NOW YOU KNOW AND YOU CAN BRAG ABOUT IT!

1 THING TO SHOW YOU KNOW MORE...

Like many historical monuments of Rome, also the renowned Trevi Fountain has many stories to be revealed. Among these there is one  connected to the sculpture placed on the left side of it, known as the "Ace of Cups", due to the similarity with the subject of playing cards, which sees a barber as a protagonist.

Curious? We must state that there are no reliable or historical sources about this, but it is a fact that this vase is an object almost alien to the rest of the decoration of the famous fountain, the work of the great architect Nicola Salvi, characterized by cliffs and rustic elements in which a “cup” is absolutely out of place.

In 1732, when Nicola Salvi was committed to highlighting in a monumental way the otherwise humble output of the “Aqua Vergine” an old aqueduct end, that was located in Piazza di Trevi, the heart of the Trevi district.

During the works, the residents of the area, the traders and the artisans used to watch the progress of the works with curiosity, sometimes having their say on the project and the state of the art of the fountain. It's something you can see still nowadays, all around the world.

Among these was a barber who had his own shop on the ground floor of Palazzo Castellani, at the entrance to Via della Stamperia, right on the side to the right of the fountain.

This barber - whose name is unknown - used to have his say to Salvi on the project and the state of the art, continually criticizing the architect and his project. The criticisms must have become unbearable for Salvi who then decided to put a stop to the situation: he decided to make a large sculpted vase right in front of the barber's shop, thus preventing him from seeing the fountain, so that he would no longer have to to say about the work.

As mentioned, the story is very suggestive but there is no certain information about it. However, it must be said that the vase is indeed oddly different from the rest of the decoration, and that Salvi himself described his own fountain “with a rustic baluster decorated with two pointy rocks, where we see the larger one remaining partially in its roughness, and partially carved in the manner of a Vase, in a jokingly fashion”. Maye the use of  "jokingly" suggests a fun purpose for the creation of the vase?

We do not know what were the alleged criticisms that the barber would have addressed to Salvi, but we do know instead that the Roman architect's work is recognized throughout the world as a great masterpiece of art.

Would you like to know more about Rome and the rest of Italy?

We are RHI, and we care about your time in our country; let's make it worth and pleasurable.

3 steps to budget your family holiday.
And a huge SPOILER ALERT!

So, all the Corona-thing is settling and fading in Europe; numbers are in the negative trend and people are cautiously re-opening everything again.
Sounds great!

So you allow yourself some self-indulging dreams about the coming holidays.

We did then some readings for you and found out on the economy page of Dave Ramsey some good suggestions:

1. Choose the top places you’d like to go.
On the surface, this may seem the easiest (and most fun) step of all. But it does bring with it some extra questions. Does the budget limit where you can go? Does your destination affect whether you plan it yourself or hire a travel agent? Drive or fly? Make sure to be clear on this one because the more you know, the better you can plan and the more expenses you can anticipate.

2. Set a budget.
The vacation is the finish line. Here, you mark out the steps it takes to get there. Determine how much you want to spend on everything from hotels to gasoline to souvenirs and meals. If you decide something is too expensive, scale it back or cross it off the list. Get your plan in place so you know your plan of attack.

3. Look for deals.
You can find websites all over the internet that can help you score deals on hotels, amusement park tickets, airline travel and so on. Make sure you look for bargains after you set the budget for two reasons. First, once you know what you want to spend, you have a better idea of where you can save. Second, it’s a great morale boost to see that you are coming in under budget (once you have one) when you find a deal.

BUT... BUT, WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN?

We went through some blogs and we specially liked the Momshoppingnetwork hints:

All the above will be highly influenced by the ages of your children. Talking about what they like will help you decide if a potential destination will be a good fit.
Think about their interests, hobbies, and activities. Anything and everything that might shed some light and help you decide if your idea is a good idea for everyone.
Another thing to think about when planning is if there is a huge age span between your kids. You'll want to make sure there is something for everyone on your trip.
You want the younger kids to have fun but at the same time don't want to bore the older kids. You might have to have a day where you cater to each age group, and the others will have to patiently enjoy the activity, whatever it may be.

If you want to know more we also suggest you to see our previous blogs:

3 tips for travelling to Italy with children
1 place you must visit outside Rome

SPOILER ALERT:
Do not miss tomorrow’s blog: Why you should let your Tour Operator to take care of all this, while you relax.

We are RHI, and we care about your time in our country; let's make it worth and pleasurable.

