Italy Travel Video from my Trip to Italy to see Vatican City, St. Peters and the Vatican Museums

My last Italy Travel experience took me to Rome and to Vatican City. I took the HD Vatican video of the highlights of the Vatican Museums and Saint Peters Dome during my trip to Italy. my friends over at http://www.italy4real.com just loved it. I hope you do too.
 

Italy Travel Holiday Traditions in Italy

Track Santa this year and learn about the holiday season in Italy. http://www.italy4real.com/track_santa_holiday_in_italy The holiday season in Italy is a big deal! As you can imagine, the Italians really love their Christmas. Italians celebrate the holiday between December 24th and January 6th They also celebrate “Saturnalia” which is a winter solstice festival that goes until New Years Day when the Roman New Year known as “Calends” begins. For visitors to Italy during this time of the year, there are so many wonderful things to see and experience many weeks before Christmas Day. Festivities throughout the country begin in late November and continue into January. Some of the more notable celebrations in Italy are… In ROME during the holiday season there is a large Christmas market, nativity display and many large Christmas trees lit throughout the city. The biggest event is in Saint Peters Square in Vatican City where the midnight mass is given by the Pope inside St. Peters Basilica. On Christmas day at noon the Pope comes out onto his balcony to give his Christmas message. In NAPLES there is a huge celebration featuring Nativity Cribs and amazing nativity displays. In the homes of the Bay of Naples, families celebrate Christmas Eve with seven fish recipes. Eat up! In TORNIO they celebrate Christmas with professional lighting artists that travel to Torino from all over Europe to put up over 10 miles of lights! In MONTE INGINO they have a tree that won The World’s Tallest Christmas Tree in 1991. Each year they have a tree that is over 650 meters tall and has nearly 1000 lights. The star on top of the tree can be see from over 25 miles away! Haunkkah is celebrated in Italy as well. In Rome they have a wonderful part of the city near Campo dei Fiori. The area is a thriving Jewish community that celebrates the holiday with large, cantle lit Menorrah that is lit every night during the holiday period in Rome. Tracking Santa Starts Each December 24th at 12 Noon PST. Here is the link: NORAD SANTA TRACKER (http://www.noradsanta.org/en/)
BLACK FRIDAY ONLY

24 HOURS EXTENDED! Until Monday, Nov. 28th at 10:30 pm!

You must submit your request by 10:30 pm on Monday, November 28th, 2011

http://www.italy4real.com/black_friday_italy_travel

Black Friday Italy Travel Specials

BLACK FRIDAY ITALY TRAVEL DEALS ONLY UNTIL 10:30 PM, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25TH, 2011

http://www.italy4real.com/black_friday_italy_travel
The Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peters Square and the Vatican Museums are the major points to see when visiting Vatican City. http://www.italy4real.com can book NO LINE VATICAN TICKETS with or without guide.

The inside of the Vatican Museums is amazing and something each traveler to Rome should see.

Photo Tour of Bergamo, Italy

Bergamo is at the foothills of the Alps and an easy trip from Milan. The pros at http://www.italy4real.com can send you on an amazing vacation. send them an email at info@italy4real.com



Are you concerned about travel to Greece?

Are you concerned about travel to Greece because of their economic problems?


“ Strikes and demonstrations are a regular occurrence. Greece is a stable democracy and these activities for the most part are orderly and lawful ”
Bureau of Consular Affairs – U.S. Department of State, dated May 2011 Travel.state.gov


by Rem Malloy

Protests gone bad, tear gas, riot police are all images of Greece we have all seen on the evening news as the Greek government tries to bail itself out of debt.

Does the current economic situation in Greece make it a good time or a bad time to travel?

Travel to Greece is alive and well in 2011; and the savvy traveler knows that when a country is in economic distress, the luxury destinations, hotels, services and all things travel become big bargains.
While people protest; all for a good reason; they tend to do it around the government buildings in several square blocks of Athens and Thessaloniki. I would recommend checking with your hotels front desk to see if there are any issues when visiting Syntagma Square, also known as "Constitution Square” since it has the Parliament Building along one side of the square; and may be a hot spot for protests.


