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Discover Florence in the Best Way Possible: By Train!

If you are planning a trip to Florence, Italy, then you have made a great choice. Florence is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world, and it offers an abundance of attractions, including museums, art galleries, churches, and historic landmarks. 

However, with so much to see and do, it can be challenging to decide how to get around the city. While there are several options, including buses, taxis, and rental cars, taking the train is undoubtedly the best way to discover Florence. 

In this article, we will provide you with ten reasons why taking the train is the best way to explore this beautiful city. 


1. Convenience 

Taking the train is the most convenient way to travel in Florence. The city has an extensive rail network that connects it to the rest of Italy and Europe. 

The central station, Santa Maria Novella, is located in the heart of the city, making it easy to get to your hotel or Airbnb. 

Furthermore, the train schedules are frequent, and the journey times are relatively short. You can easily plan your day and travel between attractions with ease. 

2. Flexible Ticket Options

Train travel in Florence offers flexible ticket options to suit your needs and budget. You can choose between first or second-class seating, and select from a range of ticket types, including one-way, round-trip, and multi-day passes. If you're traveling with a group, you can also take advantage of discounted rates and group packages. With so many options, you can find a ticket that fits your travel plans and budget.




3. Affordability 

Taking the train is also an affordable way to explore Florence. Train tickets are often cheaper than rental cars or taxis, and you can save a lot of money by purchasing a rail pass. Moreover, you won't have to worry about parking fees or fuel costs, which can add up quickly. 


4. Scenic Views 

One of the best things about taking the train in Florence is the stunning views of the countryside. As you travel through Tuscany, you will see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, including rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. The train journey is an attraction in itself, and it's an excellent way to appreciate the beauty of Italy. 

5. Environmental Friendliness 

Taking the train is an environmentally friendly way to travel. Trains emit far fewer greenhouse gases than cars or planes, making them an excellent choice for eco-conscious travelers. By taking the train, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. 


 6. Accessibility 

The train is an accessible mode of transportation, making it an excellent option for travelers with mobility issues. The trains are equipped with ramps, lifts, and other accessibility features, and the stations are designed to be wheelchair-friendly. If you have any special needs, you can contact the train company in advance, and they will make arrangements to accommodate you. 

7. Avoid Traffic Jams 

One of the biggest challenges of driving in Florence is the traffic. The city is famous for its narrow streets, and it can be difficult to navigate the roads, especially during peak hours. By taking the train, you can avoid traffic jams and arrive at your destination on time. You can also relax and enjoy the journey instead of stressing about driving. 

8. Safety and Security 

Taking the train can be is a safe and secure way to travel. The trains are well-maintained, and the staff is highly trained to ensure your safety. You don't have to worry about accidents or theft, as trains are much safer than rental cars or taxis. 




9. Opportunity to Meet Locals 

Taking the train is an excellent way to meet locals and experience the culture of Florence. You can strike up conversations with fellow travelers or locals, and they can provide you with insider tips on where to go and what to see. You can also practice your Italian language skills and learn about the local way of life. 

10. Efficient and Comfortable 

Traveling by train is efficient and comfortable, and it's an excellent way to relax and enjoy your journey. The trains are equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning, and ample legroom, so you can sit back and enjoy the ride. You can also use the train's onboard Wi-Fi to stay connected with your friends and family or catch up on work. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, taking the train is the best way to discover Florence. It's convenient, affordable, and eco-friendly, and it offers stunning views of the Italian countryside. You can avoid traffic jams, travel safely and securely, and meet locals who can provide you with insider tips on what to see and do. So, the next time you visit Florence, make sure to take the train and experience the city in the best way possible.




FAQs

How do I buy train tickets in Florence?
You can purchase train tickets at the station, or you can buy them online in advance.

Is it easy to navigate the train system in Florence?
Yes, the train system in Florence is well-organized and easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors.

Can I bring my luggage on the train?
Yes, you can bring your luggage on the train, but make sure to check the baggage allowance and any additional fees.

What's the best time to take the train in Florence?
The best time to take the train is early in the morning or late at night when there are fewer crowds.