3 THINGS TO BEAR IN MIND

And a FREE e-book for your children.

As this 2020 virus is relenting the grasp on Europe and Asia you are thinking that it is not a bad idea to dream and make plans - at least – about leaving on holidays as soon as you can. So keep in mind these THREE IMPORTANT THINGS:

Photo by Explorica

General sentiment

As you can see in this article from Forbes, there is today  in Europe a sense of normalcy and perspective that seems to be lacking in the United States. "Despite the challenges, it won’t be this way forever," says John Lovell, president of leisure travel and supplier relations and networks at Travel Leaders Group. "Travel and tourism is a highly resilient industry that has come back again and again from diseases and natural disasters."

Industry watchers like Lovell predict a quick bounce back for tourism, despite the current doom-and-gloom headlines. They point out that travel rebounded quickly after other pandemics and disasters, including 9/11.

"You have to assess your own risk tolerance, take reasonable and prudent precautions, and make smart decisions about your travel," he adds. "Right now, there are amazing travel deals to destinations all over the world."

Health

At the same time, the official Schengen website you are remembered to consider two important points. These are completely appealing to common sense, and do not sound like ominous or discouraging: these are facts.

Your age. The elderly, especially those over the age of 80, are the ones most endangered for complications of the coronavirus disease, whereas ages 10 – 39 have shown relatively low fatality rates (approximately 0.2%). That does not mean that you have a lower chance of infection if you are younger, only that you have a lower chance of the disease becoming fatal. You can still become infected and spread the disease around.

Your medical history. People with pre-existing conditions are also more susceptible to become seriously ill from the coronavirus than those who were previously healthy. If you suffer from any respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, etc., you should reconsider traveling.

Family

Of course in RHI we understand that you are concerned about your children during your  “family time”. So we would like to share – as promised – this little FREE E-BOOK

to talk and explain to your children about this peculiar and demanding stage in their lives.

The book – aimed primarily at children aged 6-11 years old – is a project of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, a unique collaboration of United Nations agencies, national and international nongovernmental organizations and international agencies providing mental health and psychosocial support in emergency settings.

Google Images

We are RHI, and we care about your time in our country; let's make it worth and pleasurable.

GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT.

And the Marathon begins!

We are back to starting blocks, taking deep breaths and looking ahead.

As in every true sporting competition we are ready and looking forward to the effort, for we know that this is going to be a long endurance test. Not just a sprint but a true performance.

For many people these have been days of isolation and discomfort; for us they have been a moment to prepare, to train, to seek for our weak spots and perfect them, to improve and to develop.

The track field is beautiful, running through amazing landscapes and beautiful art cities; the air is crisp-clean and our friends and families are ready to give it all they can to support.

We have positively profited the available time to personally improve their professional knowledge, to enhance their relationship with our suppliers, to give a more personal touch with our partners,  strengthen knots and consolidating some lose ends.

We are today as prepared as we could be and more than enthusiastic to start over again.

Join us, it is going to be a lot of fun!

We are RHI, and we care about your time in our country; let's make it worth and pleasurable. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
We are soon coming to celebrate with you!

Rome celebrates today the 2.773rd birthday since her fundation.

Rome's birthday celebrations for Natale di Roma include usually the historical re-enactments featuring costumed parades and gladiator fights.

This day, known as Natale di Roma, is the annual birthday celebration and it is based on the legendary founding of Rome by Romulus in 753 BC.

Events are usually centred in the Circus Maximus and include gladiator fights, the traditional founding of ancient the Roman towns when a trench or "mundus" was dug and offerings were thrown into it to encourage the gods to watch over its citizens and the final parade, that usually takes place along Via dei Fori Imperiali, with more than 1,500 costumed participants.

This year the celebrations will be online only; who would have ever thougt that such and Old Lady could be so social!

Soon we will be on the streets again; these days of lockdown will remain a distant memory and Rome will again open her motherly arms to welcome and embrace us all again; just like motehrs do to long gone cildren, gently whispering "you are finally back to Italy, I missed you".

See you soon!

We are RHI, and we care about your time in our country; let's make it worth and pleasurable.

3 TIMES: YOU WERE WRONG.

There’s something closer, bigger and cheaper.

Following our previous post on places around Rome, not far from it and accessible to everyone, today we propose Ostia Antica.

@ Livioandronico2013

You certainly know Pompeii, the city destroyed by the Mt. Vesuvius eruption in 79 a.C.