People who are protesting their governments, typically are not doing it at tourist spots; they tend to protest where the government offices are located.


What that means for you is a relatively normal sightseeing experience as long as you keep “see all the government buildings” off your must see list.


In 2011; Greece 4 Real sent a 12 family member group from Virginia to Athens and the Greek Islands Touring during the most turbulent times.


Their report was surprisingly positive…


TripAdvisor Review - Jun 28, 2011, 7:47 AM
“We used Italy 4 Real back in 2008 to schedule a trip to Italy for 8 people. They did a fabulous job; consequently, when I started planning out a trip to Greece in 2011 for 12 people, I immediately called Italy 4 Real. We worked with Rem Malloy and he was great. He was able to give me valuable advice as I worked to set our itinerary and the accommodations and activities he suggested couldn't have been better. Everyone on the trip absolutely loved our hotels, and the individuals at the hotels treated us like family. Rem also suggested we take a boat ride around Santorini with Captain George ---- which was a highlight for everyone. The transfers from the airports/hotels all made the trip so easy, which given the large size of our group was really important in keeping everyone happy. As we were leaving the Islands, everyone in our group kept telling me what a great job I did planning the trip, and I had to keep telling them that it was all Rem. When we plan our next trip to Europe, I will definitely call Italy 4 Real to see if they can help us plan that trip!!” Our TripAdvisor Page


As you can see no mention of riots, danger or chaos. One of the key factors in a successful Greek vacation is spending the most of your time Greek island hopping; where you spend just enough time in Athens to see the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the New Acropolis Museum and the Plaka which is full of winding streets; in and around the Acropolis. The Plaka is known for its boutique shops, local restaurants, and some great historic architecture.


Once you see the basics of Athens; get out to the islands. Protests are not going on in the Greek Islands; The locals on the islands are tending to their normal busines of catering to the tourists. Naxos , Paros and of course Santorini are strong bets that won’t disappoint . You can reach Santorini easily by air from Athens in just about an hour and be sipping Ouzo (an anise-flavored aperitif) overlooking the Aegean Sea while the locals in Athens hash out all the problems.


The Greek Islands are on sale; and you as the traveler should be looking at this opportunity like you would a 50% off sale at Macy’s .. so go out there and plan your Greek vacation now.

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THINKING OF TRAVELING TO EUROPE? NEW TRAVEL WEBSITE PUTS YOU IN CONTROL OF YOUR VACATION PLANNING

Pacific Northwest-based travel company Italy 4 Real’s new site provides improved navigation, direct access to maps, enhanced searching, and rich content

Visit the site now http://www.italy4real.com


SEATTLE – June 17, 2011 – Italy 4 Real, a Pacific Northwest-based travel company specializing in tours to Italy and Europe, today launched its new website at www.italy4real.com.The dramatically redesigned site embodies the company’s forward–thinking vision and commitment to the growing needs of its customers.



“With this new website, Italy 4 Real can provide memorable travel services to Italy as well as assist travelers in their research with our online Italy research material,” said Rem Malloy, president and co-founder at Italy 4 Real. “The site uses the latest security, advanced web technologies and social networking connectivity in an easy to use platform which is welcome in today’s mega site playing field.”



Out of a global total of 880 million tourists, Italy ranks fifth with more than 43 million visitors per year. The new Italy 4 Real website will allow the company to easily update its product line with the latest trends in travel to Italy while also streamlining operating costs.



The website is packed with useful information such as shopping advice, Venice sightseeing, trips to Tuscany, car rental in Italy and travel tips.



Registered users of italy4real.com will have exclusive subscriber-only access to maps, guidebooks, city guides, articles and more; all written by local experts and guides.



“The Italy 4 Real philosophy is to provide our customers with the most personalized travel experiences possible through research, local knowledge and the development of customized vacation packages and small group tours that appeal to a broad range of new and experienced travelers,” said Malloy.



