7 Unforgettable Kid-Friendly Adventures in Italy

On December 24, 2011, In Archeology & Culture, City Breaks, From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Kid-Friendly Adventures at Marmara Falls 

After city sightseeing, Marmara Falls provides great adventure outdoors for the kids.  Located in Umbria about 100 km. from Rome, the falls consist of 3 major cascades dropping 165m.  Stroll down the paths which closely skirt the falls where at times, you’ll be sprayed by the falls’ natural mist.  Climb to the top where the lovely manicured gardens with stunning cupolas  await you or take the kids on a leisurly rafting expedition in the Nera River below the falls.  Tubing, donkey rides, biking and climbing are among the other activities offered in this area.

Marmara Falls in Umbria

 

Chocolate, Truffles and  More – Always an Unfogettable Adventure

Kids will love a day in Perugina’s school of chocolate learning to make delectable chocolates and desserts.  And even the youngest family members will thrill to the idea of preparing their own pizza or ravioli with a local chef.  Or, head to the woods with a guide and dog to sniff out truffles.  Any or all of these adventures are experiences no youngster will forget!

Chocolate Workshop at Perugina

 

Bring that Creative Side into Play for the Kids

Deruta, the capital of Italian ceramics since the Renaissance, is the place to bring out the artist in your child.  A ceramics workshop is a great activity for the entire family and a time to “chill out” between heavy adventure.  The many ceramics on display here will only enhance the adventure!

Deruta Ceramics

 

 

Explore Lucca Atop the Walls – One of the Best Kid-Friendly Adventures in Italy

Lucca, enclosed by ramparts, is a magical place for youngsters and teens.  The town’s encompassing walls are wide enough for biking and strolling atop.  Exploring this historical center with its visual treats from a position above is what it’s all about for kids.  Small bikes and wagons can easily be rented here to enhance the adventure.

Atop Lucca's Ramparts

 

Kid-Friendly Adventures in Tuscany- Take the Nature Train

A great id-friendly adventure is the Treno Natura, Tuscany’s Nature Train.  This is one of the best ways to see Tuscany without the hassle of driving the regions winding hill roads.  A relic of times gone by, the Nature Train takes you back to a time of steam locomotives and carriage cars.

The Treno Natura in Monte Antico

Riding the train is a relaxing experience, with ample opportunities to sit back and watch Tuscany’s natural beauty glide by.  Crossing Siena, Asciano, and Monte Antico, the train runs several times a day on a once- abandoned  circuit.  Stopping frequently at small towns and hamlets along the way, passengers have the option of hopping off and later back on to the train.  Walking and biking along the same route will lead to natural wooded  areas and even to local homes where home-cooked dishes and local specialties such as sheep’s cheese can be had.

 

Climb the Duomo in Florence – Unforgettable for Kids!

The highlight of a trip to Florence for youngsters will undoubtedly be  the climb to the top of the Duomo in the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. The challenge of climbing the over 460 steps up to the top in thecurcular, dark and narrow stairway will appeal to youngsters, making it quite an adventure.  The view of Florence and the surrounding environs is spectacular.  An added delight is the sight up-close of the dome’s frescoed ceiling  above.

Climbing the Duomo

 

Kid-Friendly Adventures Off-the-Beaten-Path in Rome

Ostia Antica, Rome’s ancient port, an easy 30 minute ride from the city, is a great alternative to Pompeii, especially with kids.  Here you’ll find amphitheaters, bath houses, apartment   complexes and even Europe’s oldest synagogue.  The open-air atmosphere in a contained area gives kids the opportunity to wander around without limits.  On your return, stop to take a dip in the sea or enjoy a snack at one of many eatieries on the shore.

Entering Ostia Antica

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A Taste of Italy Awaits You at an Umbrian Festival

On December 20, 2011, In From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, Uncategorized, By Sylvia Arad

Umbria, Italy’s green heart, offers up a wide range of local culture and traditions.  A really fun regional tradition is a Sagra.  This is a local festival organized by the community and for the community, which centers on food – not just any food, but rather a specific regional dish.  In Umbria, Sagras may center around wild boar, or truffles, or specialty pastas of the region.  In fact, there are over 400 various sagras in Umbria.

