The Icefields Parkway...Canadian Rockies, Alberta, Canada

The Icefields Parkway is considered to be one of the top ten scenic drives in the world, and rightly so. The Parkway consists of the northern section of Hwy 93 which stretches from just beyond Lake Louise all the way to Jasper, Alberta. It is built through both Banff and Jasper National Parks and was one of the "make work projects" during the 1930's the government implemented to provide jobs for men in those Depression years.

Today, it is traveled each summer by a multitude of tourists; many on coach tours, some who have rented RV's, others in their cars and even some on bicycles. In fact, it is one of the most popular cycling roads in all of the Rockies and extremely challenging.

Without a doubt, the scenery is the reason so many make this their destination to see stunning turquoise-colored lakes, soaring mountain peaks, remnants of the Wisconsin Ice Age in the form of icefields and glaciers.Then there is always the hope for a glimpse of wild animals in their natural habitat, protected by Parks Canada and overseen by the Park Wardens. Black bears, grizzly bears, mule deer, elk, mountain goats and bighorn sheep are all species that one might see along the way. Park regulations specify that you not get out of your vehicle when animals are spotted. In fact, one must remain a minimum of 135 feet from the animal. After all, they are wild and can be unpredictable.

The speed is limited so one might enjoy the scenery along the Parkway. You travel parallel to the Continental Divide, the highest point of the Rockies that divides the watersheds. Some of the lakes you see from the highway are Hector Lake, for James Hector who named many of these Rocky Mountains and was part of the Palliser Expedition from 1857-60; Bow Lake, the source of the Bow River and home to Jimmy Simpson's Num-Ti-Jah Lodge; and Peyto Lake, named for Bill Peyto, early outfitter and guide. It's considered to be the bluest lake in the Canadian Rockies and will make you gasp in awe at first sight.

Polar Bear Viewing in Churchill: Polar Bear Capital of the World

Churchill, Manitoba is uniquely situated on a polar bear migratory route, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and adventurers. Although bears are present in the area year round, the best time to observe these wild animals is in autumn when they start congregating, anxiously waiting for the edges of the Hudson Bay to freeze so they can reach ringed and bearded seals, their primary food source.

	Mother and Cubs1

AMAZING ANIMALS

Few animals are as endearing as the large, white polar bear. However, their cuddly appearance is only a human idealism; they are in fact vicious carnivores, sneaky, sly and adept at stalking and killing large prey, including seals, walruses and beluga whales.

Polar bear cubs are born in the darkest of winter, from December through January. They rely on their mothers for food and warmth, emerging from their dens in March or April. After hanging around the den for a couple of weeks and acclimatizing to their new environment, sows and their cubs begin journeying onto the ice to look for their first kill of the season.

In July and August, mothers and their young families are easily spotted against a colourful background of arctic wild flowers and grasses. As autumn begins, bears start sparring and wrestling playfully, exploring their abilities and honing their hunting skills. During these warmer months the bears subsist on sedge grass and an occasional kill. Then, as winter approaches, polar bears start gathering in the Churchill area, waiting impatiently for ice to form so they can begin looking for seals, a more substantial food source that will allow them to endure the long winter.

WILDLIFE VIEWING

There are many tour companies operating in Churchill. Bears can be seen on foot, on custom vehicles called tundra buggies and by boat. Tour companies do not guarantee bear sightings, however, given Churchill's unique position and the large bear population, few visitors are disappointed. Wildlife viewing by helicopter is also a possibility but of course seeing these animals clearly from the air isn't easy in winter due to the colour of their coats.

Knowledgeable guides educate visitors and ensure that safe distances are kept from the creatures at all times during guided walks. A zoom lens is certainly recommended for avid photographers. Churchill Wild and Lazy Bear Lodge offer tours around Churchill and the surrounding area.

