ItalianFeelings Blog

North Italy with kids, August 2011

2011-09-11T20:54:00.012+01:00

Travel diary written by Antonio (Madrid, Spain)
This summer my wife, two daughters and I wanted to do something different in the north of Italy. We were very fortunate to contact Sergio at italianfeelings, who from the very beginning transmitted to us his passion for his country. He understood perfectly the kind of trip we were looking for.
We first stayed in the area of the Dolomites at the Farmhouse Cirum, near Arabba.

It really seems that time has stopped in this beautiful Alpine landscape.I have to highlight the enormous kindness and generosity of the lovely owner, Mrs. Esther, we enjoyed an unforgettable stay. She took care of us with all the details and we still remember her delicious breakfasts prepared with local products.
This Dolomites area is simply spectacular. We enjoyed 4 days the mountain in its purest state.

Our highlights: the Marmolada glacier, the lovely lake Misurina, a walk through a canyon at Sotoguda, the Livinallongo valley, the lovely towns of Cortina d'Ampezzo, Corvara, Canazei, ... and the cablecar up to Portavescovo Arabba, with its walk at 2700 metre altitude. Simply unforgettable.

After these days of amazing nature we moved to San Pietro in Cariano, a village 15 minutes from Verona. We stayed at the Corte Casetta, a farmhouse surrounded by vineyards.

Totally different from the Dolomites area, but very beautiful as well.
In the farmhouse we were superbly served by Luisa and her husband Matteo.
The stay was very comfortable, we had delicious breakfasts and dinners in the middle of the vineyards.
Our kids (12 and 8 years old) had fun at Lake Garda, where we had a swim, visited the Gardaland Sea Life Aquarium, the Adventure Jungle Park and the natural waterfalls Molina park.
From Corte Casetta we visited several cities, enjoying beautiful Verona (with its Roman amphitheatre "Arena", the Duomo, Erbe Square, and Castelvecchio bridge amongst others), Padua with its spectacular San Antonio`s Cathedral and Scrovegni Chapel.
We ended the trip in the charm of Venice with its San Marco square and its magnificent Basilica, the Grand Canal, the Venetian lagoon and the island of Murano.
Thanks to all the advice Sergio gave us about places to visit and where to eat we have had a great holiday.
I want to emphasize that Sergio not only was responsible for organizing the trip and provide us with information, but he was all the time contacting these 2 Farmhouses to make sure we arrived without problems.
When you're 2000 kilometres from home, these kind of initiatives are very appreciated.
Thank you very much Sergio for everything and I hope you continue to transmit to everyone your enthusiasm for your precious country!

Winter 2011 in the Dolomites with children

2011-08-22T15:13:00.017+01:00

The Italian Dolomites ski season is going to start on the 26th of November 2011!
Skiing in the Italian Alps is beautiful, and now parents can even relax thanks to the children´s ski centers, a great way for kids to approach the world of skiing in complete safety.
The best specialized children´s parks are located in Sappada, Alleghe, Palma di Zoldo, Auronzo di Cadore, Misurina and Passo Fittanze.

You can contact us for more information about routes, accommodation, food, flights, local events, activities in the Dolomites and in Northern Italy.

Direct flight from East Midlands to Verona (Italy)

2011-06-12T19:45:00.005+01:00

Good news!
From May 2011 till the end of September BmiBaby.com has started to fly twice a week directly from East Midlands Airport to the beautiful romantic city of Verona, in the North of Italy.
Verona is full of Roman and Medieval history and traditions, and also located in a strategic position, half way between Venice and Milan, very close to nice little cities, like Mantua and Vicenza, the city of the architect Palladio.
Verona is the gateway to the beautiful Italian Lakes, famous for their lakeside towns and fishing villages.
Don´t miss the chance to see the Opera season in the Verona Arena or to have a gastronomic experience with our guides in the heart of Valpolicella, the land of great red wine.
Please contact us for further information.
Ciao,
The team of ItalianFeelings

A week-end in Venice (August 2010).

2010-10-31T22:57:00.004Z

We spent 3 days in Venice and, despite the heat that affected those days Northern Italy, we walked a lot in this amazing city where you can stroll through its narrow streets and bridges over the canals with a calmness that you can´t find in any other city in the world because ...there are no cars! The only engine sounds you hear are those of the boats and the vaporetto.
This feeling is reason enough for a walk around the neighborhood of Santa Croce, for example, where there are few tourists and we recommend eating a pastry Tiramisú in the Fondamenta Rio Marin, which has a terrace with 4 tables. Anyway, if you go to the tourist area we didn´t find Venice as expensive as they say.
Venice is definitely a city you MUST go at least once in your life!
Ximena and Manu, Barcelona

Board diary - Holidays in Verona, August 2010.

2010-09-11T12:07:00.004+01:00

We thought about an holiday which could combine cultural visits to cities and relax in the nature. The precious advise Italianfeelings offered us was exactly what we needed!

Arriving in the region of Veneto everything takes a unique amazing color, an air of happiness fills the heart of the traveler.

A pleasant surprise awaited us on arrival to the Farmhouse Corte Casetta, where we decided to stay in Verona. That helped our holiday to get an extra degree of quality and comfort in a luxury environment and great service. Every detail at Corte Casetta is designed to delight guests.

The house is situated in a magnificent spot in the land of vineyards and beautiful hills on the horizon, in the heart of the Valpolicella region, just a few kilometers from Verona.

And Verona, what can we say….every step offers a story, a feeling, a beauty that leaves visitors breathless. Castelvecchio Bridge, Borsari Street, the majesty of San Zeno church, St. Anastasia, the market life of the Piazza Erbe ...

If you have time you have to visit Lake Garda, with walking paths that offer landscapes and variety of fauna and flora of great beauty.

Before going to bed, I recommend a walk along Corte Casetta vineyards at sunset.

Thanks Italianfeelings, the wide variety of your proposals offered us a trip full of experiences and enchanting places!!!
Thanks!
Jorge, Angela and Cristina.

¡Gracias!.

The "Giro d'Italia" cycling race finishes in the Verona Arena!

2010-05-24T17:05:00.009+01:00

Cycling fever just can't get any better than this year's edition of Giro d'Italia!! The race finishes in Verona on the 30th May, in the amazing Verona Arena scenario!

This year the Giro will also pass through the Dolomite Mountains!

The favourite is the Italian Ivan Basso, but our support goes to Damiano Cunego, the "Little Prince" from Verona who won the Giro in 2004 when he was only 22...and especially because he has never been involved in any doping cases!

Attending a live mountain cycling stage is a unique experience, you really understand how hard and spectacular this sport is.

And if you want to emulate these great champions, we recommend the Sella Ronda Bike Day, on the 27th of June, cycling up and down the amazing Sella Mountain range.