Can I get a refund if I miss my train?
It depends on the type of ticket you purchased. Make sure to check the refund policy before buying your ticket.


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It's not hard to tell when you're approaching the popular Umbrian town of Assisi - its thirteenth-century basilica stretches along the hilltop, dominating the horizon for miles around.

Although this area was once known by people in the Middle Ages as 'the hill of hell', nowadays thousands of people - art historians, holidaymakers, and religious pilgrims alike - arrive in the town every year, to visit the basilica where St Francis of Assisi (or San Francesco di Assisi, to give him his original Italian name) is buried.

The vast building is actually made up of two churches, one set above the other, and they are very different in style. The upper church is Gothic and slender, while the lower one, which you enter via a thirteenth-century archway, has a much more austere, almost squat aspect.

Here in the lower church, the magnificent frescoes - including works by Giotto, Lorenzetti and Martini - captivate visitors, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

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The remains of St Francis were not actually discovered until excavations were carried out under the altar in the early 1800s. In 1820, Pope Pio IX canonized Francesco and ordered the building of the neoclassical style crypt, and it is here that countless people now come to pay their respects to San Francesco.

Although the Basilica of San Francesco is the main attraction for visitors, there is yet more to discover in this town where the Franciscan Order was born. By contrast, for example, the Lyrick Theatre (Teatro Lyrick) in Via G. D'Annunzio offers a varied programme of dance, music, drama and comedy all year round.

As with anywhere in Italy, it goes without saying that you can also enjoy some of the finest food and wine to be found. In Assisi, the regional specialities include delicious mushrooms and that prized delicacy, the truffle. Extra virgin olive oil too is particularly fine here, owing to the landscape's many thousands of olive trees that give Umbria its silvery green shimmer.

Reaching Assisi is fairly easy, with a variety of options. The small Sant'Egidio international airport is about 10km away, although there is no bus connecting it with the town. Alternatively, the train is a good option. Travelling from Florence, for instance, you can take one of the regular daily trains, just changing at Terontola or Cortona. From Rome, again take one of around ten daily trains, this time changing at Foligno. Remember though, the train stations in Umbria are at the foot of the hills, while the towns cling to the sides... and the Basilica of San Francesco is at the top.



Keeping the St Francis connection, you might also like to take in Isola Maggiore, the largest of the three islands on Lake Trasimeno, which is within easy reach around 50km away. St Francis chose to spend Lent on the island in 1211, recognising its closeness to nature and how perfect it was for quiet reflection. Today, Isola Maggiore is gently evolving into a simple cultural retreat, and creative writing workshops take place there each Spring and Autumn, as well as the annual Isola del Libri book festival.


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In the western spans of Serbia, we travelled through the Valjevo gulch(canyon) like we were its first settlers, gradually and to a hush just broken by the streaming of the river which we would break with our steps as we traversed. A steam train transported us through the rippling green woods that began in Mokra Gora and spread past the mountain tops on the steam-fuelled tracks of the Sargan Eight Railway. An evening, flanked by an eminent and glorious sun, was spent after the delicate flow of the strong Dunabe River from the little shorelines of Novi Sad to a narrow point that appeared like the serene end of its overwhelming course. On another, our little pontoon conquered the many twists of the 10-kilometer long Uvac River, embraced by the mountainous plateau.

Nature of Serbia

The back and forth movements of Serbia don't just originate from its social change since troubled time. A nation that is 75% bumpy! What I mean is Mountain! It is scattered with rolling green, secured nature parks, ravines, rivers, and lakes. I spent seven days investigating nearly the full extent of the nation west of its Capital, Belgrade - from the coastline of Novi Sad to the valleys of Valjevo, the wilderness of Gostoljublje to mountainous Zlatibor and the breadth of Tara National Park to the gigantic, snaking Uvac Gorge.

On the off chance that there is one thing that Serbia isn't really known for, it's a plenitude of untouched and unfamiliar nature. Traveling through Serbia is to move with the natural setting that has been presented to it, to be dynamic to explore its multi-layers and exceptional landscape.