There actually 2 kind of tourists coming to Italy: the ones who already visited Pompeii and the ones that haven’t yet.

Any well lectured blogger or travel agent will no doubt confirm to you that, leaving from Rome, it will take you almost a whole day travelling to Pompeii, visiting, and returning to Rome. Sad, but true: a whole day of your holiday only to visit 3 or 4 hours and walking around in a really crowded place.

Here’s our tip:

OSTIA ANTICA, so you can stay in Rome and go to Ostia Antica: closer, bigger, cheaper.

Ostia Antica is a large archaeological site, close to the modern town of Ostia, that is the location of the harbour city of ancient Rome, 15 miles (25 kilometres) southwest of Rome. "Ostia" (plur. of "ostium") is a derivation of "os", the Latin word for "mouth". At the mouth of the River Tiber, Ostia was Rome's seaport, but due to silting the site now lies 3 kilometres (2 miles) from the sea.[2] The site is noted for the excellent preservation of its ancient buildings, magnificent frescoes and impressive mosaics.

The most ancient buildings currently visible are from the 3rd century BC, notably the Castrum (military camp); of a slightly later date is the Capitolium (temple of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva).

Ostia itself was provided with all the services a town of the time could require; in particular, a famous lighthouse. The popularity of the Cult of Mithras is evident in the discovery of eighteen mithraea. Archaeologists have also discovered the public latrinae, organised for collective use as a series of seats that allow us to imagine today that their function was also a social one. Ostia had a large theatre, many public baths (such as the Thermae Gavii Maximi, or Baths at Ostia), numerous taverns and inns and a firefighting service. Ostia also contained the Ostia Synagogue, the earliest synagogue yet identified in Europe; it created a stir when it was unearthed in 1960-61.

So: why going to Ostia Antica?

1-            It’s closer to Rome: just 15 miles.

You’ll have a lot of spare time for more activities.

2-            It’s larger that Pompeii and just as well preserved.

Pompeii was buried in ashes and mud. Ostia was only abandoned.

3-            It’s cheaper.

No need to book a 3-hours-per-way expensive day-tour. Do you take kids with you?

We are RHI, and we care about your time in our country; let's make it worth and pleasurable.

3 GOOD REASONS TO STAY OUT OF ROME (?!)
And you'll love it!

Continuing with our show of palces to stay avoiding crowded cities (you are here to relax, don't you?) we wil introduce today the magnificent Tarquinia.

A view of Tarquinia, idillic place outside Rome.

Tarquinia, once called Corneto, is a very old city in the area of Viterbo,  mainly known for the ancient Etruscan tombs located in the vast necropoleis (cemeteries) were it is buld upon. It is a place awarded by UNESCO with the World Heritage status. In 1922 it was renamed after the Tarquinii (in Roman) or Tarch(u)na (or as it was by the original inhabitants: the Etruscan).

The main necropoleis of Tarchuna, that you can partially visit, is Monterozzi; with approximately 6,000 tombs, 200 of which include amazing and very detailed frescoes, even if they are actually tumulus tombs with chambers carved in the rock below.

Tumulus tombs of Tarquinia

The paintings are of a quality unrivalled anywhere else in the Etruscan world and give us an amazing insight into the secretive world of the Etruscans which is scarcely documented.

There are depictions of banquets with dancers and musicians, sporting events, occasional erotic and mythical scenes. In the late period underworld demons escorting the dead on their journey to the beyond including scenes in the nether world were depicted, and also processions of magistrates and other symbols of the rank of the eminent members of the families buried there.

Frescoes in the Etruscan style

Famous tombs to visit are – among others – the one of the Bulls, the Tomb of the Augurs and the Tomb of the Leopards.

But you would prefer some activity, maybe, while your kids are visiting somewhere else?

Some more fresh air, some quietness and relax?

Well, Tarquinia can easily be your perfect spot! There is a beautiful Golf Club with a very friendly fly! What about it?

Non-surprisingly it's called Tarquinia Country Club and it is a very interesting and relaxing Executive golf course, with no great difficulties; sounds just like what you needed to take a break while keeping your score.

So now you know:

1 - Tarquinia is not far from Rome.

It's just one hour drive!

2 - Tarquinia is a must to visit.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage site

3 - You can practice a lot of open air activities.

And golfing too!

More to come in our next blog; we like to know you travel prepared and have it planned ahed to maximize your fun, enjoy your holiday, and make all your family happy.

We are RHI, and we care about your time in our country; let's make it worth and pleasurable.

