Monthly Archives: November 2012

Tips for travel in Italy – time of year

26 Monday Nov 2012

Posted by in Italy on Budget, Travel tips

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The time of year that you travel will have effect on the amount of money you spend as costs vary depending on the seasons.

Summer in Italy is the most expensive and busiest time. Prices for everything are considerable higher.

I find that Summer is not the ideal time for me to travel to Italy.  There are too many crowds everywhere with long lines to get into any sights, venues, churches, basilicas, everything.

Accommodation, food and even transport is higher than other times of the year.  I know for many of you that is the only time you are able to travel so the extra cost is a consideration in your decision.

Summer is a beautiful time, as is anytime in Italy it is gorgeous, you just need to be prepared to pay more and wait longer for everything.

Just remember, whenever you travel to Italy, it is always fabulous.

Castel Gandolfo – Lazio

19 Monday Nov 2012

Posted by in Castel Gandoldo

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While we were staying in Rome on my last trip we visited Castel Gandolfo.  Castel Gandolfo is a small town in the Alban Hills about 15 miles SE of Rome.

It is high up over looking the most beautiful Lake Albano.

It is best known as the summer residence of the pope. It is an Italian town with a population of 8834 and was voted one of the most beautiful towns in Italy.

Pope’s Summer Residence

Main Piazza

It is not difficult to get to this lovely little town. We took the train from termini, however it is a slow trip as the train stops at many stations along the way. I think it takes about 2 hours, also, many of the coach tours visit Castel Gandolfo. The train station is at the base of the hill so it is a bit of a walk up the hill however the paths are good and easy to walk.

If you are looking for something different to do while in Rome and you have the time, it is a great day. There are not thousands of tourists and really just a nice escape.

Positano -Amalfi Coast

11 Sunday Nov 2012

Posted by in Amalfi Coast, Italy on Budget, Positano

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While we were staying in Praiano, we took the shuttle bus in to Positano several times.

Sometimes for shopping, once was late in the evening for a drink, and then of course a few times for lunch and dinner.

Positano is a gorgeous town on the Amalfi coast. It is on the side of a hill and winds down to its beaches. It is a very popular tourist attraction. We were there in August which was fabulous but very busy. If possible I would suggest visiting this lovely area in Spring. The weather is still perfect however there are not as many people there.

You can get to Positano by bus, car or ferry.  We took the train from Rome to Sorrento and then took the Sita bus to the Amalfi coast.  The buses were all packed but if you can, sit on the right hand side of the bus as you will see amazing views on the ride to the Amalfi.  The bus will drop you at the top of the town and then you will need to walk, take a taxi or the local shuttle bus to your accommodation.  We were met at the bus by the man we rented the house from.  In summer the buses are so crowded and not always possible to get on to.

Sita Bus

Of course you can drive to the Amalfi coast or you can even take the ferry from Naples.

It is easy to spend many lazy hours in this beautiful town, lazing in the sun or shopping in any of Positano’s lovely boutiques and shops.  There is an abundance of restaurants and bars and if you feel like exploring you can take one of the paths leading to the little mountain districts above Positano.

Positano has two main beaches, Spiaggia Grande which is the main beach and Fornillo which  is smaller and more secluded.

In Positano you can do as much or as little as you want.  It can most definitely offer a perfect holiday.

Iluka, NSW – Australia

05 Monday Nov 2012

Posted by in Australia, Iluka

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I know, I know,  it is another post on Australia.

This was such a special day that I just had to share it.

This lovely timber boat was built by my brother.

I was so looking forward to going out in it and this past weekend I had my opportunity.

We launched it at a place near Iluka, on Goodwood Island. We then motored up the Clarence River to Iluka and went in to take a look at several places, including the local pub, the marina, the coast guard lookout and the co op where the seafood catches are sold from daily.

At one stage we were surrounded by several dolphins who were happy to escort us.

Iluka, is a small town located in the northern region  of NSW and is about a 3 hour drive south from Brisbane.  It sits on the mouth of the Clarence River and is surrounded by World Heritage listed rainforest.

Iluka is a very popular holiday destination offering accommodation ranging from motels, self catered apartments and camping. There are excellent surfing and swimming beaches.  It is well renowned for its excellent fishing spots both along the river and the ocean. Just remember you may need to compete with the dolphins and pelicans for your catch.

A couple of nice boats in the Iluka harbour

A delightful destination to escape the rat race.

From Iluka we motored across the river to have lunch at Yamba.  More about Yamba another time