San Gimignano is probably the most popular medieval town in Italy,perfect place for a romantic getaway in one of the best areas of Tuscany.This charming hotel in Tuscany, L’Antico Pozzo, enjoys a strategic position in town being located in the heart of San Gimignano,in the historical central street San Matteo ,few steps from the People’s palace and the Collegiata .The building, now completely restored,preserves the original style of the 15th century, although the earliest part dates back to the middle ages and the founding of the town itself: traces remain of the well and the area around it. Hotel in San Gimignano L’Antico Pozzo offers a perfect balance with comfort and style. San Gimignano Booking: San Gimignano, located in the Chianti area, is the best location to choose for Travelling to Tuscany and explore sourrandings and art cities such as Florence, Pisa,Lucca,Siena, Monteriggioni, Certaldo, or as your preference to enjoy unforgettable scenaries in the countryside. This site is a great resource if you are looking for accommodation in Tuscany. It includes trip tips such as hotels and historical accommodation. Each page describes lots of informations to . You can also find a list of places to visit with information on history and geography.

San Gimignano rises on a hill (334m high) dominating the Elsa Valley with its towers. Once the seat of a small Etruscan village of the Hellenistic period (200-300 BC) it began its life as a town in the 10th century taking its name from the Holy Bishop of Modena, St. Gimignano, who is said to have saved the village from the barbarian hordes. The town increased in wealth and developed greatly during the Middle Ages thanks to the “Via Francigena” the trading and pilgrim’s route that crossed it. Such prosperity lead to the flourishing of works of art to adorn the churches and monasteries. In 1199 it became a free municipality and fought against the Bishops of Volterra and the surrounding municipalities. Due to internal power struggles it eventually divided into two factions one headed by the Ardinghelli family (Guelphs) and the other by the Salvucci family (Ghibellines). On the 8th May 1300 Dante Alighieri came to San Gimignano as the Ambassador of the Guelph League in Tuscany. In 1348 San Gimignano’s population was drastically reduced by the Black Death Plague throwing the city into a serious crisis which eventually led to its submission to Florence in 1353. In the following centuries San Gimignano overcame its decline and isolation when its beauty and cultural importance together with its agricultural heritage were rediscovered. The construction of the towers dates back to the 11th and 13th centuries. The architecture of the city was influenced by Pisa, Siena and Florence. There are 14th century paintings of the Sienese School to be seen and 15th century paintings of the Florentine School.

Thinking of the Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) in Southern Italy evokes many images of romance … seaside activities and sunny beaches. But there are other aspects of visiting this beautiful region of Italy. Small resort towns of Positano and Amalfi have much to offer, including culture, shopping, boating, fine dining, and 5 star hotels. But, for nature lovers, there is another less-explored side to Amalfi. Situated at the foot of rugged mountain peaks that form the Sorrentine peninsula, the hillside villages along the Amalfi coast are perfect starting points for nature walks and hikes.

There are hikes and trails that have been mapped out, at varying degrees of difficulty. If you prefer a leisurely walk through forests overlooking the sea, this area is for you. There are also more difficult trails leading to the peaks and between towns for the more adventurous.

Here’s an example of one of our favorite Amalfi Coast hikes, which leads from the town square of the town of Amalfi to the small hilltown of Pogerola. From the main square in front of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, ascend the main street for 500 yards, until the road goes through an archway under a block of houses. Then take the side road to the left (Via Casamare). Follow this around a hairpin bend to it’s end. The path starts here with steps climbing the hillside, and ultimately leading directly to the main square in Pogerola.

This path provide an attractive route to or from the hilltop village of Pogerola. The easily graded and exceptionally well-built path is unusual in that it goes through light woodland rather than farmed terraces with ever wider views as you gain altitude. The path winds its way towards the mountains, climbing the northern flank of a side spur of the main Amalfi Valley.

Walking time: approximately 1 hour.

Search and book accommodation in Amalfi and Sorrento.

Many travelers have stayed away from Naples (Napoli), Italy in recent years. Tour companies have bypassed this cultural center from ancient Greek and Roman heritage, owing to reports of crime, and hectic daily Neapolitan life. But, we decided to make this interesting and cultural city a centerpiece of our recent travels in Italy.

It is true that life and traffic in Naples can be frenetic and tricky to navigate. However, the historic center of the ancient Kingdom of Naples is truly a gem not to be overlooked. Exploring the narrow streets on foot can be an enchanting experience. The medieval cathedrals and churches are excellent locations to explore some of Italy’s greatest artistic wonders.

Sitting in the shadows of Vesuvius, the volcano that erupted in 79 AD, burying Pompeii in a virtual time capsule under 6 feet of ash, Naples carries on its daily life complacent about the prospects of another eruption at some unknown future point in time. We encountered a number of older and younger travelers, enjoying the unique charms of the city, not the least of which is the local Neapolitan cuisine. A seaside kingdom, Naples is famous for its abundant seafood, and the cuisine reflects this heritage with some of the best Italian fare in southern Italy.

Naples can be an excellent base for exploring surrounding areas of interest, including Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, and others. For the more adventurous, join a tour of the crater of the active volcano Vesuvius. Within the city limits, exploring the historic city center can afford days of exciting finds. The National Archeology museum not only contains the ancient Roman treasures of Pompeii, but also other rare antiquities from the Greek and Roman periods, and far-flung civilizations including ancient Egypt. Also native to Naples are the many street vendors and shopfronts which produce fine hand-made Nativity scenes.

As far as lodging, there are a wide range of hotels and hostels that can be booked at any time of the year. We like to experience the local hospitality and chose a moderately priced bed and breakfast bordering on the historic center, named Il Giardino Segreto (The Secret Garden). With tongue in cheek, this B&B’s website advertises to stay in Naples, and “don’t die.” While somwhat humorous, the owners are beckoning for travelers around the globe to visit their fascinating city, and actually find that it is pleasant and safe to stay. In fact, entering at Via Foria 216, one would never recognize that a private bed and breakfast exists behing the iron gates, bordering apartment buildings and storefronts. Entering behind the gate (which is accessible 24 hours), one enters into a serene refuge with large and surprisingly quiet guestrooms. To the rear, a private door enters onto the Secret Garden, which is a hidden botanical paradise with tropical flora and palm trees found elsewhere in places like Florida or Mexico. The bed and breakfast’s owners are at your service, and will offer advice, touring recommendations (and maps), and an excellent Italian breakfast.

Along Via Foria, which borders the north end of the central historic district, it is safe to stroll day or night. And there are several fine sidewalk dining options offering local fare. One notable option is the Sailor’s Daughter, which for half the price of a high-end tourist restaurant, will serve up a feast of local pasta and seafood favorites. Don’t forget to end the evening with a glass of the local favorite, Limoncello, a lemon-based liquor, made from native lemons the size of grapefruits.

Our advice to anyone who is planning a trip to Southern Italy, is to not bypass the cultural gem of Naple (Napoli). You can book a variety of excellent hostels, hotels, and B&B’s by clicking here: Naples Hotels and Hostels

If you have interesting experiences or recommendations on traveling to Naples (Napoli), Italy, please post them here, and share with your fellow travelers to Italy.

Italy

Southern Italy. Alleged victims of the tarantula spider’s bite could supposedly cure themselves through frenzied dancing, which sweated out the poison. The dance is characterized by light, quick steps and a “teasing” flirt. The strange private ritual takes place annually on June 29th at 6am at the celebrations for the Feasts of Saints Peter and Paul in Galatina, the only place on theSalentinePeninsula where tarantism has survived.

Source: Eyewitness Travel Guide - Italy 2005