For when you strip away a mind-boggling society and governmental issues, the magnificence of the landscape and nature in Serbia is the one thing here that has not ever changed and neither will be.

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Trekking The Gradac River, Valjevo 

The Gradac River goes through what I said to be some of Serbia's ideal and untouched scenery. Steep slants, high rock developments, and precipice faces encase a shallow river that curves through the timberlands and meadows of this secured region in shades of white and silver. Its streaming waters were our waymarkers as we trekked through the towns of Valjevo that lay covered up in this bumpy landscape - a 50km-long said to represent to a natural outskirt of northwest Serbia towards the south. Wild Serbia, an experience tour organization set up by local people from this very zone, takes you into the very heart of the area - deep into the Canyon, through its forest, and knee-deep into the frigid icy crisp waters flanked by twisting trees and mud tracks!

Winding The Uvac Gorge

We landed on a street that bended around the edges of the high cliff faces, and the main sighting was of a swing that just called for us to leave dead speechless and take in the view. It was the flight of flexibility after entering the Uvac Gorge in southwestern Serbia, and keeping in mind that 10,000-foot view can catch the eminent curves of this river. Even this scene was sufficient to catch the feeling of the numerous wild and free landscapes in this nation.

Inching down a manmade soil incline, we came straightforwardly to the riverfront where we could hire a boat and driver. Pontoon trips are the must-do here, where you feel as though you've been gobbled up by all the clichés of a marvelous natural scene, gliding through the gorge of the River Uvac yet feeling as though you have never observed anything like its color of reflected blues and greens never before. Truly, you haven't!

Drifting on The Danube 

Obviously, the greatest river that slices through Serbia is the Danube - a relentless spread that slices through 10 nations, from Germany and Austria in the west to the Balkan plain (and in the long run Ukraine). Europe's second-biggest river and its wide banks and endless appearance are tempting to explore.

From the sandy banks that line Serbia's second greatest city of Novi Sad, we delicately skimmed down towards a little sandy hill, likened to a mysterious island, before bouncing in kayaks and paddling to the most tranquil corners. Dunavski Rafting are your hosts, welcoming you on board its wooden house-like vessel and giving all the gear you have to float around, entire with a local guide who knows these waters and its stories. Isn't it great?



Riding The Sargan Eight Railway 

Riding the Sargan Eight narrow gorge railroad in southwestern Serbia through the bumpy valleys is a cultural-changing experience here, regardless of whether you just take a short half-hour travel. An eager train nerd's fantasy, the steam's emerald green shell sits inside a setting likened to stepping back in time. Maybe to the late 1900's, the point at which it initially ran its chugging, steaming course through restricted gages from Sarajevo to Belgrade - a connection that shut in 1974.

Now you can bounce on board at the town of Mokra Gora and take in the barcode tag of tree trunks in a shuddering of green as you trundle through the Sargan pass that was remade in the mid-2000's.

A place where there is diverse landscape, it is Serbia's natural treasures untouched by the contention that give it another new lease of life, and additionally hope for the local people to show a wonderful side to the nation that we once in a while, if at all, hear about.


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If you are planning on doing some International travel, you'll be faced with converting dollars to the local currency. I'm going to show you some traps and pitfalls you may encounter, and then I'll give you a few helpful tips that could make your travel go very smoothly.

When I first started traveling, it was always a hassle to go to my bank a month or so before departure and get a bundle of cash converted to my destination's local currency. The alternative was to convert a few hundred dollars at the airport "Foreign Exchange" booths. I came to find out that it was not only dangerous to carry large blocks of cash, it was also unnecessary.

Along the way, I discovered that Las Vegas didn't have a lock on "One-Armed Bandits"!

Scam Artists

I can not emphasize too much that the world out there is ready, willing, and able to scam you ferociously. Money scams abound. Some are right there in plain sight.

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Let's talk first about the "uncommon scams".

You're traveling through, say, a park near the Louvre in Paris, when someone comes up to you with a sob story in broken English and a bundle of local cash. He/she needs dollars for 'something' and he/she's willing to give you a fantastic exchange rate to get it. You bite. Money changes hands. They leave. You open the bundle and Surprise!!! It's a stack of newsprint with a real bill on the top and bottom.