Enjoy sport and nature!

Ciao ciao

Valpolicella Festival, between vineyards and Palladio villas, Sunday 25th of April!

2010-03-16T11:35:00.008Z

Don’t miss out on one of the most fun eating/drinking/walking extravaganzas in the whole Venice region, the amazing Magnalonga, a 6 mile stroll under the sun with locals between vineyards and Venetian Villas inspired by the great architect Andrea Palladio.

On Sunday 25th of April, for 25€ and 7 'pit stops' you can enjoy the delights of local Italian cuisine: pasta, meat, cheese, olive oil, Sorbetto, coffee and more importantly the famous wines of Valpolicella, the beautiful hilly area between the romantic Verona and Lake Garda.
For people with a passion for cycling, we also recommend the Up&Down event: around 23 miles through 3 Valpolicella valleys, accompanied by our local cycling guide Alessandro.
The excursion is priced at 20€ and includes: beverage (non acoholic), a bottle of Valpolicella wine, insurance, and discounted eating vouchers to use at the Magnalonga Festival.

Also, Alessandro organises cycling activities the whole year long for groups of at least 5 people.
Please feel free to contact us for further information about routes, accommodation, gastronomy, flights, local events, activities and monuments in Verona and North Italy.
Ciao
Sergio

PANDORO, Verona's Christmas cake!

2009-11-30T19:11:00.008Z

Hello,
if I should write an article about Pandoro, my beloved Veronese Christmas cake, I’d be far too impartial, that’s why I simply suggest this quick link.
Buon Appetito and Happy Christmas!
Sergio

Getting married in Italy, at the house of Juliet in Verona

2009-10-25T19:22:00.010Z

Written by our collaborator Rosaria, Wedding Planner.

Which city could possibly be better than Verona to get married in?
The symbolic love city of Romeo and Juliet.
My name is Rosaria, I am a Wedding Planner in this wonderful and romantic city.
I receive the bride and groom who choose Verona for their wedding location and help them organise their wedding.
Only recently have the doors of Giulietta’s house opened up to receive bride and grooms for the most romantic of weddings, in the beautiful historical centre of Verona!
Verona and Lake Garda offer beautiful villas, castles and typical restaurants where to have a wedding party.

I take care of the bureaucratic duties, flowers, music for the wedding, and the photographer in order to capture the best and magical moments of the party.
I will be present during the whole day to ensure that everything goes to perfection as the brides have always imagined.
I wait for you in Verona to help you with your most magical day.
Ciao
Rosaria
www.weddingrose.it

On the 13th of December SAINT LUCIA arrives in Verona.

2009-09-04T07:39:00.010+01:00

The Saint Lucia event is for lots of adults the best and intense child memory.
Who was Saint Lucia and how did the tradition which sees her giving presents start?
Between reality and legend we know that Lucia was a young rich girl from Syracuse, Sicily, who became martyr because she didn’t want to deny her Christian faith during the very strong Diocletian’s persecution in the IV century a.C.
Nowadays in Italy the tradition to celebrate Saint Lucia is strong in the area which once was the Venice Republic.
Here still lies her relic, stolen in 1204 in Constantinople during the forth crusade. In Venice Saint Lucia was very devoted and, once the Venice Republic concentrated more attention in the solid ground, this worship extended to the whole Veneto region.
The tradition to celebrate Saint Lucia in Veneto started around the XIII century a.C., and maybe the town where this tradition is stronger is Verona.

According to the legend in this town there was a terrible eyes epidemia, specially affecting children. The citizens decided then to do a pilgrimage barefoot till the Saint Lucia Church. But the kids, as it was very cold in December, didn’t want to go, so their parents had to convince them telling that once back home they will have found their shoes full of presents.
The miracle happened and since then the Saint Lucia party started!
Between the typical cakes of this event you can find the “Saint Lucia pastafrolle”, with different shapes: stars, horses, hearts, and the very yummy “Mandorlato”, a Veronese variation to the torrone.

In Verona Saint Lucia is celebrated for already a century with a traditional Market, which lasts 3 days till the 13th of December, and takes place in the main town square, Piazza Bra, which gets completely packaged with stands, games and sweets of any kind.
The amazing Bra Square scenery is completed every year with the Christmas Big Star that comes out from the Arena Amphitheatre, landing in the square, inviting people to visit the beautiful Christ’s Nativity Exhibition.
Have a good time with Santa Lucia!

Summer Ladin Festival in Canazei

2009-09-04T07:34:00.006+01:00

From the 03rd to the 06th of September Canazei, Ladin village in the heart of the Dolomites Mountains, lived with great enthusiasm the traditional Festival of its Ladin culture, which this year got to its thirtieth edition.
Four happy days, folk Ladin music, dancing and balls, traditional costumes parades and typical Tirol food, all to celebrate the end of the Summer.
The peak of the Festival was on Sunday, when the Canazei streets got full of music bands and folkloric groups coming from the 4 Ladin valleys: Fassa, Badia, Gardena and Livinallongo.
The traditional Ladin people costume is very linked with Dolomites, an area which for a long time was part of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, and its people was perfectly integrated in the Austrian life. The Ladins used to get dressed, eat, and dance like in other parts of the Empire, especially in a tight connexion with the whole Tirol region.
Nowadays the Ladins wear their traditional costumes as a kind of rite. You have to be able to wear it with a correct posture, being aware that it’s not only a dress, but that it represents an ethnic group, a language, a history.
The Ladins are a minority ethnic people and since always they need to distinguish to survive.This amazing Festival helps the 4 Ladin valleys to carry on in contact between each other, and united.

Apart from the folk music with Austrian style, in these 4 days you have the chance to try the real typical Ladin food: local ham and cheese, canederli, barley soup, smoked meat, shin, sauerkrauts, and of course polenta!
Get sure you don’t miss the yummy typical Ladin cakes: “fortaes”, fried with sugar and marmalade, and “sones”, fried with apple.
Hope you get encouraged to go to this Festival next year…
Ciao ciao
Sergio
PS- Photo Gallery 2009 (pictures courtesy of Mr.Sessa Anton).

A day by bike in Lessinia

2009-09-04T07:32:00.009+01:00

(written by Laura Lorenzini, Verona)

As I am trained enough and August heat doesn´t let you breathe, I take my mountain bike and move for a few days to Boscochiesanuova, in Lessinia, to cycle in the fresh mountains.

Only 40 minutes by car from Verona it is still possible to find an uncontaminated place, full of farms, grazes, a few stone houses and a lot of silence.
The Veronese mountain, inhabited back in the ages from the German originated Cimbri people, offers lots of routes by bike.
In August I did a very nice day excursion, adapted for cyclists with some training, which offers an amazing 360 degrees panorama, between big mountains and Lake Garda: the Boscochiesanuova-Castelberto route.

