Tour of Northern Italy

Rome is the capital of Italy; its center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk among the ancient ruins of the Forum and the Colosseum, pay homage to Michelangelo’s famous ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican City, stroll among the bustling streets until you find the perfect sidewalk café to stop and sip an espresso. Family travelers can’t go wrong with the food options: pasta, pizza and gelato.

The “Eternal City” sits on the River Tiber, between the Apennine Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, and was the administrative center of the mighty Roman Empire, which ruled from Britain to Mesopotamia. According to mythology, Rome was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus. They were abandoned as infants in the Tiber River and raised by a mother wolf before a shepherd found them and adopted them as his own.

Aside from the ruins, there are awe-inspiring churches, bustling public squares, numerous fountains sure to trigger memories of Anita Ekberg among Fellini fans and museums everywhere waiting to be discovered.

The Hotel San Carlo is situated in the very heart of the historical center and near the main shopping district. It is within walking distance of the Spanish Steps; Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. It is easy to move anywhere within the city. All 50 rooms are bright and equipped with bathrooms; direct dial phone; safe; satellite TV and air conditioning. The rooms are extremely quiet and some of them have their own terrace. Additional information; Children age 2 and under stay free in the room.

These lovely gardens overlook one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, Piazza del Popolo. There were gardens here even in the time of Ancient Rome, and it is said that they were quite fabulous. The present-day gardens were designed in the early 19th Century by the architect Valadier who also created Piazza del Popolo itself. They became a favorite location for walking, and who knows how many love stories blossomed amongst the pine trees? Piazzale Napoleone I offers an unforgettable view of Rome, along with the famous Water Clock that dates back to the 19th Century. A visit to the restaurant Casina Valadier is well worth it, for a coffee or a light lunch.

Design of Villa Borghese began at the start of the 17th Century when Pope Paul V Borghese was elected. Its style resembles that of city villas from 100 years earlier. The gardens were especially cared foraviaries were added to house exotic birds and areas of the gardens were stocked with peacocks, ostriches, gazelles and even lions. Over the years, the garden was altered into an English-style space designed by Jacob Moore. One of the park's loveliest areas is the Lake Garden, which is enclosed by a railing that emphasizes the lake's irregular shape. In the center of an artificial island, a temple was built dedicated to Aesculapius. The famous Square of Siena has been the scene of horse-jumping and carriage-racing competitions since it was first built.

The Vatican is among the most important historical sites in the world. The seat of the Holy Roman Catholic Church, The Vatican is also the home of the Pope. As the smallest state in the world, the Vatican has figured in key events throughout history. Occupying about one half kilometer of Rome, The Vatican is further significant because of its fabulous architecture, religious, and artistic treasures. It was Pope Julius II della Rovere in the 16th century who commissioned Michelangelo to paint the history of creation on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Among countless other notable events in the history of this important city are the convening of the College of Cardinals, at the death of a reigning Pontiff, for the purposes of electing a new Pope. No visit to Rome is complete without an excursion to The Vatican, a place so steeped in history and tradition that you will never forget it.

Visiting Rome for the first time, visitors must experience the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican structure with 50 million monthly visitors. The Chapel was built between 1477 and 1481 by Pope Sixtus IV. From 1480 to 1483 the walls were decorated by famous artists of Renaissance, such as Botticelli, Perugino, Ghirlandaio. After 20 years, Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to decorate the ceiling in 1508. Today, after the restoration, tourists can visit the chapel and see Michelangelo's Last Judgement. The Vatican has placed its enormous art collection on the Web in hopes that it will attract more tourists. The site allows visitors to take a virtual reality tour of some of the dozen museums and galleries that make up the Vatican collection, viewing Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel with a three-dimensional video. At the Chapel, you will invariably find it crowded with hundreds of tourists, so be prepared. The best way to see it is to go to the Vatican Museums early, so that you're among the first in line when they open. Silence should be observed and photography is not prohibited.

