It is about nine years ago now that I last visited Italy, but one of the most beautiful cities that still sticks in my mind is Florence, or Firenze in Italian.

Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany. The historical city, famous for its importance in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance – art and architecture, lies on the River Arno and attracts millions of tourists each year.

When we visited the city, what I remember most, apart from the amazing architecture of The Duomo – the domed cathedral of the city, plus the artistry of Michael Angelo’s David, is the great view from The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge). The bridge features a multitude of shops where you can buy an ice cream and look out across the river.

The four semi-finalists of the European Cup are now gearing up for a chance to play in the European Champion Clubs’ Cup final to be held on 27th May 2009 in Rome.

The semi-finals are once again English-dominated with Manchester United playing Arsenal and Chelsea facing Barcelona meaning that the final will once again grace an English team (for the fourth time in a row).

As an avid Manchester United fan, I tried in vain to get to Moscow for last year’s final. Getting the match tickets was not a problem, but after exhausting ideas involving trains, planes and automobiles my brother and I finally admitted defeat and watched it in a bar in Manchester city centre instead.

The Stadio Olimpico in Rome will host its fourth final and the 72,689-capacity stadium has been one of Europe’s most impressive sporting venues for over 70 years. If United do manage to get to this years final, I will again be frantically looking for flights to Rome (or anywhere near), although the more simplified travel (compared to Russia last year) means that tickets will be at a premium.

Rome in the festive season is still a top attraction for families traveling at this time of year. Although the climate is cold, you’re more likely to catch the sun making it a popular choice. Snow is virtually unheard of in Rome and even on the coldest days you’ll be treated to a generous display of sunshine. Bars and restaurants are well heated and there is eating al fresco under the warmth of outdoor heaters.

The Vatican is most people’s first stop with highlights such as the Papal Midnight Mass which can be experienced on Christmas Eve. There is also the Pope’s Christmas message which is read to the crowds in the piazza at the front of St Peter’s on Christmas Day at noon. There is also a beautiful life-size nativity display to be seen which is world famous.

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The Travel Weekly magazine have published a guide to Italy recently targeting those tourists that are especially interested in holidaying in Italy.

Italy is often ranked high amongst luxury holiday destinations and is a constant popular choice with holiday makers.  With the attraction of the cuisine and culture that Italy has to offer its not surprising that it has become one of the top special interest destinations.  For those especially interested in food then the Travel Weekly magazine recommends food lovers head for Tuscany.

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Portofino was made timelessly famous by Dirty Rotton Scoundrels starring the charismatic Michael Caine.  It is a constant mecca for jet setters across the globe.  It is one of the most chic and exclusive seaside destinations in Liguria and is located east of Genoa.

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The infamous leaning Tower of Pisa has beguiled people for over 800 years as its steadily moves and shifts to the side.  However finally after all this time a group of engineers and geologists have finally managed to stop its gradual toppling and have firmly stabilized this impressive example of Italian architecture.
This project has cost Italy a staggering £20.5 million and has been a long term process taking over 10 years to develop a sound method of stabilization.  Over 700 tonnes of earth was excavated from the site to facilitate the stabilization process.

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One of the largest cities in Italy, Milan is situated in the region of Lombardy.  The city is renowned as one of the most highly developed financial and business centres of the world and proudly houses the Italian Stock Exchange, Borsa Italiana.  If you are looking for a culturally stimulating city break Milan is definitely for you.  The city is steeped in history with the awe-inspiring Duomo, the second largest church in Italy, being one of the main highlights.  This impressive church is home to a vast collection of marble statues – in fact the biggest collection in the world.

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