From the Bosco main square you have to take the road to Erbezzo, from which, at 1.100 metres on sea level, you can see the Corno d’Aquilio Mountain and Sant’Anna d’Alfaedo village. At this point there are still around 12 kilometres to go till the top, between cows and nuts trees.
In the last part there is a plateau from where you can spot the amazing Dolomites of Trento and the Padan Valley on the other side.
Finally you get to Malga Lessinia, where you can enjoy the typical ¨Gnocchi¨, made of white flour, and polenta with deer meat.
Back to our bikes, follow the direction to Castelberto, from where you can spot the whole Adige Valley.
The return way, passing by Podesteria, is nice, almost all downhill till Boscochiesanuova.
This excursion has around 50 kilometres in total, it is worth doing it slowly, enjoying the fresh air, the silence, the great panorama and the Malga Lessinia food.
Enjoy it
Laura

Skiing in Malcesine, between Lake Garda and Verona

2009-08-27T17:04:00.022+01:00

From the city of Verona it takes just an hour and a bit by car to do the 55 kilometres of the panoramic road which goes along Garda Lake, till reaching the medieval village of Malcesine.
The route to Malcesine is so spectacular that it was filmed in the first scene of the latest James Bond film Quantum of Solace.
Malcesine is famous because of its enviable position in Lake Garda and its very old castle, of roman origin and rebuilt later by the Scaligeri, the Lords of Verona. The castle was used later by the Venice Republic and the Austrians.
The castle enchantment and the position of Malcesine even inspired the great German writer Goethe during his visit to Italy.
In summer you can enjoy the fresh and clean water of Lake Garda, and practice sport activities such as windsurf and there are also lovely cycling routes to peddle along.
In winter the village of Malcesine transforms into the starting point to Baldo, the magic mountain of volcanic origin, that, being 1.800 metres high, guarantees lots of snow every winter and a breathtaking panorama while skiing looking down over the whole Lake Garda and the Alps Mountains!
The ski season in the Baldo starts in December and ends in March.
The newly incorporated panoramic cable car from Malcesine takes you up to the top of the Baldo Mountain, from where there are 7 ski lifts, which allow you to ski through 40 kilometres of slopes, suitable for experts and for beginners as well.

Before the ski day finishes we suggest you to rest at least 15 minutes, sitting at the top of Baldo Mountain, looking down at the Garda Lake and the whole landscape. This is one of my favourite views!
Ciao
Sergio

Slow Food and "Zero kilometres" menu

2009-08-25T09:23:00.009+01:00

It is still possible to eat healthy and in a sustainable way.
But...how?
Inspired from the “Slow Food” philosophy, which was born in Italy to fight against the modern “Fast Food” style, in Venice and its region Veneto the local agriculture association, Coldiretti, started a few years ago the "zero kilometres menu" project, an initiative to improve the consume of the agriculture products of the Veneto countryside, basically it means from the product to the final costumer in as less kilometres as possible.

Coldiretti, via a popular referendum, has implemented a system which goals are to reduce transportation expenses and environmental impact provocated by the pollution and traffic.
The basic idea is to stimulate the purchase of local and seasonal agriculture products in order to reduce the energetic consume and the carbonic anhydride linked with the transportation of aliments which have been travelling thousands of miles before arriving to our tables!!!
The "zero kilometres" initiative got an unexpected legal success: it took only four months to collect 25.000 signatures, necessary to ask the Veneto government a new law to promote food with seasonal and local origin in the public canteens (hospitals, schools, universities, old people’s homes).
The request was accepted and became regional law in July 2008.
Nowadays in Veneto more and more restaurants, ice cream shops, pubs and little markets bet on this project, committing to use and sell at least 30% of the products coming from the local country side.

In order to transform this initiative in a successful one it also takes the citizens to get involved, thinking for instance that buying kiwis from New Zealand is not sustainable for our planet, when there are very good quality kiwis in Verona, less than 100 miles from Venice.
It is necessary to recover the old habits, when people ate the products from the earth in a certain period of the year.
We think that all this is good for the travellers, who because of the local typical products get more chances to discover the history and the culture of Veneto.
Enjoy the "zero kilometres menu"!
Ciao
ItalianFeelings

THE VENICE MARATHON, 25th of October 2009.

2009-08-03T16:56:00.011+01:00

On Sunday 25th of October more than 5.000 athletes will participate in the Venice Marathon, starting from the little village of Stra’, on the Brenta Riviera which is famous because of the architect Andrea Palladio’s beautiful villas constructed along it, with the goal of finishing in the magical city of Venice!
42.195 metres of running through the Venice countryside, passing tiny canals and over 14 Venetian bridges, arriving in the Park Sette Martiri, quite close to San Marco Square, in a panoramic position on the Venice lagoon.
We have spoken to many people who participated in the Venice Marathon during previous years and everybody confirms that the route is very good as it’s very flat; a great chance to improve your own best time.

The event is well organized and in order to avoid congestion the maximum amount of runners is kept to 7.000.
Apart from the Marathon there are two nice solidarity initiatives: fund raising to help the people of Uganda and a project which tries to reduce the architectonic barriers encountered by disabled people in Venice downtown.
Families can participate in the Family Run on Saturday 24th, and on the day of the race the athletes will have the chance to attend the “Pasta Party”, a yummy dish of Spaghetti right at the end of the race, to recuperate energy…
Logistically speaking, it’s much handier to sleep in the Venice countryside, so you don’t have to wake up too early on the Marathon day.
You can contact us for further information.

We wish you a great experience in this amazing Venice Marathon!
Bye
Sergio

“RISOTTO FESTIVAL” AT ISOLA DELLA SCALA.

2009-07-30T11:57:00.020+01:00

In the village Isola della Scala, 19 kilometres south of Verona, from the 16th of September till the 11th of October the “Festa del Risotto” takes place!
This is one of our favourite events as it links the Verona citizens with one of the most traditional products of the Italian north east: Rice!
It is easy to see the presence of elements originating from the Far and near East, due to trade made by the Republic of Venice with these cultures many years ago. The Venetian vessels would come back from long journeys in China with salt, pepper, ginger and saffron, unknown spices at that time, but able to stir up the Venetian chefs' imagination and thus creating a unique culinary art.

In the Venice region, especially south of the Verona province, important humid areas and rivers have enabled the cultivation of the rice, so the “Vialone Nano Veronese” could be nominated, first in Europe and the only one in Italy, “Product with protected designation of origin”.
This festival is not only gastronomic; there will be guided visits to the rice fields, theatre events, games markets for kids, concerts and gastronomic competitions.
Apart from all of this, you take also take advantage of the “Veronese Rice Route”, and discover the gastronomical, historical and cultural delights of the agrarian world south of Verona.
By the way, my favourite rice dish at this festival is the delicate and tasty “Risotto all’Isolana”, with veal, sirloin, pepper, cinnamon, rosemary and of course parmesan cheese… Enjoy!
Please contact us for further information.
Ciao ciao
Sergio

2009 Cheese Rolling Festival in the Italian Alps!

2009-07-24T16:27:00.009+01:00

written by Simon Campostrini (San Valentino, Italy).

