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Falcons to patrol skies over Colosseum

vitafamily — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:09:00 +0000

Rome, 9 May – Vita Italian Tours Grand Tour of Italy has began in Rome. Here is Mario and the group today after a visit to Italy's most famous landmark: the Colosseum.

Falcons are being introduced to protect Rome’s Colosseum from ruin. Numbers of nesting seagulls, blackbirds and ravens have increased which according to experts has, in recent years, contributed to the rapid decay of the famous monument. Many of the birds peck away at the facade to hide stores of seeds which intern then germinate and weaken the fragile parts of the stonework.

Pest control experts believe falcons or hawks would be the best and most environmentally sustainable method of protecting the building from the birds.

The Colosseum is due to receive a 25 million euro restoration over three years funded by Diego Delle Valle, owner of Le Marche based fine shoe and leather goods brand Tod’s.

Victorian Association of Teachers of Italian Conference 2012

vitafamily — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 04:14:31 +0000

Melbourne, 27 April - Vita Italian Tours were very happy to participate for the third year in a row at the Victorian Association of Italian Teachers (VATI) conference at the Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre in Melbourne.

A big thank you to all of you who visited us at the Vita Italian Tours stand. The Conference offers us a great opportunity to meet teachers and discuss the services that we offer. We enjoyed talking to the teachers and promoting our educational and cultural tours for schools to Italy.

We were buoyed by the great interest shown by teachers who were especially attracted by the fact that we guide the groups throughout their experience. The other important feature of our tours is that we offer historical, cultural and artistic commentary on all places visited during their stay in Italy.

For a detailed and personalised itinerary contact us at Vita Italian Tours.

Women seeking equal rights for Il Palio in Siena

vitafamily — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:46:32 +0000

Siena, 19 April - A group of women from the famous contrada (district) dell'Oca (Goose) have staged a campaign allowing them to compete in Siena's world famous horse race: Il Palio. Out of the 17 districts that make up the city of Siena, the Contrada dell'Oca is the last district to deny women the right to participate in the annual horse race. A group of women took the contrada to court on the grounds of discrimination and as a result of the legal action the thirty women were banned from joining or racing. The group of women are now pursuing further legal action against L'Oca.

Il Palio is a historical horse race that has been held since the mid sixteen hundreds around Siena's beautiful square Piazza del Campo. There are two races held each year in July and August where the feuding contrade (districts) compete for the honour of winning the coverted race. Siena is a featured destination of Vita Italian Tours' The Grand Tour of Italy and The Best of Tuscany, Umbria and Le Marche.

Venice gets that sinking feeling

vitafamily — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:15:53 +0000

Venice, 10 April - A new study has found that Venice’s 117 islands are sinking deeper into the lagoon on average of one to two millimeters each year. A study from the electronic Journal of Geochemistry, Geophysics and Geosystems (G³) found that not only is Venice sinking, its foundations are tilting slightly eastward. The article found these occurances can be attributed to both natural and man made factors which include a rising sea floor, shifting of tectonic plates and decades of pumping groundwater a practice which has now ceased.

In response to the threat of high-water a series of mobile flood barriers designed to protect the lagoon and Venice from the Adriatic sea is expected to be completed in 2014.

Le Marche wines get top prize

vitafamily — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 02:31:44 +0000

Italy 10 April - Le Marche Wines featured heavily in food and wine magazine Gambero Rosso's famous annual wine guide Vini d'Italia (Italian Wines). Eighteen of the magazines much coverted 'Tre Bichieri' awards for Italy's finest wines went to wine producers from LeMarche. Le Marche wine producer Umani Ronchi also took out the award for Italy's best white wine for their Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore "Casal di Serra Vigne Vecchie" 2009.

Gambero Rosso is Italy's pre eminent wine annual. 2012 is the 25 eddition of the magazine and it contains reviews of approximately 20,000 wines from 2,300 wineries. The wines are rated based on bicchieri or glasses with three glasses being the highest rating a wine may receive.

All travellers with Vita Italian Tours visiting Le Marche get the opportunity to taste some of these excellent wines from the region.

Italy Tour with Fitzroy High School

vitafamily — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:50:05 +0000

Amalfi, 24 March - Vita Italian Tours has started their 2012 touring season with a language and cultural experience tour with Fitzroy High School. This tour incorporates visiting the most famous and iconic tourist destinations Italy has to offer together with a language stay in Urbania in Le Marche Region.

Mario and Gianni are leading the students through extended stays in Rome, Florence and Venice. There are also visits to the Republic of San Marino, the Renaissance universtity city of Urbino as well as the historical cities of Siena and San Gimignano.

Above is Mario with students in front of the Duomo of Amalfi, where the school spent two beautiful days in Sorrento enjoying the spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast.

If you have a school planning a trip to Italy Vita Italian Tours has a number of itineraries to suit your school needs and budget. Contact us for a personalised itinerary and quote.

Cinque Terre – Up and running

vitafamily — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:58:51 +0000

Monterosso, 17 March – After reading so much about the devastation of the five towns from the deluge received last November, Gianni and Mario were pleased to find that Cinque Terre is ready for business. We spent several days going to each of the towns to assess the damage. We can report that apart from Vernazza which was particularly affected by the mudslides the other towns will be ready for our first tour to Cinque Terre in May.

There is a hub of activity to get the towns prepared to accept the flood of tourists during the Italian Easter holiday period. Hotel staff, restaurant owners and local residents that we spoke to are confident that Cinque Terre will fully recover from the effects of that freak storm they received last year. On what we have seen we are happy to take our travellers through this amazing part of Italyon our Cinque Terre tours in May and September.

Venice’s Bridge of Sighs finally reopens

vitafamily — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 02:54:07 +0000

Venice, 24 February – Over the last few years travellers on Vita Italian Tours to Venice were confronted with haute couture advertising billboards covering the famous bridge during restoration work. This caused some considerable controversy among the Venetians and the 12 million visitors a year to the site. The three year restoration project cost nearly 3 million Euro. The mayor of Venice, Giorgio Orsini when he reopened the bridge said the bridge had been returned to its “extraordinary splendour and was now completely safe after an operation that was privately funded and cost the public nothing.” The controversy will continue and do not be surprised when you travel on tour around Italy that famous sites will be covered with Armani or Prada advertising.

Vita Italian Tours – Availability

vitafamily — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 01:07:25 +0000

Melbourne, 29 February - Vita Italian Tours would like to advise all travellers the booking situation of our tours in 2012:

Grand Tour of Italy: Departure 7/5/2012 8 spots left
Grand Tour of Italy: Departure 27/8/2012 6 spots left

The Cinque Terre Tour: Departure 23/5/2012 6 spots left
The Cinque Terre Tour: Departure 12/9/2012 4 spots left

Tour of Le Marche: Departure 3/6/2012 fully booked

The Northern Lakes
& Dolomites: Departure 18/6/2012 4 spots left

Opera & Food: Departure 1/8/2012 book now

The Best of Tuscany,
Umbria & Le Marche: Departure 23/9/2012 fully booked

Contact Mario, Viny & Gianni at Vita Italian Tours for information on your next tour to Italy or visit our website: www.vitaitaliantours.com

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)