NEED SOME FRESH AIR?
We have plenty of it, in Italy!

When it comes to thinking about your holiday in Italy you visualize, most probably, crowded places such as Piazza San Marco in Venice, or Galleria Degli Uffizi in Florence, or the strades of Colosseum. All those places where you have to make your way to see something and hope some group of other people will move away so you can finally post something worth on you socials, or just get a good look at it.

By Manuel Silvestri/Reuters

Some degree of frustration sinks in while you wait for the moment to capture something with your camera but you are tossed around, instead, by the crowd, moving stampede-like to somewhere else.
A hint of madness grips on you, as you try to find sense in the advertised "stroll among the narrow streets of" somewhere and "immerse yourself into the beauty of" somewhere else.
And you start wandering if you are going to spend the next days in your hotel room to gain some space and air.
You need fresh air.

Appia Antica natural park. The Hollywood walk of Rome. Home for international actors and producers.

So, starting from today, we will show you some venues around Rome, where to walk at ease, take a deep breath, enjoy the unfolding landscapes and soak into culture, tradition and, products.

We are pleased to introduce you: the CASTELLI ROMANI.

17 coats of arms for 17 villages!

Castelli Romani (Lit. roman castles) is the name associated with a large area south of Rome, where many small villages are nested on green hills, mostly famous for the production of excellent wines, going under the names of the same villages: Frascati, Marino, etc.
These towns were originally built around someone's castle; be it a fortification or a luxurios villa.
We invite you to have a look at their official website to discover and organize your excursion.
In a little bit more that a half day you can have some scenic views of Roma unfolding at your feet below, from the hills and the amazing parks located there.
All in total comfort, without crowds and allowing you to feel the relax you came here for.

We are RHI, and we care about your time in our country; let's make it worth and pleasurable.

LUNCH TIME AND NO FOOD?
Come to Italy, we'll take care!

You like food, so your trip to Italy is half-way ready.

Food is for Italians part of an old-time tradition, radicated in the hard times of the first settlers, in the south of Italy.
Back then you spared your energies between cultivating land and defending it from the tribes around you. Eating was frugal and scarce, based on cheese, vegetables and some grains.

Eating well at home, or with friends in special occasions became a "must" for families to demostrate status and wealth.

So when in Italy remember: a meal is necessarily a relaxing moment, a reward, therefore, a pleasure.

Come to Italy, discover the variety of produces and taste local products. It's good for your health and your soul: there is every single town tradition in them, craftmanship, and love.

We are RHI, and we care about your time in our country; let's make it worth and pleasurable.

IT'S COMING: LOOK BUSY!
(You only have two weeks left).

Spring is here and two weeks is all you need to make your plans and pack for a nice spring-break in the beautiful Napoli and the enchanting surrounding areas.
The sun is already hitting and the temperature is rising and making Spring - the Love season - a perfect period to visit one among the the world-famous cities of the South of Italy.

The south: AT LEAST 400 miles from any place you've been warned of in the news.
The south: a place where just because you're a foreigner they'll love you most and offer all help.

Naples is the city tat inspired Johann Wolfgang Goethe to say: "In Neaples everyone lives in an inebriated self-forgetfulness. The same happens for me too. I barely recognize myself and I seem to be quite another man. Yesterday I thought: "Either you were crazy before, or you are now.""

Beyond the considerably vast choice of hotels and B&B's, the surrounding of Naples have a lot of campings that are well connected and can make a travelling family very satisfied.

And the food choice: we'll leave the blog @FoodDrinkDest to do the talking!

Stil not packing? So we'll resume it for you:

1 - Napoli is NOT among quaratined destinations.
The closest one is 400 miles away.

2 - There is plenty of charming B&B's and Campings.
Seasonal business means  no contagion possibility, AND a lot of family fun!

3 - Cultural, gastronomic, romantic & family-bound.
Whaterver you look for: start packing, no excuses.

We are RHI and we care about your time in our country: let's make it worth and pleasurable.

BREAKING NEWS! NO SANITARY EMERGENCY.

We just learn from this article in Cope.es that a group of 61 students has left Spain towards Italy some days ago.

The happy teacher explains in the available audio that after talking with Health Spanish Authorities, the health committee of Andalucia and the Spanish Consulate in Italy, he has been told that there is NO sanitary emergency.

Keep your thoughts clear from fear, check facts, keep calm and ... travel to Italy!

We are RHI and we care about your time in our country: let's make it worth and pleasurable.

FINALLY: Italy is a safe country!

For additional information click here.