A Curious Bear Follows Tundra Buggy Tracks2

Tour operators also run tundra buggy tours equipped with furnaces and bathroom facilities, which make navigating the far-reaching landscape comfortable. Viewing decks on the back of the vehicles elevate sightseers to a safe height and provide an opportunity to observe polar bears closely in their natural habitat. Tundra buggy tours range from half-day trips to overnight adventures at remote lodges in the heart of bear country. Excellent buggy tours are offered by Great White Bear Tours, Lazy Bear Lodge and Tundra Buggy Tours.

Many visitors choose to take several days to a week for a packaged vacation at a backcountry lodge. Lodges are typically well equipped, reputed for their good cuisine, cozy atmosphere and serene setting. Large fireplaces and massive picture windows make wildlife viewing a warm, relaxing experience. And for adventurers who want a closer look, three-metre-tall (10 ft) wire fences around the lodge separate polar bears from guests, providing an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing and photography. Churchill Wild, Dymond Lake Lodge and Seal River Heritage Lodge are all highly recommended for their beautiful locations, excellent guides, comfortable accommodations and great food.

Though there are many areas well suited to polar bear watching, one of the most popular destinations is Wapusk National Park (Wapusk is the Cree word for white bear), a polar bear maternity denning area. Here, female polar bears give birth to cubs and help them through their most vulnerable stage of life.

WEATHER

Churchill is a place of extremes. Summers are pleasant with highs up to 20°C (70°F) in July and August. During the cold winter months there are only a few hours of daylight and temperatures can drop as low as -40°C (-40°F).

Polar bears can be seen all year but are most abundant from October to November, a snowy time when temperatures range from 0°C (32°F) in early October to as low as -20°C (-5°F) toward the end of November. Visitors should prepare themselves by wearing insulating layers close to the body and a good windbreaker on top to withstand the harsh tundra winds.

	Looking for Seals Can Be Exhausting3

PEOPLE & BEARS

First Nations people and bears have coexisted in this region for a thousand years. Some of this history can be explored at the Eskimo Museum, which has an extensive collection of Inuit artifacts. Polar bears have long provided important raw materials for the Inuit people and almost all parts of the animal are used, in particular fur for warmth, meat for food and fat for fuel. These items, especially fur pelts, were also used to trade with Europeans when they arrived.

Inuit cultures have many tales and legends featuring polar bears, revealing their deep respect for these animals. A healthy respect for nature is crucial to coexisting with wildlife so the Town of Churchill and Parks Canada educate the population about polar bear safety to decrease confrontations and ensure resources are managed and tourism conducted in a sustainable manner; in this way, both the human community and polar bears benefit.

Another initiative, the Polar Bear Alert program, allows local residents to phone in when a bear is spotted too close to town. These bears are tranquilized and transported to the Polar Bear Jail for a temporary stay before being released back to the wild, farther from the townsite. Tours of the jail are a popular activity.

ECOTOURISM

Heightened awareness of wildlife and habitat conservation means that there are a lot of options available to eco-conscious tourists. Employing a tour company is one way to support conservation in Churchill. Many tour companies donate transportation time on tundra buggies, boats and helicopters to students and teachers as well as provide logistical support for scientists and conservationists. Several of them also make cash donations to Polar Bears International.

Numerous shops in town sell wildlife-themed stationary, books, videos and artistic items such as paintings, photographs and jewellery and a portion of these proceeds go to various non-profit environmental organizations that help conserve wildlife and the unique arctic habitat.

BEYOND BEARS

A polar bear adventure in Churchill is complemented by the amazing natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the area. During the day, visitors can enjoy a helicopter or dogsled tour to explore the expansive landscape. Boat tours take tourists to remote islands to see unique seascapes, including mountains and icebergs, and at night visitors may be treated to the Northern Lights. Go swimming and kayaking with beluga whales, or take a wildlife tour and discover a variety of birds and mammals, including herons, owls, caribou, moose and wolves.

Visitors can also see the historic Prince of Wales Fort, built in the 1700s, or take a side trip to beautiful Cape Merry.

