landscapes of Val Bormida, Finale, Sabatia and Ingauna. Routes range from 16 to 65 kilometres.

www.inforiviera.it

As well as a number of paths and dedicated routes that can be enjoyed at any time if year, Liguria also plays host to some original events attracting cycling aficionados from all over Italy and beyond.

The Altare night race offers riders the chance discover the panoramic views and serene atmosphere of the region by night, and Finale’s 24-hour race sees groups competing in a 24 hour relay that combines sport with music and entertainment.

www.24hfinale.com

Genoa

Squashed into a hilly terrain, Genoa is an ancient Maritime city offering an insight into Italy’s past with a maze of narrow alleyways, church spires and the crumbling remains of the old city’s walls.

Genoa is an excellent base for combining a cycling or walking holiday with typical Genovese cuisine and hospitality. The province offers a ‘bed & bike’ guide with various options combining accommodation with outdoor activities and typical off the map eateries.

La Spezia

The world renowned Cinque Terre can now be explored by bicycle with a series of especially dedicated cycle paths offering the most alluring of views.

Guests are guided through these five picturesque fishing villages, each section of the route presenting a varying level of difficulty so as to cater for the expert cyclists as well as the more amateur rider.
www.parconazionale5terre.it

The Ligurian countryside offers visitors endless opportunities for rewarding excursions through the mountains, coastline, forests and tranquil lakes offering peace and quiet and an insight into the cultures, natural resources and traditions that have left their mark on this unique region.
www.turismoinliguria.it

FAR HORIZONS ARCHAEOLOGICAL & CULTURAL TRIPS, Inc.
PO Box 2546
San Anselmo, CA 94979 USA
(800) 552-4575
journey@farhorizons.com
http://www.farhorizons.com

EGYPT IN ROME: Including Turin and Florence With Professor Bob Brier May 10 – 20, 2010

Far Horizons’ EGYPT IN ROME, gives you the opportunity to explore the historical connections between two of the most ancient and powerful empires that ever existed – Rome and Ancient Egypt.

The journey begins with visits to the Egyptian museum collections in Turin and Florence, and continues to Rome, our base for six days and home to eight obelisks that were created in antiquity and taken from Egypt after the Roman conquest.

The trip includes four UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the historic centers of both Rome and Florence, the Royal House of Savoy in Turin, Pompeii and Herculaneum – and an optional tour to a fifth – Villa d’Este and Tivoli Gardens.

A highlight of the journey will be traveling with Bob Brier, also known as ‘Mr. Mummy’. Professor Brier is an Egyptologist and Senior Research Fellow at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University.

He has researched and published on mummies and the mummification process, and has appeared in many Discovery Channel and Learning Channel documentaries.

He is a featured lecturer on The Teaching Company (www.teach12.com  ), and has served as Director of the National Endowment for the Humanities’ “Egyptology Today” program.

Professor Brier is a wonderful teacher with a special flair for evoking the distant past in ways that make it seem vividly present. You can read what people who have traveled with Bob have to say about him here – http://www.farhorizons.com/Africa/OasesofEgyptEclipse.php

I hope that you will join us on this unique journey to view Rome through the eyes of an Egyptologist!

You may see the entire itinerary on our award-winning website – http://www.farhorizons.com/trips/europe/egyptinrome/EgyptinRome.htm

Don’t miss this very special opportunity!

DATES: May 10 – 20, 2010

COST: $9295.00 including international air Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.

Tauck World Discovery will feature a private guided tour of the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum and a wine tasting hosted by Salvatore Ferragamo, the grandson and namesake of the renowned Italian fashion icon on a dozen departures of its Classic Italy tour.

The museum houses many of the designer’s sketches, photographs, patents, casts of celebrity feet and some 10,000 shoes designed and created by Ferragamo.

Ferragamo’s legacy has been carried forward and expanded by his children and grandchildren, and today the Ferragamo name adorns shoes, leather goods, fragrances, eyewear and watches.

Salvatore Ferragamo, 37-year-old grandson of the designer, manages the family’s 1,730-acre Il Borro estate in Tuscany and the production of its Il Borro wines, which will be showcased in the wine tasting following the museum tour.

