Depending on how much time you want to spend cooking in your apartments in Venice you might want to change up your dinner routine a little bit and eat something else.

Here’s a few recommendations for restaurants in Venice that don’t serve Italian food:

Ganesh Ji (Indian)

Especially for vegetarians and vegans Indian food offers a wide variety of dishes and this restaurant is an excellent choice that caters to exactly those needs. The food and the service are very good. If you are lucky enough you’ll b e seated on the patio at sunset from where you can see gondolieris passing by on Rio Marin. As desert order the pistachio ice-cream.

Address: Fondamenta Rio Marin

Ganesh Ji Restaurant Reviews

Perla D’Oriente (Chinese)

Supposedly the best Chinese Restaurant in Venice that is also a great location to people watch in this city due to its location at Campo dei Frari. Trying their dumplings is a must.

Address: Sestiere San Polo, 3004

Mirai (Japanese, sushi)

Up until recently this was the only sushi bar in Venice. What makes the cuisine in Venice a little different from other regions in Italy that there is tons of seafood as an influence from the Adriatic sea. Interesting about the sushi here is exactly this influence – creative rather than classic sushi.

Address: Cannaregio 227

Mirai Restaurant Reviews

Frary’s (Greek/Arab)

This place is another great option for vegetarians. The falafels are deliciously crunchy and you want to bathe in the hummus. The restaurant offers a casual and lively atmosphere which particularly attracts a young, hip crowd. And apart from the great food, the prices are affordable as well.

Address: Sestiere San Polo, 2558

Frary’s Restaurant Reviews

If you are not a big fan of seafood or are a vegan, some of these options are helpful to maintain some variety in your meals during your stay. Of course if you stay in Venice apartments you can always cook whatever you want and save money at the same time. It’s up to you!

Lake Orta

Photo courtesy of Thomas Mueller

Lake Orta

Closer in geography – and spirit – to the Matterhorn than to Milan, tiny Lake Orta looks like an afterthought, a little croissant-shaped tarn in the far west of what’s usually thought of as Italy’s lake region. Here sits Orta San Giulio, the most bewitchingly beautiful lakefront village you could ever wish for. Narrow cobbled alleyways coil down the hillside, feeding into Orta’s pocket-sized main square, enclosed on three sides but open to the water, gazing across at an island church and convent just offshore.

Lake Maggiore

Photo courtesy of Darkensiva

Lake Maggiore

Although most visitors pack into the resort towns of Stresa, Baveno and Verbania, clustered around the island gardens of Isola Bella and Isola Madre, the best of Lake Maggiore lies further north. A stone’s throw shy of the Swiss border, the evocative ex-fishing village of Cannobio ticks all the right boxes, with a traffic-free medieval core clustered above a gloriously long cobbled lakeside square lined with terrace cafés and crowned by a Renaissance church on the waterfront. Boats drift to and fro, bells ring, all is tranquil.

Lake Lugano

Photo courtesy of Dirt

Lake Lugano

Lying two-thirds in Switzerland, Lake Lugano is often overlooked by visitors on Italian Lakes holidays – but the contrast is fascinating. Lugano itself is a sassy, lively city, less than half the size of nearby Como, but poised on a charming south-facing bay. Enjoy the dining scene and the splendid art museums, then take a funicular up to the summit of Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore, twin sugarloaf mountains which soar above this wildly beautiful lake.

Lake Como

Photo courtesy of RainDog

Lake Como

Ideally located midway up Lake Como’s eastern shore, tranquil Varenna sees a fraction of the visitors who flock to the better-known resorts of Menaggio, Tremezzo and Bellagio. Life moves more slowly here: there’s not much to do but explore the high, narrow, stepped lanes which thread back from the little harbourfront promenade, finding a gallery here, a restaurant there. Stroll the Lovers’ Walkway, which hugs the cliffside just above the lapping waves, then take in a glorious panorama as the sun sets behind the mountains directly opposite.

Lake Iseo

Photo courtesy of Joss

Lake Iseo

Although lakes Como, Garda and Maggiore take top billing, make time to investigate the smaller lakes which dot the mountain valleys in between. Perched in the Alpine foothills between the cities of Bergamo and Brescia, little Lake Iseo offers a breath of fresh air and some beautiful landscapes. Iseo town is the perfect hideaway, where local life carries on more or less undisturbed. Roam by car, by bike or on foot around the pleasant, low-key holiday towns dotted around the lake – and congratulate yourself on discovering a hidden gem.

Lake Garda

Photo courtesy of Mike F.

Lake Garda

You might have thought there’s nowhere left to explore on Lake Garda holidays. Not at all! Though resorts such as Limone, Malcesine and Riva are firmly on the beaten track, the lake is large – and wild – enough to conceal plenty of hideaway corners. Not far south of Limone, tiny Gargnano can still be half-empty while its bigger neighbours are bursting at the seams. Set around a little harbour of bobbing masts, with its old lemon groves adorning slopes nearby, Gargnano has character in spades.