Roman trattoria with an informal atmosphere, simple, tasty, tried and tested cooking. On the menu, you will find such timeless Roman dishes as abbacchio (shank of lamb), tagliata di manzo con patate (sliced roast beef with potatoes), and fish-based meals such as Spaghetti al cartoccio (spaghetti with seafood). All the desserts are home-made. Vino Sfuso from Velletri (wine ready for immediate consumption).

No visit to Rome is complete without seeing its magnificent Colosseum, a vast amphitheater with seating for 55,000 that was designed as a horse racing circuit and arena for animal fighting and gladiatorial battles. After its completion, spectacular 100-day celebrations were organized as part of the opening ceremony in 72 BC. Its name is believed to come from Nero's enormous statue of Colossus that stood close by.

The Forum Romanum was designed to be the center of social, political and economic life in the city. The innumerable remains include the well-conserved triumphal arch of Emperor Septimius Severus, with reliefs depicting his victories and the base of the Temple of Saturn with its eight columns and their splendid Ionic capitals. The Rostrum is the famous platform from which Mark Antony gave his oration in Shakespeare's play after Julius Caesar's assassination. The platform became the setting for many important events in Rome's history. It was named the rostrum after the bows of the ships that form the decorative motif. The Temple of Vesta was the home of the Vestal Virgins, charged with keeping the sacred flame alight. The circular foundations still remain, near to a garden in which traces of the House of the Vestal Virgins can still be seen. The Basilica of Constantine and Massentius was used as the court, and the three remaining barrel-vaulted naves give an idea of its gigantic structure. The Arch of Titus celebrates victories in Judea, and in the reliefs you can see the spoils of war, including an altar and a seven-armed chandelier.

Tradition has it that throwing a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain guarantees a swift return to the world's most beautiful city. Anita Ekberg's dip in it was immortalized in Federico Fellini's La Dolce Vita, and Italian actor Toto even sold it to an American, passing himself off as its owner. Earlier Fontana di Trevi was the setting for the award-winning Three Coins in the Fountain motion picture, ensuring its popularity worldwide. Designed by Nicola Salvi for Pope Clemente XII, it was completed in the second half of the 18th Century. The statues in the center represent Neptune supported by Tritons on either side while rococo-style Poli Palace provides the perfect backdrop.

Commissioned by Marcus Agrippa, restored by Domitian, and subsequently rebuilt by Hadrian (who added the dome), the Pantheon was turned into a church in the early 7th Century by Pope Boniface IV. The building's sole source of light is the opening at the dome's apex ,  according to popular legend, this formed the base for the bronze pine cone that is now in the Vatican's Pigna courtyard, where it is used as a fountain. Many famous Italians are buried in the Pantheon, including Renaissance painter Raphael and King Vittorio Emanuele I.

During the Christmas season Piazza Navona is packed with stalls selling toys, sweets and decorations for the Nativity scene or Christmas tree, making it a favorite spot for children. Its unusual shape recalls the time of Domitian, who built a stadium for equestrian displays here. The Fountain of the Rivers, with the obelisk, and the Fountain of the Moor, with the God of the Sea, at the center of the square, are both sculpted by Bernini.

Da Baffetto is a historic Roman pizzeria which, for over 40 years, has stood out because of its 'family feel' and of course for the wide variety of delicious pizzas offered daily. Sometimes you may have to wait in line for a short while because of the restaurant's popularity, but be patient, the service is very fast and the pizza is really worth the wait! You will also find mouth-watering bruschette, various salads, mushrooms, beans, and super home-made desserts. A real gem for the Italian food lover in us all.

This restaurant, in one of the loveliest areas of the city, is in a building that has been used as an inn since 1815. The menu offers excellent Roman dishes alongside classic Italian recipes including risottos, porcini mushrooms, different types of pasta, both fish and meat dishes and cooked vegetables. The specialty of the restaurant is the truffle gelato, which was created in 1946 by the head of the Ciampini family and is still served with the same recipe. The restaurant is loved by both Romans and tourists for its typical Roman food in a rustic setting.

