Valle dÕAosta is a vertical region, you might say, and not just in the physical sense, for the many high peaks that surround it (including Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe at 4,807 meters), but also for the surprising concentration, in a region of such reduced dimensions, of so many natural splendors, of so many monuments, of so much precious historic and artistic heritage. For Aosta the Middle Ages were anything but dark: as an important center of commercial traffic with France and Switzerland, the city enjoyed a long period of prosperity. It is no coincidence that the Cathedral and Cathedral Church of S. Orso, two churches of great beauty, date back to the Middle Ages. The locations covered are the city of Aosta, the lower valley with its castles, a visit to Cogne and the Gran Paradiso Park, a visit to Morgex, La Thuille and the Piccolo San Bernardo Pass, one to Courmayeur, one to Valpelline and the Gran San Bernardo Pass, and all the villages of the Valtournance Valley.
The highest mountains in Europe, medieval castles to protect the roads that cross the Alps, used since the time of the Roman Empire, agricultural traditions and their history still alive today, the most sophisticated and advanced facilities for skiing in resorts frequented by millions of skiers from around the world, villages that can be reached only by cable car and do not have a road for cars, natural parks that protect flora and fauna, all this, and more, is told in this book on the Valle d'Aosta, which describes eight routes to visit all the localities of the Valley. Valle d’Aosta is a vertical region, you might say, in the physical sense, for the many high peaks surrounding it (including Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe at 4,807 meters). But also, for the surprising concentration, in a region of such reduced dimensions, of so many natural splendors, of so many monuments, of so much precious historical and artistic heritage, of a density which evokes, in its vertical aspect, the crowding of skyscrapers in a metropolis where horizontal urban space is scarce and precious. Aosta, the regional capital and the only province of the Valley, is a city rich in history. Traces of the ancient Augusta Pretoria (the Latin name of Aosta) can easily be seen, such as the magnificent Arch of Augustus (25 B.C.) and the Roman Theatre remains. For Aosta, the Middle Ages were anything but dark: as an essential center of commercial traffic with France and Switzerland, the city enjoyed an extended period of prosperity. It is no coincidence that the Cathedral and Church of S. Orso, two churches of great beauty, dating back to the Middle Ages. This guide covers visits to the mountain region of Aosta Valley, with the description of eight itineraries to visit the valley. The locations covered are the city of Aosta, the lower valley with its castles, a visit to Cogne and the Gran Paradiso Park, a visit to Morgex, La Thuile and the Piccolo San Bernardo Pass, one to Courmayeur, one to Valpelline and the Gran San Bernardo Pass, and all the villages of the Valtournenche Valley. There are extensive descriptions and color photos of the attractions. It has the listing of many reviews for the best-recommended restaurants for all the locations; you have the necessary information ready: the name, address, and telephone number are included in the guide together with the review.
It’s a guide to a multi-day car trip in the Alps and lakes of Northern Italy. It starts from Turin, and then it goes to Aosta, Courmayeur, and the Aosta Valley. It continues then to the lake's region, touching Orta Lake, Stresa on Lake Maggiore, on the west coast of the lake with a visit to Villa Taranto, to continue to Lugano and then Como and Lake Como: Villa Carlotta, Menaggio, Bellagio, Varenna, and Lecco. The itinerary ends with a visit to Milan. There are descriptions and photos of the attractions. It contains many reviews for the best-recommended restaurants that are at the location described. You have the necessary information ready: the name, address, and telephone number are included in the guide together with the review.
The Rough Guide to Italy is the ultimate travel guide to one of Europe's most appealing countries. From the top draws of Rome and Florence to the hidden corners of Friuli and Liguria, this guide will help you make the most of your trip to Italy. You will find all the detailed information you need, from vaporetto routes in Venice to hole-in-the-wall pizza joints in Naples to the best spot to watch the sunset on the Amalfi Coast. Be inspired to go diving in Sardinia, climbing on Mount Etna, windsurfing on Lake Garda, trekking in the Alps, beach-hopping in Puglia, wine tasting in Piemonte, or exploring in Sicily. Clear detailed listings will lead you to great accommodations, from boutique hotels and quirky bed and breakfasts to idyllic agriturismos and slick city apartments. You'll also discover the best atmospheric osterie, gourmet restaurants, and melt-in-your-mouth gelato. Readable accounts of Italy's history, art, and groundbreaking film industry will help you learn even more about this beautiful country. With full color throughout and crystal clear maps, The Rough Guide to Italy is your essential travel companion.
