The Different Types of Accommodation in Italy

If you are visiting Italy for the first time, you will have to look for the kind of accommodation that would suit your budget and your travel itinerary. There is a standard star-classification system for hotels in Italy, ranging from deluxe five-star to one-star. The rates, however, vary between provinces. Prices are generally more affordable during the off-season months of November, December, January, February, and March. The accommodation rates usually include taxes, service, heating and/or air-conditioning.

Bed and Breakfast

Italian B&Bs are small hotels that offer rooms on a bed-and-breakfast basis. They are generally affordable and offer enough comfort for travelers. You will find a lot of bed and breakfast accommodations in the most popular parts of Italy and you can actually just scout for one once you get there.

Affitacamere

Affitacamere are rooms for rent in private homes. There is no standard rating for this type of accommodation. If you need to get more information, search for references in a local tourist office or read online reviews. You can make reservations through the Associazone Gestori Alloggi Privati (AGAP).

Agriturismi

These are farm-based houses that are normally rented out on a weekly basis. Some owners prefer shorter terms like two to three nights stay. Farm holidays are ideal for families that have young children. The kids will surely enjoy the scenery and the sight of farm animals. To get more information and a listing of agriturismi in a particular town or province, get in touch with Agriturist, Terranostra, or Turismo Verde.

Image source: affaritaliani.libero.it

Youth Hostels

Youth hostels in Italy are managed by the Associzione Italiana Alberghi per la Gioventu, which is based in Rome. You will hostels in most places, even in major Italian cities. They’re cheap and perfect for people who are traveling on a budget. Youth hostels in Italy do not have an age limit or impose a curfew. You do not have to be a YHA member either.

Other popular types of accommodation in Italy include convents, monasteries, and other religious institutions. You can obtain information about these places through local tourist offices.

Recommended Reading:

Bed and Blessings Italy: A Guide to Convents and Monasteries Available for Overnight Lodging

by June Walsh

* This article first appeared in ExpertsColumn. Published with permission from the author.

The Most Visited Spas in Tuscany

Your tour of Tuscany is not complete without a spa experience. Tuscany is one of the most important spa regions in Italy. The springs used in Roman times are the same springs you can enjoy today. Here is a list of the most visited spas in Tuscany:

Chianciano Terme – This is the most visited spa in Tuscany with nearly 2 million people coming every year.

Montecatini Terme – Close behind is the Montecatini Terme spa with over 1.5 million visitors every year.

You might also want to check out Tuscany’s grotto-spas and hot springs. Monsummano Terme probably is the most visited grotto-spa in the region. The most popular hot springs are: Bagni di Lucca, Bagni San Flippo, Caldana, San Carlo, San Casciano dei Bagni, San Guiliano, San Giovanni, Montepulciano, Petriolo, and Saturnia.

Related post:

The National and Regional Parks of Tuscany http://www.bubblews.com/news/442220-the-national-and-regional-parks-of-tuscany

* Photo shows Bagno Vignoni, a hot spring and spa resort in Tuscany

Kid-Friendly Activities and Workshops in Florence, Italy

Traveling to Florence in Italy becomes more meaningful with cultural experiences that introduce the city's rich culture and history. If you are planning to visit the place with very young kids, you may want to consider signing them up for workshops and activities that can help them appreciate more the culture and art of Florence.

Inquire at these places for kid-friendly tours, workshops and activities:

Palazzo Vecchio

For kids age 8 and above, Palazzo Vecchio offers a tour of the place’s secret passageways accompanied by actors and animators. Workshops, experiments and historic re-enactments are also provided at the Museo dei Ragazzi (Children’s Museum). Younger kids are welcome to spend time at the play area “di Bia e Garcia”. Stay at the Children’s museum is free with entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio. Booking is recommended.

Museo e Parco Stibbert

School-age children interested in the history of war can check out the tools of ancient warfare at the Museo e Parco Stibbert (Stibbert Museum and Park, Via Stibbert 26). This museum has a fascinating collection of ancient weapons, medieval standards and samurai swords.

Museo di Storia Naturale “La Specola”

Youngsters will learn much about natural history at the Museo di Storia Naturale “La Specola” (La Specola Museum of Natural History, Via Romana 17). This museum owns a rich collection of anatomical waxworks and over 5,000 animal specimens.

Biblioteca dei Ragazzi Santa Croce

Little bookworms will find a great selection of books in Italian and in English at the Biblioteca dei Ragazzi Santa Croce (Children’s Library in Santa Croce). Other than the library’s huge selection of books, kids can take advantage of various activities from book-readings to puppet shows.

Ludoteca Centrale

An indoor play area is available for smaller kids at the Ludoteca Centrale (Children’s Recreational Center, Piazza SS, Annunziata). Admission is free.
While many of these places admit children for free, the activities and workshops may limit seating and the number of participants per session. To avoid wasting time, call the establishment a day before and inquire about tour and workshop schedules.

Copyright 2013 Tip Sheet Writer

Guided Walking Tours in Florence

Walking tours are a great way to explore Florence, Italy. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone with limited travel time, you will find a guided walking tour that suits you and your companions.

You may want to consider any of these three guided walking tours in Florence:

Florence Introduction Tour

This guided walking tour includes history and insider’s information on Florence. If you are a first-time visitor, this is the perfect choice. You can book through via www.initaly.com. Packages are available for two people, three to six people, and seven to 10 people.

Mercurio Tours

For tourists with limited travel time, take on one-day walking tours through Florence’s past and present. These tours include guided visits to the Uffizi, Accademia, bargello, Palazzo Pitti and Medici Chapels. Tours cost include museum entry. Go to www.mercurio-italy.org for more details about tour packages.

Walking Tours of Florence

These tours offer a three-hour tour of Florence by day and a one and a half hour night tour, trips around the Uffizi and a performance tour of the Palazzo Pitti. Children may be offered free tours. Inquire at www.artviva.com for more information.

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