On the 13th of September, in the mountains of San Valentino, close to Trento, you can join in with the madness of the 7th edition of one of the craziest Italian parties, Cheese Rolling.
It all started off when a few friends saw the original British Cheese Rolling on TV and in the space of just a few years the Italian version has became a major event, with more than 4.000 people attending!

The festival starts at noon and consists of 3 main activities:
- the Cheese Rolling competition, where the contestants run after a big cheese form down a very steep hill. The fastest is the winner, and the prize is the cheese itself.
- Sausages and Beer competition, where the winner is the one who can eat and drink the most.
- the "Tug of War"!

Also, there is live music the whole day, with groups who play rock, reggae, ska, punk and metal.

In Cheeserolling.it you can see photos and videos of the last editions or in youtube.com (please digit "Cheese Rolling Italia").
Have fun!
Ciao
Simon

Venice Historical Regatta, 04th of September 2011.

2009-07-22T08:36:00.011+01:00

Every year on the first Sunday of September Venice celebrates the Historical Regatta, maybe the city most important event after the Carnival.
An historical procession, with typical XVI century boats, leaded by the mythic Bucintoro, the state galley of the doges of Venice, reminds the 1489 city welcome to Caterina Cornaro, the King of Cyprus wife, who renounced to be Queen because of her preference for Venice.

The Historical Regatta is one of the most spectacular events of the city, for the tourists and the citizens.
But, coherent with our philosophy of looking for routes and events off the beaten tracks, we suggest the Montagnana Palio as a very good alternative to the Historical Regatta, far too touristic till the point it collapses the city.
We are convinced that there are better periods of the year to enjoy Venice and its authentic atmosphere, for instance in winter, when the fog surrounds the city, giving it a magic aura which amazes the Venice citizens themselves.
Please contact us for further information about routes, accommodation, gastronomy, flights, local events, activities and monuments in Venice and North Italy.
Ciao
Sergio

THE ARCHITECT ANDREA PALLADIO IN BARCELONA

2009-07-14T11:08:00.005+01:00

Yesterday, at 7 p.m., I went to the Barcelona Caixa Forum Museum to join the free guided tour of the great Padua renaissance Architect Andrea Palladio, Michelangelo's contemporary.
It was the best way to finish my working day, as once you're there you immediately forget the daily stress and enter in the world of this amazing Italian Architect!
The name Palladio is synonymous with architecture for the last 500 years, with his famous buildings such as the Basilica and the Olympic Theatre in Vicenza, or the Venice churches San Giorgio Maggiore and Redentore.

I like the fact that Palladio democratised architecture, adding value to the domestic buildings, convinced that farms, granaries and bridges were just as important as the churches and palaces.

Palladio demonstrated that any building could be beautiful without necessarily using expensive materials. So, for instance, the classical columns of his buildings were made with bricks inside, much cheaper than marble.
In this way he reached a perfect combination between beauty and functionality.
His career was impressive: he started as a bricklayer in the city of Padua and became the favourite architect of Vicenza's and Venice's rich patrons, the Church and the Venetian State.
If you are in Barcelona I strongly recommend you to attend this guided tour, you will definitely want to go to Italy and see Palladio’s art!
Ciao
Sergio

FERRARA BUSKERS FESTIVAL, 19th to 28th of August 2010.

2009-07-08T18:42:00.009+01:00

This amazing festival, the biggest event in the world dedicated to street artists, takes place at the end of August in Ferrara, a precious town only 31 miles from Bologna, 46 from Padua and 62 from Venice.
The main characters are the Buskers themselves, travelling artists who offer some good humour and poetry to the people of the cities they visit.
Thanks to this festival you have the chance to visit precious Ferrara, a renaissance town, elegant and full of art, which achieved its best period during the age of the Estensi aristocratic family.
In 1995 the historical city centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
Have fun and enjoy it!
Ciao,
Sergio

Lello´s Bike Tours Verona, cycling around Verona and its wonderful province.

2009-07-02T10:00:00.006+01:00

Written by our collaborator Alessandro, official AMIBIKE (Association of Mountain Bike Guides) guide.
Maybe it´s a coincidence that cycling champions like Paola Pezzo and Damiano Cunego were born in the Veronese Mountains and here they started to train on the roads and dirt paths.
In the heart of Verona the winding Torricelle hill has been part of the circuit of the Cycling World Championship in 1999 and 2004.

The fact is that Verona, with the Padan Valley, its Garda Lake, its hills and mountains, offers amazing scenery to go by bike for all levels of endurance.
We can organize tours which require good training or easy routes which are relaxing and panoramic at the same time.
Most importantly I’d like to point out that a cycling tour with us is not a race, but a unique opportunity to discover the territory in a sustainable way.
From the top of the Lessini Mountains to the centre of Verona it's possible to choose from a variety of routes, all with a happy ending, based on typical local dishes and quality wine!
Apart from winter, during the rest of the year it’s almost always possible to cycle in our area.
So I am waiting for you, a big hug to the ItalianFeelings travellers and to my friend Sergio.
Ciao
Alessandro

THE MONTAGNANA PALIO (HORSE-RACE), September the 06th 2009.

2009-06-29T11:52:00.008+01:00

We really like this amazing Horse race, because it’s not as big as the famous horse race in Siena Palio and because it maintains an authentic spirit of a medieval festival.
Montagnana is a little village near the city of Padova, in the north east of Italy, with a very big and precious castle, and is host to this medieval event every year.
The “Palio” has always been one of the most typical Italian festivals during the Middle Ages, and was started off to celebrate historical events via horse riding.
The historical origin of the Montagnana Horse race goes back to 1366, it celebrates the final victory of Padua against the Veronese Army and also the death of Ezzelino III da Romano, who very cruelly represented the Emperor Federico II.
This year the Palio has a rich events program, which includes medieval masks, music and jugglers, a race holding big flags, shows with bows and arrows.
The focal point of the party is definitely the horse race, where the winner is rewarded with the Palio, a scarlet cloak made every year by a famous painting artist. The prize for second place is a rooster, and third place a melon…
The festival ends at midnight with the burning of the Castle, a historical reenacting of the Ezzelino da Romano's revenge against the village of Montagnana.
Enjoy it!
Ciao
Sergio

PS - Please contact us for more information about north Italy holidays during this Festival.
PS2 - on the same day, o6th of September, also the Venice Historical Regatta takes place...