Sagra Posters with Specialties

Organized by enthusiastic town locals with a passion and dedication to their community, a sagra is certainly not a professional event.  And that is precisely what makes it so much fun for adults and kids alike.  A noisy bedlam governs these festivals.  Finding the booth where to order food is the first challenge.  Once ordered, the next challenge is finding a seat.   Head for the large tent, crowded with noisy festival goers sitting around long tables, where you’ll mingle with the crowd.  Grab a spare seat, once you manage to do so, and you’ll undoubtedly make a new friend among the locals sitting across!  Don’t expect ultimate service or efficiency, as the servers aren’t professionals.  As a matter of fact, chances are that you may need to chase after your order.

Ordering Your Meal

Finding a Seat Can be Difficult

Serving Antipasti

Besides food, sagras include some carnival rides and games – shooting cans, wheel of fortune or a lottery are among the most common with salami and ham featured as grand prizes!  Small market stalls set up by locals offer local products, small trinkets and sweets worth a peek.  Live music is the highlight of entertainment where young and old alike congregate around the dance floor to enjoy the live performance and dance into the night.  Before the band starts, the kids run wild here, tearing around the dance floor.

On the Dance Floor

Experiencing a sagra means immersing yourself in the very local culture and spirit of the community.  In fact, the proceeds are usually used for community improvements in the town.  And for you and the family, it will be a night you won’t forget!

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Agrotourism: the Irresistible Lure of Italy’s Countryside

On December 16, 2011, In Eco Adventure Accommodations, From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, Outdoor Adventure Travel, By Sylvia Arad
Agrotourism offers travelers the opportunity of experiencing an Italy off-the-beaten path in a country environment, where working farms offer reasonably priced accommodations.  From rustic to elegant, these family-run lodgings are set in the hillsides, in farmhouse villas, castles and wineries in regions such as Tuscany, Chianti and Umbria.

Typical Agrotourism Lodgings

...In Countryside HIlls

Agrotourism lodgings range from Bed and Breakfast to apartments, to detached villas with full kitchens areas; while each is unique, all provide character and charm at affordable prices.   Like the accommodations, facilities vary:  Some have swimming pools, others have TV and Wi-Fi, and some serve breakfast only while others serve 3 meals.  All feature the best Italy has to offer.

Photos of Agriturismo Casa Fabbrini, San Casciano dei Bagni
Lovely Accommodations. This photo of Agriturismo Casa Fabbrini is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Photos of Agriturismo Casa Fabbrini, San Casciano dei Bagni
This photo of Agriturismo Casa Fabbrini is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Photos of Agriturismo Casa Fabbrini, San Casciano dei Bagni
This photo of Agriturismo Casa Fabbrini is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Staying in an Agriturismo means enjoying a holiday in the country, giving guests the time and space to stop, take in the surroundings and enjoy a pace of life in nature, without the demands of technology.  Providing a warm, friendly environment where families open their doors and hearts to their guests, this is one of the best ways to meet locals and hear their stories, to experience rural Italy up close.

Photos of Agriturismo Casa Fabbrini, San Casciano dei Bagni
…And Lots of Space (This photo of Agriturismo Casa Fabbrini is courtesy of TripAdvisor)

Photos of Agriturismo Casa Fabbrini, San Casciano dei Bagni
…And Outdoors….(This photo of Agriturismo Casa Fabbrini is courtesy of TripAdvisor)

All Agriturismos, at a minimum, provide breakfast and some offer more meals throughout the day.  Any and all meals are home-made from home-grown produce and meats.  From fresh fruit and vegetables, wines and salami, and spices to meats, all offer a true and delicious taste of Italy. 

