In ancient times, tossing an apple to a girl was a traditional proposal of
marriage. Catching it meant she accepted.
FYI – The apple tree is a deciduous tree in the Rose family.
The Apple of Your Eye
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Monthly Archives: March 2016
Did you know?
Soldiers do not march in step when going across bridges because they could set cause a vibration, which could be sufficient enough to knock the bridge down.
Our 10 Favorite Hotels in Italy
Roma Ponte Sisto
Hotel Ponte Sisto
Located in the center of downtown Rome, Hotel Ponte Sisto offers easy access to three of Rome’s most famous piazzas within a short five-minute walk. The breathtaking panoramic views of the Eternal City from the hotel make it one of the top hotels in Italy.
Imperial Tramontano
Imperial Tramontano is located in Sorrento overlooking the Gulf of Naples as one of the best Italy hotels. In the summertime, guests can enjoy the hotel’s outdoor pool, private beach, and boat rentals.
Montecatini Alto near Florence
Grand Hotel Tamerici and Principe
Grand Hotel Tamerici and Principe is centrally located among some of Italy’s finest Tuscan dining. The views from the beautiful and elegant suites earn its spot as a top hotel in Italy. Five-star amenities include a free breakfast buffet with traditional Tuscan cuisine, a bar overlooking an outdoor pool and hot tub, as well as a garden terrace.
Hotel Della Conciliazione
Hotel Della Conciliazione, another one of the best Italy hotels, offers sophisticated rooms and suites only a 10-minute walk from St. Peter’s Basilica. This elegant hotel is located in central Rome along some of the famous cobblestone streets.
Grand Canal and Basilica at dusk
Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal
This extravagant hotel is located on the Grand Canal, offering sweeping views from its rooftop restaurant and lounge. Located across the canal from the Santa Lucia railway station, this top hotel in Italy offers easy access to many points of interest.
Hotel Gioberti
Another one of the best Italy hotels, Hotel Gioberti is centrally located in Rome, only a one minute walk to the Termini Station. Offering a complimentary breakfast buffet and chic, modern rooms, this hotel is perfect for Italian city getaways.
Naples and Vesuvius
Grand Hotel Vesuvio
Grand Hotel Vesuvio makes the list of top five-star hotels in Italy with its beautiful views overlooking the Bay of Naples and its bright, colorful rooms. Upgraded rooms offer balconies with sea views to enjoy the beautiful Bay of Naples.
Hotel Semiramide Palace
Hotel Semiramide Palace is located in a quieter area in Castellana Grotte offering simple rooms with an elegant bar and restaurant. The outdoor pool and spa area offer a Turkish bath, which makes it one of the best Italy hotels for relaxing.
Siena
Hotel Garden
Another one of the top hotels in Italy, Hotel Garden is located in Siena with a gorgeous pool and garden terrace. This contemporary hotel is also located near traditional Tuscan dining and offers easy transportation to some of Siena’s most famous attractions.
NH La Spezia
The final property on our list of best Italy hotels is NH La Spezia. This waterfront hotel is only minutes from the La Spezia Centrale train station, and offers complimentary breakfast as well as an elegant restaurant and bar.
Many of our Italy Vacation Packages feature these excellent hotels and more! We’re sure you will find your perfect Italy vacation in either our Escorted Group Tours, our Deluxe Private Independent Tours, or our Italy By Your Design Tours featuring City and Regional Stays. You can also customize most of our pre-planned packages to fit your needs by adding: airfare, extra nights before or after the tour, sightseeing tours, a car rental or transfers.
“Thank you too, for setting up our wonderful trip in November. I look forward to the next one!” — Lindy from Connecticut
E’ Primavera in Abruzzo
The Abruzzo region is so diverse – from its shoreline on the Adriatic coast, to its small quaint towns on the hilltops, to the majestic peaks of the Maiella Mountains, Abruzzo, has it all.
Castello dei Semivicoli – Casacanditella (Chieti)
Two years ago, my wife and I spent a few days in a Casacanditella, a small hamlet perched on an enchanted hill, to admire the Maiella Mountains and the surrounding landscape. Gabrielle d’Annunzio referred to this location as “Il terrazzo d’Abruzzo”.
The only place one can overnight is at the Castello dei Semivicoli, a Baronial house with only 10 rooms, built by il Barone Pernicone between the 17th and 18th century.
In the early 1980’s Mr Gianni Masciarelli took over the property and started producing selected wines from Montepulciano grapes and turned the home into a Castle for guests to enjoy the wonderful surroundings and great wine.
A few words on the Masciarelli family: Gianni became a great wine producer, but part of the Masciarelli family immigrated to the USA from San Martino sulla Marrucina at the turn of the last century.
In the USA, Anthony Masciarelli, an industrial film producer, changed his last name to Marshall after he arrived in the Bronx. In 1934 and in 1943 Gary Marshall and Penny Marshall were born and went on to conquer Hollywood.
Whether its wine in Abruzzo or great films in America the Masciarelli family became great producers.
“il Coperto”
Many restaurants in Italy charge a small fee called “il coperto” to cover the cost of a table set-up such as the tablecloth, napkins, silver ware, bread etc. However, the origin of this practice started for a different and humble reason that dates back to the Middle Ages.
During this period, many faithful individuals flocked to Rome, from England and France, on a pilgrimage seeking redemption. The easy way to get to Rome was by taking Via Francigena which crossed many towns and finally ended in Rome.
Once the pilgrims crossed the Alps, the villages and towns folks, along the way, offered a safe area under “il portico” to allow the faithful to rest-up and have some food before continuing on their long journey. The locals, who were very supportive of the pilgrims, would make a collection of food and clothes and bring it to “il portico” as a charitable and honorable act.
Maybe tomorrow’s restaurateurs could collect “il coperto” to fund organizations that want to feed the poor of the world and not use the money to defray their costs. A new idea from an old custom is still a great action. Meals-on-Wheels is not a bad idea after all isn’t it?