Dating back to 1760, the Il Borro estate was completely restored by the Ferragamo family after their purchase of it in 1993.

The Il Borro winery opened in 2007 and today produces a number of top quality wines featuring cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, sangiovese and petit verdot grapes.

The museum tour and wine tasting were arranged through an exclusive partnership between Tauck and AuthentEscapes, which specializes in providing insider access to iconic figures in food, wine, sports, entertainment and global culture.

Besides Florence, Tauck’s 14-day “Classic Italy” itinerary (from $5,990 per person, double, plus air) also visits Venice, Cinque Terre, Assisi, Orvieto, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast and Rome, where guests enjoy an exclusive, after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

The private Ferragamo experience is included at no extra charge on 13 departures of Classic Italy — June 30, July 14, Aug. 4, Sept. 6, 11, 20, 25 and 29 and Oct. 4, 9, 13, 18 and 27.

For more information, call 800-468-2825, or visit www.tauck.com

Just Sardinia in association with Chia Laguna Resort are offering up to 30% discount with savings up to £364 per person!

* Book before 31st March 2010 to receive between 10-20% discount on the accommodation price.

* All repeat customers to Chia Laguna Resort will receive a further 5% discount on the accommodation price.

* Just Sardinia repeat customers will also receive our 5% Loyalty Discount!

Chia Laguna is a popular resort situated close to the beautiful bay of Chia on the south coast of Sardinia, approximately 50km from Cagliari airport.

Chia Village

www.justsardinia.co.uk/details.aspx?id=57

Ideal for families, there are cottage style rooms situated in the gardens and excellent facilities including complimentary mini and junior clubs with large shallow pool and activities for all ages, nursery, babysitting and reserved children’s area in the restaurant. Children will love the land train to the white sandy beach ideal for snorkelling and swimming.

Special offer prices from £728 per adult including 2 free children!

Hotel Laguna

www.justsardinia.co.uk/details.aspx?id=58

The recently refurbished superior guest rooms and suites are contemporary in style, spacious and enjoy stunning sea views.

Le Terrazza Restaurant is dedicated to guests of the hotel and offers elaborate buffets and lovely sea views from the al fresco dining terrace.

Special offer prices from £782pppw!

Facilities & Activities – There is the choice of 7 restaurants, 3 swimming pools and a host of sporting activities and watersports from the stunning beach, named as one of the most beautiful in Sardinia. In the evening from May to September, guests can enjoy light music entertainment in the Piazza whilst visiting the small boutiques, shops, gelateria, pizzeria and wine bar.

Where better to celebrate Easter than in Italy? The country is steeped in religious traditions and customs which make for an interesting and unique experience for visitors. For those in the know the region of Liguria and its capital Genoa is a hidden gem perfect for discovering in Spring.

The mild climate, excellent cuisine, museums, galleries and medieval streets of Genoa all combine to make an exciting destination for a long weekend break over Easter.

Cathedrals and Churches

As with all Italian cities Genoa has many Easter celebrations with processions and traditional Easter Mass held on Easter Sunday. Worth joining in if just to visit the impressive buildings these rituals also give a glimpse into Italian life and culture.
San Lorenzo Cathedral

The Cathedral of San Lorenzo, reconstructed in Romanesque style during the 12th century, has since the time of the Crusades protected the ashes of Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of Genoa and is therefore Genoa’s most significant and famous religious building. The Museo del Tesoro is located in the basement of the Cathedral and holds precious relics whose stories have passed into legend including the Sacro Catino, a relic of the Last Supper, the plate which held the head of the Baptist and the magnificent tabernacle containing the ashes of saints.

Church of Gesù

This church, finished in 1500 for the Jesuit fathers, is worth a visit for the works of art it contains, incredible sculptures and works in stucco, while standing out among the many paintings are two altar pieces one by Rubens and one by Guido Reni.

Church of San Donato

The Chiesa di San Donato, built in the 11th and 12th centuries, is a masterpiece of Genoese Romanesque architecture, with its magnificent rose windows, protira on the façade, and octagonal bell tower. Inside are Roman columns and a gorgeous triptych, The Adoration of the Magi (16th century), by the Flemish painter Joos Veìan Cleeve.

