GD LODGING IN ITALY'S MONASTERIES, 3rd (Guide to Lodging in Italy's Monasteries) - Softcover

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Softcover

ISBN 10: 1884465269 ISBN 13: 9781884465260

Publisher: Pet Friendly Publications, 2015

Synopsis

Staying at an Italian monastery is an exceptional experience that allows travelers to enjoy an unspoiled, more traditional Italy. For about $30 a day -- often including meals -- a monastery vacation is filled with Italy’s rich history, spectacular architecture and quaint local customs. Although Europeans have long enjoyed this inexpensive alternative to costly hotels, the unique opportunity of staying in a monastery is relatively unknown. Now, American tourists have access to this remarkable resource. The comprehensive, new third edition is the key to planning an unforgettable adventure that combines true value with gracious hosts. "All monasteries revisited for up-to-date information "Monastery websites and email for easy reservations "Dozens of new institutions added "Over 200 monasteries in separate section for retreats Plus: "Complete contact information including phone & fax "Italian and English reservation form letters "Driving and public transportation directions

Highly recommended. -- Library Journal

This guide will intrigue travelers on a strict budget looking for a holiday with a twist. -- Budget Traveler

About this title

About the Author

Eileen Barish is the award-winning author of many unique travel guides. Recipient of numerous awards, her books have been reviewed by over 500 newspapers and periodicals worldwide. A contributing writer to national magazines such as National Geographic Traveler and Newsweek, she is a frequent guest on CNN and other networks.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Spend a night or a week at a monastery and come away filled with the essence of Italy, its history, art, architecture and local traditions Awaken each morning to church bells ringing out over sleepy villages and hill towns. Mingle with the townspeople at the daily market. Inhale the aroma of freshly brewed cappuccino in a friendly cafe. People watch from an atmospheric piazza. Stroll the medieval alleys and cobblestoned Renaissance streets. Admire the centuries-old houses and palaces that stand side by side, as charming today as they were hundreds of years ago. Open to all, regardless of religious denomination, lodging at monasteries is an untouched Italian adventure. A new approach to travel based on a 2,000 year-old tradition of hospitality. Whether you prefer the sophistication of a city or the quaintness of the countryside, each of the hundreds of monasteries described in this guide represents a singular experience in a unique setting. An experience that will linger long after you’ve returned home. But perhaps most remarkable is the low cost of the accommodations and meals. It is extremely inexpensive to spend the night at a monastery. Rates range from a voluntary donation to about $30 per night. And many monasteries serve meals for just a few dollars more. Others have kitchens and dining rooms where guests may prepare their own food. What is common to each is cleanliness, graciousness, beauty and a sense of unhurried, uncrowded tranquility. Monasteries are an integral part of Italy’s history and heritage and symbolize the incredibly diverse Italian culture. Many were built upon Roman and Etruscan ruins. Traces of these distant civilizations remain, contributing to the overall allure of the monastery’s setting. Others exemplify the natural beauty of the countryside. The accommodations might be situated beside an alpine lake, backdropped by snow-capped mountains or nestled in a landscape of lush rolling hills strewn with vineyards. You’ll find history-laced vignettes and lodging information on monasteries in Rome, Florence and Venice, in the hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria, the famous lake districts of the north, along the Italian Riviera and the Amalfi Coast. Some are in the remote countryside or close to thermal waters and ski resorts. Many were once ancient castles, medieval fortresses, Renaissance palaces or elegant villas. The casas featured are sometimes three-and four-star hotels.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pet Friendly Publications
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1884465269
• ISBN 13: 9781884465260
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 100