A holiday shouldn’t just be an escape from your day-to- day routine, as in reality it is much more than that. While there’s no getting away from the fact it can be a well-earned break from the norm, a holiday should also provide you with an unforgettable experience.
A great way to help ensure this is the case is to choose a holiday which is also quite adventurous, or something which offers you a luxury experience you certainly won’t ever forget. You may be wondering whether or not such places exist, but you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of options around Europe you could consider.
One country in particular can provide such holiday opportunities in a variety of ways, namely Italy. This beautiful country is home to many different adventure and luxury vacations and to give you a little inspiration, we’ve listed a number of examples you might want to consider.
Rome
The capital city of Italy is of course brimming with different tourist attractions – and as such, it makes for a fantastic adventure. During your stay here, you can go on walking tours around the city and take in the rich Roman and Italian history that can be found around the center.
This is probably a better choice as a shorter break though, particularly if you have children with you as you could theoretically take in most of the major sights in a few days. If this is more to your tastes, then it might be an idea to spend a little more and choose a top star hotel as well.
While in Rome don't overlook a quick trip over to Pisa. There is, of course, the leaning tower, but Pisa is so much more than that. Loads of adventure to be found in this adorable little town.
The Italian Lakes
There’s the great outdoors and then there’s the Italian Lakes. If your idea of adventure is taking in breath-taking scenery, then do as the Romans first started doing nearly 2,000 years ago and holidaying in this stunning region of Northern Italy. There are plenty of accommodation options like lake-side villas and resorts, and even camping holidays from providers like Eurocamp. With the latter, you could also add to your fun by having the freedom to explore the local area with greater ease.
Tuscany
If it’s decadence you’re after, then a stay in Tuscany can hit the spot. There are many picturesque and artistic towns dotted about this region, with the higher-end spots offering a bounty of extravagant culinary opportunities. These towns also mean there’s something cultural to take in, especially in the region’s capital city of Florence.
Amalfi Coast
Another option for those seeking pure luxury on their Italian holiday is the Amalfi Coast. With its south-Westerly location on the Mediterranean you can expect warm weather in the summer, and of course, charming coastal towns for you to relax and soak up the rays. Limoncello is also widely-produced in this area, so remember to add to your indulgence by treating yourself to a glass or two of this Italian classic liqueur.
Sardinia
Sardinia is another winning option for those looking for a mix of luxury and adventure. The adventure comes from exploring what the island has to offer which includes Roman and Byzantine ruins, a World Heritage Site, motor racing and water sports – to name just a few things. The luxury element stems from miles of glorious shoreline, which like the Amalfi Coast is brimming with top seaside accommodation options.
The beauty part to all of this of course is you could combine a number of the above to essentially create a super-holiday- tour of Italy – however this is dependent on your budgets and timescales. Ultimately, whatever you choose, you can be rest assured that with an Italian adventure or luxury holiday you won’t be disappointed.
A great way to help ensure this is the case is to choose a holiday which is also quite adventurous, or something which offers you a luxury experience you certainly won’t ever forget. You may be wondering whether or not such places exist, but you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of options around Europe you could consider.
One country in particular can provide such holiday opportunities in a variety of ways, namely Italy. This beautiful country is home to many different adventure and luxury vacations and to give you a little inspiration, we’ve listed a number of examples you might want to consider.
Rome
The capital city of Italy is of course brimming with different tourist attractions – and as such, it makes for a fantastic adventure. During your stay here, you can go on walking tours around the city and take in the rich Roman and Italian history that can be found around the center.
This is probably a better choice as a shorter break though, particularly if you have children with you as you could theoretically take in most of the major sights in a few days. If this is more to your tastes, then it might be an idea to spend a little more and choose a top star hotel as well.
While in Rome don't overlook a quick trip over to Pisa. There is, of course, the leaning tower, but Pisa is so much more than that. Loads of adventure to be found in this adorable little town.
The Italian Lakes
There’s the great outdoors and then there’s the Italian Lakes. If your idea of adventure is taking in breath-taking scenery, then do as the Romans first started doing nearly 2,000 years ago and holidaying in this stunning region of Northern Italy. There are plenty of accommodation options like lake-side villas and resorts, and even camping holidays from providers like Eurocamp. With the latter, you could also add to your fun by having the freedom to explore the local area with greater ease.
Tuscany
If it’s decadence you’re after, then a stay in Tuscany can hit the spot. There are many picturesque and artistic towns dotted about this region, with the higher-end spots offering a bounty of extravagant culinary opportunities. These towns also mean there’s something cultural to take in, especially in the region’s capital city of Florence.
Amalfi Coast
Another option for those seeking pure luxury on their Italian holiday is the Amalfi Coast. With its south-Westerly location on the Mediterranean you can expect warm weather in the summer, and of course, charming coastal towns for you to relax and soak up the rays. Limoncello is also widely-produced in this area, so remember to add to your indulgence by treating yourself to a glass or two of this Italian classic liqueur.
