Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

A Guide to Parco Natura Viva, Italy

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

The zoological and natural park of Parco Natura Viva is a major tourist attraction and included in most Italy vacation packages. This park is situated in the northern region of the country and is located on Lake Grada. Parco Natura Viva was originally started to protect the rare species of animals and save them from extinction. The safari park of Parco Natura Viva covers a total area of 240,000 square meters. One can expect to see animals that are found exclusively in Africa. The Red Panda, however, remains the special attraction of this park. It is an ideal place for a family hangout, get together with friends, or kid’s weekend visit. Large numbers of people from across the country visit the park regularly. It also lists among the major tourist attractions of the city and is frequently visited by foreign tourists as well.

The park remains open from the month of March to November. The entry fee to the park changes in accordance with the season and the entry fee for the children are different from that of the adults. The park is mostly visited during the months of June to October. Consequently, the entry fees to the park are higher during these months.

Do you want to know more while planning Italia trips? Then italiatrips.com is the best place to be.  It will provide you knowledge about all the requirements and high points of Italy trips.

Mt Etna of Italy

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Mt Etna is the most active volcano of the world and one of most sought after inclusion of Italy vacation packages. The skyline of Sicilia is largely dominated by this mountain. The mountain stands 11,000 feet tall and is a potential danger to the eastern coast of the island of Sicilia. The volcano of Mt Etna has had 200 eruptions till date, with the last being in the year 2001. The foot of the volcano has large number of olive groves and vineyard growing over the place. The mountain is also a home for many animals of rare species. The mountain is covered with snow almost all year round. The third tier of the mountain contains a large Spartan wasteland where you can find historic volcanic ash and lava flows. The geological and atmospheric condition of Mt Etna is believed to be similar to that of Mars.

In spite of the threats of the mountain erupting any time, hiking is largely popular here. Mt Etna is a major tourist attraction for its scenic beauty. Every year thousands of tourists and hikers visit Mt Etna to witness history at close proximity. But before climbing this mountain, it is very important that one should check with Catania’s tourist office to find if there is any threat of volcanic eruptions occurring. The office also provides necessary instructions and maps for the convenience of the hikers.

To know about other such must visits during Italy trips, browse italiatrips.com. This site will make planning for your Italy travel extremely easy by providing all information required by tourists.

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is a must visit during your Italia trips. One of the four papal basilicas, this one is situated in Rome. This building was initially used as the papal residence, after the end of Avignon papacy. Later, this papal residence got shifted to the Vatican City. The building of Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore was actually built in the fifth century, over a pagan temple of goddess Cybele. The church of Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is dedicated to the worship of Virgin Mother Mary.

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore stores some major works of art. These include the Early Christian mosaic sequence depicting the famous 5th century events mentioned in Old Testament, the Salus Populi Romani, the Sacristy frescoes created by Giuseppe Puglia and Passignano, the Pauline Chapel fresco from creations of Guido Reni etc. The Crypt of Nativity, located below the sanctuary of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, is also the burial place for some of the prominent Catholics of Rome. For centuries, the weather of the modern city of Rome has been gradually affecting the artwork of the building of Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Between the late 16th century and the early 17th century, a major renovation was carried out on the interiors of the building.

To know more about Italy and traveling to the country, you should visit the finest online Italy travel guide, italiatrips.com. This site will sure make your Italy trips extremely pleasant.