From cooking classes to romantic boutique hotels and farmhouse stays, Italy 4 Real’s custom trip planning services provide travelers a wide array of unique trip packages and experiences.



About Italy 4 Real

Mother and son team, Deborah de Maio and Rem Malloy, launched Italy 4 Real in 1995 because they saw a need for a boutique tour operator that understood the hesitations and concerns of travelers going abroad. With extensive on-the-ground knowledge and understanding of culture differences, Italy 4 Real specializes in creating trips from beginning to end sending travelers on their way with the confidence and resources they need to travel solo. For more information, please call (425) 355-3711 or go to www.italy4real.com







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A day in Rome..

A great video of a day in rome.. let http://www.italy4real.com plan your next trip to Rome!

Ski Vacations Ski Holidays with Italy4Real

Plan a great ski vacation to Italy this year with one of the most attentive and professional companies out there for Italy ski vacations. One thing you must know about planning your Italy ski holiday is which area of Italy to go. Some of the best European ski prices can be found in Italy as well as some of the best skiing in Europe can be found in Italy.

Get a free quote on a trip to Italy here

Siena, Tuscany & San Gimignano by Italy4Real

The tour will begin with a beautiful excursion through the delightful hills of the Chianti countryside, with an ever-changing scenery of vineyards and olive trees. Upon arrival in Siena you will be guided through the old city centre. Walk along the small medieval streets, admire the splendid palaces and find yourself at the Cathedral where you can visit the splendid interior that includes the Libreria Piccolomini and the Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana. The guided tour will conclude in the Piazza del Campo, one of the world’s most famous and beautiful squares, there you will see the Palazzo del Comune. After the tour you will have free time to eat and refresh yourself before leaving for San Gimignano.
San Gimignano is situated on a hilltop, and has remained intact through the centuries. It is famous for its numerous towers, frescoes and other art treasures. You will have free time in order to explore this tiny yet extraordinary city. On your way back, don’t forget to behold the ancient medieval hamlet of Monteriggioni enclosed by its famous walls, which have remained intact since the thirteenth century.

Book online at http://www.italy4real.com

TRAVEL 4 REAL CEO MEETS WITH UNITED STATES SENATOR PATTY MURRAY IN EFFORT TO HELP WOMEN IN SMALL BUSINESSES CREATE JOBS


SEATTLE – March 24, 2011– Travel 4 Real CEO, Deborah de Maio joined a small group of select women small business owners as they talked with United States Senator Patty Murray concerning increasing access to the marketplace for women and minority owned businesses.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted in 2010 to pass legislation to boost lending for and provide targeted tax relief to small businesses. The legislation addresses the needs of small businesses with the Small Business Lending Fund Act and the Small Business Jobs Tax Relief Act.

These two bills, which are fully paid for, will now move together as one for consideration by the U.S. Senate.

“One issue in the past has been that large banks are only lending to larger businesses or ‘sure bets’ and are not looking at established small, women and minority owned businesses that have been impacted and need the funding,” explained de Maio.

“I have pressed the Small Business Administration to further its professional contacts with women and minority owned businesses, and I will continue to push the SBA to follow through on directives from Congress to help women and minority business owners have a fair shot at receiving government contracts,” said U.S. Senator Patty Murray recently.

The Small Business Lending Fund Act that was passed by President Obama in September, 2010 will increase lending to small businesses by creating a small business loan fund designed to boost lending to small businesses by providing additional capital to community banks with a requirement that the money be lent out and a penalty provision on those banks that do not make the loans. The fund will save taxpayers $1 billion over the next 10 years.



Travel 4 Real was awarded the Top 50 Diversity Owned Businesses in Washington in 2011 and the 2010 and 2011 Top 50 Woman Owned Businesses in Washington State by DiversityBusiness.com.

