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10 Things You Didn’t Know About Versilia Coast and the Cinque Terre 27 Jan 2015

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Versilia Coast and the Cinque Terre

When you hear about traveling to Italy, a lot of people would think of Rome, Florence, Venice, or Milan. These are some of the most popular cities to explore in Italy but the country has more regions to offer.

Italy is a very beautiful country filled with historical sites worth visiting. There’s Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, Naples, Verona, Turin, Bologna, Peruvia, and Genoa. These are considered the best places to go to in Italy being the most famous tourist destinations. However, there are smaller regions you can visit and explore while in Italy.

The Versilia Coast & the Cinque Terre are two interesting places just on the other side of Tuscany. The Versilia Coast has beautiful and expansive beaches while further south are the five cliff-sided villages of the Cinque Terre. You can enjoy these areas by traveling from village to village by train or by a walking trail.

Here are ten (10) things you probably didn’t know about the Versilia Coast and the Cinque Terre:

  • The name Versilia is derived from Vessidia, the ancient German word for water (Wesser/Wasser).
  • Climate in Versilia is usually temperate (mild). This makes it an ideal holiday destination by locals and foreigners visiting the city. Expect about 270 sunny days with pleasant warmth. During winter, it can be cold but you won’t experience any biting cold.
  • The most populated and most famous part of Versilia is Pietrasanta. It is located at the foot of the Apuan Alps, extending along the coastline, from South to North, starting at Stazzema and ending up to Marina di Massa.
  • The old or Historical Versilia consists of four places: Stazzema, Seravezza, Pietrasanta, and Forte dei Marmi.
  • Versilian territory includes both mountain and the sea. It boasts of the longest sandy beaches in Italy.
  • One of the impressive sights in Versilia is the whole range of mountains called the Apuan Alps. It spreads as far as the north-west of Tuscany. There are about 200 caves in the mountains and some of them tourists can visit with special guides.
  • Liberty Style in art is very much evident in Versilia. It started in 1905 but in 1917, Art Deco came to life. You’ll see examples of Art Deco style in Villa Arrighi and Villa Argentina.
  • You can enjoy a lot of local cuisines in Versilia: Luca, Pisa, Massa Carrara, and Genoa.
  • The Cinque Terre are situated in the region of Liguria. It is close to Genoa and the boundary of Tuscany. Cinque Terre landscape was formed by a series of folds that results when rocks were pushed, raised, and pressed together during the Tertiary period.
  • There are five villages forming the Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Monterosso.

Want to visit Versilia Coast and the Cinque Terre? Contact Gateway Destinations and we’ll plan a custom tour just for you.

[SOURCES: 1, 2  [ [IMAGE: Davide Vadalà]

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10 European Destinations to Visit in 2015 20 Jan 2015

10 European Destinations to Visit in 2015

Another year is here once again. It’s time to carefully plan your 2015. Plot your adventures for a more memorable twelve months. If you haven’t traveled much last year, you can always make up this year and go to many places and gain new discoveries.

There may be a lot of interesting places in your state or country but it is highly recommended that you go out of your comfort zones. This year, take the chance of having an exciting experience in some of the top European destinations. Here at Gateway Destinations, we have excellent travel and tour packages to help you experience a wonderful girlfriend getaway, your dream honeymoon, memorable family vacations, or unique specialty tours.

Traveling is important because it gives you a new perspective and new ideas. Traveling will also give you a chance to meet new people, as well as, experience a time out from your stressful life.

So where will 2015 take you? We have listed the Top Travel Trends some of the more popular European destinations. We promise you a memorable trip to these places because we’ve planned them with interesting activities, great places to shop, new things to discover, and more.

Here are Gateway Destinations’ Top European Destinations to Visit this 2015:

1. The Alsatian Wine Route
Taste the crisp, clean wines and relish in the abundant natural beauty of the Alsace region. Its Germanic influence extends to food and architecture, serving up some of the most delicious foods in France and beautiful timbered houses and fortified castles. (READ: Discovering The Alsatian Wine Route)

2. Belle Provence, France’s Southern Jewel
Sunny skies, multi-colored fields, perfumed air, and charming medieval villages await your discovery in beautiful Provence. No other area in France, or Europe for that matter, boasts such a rich tapestry of history, delectable wines, abundantly varied cuisine, and inviting countryside. (READ: Belle Provence Tour: Discover France’s Southern Jewel)

3. Paris Couture & Country Châteaux
Begin your luxurious women-only journey into France exploring exquisite châteaux in the Loire Valley. Taste regional wines at a local vineyard and see how mushrooms are cultivated in limestone caves, while experiencing a regal life in the Valley of the Kings! (READ: 8 Travel Tips to Paris)

4. The Pays Basque & French Pyrénées
A mélange of colors awakes your senses in the Pays Basque and Pyrénées Mountains. Taste the clean salty air of the sapphire blue Atlantic, smell the freshness of the green forests and lush mountain valleys, gaze at vibrant building façades and festive clothing unique to the Basque people, and feel the strong deep traditions embodied in the ancient grey stone of this unique region. (READ: Bask In The Beauty Of Pays Basque & French Pyrénées )

5. Ancient Athens and the Greek Isles
Discover the mythological rich history of Athens with its prominent archaeological wonders of ancient times set in the midst of modern surroundings. Savor great food, enjoy abundant shopping and experience the lively atmosphere of this vibrant city.