Out and About in the City

Genoa is an easy city to walk about and exploring on foot is one of the best way’s to get to know this multi cultural city.

Via Sottoripa was constructed in 1135 as a colonnade strictly for commercial activities. Today, it’s a must to walk along these porticos to take in that what of the ancient atmosphere of the port and soak up the atmosphere over a typically strong Italian coffee.

Via Orefici is always alive with a colourful and varied crowd and boasts one of the most beautiful portals of the historic centre. Those with a sweet tooth that still have cravings after Easter chocolates should visit the Confetteria di Pietro Romanengo, a confectionary shop that is a Genoese institution which opened in 1780 and continues to be family-operated through seven generations.

Museums and Galleries
Palazzo Bianco Gallery

This impressive museum houses an important collection of European, Italian, and Genoese paintings from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries including masterpieces and paintings from Italy (Caravaggio, Veronese) and the Flemish school (Hans Memling, Gerard David, Jean Provost, Rubens, Van Dyck) plus a collection of Genoese paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Palazzo Rosso Gallery

Within the sumptuous confines of the ancient Genoese residence of Brignole-Sale is a gallery full of paintings, collected by the Rosso family over the course of two centuries. Some of the artists on display include Veronese, Guercino, Strozzi, Grechetto, Carbone and Van Dyck.

National Gallery at Palazzo Spinola

Inside the beautiful surroundings of a 16th century palazzo is a vast exhibit which combines the collections accumulated by the four families who lived in the palazzo – the Grimaldi’s, Pallavicino’s, Doria’s and Spinola’s. The gallery boasts works by the major Genoese, Flemish, and European artists.

Palazzo Ducale

In the 14th century, the Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace) was the residence of the first Doge of Genoa, Simon Boccanegra. From that time on, it became the Doges’ seat of power. In the centuries that followed, it suffered severe damage and underwent many modifications, completely changing its appearance. Restored in 1992 for the Columbus Celebration, it has become one of the most important sites in Genoa and well worth a visit.

For guided tours, please look for info on http://www.turismo.comune.genova.it/spip.php?article523

Accommodation and Flights

BA flies daily to Genoa from Gatwick and has flights departing on Friday 2nd April and returning Monday 5th April from £164 return including all taxes and charges www.ba.com
Ryanair also flies to Genoa from Stantsed and has flights departing on Friday 2nd April and returning Monday 5th April from £123.30 return including online check in and all taxes but not luggage. www.ryanair.com

The five star 110 year old Grand Hotel Savoia situated on the Via Arsenale di Terra is located in walking distance of the all the major attractions and sites and is a Genoese institution.

Rates start at €130 per night for a superior room based on two people sharing a double room with buffet breakfast included. www.grandhotelsavoiagenova.it

The four star modern Hotel NH Marina on the Molo Ponte Calvi is located in the popular old port area of the city.

Double rooms start from €149 per night based on two people sharing on a B&B basis. www.nh-hotels.com

Restaurant Recommendations

No trip to Genoa would be complete without tasting some of the cuisine that the city and region is renowned for.

Fresh pressed olive oil, authentic pesto, flavoursome foccacia, mushrooms from the woods, fresh fish from the sea and vegetables and fruit from the verdant land.

The international, family run group of I Tre Merli spans New York, Miami Beach, Chicago and Genoa and Camogli is renowned for lively ambiance and traditional cooking with a contemporary twist.

They have two restaurants in Genoa, one I Tre Merli Ristorante Porto Antico (Edificio Millo, Calata Mandraccio) is in the Porto Antico area near to the aquarium and the I Tre Merli Antica Cantina which is in the historical area very close to the Via Garibaldi. (Vico Dietro Il Coro Maddalena, 26r)
www.itremerli.it

Antica Osteria Vico Palla 15r

Alternatively the Antica Osteria Vico Palla offers a daily changing blackboard menu featuring an extensive authentic choice including Minestrone Genovese, antipasto fritti, and fish with Ligurian porcini.

The restaurant, which is located in the Porto Antico area can be found at www.vicopalla.it

Le Colonne di San Bernardo, Via San Bernardo 59r www.colonnedisanbernardo.it

Steeped in history dating back to the 16th Century, this restaurant serves up a delicious selection of fish dishes, meats and pastas.