Business owners can access information on the program by visiting: http://www.sba.gov/ and Murray’s website, http://murray.senate.gov/public/

About Travel 4 Real
Mother and son team, Deborah de Maio and Rem Malloy, launched Travel 4 Real in 1995 because they saw a need for a boutique tour operator that understood the hesitations and concerns of travelers going abroad. With extensive on-the-ground knowledge and understanding of culture differences, Travel 4 Real specializes in creating trips from beginning to end sending travelers on their way with the confidence and resources they need to travel solo. For more information, please call (425) 355-3711 or go to www.travel4real.com www.italy4real.com

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Review of Italy Villa Resort

This lovely property features both self catering apartments and hotel style rooms. Located near Assisi, Italy. Let http://www.italy4real.com book your next trip to Italy!

Italy Travel 2011 BIT Travel Show Milan, Italy

Join us in Milan for Italy's largest travel trade show where we find the best for our clients each year; the BIT. Bit, International Tourism Exchange, is the biggest exhibition of the Italian tourist offer in the world, and one of the most important for the world tourist industry, with a complete overview of the best international products.

An annual event for which there is a high level of expectancy from trade operators and travellers, so that they can see first hand the range of tourist destinations all over the world.

See why http://www.italy4real.com/ is the #1 provider of customized travel and small group tours to Italy. We travel to Milan to research the latest Italy has to offer our clients




Italy Travel 2011 BIT Travel Show Milan, Italy

Tuscany B&B Video Preview

Get your first look at this exclusive Bed and Breakfast in Tuscany offered by
Italy 4 Real

Experience Italy 8 day tour Review





Experience Italy 8 Day 3 STAR
Our most popular tour! New Lower Price for 2011. This is a great 3 star escorted tour that gives you a taste of all of the major sites and areas of Northern and Southern Italy in 8 days. This tour features the major cites of Venice, Florence, Rome as well as the highlights of Tuscany such as the Chianti wine area and Montepulciano. A great value that includes private airport transfers!


Departure Date : January - October
Valid till : 30 October 2011
Days / Nights : 8 Days/ 7 Nights
Hotels : 3 & 4 Star
Price: SEE PRICE USD*
Countries : Italy
Cities : Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Padova, Venice, Tuscany, Chianti, Montepulciano, Rome. * Prices based on current Euro exchange rate and subject to change.
Itinerary



Customer Experience:


Customer Reviews:
"The trip was great. Italy is beautiful and we both had a great time. The tour that we were on was a huge success. The tour guide Stephano was extremely nice and informative. The bus driver was equally as nice. I was very nervous about doing anything with a tour because of the "clock" you are on but this erased my fears. We couldn’t have asked for a better group to be with as we made a few friends. Thank you for your help with everything!”
- Steve B. Norwood, MA. "

see more reviews

Day 1 Highlights: Arrival to Rome, Private Airport Transfer, Relax & Unpack!


DAY 1: Arrival to Rome – Welcome to Italy!
+ Included: Airport Transfer
This tour begins and ends in Rome

Welcome to Italy! Your private transfer will be waiting for you outside baggage claim at Rome's airport to take you in style to your hotel in Rome.

Check into your hotel and relax. The first day in Europe is what we call the “Jetlag Day” where all you are to do is unpack and relax.

Today is your day to arrive, get over the long flight and just enjoy the fact that you have just begun your well needed vacation to Italy.

Stroll the streets around your hotel for a cocktail, find a local artist studio to look over the latest Roman art or just find a piazza and people watch; the choice is yours!

Day 2 Highlights: Assisi, Basilica of St. Francis, Siena, Piazza del Campo, Florence


DAY 2 – Umbria to Tuscany

+ Included:
Buffet Breakfast
Guided Assisi & Siena Sightseeing Tour
Multi Course Dinner

Fuel your full day of sightseeing with pastries, juice, authentic italian espresso and more at your hotel’s included continental breakfast.

Then board your deluxe motor coach for the scenic drive to Assisi, with time at leisure to explore this medieval city. It is the birthplace of St. Francis and is still surrounded by its ancient walls.

We suggest you visit the Basilica of Saint Francis with its early Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. Lunch is at your leisure. You will then proceed to Siena to take in views of the town square, Piazza del Campo, where the world-famous horse race, the Palio, takes place every year.

