Posts by djhuds2k

Is Venice the most romantic city in the world? It’s certainly hard to beat, especially when you’re staying right in the centre of things. Where is it? Venice is a city built on water – just off the north east coast of Italy, facing the Adriatic Sea – and is famed for its canal network, opulent palazzos and beautiful religious buildings and art. It has an airport on the mainland but from there, you need to take a water bus to reach the city. Where can I stay? The best way to experience Venice is in a cool, quiet and sophisticated hotel. These small but beautifully designed hotels offer you respite from the tourist throng and the sort of service you would expect from much more expensive locations. Try Ca’ Pisani, a small palazzo that has been...

Ahh, Roma. It should be written in every person’s destiny that they shall travel to the Eternal City at least once in their lifetime, to experience the romance, the history and the charm that is the capital of Italy. A short break in Rome may seem like a compromise, but in reality, even a few days is enough to experience a wonderful slice of life so different to one’s own existence. To sit and ponder life’s mysteries while enjoying affogato in a piazza, or to throw coins in the Fontana di Trevi and wish for a return to this magical place, are moments that justify making the journey for a short break in Rome. Whether you are Catholic, Jewish or Buddhist, stopping by the Vatican both inspires and humbles; if not for the religious significance,...

One of the most used departure ports for cruise ships in the Caribbean is San Juan in Puerto Rico. We decided to arrive a day early to San Juan in order to see some sights before our cruise ship departure. San Juan, known as ‘La Ciudad Amurallada’ (the walled city), was founded in 1521 and is the oldest city under the US flag. During the 16th century, the Spanish used it as a point of departure for expeditions to the New World. Fortifications in the Old San Juan section of the city repulsed numerous attacks from the English and the Dutch during those years. Today, Old San Juan is a charming seven square block commercial and residential area with cobblestone streets. The cruise ship terminal is actually located near the south side of Old San Juan so...

Even if you spend one week in Rome, you won’t be able to see it all. For travelers on the go, though, here is a lightning fast tour of Rome. Morning – Grab a cappuccino and a croissant from a café in the Prati district, which is right by Vatican City. After your quick breakfast, get in line at the Vatican Museum. It opens at 8:45AM, but you’ll want to be in line by 8:00 to avoid the throngs of tourists that will soon be arriving. Start out by proceeding to the outdoor courtyard to admire the ancient statues of Laocoon and Apollo Belvedere. The statue of Laocoon, which is nearly 2000 years old, was hailed as one of the most amazing statues of its time. Next proceed through the stunning rooms painted by Raphael and finish up by being blown away by the Sistine...

This article has the purpose to explain what we intend for central Rome and the benefits to reserve an hotel in this area. For central Rome we mean specifical districts like the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Trastevere. The district of Trastevere was once inhabited by the medieval working class and since the 1970 has been filled up with new hotels, tour buses and sidewalk vendors. The original people of this district belong to a mixed ancestry, mainly Jewish, Roman and Greek and for decades they were known for speaking their on dialect in a language rougher than that spoken in central Rome. Trastevere remains one of Rome’s most colorful quarters, even if it is a bit overrun and it is know as a ” city within a city”. The hotels...