CHIOGGIA FISH TOWN FESTIVAL, from 10th to 19th of July 2009

2009-06-18T11:20:00.013+01:00

Hello,
something very nice is happening very soon only 35 miles south of Venice!
Chioggia, the oldest fishermen's port in the Adriatic Sea, is preparing an amazing 10 Day Party in July!
Following historical traditions, local fishermen will dress up and be the main characters, pulling out their little boats from the water and transforming them into improvised kitchens where they cook what they have just fished from the Sea.
Some local theatre companies will liven up the festival in the piazzas and streets, staging comedies that the great Venetian author Carlo Goldoni wrote about Chioggia.
In the main square there will also be the Chioggia Popular Choir, which, wearing farmers clothes, will sing a traditional repertorie of the Venice Lagoon.
Please contact us for more information about this Festival, where to sleep and how to best get to Chioggia.
Ciao
Sergio

Viajablog.com interviews Sergio from ItalianFeelings.com

2009-06-11T15:02:00.015+01:00

Hello everybody,

We are pleased to announce that a few days ago we have been interviewed by Enric Cardona from one of the most important Spanish travel blogs Viajablog.com!

Below follows the original text:

Interview with Sergio from ItalianFeelings.com

Sergio, a good friend, has started up a new project which will definitely keep him in close contact with his beloved region Veneto, even if he lives in Barcelona.

In these last years he was thinking about a touristic project focused on the Veneto region, in the north east of Italy.

His little travel agency is called ItalianFeelings, and through it he wants his clients to fall in love with Venice, the Dolomites and all the hidden corners of this Italian area.

Considering the amazing zone he is working on and his love for Veneto and the little important details he knows about it, we think it won’t be difficult for him to reach this goal.

His philosophy is based on micro-tourism, which in practice means everything little, simple and concentrated turns into the best memory of a real holiday.

Which north Italian place has more "feeling"?

When I think about my region, the north east of Italy, the “feeling” it evokes for me is that of the strong rural traditions you can breathe there, the heritage of our great grandfathers.

It’s something more then the touristic magnet which is Venice nowadays, even if I still am fascinated when I imagine how life was during the Serenissima Venice Republic.

My favourite places are the countryside and the hills of the inner Veneto, where people still live as their ancestors.

Which is the best period to visit Venice?

Even if it’s very cold, I like Venice in winter, when the city is enveloped in the snow and much more intimate without the mass tourism.

Spring and autumn are the best periods, with nice local parties and regattas.

It’s better to avoid August, as it’s too hot and the city is invaded by the tourists.

The good thing about the region of Venice, Veneto, is that, thanks to its geographical variety, there is always something to do during the whole year.

Could you compare Italian and Spanish touristic prices?

Tourism in north Italy is normally a bit more expensive than Spain, but with the crisis the Italian operators are trying to be more competitive with their prices.
We are happy because with our sustainable tourism concept we try to ensure the money doesn’t go to big hotel chains, but to the hard working families who work in the fields and have a few picturesque rooms in their Farmhouses and Bed & Breakfasts, who host families and couples as if they were part of the family.

Apart from Venice, which other cultural places do you recommend?

I am in love with my Verona, it’s a very romantic city full of Roman and medieval history.

Padua and Treviso are also really very beautiful and a nice surprise for the travellers who venture out of Venice.

Vicenza has an incredible heritage of the Renaissance architect Palladio. By the way, there is a Palladio Exhibition in the Barcelona Caixaforum till the 06th of September.

There are some more little villages in the interior, as Bassano del Grappa, Asolo and Feltre which are full of art, very quiet and where you can eat very well.

I think that Venice itself should be visited in a different way, dedicating less time to San Marco square and Grand Canal, and for instance visiting the very interesting Jewish museum in the Ghetto area and getting lost walking through its narrow streets.

Which area in the Dolomites will you recommend to do a trekking week?

The Dolomites offer a wide variety of itineraries for any level.

My favourite areas to go trekking are the Sella mountain range, the Brenta and the Misurina zone.

Which are the most typical and recommended dishes of this area?

The vast array of variety in the terrain of Veneto with its mountains, plains and the sea is also reflected in its cuisine.

Also, there is an interesting presence of elements originating from the Far and near East, due to trade made by the Republic of Venice with these cultures many years ago.
In the Alps the locals specialize in meat and cheese, in the plains they have exceptional vegetable dishes and in the Venetian lagoon the fish is just simply amazing.

Probably the most traditional and symbolic dish of Veneto is the Polenta, a mix of water, cornmeal and salt. This is such a distinctive dish originating from Veneto that its people are nicknamed by the rest of the Italians as “polentoni”, polenta-eaters…

Veneto is also highly regarded for its production of high quality wine. My favorites are Recioto and Amarone from Valpolicella, Soave and the Champagne Prosecco Cartizze de Valdobbiadene.

In this region, together with Friuli and Piemonte, you can find the most appreciated Italian Grappa, distilled from pressed grapes and still produced following very old traditional methods.

Could you give us some advice for a traveller who wants to visit north Italy in an independent way?

Our philosophy is “to visit less and better", we are against the “fast tourism” which involves taking a picture in the main square and moving on to the next “target”…

The best thing to do if you want to know a place is to stop and look at the people, see what they do, talk to them.

That’s not possible in 2 days, we recommend at least a week or ten days to visit Venice and the Veneto region.

In order not to waste time with public transport, and as northeast of Italy has good roads, our proposal of independent travel is to simply provide good accommodation and car hire. Apart from that we also provide expert local advice and information on routes, places, restaurants, etc.

How are you different from other travel agencies?

We have decided to propose a service in a defined geographical area, only the area we come from and specialised in, the Veneto region.

We have personally visited and chosen all the Farmhouses and Bed & Breakfast families who collaborate with our project, and did the same with our collaborators who propose activities, they are professional and trustful people.

Our travellers stay in Farmhouses, guests of families, visiting unknown corners of the Veneto region.

As we are from there we have a better understanding and advise our travellers according to their particular needs, we also have a local network of contacts in order to allow the clients to mix with the people of the villages.

We believe that thanks to sustainable tourism the generated wealth can be shared in a more democratic way between everybody.

Our working way is through internet, our web page is our virtual office, and people can contact us by email, skype or telephone.

We also like to inform travellers through our blog and to collaborate with other similar travel projects.

What do your clients like the most when travelling with ItalianFeelings.com?

I think they really like my enthusiasm and love for my region, and also because I always want to tell them the truth, for instance if something is ugly and it’s not worth visiting, I was really thrilled when I received the email of one of our travellers:

“Thanks a lot for all your advice!!!! Veneto was very very nice!!! Your help has been very useful and I think we could see Italia through your eyes before we got there. You gave us many useful tips!!!