GOTCHA!

Bank-O-Mat

The second 'legitimate scam' is waiting on the corner for you: it's a stand-alone ATM machine. It might even say "Friendly Bank-O-Mat". Believe me, friends, it's anything but. The hidden fees that little darlin' will extract will make Bonnie and Clyde proud! Don't do it!!!

Currency Exchange

The third, which is more of a rip-off than a scam, in my book, is the "Foreign Currency Exchanges" places. They're legitimate businesses, but since they are businesses, they have to charge a fee for their services. Even though they say "No commission," They are still pulling money from your pocket.

Bank ATM

My suggestion? Go to a bank ATM. It will cost you about 3% to take money from the bank ATM. The good news is that the ATM operates at the current official exchange rate, and since it's a bank, its fees are regulated. Check with your home bank to find out which banking symbol to look for. In my case, my bank is a member of Interbank, so I use ATMs that display the Interbank symbol. I know the fees are fixed, fair, and the exchange rate is the best I can get.


How to Find Banks

Before I travel, I use Google Maps to look at my destination city. I locate my hotel, and then I use Google's "Bank" filter to locate and make a list of all banks close to my hotel. On the day I arrive, I ask the desk clerk where the nearest bank is. If it matches one my list, we're off to the bank!

Other Considerations

I have found that no matter where I travel, I can always buy a taxi ride from the airport to my hotel with dollars. So I carry a minimal amount of dollars. (I'll need a few dollars when we get back to the States to pay for taxis and other transportation).


Has that dream vacation been on your mind a lot lately, but the travel costs keep holding you back? Make that much-needed getaway possible with Wizootravel. Save up to 60% on hotels and flights with our guaranteed cheapest deals to destinations worldwide. No hidden fees. Just what you see. Book your dream holiday now!



Greece is a cluster of 6000 islands out of which 227 are inhabited. It can indeed get boggling to someone visiting Greece for the first time. So here we present to you the top seven destinations ensure that you have an amazing honeymoon in Greece



1. Santorini




It will seem as though Santorini is made for honeymooners. With it's wish washed structures, inviting wine culture, postcard-perfect villages, enticing beaches and breathtaking sunsets it is no wonder that Santorini is the most popular honeymoon destination for locals and visitors seeking romance. Book a luxurious suite for you and your partner to enjoy the alluring sunset sipping some fine wine while enjoying the fine cuisine that Santorini has to offer or even take a dip in the infinity pools on the terraces of your hotels. The perfect start to a never-ending romance.



2. Corfu




Corfu is the second largest island in Greece. Located by the Ionian sea Corfu is the perfect romantic getaway for lovebirds. Mesmerizing clear blue water, majestic volcanic mountains, a monument of a bygone era and the impeccable beaches will entice you. One day will surely not suffice to marvel at the beauty that is Corfu. Scuba dive at the Paleokastritsa, take a hike to Mount Pantokrater and explore the old castles. Corfu offers the honeymooners much needed privacy as it is not very crowded.



3. Athens




The capital city though famous for the rustic ruins has an old world charm of its own. Pay your respects to the God of love herself-Aphrodite when you are at Athens. Explore the National Gardens, the temple of Zeus, The Pantheon and the Acropolis museum by taking a day tour. The panoramic view of Mount Lycabettus, Temple of Hephaestus and The National Museum give you a glimpse of the bygone royalty of Greece.




Wind up a beautiful day spent seeing the marvels of Athens by treating your spouse to the lip-smacking Mediterranean cuisine and fine wine to have a perfect end to a romantic day.


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4. Plaka

Plaka is located close to Athens and you will indeed love to spend a day relaxing and enjoying the spellbinding views of the imposing structures. The Pre historic Thera, Ancient Agora, Theater of Dionysus and the Tower of winds are major attractions at Plaka. If you would rather spend a quiet day relaxing with your spouse the Plaka has the most wonderful secluded beaches for that. Plaka has many shops where you can pick up souvenirs to remind you of the wonderful time spend at Greece.