The Rough Guide to Italy is full of painstakingly researched information and inspiration to help you enjoy every moment of your Italian adventure. Whether you're after action or relaxation, Italy won't disappoint - from touring Tuscan hill towns to wine-tasting your way around Friuli-Venezia Giulia, lazing on the Amalfi Coast to shopping till you drop in Milan, brushing up on Renaissance art in Florence to kitesurfing in Sardinia, Rough Guides' expert tips and jaw-dropping photos give you everything you need for the perfect stay in Italia. And although it's hard to go wrong with food in Italy, we've got the lowdown on the most authentic rustic trattoria, Michelin-starred restaurants and favourite aperitivi haunts, not to mention the best places to learn how to cook like a local. Full-colour maps throughout - at regional and city level - ensure you won't lose your way. There are also suggested itineraries to help with planning, reliable reviews of the best places to stay, from welcoming agriturismi to stylish city-centre hotels, plus in-depth and engrossing sections on Italy's history, art and architecture and groundbreaking film industry, and finally a handy language guide. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to Italy.
Where did the story that ended with the great Edwardian castles of north Wales begin? How was it that hundreds of men from Savoy built castles in north Wales? Whose stylised statue sits outside the Savoy Hotel in London on the site of his former palace? Whose castle of Pevensey endured successfully the longest English siege? Why does much of Switzerland speak French to this day? Why do we find elements of the Magna Carta in the Statutes of Savoy? Who was one of the greatest figures of the thirteenth century? Peter of Savoy, known to chroniclers of his homeland as The Little Charlemagne. Peter of Savoy came to England as the uncle of Queen Alianor de Provence, the consort of King Henry III. He quickly found favour as one of Henry’s closest advisers and noblemen. Peter was in effect Queen Alianor’s right-hand man in England, her protector, and subsequently the protector of Lord Edward, the future King Edward I. He played a key role in Henry’s military and diplomatic efforts to recover his ancestral lands in France which culminated in the 1259 Treaty of Paris. This rapprochement between the Capetians and Plantagenets might have warded off the Hundred Years War, but it was not to be. Nonetheless, the nineteenth-century monks of Savoy thought it his greatest accomplishment. Peter played a key role in the Second Baronial War which engulfed Henry’s reign, at first siding with Simon de Montfort but then changing sides as the reform movement veered toward xenophobia. Returning to Savoy he laid the foundations for the County of Savoy to become a powerful Duchy which in turn almost became a country before it was dismembered by Switzerland, Italy and France. His historical reputation suffered at the hands of English chroniclers keen to eulogise the Montfortian regime. This work is an attempt to discover the real Peter of Savoy.
Packed with travel information, including more listings, deals, and insider tips: CANDID LISTINGS of hundreds of places to wine and dine like a local RELIABLE MAPS and directions to help you navigate all seven Roman hills INSIDER TIPS on getting the best bang for your buck in Milan's boutiques THEMED ITINERARIES for big eaters, heavy drinkers, and curious explorers The BEST NIGHTLIFE, from the wild clubs of Rimini to the garden bars of Sicily BIKING and HIKING from the peeks of the Alps to the forests of Abruzzo
This book analyses the Tour de France over its long history both as France's most prestigious and famous sporting event and as a European and, increasingly, a world cycling competition. This study provides interdisciplinary and varied perspectives on the sporting, cultural, social, economic and political significance of the Tour within and outside France, giving a comprehensive and authoritative investigation of up-to-the minute thinking on what the Tour means, now and in the past, to competitors, to France, to the French public, to the cultural history of sport, and the sport of cycling itself.
Tour du Mont Blanc is the definitive guidebook for one of the most famous long-distance treks in the world. This trek circles the entire Mont Blanc massif, passing through spectacular scenery in France, Italy and Switzerland. You'll traverse high mountain passes, see stunning glaciers, pass azure lakes, wander through tranquil green valleys and alpine pastures, with snow-capped peaks visible above. Written by Tour du Mont Blanc expert Kingsley Jones, this guidebook includes unique customised timings to enable accurate itinerary planning for walkers, trekkers, fastpackers and trail runners, allowing you to plan your Tour du Mont Blanc at a pace to suit you. You'll find everything that you need to plan and undertake your Tour du Mont Blanc, including travel information, navigation, accommodation options, equipment and safety, food and drink, as well as useful extra information such as wild swimming locations and trekking tips. Together with amazing photography, the route includes clear and comprehensive directions, refreshments stops, accommodation and local points of interest, and is accompanied by bespoke 1:40,000-scale maps. Route variations are also included.