Sardinia
Sardinia is another winning option for those looking for a mix of luxury and adventure. The adventure comes from exploring what the island has to offer which includes Roman and Byzantine ruins, a World Heritage Site, motor racing and water sports – to name just a few things. The luxury element stems from miles of glorious shoreline, which like the Amalfi Coast is brimming with top seaside accommodation options.
The beauty part to all of this of course is you could combine a number of the above to essentially create a super-holiday- tour of Italy – however this is dependent on your budgets and timescales. Ultimately, whatever you choose, you can be rest assured that with an Italian adventure or luxury holiday you won’t be disappointed.
If you're planning a trip to Europe, visiting some of the continent's many art museums is a necessity. There's nothing more rewarding than absorbing the places where many of the world's best art is on exhibit. Cheap flights and trains make travel easy; don't limit yourself to one place.
Vatican City - Rome, Italy
If you have the time, a sense of adventure, and a love of art, check out a few of the best museums in Europe.
The Louvre - Paris, France
The Louvre - Paris, France
The Louvre is perhaps the most well-known art museum in the world for a reason. Even though it seems like an overly touristy destination, it's well worth it. The museum contains incredible art from various eras, including paintings, sculptures, and unbelievable architecture. Artists include Da Vinci, Matisse, Warhol, and many others. There are over 50,000 pieces in the museum; thus, you could walk around for days without seeing everything. In fact the whole building itself is a work of art and in many rooms I found the walls and ceiling to be as impressive as the artwork on the walls. If you plan to see everything, make sure you book a hotel room in Paris near the museum so you don't wear yourself out before getting there.
The Dali Theater and Museum - Catalonia, Spain
Surrealism is still one of the oddest periods in art history. If you're a fan of the bizarre, then there's no way to resist the Dali Theater and Museum, which houses the largest collection of Dali's art in the world. Not only are there famous paintings, such as the "Basket of Bread" and the "Galatea of the Spheres," there is also jewelry, optical illusions, and even a room where all of the furniture is on the ceiling. Dali's house is also available, so you can see how the artist lived.
Vatican City - Rome, Italy
The Vatican is amazing, pure and simple. The entire city is a work of art. While trying to see all the art in a city seems difficult, Vatican City is only 0.2 square miles, making it easily walkable. Most of the art is the result of the collections of popes throughout the past 600 years, including nearly all of the buildings. Check out the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Cathedral to see some of the most magnificent buildings ever created. Without a doubt, Vatican City is one of those trips that leaves a life-long impact.
Van Gogh Museum - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Van Gogh Museum - Amsterdam, Netherlands
You can't go into most people's homes or student's dorm rooms without seeing "Starry Night." This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Van Gogh. After walking through the eclectic streets of Amsterdam and doing some people-watching, you'll find that the Van Gogh Museum is the best addition to the trip. See many of his famous works, as well as those by some of his contemporaries. You'll be blown away, albeit probably not enough to cut off your own ear.
The sheer amount of art throughout Europe is truly amazing, and it's something that everyone needs to experience at least once in a lifetime. Even if you don't fancy yourself an art lover, seeing something in the flesh that you've only seen in pictures is something shouldn't be overlooked.
The sheer amount of art throughout Europe is truly amazing, and it's something that everyone needs to experience at least once in a lifetime. Even if you don't fancy yourself an art lover, seeing something in the flesh that you've only seen in pictures is something shouldn't be overlooked.
Have you visited any of these museums? Which one was your favorite and why? Tell us about it in the comments below!
When I’m with my friends I hear them say all the time, “We can’t do a lot of travelling right now, it’s such a hassle with small kids!” I love travelling and don’t want to ever have to give it up but I’ve come to realize just how different it is to do with kids. So naturally when I do plan a trip I keep in mind locations and activities to keep them interested and entertained.
On our last family vacation we decided on Rome, the Eternal City. Originally my plan was to fill our days visiting monuments and churches that I didn’t get to see the last time I was there, but I knew that full days of sightseeing wouldn’t thrill the kids as much as it would for me. So I set out focused on planning our vacation strategically adding activities that would be attractive and energy boosting for my 3 and 7 year olds, which above all, that means a special place to stay that’ll make us feel comfortable, relaxed, and entertained, both big and small alike.
Usually I like to rent vacation apartments because they provide the most bang for our buck while also providing a local experience, more space and flexibility. I also love the cost savings that become available with apartments through the use of a kitchen. Eating out for every meal gets expensive fast and honestly I just find it to be too much for the kids and myself some days. While looking for something really unique I stumbled upon the Dolce Family Apartment.
Booking your lodging in a foreign country always comes with a fair share of anxiety, but now I can legitimately say that we really hit the jackpot!
