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Monti says Italy ‘understands’ No to Rome 2020 Olympic bid

vitafamily — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:43:57 +0000

Strasbourg, February 15 - The Italian public understands the hard economic facts that led Premier Mario Monti to scratch a bid for Rome to host the 2020 Olympics, Monti told the European Parliament Wednesday.

"I had to take a difficult decision (to reject) a magnificent project, and there was a lot of disappointment" Monti said.

"But I have the impression that public opinion has understood (why I did so)," he added. Monti failed to give the bid his required endorsement Tuesday, citing financial risks at a time when crisis-hit Italy is enduring tough austerity measures.(ANSA)

16% fewer Italians went on holiday last year

vitafamily — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:43:22 +0000

Rome, February 13 - Some 16% fewer Italians went on holiday in 2011 than in 2010, a survey said Monday. 23.5 mln had to stay home because of economic crunch.

"Going on holiday, compared to 2010, was tougher because of the continuation of the global economic and financial crisis," said the report from the National Tourism Observatory.

The survey said almost 27 million Italians went on holiday and 23.5 million didn't.(ANSA)

Cold snap set to continue for three-four days

vitafamily — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:42:11 +0000

Rome, February 13 - The wave of extreme cold and snow that has gripped Italy for two weeks, claiming at least 57 lives, is set to continue for three or four more days, according to weather forecasts, although the worst seems to have past.

The situation has improved after being critical in many areas at the weekend, especially Emilia Romagna, Marche and Abruzzo, where a number of small towns were cut off by the heavy snow.

Schools and public offices in Rome reopened on Monday after being closed on Saturday and Sunday and the snow that fell at the weekend did not paralyse the capital as it did 10 days ago.

Motorbikes and scooters, however, are not allowed to travel in the capital at the moment for fear of riders sliding on icy patches. Farmers association Coldiretti has said that the cold snap has cost Italy's agriculture sector 1.5 billion euros.(ANSA)

Large ships may be banned in Venice after Costa crash

vitafamily — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:39:33 +0000

Venice, February 10 - Large cruise ships may be banned from passing through parts of Venice following the crash of the Costa Concordia cruise liner off the Tuscan Island of Giglio, Environment Minister Corrado Clini said Friday.

"This is one of the hypotheses we're working on," he said at a meeting with OECD officials in Venice. "In the meantime we should take precautionary measures to progressively reduce the risk". Clini added that his ministry was also considering alternative proposals from the Venice Port Authority, which opposes curbing traffic in the lagoon. The cruise industry employs thousands in and around Venice, which the local port authority claims is impervious to disasters such as what happened near Giglio on January 3 when a 114,500-ton cruise ship ran ashore and killed as many as 32 people. The proposed ban would apply to ships over 40,000 tons in the areas around the Basin of Saint Mark and the Giudecca Canal, Venice's main thoroughfare for cruise ships.

In May 2004, a German cruise ship ran aground in the Basin of Saint Mark just a few meters from the Doge's Palace, local daily La Nuova Venezia reported.

Environment experts note that long-term effects of modern lagoon traffic are also detrimental to the ecosystem, creating high wake along the medieval banks and disrupting the fragile foundations.(ANSA)

Italian stores open as long as they want

vitafamily — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:16:35 +0000

Rome, 2 January - A new law went into effect Monday allowing Italian stores to open and close whenever they please. Previously the law required that stores close after a certain number of hours per day, as well as some holidays, Sundays and one day during the work week. Bars and restaurants can also stay open non-stop. Intended to boost consumer spending, the relaxed rules are part of the emergency government's package of stimulus and budget measures that aim to raise 30 billion euros and lift hurl the country out of its debt crisis.

