The arena of Verona, Verona, Italy

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The arena of Verona is a Roman amphitheatre in the historic centre of Verona. Built in 30 AC, they could accommodate 30,000 spectators at that time. The amphitheatre is 152 metres long, 128 meters wide and 32 metres high. It is often considered the third Roman amphitheatre for its dimensions, after the Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheatre) in Rome and Capua amphitheatre. It is also the best preserved, especially the internal structures of the building. The bleachers can accommodate today 22,000 seated spectators. Since 1913, the arena hosts performances of opera in the Festival of Verona and its acoustics is truly remarkable. There are also other shows and concerts presented in the arena.

Tips

If you want to buy tickets to attend to an evening opera or buy a subscription for the festival, you will find the program of the festival and the price on the site of the arena several months in advance.
It would be also advisable to book your stay in advance. Remember that spectators from all over the world arrive at the festival and closer hotels fill up easily.
If you go just for a show, enjoy your stay being 2 or 3 days more in the city; you won’t regret it.

Manoir des Pins, Sainte-Lucie des Laurentides, Quebec, Canada

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Manoir des Pins is in Ste-Lucie-des-Laurentides, on Lake Sarrazin. These are cottages to rent; they are near or at the lake. There are packages with meals included, French cuisine with an affordable price. There are cottages for couples, families or groups that go from studios to 5 bedroom chalets. They are equipped with double jacuzzi and fireplace of natural stone. There is the possibility of having bikes to ride near the cottage, rowboats, kayaks, games, snow rackets and all that is included in the services offered for free. There is also the possibility of having massages but it is a paid service with appointments.

Tips

If you want to have a kitchen, you have to rent a 2 bedroom cottage or more. Notice that you should bring some items such as paper towels, aluminum foil and anything that is perishable (milk, coffee, juice, etc.). If you need an iron or a hairdryer, you should bring them too.
Note that you can buy firewood on place.
If you go in summer, do not forget the mosquito repellent and your beach umbrella.

Deiva Marina, La Spezia, Liguria, Italy

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Deiva Marina is a town in the province of La Spezia in the region of Liguria in Italy. Small seaside town, an ideal base for exploring the Cinque Terre and Portofino. IIt’s too appreciated by the quality of the water and its beautiful beach. You can make beautiful walks along the coast, there are several bars, cafés and restaurants with sympa kind people. There are many hotels and campsites in the surrounding area. You can visit the old town with its picturesque streets, the Church of Saint Anthony Abate (1739) where you can find beautiful works of art inside; the remains of the family Da Passano Castle and the remains of two observation towers. The first is still very well preserved in the old town, the second near the marina, is almost completely demolished.

Tips

If you like the markets, on Saturday mornings, there is a flea market next to the train station where you will find various products with good prices and even souvenirs from Italy. The road is narrow and it’s difficult to find a place to park the car, so you can park your car between the trees before entering the city, it’s free. Other places (very few) are at the end of the promenade on the coast but you must pay an hourly rate.
If you want to visit the Cinque Terre, the only way to do it is by train and it will take you all day long, so leave the car near the train station and take the train to go to Levanto. From there, you can get a ticket  that will allow you to get off at each station of the Cinque Terre and use the trails without paying anything extra.
You will find a tourist office opening on Saturdays and Sundays out of season at the station of Framura (only a station from Deiva Marina). There they could give you maps and information about the region.
Make sure to have coins cuase you will always need them to pay for parking, tolls and tickets specially at weekends when tickets must be taken on the train tickets distributor which accepts only coins or banknotes of 5 and 10 euros.