For families with children, according to  Italian translation, the very  Italian  Agriturismo provides the ideal balance between a craving for historic and cultural touring for adults, and the need for adventure and the outdoors for kids.  Hop in the car to enjoy Italy’s great nearby sites to return at the end of an adventure-packed day to the comfort of a friendly “home”, where youngsters can release pent-up energies outdoors.

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Short City Breaks: Rome’s Bohemian Neighborhood

On December 13, 2011, In City Breaks, From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, Uncategorized, By Sylvia Arad

Once considered the outskirts of Rome, Trastevere is today one of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods.  Situated on the Tiber River’s right bank, Trastevere, meaning “Beyond the Tiber” is replete with history, treasures and character.  Separated from the heart of the city by the river, the area escaped Rome’s 19th century grand developments and retained its old world charm. 

Crossing the Ponte Sisto to Trastevere

Often described as bohemian, Trastevere retains its unique local character. Wandering through its narrow cobblestone alleys and its grand piazzas, this neighborhood is the last surviving section of natural medieval Rome.  Here, colorful terracotta, ochre and wine buildings with overhanging flower boxes, creeping ivy and laundry drying in the sun intertwine with quaint shops, cafes and restaurants.   This is also a great area for dining and one-of-a-kind boutiques.  Unique shops replicate artisans of the Roman Empire while local eateries offer excellent and inexpensive cuisine.

Trastevere's Narrow Ways

The beating heart of the neighborhood is Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, a pedestrianized square lined with faded palaces, restaurants and shops, and dominated by the church of its eponymous name.  The oldest in the city, the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere dates back to the 3rd century and is home to incredible mosaics created by Pietro Cavallini.  The octagonal fountain in front offers visitors a lovely repose to linger and people-watch.  A lively center of entertainment, the piazza never sleeps, with street performers entertaining crowds with music, acrobatics, and juggling into the wee hours of the night.  For nightlife, Trastevere is the place to be.

Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere

Night Life in the Piazza Thanks to Wikipedia by Alejo2083

Porta Portese Flea Market

Close by, head for the outdoor market in Piazza San Cosimato, where tented booths display tantalizingly fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables to locals dragging their two-wheel carts.  For a fun shopping experience, the Porta Portese flea market off the Viale Trastevere offers something for everyone – picture frames, prints, jewelry, old coins and trinkets are just some of the wares on display.  At nearby Piazza San’Egidio, artisans and craftsmen set up their tables at dusk to sell their crafts, jewelry, candles and more.  A former convent turned into a museum, Sant’Egidio Museum of Folklore dominates the square, where exhibits portraying contemporary Roman life are featured. 

 

Among Trastevere’s many medieval churches, the Santa Maria del Popolo and St. Peter’s Basilica   are not to be missed.  The former houses two incredible Caravaggio paintings while the latter is built on the site where St. Peter is believed to have been crucified, and houses a breathaking cloister and artwork.

St. Peter's Basilica from Wikipedia by Sebastian Bertrand

Past the Basilica of St. Peter, head up to Mt. Gianicolo for some spectacular views of Rome.   Walking up, the grand fountain, Fontana dell Acqua Paola, dating to the 17th century, makes its appearance, before Castel del Angelo, Palazzo Venezia and Rome’s grandeur come into view.  Further up, the park at Villa Pamphili, with its walking and biking trails is the place to get in touch with nature and relax with children.

View from Mt. Gianicolo from Wikipedia by Calipper

Fontana Acqua Paola

Villa Pamphili and Entrance to Park

Trastevere is the perfect neighborhood to get a glimpse into Old World Rome while meeting locals and experiencing today’s Roman lifestyle. This is definitely a neighborhood to include in your  all inclusive family holidays when in Rome!  For a truly Roman adventure, this is the place to be!

