Trevi fountain, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

Children have special needs and expectations, and they have to be at least partly satisfied otherwise the vacation can turn into torture for everybody present. What can be interesting for you will probably be no big deal for the little ones and the opposite – children enjoy things in which you see no sense.

Rome – the capital of Italy – is one great destination for visiting. There is almost no one in Europe and in the world that will not love to see this old and beautiful city. And the best part of the offer is that is as interesting for the children as it is for you with its numerous ruins and long stories about the past battles.

The Coliseum should be the first place to start with. It is one major monument, significant part of which is kept till today. Being one of the major buildings in the ancient Rome, it is still keeping the central position in the modern life of the capital. The Coliseum is situated in the heart of the city on the right bank of the river, crossing it, which is Tiber. This is good because you will not wander too much until you find it. It is almost fifty meters high so it is easily seen from most parts of the city. The children will love to jump in the wholes, where were the old corridors of the Coliseum or up and down the tribunes, forming very good for playing stairs.

Coloseum, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

The next stop can be the Fountain di Trevi – one unique piece of architecture. It is situated in the center of the city as well and is considered to be one of the most romantic places in the planet. It may bring you back to the memories of the beginning of your life as family and wake-up sweet memories for great moments in your life. It is interesting with the combination of details and ornaments in its architecture. The original time of its building is going back to the Baroque times.

Saint Peter’s Square – the republic in the republic – this in one part of Rome which will leave both you and your children with wide open eyes and mouth. On the way to the incredible Vatican you can do some shopping or stop at the numerous restaurants and bars for a rest. The city of the Pope inside will offer many nice spots for observing like the statues of the saints, with you will see wherever you look. St. Patrick’s Basilica is one point of interest inside the square which deserves special attention. Leave some time to visit the Vatican museum, which is situated just adjacent to the Basilica.

Saint Peter’s Square, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

Last children can see the ruins of the Roman forum. It is close to the Coliseum and the complex of the forum consists of several smaller and bigger monuments. Former center of the political life of the city, today this is a venue for long walks, observation and endless games for the kids, who can run up and down and hide in the numerous places, which will seem good for this purpose.

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Evening in Venice – just before the great storm / Photo by admin

Most Romantic Time of Year to Visit

Venice, or Venezia, as it’s known to the locals, has the best weather in late spring and early summer. Unfortunately, that also makes it the busiest, most crowded and most expensive time of year to go. Skip summer altogether, as the heat and the smell from the canals is decidedly unromantic. Autumn is a possible alternative as the weather cools and the crowds thin. However, it also marks the start of high water season which can sometimes be inconvenient – and wet. The best bargains and fewest crowds can be found during the winter, but be ready to bundle up since winters are indeed cold. On the bright side, snuggling up to keep warm can be very romantic.

Most Romantic Things to See and Do

While just about any activity can be romantic if you’re in love, there are certain things to see and do in Venice that are particularly romantic. From gondola rides to simply losing yourself in the city, the following is a list of the most romantic things to see and do in Venice:

Romantic evening in Venice, Italy / Photo by admin

Go for the Gondola

It may be cliché, but no romantic visit to Venezia is complete without a gondola ride. However, for the most romantic experience possible, it’s good to keep a few things in mind:

• Gondola rides can be expensive. Gondola fares are set, but do get more expensive at night or if they are booked through an agency or your hotel. They are also more expensive the longer they are (average is 40 minutes) or if your gondolier sings (not all do). The fare goes down significantly if you share your gondola with other riders, but that’s not terribly romantic.
• Venice is divided into six neighborhoods. For a more secluded (and possibly less expensive) ride, board a gondola in one of the less busy neighborhoods.
• If you simply cannot afford a gondola, try a traghetto instead. A traghetto is similar to a gondola (though not as romantic) and will take you across the Grand Canal for less than a dollar.

