A public holiday in Florence!

Breathtaking. It’s the only way to describe the Duomo. Actually, that’s a lie, as you could also use awesome, ornate and gargantuan!

I arrived in Florence by train one evening, and as the city seemed fairly compact (on my map at least!), I decided to walk to my accommodation, passing the city’s most famous attraction en route.

From the station, Piazza del Duomo is reached by walking along a central shopping street, busy with shoppers and traffic. As the road curved slightly, I caught my first glimpse of the Duomo. I couldn’t believe how enormous it was! It was a little late, and after weighing up the situation, I ignored the excited tourist within me and made my way to the apartment. I’d make sure I was well rested for the next day.

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San Giovanni Valdarno – a slice of Tuscan life

I was unsure what to expect of San Giovanni Valdarno. It had been described as a small medieval town located in the heart of Tuscany, but I’ve fallen for these descriptions before, only to arrive at a bustling industrial rail station that doesn’t quite meet my expectations! However, I’m pleased to confirm that my first impression of San Giovanni did not disappoint.

I travelled from Florence by train and enjoyed a journey of approximately one hour, taking in delightful countryside and stopping at many of the small towns en route. I was advised later that it is also possible to take a more direct train, which should take about 35 minutes, but I felt that my ambling journey had set me up for the relaxed lifestyle I was about to experience.

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Venice: why you shouldn’t read the guidebooks

Venice is incredible! My first words of advice to anyone going there – don’t read too many guidebooks and don’t listen to too many people who have already been there.

Before I arrived I had heard warnings of how expensive everything would be, how many tourists I would find, that the water is smells in summer, you need to take a boat to get anywhere… blah blah blah.

Go to Venice with an open mind and you won’t notice any of these things because you are simply too distracted by how AMAZING the place is!

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My trip to Taormina, a real Sicilian treasure!

When you arrive in Taormina for your Italian course, the first thing to do is take the bus from the railway station up Mount Tauro to the centre. Taking the bus to Taormina is certainly an interesting experience, and for me brought back memories of the Italian Job! The driver was clearly an expert, and negotiated the tight bends at speed.

On arrival in Taormina, I dropped my luggage off at the hotel and headed out to explore the town. The first thing that struck me about Taormina was that it mainly consisted of a single street (the Corso Umberto) which is packed with shops, bars and lots of tourists.

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Sorrento – All that Italy has to offer, in a little town!

I admit it! I’m a bit in love with Italy, with the food, the art, the people, the landscape… Italy has everything!

I had already seen the most famous places, like Rome, Florence and Milan, and I wanted to try somewhere different for my next holiday. I wanted to see a bit more of the real Italy! That’s when I came across Sorrento.

I was looking for somewhere by the sea that was not too big, so that I could relax and have more direct contact with the locals. Sorrento seemed to offer all of this, but what I didn’t expect was that it had so much more to offer! It turned out to be an excellent choice for a language course!

I flew to Naples airport and decided to have an airport transfer (organized by the school) to Sorrento. Here the first surprise arrived, a very elegantly dressed person welcomed me and took me to Sorrento in an extremely nice car. Definitely money well invested!

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Ten reasons to go to Siena

History
Dripping with history, you could be mistaken for thinking you have taken a trip back in time to a medieval city when visiting Siena! Legend has it that Senius, son of Remus, who was in turn the brother of Romulus, founded Siena. With the first settlements in 900 to 400 BC and the cathedral being built in the 1100s you cannot fail to be impressed by the history of this fascinating city.

Piazza del Campo
Shaped like a medieval Roman amphitheatre, the Piazza del Campo is regarded as one of the most beautiful public spaces in Europe. Unmissable in the centre of the city you have to make your way down one of the many steps and alleyways that lead to it. At night you can buy ice cream at one of the ‘Gelaterias’ before entering the square. Alternatively, for a little more money there are many competing restaurants with front row seats surrounding the square.

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A day at the Viareggio Carnival!

Have you ever experienced a carnival, Italian style? Well, I have been to the one in Viareggio and I would definitely go back!

Even though it is a small place, Viareggio is well known throughout Italy for its fantastic beaches which attract lots of tourists every summer.

However, Viareggio isn’t known only as a place for relaxation! It’s also full of fun, colours and tradition! Viareggio is famous for its carnival, which takes place in the period preceding Easter.

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Roaming around Italy’s capital city – my week in Rome

My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius.’

I think it was seeing the film ‘Gladiator’ which first set me thinking about a trip to Rome (if you’ve not seen the film, hire it out – it’s fantastic!).

I have always been interested in history, but when I first saw the scenes in the Colosseum, with the cheering crowds and the gladiators fighting to the death on the blood-soaked sand under the baking Mediterranean sun, my imagination was fired!

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