Travel Italy: Vacation Packages, Tips, Tours of Italy

The historic town of Narni, Umbria, is hosting its annual medieval festival, the “Corsa all’Anello” — the Ring Race.

During the festival days the atmosphere of 14° century is being recreated in this hill town, with medieval sounds and colours evrywhere in the squares and streets. Medieval taverns, open for the festival, offer Umbrian specialties and wine in abundance.

The climax of the festival is on Saturday and Sunday (2nd week-end of May) when historical parades and a medieval tournament are taking place (the Ring Race is held Sunday afternoon).

Narni is in Umbria, just one hour by train away from Rome. So, it could also be an option for a day trip from Rome.

When: May 10 - 11 (annual, 2nd week-end of May) (For details, visit festival website: http://www.corsallanello.it/home_ing.htm)
Where: Narni (Umbria)
- View Narni on the map.
- Find accommodations in Umbria.

Hikers who love historic sights can find in the Umbria countryside one of the most scenic and major historic trails: the Franciscan Trail of Peace — Sentiero Francescano della Pace. Named after St. Francis — because the Saint used to walk there in the 13th century — the Franciscan Peace Trail was the ancient road linking two of the major medieval centers in Umbria, Assisi (view a video of Assisi; find out things to see in Assisi) and Gubbio.

Just less than 50 Km long, the trail goes trough the countryside of Umbria offering unique landscapes and a number of historic sights. It offers the possibility to visit castles, churches, abbeys, and ruins of medieval settlements mainly dating back between 12th and 13th century.

Most of visitors are used to break the tour into two or more days. Along the route there are many farmhouse, agritourism, B&B and other accommodation options.

The town of Assisi, is the sarting point of (more…)

With Valentine’s Day just days away, may be the most appropriate week’s photo would be the “Balcony of Juliet“. However we have already picked it for the previous post (”Valentine’s Festival in the City of Romeo and Juliet“).

The photo we have selected today is displaying a corner in the historic center of Sperlonga. Sperlonga is a town on the Latium coastline (see on the interactive map), about half way between Rome and Naples. As it is close to Rome, this picture could suggest that it is worth a visit there while staying in the eternal city. (photo by MM).

-Browse Italy’s photo gallery and send e-Greetings with a selection of eCards showing outstanding pictures of The Bel Paese.

Among the most picturesque Christmas markets we suggest there is the one held in the Alpine city of Trento. Dozens of wooden huts in Piazza Fiera display traditional crafts, food and mulled wine.

A visit to Trento’s Christmas market, is the is not only an opportunity for Christmas shopping, but also the opportunity to immerse yourself in a magical atmosphere complemented by classical concerts, exhibitions at local churches, theatres and museums. Discover more details on http://www.mercatinodinatale.tn.it
When: Nov 24 - Dec 24 2007 (annual)
Where: Trento (Piazza Fiera)

The fortress town of Terra del Sole in Emilia Romagna will hold its annual ancient pagan harvest festival, La Fugarena, on Sunday, November 18.

A huge bonfire in the main square of the town, is the centerpiece of the celebration. Many food stalls offer the visitor a chance to taste local autumn delicacies including bruschetta, sausages and polenta as well as the new wines of the year.

Strongly suggested is a visit to local Museo dell’Uomo e dell’Ambiente, housed in the Palazzo Pretorio.

- see Terra del Sole on interactive map).