First of all, the area is perfect. It’s located right behind the Spanish Steps (read as: plenty of good shopping for me!) and close to the metro A. Vital when in a city like Rome where you do not need a car. That being said I have found that a short walk to the metro is vital, particularly with kids!
While the apartment is right in the center of Rome, it’s set aside enough that the street is quiet and most importantly, safe. Even though Rome isn’t known as a particularly dangerous place, it’s still a city so I always make safety a priority when travelling with my family.
The building is elegant and the interior is modern; it’s evident that it was renovated recently. There are two beautiful marble columns at the entrance that help you spot it when returning from a long day sightseeing, complete with a smiling doorman who’s there most days until late afternoon.
The apartment is on the 2nd floor but there’s an elevator. There are a few steps before you reach the elevator, but just 5 or so which was manageable with the stroller. When we arrived we were greeted at the entrance by one of the rental company’s welcomers. A nice girl who welcomed us warmly and offered all sorts of tips and advice to make the most of our Roman vacation.
When we arrived at the apartment my kids were ecstatic! They immediately ran into the room with the bunk beds, climbed to the top bunk and took the slide down. We found all sorts of games and toys, books in English, even a Wii! There was a small circus tent, an adorable and equipped play kitchen, and a tall chalk wall to permit kids who like to draw all over things a proper place to do so. Each evening after spending the day visiting the beautiful sites in Rome they couldn’t wait to come back home! The apartment even has a high chair, stroller, bottle warmer and sterilizer and everything that you need for bringing your baby on vacation, something I really appreciated especially when packing.
We really couldn’t have asked for more for an apartment. Fun for the kids but a peaceful respite for the adults, too. We slept in a room that was tastefully decorated so that we didn’t necessarily feel like we were in a kids only world. Plus there’s A/C, free wi-fi and a Jacuzzi tub! We had everything we’d hoped for all under one roof!
Of course Rome didn’t disappoint; it’s still the beautiful, enchanting, chaotic city that I recall and love. But this time with my kids was all the more memorable as a family vacation that none of us will ever forget.
On our last family vacation we decided on Rome, the Eternal City. Originally my plan was to fill our days visiting monuments and churches that I didn’t get to see the last time I was there, but I knew that full days of sightseeing wouldn’t thrill the kids as much as it would for me. So I set out focused on planning our vacation strategically adding activities that would be attractive and energy boosting for my 3 and 7 year olds, which above all, that means a special place to stay that’ll make us feel comfortable, relaxed, and entertained, both big and small alike.
Usually I like to rent vacation apartments because they provide the most bang for our buck while also providing a local experience, more space and flexibility. I also love the cost savings that become available with apartments through the use of a kitchen. Eating out for every meal gets expensive fast and honestly I just find it to be too much for the kids and myself some days. While looking for something really unique I stumbled upon the Dolce Family Apartment.
Booking your lodging in a foreign country always comes with a fair share of anxiety, but now I can legitimately say that we really hit the jackpot!
First of all, the area is perfect. It’s located right behind the Spanish Steps (read as: plenty of good shopping for me!) and close to the metro A. Vital when in a city like Rome where you do not need a car. That being said I have found that a short walk to the metro is vital, particularly with kids!
While the apartment is right in the center of Rome, it’s set aside enough that the street is quiet and most importantly, safe. Even though Rome isn’t known as a particularly dangerous place, it’s still a city so I always make safety a priority when travelling with my family.
The building is elegant and the interior is modern; it’s evident that it was renovated recently. There are two beautiful marble columns at the entrance that help you spot it when returning from a long day sightseeing, complete with a smiling doorman who’s there most days until late afternoon.
The apartment is on the 2nd floor but there’s an elevator. There are a few steps before you reach the elevator, but just 5 or so which was manageable with the stroller. When we arrived we were greeted at the entrance by one of the rental company’s welcomers. A nice girl who welcomed us warmly and offered all sorts of tips and advice to make the most of our Roman vacation.
When we arrived at the apartment my kids were ecstatic! They immediately ran into the room with the bunk beds, climbed to the top bunk and took the slide down. We found all sorts of games and toys, books in English, even a Wii! There was a small circus tent, an adorable and equipped play kitchen, and a tall chalk wall to permit kids who like to draw all over things a proper place to do so. Each evening after spending the day visiting the beautiful sites in Rome they couldn’t wait to come back home! The apartment even has a high chair, stroller, bottle warmer and sterilizer and everything that you need for bringing your baby on vacation, something I really appreciated especially when packing.
We really couldn’t have asked for more for an apartment. Fun for the kids but a peaceful respite for the adults, too. We slept in a room that was tastefully decorated so that we didn’t necessarily feel like we were in a kids only world. Plus there’s A/C, free wi-fi and a Jacuzzi tub! We had everything we’d hoped for all under one roof!
Of course Rome didn’t disappoint; it’s still the beautiful, enchanting, chaotic city that I recall and love. But this time with my kids was all the more memorable as a family vacation that none of us will ever forget.