British Columbia

New Brunswick

The season to be outdoors is upon us and New Brunswick is an excellent province to explore the marvels of nature. It is a land of natural enigmas, and the Bay of Fundy, located in the southern part of the province, sets the stage and the tone, with its ability to boast the highest tides in the world. Twice a day, over ten billion tonnes of water swirl and churn into the bay, eroding away the land and creating a vibrant home for thousands of marine plants and animals. With tides rising as high as forty-five feet, and falling as low as two feet, all in the span of twenty-four hours, it is no wonder that thousands of people visit the Bay of Fundy each year.

The best place to experience the effect that centuries of erosion can have on the surrounding land is at the Hopewell Rocks. Affectionately nick-named “the flower pots”, the Hopewell Rocks are a group of rocks towering over fifty feet in height and defying the physics of architecture. Once part of the Fundy coastline, the “rocks” have become isolated geological structures as the result of years of billion tonnes of water ebbing and flowing through narrow fissures and cracks. The rocks now stand apart from the surrounding cliffs, and create a impressive reminder of how our land is constantly changing.

The Hopewell Rocks are open from May to October, and are located one hour from Moncton. The best time to visit is during low tide, where a short ten-minute descending hike will allow you to reach the ocean floor. There, you can meander along the red silt and marvel how a fifty-foot tall rock can still stand when its base is narrower than its top. Kids will enjoy playing hide-and-seek through the ocean-formed arches, and you can grab lunch and savour the view from the patio at High Tide Café. If you miscalculate the tides and you arrive at high tide, fear not; you can rent a kayak and paddle through the tops of the rocks – a thoroughly pleasurable and unique experience.

If the experience of being on the ocean floor excites you, then drive south to St. Andrews, a quaint, sea-side town that is located along the Fundy Coastal Drive. Just outside of St. Andrews is Minister’s Island, notable for the nearly two-hundred year old mansion that was home to a wealthy railway builder in the late 1800s. A two-hour tour of the mansion is available, but it is the journey to the island that is the true adventure. If you time your arrival right, and head to Minister’s Island at low tide, you will be able to drive right on the ocean floor to reach the island. There is no gravel or paved road, just the mixed rock and silt that the tides bring in twice a day. You do not need a special car for this adventure; any four-wheeled vehicle will do. The drive is seasonal, accessible from May to October.

Perhaps a little more tame but certainly more puzzling is the mystery of Magnetic Hill, located just outside of Moncton. Kids will delight in the ability of a car, put in neutral, to be invisibly “pulled” and roll uphill. Tour buses are a real hit, since one would expect it to be impossible for four-thousand pounds of steal to defy the laws of physics. Whether an optical illusion or the workings of subterranean magnetic forces, Magnetic Hill certainly draws many people to its location every year. There is also a zoo and a few shops along a wharf to provide extra entertainment. The hill is also opened seasonally, from May to October.

For an opportunity to smell the fresh sea air while walking along one of the last remaining sand dunes of Atlantic Canada, visit La Dune de Bouctouche, about forty minutes north of Moncton, near St. Edouard-de-Kent. This twelve-kilometre long sand dune was formed from wind storms and tidal deposits approximately two thousand years ago. There is an ecological centre which gives information on the preservation of the sand dune, and a two-kilometre boardwalk allows you to casually stroll out to the Atlantic Ocean and unobtrusively observe the various local fauna and sea life. The dune is open from May to October, but occasionally closes if heavy storms prevail.

No doubt Mother Nature has left her mark on the province of New Brunswick; from the phenomenal record-breaking tides at the Bay of Fundy, to the secret magnetic forces of Magnetic Hill, New Brunswick has much to offer to its visitors. Spend a little time wandering through the natural splendors and you will forever be reminded of the formidable abilities Mother Nature has.

The scenery in New Brunswick is one of the most spectacular in the world featuring wonderful views of the ocean and the nearby Appalachian Mountains. Whether you want to experience the natural beauty of the New Brunswick region on foot or by automobile you will definitely have some memories which will make it into the family photo album.

The Appalachian Trail runs along the coast of the New Brunswick region and is famous for the wonderful hiking trails which it offers. You can find your way through the day hiking trails on your own or you can hire one of the guides in the region to take you through the safer regions of the mountains.