Venice is amazing!!! It’s DIVINE!!! It’s unbelievable that there are so many pretty things in just one place.

We went to eat to the restaurant you recommended, Dalla Marisa, we walked a lot at midday, it was hot, but once we got there we realized it really was a place for only Italian people, even better only for Venetian people.

A woman who seemed an authentic gladiator popped out and started to speak Italian very fast and loud. We didn’t understand a word…we only understood..”Bolognese”…
So we ordered “Pasta alla Bolognese”, it was great, really home made.

Thanks!!!! Without your advice we would have never found that restaurant with 100% Italian atmosphere.”

There is no doubt that with this kind of feedback you are on the right track and that tonight you will go to bed with a sweet smile on your face.

19th of June: the Opera Season for 2009 starts in the Arena of Verona!

2009-05-21T11:13:00.011+01:00

In less than one month the 87th Lyrical Festival season will start in an unforgettable enclave, the Verona Arena, the third biggest Italian roman amphitheatre, built in the first century A.C.
With almost 2.000 years of history, the Arena has always been the stage for many performances and concerts.

During the roman years gladiators and lions would draw blood and fight here, in the Middle Ages games and tournaments were hosted and nowadays it is the biggest open space lyrical theatre in the world!

The Verona lyrical festival was inaugurated in 1913 with the Giuseppe Verdi's opera Aida, to celebrate the Italian compositor's 100th birthday. From that moment on there hasn't been a lyrical singer who doesn’t dream of playing in the enchanting Arena of Verona.

Maria Callas debuted in 1947 in the Arena and all of the most famous opera singers have sung here: Luciano Pavarotti, Montserrat Caballé, José Carreras and Plácido Domingo, who on the 24th of July 2009 will celebrate the 40th anniversary of his debut in the Arena!

Thanks to its exceptional acoustics, it is possible to listen to the singers from any place of this roman amphitheatre, even if it is an open air arena with a capacity of 15.000 people.

I have been to the Arena many times, but it always leaves me breathless with its sheer size and magnitude and I get shivers when I imagine that during the roman period the gladiators fought against lions.

This season the program includes the best of the best:Aida, Carmen, The Barber of Seville, Tosca and Turandot!

Only by going to a live opera can you get the feel of magic and poetry of such a unique experience, however it’s advisable not to go with small children as the shows are long.

Whether you attend an opera show or not make sure you don’t miss the public catwalk in Piazza Bra, outside the Arena, when at sunset, enjoying a yummy Italian ice cream, you get to see an amazing range of dressed-up audience that comes to see the opera, from sophisticated smoking jackets, beautiful dresses to odd t-shirts…Besides all this, you can also see members of the chorus and figurants getting ready for the great performance.

Finally, once inside, the last “gong” means that the show is starting, thousands of candles are lit and the Arena transforms into a magical place.

Viva lo spettacolo! May the show commence!!

Ciao
Sergio

31st of May, "Open Wine Cellars" in the Veneto region!

2009-05-13T18:47:00.018+01:00

On Sunday the 31st of May, from 10.00 to 18.00, the Veneto wine producers open their doors to the people in order to celebrate together the 2009 “Open wine cellars” edition, this year with the subject Vignafior (literally translated Wine Flower), an original initiative where the wine gets married to the flowers in the attractive presentation done by the wine cellars who participate in this event.

This is a great chance to spend one day out of the city and get to know better the wine, attending the presentation of the productive stages which finally bring the wine to our tables.

Between free tasting and visits to precious wine cellars, live music, art expositions and a walk trough the vineyards it will be possible to understand the wine in its real natural frame.

Please contact us for more detailed information about this original “eno-flower” event organized by the Veneto Wine Tourist Movement and download the nice pictures from the 2008 edition.

Hope you go and have fun!
Ciao ciao
Sergio

The "Giro d'Italia" cycling race starts!

2009-05-04T11:53:00.019+01:00

Cycling fever just can't get any better than this year's centennial edition of Giro d'Italia!! Starting from Venice Lido on the 9th May, it finishes in Rome on the 31st May covering 21 stages of 3.395 kilometres, some of them in Austria and Switzerland. This year the Giro will also pass through the Dolomite Mountains! For 3 days, the 12th, 13th and 14th of May the cyclists will have to climb the hard uphill in San Martino di Castrozza and Alpe di Siusi, arriving at the Austrian Tirol.

Even though the great Lance Armstrong is back, the favourite this year is the Italian Ivan Basso, but our support goes to Damiano Cunego, the "Little Prince" from Cerro Veronese who won the Giro in 2004 when he was only 22...and especially because he has never been involved in any doping cases!

Attending a live mountain cycling stage is a unique experience, you really understand how hard and spectacular this sport is.

And if you want to emulate these great champions, we recommend the Sella Ronda Bike Day, on the 12th of July, cycling up and down the amazing Sella Mountain range.

Enjoy sport and nature!
Ciao ciao
Sergio

VENICE CARNIVAL HISTORY

2009-02-24T12:14:00.022Z

Today it's the last day of Venice Carnival for this year, the city has been living a few crazy weeks full of mask parties and madness.

But it hasn’t always been easy for the venetians to freely celebrate this event.

The origin of the Venice Carnival is very old: the first document which mentions the word “Carnevale” dates back to 1094, in which the venetian oligarchy concedes the citizens a few days of crazy partying.

But maybe the Doges, Venice's governors, didn’t expect so much binging, that’s why they created in 1268 a law to ban the use of masks in Venice.

The moral decadency and the unstoppable desire of partying during the Serenissima Repubblica reached such an extreme that in 1458 a new law was necessary to forbid men from entering the monasteries with womens' masks…

In order to control the strong increase of masked people during most of the year, a new law in 1608 was created ordering all the venetian citizens to wear masks ONLY during the Carnival period, with sentences till 2 years of jail.

Outside Carnival period, it was also forbidden to play drums before midday and any kind of dancing.

As many venetian aristocrats used to gamble wearing a mask, because they didn't want to be recognized by their creditors, in 1703 a new law forbiding the use of masks while gambling was introduced.

After the fall of the Republic of Venice, since 1797, first the French and then the Austrians completely forbade celebratin Carnival in Venice.

Only two centuries later, in 1979, thanks to the initiative of some citizen associations, the Carnival tradition was revived and celebrated again, becoming what it is nowadays, the most famous Carnival of Veneto and Italy.