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From Alps to Dolomites: Thrilling Adventures on Italy’s Peaks

On December 9, 2011, In From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, Outdoor Adventure Travel, By Sylvia Arad

Italy is a country of diverse character and range.  To its south, the dazzling coastline and sun-drenched beaches stretch towards breathtaking coastal towns, hidden inlets and beautiful isles.  Journeying northwards, swathes of lush vineyards and quaint hillside villages greet you.  Yet in the far northern reaches of Italy, the mountains – the Alps and Dolomites – have it all.  Throughout the year, these peaks beckon nature lovers – hikers and skiers alike – to their snow-capped summits and verdant meadows.  The proximity to Austria and Switzerland makes this a dynamic region with a distinctive cuisine and a vastly different culture and than its more southern counterparts.

Hiking in Nrthern Italy's Peaks taken from The Fearless Spectators.com

Wedged between Austria and Switzerland, the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a beautiful mountain region blessed with a wide range of hiking and skiing opportunities.  In autumn, the Dolomites are at their most impressive, with incredible views and scenic hiking.  The crisp, cool air, the gold and red-tinted hues, the fur-colored trees, the lovely hidden meadows and rock towers and spires all combine to make this an ideal hiking destination.  Bunkers and tunnels, remnants of World War I, still dot the region and offer youngsters an adventurous venue for exploration.  In the winter, this rugged and beautiful region features wonderful skiing and tobogganing adventures, while spring brings with it the first bloom of colorful flowers.

Dolomites in the Spring

Picture of Dolomites in Winter
thanks to Vincenzo Gianferrari Pini from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo! 

Though no camping is allowed, Refugios are spread throughout the hills, offering rustic overnight accommodations and food.  Throughout the region, chair lifts and cable cars are readily available to take weary hikers and youngsters to cliff top rest stops, where magnificent views and food and drink await.

Refugios in the Mountains

The laid-back region of the Italian Alps makes an ideal family vacation destination, with a myriad of adventure activities on offer.  These snow-capped mountain peaks feature some of the best skiing and snowboarding venues, as well as breathtaking scenery from their summits.  Veteran skiers will love the cross country skiing through the winding trails, forests and pathways for which this region is famed, while snowboarding and downhill skiing can be enjoyed by all.  Strapping on snow shoes, the winter scenery of snow-covered forests and meadows is readily accessible on foot.  The vastness and beauty of the area enable skiers to enjoy the wide open spaces and the scenic snowy slopes while relaxing and refreshing in typical retreats when fatigue sets in.

Picture of Cross-country skiing in the Italian Alps
thanks to MRB from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

typical Alpine Scenery

A vacation in the Dolomites and the Italian Alps is an entirely new and unique adventure to experience in the far northern reaches of Italy’s diverse landscape and character.

Picture of Province of Bolzano-Bozen - Springtime Flowers in the Alpine Scenery
thanks to loufi from Flickr and Ookaboo!

 
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Explore the Unexplored: Unique Adventures in Italy’s Castles

On December 6, 2011, In Archeology & Culture, From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, By Sylvia Arad

Stone fortresses perched atop rocky hilltops, crenellated towers, majestic palaces and romantic ruins – Italy’s cities and countryside are rife with castles testifying to its turbulent history.  The range of castles, towers, battlements and ramparts date as far back as pre-Roman times, many having been restored to their original glory.  Children and adults alike will thrill to the discoveries that castle adventures offer.

The impressive Castello Sforzesco, located in the center of Milan, dates back to the 14th century when it was the home of the powerful Sforza dukes who ruled Lombardy.  Over time, the castle passed to foreign conquerors and went from palace to impregnable fortress.  Today, the castle is Milan’s major art center, housing seven museums, including ancient and Renaissance art, musical instruments, and furniture.  The castle is an architectural masterpiece where visitors can easily spend a day just admiring the castle grounds, the restored architectural details and the gardens before venturing into these fascinating museums. 

Panoramic View of castel Sforzesco from Wikpedia by Chris

Picture of Castello Sforzesco - The Tower
thanks to Martinelli95 from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

In the heart of ancient Verona lies the imposing Castelvecchio, with its city walls intact.  The castle museum houses medieval sculpture and works by Veronese artists as well as weapons.  Kids will love the walk across the Adige River on the fortified Ponte Scaligero, used as an escape route in medieval times.