Critics argue that the measure will only benefit large companies with the personnel to cover more shifts, while smaller businesses will lose their ability to compete. The measure comes as stores across Italy prepare for after-Christmas sales, which began in some southern cities Monday as the rest of the country follows suit throughout the week. According to the retail association Confcomercio, the average Italian spends 168 euros on clothing during the winter sales season. Yet estimates for 2012 from the consumer group Codacons have lowered the amount to 110 euros - a 30% drop - in light of the global economic crisis.(ANSA)

Sicilian temple not for sale ‘even for 40 bln’

vitafamily — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:16:03 +0000

Rome, 5 January - The mayor of the Sicilian city of Agrigento said Thursday that he would not sell one of Italy's prime archaeological treasures even for 40 billion euros after it reportedly attracted the interest of Russian industrialist Mikhail Prokhorov.The precious-metals billionaire, who plans to run in this year's presidential elections in Russia as an independent candidate, has set his sights on buying the ruins of the Temple of Zeus in Agrigento's famed Valley of the Temples, according to media reports.But Agrigento Mayor Marco Zambuto has moved to nip the notion in the bud.''I wouldn't sell the Temple of Zeus even for 40 billion euros, the figure Premier Mario Monti had to find to save Italy's finances,'' Zambuto said referring to the government's austerity package, which was actually nearer to 30 billion.''It's simply unthinkable that a billionaire could buy our historical wonders and take them to their own country''.Zambuto said, however, that the city was interested in attracting foreign investment in the UNESCO World Heritage site.

''It's a different matter if we are talking about turning over management (of sites) for events or initiatives, or even the sponsorship of renovations and maintenance of the temples and sanctuaries in the valley,'' he said. ''I don't rule out this option''. The seven Doric temples at Agrigento, most of which probably date from the fifth century BC, are one of the glories of Magna Graecia, a swathe of southern Italy which was once dotted with wealthy and culturally lavish Greek cities.

The name Valley of the Temples is misleading as the site is located on a ridge on the edge of Agrigento.

''The history of the Valley of the Temples goes back thousands of years and the site is one of the few historic remains of Magna Graecia,'' added Zambuto.

''If a private sponsor intends to finance a restoration, it's welcome. Our door is always open to this type of proposal''. photo: the Temple of Concordia in Agrigento's Valley of the Temples.(ANSA)

Limited-edition handbag drawn from da Vinci design

vitafamily — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:15:21 +0000

Florence 15 January - A luxury Florence brand has released a limited-edition handbag inspired by a drawing by Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci.

Gherardini of Florence, founded in 1885 by Garibaldo Gherardini who came from one of the city's noble families, produced the bag to coincide with the Pitti menswear fashion show.

The bag is named La Pretiosa after a drawing by da Vinci of a lady's bag believed to date back to the late 15th century.

The modern design was discovered by art historian Alessandro Vezzosi, an expert on the Renaissance artist and scientist, and director of the Museo Ideale di Leonardo da Vinci in the artist's home town of Vinci.

The company has produced only 99 handbags which are made of quality calfskin and brass and each will be sold with a book on da Vinci.(ANSA)

Mediterranean diet adds ’2-3 years’ to life

vitafamily — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:14:43 +0000

Rome 22 December - The Mediterranean diet, which is recognised by UNESCO's World Heritage listing, can add two to three years to your life, according to new Swedish research.

The Sahlgrenska Academy has monitored the diet of thousands of 70-year-olds in the province of Gothenburg for 40 years.

According to the results published in the magazine, Age, the researchers found that the Mediterranean diet adds a potential 20% to the lifespan of the elderly.(ANSA)

Merry Christmas Buon Natale

vitafamily — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:35:07 +0000

To all our customers we wish you a very Merry Christmas

with your family and friends and a safe and healthy 2012.

May all your travel dreams come true in 2012

Mario, Viny & Gianni

News on Le Marche Region

vitafamily — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:34:09 +0000

Vita Italian Tours love to introduce travellers to the lesser-known areas of Italy, in particular, Le Marche Region which lies on the eastern side of Central Italyon the Adriatic coast. The region borders withTuscany and Umbria. We have an 11 day tour exploring the treasures of this unspoilt region which apart from being Italy’s “best kept secret”, it is rapidly becoming the new holiday destination for travellers looking for a taste of the real Italy.