Evening in Venice, Italy / Photo by admin

Sunrise, Sunset

There are several things to do in Venice that are exponentially more romantic when done either at sunrise or at sunset. Here’s just a partial list of the best dawn and dusk has to offer:

• Walk the city at sunrise – While it may be hard to want to get out of bed before dawn, the effort is well worth it. The streets are quiet and empty as the locals are setting up for another gorgeous day. As sunlight begins to flood the city streets, grab a latte at a local café and relax as the city comes to life.
• St. Mark’s Square – This location is magical at both ends of the day. Travelers and romantics in the know recommend dancing in St. Mark’s Square at dawn as one of the most romantic things a couple can do in Venice. If it happens to be close to evening, climb Giotto’s Campanile (bell tower) for a stunning view of the city at sunset.
• Take a twilight photography tour – Walk the city’s most beautiful sites and photograph them while they’re bathed in romantic swatches of color and light. Make sure your tour includes the Bridge of Sighs, a romantic location in its own right.

Lost in Venice, Italy / Photo by admin

Touch a Heart

There is a street in Venice, Sotoportego dei Preti, where those seeking love can find a heart in an arched stone entryway between two houses. Sotoportego dei Preti might be hard to find but legend has it if you’re in a relationship and you touch the heart together, your love will last forever.

Venice is, in a word, romantic. Losing your map and losing yourself in the city is one of the most romantic things you can do. Let the city take you where it will and let your heart lead the way.

Contributing blogger Cora Righton lives for romance, having chased it down the streets of Italy for most of her adult life.

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Colosseum, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

Europe offers endless ways to be explored, and every ‘flirtation’ has nothing to do with the other just like every destination, so the only tough choice standing in your way is which way to go.

And since every journey has to start glamorously and also has to end up this way, Italy is probably the best introduction to Europe’s fascination and splendour being the most convincing representation of an ancient civilization that reached the peak of human abilities. And modern Italy knows how to cherish its rich historical legacy and how to integrate it into the contemporary vision of the country.

Rome is captivating with its fast paced daily life of a capital city and renowned remnants of ancient times scattered through the whole city. Roman culture made one of the greatest and indisputable contributions to the rich cultural life of the continent, and exploring its basis can only give us an idea on where the foundations of this culture lay.

Rome is the place to indulge yourself with la dolce vita pleasures: top notch food, wines and wardrobe renewal – exquisite boutiques of the Italian designers; fluffy ice-cream and foamy cappuccino are just a small part of the things that you can try out. The eternal city, as they call it, possesses eclectic mix of stupendous landmarks and dynamic lifestyle being among the most majestic and romantic places on earth. Similarly to the Ancient Rome, today’s Rome is also built upon seven hills. The central area is called Campo Marcio (named after the god of the war – Mars) and it is the place where the training of the army has been held centuries ago; currently the area is a treasury chest of some of the most eminent sights. Rome’s historical center is part of the cultural heritage of UNESCO with its splendid castles, Roman ruins, refined statues and centuries old basilicas.

Fontana di Trevi, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

What makes Rome more unique than other cities is its incomparable number of landmarks; besides the gorgeous remnants of the Roman Empire, Rome preserved several Medieval neighbours, intricately projected squares, vivid markets and, last but not least – Saint Peter Basilica in Vatican city, being the biggest, richest and most flamboyant church in Italy. Keep in mind that in order to enter its premises, you need to be dressed properly.

The Roman Coliseum is the biggest amphitheater in the Antiquity; it has been opened in 82 AD with festive games proceeding for 1000 days. The Coliseum is an architectural and engineering miracle, symbol of both Roman majesty and cruelty and a present for the Roman citizens. The spectators sat in accordance with their rank, social status and sex. The emperor himself had his own marble box on the first row; the senators used to take the seats with the best view around him. The next most attractive seats had been occupied by the richest and most influential citizens followed by the ordinary men; the women from the populace took the worse places in the upper sectors. The games started out as glorification of the gods but quickly lost their religious twang, and only the spectacle remained, often a bloody and a fierce one. Among the most popular were the battles between gladiators and between animals. There are also fights where animals tear criminals to pieces.