For years this restaurant has offered excellent food at palatable prices. The menu features some unusual concoctions such as diced beef with bananas or 'straccetti' with Gorgonzola. Then there are escalopes with almonds and a delicate dish of pasta with cauliflower sauce. For dessert, try the Teresina with gelato, chestnut sauce, cream and dry fruit. There is a good selection of Italian and foreign wines. The decor is based on unusual objects and curiosities brought back from journeys abroad, which provide a pleasing distraction as you wait for your order to arrive. In summer you can eat outside.

Largo di Torre Argentina is a popular square in Rome named after the older name of Strasbourg—Argentoratum. It is famous for the four Roman temples built at various periods in time, the recent one being the temple devoted to Lares Permarini built in 2nd century BC. But this is not the only reason why it is well-known. The Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary or the home of homeless cats, is also situated in this Piazza. So you will find a lot of cats sleeping or basking in the sun beside each other, while the cat friendly passersby drops food for them on the cobbled streets. Though these cats look cute in the day, they haunt the square at night with their grey and green eyes glowing in the dark!

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus must have been a handsome looking Prince and a commanding king for whom soldiers loved to fight. You can find his bust in the Capitoline Museum in Rome. There is also an equestrian statue on the Capitoline Hill. Both these statues define the Roman features with the typical curly hair and beard and highlight his perfect masculine beauty. But the philosophical expression on his face is hard to miss. Known as 'the wise', Marcus Aurelius was the Roman Emperor from AD 161 to AD 180. His life was full of turbulent events, with wars in Asia, that threatened the Roman Empire.

This is probably the oldest shopping center in the world. Built by the Emperor Trajan in the 2nd Century CE, it consisted of 150 offices and shops selling food, flowers, jewelry and wool. The finest shops were decorated with mosaics depicting the merchandise on sale. Today the shops are intact, but empty, even though, when the wine-shops were rediscovered, they were full of wine. The offices on the floor above organized the distribution of free rations of corn to the citizens of Rome.

Just south of the Roman Forum and offering a stunning view of the ancient city, this area includes imperial and patrician residences including those of the Emperor Domitian. Originally the Domus Flavia had walls completely lined with polished marble - Domitian feared assassination and in this way he could see the reflection of anyone coming towards him. The courtyard still has its fine pavement in colored marble. Close by can be seen a number of holes, made for the posts of huts, possibly dating from the 9th Century BC. It is thought that these were Rome's first huts, attributed by legend to the hand of Romulus himself.

Whether for a religious purpose or just to admire pristine churches in Rome, Basilica of St. Peter's in Chains is a must-visit. This fifth-century church, also known as Basilica Eudoxiana, houses the chains which imprisoned St. Peters in Jerusalem. With high-rise ceilings, nave and elegant frameworks adorning the walls, this church engages both mind and heart. And you can't miss the imposing statue of Moses, one of the most popular work by renowned artist Michelangelo. So take time out and visit this tranquil place to absorb the spiritual aura and admire this beatific wonder.

Said to have been 25 times larger than the Colosseum at the height of Nero's reign, it took 15 years of restoration work before the remaining rooms of this immense palace were opened to the public. The interior is rich in walls covered with frescoes, gold, gemstones, and mother-of-pearl, and ceilings tiled in ivory, with openings for creating a shower of flowers and perfumes. After Nero's death, his successors attempted to eradicate his memory and eliminate every possible trace of this palace; fortunately for history this remained. Of the many masterpieces unearthed here was the famous Laocoön statue now on display at the Vatican Museums.

These baths were built in the 3rd Century BC by the Emperor Caracalla, and they operated for about two hundred years, before the barbarian invasions and the subsequent interruption in the water supply. The area was abandoned for a certain time, and then in 1400 the first excavations began, uncovering works that can be found in Palazzo Farnese and the Vatican Museums. As well as the ruins of the baths, there are the remains of a temple dedicated to the god Mithra, conserving the benches used for the mystic meals taken by the followers, the floor in white mosaic with black strips, and the hollow where the blood pouring down from the sacrifices collected. In August, the baths provide the backdrop for opera performances.