Rome’s CastelSant’Angelo has a colorful 1800 year history.  With its dark past, it is one of Rome’s favorite landmarks for locals and visitors alike.  Originally built in 135AD by the Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself, this perfectly round structure was later incorporated into the city’s walls.  In medieval times, Vatican popes turned Castel Sant’Angelo into their personal fortress, connecting it to the Vatican by a hidden tunnel.  Later still, the castle became a fort and then a prison, before finally housing today’s museum, replete with the building’s history.

When traveling through the Chianti region, Monteriggioni, originally a fortified bastion later turned into a walled community, was built by the city of Siena to protect itself from Florence.  It sits high atop a rocky crag, its walls and towers facing Florence and impregnably intact to this day.

Among the famous castles in Italy’s countryside, Castle Churburg in south Tyrol tops the list.  Situated high in the mountains in an alpine setting, it is home for the last 500 years to the Trapp family, made famous by the musical “The Sound of Music”.  This lavish 13th century castle features well preserved rooms and arcades, and houses the world’s oldest armor, as well as a massive collection of arms and armors.

In Italy’s south, Emperor Fredrick II built impressive castles, the most famous of these perhaps being Castel del Monte in Puglia.  Built in 1240, the castle features classic, gothic and Arab elements in a unique octagonal construction, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The Castel dell’Ovo (Castle of the Egg) in Naples is steeped in legend.  Jutting out into the Bay of Naples, the castle is an imposing fortress built on the ruins of a Roman stronghold.  Legend has it that Virgil hid an egg within a secret chamber of the castle, and as long as the egg remained intact, Naples was to be safe.

The majestic castles of Italy, the fortified bastions, imposing battlements and crenellated structures, some restored to their former beauty and others still occupied by their original families, offer a glimpse into Italy’s stormy history of battles and conquests.   Both young and old will love exploring these testaments to military might.

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Discover the Riveting Beauty of the Cinque Terre

On December 2, 2011, In Biking & Hiking, From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, Outdoor Adventure Travel, By Sylvia Arad


Cinque Terre by Mike.albrecht from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

Clinging onto the cliffs on a dramatic stretch of Italy’s Liguarian coast, the five towns that comprise the Cinque Terre (‘Five Lands’) form a spectacular sight.  These charming villages offer a fascinating destination for active adventure outdoors for the entire family.  For centuries after they were built, the Cinque Terre were accessible only by boat or by footpath.  Today, a train runs through all five villages on a regular basis, snaking its way from the northernmost town of Monterosso del Mare through Vernazza, Corniglia and Manarola, to the southernmost town of Riomaggiore.  As well, ferries run between the villages regularly from the Ligurian ports of La Spezia, Portovenere and Sestri Levante.  By far, the best way to discover these enchanting villages, however, is by foot.

Corniglia Photos
Hiking the Cinque Terre. This photo of Corniglia is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Hiking between the villages, you’ll come upon terraced vineyards, olive and lemon groves and clusters of pastel-colored houses perched on the cliffs above the waters, while scents of lavender and rosemary follow you throughout.  The numerous hiking trails vary in length and difficulty, the most popular being the Blue Trail, a 13 km. (8 mi.) path that winds through all five villages encompassing a walk of about 5 hours.  Other trails offer shorter hikes through parts of the circuit for a more family-friendly walk.   All hikes can be combined with fun adventures on the ferries or trains that run through the villages.

Monterosso to Vernazza

Start out from Monterosso towards Vernazza, a two-hour hike, where you will follow a delightful trail with stunning ocean and cliff views, as well as some lush green inland landscapes.  Monterosso, the largest of the five villages, is divided into an old and new town.  The old town is a maze of narrow alleys with shops and eateries; the umbrella-lined promenade in the new town features probably the best of the beaches among the five towns.   Looking back towards the town, the rocky outcrops provide breathtaking views of the coastline and the town. 