Rome bares so much history on every street corner like no other city and the first thing tourists do when they come to the city is realize that there is so much sightseeing to do that they might as well consider renting Rome apartments.

Keep in mind that we are talking about Italy and the traditional Italian cuisine is known to be incredibly scrumptious! Seriously, what could be a better reward than a traditional handmade Italian meal after a day filled with cultural activities, sightseeing and exploring the city of Rome?

Of course there is more to Italian cooking than pizza and pasta, but you will not get around having the “classics” at least once, especially homemade pasta that will be served in many restaurants.

To limit the endless possibilities and make things a little easier to seek out, here is a list of 5 restaurants where you can get homemade pasta and other traditional Italian dishes:

1.  Colline Emiliane – Via degli Avignonesi, 22
This little family-run restaurant will make you want to come back after you had the house specialty: Inspired tortellini alla panna. (See Reviews)

2.  La Carbonara dal 1906 – Via Panisperna, 214
As the name already gives away this restaurant has been around for more than 100 years. It is known for its great atmosphere, seven types of home-made pasta and a wide variety of desserts. (See Reviews)

3.  Antica Hostaria Dei Liberti – Via Appia Antica, 87
This restaurant is set in an ancient monument and if the walls could talk they would tell you great stories of the Roman Empire. You will get to enjoy ancient Roman recipes and the owner of the place will treat you like family. (See Reviews)

4.  Angelino ai Fori - Largo Corrado Ricci, 40-43a
This is also a restaurant with a long family tradition where the recipes have been handed down from father to son. The homemade pasta dishes here are known for interesting sauces made from peas, butter, parmesan, sausage, ham and mushrooms. (See Reviews)

5.  Le Mani In Pasta – Via dei Genovesi, 37
Instead of ordering something from the regular menu, let the waiter tell you about the pasta specials of the day. This place is a favorite among Romans. Another strong point on the menu is the fish. (See Reviews)

Aside from the great food that is served in these restaurants there is another important detail that they have in common: A great wine selection. It would be a shame to not compliment a great meal with an excellent wine. I hoe you get to try at least one of the places on this list when you are renting apartments in Rome. Buon Appetito!

While any ski holiday is exciting, adrenaline pumping and relaxing all at once, Italy ski resorts are on another level. The scenery is incomparable; pine clad mountains roll into lake-filled valleys, while pristine white snow reflects the sunshine from clear blue skies to form an idyllic scene.

Italy is an amazing country to visit whether you are skiing or sightseeing. If you have time to do both then don’t hesitate; ski in the morning and explore in the afternoon. There are so many exciting things to do in Italy while on a ski break, why not try to fit as many of them into one ultimate fantastic holiday as possible?

Night Runs are Fun!

Although still technically skiing, an exciting activity on offer along the slopes of Italy is skiing by moonlight. This is an experience best shared with a group of fellow skiers, chiefly because several ski resorts have seen the appeal and set up unique and magical nighttime runs.

While you won’t be able to speed down your favorite black run, there will be some easier slopes available so you can enjoy them under the stars. Make sure that you wrap up warm because the mountains get very cold at night. If you’re lucky the resort may put on mulled wine and hot chocolate to keep you warm on these chilly evenings.

Give Snowboarding a shot!

It may be an obvious progression to some, but many skiers have never actually tried snowboarding. Once you have tackled the prospect of not being able to move your legs separately, you might be surprised how quickly you can pick this skill up.

Like skiing, balance is essential and initially you will spend more time on the floor than you will upright. While it is not an activity that sounds particularly different, challenging yourself to venture down runs that were easy on your skis can be both exciting and rewarding, although sometimes a little frustrating.

Ever Paraglide?

Occasionally when enjoying luxury ski deals in Italy (especially when climbing thousands of feet in a cable car), you can’t help but think: ‘I wish I wasn’t confined in this big metal box.’ Well, you need not be because there are several ski resorts in Italy where you can experience the adrenaline rush of paragliding.

While many holidaymakers may view this activity as frightening rather than exciting, if you really want to appreciate the Italian scenery first hand this is quite a way to do it. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the mountainside and swoop over all your fellow skiers. At least you’re guaranteed a soft, snowy landing.

Take a Hike!

Even in the peak of ski season, you may find that you want a break from skiing. Every Italian ski resort will cater for the non-skiers too. Guided walks and hikes take place regularly from central meeting spots in ski towns and there is often a variety of walks offered to suit all ages and fitness levels. Bring along some walking boots and take up the opportunity to view the Italian landscape without paragliding above it or whizzing quickly past on skis.

If walking and hiking isn’t quite exciting enough, many resorts do offer rock climbing lower down the slopes where conditions are more favorable. You can try bouldering or venture a bit higher with ropes – just stick with the leader and don’t look down!