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Old Town harbour at night, Dubrovnik, Croatia by hozinja

There are so many awesome places to visit and fabulous things to do in Croatia that you would never be able to pack them all into one trip. However, while you’re there, don’t miss out on these three outstanding places and activities.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is among the most romantic cities in the world. The southern-most point in Croatia is even more romantic than Paris. It’s surrounded by the clear, beautiful waters of the Adriatic Sea. The walls of the city were built in the medieval period. During the Croatian War of Independence, Dubrovnik was bombed heavily from 1991 to 1995. Most of the wreckage has been repaired, but you can still see residual mortar damage and bullet holes in the stone houses. While you’re in Dubrovnik, check out the Bell Tower. Bronze statues on top of the tower strike a gigantic bell on the hour. Rector’s Palace is home to a Croatian historical museum. Placa Stradum, also called Old Town, is in the center of the city. The perpendicular streets are lined with tourist shops and sidewalk cafes. Many of the buildings date back to the mid-1600s. At night, Placa Stradum is filled with people enjoying the pleasant weather and the excitement of the city.

Marina Kremik

After visiting Dubrovnik, go to Marina Kremik for a Croatia yacht charter from “The Split,” which is right in the center of the coastline. You’ll never forget leisurely sailing across the crystal clear Adriatic waters. Marina Kremik sits in a picturesque bay surrounded by vineyards that are hundreds of years old. These are the vineyards that produce the famous Babic wine. Kremik is one of the nicest ports in the entire world. It is well-lit and secure. If you love the sea, you will absolutely love Marina Kremik. The Kornati National Park and Split Airport are only about 30 km from the marina. Kremik has shopping, a seaside restaurant and all the facilities you need to sail around the Adriatic Sea.

Mljet, Croatia by Bruno

The Island of Mljet

The third must-see destination in Croatia is the Island of Mljet, which is famous for world-class SCUBA diving. Mljet has underwater caves, coral reefs and an abundance of unique, exotic sea life. It is home to the largest stony coral reef in the entire Mediterranean Sea. The elongated island is parallel to the Peninsula of Peljesac and directly across the Mljetski Channel, which is only eight km wide. Mljet is very close to Dubrovnik. Some people believe that Mljet is Homer’s fabled island of Ogygia, which was mentioned in his epic tale “The Odyssey.” It is where the goddess Calypso enchanted Odysseus and kept him as her lover for seven years when he traveled home from the Trojan War. There is a cave near Babino Polje that resembles Calypso’s lush hideaway. It is uncertain whether Mljet was Homer’s inspiration, but it is beautiful enough to be a mythical paradise.

Jesse Dugan and his team of expert writers guest blog for sites all over the web in several different categories. Follow him @JesseDugan

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Antonis Lamnatos

Lake Como is the most diverse and most attractive lake of all the Italian lakes. It is surrounded by alpine peaks, forested hills and lush vegetation. The mild climate makes ideal conditions for flowering gardens on its banks and many places around the lake are also used as a climatic spa. Lago di Como lies at an altitude of 197 m and the length of its shore is 170 km. The lake is widely popular among tourists especially for the great possibilities for hiking and doing sports. Swimming here is in the summer basically comparable with the sea. Lake is also suitable for scuba diving and windsurfing.

In the vicinity of Lago di Como are lots of interesting places worth visiting. To visit them you can use the roads along the coast or local shipping and ferry transport. The most famous resort on the lake is a town Como.

View Lake Como – one of the most romantic places in Italy in a larger map

The historic center of town is full of the historical monuments and interesting shops. The dominant of the city center is the church Duomo, which was founded in the 14th century. Its construction lasted four centuries and today it features pretty facade. Next to the church you can see the Palazzo Govia, which houses a historical museum of Giuseppe Garibaldi. Another important monument in Como is the Town Hall Broletto dating from the 13th century. Among the rare secular monuments are the Lombard Romanesque churches of San Fedele and Sant ‘Abbondio. All these monuments can be found in the medieval fortifications that surround the city. Como has a wonderful Sant’Agostino port from which you can get to the only island in the lake – Comacina.

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