When in Rome… Don’t Pack Snacks

Well, you can pack them, but just don’t plan to nosh on them while you’re visiting the picturesque city’s world-famous monuments. Rome’s government officials recently voted to ban sightseers from snacking near the city’s historical center. City leaders say the snack ban was put into place to preserve local treasures and decorum in a city that attracts millions of visitors every year. The new rule also bans homeless people from setting up makeshift beds near the city’s most noteworthy landmarks including the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps. Drunks, litterbugs and hooligans will also face stiff penalties if caught loitering in … Continue reading

No More Horsing Around in Rome

Horses in New York’s Central Park are not the only ones animal rights activists are looking to save. Passionate horse lovers in Italy want visitors to use other means of transportation to tour famous landmarks in Rome other than horse-drawn carriages. A strong contingency of animal activists are trying to ban the use of horse drawn carriages saying traffic, pollution, heat and heavy loads expose the animals to health risks. According to one animal rights association, about 90 horses are employed in Rome to carry tourists to see the city’s landmarks (such as the Colosseum) on busy streets full of … Continue reading

Taking an Affordable Holiday to Italy

You know things are awry in the travel world when you can fly to Italy for less than it costs to jet off to Hawaii from New York. I subscribe to several online travel sites and keep in close contact with a number of travel agents and this week both announced amazing air and hotel packages to popular Italian cities such as Florence, Venice and Rome for unbelievably affordable prices. Take a look: FLORENCE For a mere $1,039 you can jet off to fabulous Florence this fall. Virgin Vacations is offering the trip to the picturesque crown of Tuscany, for … Continue reading

Ridiculously Low Hotel Rates in Rome

If you have ever dreamed of spending Valentine’s Day in the Eternal City, but didn’t have the funds to treat your sweetheart to such a luxury—-now’s your big chance. Several hotels in the heart of Rome are offering spectacular savings from now until the end of February. But, if you want in on the sensationally low rates I would suggest acting fast. The rates listed below apply to select rooms and the offer is good on a first-come, first-serve basis. Take a look: Empire Palace Hotel How’s this for an incredible deal… The legendary four-star Empire Palace Hotel located next … Continue reading

Where to Roam in Rome

When in Rome… well, you know the rest. If you are planning a trip to the ancient city in the next few weeks you have the opportunity to be one of the first to experience the restored ruins of two opulent Roman villas and private thermal baths that recently opened to the public. Each villa boasts a 3-D reconstruction that offers a virtual tour of the luxurious residences found in downtown Rome. Local archaeologists uncovered an ancient neighborhood, where historians believe senators and knight used to live. The 2,000 square-yard complex dates back to the 2nd century and is now … Continue reading

Adventures By Disney: Italy

Upon your arrival in Rome, an Adventures by Disney representative will escort you to your transfer vehicle while the driver assists with your luggage and then takes you to the Hotel Bernini Bristol. You’ll then attend a welcome dinner at the hotel where you’ll meet your fellow adventurers. On your second day, you’ll enjoy a private guided tour of Rome that includes the Coliseum, the Forum and the Pantheon. You’ll take a leisurely lunch at Rei degli Amici and then continue your tour with the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. You’ll then be on your own for dinner and … Continue reading

Adventures By Disney: Southern Italy

You’ll begin with your arrival in Rome where you’ll be met by an Adventures by Disney representative who will escort you to your transfer vehicle and assist with your luggage. Then you’ll be transported to the Ambasciatori Palace hotel where your guide will have already checked you in. That evening you’ll attend a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel where you’ll meet your fellow adventurers. On your second day, you’ll begin with a walking tour of Rome from the Spanish Steps to the Trevi Fountain. After your tour you’ll enjoy authentic Roman pizza for lunch. Dinner that evening will … Continue reading

Winter Travel Deals: Roaming Rome for Cheap and Bargains in Beantown

With the euro pummeling the dollar it’s not hard to see why many American tourists are staying closer to home this winter season. However, if you are dying to visit Europe and want to do so without having to battle massive crowds, then now is the time to go. Winter is an especially good time to visit Rome. The hordes of tourists are minimal and the weather is cool but comfortable with daytime temps in the 50s, which is balmy compared to some locations in northern Europe. If fashion is your middle name then you would be remiss to pass … Continue reading

Travel Tidbits: Seeing Red in Rome and Staying Safe in Puerto Rico

SEEING RED IN ROME The waters of Rome’s famed Trevi Fountain were running red this weekend and it wasn’t because the Italians were celebrating Christmas early. Rather, according to Italian newspapers, a man threw a bucket of red paint or dye into the 18th-century monument and colored its water bright red. Police say the crime was committed in front of a crowd of astonished tourists and residents, and the suspect remains at large. Fountain technicians were forced to shut off the water before restoring a clear flow. According to news reports, the legendary baroque fountain was not permanently damaged and … Continue reading

The Romantic City of Rome

I have never traveled much. I have never been on an airplane and I have never left the country. However, places of the world intrigue me. I had always thought Paris would be a very romantic place to visit. To me Paris has always appeared to be the city of love. However after running across an article focusing on Rome, it seems that maybe Rome can be just as sensual. In researching Rome, I found a few romantic places and activities to share with you (hopefully at least one or two of my readers will get to Rome sometime in … Continue reading