Enjoy the Festivals!

Towards the end of the ski season, you can grab yourself some cheap ski deals and experience some of the amazing end of season events Italy has to offer. Ski resorts can often become home to music festivals with holidaymakers sharing their time between the last of the snow and some incredible live music. Moving into the summer the ski resort of Bardonecchia plays host for a bike marathon, starting at an incredible 2,800 m high.

Photo Credit: 1, 2

Venice, Italy

Venice owes much of its tourist afflux to its reputation of being one of the most romantic cities in the world. But the magic of a romantic getaway in Venice quickly vanishes when you see the prices in Venice which are notoriously high.

Being on vacation and renting Venice apartments you can easily spend a fortune without being overly lavish with your spending. But if we are a little careful doing our homework properly we can avoid some of the expensive tourist traps to save some money.

If you think about travelling to Venice be sure to check out the following 3 essential tips to save some money:

When to Visit?

It is no secret that prices rise up to the double or more during the high-season in any holiday destination. If it is possible for you try to book in the off-season, which is in January and in November into the beginning of December. Compared to the high-season you can save up to 40% in flights and accommodation. Although the temperatures are low, the city will maintain its magic and romance. But be advised to bring some rain boots because Venice gets “aqua alta” aka (high water) on some days between October and January and some of the sights could be temporarily closed due to the flooding.

Venice Transportation

A gondola ride captures the true essence of Venice but they are also incredibly expensive. I can imagine that nobody would really like to renounce his or her right to a gondola ride, but you might want to limit yourself to just one. My best tip for Gondola rides is to find another small group of people who all want to go in on a gondola ride together. It’s your best bet, trust me. As always don’t forget to bargain hard with the Gondolieres.

Another nice way to get around Venice is the Vaporetti which are the equivalent to a bus service in other cities. However, tickets for the Vaporetti are still relatively expensive compared to other public transport systems at €6.50 per ride. One-day travel card costs €18, and a 3 day costs €33. The beautiful thing about Venice, though, is that you can explore the city by foot. So walk the walk and get lost in the streets of the city. This way you don’t have to spend much on transportation and you will discover beautiful hidden spots throughout the city.

Eating on a Budget

If you want to eat out the best thing is to stay away from the big touristy areas such as the Piazza di San Marco and also to put away the tourist guide book that will recommend places. Those are the big tourist traps. If you are going on a walking tour discovering the hidden corners of the city you will sure find a good place to eat with reasonable prices. Another alternative would be to cook your own meals in apartments in Venice. You can get everything you need at the markets or in super markets and it wonﾒt cost you as much as eating out at a restaurant.

Here’s a few places where you’ll be sure to find great deals on food in Venice:

• Pizzeria ae Oche – Great pizza for between €5-10 Euro
• Pizza al volo – This place sells huge slices for €1.80!
• Brek – Meal, Drink and Dessert for around €5 (cafeteria style food)

Have you been to Venice before? Do you have any other tips on how to save money in this expensive city?

Like it or Lump it….

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and there’s nothing you can do about it. Card shops will have turned red, prices will likely rise in your favorite restaurants and some airlines will take advantage of this commercial holiday by raising prices on flights across the board.

Last year my boyfriend and I flew to Rome for Valentine’s Day and it really was the perfect destination for a romantic break. To be honest our flights were surprisingly inexpensive. I had read that February is generally a quiet month for travel in Europe and so I decided to look for low cost flights and I managed to find what I wanted.

Rome is Romantic

Perhaps you are reading this wishing that you were whisking that someone special off for a romantic break this Valentine’s Day. Don’t give up hope just yet. There is time and you may still find a last minute travel deal so get online and search. I highly recommend Rome. Everyone talks about Paris as the capital of romance, but Rome is just as romantic and a close contender for the title. It’s a great excuse to travel and remember that February is the low season in Europe so there will be fewer tourists and accommodation should be fairly cheaper (perhaps a bit more expensive on 14th February).

So Many Sights to See

As you check into your hotel in Rome and then head out to discover the Colosseum, the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, you will be captivated by the romance in Rome. Spend the day sightseeing with someone special before enjoying a romantic meal for two at a local restaurant. I recommend asking some of the friendly locals where to eat in order to avoid the more touristy ones. Take home good memories of Valentine’s Day this year from the perfect destination: Rome!

Additional Resources:

• Photos from Rome, Italy
• Map of Rome

“Beautiful View” – Copyright © 2010 – PauseTheMoment.com

This photo may seem somewhat normal to you considering there’s nothing too shocking going on in this scene. We’ve all seen people holding pigeons, feeding them, etc. The shocking part that you missed was this guy (right) who was placing bird food between his lips and feeding the pigeons from his own mouth! BARF.

Your thoughts? Feel free to leave a comment below!