Also see the elegant Palace and the Cathedral. Reach your hotel in glorious Florence, the capital of Tuscany, in time for an included, multi-course dinner featuring Italian specialties—an ideal time to get to know your fellow travelers.

Day 3 Highlights: Florence, The Duomo, Campanile Tower, Santa Croce, Gates of Paradise, Piazza Della Signoria


Day 3 – The City of Art – Florence!

+ Included:
Buffet Breakfast
Guided Florence Sightseeing Tour
Multi Course Dinner

Optional:
Trip to Pisa
Private Wine Tasting
Guided visit to Uffizi or Accedemia Museums

Today’s sightseeing tour is dedicated to exploring Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance.

Visit the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and its dome by Filippo Brunelleschi, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John with its amazing bronze doors called the Gates of Paradise, Campanile Tower, and Santa Croce, the 13th-century Franciscan church with Cimabue’s famous crucifix just to name a few.

There is plenty of free time for Lunch is on your own; perhaps sit at an outdoor café for a typical Italian mid-day meal. Be sure to save room for some exquisite gelato! With your afternoon at leisure, you may want to check out the many shops and stalls at the Ponte Vecchio, where you can browse for Italian leather goods and other souvenirs.

Your afternoon is free or you may join an optional tour to see Pisa or an optional private wine tasting at one of our local wine shops to taste what makes Tuscany such a powerful wine region.
Meet back at your conveniently located hotel for an included multi course dinner featuring some of Florence's special dishes. Tonight you are in Florence!

Day 4 Highlights: Bologna, Piazza Malpighi, Piazza Del Nettuno, Neptune Square, Maior Square, Padova, Saint Antonio Basilica, Venice


Day 4 – Tuscany, Heartland and Venice

+ Included:
Buffet Breakfast
Guided Bologna & Padova Sightseeing Tours
Multi Course Dinner

Enjoy your breakfast and prepare for a full day of exploring.
It’s on to Bologna for a visit to the city. Visit the city’s historical center and some of the most famous squares in Bologna such as Neptune Square and Major Square. See King Renzo’s Palace, Podesta Palace and The Basilica of San Petronio to name a few.

Lunch is at your leisure and the afternoon is yours to explore. Later we will continue Padova for a visit to the Basilica of Saint Antonio and then on to the city of bridges; Venice, with its romantic canals, in time for multi course dinner at your hotel. Welcome to Venice! Note: The 3 star package includes a hotel in Mestre located outside historic Venice. For hotels in historic Venice, please select our
4 star package for this tour .

Day 5 Highlights: Venice, Boat Cruise to the Glass Island of Murano, Glass Blowing Demonstration, St Marks Square, Doges Palace (exterior), Bridge of Sighs


Day 5 – The City of Bridges – Venice!

+ Included:
Buffet Breakfast

Guided Murano & Venice Sightseeing Tour

Multi Course Dinner
Optional:
Venice Wine Tasting
Private Gondola Ride
Musical Gondola Ride

Good morning! As you rise and shine in Venice, the smell of fresh espresso and pastries fill the air. Today you get to learn about glorious Venice, with its 177 islands, 150 canals and 400 bridges.

Venice is your playground this morning; sightseeing begins with a private boat ride to the island of glass; Murano for a tour of a glass factory where you will see how the masters turn sand into some of the most delicate glass works in the world. Then on to the famous St. Mark’s Square (watch out for pigeons!) and the ornate Doge’s Palace (outside), once home to the aristocrats of Venice, Bridge of Sighs and more!

With the afternoon at leisure, you may want to linger over lunch at a sidewalk café—be sure to try some gelato! Or perhaps take a ride in a traditional, hand-built gondola—after all; an authentic gondola ride on Venice’s canals just may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Don’t forget dinner is included tonight as well.

Day 6 Highlights: Tuscany, Chianti, Val Di Chiana, Montepulciano, Rome


Day 6 – Tuscan Wine Country
+ Included:
Buffet Breakfast

Sightseeing

Enjoy your breakfast and prepare for your departure to the heart of Tuscany’s wine country. First stop of the day is the Chianti region.