Some more of the province s tourist attractions are the New Brunswick Museum, Kouchibouguac National Park, Mactaquac Provincial Park, Les Jardins de la Republique, Parlee Beach, Hopewell Rocks, La Dune de Bouctouche, Saint John Reversing Falls, Magnetic Hill Zoo, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, King s Landing Historical Settlement, Crystal Palace, Magic Mountain Water Park, Cape Jourimain National Wildlife Preserve, Sugarloaf Provincial Park, Sackville Waterfowl Park, Fundy National Park, and the Fundy Hiking Trail. Major population areas include the City of Saint John; the capital city, Fredericton; beautiful Grand Manan Island; world renowned St. Andrews; the northern community of Grand Falls; Miramichi and the area of Restigouche.

There are over one hundred species of birds thriving in the New Brunswick region making it a perfect place for bird watching. Among the species which live in the region is the giant woodpecker which is always a treat for North American bird watchers to view.

There are several mammals in the region that are worth the time it takes to find and observe them in their natural habitat. These include the lynx and white tailed deer. You should definitely bring your camera on your trip through the Appalachian Range since the lynx is a rare find.

If you would prefer to observe marine life in the area then you will not be disappointed. New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy is one of the few places in the world where you can view the marine wolves along with over a dozen different species of whales. The Bay of Fundy is also the home of the world’s highest tides due to the unique geography of the bay itself.

City life in New Brunswick can be compared to the most cosmopolitan in the world. You will find fine dining experiences, art exhibits and museums tucked in among the wonderful shopping centers and spas of the region.

The city of Saint John is one of the best places to enjoy shopping and the various fun related activities that city life has to offer. You can enjoy a stay in a top notch hotel in town and quickly find that there are many shopping centers within walking distance to your hotel.

Saint John is also the home to the famous Reversing Falls which run backwards as the tides come in. This is a very interesting sight to see and one you will remember for a long time.

Venture in the Historical Centre of Old Havana

La Habana Vieja is the most popular area, and when you’ll see its fabulous architecture, you’ll know why. Heavily influenced by the 400 year long colonial period, the heart of the city is a classified World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and its magnificent buildings truly reflect the many cultural influences that have polished the town over the years. Visiting Habana Vieja is an unmissable stop in every Havana holiday, and a good location to set base choose your Havana hotel here if you’re looking to find the “Real Cuba” and fully experience the country’s cultural heritage.

Step Back in Time in Calle Obispo

If you choose a holiday in Havana to experience Cuba’s unique retro vibe, Calle Obispo will help you do just that. Bustling with history and entertainment, the street is especially alive at night with locals and tourists gathering in its many restaurants. With a mixture of Cuban Baroque and Art Nouveau Eclectic, the buildings that line the Calle Obispo are full of charm. It’s no surprise many popular Havana hotels were established in the street.

Take it Easy in Plaza de Armas

For a real slice of Cuban life be sure to visit the Plaza de Armas in Havana. Close to Havana Cathedral and the sea, the large park has been a favourite amongst locals for hundreds of years – whether it’s to stroll, sit, or watch the activity of the plaza unfold before their eyes.

Reminiscent of times past, gas lamps light the park at night – meaning that the central gathering spot is full of life at any time of the day. An ambitious restoration project gave the Baroque buildings surrounding the park a second youth, and Havana hotels can now be found in impressive colonial mansions here.

Look over the Town with El Cristo de La Habana

Little known to tourists, an imposing statue of Christ stands in the harbour of Havana. Similar to Rio de Janeiro’s famous Cristo del Corcovado, El Cristo de La Habana stands on the other side of the bay, blessing the city and incoming ships. The white marble statue is impressive in itself and well worth a visit. But visitors should also bear in mind that its prime location at the top of a hill makes it an ideal spot to view a large part of the city – and a great place to take pictures for their Havana holiday album.