5. Mykonos




Mykonos is where the happening crowd is found in Greece. Brimming with pubs and discotheques Mykonos offers you an exciting way to spend your night. Terrace party, pool party, theme-based party, under 30 parties, post-midnight drag shows there are all kinds of exiting parties happening at Mykonos with rum-based drinks, sangria and fine Mediterranean cuisine for the best nightlife experience.




There are other attractions too like the iconic windmill, Greek ruins in Delos, Maritime museum, a Gondola ride at Little Venice and secluded beaches for the honeymooners to spend some quiet quality time with each other.



6. Nafplio


Nafplio is a city brimming with romance. This charming town located in the Peloponnese was once the capital of Greece. The beautiful classic mansions covered in bougainvillaea are a picture perfect view; many quaint little cafés offer you the perfect spots to spend cozy evenings with the love of your life while marvelling the visual treat offered by this magical city.




The sheer beauty of this place attracts many people to get married here too and the magic in this place can only be experienced by visiting it.



7. Monemvasia



Monemvasia is the perfect locale for the honeymooners who hate crowds. If you love to spend time in a magnificent place that seems as if it is still in the Greek era with all its splendor then Monemvasia is a highly recommended place for you. Explore this beautiful city by walking hand in hand with your spouse on the stone paved narrow streets. It is very close to historic sites close by and also houses many secluded beaches and coves for a romantic escapade. Enjoy a romantic dip in the secluded waters and snorkel to your heart's content. Lay down by the lovely beaches and sipping on wine. Monemvasia has many taverns that offer excellent Mediterranean cuisine. Wind up your day by savouring the delicious dinner with a bottle of fine wine. Monemvasia is indeed a welcome getaway from the hustle and bustle and heavy crowds of Santorini.


So make sure you book your Greece holiday package well in advance as there is no other place that comes close to the being the perfect destination for honeymoon.


Author: Bruce Thomsan

Has that dream vacation been on your mind a lot lately, but the travel costs keep holding you back? Make that much-needed getaway possible with Wizootravel. Save up to 60% on hotels and flights with our guaranteed cheapest deals to destinations worldwide. No hidden fees. Just what you see. Book your dream holiday now!


Bulgaria may not be a mainstream tourist destination, but that doesn't mean it lacks interesting things to do and see. On the contrary, this small Balkan country has plenty to offer concerning cool traditions, events and activities. Any of them can leave you dazzled and with long-lasting fond memories of the place. Here is a quick list of things to do here:

A Dance With Monsters


Bulgaria is home to the rather unusual tradition of Kukeri. Men dress up as monsters with big masks and plenty of bells attached to the waist area. Kukeri takes place in villages all across the country from as early as January till March. The idea is that these monsters and the sound they make will scare away evil spirits and ensure prosperity in the area. The costumes are very elaborate and are spectacular to look at.

Step On The Embers


If you think watching Kukeri was cool, you'd be thrilled to see the Nestinari. People dancing on embers - Nestinari - is an ancient tradition, preserved in a few places in the country. Watching these people dance on the smouldering embers might make you worried. However, know that they are perfectly fine - they have mastered this art to perfection.

Wake Up Early To Collect Roses

Bulgaria is home to the world-famous Valley of Roses, which grows the local Rose Damascena. This is the type used in a majority of top perfume and cosmetic products. Roses are picked in June and tourists may usually join in on the fun. You should keep in mind that roses must be picked at dawn to preserve their essential oils, so that's one consideration for people who like to sleep in.

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Listen To Live Music Performances In The Mountain

The Ambaritsa chalet, which stands at 1500 meters, is home to the Blueberry Festival. Hundreds of people head up the mountain to enjoy a weekend of live music performances and take a look at various interesting crafts and exquisite food.

Enjoy A Different February 14 

You know well enough that February 14 is St. Valentine's day. However, that is mostly a Western tradition. Bulgaria has been influenced by it and makes honour love on this day, but the country also celebrates the Day of the Winemakers on the same day. If you happen to be in the country on this exact day, you should treat yourself to a glass of wine in honour of St. Trifon the Pruner.