Moretta: caffe` corretto
A caffè corretto, a shot of espresso coffee cut with strong liquor, is an invigorating staple in bars across Italy, but at Fano in the northern Marche it reaches an art form with the local moretta. This potent cocktail is a blend of three spirits - aniseed-based anice, rum and brandy - sugar and a twist of lemon peel, topped up with strong, hot coffee. It should be prepared with care to keep three layers - the spirits, the coffee and the fine foam on top - and is always served in a small, clear glass. The drink is said to originate amongst the fishermen and sailors at theport ofFano to keep them warm at work.

Keep them coming
Le Marche has again been one of the few Italian regions to see an annual increase in the number of tourists. This summer (June to August) saw 1.9 million tourists arriving in the region, almost 2 percent more than the same period last year. The number of foreign visitors rose by a remarkable 6.8 percent. It is still a region unravaged by mass tourism.

How much is that truffle in the window?
The white truffle season is still in full swing in Le Marche. But if you want to indulge before the season ends on 31 December, bear in mind that prices this year for the sought after Tuber magnatum pico, or white truffle, have reached over Euro 3,000 per kilo. Expect bills in restaurants serving tartufi bianchi to be heavily "seasoned". One of the days in the ‘Tour of Le Marche Region’ is devoted to truffle hunting with a local professional hunter and his dog.

Rental health
Police authorities in the region have recently been carrying out investigations to identify illegal holiday rentals, and owners who rent out their properties without proper authorization from their local comune risk serious fines as well as claims for unpaid tax.

They may also faces fines of up to Euro 1,800 for failing to register guests with the local police. Absolutely anyone offering accommodation, including B&Bs, must register all guests within 24 hours of their arrival. This can now be done online so is hardly onerous - unless, of course, your aim is to evade paying tax.

If people tell you none of this is necessary, you should be aware that more and more owners of rental properties who do play by the rules are getting tired of the unfair competition from those who don't, and are ever keener to help the authorities stamp out such illegal activity.

Fact
There are four universities in LeMarche - Urbino,Ancona, Camerino and Macerata. Camerino claims to be the oldest, dating back to 1336, whileAncona was only founded in 1969.

Contact Mario and Viny at Vita Italian Tours a complete itinerary on the ‘Tour of Le Marche Region’ or download the information from the website: www.vitaitaliantours.com

Bologna named ‘most liveable city’ in Italy

vitafamily — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:33:21 +0000

Bologna 12 December - The northern city of Bologna has been named the most liveable city in the country, according to a new survey. Bologna has long been recognised as a centre of arts and culture and is home to the oldest university in the world, the University of Bologna, which was founded in 1088.A poll conducted by the national business daily, Il Sole-24 Ore, announced the finding after assessing the quality of life in 107 provinces across Italy. The survey looked at a number of issues spanning business, work, health and hospital services and the state of the local environment, public services and availability of free time. Bologna's Mayor Virginio Merola welcomed the news saying the city was well-placed to weather the current economic crisis.One of the major assets of the city is its commitment to childcare and education. In 2010 the city offered places for 3,275 children at nursery schools and kindergartens. (ANSA)

La Scala gets off to stunning start with Don Giovanni

vitafamily — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:32:39 +0000

Milan, 8 December - La Scala's 2011-2012 season got off to a stunning start with a warmly received premiere of a production of Mozart's Don Giovanni on Wednesday evening.The show, conducted by the acclaimed Argentinian Daniel Barenboim and directed by Robert Carsen, was greeted by a 11-minute standing ovation during which the performers were showered with flowers. Premier Mario Monti and President Giorgio Napolitano were part of the enthralled audience.

Outside demonstrators jeered the well-heeled as the arrived at the opera house, protesting against the tough budget Monti's emergency government presented on Sunday in a bid to steer out out of its debt crisis.