Chianti is world known for its landscape and wine. Located between Siena and Florence, Chianti is synonymous to fine Tuscan wines. The town we choose to visit in Chianti is Montepulciano which is widely known for its famous Brunello red.

You will have plenty of time to visit the local wine shops for tastings, photos of the wine barrels and rolling Tuscan countryside. Later in the afternoon we continue to the capitol of Italy; Rome! Dinner on your own in Rome.

This tour includes our free TRIP PAK which includes free maps, sightseeing, dining and regional guides. Your TripPak will show you plenty of things to do during your free time when you arrive to Rome!

Day 7 Highlights: Rome, St. Peters Square, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain


Day 7 – All Roads Lead to Rome!
+ Included:
Buffet Breakfast

Guided Rome Sightseeing Tour
Optional:
Rent a Vespa
Private Wine Tasting
Rome Cooking Class
Gladiator for a Day
Personal Shopper

Sip your espresso, take another bit of the fresh fruit and enjoy your breakfast because today you will walk the capital city and learn firsthand the history of Rome.

A walking tour of the city will introduce you to Piazza di Spagna, Fontana di Trevi, Pantheon , Piazza Navona and end in San Pietro Basilica. Now that you have a basic understanding of the layout of the historical center, the remainder of the day and evening are yours to explore, relax and soak it all in.

Ask your Travel Expert about some of the great optional tours you can experience while in Rome such as renting a Vespa scooter or wine tasting at the International Academy of Wine. Italy4Real has dozens of great things to do!

Day 8 Highlights: Private Airport Transfer


Day 8 – Rome to Home

+ Included:
Buffet Breakfast

Airport Transfer

After breakfast, bid arrivederci to your fellow travelers and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or continue your European vacation on your own.

No matter what your travel plans, the experts at
Italy 4 Real can help you with the arrangements.



Departure Dates 2010/2011: Experience Italy 8 Day, 3 Star

STATUS : GUARANTEED DEPARTURE!
ALL DATES AVAILABLE -BOOKING NOW
You will select your requested departure date during check out.


2010
October 1 , 3 , 8 , 10 , 15 , 17 , 22 , 24
November 7 ,21
December
5

2011
January 2 , 16
February 6 , 20
March 13 ,27
April 3 ,10, 17, 24
May 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
June 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
July 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
August No departures
September 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
October 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30

Important notes about this Tour

3 Star hotels for 7 nights with private bath.
Transport by modern European coaches
All breakfasts are included
4 multi course dinners
All taxes included!
Private Airport Transfers on pick up and departure
Tour host for duration of tour
Private Guided Sightseeing Tours
Porterage Service: just 1 piece of luggage per person
Tours are guaranteed in English but may also include other languages to accommodate passengers of other nationalities.
Hotels: Rome: Hotel Corona or similar, Florence: Hotel Raffaello or similar, Venice: Hotel in Mestre(suburb of Venice): Hotel Delfino or similar

Group Size: Guaranteed Departure with Min 2 people. Average 20
The tour does not include: airfare, tips
All tours are governed by the Terms & Conditions
*Travelling alone? Single supplements available for this trip. Complete Quick Quote Request Box Below. Discounts apply to Low Season Travel, Inquire when booking

This tour includes the following extras at no charge!

Our Exclusive TRIP PAK that contains over $50 in maps, local and regional travel guides, travel tips, city information, dining suggestions, sightseeing suggestions and more all developed by our staff of Travel Experts and guides to make your trip more enjoyable.


Access to our 24 hour CRS System (Client Response System) where you will have access to your personal Travel Expert for questions or assistance during your trip

This program includes our Local-Assist™ local assistance service. You will have access to our local representative in Italy by phone or in person for any assistance needed.
Only Italy 4 Real offers a real person at your destination for help or questions!



Have a question or want this tour quoted with airfare, fill out the Quick
Quote Request box Below

©2011 Travel 4 Real LLC.
Licensed as providers of travel and tour operators. License number: 602031659