Italy a Visit to Civita Di Bagnoregio

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Between the Tevere River and Bolsena lake, in the green latium countryside, on the top of a clay hill, rises the small town “Civita di Bagnoregio”.

Civita appears isolated on a cliff spur to dominate the around valley and, thanks to this isolation, the town shows intact its medieval architectonical structure.

Joined to Bagnoregio, and to the world, through only one bridge, Civita appears in an unreal isolation due to landslip series and downfall of argillaceous ground on which the entire town is built and that is still in danger.

The History of Civita and Bagnoregio links each to other and the legend wants that Longobardi’s king Desiderio named the city Bagnoregium after he was there to cure serious disease with local thermal water (Bagnoregio is a word composed by bagno (means: bath) and regio (regal, king)).

The urban planning of the city is of Etruscan origin, constituted from ortogonal alleys as Etruscan and later roman use, while the entire architectonic has medioeval and rinascimentale styles. Several sculptures of medieval age, pertaining to buildings destroyed for continuous landslips are inglobated on the arc and in the wall to the sides of town access gate.

The heart of the village of Civita is constituted from San Donato square, on which the cathedral dome rises. The cathedral was built in centuries VII – VIII, over a more ancient pagan temple. The building was widened in the XI XII when a bell tower was built too. In origin the cathedral had to be faced from a porch, today destroyed, like us testifies the rests of two columns placed the facade. Inside, the building, has three naves splitted by columns of medieval origin.

Always in San Donato square, on the left of the bell tower, there is a passage that leads to the building of medieval jails, while on the southern side of the square we have “Via della Maest” where we can see fragments of typical longobard sculptures. At the end of this road there were the gate of the Maest, collapsed with the church of “Santa Maria della Maest” after a landslip in 1695. From there, a narrow lane came down to the water sources of Civita, in particular to source

of the Columns and in the zone called “dell’Uncino” (hook), where, for the legend, was located the thermal source from which Bagnoregium name derived.

Italy a Visit to Civita Di Bagnoregio

Areas to Visit on Mediterranean Yacht Charters

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Mediterranean yacht charters are one of the most popular destinations for a sailing vacation. This area is the birthplace of modern civilizations. You can explore ruins dating to 3000 BC. The area offers a unique blend of the old and the new. The landscape is the result of a variety of geological activity over millions of years, including earthquakes, volcanoes and shifting of the earths plates. The result is breathtaking scenery for sailing.

Options for Mediterranean Yacht Charters

Bareboat Yacht Charters

Bareboat charters work just as it sounds. You are chartering the ship and nothing else. If you are qualified, you can skipper the boat yourself. You will have to show proof of your sailing experience before you are allowed to skipper a chartered yacht. Most companies will take you out on a short trip and have you demonstrate your abilities. If you are unable to do this, you will not be able to take the boat without a crew.

If you dont have the sailing experience, you will need to hire a skipper. In most cases, the charter company or yacht broker can help you find someone. In some cases, you can arrange for sailing lessons, at an additional cost. Bareboat trips include no supplies or food. You will need to shop before you arrive at the marina.

Crewed Charters

With a crewed charter, you can generally take a larger yacht. The size of the crew varies according to the ship and number of guests. You will at least have a captain and a cook. The cook will prepare your meals according to your tastes. The menu will be discussed prior to the cruising.

Some people choose this method because they arent qualified to sail. Others can sail, but prefer to relax on a yachting vacation and not have the responsibility of being the captain. You will have more time to relax in luxury or enjoy activities like water skiing or scuba diving with a crew to look after the boat.

Flotillas

A flotilla is a group of yachts sailing together. This is a great option for less experienced skippers. You captain your ship and gain experience in sailing. The flotilla leader is on a nearby yacht to offer guidance, assistance and support as needed. If this is your first time sailing on your own, a flotilla is an excellent option. A charter broker can put you in touch with a group and help you plan your trip.

Areas to Visit

Once you have decided how you will travel, you will need to decide where you want to go on your holiday cruise. When you charter sailing yacht in Greece, the company will help you set your itinerary. The Ionian Sea offers seven islands: Paxos, Antipaxos, Corfu, Ithaca, Lefkas, Zakynthos and Kafalonia. There is plenty to explore in this area that ranges 180 nautical miles from the northern to southern islands.

The Ionian boasts beautiful weather and excellent wind conditions for smooth sailing. The islands offer beautiful beaches and lush vegetation. For evening, there are lively ports bustling with activity and night life. Your crew will help you find activities that interest you and assist in making reservations.

You may prefer to sail the Aegean. The Greek Cyclades Islands consist of fifteen islands in the Aegean. Your charter company will help you set an itinerary and decide which islands to visit. The beautiful waters of the Aegean offer great sailing. The summers are cool and the winters are mild. There is a good mixture of villages and country side to visit on your trip.