Traditional trattoria in the Testaccio zone. This was the site of Rome's principal abattoir up until a few years ago. The menu has strong ties with traditional Roman cuisine and offers dishes such as animelle and mussels with mushrooms, stew with celery, as well as Roman delicacies of tripe, offal and oxtail.

For at least 600 years this was a busy port, but the area declined suddenly following a reduction in commerce, and the onset of malaria. Covered by sand and mud that accumulated over the centuries, it was perfectly preserved and has therefore survived intact. The Baths of Cisiarii and the Baths of Neptune can be seen, with their lovely black and white mosaic floors. The theatre has been restored, a series of large masks having been set on to blocks of rock that originally adorned the building. Leaving the main street, you reach the areas where the inhabitants used to live, the style of the homes differing according to whether the residents were workers, or traders and shippers. Workmen and sailors lived in "insule", like present day blocks of flats, while the richer classes had fine homes decorated with colorful mosaics and statues. The remains that have been discovered are exhibited in the museum nearby, which also displays reliefs and objects connected to the cult of Mithra, very popular in Imperial Rome.

Venice, Italy (Venezia in Italian) is one of the most interesting and lovely places in the world. This sanctuary on a lagoon is virtually the same as it was 500 years ago, though it has certainly begun to decay since its heyday. Tourists slightly outnumber residents, but the city’s romantic charm remains.

Venice is made up of different parts. The most famous is the area comprising the 118 islands in the main districts of Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, Isola Della Giudecca, San Polo, San Croce, San Marco and Lido di Venezia where the main monuments and sights are located.

The Most Serene Republic of Venice dates back to 827, when a Byzantine dukedom moved its seat to what is now known as the Rialto, and for the following 970 years prospered on trade and under the rule of a Roman-style Senate headed by the Doge. In 1797 the city was conquered by Napoleon, a blow from which the city never recovered.

The summer may be the worst time to visit: It’s sometimes very hot, the canals sometimes stink (in the most literal sense), there are occasional infestations of flies and there are more tourists than usual. Spring and fall are probably best. Ride a Vaporetto (water bus) down the Grand Canal right before sunset. The Vaporettos are inexpensive, but the sites are priceless: amazing architecture, soft seaside sunlight, and a fascinating parade of Venetian watercraft. Or shop. Venice is packed full of little stores in every corner and crevice. The most common local specialties are Carnival masks, glass and marbled paper.

Piazza San Marco is Venice's most famous piazza. What appears to be a rectangle is actually a trapezium, and when you look up at the basilica, the piazza seems enormous, although it is only 175 meters long. On both sides of the piazza are the Procuratie, which housed the procurators of San Marco. The centerpiece of the piazza is the Basilica di San MarcoThe oldest of these (probably built by Codussi) are on your left when you face the basilica; Longhena built the ones on the right later, in 1640. The most recent buildings, commissioned by Napoleon in 1810, lie behind.

Started in the 9th Century, Basilica di San Marco's architecture shows an eastern and Byzantine influence: note the golden altarpiece and the 13th and 14th-century mosaics that illustrate the cycles of the Bible. The magnificent domes date from the 12th Century. The Basilica houses the Marciano Museum, which contains the original bronze horses, copies of which are now on the terrace. Other great artworks are located in the Pala d'Oro, along with masterpieces of Gothic gold-smithing, located just behind the altar.

For a long time this was the only way to cross the Canal Grande. There was a bridge here at the end of the 12th Century, but the current one, designed by Antonio da Ponte, was built 1554-1591. There are now lots of shops on the bridge selling all kinds of souvenirs and curiosities. Fresh fruit, vegetable and fish markets line the streets in the bustling neighborhood. A second bridge was built in 1854, this bridge is still an important historical landmark and always a bright spot for tourists.