It is safe to live in Italy and it is safe to travel to Italy.

Only 12 out of 7904 Italian cities are affected by such measures:

•             Lombardy: Bertonico, Casalpusterlengo, Castelgerundo, Castiglione D'Adda, Codogno, Fombio, Maleo, San Fiorano, Somaglia, Terranova dei Passerini.

•             Veneto: Vo’ Euganeo

The remainder of the country, including the Italian regions where the cities in temporary isolation are located, is safe and accessible. All services and activities for citizens and tourists are normally provided and the quality of life, for which Italy is famous world-wide, remains high.

For additional information, please consult the following links:

•             Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

•             Ministry of Health

•             National Institute of Health

•             EpiCentro, portal of epidemiology for public health

•             World Health Organization

The Italian National Health System, among the most efficient in the world, immediately implemented procedures directed at safeguarding citizens and tourists. Intense controls made it possible for the Italian Government to monitor and contain the spreading of Covid-19 from the earliest diffusion outside the Chinese borders.

The adoption of extraordinary preventive actions, such as the temporary closure of several sites or the suspension of several events, represents cautionary measures which have nothing to do with the spreading of the virus throughout the Italian territory. All services and activities for citizens and tourists are normally provided and the quality of life, for which Italy is famous world-wide, remains high.

MiBACT - Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale

Ministero della Salute

3 TIPS FOR TRAVELLING TO ITALY WITH KIDS

Italy has a name for being a "family" country; and we are not talking Godfather, here...

We italians adore our family and the most important part of it is the children. They are our future, our legacy and our pride and joy.

But when it comes to travelling with kids we also have questions and perplexities: too many museums? Will they like to spend time in an art city?

We propose you a reading in the website https://ournextadventure.co quoting: who needs to visit the Uffizi when the entire city of Florence is a walking museum? A favorite family-friendly sites included Boboli Gardens, Mercato Centrale, the carousel at Piazza della Republica, and Piazzale Michelangelo.

Italy offers will offer in many of its cities, if not all, big squares and large gardens; as Katherine Edwards points out in her blog: https://www.thelocal.it/20170322/parks-gardens-to-visit-in-italy-spring-nature-flowers-travel there is plently of spaces where to reconnect and bond with your loved ones in a magnificent display of nature.

So, when planning your trip to Italy with kids, remember:

1 - LEAVE THE STROLLER AT HOME.

Narrow streets and bumpy roads only make it a seldom used burden.

2 - PACK LIGHT

Those cobblestone streets and busy trains don’t have room for your gigantic luggage.

3 - GO OFF THE BEATEN PATH FOR AUTHENTIC ITALIAN FOOD
With pizza or pasta on nearly every menu, you’ll have little to worry about with picky eaters: the food in Italy is extremely kid-friendly.

See you soon around our beloved Italy!

RHI - Reservation Hotels Italy

3 GOOD REASONS TO USE R.H.I. ...or more!

R.H.I. is a consolidated and thriving DMC (Destination Management Company), serving the B2B segment of the tourism industry. We put our 35 years of experience at Your service: we respect You as a Partner, we  value You as our Client.

You are at the center of our attitude and endeavor. We bring You our industry experience, business knowledge and detailed territory expertise.

We suggest a vast portfolio of hotels; we have large allotment agreements in many of them.

We propose restaurants - from Gourmet to the local Trattoria or farmhouse- we organize minivan and bus transfers and any other service You may require so that your Clients can discover – hassle free - the extremely varied landscape of our beautiful country.

Staff:

The experience achieved by our qualified staff, speaking 8 languages, allowed us to understand the mentality and the various needs of different markets in the world today.

That is why we are able to offer you All the services in all the major Italian cities like Roma, at Your expected standard of  cultural, traditional and customization level.

Commitment:

We commit to be your DMC by giving you:

·        quotations and services in a timely fashion;

·        the best experience for Your Customers in each occasion;

·        all necessary insights and updates through our website so that You can make the best use;

·        the flexibility in following up Your needs that only a experienced DMC can bring;

·        a capillary availability of services in Italy;

·        courtesy and professionalism at any level, from the request till departure of the Group from Italy;

·        assistance by our Operators reachable on Mobile or WhatsApp 24 hours a day, 24/7, all year round.

What we do:

We are big enough to take care of your requests quickly and in a convenient economical format; but we still behave like a small unit focusing and verifying each single step; making Your tour a tailor-made experience.

No request is “business as usual”: they are all different, because they are Yours.