Choosing a Company for Mediterranean Yacht Charters

You can either book your trip through the charter company or through a charter broker. The fees for a broker are paid by the charter company. In either case, look for a reputable company that has been in business for ten years or more. Brokers deal with charters in Europe, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. A good broker will be familiar with the charter companies and the ships. Ask for references from people who have travelled with the company in the past.

Areas to Visit on Mediterranean Yacht Charters

Paphos Cyprus Top 5 Places to Visit

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Top 5 places to visit when staying in Paphos, Cyprus on your off season holidays. A mixture of history and pure leisure pleasure. Places normally too hot and busy to visit in the summer heat open themselves up at these perfect times of the year. Escape the cold of home and enjoy some Paphos sunshine during spring, autumn and winter holidays in Cyprus.

Paphos, Cyprus – Top 5 Places to Visit

1. Tomb of The Kings

Spread over a vast area, these impressive subterranean burial chambers were built in Paphos from 3rd Century BC to the 3rd Century AD. They are carved out of solid rock with some being decorated with Doric pillars. Put on your walking shoes and climbing pants and don’t be afraid to get yourself a little dirty at this site. Fun to explore and full of some very atmospheric places.

2. Paphos Mosaics

Cyprus history proclaims Aion as the Greek God of eternity. The house of Aion has an amazing five-paneled mosaic which shows the Greek God in the unenviable position of having to judge what appears to be a beauty contest.

‘Unenviable?!’, I hear our modern day Gods proclaim.

The difference in this beauty contest is that his choice lies between the ordinary and smug looking Queen Cassiopeia and a number of much prettier, but unhappy looking Nereides water nymphs.

I’m sure that all of you will be able to guess who the eventual winner is!!

3. Aphrodites Rock

The most awe inspiring piece of coastline to be seen in Cyprus, when the sun is out, and I defy any couple, regardless of how young or old, to not be bewitched by it’s spell. Of all ancient Greek myths, the story of Aphrodite’s creation will bring water to your eyes, but the story lives on as one of the well known legends surrounding this stunning rock formation.

Cronos was begged by his mother Gaia to be released from the embraces of her husband Uranus. In order to assist his mother in her plight, Cronos castrated his father with a sickle and threw his genitals into the sea. The foam gathered around them and the Goddess rose from the sea as a fully grown woman.

4. St George Fishing Harbour

I recommend that you visit this memorable place in Paphos with someone very special to you and a camera. Arrive late afternoon and watch the fishing boats come in with their daily catch. Have a drink or two at the beach side bar but don’t stay too long before securing yourself a spot on the harbour wall. Take along the camera or video and make sure you have plenty of film as this is one of those special places to catch the most romantic of sunsets in Cyprus. Enjoy!

5. Sterna Winery

Located on the outskirts of the village of Kathiskas, 15 mins drive from Paphos. Be entertained by the charismatic Cypriot owner who will treat you to free wine tasting and a tour of this very small winery. Do not miss out on their own peach schnapps – powerful enough to blow your head off and must be thrown back in one go. If you make a purchase of their very fine wines you will probably find that a complimentary bottle of schnapps is thrown in. Not recommended to light the Xmas pud with!

Paphos Cyprus Top 5 Places to Visit

A Visit to the Main Resorts of Valenica and Catalonia Spain - Barcelona

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Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain, and covers a large expanse of the Catalonian coastline. The city is built around its port, which is one of the busiest in the Mediterranean, though many would believe that it is built around its football club FC Barcelona (Barca) which is a major player in both the Spanish football league as well as the international.

Much more than just the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona with its international airport is a “major league player” on the world stage, having hosted the 1888 World Fair and more recently, the 1992 Olympic games.

The city can be dated back to a Roman settlement in the 2nd century BC, and has been occupied by differing Mediterranean tribes over the centuries each leaving their own identity on the area. The old town is the best place to see this within the many architectural designs and facades that adorn the buildings. Barcelonas most famous street is Las Ramblas, a busy street 24 hours a day, though more so at the weekends and during the evenings. Market stalls, souvenir sellers, street traders, musicians and street acts keep you entertained as you stroll along the tree shaded walkway or drink cafe americano from the many cafes lining the street.

The Barri Gotic, Gothic Quarter is home of the cathedral and royal palace and the oldest part of the city. The Sagrada Familia is a work of art by Antoni Gaudi, it is the citys most bizarre building and was built when the city was in a period of modernist revival.

Valencia

Situated in the middle of the Costa del Azahar, which runs down Spains eastern coastline, Valencia, the city where El Cid, a famous Spaniard and folk hero who battled the might of the Moorish armies, is one of the most vibrant cities in Spain. Renowned for its nightlife and outdoor living, the city is bathed in a micro-climate, which explains both the party atmosphere and the garden plantations of oranges that surround the city and the local area. Valencia has both an International Airport and also a busy port. You can catch a ferry to the Balearic Islands from here.

