Holidays in Nature, the hidden side of Sicily
(openPR) - The largest island in the Mediterranean is a variegated world of landscapes and colours: from the Etna’s top covered with snow to the warm and wild coast of the Zingaro nature reserve, from the parched mountains of the hinterland to the verdant Madonie, from the Greek temples of Agrigento and Segesta to the windmills and salt pans of Trapani. Few other regions can boast such a variety of natural landscapes and nature reserves like Sicily.
MOUNT ETNA NATIONAL PARK
Mount Etna national park is a protected nature reserve of some 60 thousand hectares that rises on the slopes of the highest volcano in Europe. The park has many natural attractions, among them are several small towns such as Trecastagni and Nicolosi and the “Grotta del Gelo” that is a cave with a perennial glacier where the temperature is always below -6 degrees even in summer.
Right in Nicolosi, a picturesque hill town situated at 700 metres above sea level, on the southern side of Mount Etna, is Casa di Filli, a typically small villa of this area surrounded by a wonderful garden with low stone walls, aromatic, ornamental plants and the local species of trees of the national park.
Just a few kilometres away, close to Ragalna, at a height of 830 metres above sea level, is situated Vigna Mascalisi, a nest for two on the slopes of Mount Etna. The house is constructed entirely from lava rock and blends perfectly into the surrounding landscape of Mount Etna with its vineyards, oak trees, olive groves and low stone walls. The dwelling is located on an estate devoted to organic produce that offers a little restaurant and a mini bed & breakfast (3 rooms). Where tastings of a whole range of regional products can be sampled and there is also the possibility to buy excellent olive oil, wine, fruit and vegetables among other tasty treats.
MADONIE
Along the northern Sicilian coast, in the Palermo province, raises the Madonie mountain chain. In order to protect the geological peculiarity and the cultural heritage of the area, the Madonie together with the Nebrodi have been given the status of National Parks back in the eighties. These Apennine mountains, that reach their peak at nearly 2000 metres, are sheer to the sea and create extraordinary landscapes. For those who would like to stay just a short way from the Madonie and enjoy the wonderful view of Cefalù, one of the Sicilian pearls, the house Arte Mare & Blu is the ideal choice. It is situated in the medieval centre of Cefalù, in a stunning position… from its terrace, visitors have an enchanting view over the roofs of the medieval town, the Norman cathedral and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The furniture and the warm colours of the rooms create a pleasant, cosy atmosphere: the rooms feature an original, individual style mix, reflecting the colourful tastes of the owner, who took charge of renovating the house herself.
SALT PANS AND EGADI ISLANDS
Set up in 1995, the Saline nature reserve of Trapani and Paceco offers some really unforgettable backdrops, among them mountains of salt, the view of the sunset beyond the sparkling lagoon and the windmills. The area, which is devoted to the traditional salt cultivation, can be entirely visited and extends from Trapani to Marsala. Casa del Passito, situated just outside Marsala, gives one of the most charming landscapes of the western Sicilian coast: the Egadi Islands looming on the horizon and the ancient salt pans standing out in the mainland. The view is fascinating and the house complements its surroundings, with its two floors featuring original porthole windows.
In Marettimo – an island of fishermen belonging to the Egadi archipelago that is entirely considered as a protected area because of its unique botanic species - is situated Hiera, a dwelling dating back to the first decade of the twentieth century. The apartment boasts a great example of decorated concrete floors and is furnished with country Tuscan style furniture of the eighteenth century and with ancient ethnical pieces, such as the head of the beds coming from Morocco.
To book just send an email to info@dicasainsicilia.com or visit the website www.dicasainsicilia.com or call the 0039 0941 361681.
Celebrate Greek Easter on Santorini
SANTORINI, GREECE — Easter in Greece is one of the world’s most magical and festive events. The pageantry, superb Greek Easter specialties, and warm camaraderie of the Greeks make for a memorable experience. Colorful processions wind through village streets. Candlelight services in tiny churches recall Byzantine times. A midnight supper with mageritsa soup and a delicious feast of roast lamb in the open air offer opportunities to eat well and make lasting friendships. Astra Apartments and Suites, on the Greek island of Santorini, invites travelers to join in one of the country’s major cultural events and make lifelong memories in the process.
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‘Insider’s Oxford’ spring program costs almost US $500 less than last year
Oxford, U.K. — When Alfred Noyes wrote “…Spring comes back to England and dons her robe of green,” he could well have been thinking of Oxford. What could be better than a spring week in Oxford, learning about the oldest university in the English-speaking world and enjoying its blooming gardens and riverside walks? Insider’s Oxford, a one-week program now in its second year, is scheduled for March 29 to April 4 and is open to everyone. There are no special requirements, no tests and no papers.
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Air Europa to launch New York-Madrid service
New York, NY — Air Europa will inaugurate daily nonstop service from New York to Madrid on June 1. The Spanish-owned airline will offer daily flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Madrid Barajas International Airport (MAD) aboard 299-seat Airbus 330 aircraft in two-class configuration. The plane will have 24 seats in business class and 275 in economy class.
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Europcar Offers Extra Benefits to Flying Blue Cardholders
(openPR) - Europcar, Europe’s leading car rental company, has long offered members of Flying Blue, Europe’s leading frequent flyer program, preferential rates and 100 Miles per day when renting at any Europcar location in 160 countries.
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Southwestern Germany offers new museums, bargains, and experiences in 2009
Baden-Württemberg, the sunny state situated in southwest Germany bordering France, Switzerland and Austria, is well-known for its highlights: the Black Forest, Lake Constance and cities like Heidelberg, Baden-Baden and the state capital of Stuttgart. The state’s natural beauty is a great asset, but Baden-Württemberg is also home of global brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Bosch, Hugo Boss or Steiff Teddy bears.
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The Windsor Festival Spring Weekend
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, February 14, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ — Culture vultures have just a few weeks to prepare for The Windsor Festival Spring Weekend, which is set to take place next month.
This year’s event is set to be extra special, given that it is celebrating its 40th anniversary, having been founded in 1969 by conductor and violinist Yehudi Menuhin and Ian Hunter.
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Rome Independent Film Festival 2009
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, February 13, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ — Cinema-goers and film fans around the world are likely to be counting down to Roma Independent Film Festival, which takes place in the Italian capital next month.
Described by its organisers as Rome’s first independent and international film festival, the event lasts a total of seven days and aims to celebrate the best in new European and international independent movies.
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2009 Running of the Bulls Travel Packages Available as San Fermin Bull Ranches Announced.
AUSTIN, TX, February 11, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ — As Ludus Tours gears up for it’s 3rd Annual Pamplona Tours for the Running of the Bulls, the Casa de Misericordia has announced the bull breeds for the 2009 San Fermin bullfights. The San Fermin festival (also known as the Running of the Bulls) takes place July 6th-14th every year, and Ludus Tours is recognized as the industry leader for affordable tour packages to the event.
“Our Pamplona Tours are very reasonably priced,” says Ashley Blake, Director of Events for Ludus. “You wouldn’t be able to put together all the features of the Ludus package, by yourself, for a cheaper price. We do all the planning for you.”
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Experience the Silent Miracle Procession (Stille Omgang) in Amsterdam
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, February 12, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ — Every March, the silent Miracle Procession (or Stille Omgang) makes its way through the streets of Amsterdam, which is known by many as “the Miracle City”. Laterooms.com, the discount hotels supplier outlines the event and provides hotel recommendations for visitors.
Stille Omgang, which follows a set route that has been traveled by pilgrims for centuries, commemorates the Miracle of the Host, an event which took place in 1345.
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