Monterosso

Approaching Vernazza, you’ll be stunned by the multicolored houses clustered around the waterfront.  Shaped like a horseshoe around its harbor, Vernazza’s one main road, Via Roma, cuts through the village, with many narrow alleys branching forth to display colorful layers of homes.  The pastel-colored facades and umbrella – laden tables lining the main piazza are the perfect venue to relax with a drink and take in the view of the marina and the dominating castle ruins.

Vernazza (by Charles van Dijk taken July 22, 2008 from Wikimedia Commons)

 

Corniglia Photos
Tiny Alleyways in the Cinque Terre Towns. This photo of Corniglia is courtesy of TripAdvisor
 

Vernazza to Corniglia and Manarola

The hike between Vernazza and Corniglia takes you inland into the hills well removed from the seaside, where the trail meanders through lush greenery, rivers, grapevines and stunning vistas.  Taking about 2 hours, this is a somewhat arduous stretch as unlike the other villages, remote Corniglia perches atop a cliff high above the sea.  The view of rainbow-colored buildings nestled among the green grapevined hills make this hike well worth the steep climb.  As you descend some 365 steps towards Manarola, the sight of the colorful tiered buildings seem to tumble into the marina.

Corniglia Photos
This photo of Corniglia is courtesy of TripAdvisor
 

The Lover’s Walk

Known as the Lover’s walk, the 30-minute walk between Manarola and Riomaggiore is an easy hike on level terrain.   Wrapping around the coastline along walkways, you can climb the rocks for dips in the waters or just listen to the waves as they slap, splash against the rocks.  Well worth an evening stroll, this walk provides stunning sunset views.

Picture Perfect Manarola

Riomaggiore - the Southern Village

Beyond hiking the paths, taking a ferry or paddling out to sea on a kayak will give an entirely new perspective to the tiny, colorful villages with their Old World feel.  After all, the Cinque Terre are not only about the hike and the scenery;  they are as much about  enjoying Italian lifestyle, hospitality and great food in a perfect adventure outdoors setting.

 
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Adventure Cycling in Enchanting Tuscany

On November 29, 2011, In Biking & Hiking, From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, By Sylvia Arad

Biking in Tuscany

To venture into Tuscany’s enchanting Chianti region, situated between Florence and Siena, is to discover a cyclist’s paradise.  Biking routes abound for those who wish to cycle off-the-beaten-path in a region painted in picture perfect panoramas of vineyards, olive groves and vast farmland.  A maze of winding biking trails and rural roads meander through the rolling valley terrain, gradually leading to hilltop towns.   Stretching throughout Tuscany, cycling routes range in levels from easy to strenuous for amateur to veteran cyclists.

Vineyards in Chianti from Wikipedia by H. Hoffmeister

In this sun-drenched region with its green patchwork of lands, there is much to see and do while cycling.  Breathtaking vistas of ochre fields punctuated by swathes of red poppies and golden-ripe sunflowers serve as the backdrop to magnificent panoramas of ancient villages perched on the hillsides.   Lined with the occasional oak and olive groves, the roads unfold into an infinite  horizon of  verdant and wine colored grapevines.

Greve in Chianti

The Chianti Loop circles through medieval towns steeped in regional history.  Encircled by their ancient ramparts, these villages boast clusters of Romanesque churches, abbeys, castles and fortresses.  In the heart of Tuscany,  Greve in Chianti, a large market town, sits at the crossroads of an ancient trade route between Florence and Siena.  Delightful communities, such as Montefiorale and Panzano surround the town, where castles turned patrician homes spatter the landscape. In its stone houses and paved streets, Montefiorale reflects its medieval architecture, and Panzano’s Romanesque church of San Leolino is home to precious works of art.