Marvel at the Callejón de Hamel

An amazing visual spectacle, the Callejón de Hamel is a unique art project started back in 1990. The cultural platform within the community started with a mural celebrating Afro Cuban culture. Today, it is a mix of shrines, sculptures and murals bursting with colours and originality. Make sure to stop here during your Havana holiday and absorb the breath taking sights and energy of the place. A rumba session is also held there every Sunday afternoon.

Genoa, the capital city near Portofino Italy one of th eight wonder of the world is a town full of life and activity that reflect the character of her inhabitants. Writers and politicians who saw her before the historical events of the XVII century and her altered economical circumstances of the XVIII, called her Superba (haughty).

Heine disparaged her XIX century aspect whereas her ancient splendour, that was blossoming again in her new middle class and merchant princes during the XIX century was enthusiastically praised by De Musset, Flaubert and Michelet, Nietzsche and Wagner.

Special guest that we have reported their presence also in Portofino Italy.

Genoa is a lovely town that the tourist must conquer.

A restless town continually changing. She has flattened her hills to widen her squares, filled in valleys to lay down new roads, built new edifices near old ones with such on innate sense of appropriateness that at first sight the change in topography are not striking.

Wherever building regulations have not been too drastic and regulations better applicable to a town situated in a plain have not been too rigidly enforced, the individual aspiration for something sudden to attain a panoramic flight is revealed in different and picturesque ways, like so many cinema exposures.

Grand views of the town and harbour from points of vantage in public gardens and squares up on the hills, mountain views with pine woods, chains of mountains crested with fortifications belonging to the days of the old Republic, rows of cypresses among olive groves on the hills and large gardens scattered about the town, or on roofs of mansions that introduce a note of green in the gray and silver of the slate with which they are covered.

Palaces everywhere, in streets wide or narrow; palaces seemingly of the XVII century with peeping from under plastering applied in later years, the ashlar of the XIII and XIV centuries to which they properly belong.

XV century courts from which depart delightful little porches with ceilings vaulted and groined and imposing marble staircases sometimes mounting within the building, at others winding round a court, or even completely open.

The mystery of frescoed decorations awakens memories of a past life; little churches with their doors opening on small solitary squares appeal silently to passers by.

Sensation follows sensation, overtaking and mingling with impressions when, on leaving the main arteries one penetrates into the ancient part of the town where every stone speaks of history and reveals the soul of Genoa.

The ancient town never had a proper centre in the accepted sense of the ward, other than the harbour towards which all the narrow streets converged.

On the other hand each great family, such as the Doria, Spinola, Cattaneo, Fieschi etc. had its own centre, and small squares in which their palaces stood, still bear their names and perpetuate them toponymically.

The Cathedral, Palazzo Ducale (Doge s Palace), Palazzo del Banco di S. Giorgio were never centres properly speaking, and indeed Genoa never had a vital urbanistic centre till Piazza De Ferrari was laid out in the XIX century.

The ancient lines of walls were pulled down and only the two gates, Porta Soprano and Porta dei Vacca remained of those erected in 1155, besides some topographical names, and Ponte Monumentale built on the site of Porta dell Arco (XVI century) and the end of Via XX Settembre where the XVII century Porta Pila was demolished but has been rebuilt on the hill of Montesano; all obstacles thus removed, the modern part of the town has merged with the ancient one, and they form an undistinguishable whole that conceals completely the passing of centuries.

What s hot about Sicily? Pretty much everything during the summer months when the white hot siroccos blast across the Mediterranean to shower Saharan sand on the heads of Sicilians and tourists alike.

Actually, during my six months in Sicily, I never got sand in my hair but I did experience the hot African winds when the mercury climbed to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit.)

Picture a nineteen year old American boy, in sweat drenched short sleeve white shirt and brown polyester pants riding his bicycle in the empty August afternoon streets of Catania and Palermo.

ANCIENT GREEK RUINS

What else is hot in Sicily? How about ancient Greek ruins for starters?

Temple E is the name given by modern archaeologists (yes, archaeologists have a knack for coining colorful names) to one of the best preserved temples of the ancient Greek city of Selinunte.

