Rome: influential Empire, Great Tourist aim

Rome was establish as distant back 753 BC by the clone, Romulus and Remus. It grew considerably until it became the Roman kingdom which was ruled by an Emperor from the year 27 BC.

The Roman Empire became a political and economic center for the Western World. Its influence extending far and wide and it was said that "all transportation lead to Rome." This most powerful Empire, however, fell in 476 AD. It had a rough history following its fall. The city preserve its status as the capital of the Papal States and later on it became a center of culture and artistic activity which it has somewhat retained to this day.

Over its restless history, the inhabitant in the area has risen and fallen depending on the style of the time. In modern times, Rome seems to once again be on an upward scale in terms of its enduring population.

It is a very admired tourist destination seeing around ten million tourists through its city every year. The city is a city of contrasts. On the one hand, tourists will find busy thoroughfares and luxuorious prices. On the other hand, it is full of small shady parks, fountains and piazzas. It is full of ancient ruins, famous monuments and fascinating museums. You can view the remains of ancient times, see the fantastic architecture from the rebirth period, enjoy a gastronomical treat in a traditional Italian restaurant or relax in the gardens of European monarchs.

Due to the huge number of tourists that visit Rome per annum there are a vast number of holiday accommodation options to choose from. From the traditional to the exclusive, visitors can choose the place that plea to them most. Hotels are a popular accommodation choice in Rome. They range greatly in price and quality. You can choose to stay in lavishness hotel or you can easily find a budget hotel often in the area surrounding Termini Station.

Holiday apartments or villas can be found to rent. These are a good option for small groups or families as they provide more space and seclusion than a hotel. Bed and breakfasts are fast becoming popular in Rome. If you go for this option be prepared that they may simply be a room in some-one's house.

Tips for Italy Travel

Located in Southern Europe, Italy is a peninsula extending into the
central Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia. When traveling to
Italy it is important to remember that you are not at home, so
always be respectful and conservative.

WEATHER AND CLOTHING

In general the weather is very hot and steaming in the dead of the
summer. We recommend that you wear light clothing. Be sure to
have sunglasses, hat and sunblock, as they are essential.
Afternoon thunderstorms (brief) are common in Rome and inland
cities, so you may want to consider bringing an umbrella. It is
essential to follow dress standards (no bare shoulders or knees)
and is strictly enforced in many churches, especially in Rome at St.
Peter's and the Vatican Museums and at the Basilica di San Marco
in Venice.

SAFETY

Remember to protect yourself against purse-snatchers and
pickpockets. It is recommended that you wear a money belt or a
pouch on a string around your neck, both concealed. When you
have to carry a purse make sure that is around your neck and
tucked between your body and arm.  A word of caution: "gypsy"
children are widespread in Rome, are skilled pickpockets that are
quick, and know more tricks than you do.

TELEPHONES

Since hotel tend to overcharge for long distance and international
calls. It is best to make such calls from public phones, using
telephone cards. For general information in English dial 176. To
place international telephone calls via operator assisted service,
dial 170 or long distance access numbers. The country code for
Italy is 39.

If you are in need of additional information or have found what you
are looking for. We suggest that you complete an internet search
for additional information. 

Have a safe and enjoyable trip to Italy!

Historical Destinations For Student Travel

Student travel promises to be an enjoyable trip. Not only do students can visit several places, they could also learn so much on every trip. And since air travel agencies as well as airlines provide student travel discount and special student travel rate, student travel is becoming more and more available for greater number of students who want to explore and learn more about the world.

For first time travelers, here are some historical destinations you can consider for you student travel:

Athens
As the center of knowledge, government, and system in the ancient world, every student would be amazed how this ancient city grew and evolved. Students can visit Acropolis, Agora, Library of Hadrian, Kerameikos, Olympieion & Southeast Athens, Pnyx, Roman Agora & Tower of the Winds, Arch of Hadrian, City Eleusinion and other ancient sites in this ancient city of Athens.

Egypt
Visit one of the earliest civilizations founded in this part of the world. Egypt features 3000 years old city in the banks of River Nile. Egypt is also one of the oldest tourist spots in the world with visitors coming from the ancient Rome and Greece.

Moving your way south from Cairo, the nation’s capital, you can stop at Giza where the infamous Great Pyramid stands. It was built by Pharaoh Khafu in the year 2550 BC. Standing at 147 meters, it was the largest and the most ambitious structure built in the ancient Egypt requiring 2.3 million stone block to erect. Also at Giza, see the Pyramid of Khafre home if the Sphinx. It was built 30 after the Great Pyramid. As the second largest, the Pyramid of Khafre stands at 144 meters of 471 feet. The third pyramid located at Giza was the Pyramid of Menkaure which stands at 65 meters or 213 feet.

Further south, Saqqara is home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser built in 2630 BC. Pyramid of Pepi II, also located at Saqqara was the last pyramid built by ancient Egyptians. In Dahshur, the Bent and the Red Pyramids are located. And down south at Maidum, the Maidum Pyramid can be found.

See the temples, mummies, tombs, hieroglyphics, and Valley of the Kings and the Queens if you visit Egypt.

Rome
See ancient Rome still intact with evidences of Roman structure and architectures built more than 2000 years ago. Rome presents the living timeline from the Roman Empire to the shift of the Middle Ages, to baroque and renaissance, to the dawn of the romantic period and enlightenment. Rome preserves its temples, churches, arts, and priceless paintings and murals.

Turkey
A former territory of the Roman Empire which stood strong for more than a thousand years against several barbarian attack. Turkey is in the easternmost part of Europe that features a diverse culture, religion, philosophy, and architectures.

China
Travel Far East and learn the history of the ancient eastern civilization that was once unknown until the last centuries. See the Great Wall, a remnant of the Zhou Dynasty along with other unique oriental culture and tradition. See the Chinese painting, calligraphy, paper cutting, and Chinese art.

Peru
As the center of the Inca civilization, Peru is a great destination for student travel for discovery of South American history. The 500-year old Inca traces could be relived in the Inca Trail that is both exciting and educational. Walk to the Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman, Machu Picchu, and Pisac.