Montefiorale view from Greve

Fresco in the Church of San Leolino, Panzano from Wikipedia by Vignaccia76

From Greve, loop through the main Chianti towns.  Castellina in Chianti is nestled around a 13th century castle.  The town’s origins date back to Etruscan times, its importance due to its strategic location.  Along the ancient ramparts, the towering fortress offers stunning countryside vistas, and an impressive underground tunnel, the Via delle Volte,  wraps around the city, today housing shops and restaurants.  This is the spot for a short break for tired limbs and taste a delicious gelato.

Fortress in Castellina from Wikipedia by Vignaccia76

Castellina, Viale delle Volte

A long descent with sweeping panoramas of vineyards and olive groves across the Val d’Elsa (Elsa Valley), followed by a gradual ascent,  terminates in Colle Val d’Elsa, a village famed for its crystal glassware.  Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Elsa River, Colle Val d’Elsa, a historic town on the Via Francigiena, the road used by pilgrims from Rome to northern Europe, developed in three districts.  Upper Colle preserves its 14th and 16th century fortifications, buildings, old gates and medieval sights, such as the ancient tower house and Campana building, which are architectural masterpieces.  From here, San Gimignano is just a short jaunt away.

Colle Val d'Elsa with dominating Tower

Looping around, the Chianti biking route continues to Radda in Chianti, a beautiful town enclosed in large defensive ramparts.  Characterized by its narrow streets converging into a main piazza, Radda maintains its medieval charm.  Numerous castles and churches, among them the castle of Volpaia and the Romanesque church of Santa Maria in Prato, nestle in the surrounding hills.  Not far, Monteriggioni conforms perfectly to the model image of a walled community, with its ramparts and towers virtually intact and giving way to original attractive buildings.

Monteriggioni - view from Radda

After an arduous day of cycling, the Badia a Coltibuono, historically a monastery, offers the perfect end to an adventure-packed day.  Famed for its wines and prized olive oil, the Badia features agrotourism accommodations in a gorgeous setting to relax with a drink, take in the view and spend the night.

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Unique Vacations at Lake Trasimeno

On November 15, 2011, In Biking & Hiking, From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Nothing quite compares to sitting at a lakeside café on Lake Como or taking in Italy’s alpine lakes; yet Lake Trasimeno, set in Italy’s green heart, will not disappoint. Nestled amidst Umbria’s verdant rolling hills and bordering Tuscany, the clear blue waters of Lake Trasimeno reflect the dark green slopes, vineyards and olive groves of its surroundings.

Picture of Castiglione del Lago  thanks to Parpan05 from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

The largest lake in central and southern Italy, Lake Trasimeno is a perfect base for  adventure travel in Umbria and nearby Tuscany, where some great family holidays begin.  Though it never gets very deep, with no more than 20 ft. at its deepest spot, the lake provides ample opportunities for water sports, hiking or just relaxing along its lovely beaches.  Swimming, sailing, kayaking and surfing are among the water sports on offer in a lake whose shallow waters make it an ideal spot for adventure with children.  The unspoilt countryside surrounding the lake features lovely hidden biking trails where wooded hills are home to wild boar, deer, porcupines, hares, toads and owls.  Leisurely hiking on the hills that line the lake open to nature at its best, with the myriad of colors of heather and rock roses in bloom and the intense fragrance of broom throughout.

Boating on the Lake - Just One of Many Activities

Ducal Palace

The picturesque towns which dot the hills bordering the lake provide breathtaking panoramic views, as well as a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.  Castiglione del Lago, surrounded by towering fortified walls, is dominated by its medieval fortress and its 15th century Ducal Palace, housing original frescoes.  A walk on the walls offers striking panoramic views of the lake.  Panicale strategically perched on a hilltop and a fortified castle originally, was especially important to Perugia in the13th and 14th century as it controlled the valleys of Lake Trasimeno and the Nestore River.  In Panicale, art is everywhere.  Among the most famous works is a fresco painted by Perugino in 1505.  It adorns the back wall of the Oratory of San Sebastiano.  Piegaro houses a beautiful glass museum, originally a 13th century glass factory.