6. Corfu & Crete, Greece
Corfu, Greece is a beautiful lush island in the Ionian sea on the west side of mainland Greece. It boasts inviting beaches and offers a variety of fine accommodations and great dining venues. (READ: Travel Tips For Corfu And Crete, Greece )

7. Italy’s Versilia Coast & The Cinque Terre
Spend relaxing days in the “other side of Tuscany,” the Versilia Coast, with its beautiful and expansive beaches. Venture further south to explore the five cliff-side villages of the Cinque Terre.

8. London Theatre & Shakespeare Country
Enjoy one of London’s infamous live theatre performances, contrasting it to a Shakespearean play in the countryside. (READ: London Theatre & Shakespeare Country Tour )

9. Sensational Sorrento & The Amalfi Coast
Bask in sunny southern Italy on the hillside of Sorrento as you enjoy this women-only tour. Enjoy stunning views of the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius from the lovely Hotel Bristol, your base for the entire week. (READ: Experience Sorrento And The Amalfi Coast )

10. Venice, Verona, and Lovely Lake Garda
Revel in the unique beauty of Venice with its impressive architecture and network of intricate and romantic canals. Visit the island of Murano, famous for its beautiful glass designs throughout the world. (READ: Visiting Venice, Verona & Lake Garda )

SOURCE: 1,2 

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Discovering the Alsatian Wine Route 30 Oct 2014

Discovering the Alsatian Wine Route

Alsace has always been known as a popular place where tasty beer and delicious wine abound. The Alsace region is rich in natural beauty. Because of the abundance and the richness of its soil, the most delectable varieties of grapes are grown there.

This little town in France was greatly influenced by its neighboring country, Germany. The Germanic impact actually extends to architecture aside from the food and the wine. When you go on a special tour, specifically an Alsatian Wine Route, you’ll be treated to some of the best wine and food in France. These will be served as you stay inside a beautiful timbered house that will be reserved just for you.

Gateway Destinations can plan your Alsatian journey, which will start in the picturesque and lively town of Strasbourg. This place is known as a World Heritage Site and can be found at the France-Germany border. As you begin the Alsatian Wine Tour, you’ll venture into the countryside and follow the wine route up to the beautiful and historic villages like the must-see Colmar.

In Colmar, you can view the different monuments and districts, as well as, museums that are popular in the country. Discover the tranquil waterways, mountain vistas, and the peaceful valleys in Alsace. You’ll be delighted to know that this simple and quaint town in France is so rich and abundant.

The Alsatian Wine Route is also known for its simple itinerary. Get to learn the greatest wine producers in the region. If you’re lucky, you can witness the wine festivals or the vineyard marathons.

Alsace is known as the second driest spot in France. It is also the white wine capital of France so you may want to take advantage tasting the numerous flavors of wine you can find.

More information about our Alsatian Wine Tour here

 

 

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Belle Provence Tour: Discover France’s Southern Jewel 23 Oct 2014

belle provence france women only tour

You may have gone to Paris already but let me tell you one thing: it’s not the only beautiful town in France. The south of France is where you can find Belle Provence. The name perfectly describes the many things you can discover in this place: sunny skies, perfumed air, and multi-colored fields. These are only some of the many exciting discoveries in France.

The beautiful Provence is home to many charming medieval villages. You’re transported to centuries of the past as you explore this quaint town in Europe. The best way to explore this town rich in history and filled with varied cuisine and delectable wines is on a women-only tour with your favorite girlfriends.

Gateway Destinations can plan a custom women-only tour for you. This inviting countryside is one awesome travel destination that will make you appreciate southern France more. It’s a rich area displaying the abundant beauty of nature and its people.

The women-only journey will start in the Luberon area of Provence. It is where you will be greeted by a gourmet lunch prepared by a very famous chef in town. After a hearty meal, you can enjoy shopping in Belle Provence’s colorful outdoor market where local farmers bring their goods. You can shop fresh produce while exploring the surrounding countryside.

For a more special treat, taste the Rhone wines and chocolates that are so delicious. Enjoy the unique Provençal cuisine and then retreat to a 17-th century hotel in a medial village after a long day of tour.

A bilingual French guide will be your friend while on this trip to Provence, French. Explore Avignon and discover the old home of seven popes.

Gateway Destinations can plan a women-only tour for you and your girlfriends. If you’re searching for Provence tour packages, contact Gateway Destinations’ travel agents and we’d be glad to assist you.

Here’s a rundown of the tour inclusions:
• Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Superior room accommodations
• Transfers to and from Avignon train station, all local transportation
• Entrance fees to wine tasting and sightseeing activities
• Regional wine with dinners
• Cooking class with a well-known local chef
• Local bi-lingual guide and a full-time tour manager

More details on Belle Provence France tour HERE.

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