Just as the Roman empire encompassed not only the Italian peninsula but also Spain, France, Switzerland, Turkey, Israel and other parts of Europe, the Middle East and Africa so also did the empire of Greece extend beyond the bounds of the Greek Isles.

MAGNA WHAT?

Magna Graecia (Latin for Greater Greece as in greater metropolitan area ) was the name the Romans gave to Sicily and Southern Italy, for this region was home to numerous Greek colonies.

[Did you know there are still Greek speaking descendants of the ancient Greeks in Italy? It s mostly in the tip of the boot in Calabria. Their language is Griko . You can read an article on it at Wikipedia.

Selinunte was founded by Greeks who emigrated from Western Sicily around 640 BC. It quickly became one of the most progressive and successful cities in all of Magna Graecia, second only to Syracuse in prominence and grandeur.

HERE COME THE AFRICANS

In 409 BC, the Carthaginians of Northern Africa, along with their elephants, were still smarting from a loss to the Sicilian Greeks in the war of 480 B.C. (Apparently, Carthaginians, like elephants, never forget.)

So they sent an army of 100,000 men (yes, that was a little bit overkill) equipped with battering rams, and with siege towers that were taller than Selinunte s walls.

After a siege that lasted only nine days, the Carthaginians broke through the walls of the city and overwhelmed the defenders.

SELINUNTE IS WIPED OUT

Of Selinunte s 25,000 inhabitants, 16,000 were killed and 7,000 made slaves. (Hopefully not sex slaves.) Only 2,000 escaped. And this is why you have never heard of any famous Selinuntians: they were pretty much wiped out in this slaughter.

Though the city never regained its former prestige it was re populated to some degree by Carthaginians (free land) until 250 BC. At that time the Carthaginians, fighting Rome, in the first of the Punic Wars, were fleeing the Roman advance and razed Selinunte to the ground.

The ruins of Selinunte lay abandoned and desolate for nearly one thousand years until a group of Greeks (ironic, eh?) from Byzantium (modern day Istanbul) established a small village there about 700 A.D.

MORE TRAGEDY

Alas, this settlement also met a tragic fate when, a century later, an earthquake struck Sicily, destroying the village.

WHERE IS IT?

How about just checking out its location on a map?

A quick search on Google maps shows Selinunte to be southwest of Palermo in the southwest corner of Sicily.

If you enjoy the archeological ruins at Selinunte you ll find more at Agrigento and Syracuse.

WHAT ELSE IS HOT ABOUT SICILY?

Pasta al forno is pasta baked in the oven (sort of like lasagna, but better). You can find it at almost any trattoria in Palermo and elsewhere on the island.

Beautiful beaches abound.

The cathedrale at Monreale, near Palermo, is thought to be one of the most beautiful in the world.

For something a bit quirky and macabre, check out the catacombs of Palermo where hundred year old corpses hang from the walls fully dressed in period attire.

WHAT S NOT HOT?

What s not hot about Sicily? I would have to say organized crime. The Mafia began here and is still a factor in daily life though it is becoming less so with each passing year.

Many cities around the world have loads of sights in store for tourists and travel enthusiasts, forcing them to flock to these cities through out the year from all corners of the globe. New York City, being the economic hub of International commerce and trade attracts millions upon business journeys, but it attracts even more tourists to see its wonderful sights.

In order to make the most of a brief visit to the ‘Big Apple’, you can resort to a New York City Bus Tour. New York bus tours are an effective source of seeing most of the tourist attractions which are offered by the city of New York, in a shorter period of time. Major NYC bus services which offer great travel packages are Vamoose, the Boston Deluxe, Apex Bus and Fung Wah. There are many sights worth visiting whenever you set your foot in New York, some of the most popular being, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Chinatown, Times Square, Broadway and much more.

New York is a city that never sleeps and whether its day or night, you will find enough people on the streets. Visiting Times Square in the evening will definitely be a wonderful and memorable experience as the flashy and dazzling signboards will mesmerize you. The city marks the height of modern day life and the progress which man has achieved since early days. Empire State Building stands as a mark of human progress and decorates the city of New York like a jewel in a crown.

