Rome - Justifiably described as the world’s “art gallery”, Italy is a feast for lovers of food, culture, fashion and sightseeing and a must for those who want to tick this exceptional destination off their bucket list.
First in the queue for scenery and culture
Culturally rich, with a wealth of Renaissance architecture, Roman history and priceless art and scenically rich, Italy must have be near the front of the queue, as visitors to this boot-shaped protrusion of Europe will enjoy stark Alpine peaks in the north, the Apennine Mountains, the olive groves and vineyards of Italy’s heart, and the warm waters, volcanic islands and Mediterranean lifestyle of the south.
Florence is known as the “Cradle of the Renaissance”, with its palaces and squares, magnificent cathedral and superb art collections in the Accademia and Uffizi galleries. In Rome, you can trace the course of history through 2 500 years from the grandeur of the Forum and Colosseum, to the grandiose Altar of the Nation. Venice is unique – a maze of narrow streets, canals and unexpected city squares, with unforgettable masterpieces in the Accademia and Scoula Grande di San Rocco.
First in the fashion stakes
Italy rivals France as a centre for fashion and design, with names like Prada, Fendi, Armani, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana.
Florence is the place for gold jewellery and beautiful leather goods. When in Rome, look for silk blouses, scarves and ties, fine knitwear and costume jewellery. In Venice, you’ll find Murano glass and porcelain carnival masks, while local embroidery can be very tempting.
First on the menu of many connoisseurs
In Venice, you’ll be served rice, rather than pasta, and a delicious range of fish dishes. Wines from the Veneto are among Italy’s finest. In Rome, sample the endless permutations of pastas and sauces. Frascati is wine from Rome’s Alban hills or try the smooth Italian brandy, Vecchia Romagna. Florence is in Chianti country and the cooking is based on simple natural ingredients. Try fritto misto – deep-fried meats and vegetables. And if a bistecca Fiorentino (T-bone steak with lemon) is too big for one, share it just as the locals do!
What about a visit to the world’s champion gelato-maker Sergio Dondoli, known for his frozen treats… or a stay at the Signature Borgo San Luigi, a restored 17th-century country palazzo once owned by the Duchy of Tuscany?
For rand-squeezed South Africans, who want luxury but also good value, Insight Vacations is offering that and more on its all-inclusive12-day Italian Elegance tour from R49 550 per person, twin share – including the experiences and dining valued at over R10 100.
Under the company’s Rand Price Guarantee, brochure prices were set in August and have not changed, meaning travellers can save more than 30 percent on the currency fluctuation alone.
In celebration of the new European collection, clients can book and pay early and save up to 7.5 percent off for bookings made by March 25.
Additional discounts, such as the past passenger discount for guests who have travelled on any of The Travel Corporation’s brands, will also apply.
l www.insightvacations.com
Saturday Star