A week-end at Lake Garda

2009-02-02T15:36:00.030Z

written by Jenny and Andy (Köln, Germany)

Last August, after having spent 2 days in Venice, we decided to relax a few days at Lago di Garda.
Starting our search for a nice place to stay at Torbole, in the north, which we found a perfect wind surfer's place, we headed south to find a camping site at a less rough spot. We finally found a quiet family-run Camping site not far from Bardolino, which is a nice little town to stroll around in the evening and to eat a delicious Pizza. We spent our days chilling out at lake Garda and went swimming in the clear water.
Although we stayed there in August with a lot of tourists around, we were surprised we found this quiet place to chill out and relax.
The only problem was that a camping tend is not always the most comfortable solution, but unfortunately we didn't know italianfeelings with their route and accomodation proposals at that time...
Anyway, besides Venice and lago di Garda, we also strongly recommend a visit to Verona, which is only a 30 minutes drive away from the southern part of the lake and absolutely worth going.
You know what? We already miss Italy...
A rivederci!
Jenny & Andy

TITLE: POLENTA, the symbol of Veneto and northern Italy's cuisine.

2009-01-28T12:19:00.014Z

Polenta, is a simple and very old dish, and has been eaten for centuries throughout Veneto.
Already in the Roman ages the army used to eat Polenta, made with wheat flour, whose flower was called pullen.
Only after 1492, thanks to Christopher Columbus, the cereal which will be the basic ingredient of the actual Polenta was known: corn, whose name comes from mahiz, as the indigenous who Columbus met in the Hispaniola isle used to call it.
Since then, helped by the ideal weather conditions to produce corn, Polenta became the daily meal for northern Italy's poor inhabitants.

Traditional POLENTA recipe
Ingredients (4-6 people):
• 6 cups of water (or with some milk)
• 2 cups of corn flour
• 2 tea spoons of salt
• 1 tea spoon of olive oil

Preparation:
Use a huge pan and a big wooden spoon.
Bring the water to boil and when the water boils add salt and pour in the corn flour very slowly, keep on mixing around 45 minutes over a low fire. The Polenta will be ready once it starts to separate from the pan, so when it’s ready pour it over a wooden board, then cut it into slices with a cotton thread or with a knife.

What to eat Polenta with :
In the very poor Veneto of the past centuries a diet based only on Polenta sometimes caused diseases like anemia, which is why slowly people started to add more ingredients and variations to the dish, nowadays there are amazing ways to enjoy polenta.
Just to give you an idea: polenta with smoked ham, with cheese (any kind, even we suggest gorgonzola cheese, which melts very easily with warm Polenta), with mushrooms, sausage, fried onions, "polenta pasticciata" (with bolognese sauce), polenta and dried cod, with meat in general, "polenta e osei" (with poultry).

We recommend Polenta as a starter or first course, and it's much more enjoyable when it's cold outside.

Wow, I am getting very hungry right now….
I remember when during the very cold winters in Verona my dad used to heat the Polenta on the fireplace, and after that we would spread some gorgonzola cheese between 2 slices of hot Polenta in order to melt it, it was so yummy!
C'mon then, enjoy it!
Ciao
Sergio

Romantic Valentine's day in Verona

2008-12-29T12:42:00.030Z

Hello!
With February just around the corner, for a romantic Valentine getaway italianfeelings recommends lovebirds to nestle themselves in the mesmerizing city of Verona, the town of Romeo and Juliet.
St Valentine is celebrated in beautiful Verona with "Verona in Love", a festival dedicated to pure Shakespearen style amore.
During these magical days in the old part of the town you can listen to live music, see plays, try aphrodisic food and seek out the most intimate corners of Verona and its charming province.

There is also the possibility to relive Shakespeare's story of Romeo & Juliet in an itinerary which passes through the delights of Verona, rich in art, history and culture, it is one of Italy's most famous Unesco World Heritage sites.
The province of Verona is also a treat, with its Garda lake, wine routes, castles and medieval villages and much much more.
It definitely deserves a few days to visit the area.
For more information please contact us.
Ciao
Italianfeelings

Practical advice to visit Venice, the Italian pearl.

2008-12-23T08:42:00.028Z

It's not easy to talk about Venice, this magic city which is a labyrinth in the water, with 354 bridges connecting 118 islands!
In this article we just want to give you some advice to make your visit to the "Pearl of the Adriatic" unforgettable:
1 – Wear comfortable shoes, in order to explore the beautiful streets;
2 – Get a serious map of Venice, which highlights all the streets, little squares, channels, and so on;
3 – Buy the very good guide Corto Sconto. Itinerari fantastici e nascosti di Corto Maltese a Venezia, written by Guido Fuga and Lele Vianello and available in English once in Venice;
4 – Get lost in Venice, the best way of living the city is trailing off the beaten tracks.

It's best to get to Venice by train, leaving the car at the train station between Padua and Mestre. It will be much cheaper and more relaxing.

Once off the train in Santa Lucia Venice train station you can either start to walk or get a "vaporetto", the most common water public transport of Venice.

Famous places

San Marco square
The most beautiful living room of Europe, Napoleon said just after he invaded Venice.
It's even more spectacular when there's high water in Venice.
The most famous bar in San Marco square is Bar Florian, where Casanova used to spend his afternoons.
A drink in this area is a kind of luxury, be careful with the bill…

Canal Grande
It´s definitely worth gliding through the Canal Grande by vaporetto, you can't miss the spectacular churches and palaces.

Rialto Bridge
Architectonic wonder, always full of people.

San Marco Basilica
You can´t miss it, it´s the perfect synthesis of the history of art, with its byzantine statues and mosaics and wonders of the XVIII century.
It's best to book in advance in order to skip the very long queues.

Clock Tower
Its astronomical clock has been beating out the time for Venice for more then 500 years. See if you can spot the statue of the Three Wise Men come out.

San Marco Campanile (bell tower)
Enjoy the fantastic panorama from the top of the tower 96 metres high.

Doges Palace
You can book a visit to the "secret itinerary", and see the torture hall and the entire secret passageway.

Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute
Baroque architecture, built by the Venetian inhabitants asking their beloved Madonna for help during the plague of peste which killed many people in 1630.
It took more then one million posts to build the church, which also houses paintings of Tiziano.

Ghetto
The first one in history, created in 1516 to protect and segregate the Jews.
Nowadays in the Ghetto, famous for Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice", there is still a thriving Jewish community and it's possible to visit the Jewish Museum.

These famous places are normally full of tourists, so if you want to see another Venice, the "mamma" who embraces you in its "osterie" (Italian pubs) and experience daily local life, then you'll just have to forget the yellow posters which indicate the touristic route and get lost!