La Scala, one of the world's most prestigious opera house, was founded in 1778 and has hosted some of the world's finest singers and dancers for more than 200 years. For its 2011-2012 season, La Scala will stage 13 operas and six ballets and tour Russia, Switzerland and Austria. photo: Italian President Giorgio Napolitano with his wife at La Scala. (ANSA)

Geithner backs Monti, says U.S. has faith in Italy

vitafamily — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:45:10 +0000

Milan, 8 December - United States Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said America backed Italian Premier Mario Monti's efforts to lift his country out of its debt crisis.''I brought our support for the premier and the country for the efforts being made,'' Geithner said after meeting Monti before the Italian prime minister travels to Brussels for a major summit of European Union leaders in Brussels on the eurozone crisis.''Mario Monti has a great deal of credibility in Europe and around the world''. Monti presented a tough package of measures on Sunday that aims to restore market confidence in Italy's ability to put its public finances in order and start slashing a debt mountain that amounts to around 120% of GDP.Geithner praised Monti's ''strong programme of economic reforms'' and said he was sure that ''Italy will return to growth in the future, not just in Europe, but also in the rest of the world''.For his part, Monti said he was hopeful his package would be approved by parliament soon. (ANSA)

Soccer: Naples wakes up smiling after night of celebration

vitafamily — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:39:34 +0000

Naples, 8 December - Naples inhabitants woke up smiling on Thursday following a night of celebration after Napoli reached the Champions League last 16 with a 2-0 win at Spanish side Villarreal.Progressing from what was called the Group of Death, as it also featured German giants Bayern Munich and star-studded Premier League leaders Manchester City, is being hailed as a historic achievement for a side taking part in the Champions League for the first time.The city went wild when the final whistle was blown late on Wednesday, with people taking to the streets waving flags, jumping into fountains, setting off fireworks and driving around honking horns.Over 2,000 fans went to the city airport early on Thursday to welcome back the team, although the players went out through a back exit without saluting them. The celebrations continued Thursday morning with news stands struggling to meet the demand of customers wanting to read about the massive feat in the sports press. The victory also dominated breakfast conservation at cafe's in the city. (ANSA)

New book celebrates history of Gucci

vitafamily — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:33:44 +0000

Rome, 18 November - Italian fashion brand Gucci has released a new book to mark the company's 90th anniversary. The book was compiled by Gucci's creative director, Frida Giannini, and is a tribute to the designer's colourful history and worldwide expansion from a leather goods producer to diverse fashion empire. Published by Rizzoli, the book contains more than 700 images, many of them never seen by fashion lovers before. The book also contains iconic images of the brand like its famous green and red striped symbol, its famous logo and other items. The tribute is being published in Italian, English, French and German and a luxury edition will be sold in Gucci stores. (ANSA)

Pope blames global crisis on lack of reverence for God

vitafamily — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:43:46 +0000

Vatican City- Pope Benedict XVI said Friday 25 November 2011 that a lack of reverence for the divine has led to the global economic crisis. "The diffusion of this mentality has generated the crisis in which we live today, which is more a crisis of values than of economics," said the pontiff. Speaking at the 25th Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, he said that a trend towards godlessness had gathered pace even before the onset of the crisis. Last week during his visit to Benin, the pope issued a warning against the "unconditional surrender to the law of the market or that of finance". (ANSA)

The Spectacular Cinque Terre

vitafamily — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:33:24 +0000

The Cinque Terre has always captivated the traveller with its extraordinary rugged coastline and beauty. The five villages which make Cinque Terre: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are steeped with fascinating history and vibrant culture. They have been home to generations of simple fishermen and farmers who carefully built terraces on the steep mountainsides overlooking the sea to produce a stunningly beautiful garden landscape.

Due to popular demand, Vita Italian Tours have included a 5 day tour of Cinque Terre in their 2012 itineraries. The tour explores all the five towns which make up the Cinque Terre including Porto Venere and the picturesquePortofino on the Ligurian coast. A highlight is a guided visit to the famous white marble mountains ofCarrara where Michelangelo and many other famous artists chose their marble blocks to create their masterpieces.

The Cinque Terre tour has 2 departures in May and September and has been carefully placed so that travellers can combine this tour with “The Grand Tour of Italy”, The Best of Tuscany,Umbriaand Le Marche Tour” or “Tour of Le Marche Region”.

