“Ischia is heralded for its thermal waters, thanks to the more than 100 hot springs that stream out of Mount Epomeo.” <strong>The</strong> coastline of Ischia 34 Postcards
Bridge to Castelvecchio in Verona IMAGE COURTESY OF PROVINCIA DI VERONA TURISMO – PHOTOS T.WEIMAR ISCHIA Although the nearby isl<strong>and</strong> of Capri often steals the spotlight, Ischia (called the Green Isl<strong>and</strong>) is equally appealing, offering something for everybody, from wine lovers <strong>and</strong> bathers to hikers <strong>and</strong> watersports fans. Easily reached by hydrofoil or ferry, Ischia is heralded for its thermal waters, a reputation that has endured since the eighth century B.C., thanks to the more than 100 hot springs that stream out of Mount Epomeo. Hotels often have pools filled with hot spring water, but you can also find numerous wellness centers, including Giardini di Poseidon on Citara Beach. Most of the hotels are located in Ischia Pointe, where you’ll find plenty of shops <strong>and</strong> cafés. Serious outdoor enthusiasts, especially those who want to connect with Ischia’s source of fame, will want to head to Fontana, where you can set off on a journey to the top of Mount Epomeo, which rises over 2,500 feet. TAORMINA Although it’s probable you’ll bump elbows with other tourists, Taormina’s gripping location perched high above glittering turquoise seas will soon forever occupy your mind. Located about an hour from Catania, Sicily’s second-largest city, Taormina is best known for its historic Greek amphitheater, almost fully intact, which offers breathtaking views of the coast <strong>and</strong> the volatile Mount Etna. Check the schedule, as you’ll want to catch a concert or play here. Time spent in Taormina can also be spent relaxing on one of the many beaches such as Giardini Naxos, Mazzaro, or the protected natural oasis of Isola Bella; shopping on the main street; or visiting Castelmola, a charming village that can be accessed by foot or by car. For more active travelers, hiking trails surrounding the city, even those around Mount Etna, prove to be rewarding experiences. BOLOGNA All of Italy is rich in culinary experiences, but when you visit the lively city of Bologna, you’ll underst<strong>and</strong> why it’s called “Bologna the Fat,” namely because the cuisine is arguably the country’s best, upholding its reputation as a well-fed city. Of course, Bologna is the birth city of Bolognese sauce, <strong>and</strong> most menus revolve around this <strong>and</strong> fresh pastas such as tortellini, tagliatelle <strong>and</strong> lasagna. But don’t leave without sampling the mortadella, a blend of pork, spices <strong>and</strong> herbs cooked in natural or synthetic casing. Bologna is rich in culture <strong>and</strong> history, too, <strong>and</strong> although it’s fairly compact, there’s plenty to see <strong>and</strong> do here. One of the best places to start is Piazza Maggiore, the city’s center where you’ll find the Palazzo D’Accursio (Bologna Town Hall) <strong>and</strong> the Basilica di San Petronio, home to the world’s largest sundial. You’ll also want to w<strong>and</strong>er into the adjacent Piazza del Nettuno to see the elaborate Fortuna del Nettuno fountain. From here, you can explore the narrow streets of the Quadrilatero, the old city market. During the day, vendors sell everything from seasonal produce to fresh fish, while in the evening, the area’s bars come to life. Finally, head to Piazza Santo Stefano where you’ll see what appears to be one large church, but is actually seven. Look up to see the twin towers of Asinelli <strong>and</strong> Garisenda, <strong>and</strong>, if you’re up for the challenge, climb the almost 500 steps to the top of the Asinelli <strong>and</strong> be rewarded with spectacular views over the city. Whatever city you choose, your <strong>Travel</strong> Leaders agent can help make your adventure into the other Italy a success, so much that fantastico could soon become your new favorite word. TL When to Visit Italy’s climate varies from one region to another. For instance, the northern part of the country has cold winters with hot <strong>and</strong> often humid summers, while the climate is milder in the central part of the country. Meanwhile, in southern Italy, temperatures generally stay warm spring through fall, <strong>and</strong> winters are rarely harsh. Of course, there’s never a bad time to visit Italy. But the ideal times are between April <strong>and</strong> June or September to October. You’ll find that temperatures are more comfortable <strong>and</strong> cities are less crowded during these time periods. Also note that if you do travel in August, many Italians take their vacations (August 15 is an Italian national holiday called Ferragosto), so you might find that beach areas in particular may be more crowded than usual. CALL US To book your escape to the “other” Italy, contact our agency today. LET’S GO Let us help plan your adventure to Italy today! We’ll create a customized itinerary based on your interests <strong>and</strong> budget to make this dream vacation a reality. Whether you want to discover cultural delights, amazing cuisine or historical sites, we’ll use our personal experience <strong>and</strong> international connections to create the trip of a lifetime to this fascinating country. If you prefer a guided tour, we’ll help you find one that meets your needs with one of our trusted partners, such as Globus. Call us today! Postcards 35
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