Built by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, Valencia again, as with most Spanish cities, has a wealth of history and Moorish influence that is still evident today in some of the buildings that mingle together with more modern and modernistic designs. The city centre is dominated by the cathedral, originally built in 1262. The towers of the cathedral offer fine views over the city. Valencia has a modern tramway system which also connects the beaches to the east with their lively promenade full of bars and eateries.

Gandia

The small city of Gandia, is on the southern edge of the Costa del Azahar. Valencia is the closest major city to the north by about 1 hour and it is here that you will find the international airport that serves this region. Once an important cultural town, formally run by the Duke of Gandia, the city is now more of a tourist destination, though the region is still important commercially for the orange industry, which is evident from the millions of orange groves that surround the regions and the fragrant aroma they exude.

A Visit to the Main Resorts of Valenica and Catalonia Spain - Barcelona

A Visit to Ronda Malaga and Nerja Spain

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Malaga is the capital city of the Costa del Sol, it is also one of the provinces of Andalusia, a port city and also the location for the international airport which is the largest airport in Spain.

The population of Malaga and the surrounding area is estimated at over 1,000,000 and this number swells in the summer with the influx of visitors. Malaga is surrounded by mountains and there are two rivers, the Guadalhorce and the Guadalmedina which flow past the city into the Mediterranean.

Malaga has a wealth of history going back over 3,000 years. It was founded by the Phoenicians and named Malaka, meaning salt, probably because of the fish which was salted by the harbour. In the 8th century it was inhabited by the Moors and became an important trading city. In more recent times, tourism has naturally boosted the economy.

Malaga is a very popular tourist destination, made more so in recent years, because of the number of cheap charter flights which now operate in and out of the international airport. But it is also from here that people can reach a large part of Andalucia and may choose to stay in the famous white villages or the historic cities of Sevilla or Granada.

There is plenty to do and see in Malaga the Arabic Fortress, the Gibralfaro Castle from where there is a beautiful view over the city, the harbour which is one of the most important in Spain and various museums, cathedrals and churches as well as, of course, the bullring and it can also be known as the birthplace of the actor, Antonio Banderas!

Nerja

Nerja is found at the eastern tip of the Costa del Sol, approximately 50 km from Malaga, 1 hour and 15 minutes from Granada and the infamous Alhambra Palace and from there just another half an hour to reach the skiing regions of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Nerja is steeped in history and is well known for the primitive paintings in the Nerja Caves, which were discovered in the late 1950s and which have now become one of the most visited tourist attractions in Spain. The caves are also home to the worlds longest stalactite. Nerja is also famous for the Balcon de Europa, the balcony of Europe. A wonderful promenade which sits between two small coves on the edge of a towering cliff which was once the sight of a great Moorish castle. It offers magnificent views across the Mediterranean as well as numerous bars and cafes where one can sit sipping refreshments while enjoying the scenic surroundings.

Nerja has some lovely beaches which are mostly rocky coves with sharp sand and there are some good restaurants along the beaches which specialise in local fish dishes. The old town of Nerja has small, narrow streets which are busy in the summer and the weekly market is held on a Tuesday.

Nerja is also becoming a popular destination for walkers exploring the mountainous areas of the Sierra Almijar and the Sierra Tejeda.

Nerja has a wide range of good hotels as well as many private apartments and villas to choose from where you can enjoy your holiday and the surrounding area.

Ronda

Ronda is one of the most beautiful historic towns in Andalucia and is part of the province of Malaga. Ronda can be found approximately 50 kilometres from the coastal town of San Pedro de Alcantara along a very winding road through the mountains, the Serrania de Ronda and it is 113km from Malaga. Ronda has a population of approximately 35,000 people and it is 739m above sea level. The average year round temperature is 15C and has around 2700 hours of sunshine per year.

There is lots to do and see in Ronda. It is famous for having the oldest bullring in Spain and together with the New Bridge, the Puente Nuevo, these are two of the symbols of Ronda. The New Bridge is, in fact, over 200 years old and took more than 40 year to complete. The masonry stones were brought up from the depths of the Tajo gorge. The Bullring, The Plaza de Toros, is recognized as one of the oldest in Spain and one of the most monumental in design. It took 6 years to build and opened in 1785. The City Museum and the Bullfighting Museum are also very popular sights to visit. The Sierra de las Nieves natural park is within the province and has the most important forest of Spanish firs.

The fair and festival of Pedro Romero is usally held at the beginning of September and is a good time of year for tourists to visit.

Ronda is a wonderful place to visit, but an even better place to stay. There are many lovely villas, apartments or townhouses available to rent or maybe choose to stay in one of the picturesque surrounding villages such as Montejaque or Gaucin.

A Visit to Ronda Malaga and Nerja Spain