In order to grab a view of all the major tourist attractions in New York, there are several types of bus tours available. Tour packages like Downtown Tour, Night Tour, Uptown and Harlem Tour, Super Downtown, Super NY Tour and All Around Town offer you great options within your budget constraints. Each package trip contains a list of sights to be seen, and you can choose the one which offers the chance to visit most places within your budget. Bus tours themed on popular TV shows like Friends, Sex and the city and Gangs of New York, are also available to make your trip a memorable one.

If you happen to plan a tourist trip to New York with your family, friends or office colleagues, then hiring a charter bus service may suit your group’s needs. Embarking on a downtown tour of New York on a charter bus would mean that you would be having much more facilities and less consumption of fuel saving you money. One of the major benefits of charter bus service is that you can have a back and forth travel facility from any point within the area of the services. Charter bus services allow you to travel in luxury, at the same time not compromising on your safety as the statistics state that traveling in buses is much safer as compared to cars.

If you intend to tour New York with a group, then hiring a charter bus will be much cheaper as compared to driving several cars. Whether you travel in New York alone or with a group, in order to maximize your experience as a tourist and minimize your costs, you should join any of the New York bus tour packages.

Rome

In this classic romantic comedy, Audrey Hepburn plays a Princess who rebels against her regimented schedule and gets taken on a whirlwind tour around Rome with a charming yet conniving American news reporter.
On your camping holidays in Italy, why not rent a classic Vespa and take your own whirlwind tour around the city, whizzing past the Coliseum and arriving at the Spanish Steps, where Princess Ann (Audrey) famously tasted her first Italian gelati. The Castel Sant’Angelo was where the duo famously danced amongst the river barges, something you’ll most certainly feel like doing on your camping holiday in Italy after sampling Rome’s incredible ice cream.

Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade

Venice

Ah, the city of romance, winding canals and, the Holy Grail? Well that’s certainly what old Indiana Jones believed in his third movie. On your camping holiday in Italy you should start your quest for the Holy Grail at the Church of San Barnaba in Campo San Barbara, as it is here that Indiana Jones reveals some of the key clues to the whereabouts of this Holy Vessel. However, had he just stayed at home and stuck on the Da Vinci Code he’d have soon released that it was in Paris buried under the Louvre Gallery the entire time.

Life is Beautiful

Tuscany

Life is beautiful and so is Tuscany, should have been the title given to this Oscar winning tragic comedy about the holocaust. You’ll soon realise what we mean when you view the dramatic rolling hills and sloping Chianti filled vineyards on your Italy camping holiday. The first part of the film was filmed in Arezzo and the main square, or Piazza Grande, is instantly the most recognisable spot. It is here that the clownish character of Benigni spots his ‘Principessa’ for the second time. If you watch the film before your camping holiday in Italy, you will also instantly recognise the Piaggia San Martino, as the place where the key drops down from the heavens.

The Spy Who Loved Me

Sardinia

The sun kissed beaches of Sardinia provide the stunning backdrop to this James Bond movie. In fact, one of the most memorable Bond scenes of all time features in this film and takes place around the millionaire’s playground of Porto Cervo. The scene sees James Bond’s white Lotus Esprit being chased off a cliff by a sleek black helicopter. The car then falls into the water, and upon landing turns into a futuristic white submarine. You may not have a submarine in which to explore the area of Sardinia, but on your Italy camping holiday you can discover the varied underwater side of this island by taking part in one of the island’s renowned diving excursions.

Quantum of Solace

Lake Garda

It seems that 007 just can’t get enough of beautiful Italy, and who can blame him? The 2008 movie, Quantum of Solace opens with an action paced car chase beginning on Lake Garda and racing along the lakeside road to Malcesine. The pursuit then moves onto the mountainous region of Tremosine, before dropping again back to Lake Garda and the attractive town of Gargano. Whilst still being chased by persistent Alfa Romeo drivers, James heads nearly 200 miles south of Lake Garda and the pursuit finally ends in the beautiful marble quarries of Carrara, where Michelangelo often came to seek stone for his sculptures.