Following my Travels

My travels through Italy lasted three weeks, where we enjoyed staying out of the big cities and exploring the Tuscan and Lombardian regions of Italy.

Legion of the Accommodation where we stayed.

This a map of our travels, we stayed a minimum of 3 nights at our accommodation so we could get a feel for the area. We drove a maximum of 2 1/2 hours by car to get to our next destination, so we could take our time, stop if we wanted too and arrived in time for check-in.

This trip allowed us to experience the best of the areas in the time we had. With so many picturesque and wonderful regions in Italy, we decided to explore Elba's beautiful seascape, the rolling hills of Tuscany and the lovely lake districts of Lombardia.

I would recommend a trip driving through Italy; you do get a feel for the way the locals drive and start to understand what to do, once you do it's easier than you think. The roads are well signed and GPS works well unless you get one like ours that had no idea how many exits there were in a roundabout! A few u-turns and you're easily back on track.

It would be hard to try to choose which area I liked the most as they all were so different and had great qualities; I loved the views of Lake Como but my taste buds were in heaven in the Chianti region. Looking forward to going back and exploring more of this beautiful country, sometime soon.

The next part of this trip took us to the Baltic sea where we jumped on a plane from Milan and got ready to boarded a cruise ship at Copenhagen to explore Northern Europe and Scandinavia.

What I enjoyed seeing in Rome

Sight seeing

If visiting Rome you have a number of areas to sight see. I personally loved the ruins. To see the way buildings were built and their design, and being able to see the way things worked in these buildings, gives you an insight into life in ancient times.  I love this and for me it's a wonderful experience.

It's amazes me how the ruins are all below ground and have to be dug out. Did they build on top of other buildings or does time build up the soil and cover the buildings?  Apparently it was both, Roman architects ripped of roofs and filled in buildings to make strong foundations for their next building, also over 2500 years silt gathered and rose the ground level.

Some other places to visit. 

Piazza Venezia is a stunning building, it's sad that it's surrounded by a high fence but once inside the fence it's a beautiful building to see, but don't try and sit on the steps! They'll let you know in no uncertain terms that that's unacceptable!

Piazza Venezia

But if you do want to sit on some steps try the Spanish Steps, that is if you can find them under the sea of people sitting there. To get there you can go along Via Condotti where all the luxury brand shops are all gathered.

Spanish Steps

                    

The Trevi fountain was under renovations during our visit. The $2 million renovation is being funded by Fendi, and the Trevi fountain will be re-opening soon. If you were wondering about what happened to all the coins thrown in the Trevi, the coins are collected every night and monies go to charities.

Although I love Rome city the amount of tourists can be ridiculous...it's not a restful city but it is a city not to be missed. The history alone is a marvel and to stand where most of our ancestry began, or where the conquerors came from that acquired an such an extensive empire, is completely fascinating.

Panoramic views of Rome Skyline from Villa Borghese

                       

Aldrovandi Villa Borghese - Leading Hotel of the World - Rome, Italy

The stunning hotel Aldrovandi Villa Borghese, Leading Hotel of the World Via Ulisse Aldrovandi 15, Roma

This lovely hotel is in a quieter part of Rome, next to Villa Borghese, a lovely manicured park that is enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. It's a great place to escape Rome's oppressive Summer heat, with its leafy trees. Wallking through the park will take you to the top of the Spanish steps in around 15 minutes, it's a lovely walk through the park, which boast some great historic buildings.

The hotel also offers free shuttle to the Spanish steps every half hour.

At the Aldrovandi hotel they have 3 eating areas. A dedicated breakfast room, that has an exceptional buffett. It includes both hot & cold items. Eggs can be cooked to your liking and ordered with numerous accompliments or just have the scrambled eggs & italian sausages from the bain maries.

Sparking wine is also on offer for that special breakfast. The fruit is fresh with variety and good quality.

The Grill is serves both from a room behind the bar or from the pool area on certain days of the week.

The menu is good and we couldn't fault the food.

One of the master's of haute cuisine Oliver Glowig opened his eponymous restaurant at Adrovandi Villa Borghese. After having been celebrated in Capri, Oliver Glowig arrived on the scene of the eternal city. Chef Oliver Glowig received the recognition of two Michelin stars in 2011 also in Rome. Now he is bringing his talents to Aldronvandi.

There are a number of different styled rooms from your double rooms to junior suites and penthouse suites, depending on your budget. Even the base room is large and has a generous bathroom. The rooms are comfortable, with old world charm.

Our stay was relaxing and stress free away from the hustle of Rome's major tourist areas, yet close enough to walk to if required. The Pool, fitness area and Spa are an added bonus in a major city like Rome. The staff were friendly, polite and very helpful. I would recomend this hotel if you want luxury, and some quiet after a day in Rome with all the hustle & bustle of Rome's never ending visitors.