Check Out Seven Lakes At Once



Perhaps the most visited tourist attraction in Bulgaria is the Seven Rila Lakes. The lakes unveil magical scenery as you climb the Rila Mountain. Climbing on top of Lake Peak is a fantastic opportunity to see all seven lakes at once.

Visit a place of worship of 4 different religions

There is a place in the capital of Sofia where four different religions have their places of worship co-existing peacefully. The place is known as the Square of Religious Tolerance, where a mosque, a Roman Catholic cathedral, a synagogue and an Orthodox church stand close to each other.


Evidently, there are a lot of cool things to do in Bulgaria. The next time you are searching for a Bulgarian property, be sure to check for opportunities to experience these locations and events.


Has that dream vacation been on your mind a lot lately, but the travel costs keep holding you back? Make that much-needed getaway possible with Wizootravel. Save up to 60% on hotels and flights with our guaranteed cheapest deals to destinations worldwide. No hidden fees. Just what you see. Book your dream holiday now! 

Interestingly, one can find an infusion of art, music, and food that gives way to hip dining and cultural scene in downtown Milwaukee. It is a spectacular place to visit irrespective of the time of the year and can be covered easily without burning a hole in your pocket.

So book flight tickets to Milwaukee and get ready for your next vacation in this amazing city which has all the big city conveniences and still manages to retain an old world charm. Here are five reasons why you must visit Milwaukee.

Milwaukee's Dazzling Lakefront

The Lakefront area in this city is one of the most attractive downtown areas as compared to any other city in the US. Visitors can satiate their hunger for shopping in various boutique stores and galleries, have a sumptuous meal on the shores of Lake Michigan or just explore the outdoor recreational state parks and walking trails in the city.


The iconic Harley-Davidson Museum

One of the oldest industries has surprisingly turned out to be a great tourist attraction, the Harley-Davidson Museum. It was back in 1901, when William S. Harley, Arthur and Walter Davidson, and a German engineer produced their very first motorbike. It was soon followed by mass production, and the name became a sensation beyond imagination. There are more than four hundred motorcycles and artifacts housed in this museum where the oldest Harley "Serial Number One," is also stationed.

The diverse Milwaukee Art Museum


The Milwaukee Art Museum was established in the late nineteenth century that houses more than twenty thousand works of art right from antiquities to the present day art. Some of the main attractions that draw visitors from across the globe are the European, American, modern, and contemporary works including fine prints, drawings, and photographs, as well as Asian and African collections.

Pabst Theater and Mansion

Constructed in the late nineteenth century, Pabst theatre and mansion is noteworthy for its Flemish Renaissance Revival style with a graceful Baroque interior. The theatre which is present on the National Register of Historic Places continues to be used for stage performances and musical productions. The Pabst theatre is also well-known for its superior architecture which attracts a large influx of people interested in the performing arts.

The colorful and vibrant Brady Street

Visitors and locals always come and walk along Brady Street while admiring and observing the charming buildings from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The street is beautifully endowed with some of the city's best-known cafes, lounges, boutiques, and fine dining restaurants which make this street all the more interesting. Early settlers and immigrants from Germany, Poland, Ireland, and Italy make it an ethnically diverse city. The streets stretch all the way from Lake Michigan and finish at the Milwaukee River. There are local businesses thriving with full throttle as they present people with some exquisite and rare items.


The city of Milwaukee plays host to a wide array of summer festivals and celebrates a diverse set of cultures that the city has incorporated over a period of time. There is a mix of old and new and a distinct character that sets the city apart from the rest. So don't wait any longer and book your flights early to save on airfares to Milwaukee. Booking roundtrip flights rather than two separate one-way flight tickets to Milwaukee is a dependable way to find cheap Milwaukee flights.

Author: Robert Dev

Has that dream vacation been on your mind a lot lately, but the travel costs keep holding you back? Make that much-needed getaway possible with Wizootravel. Save up to 60% on hotels and flights with our guaranteed cheapest deals to destinations worldwide. No hidden fees. Just what you see. Book your dream holiday now!