There is a 10% discount to travellers who combine The Cinque Terre Tour with another tour offered by Vita Italian Tours. This offer applies only if booking is made directly with Vita Italian Tours.

Contact Mario and Viny for details of their itineraries on 03 94607373.

Venice and the High Tide

vitafamily — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:12:36 +0000

Venice 29 November - High tide in Venice is an expression quite in use even on TV news. It is the phenomenon of flooding that periodically happens on the Adriatic Sea and has its most visible effects on the Venetian Lagoon.

Sea level is determined by various factors: wind strength and direction, different atmospheric pressure and rain and the effects of all these factors influences the amount of water getting into the three main port gates of Venice: Lido, Malamocco and Chioggia. This means that when the tide is a metre over the average level, the parts of the city that are lower than a metre above the water level, such as Saint Mark’s Square are covered with water up to 20 centimetres. The phenomenon is typical of Autumn and doesn’t’ happen all year long and many parts of the city are not low.

In any case there are no reasons to worry, the Venetian Government warns its citizens and visitors to the City with sirens or electronic services such as SMS. This makes the population ready to face the event. Plastic boots and footbridges are used to move around the City when the tide is exceptionally high, however this rarely happens. Bulkheads are raised in front of doorsteps to prevent the water flooding houses and shops on the ground floor. So if you hear sirens be prepared for high water. It can’t be denied that the high tide is a discomfort and a problem for visitors toVenice. However, this is a Venetian peculiarity. And what an experience for tourists to walk aroundVenice wearing plastic boots! (Venice Tourism)

Introduction of the Tourist Tax

vitafamily — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:21:50 +0000

A number of cities in Italy have opted to apply the recently introduced tourist tax. The tax is in addition to the accommodation bill at hotels, hostels and camping sites. The rates are not uniform and vary in different cities, but generally the tax must be paid by the traveller directly to hotel management.

Tourist taxes in Italy’s major cities are as follows:

Rome
2 euros per person, per night for all accommodation (excluding 4 and 5 star hotels)
3 euros per person, per night for 4 and 5 star hotels

Venice
1 euro per person, per night for 1 star hotels
2 euros per person, per night for 2 star hotels & all other non-hotel accommodation
3 euros per person, per night for 3 star hotels
4 euros per person, per night for 4 star hotels
5 euros per person, per night for 5 star hotels

Florence
1 euro per person, per night for 1 star hotels
2 euros per person, per night for 2 star hotels
3 euros per person, per night for 3 star hotels
4 euros per person, per night for 4 star hotels
5 euros per person, per night for 5 star hotels

To avoid confusion for travellers on a Vita Italian Tour the tourist tax will be included in the price of the tour.
(Information supplied by Enit Sydney)

Vita Italian Tours are delighted to launch a new website.

vitadmin — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 07:17:29 +0000

Vita Italian Tours are delighted to launch a new website. It is with great pleasure that we launch the new Vita Italian Tours website. We anticipate that it will be easier for you, the traveller, to navigate the new website to obtain the relevant information about our tours.

In addition to being easy to navigate the new website includes:

• detailed itineraries of each Vita Italian Tour, which can be downloaded

• a testimonials page with a photo gallery which will revive memorable experiences for many of you.

• interesting articles on various aspects of Italian life

• frequent updating to keep you informed of the latest news on the Italian travel scene

We are mindful of the fact that not everybody has access to the internet and we will continue to provide our quality, personalised service, which includes mailing out newsletters and itineraries regarding our new tours.

To celebrate and mark the launch of our new website, Vita Italian Tours is offering a $200 discount on all our tours to travellers who book directly with us, using either our new booking form, which can be downloaded from the new website, or, for those who do not have access to the internet, simply call us directly on 03 94607373

* This offer does not apply to travellers booking a Vita Italian tour through a travel agent.

* This offer is valid until the end of 2012

We look forward to planning your trip with you,

Mario, Viny & Gianni Vitellone