Castiglione del Lago by Eulenjager from Wikimedia Commons

Piegaro Photos
Piegaro Glass Museum. This photo of Piegaro is courtesy of TripAdvisor  

Just across the border in Tuscany, the pretty town of Chiusi features an interesting and not too large Etruscan Museum as well as an underground system of former water channels.  Lake Trasimeno’s north shore is home to 2 charming villages – Tuoro and Passignano, both featuring historic buildings as well as offering spectacular lake views.

View of the Lake from Castiglione by by Schwarzer Kater from Wikimedia Commons

Set in Umbria, a region of unspoiled farmland country and half-hidden retreats as yet protected from the havoc of tourism, Lake Trasimeno provides the perfect base for adventure outdoors, splendid panoramic views and the opportunity of discovering the rich history and culture of its surroundings.

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Short City Breaks: London- Stopover to Adventure

On November 4, 2011, In City Breaks, From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, By Sylvia Arad

On your way to an African Safari, a tiger watching expedition in India or even a hike and bike holiday in Italy, why not stop over in London, a perfect beginning or end to your adventure travel holiday.  With endless activities, lovely parks and attractions geared to the entire family, London is an amazing destination packed with adventures waiting to happen.

Starting out, the best way to get a broad overview of the city is on the open air, double decker hop-on-hop-off bus. These  buses provide easy transportation with the opportunity to stop, get off and see the sights as you go along, and hop back on at your convenience.

Hop on and Off on the London touring bus

London’s multitude of museums provides a fun and educational experience, with over 70 of these providing free admission.  With so many museums from which to choose, the question is which to pick when time is short.  The Natural History Museum has countless attractions to mesmerize all ages.  Youngsters find it fascinating, with its dinosaur skeletons, its discovery trails and crafts workshops.  Hands-on exhibits include, among others, a Human Biology gallery, a Creepy Crawlers exhibit, an Earth Hall and a science centre.

Mammal Room in the Natural History Musuem photo byBrendan Adkins Wikipedia

London Docklands Museum - West India Quay

Housed in a 200 year old warehouse recently turned museum, the London Museum at Docklands reveals the city’s long history as a port, and the story of the Thames River and the docklands throughout the ages, beginning in Roman Times.  Exhibits include replicas such as one of a 19th century port, and the sugar slavery, showcasing London’s involvement in international slave trade.   The museum is a hidden treasure with its unusual displays, re-creations and tours.  Another museum gem is the London Transportation Museum, housed in Covent Garden.  With live models of the city’s various means of transportation since 1800 – buses, trams, trains taxis, as well as an interactive ‘futures’  gallery, this museum is a wonderland for children.  Follow a trip to the museum with a walk around Covent Garden with its antiques and crafts shops, and its entertainers including outrageous juggling and mime acts.

Covent Garden Market

Plan on visiting the Tower of London, which provides a full education into medieval times in the city.  This ancient fortress, with its gruesome association of legendary figures who were imprisoned or executed here presents the best ‘haunted house’ in Britain – ghoulish headless torsos, phantoms, icy blasts and clanking chains meet you throughout.  The Jewel House offers one of the best attractions in the tower, with the crown jewels of stones set in robes, swords,  and crowns.

Panoramic view of London Tower with London Bridge

London offers a vast variety of public parks, as well.  Three of the best for family fun include Kensington Park, with its pirate ship; Regent Park housing a zoo, and Hyde Park, where fishing and boating is popular.  Before leaving London, however, the London Eye is not to be missed.  The world’s highest ferris wheel at 135 m. (443 ft.), it provides a 30 minute slow-moving ride with panoramic vies of the city and afar.

London Eye at Twighlight photo by Diliff from Wikipedia

For your short city breaks, London offers a myriad of accommodations, from exclusive hotels and apartments to basic inexpensive lodging   to meet the needs of every age and type of traveler.  The city presents a great stopover destination on your way to that adventure travel holiday or to relax at the end of your expedition.

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