EATING
Venice is known to be expensive and with very bad customer service so be warned!!
We (link italianfeelings.com) have been looking for "trattorie" and "osterie", little family restaurants and pubs where the quality is secured:
- Trattoria Nonno Risorto
- Osteria da Alberto
- Osteria Ai Canottieri (very good fish restaurant)
- Osteria da Dante
- Osteria Gam Gam (Kosher food)
- Trattoria Al Gatto Nero
- Osteria dalla Marisa

Also, in the whole of Veneto and north east of Italy it is customary have an aperitif and sip a glass of wine with some friends before lunch or dinner.
In Venice this is called "ombretta", and the wine goes together with "cicheti", a sort of little tapas with Parma ham or sopressa (local tender/sweet salami with garlic and black pepper), artichokes or anchovies mmmmm.
This tradition is not bad at all, is it?

CURIOS PLACES
You should ask the venetians to explain the history and legends of the following places:
- Sotoportego Zurlin
- the "Gobbo"in the Rialto Market
- Biasio, the butcher of Venice
- Desdemona's house
- the "Tits bridge",in San Samuele
- the door nr. 963 A, behind Rialto Market

WHERE TO SLEEP
In order that you and Venice itself can sleep properly at night we suggest that you stay in the Venice land, close to Venice but at the same time enjoying the peace and quiet atmosphere offered by the Venetian countryside.
We propose Agritourisms and Bed&Breakfasts which guarantee quality, familiar treatment and genuine and healthy agriculture products.
Please contact us for more information.
Ciao
Sergio at italianfeelings

Skiing in the Dolomites: the SELLA RONDA tour

2008-12-20T10:44:00.046Z

Reinhold Messner once said that "the Dolomites are the most beautiful mountains in the world".
This is more than true for me as my passion for these mountains is fired up every time I return.
Since the age of 5 I have been going to these incredible mountains and their breathtaking beauty never ceases to astound me.
For me I still remember the unforgettable panorama which takes place every sunset, when these incredible mountains are tinged with an intense red colour, which slowly turns violet.
This display of such intense and vivid colours occurs because the Dolomite stone is calcareous, full of calcium carbonate and magnesium, slowly created by erosion for thousands of years.

There are some fantastic areas to go skiing in the Dolomites.
Today we'll concentrate on the Sella mountain range, which for lots of skiers is the soul and Mecca of the Alps.
On the geographical border between the Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige regions, and at the same time between Italy and Austria, this place is just out of this world, and has a strong identity which mixes classical Italian elegance with the simple life of the mountain inhabitants.

Here, amongst postcard sceneries, picturesque chalets, baroque churches, and an agricultural economy, live the Ladins, an authentic cultural and linguistic minority recognized by the European Union. In this context lies the "Sella Ronda", which means a trip around the huge Sella mountain.
Skiing between incredible rocky cliffs more than 10.000 feet high, with conveniently connected ski tracks, woods and virgin snow, it is possible to ski the Sella Ronda clockwise or anticlockwise in one day.

By car, it’s very simple to get to any of the four starting points: Corvara, Arabba, Canazei and Selva.
The ski route is around 25 miles, you need to be a bit fit but the tracks are not very difficult, let's say suitable for average skiers.
It's best to start skiing before 10 a.m., as it's very important to reach the last peak before 15.30 in order to avoid finding the uphill transport closed. In this case it would be a problem to get back to your car.
Anyway, the skiing net time is about two hours, which means you have time to rest, enjoy the panorama and feast away to your heart's content on typical Tirol cuisine including my favourite dessert, the Apfelstrudel, puff pastry with apples and cinnamon. Delicious, especially with a shot of grappa from Veneto, and afterwards you'll be skiing even better than the historical skier Alberto Tomba!!!

You can do the Sella Ronda again another day or if you fancy skiing somewhere different in the Dolomites area, there are two more options which are absolutely amazing as well: the Marmolada Glacier, with its 10.964 feet, and Cortina, famous for its 1956 Winter Olympic Games.
It's best to buy the Dolomiti Superski, a worthwhile and not too expensive skipass solution.
For information on combining winter sports with great family lodgings and what to do in the Dolomites you can contact us. We'll be more than happy to help you make this trip an unforgettable adventure!!
Come on, this season is full of snow!
Ciao
Sergio
italianfeelings

Flights to Venice, Veneto and north Italy

2008-12-17T08:00:00.057Z

Veneto is the region of Venice, in the northeast of Italy, close to Milan, Bologna, Trieste and Austria.
As there is so much to see and to do in this area and loads of people are asking us for the best way to get there, we'd like to give you some basic advice.
If you want more information about this region please contact us.

Veneto has always been a very important geographical, historical, cultural and economic region.
The main Veneto airports are in Venice, Verona and Treviso.
Other airports within the vicinity of Veneto are based in Bergamo, Milan, Bologna and Trieste.

Useful links:
Airports in Veneto:
Flights to VENICE: Marco Polo Airport
Flights to VERONA: Valerio Catullo Airport
Flights to TREVISO: San Giuseppe Airport

Other airports:
Flights to BERGAMO: Orio al Serio Airport
Flights to MILAN: Linate and Malpensa Airports
Flights to BOLOGNA: G.Marconi Airport
Flights to TRIESTE: Ronchi dei Legionari Airport.

The companies (in alphabetical order) which fly from UK to Veneto and the north of Italy are:

Air Berlin
AirOne
Alitalia
Bmibaby
British Airways
Czech Airlines
EasyJet
Lufthansa
Ryanair

The most economical and interesting flights are:
· London Stansted => Venice Treviso, Verona Brescia, Bologna with Ryanair
· London Gatwick => Venice with EasyJet
· Birmingham => Milan Bergamo and Bologna with Bmibaby
· Manchester => Milan Bergamo with Ryanair
· Glasgow Prestwick => Milan Bergamo with Ryanair
· Bristol => Venice with EasyJet

From other UK cities you can contact us in order to get more information.

Ciao,
Italianfeelings

HELLO FROM ITALIANFEELINGS

2008-12-15T12:10:00.015Z

It took some time, but now our friends don't want to wait anymore…
Finally we start, the project italianfeelings is up and running, we hope we can transmit our excitement and passion to you!

We offer comprehensive and local advice to travellers wanting to visit Venice and its wonderful region, Veneto, which lies in the north east of Italy.

You'll find detailed information in our website, and be able to contract our touristic services, including carefully selected lodging proposals and activities.
Thanks to our origins and local contacts in the region, travelling around Veneto you will enjoy the advice, the living and passion of the locals.

We don't offer holidays like traditional agencies, but we try to explain rural tourism in Veneto and the concept of sustainable and responsible tourism.
Basically this is the way we work:

• www.italianfeelings.com : our website and virtual office. You will find everything about our travels, routes, lodgings, car hire etc.
• this blog: to provide you with sound information, give a voice to the travellers who will be able to write a travel board diary or simply anyone who wants to say something or ask info about north eastern Italy
• twitter: from anywhere and at any time of your trip, simply with a message from your mobile you can inform your family and friends in real time about what you are doing in Italy.

That's it, a big hug to everyone!
Ciao,
Italianfeelings