And as accommodation is often the last thing left to book, Tripadvisor’s latest award-winners may be just the inspiration you need. The results are in for 2022 stays, showcasing the top-rated hotels across the world.

Europe has a good showing across the categories, and the UK especially triumphed in the ‘Best B&B’ league – with one humble Scarborough business topping the list two years in a row.

But if you’re set on some sunshine, then these celebrated hotels in Spain, Italy, France and Greece are the places to go. As the winners are based on the quality and quantity of traveller reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor over the last year, it’s extremely unlikely you’ll be disappointed.

The travel company has vetted the listings to ensure they deserve top-billing.

From the best hotels overall, to charming B&Bs and romantic resorts, here’s why thousands of travellers gave these places five stars.

7. Ikos Aria – Kos Island, Greece

This Greek gem came third out of all hotels in the world in Tripadvisor’s best of the best category, and – behind Costa Rica and Brazil – was the official European favourite.

Its location clearly helps, perched on the southwest coast of Kos island, with incredible views over the Aegean Sea. As part of the sunny Dodecanese islands, plentiful vitamin D surely inclines guests to write more positive reviews.

The upkeep of the grounds and friendly staff get glowing mentions too.

“An absolutely beautiful hotel in the most stunning of locations,” writes one reviewer. “With immaculately kept grounds, a wide sandy beach, crystal clear seas and views of the beautiful island.”

6. Bless Hotel – Madrid, Spain

Bless Hotel is described as an “exclusive and sophisticated cosmopolitan hotel”.Tripadvisor

If you’re wanting to explore Madrid in style this year, this sophisticated hotel is your safest bet.

Where better to enjoy a siesta than on one of the rooftop pool loungers, after a morning of traipsing the city’s amazing galleries and museums?

It came 10th out of all hotels worldwide, for an array of reasons, according to this reviewer.

“Not only is the place classy, elegant, and dynamic, the staff is also top class. They made sure that our time at Bless was unique, memorable and unmatchable,” they wrote.

5. Ikos Dassia – Corfu, Greece

Another Greek hotel came close on the heels of Bless Hotel – this time on the island of Corfu.

Ikos Dassia is a new 5-star resort with its own long sandy beach, so there’s no stress in finding your spot in the sun.

“The staff can’t seem to do enough for you, the restaurants, including the buffet, are very good, the place is spotless and the facilities are second to none,” said one happy customer.

4. La Maison Favart – Paris, France

La Maison Favart is exquisitely decorated throughout.Tripadvisor

It can be tricky to know where to start when booking accommodation in the French capital. Which arrondissement do you go for, when there are so many attractions around?

But only one spot in Paris made Tripadvisor’s list of top 25 hotels, and that’s La Maison Favart, in the 2nd arrondissement – between Jardin de Tuileries and Montmartre.

Not only well-located, it’s also ornately decorated and – according to at least one reviewer – “Absolutely great in every way!” The staff are particularly attentive, they added, and there’s a gorgeous spa to unwind after strolling the Parisian streets.

3. Salerno Centro Bed and Breakfast – Amalfi Coast, Italy

Salerno Centro is a firm favourite with travellers.Tripadvisor

Though no Italian hotels made the overall top 25, they are well-represented in the Best B&B category (as well as the UK which, though not always perfect across the board, excels in the fried breakfast department).

Best of all is Salerno Centro on the beautiful Amalfi Coast. It’s located in a former 15th century convent, just a stone’s throw from the train station. People report that it is very reasonably priced, with the owner brimming with advice for what to do and where to visit.

One frequent guest couldn’t wait to get back after lockdown last year. “It was quite an emotional moment for me when I experienced, again, the laughter and joy around Lena and Pasquale’s kitchen table during and following yet another cooking class,” they wrote.

2. Quinta Jardins do Lago – Madeira, Portugal

This year’s ‘most romantic hotel’ in Europe is located in a botanic garden. From its Tripadvisor page, it’s not clear where the gardens end and the accommodation begins.

But that’s clearly part of the beauty for thousands of guests who have hoisted it to the number 4 spot in the romance category.

“Magnificent quiet hotel,” wrote one guest last month. “Only a couple of minutes away from the busy tourist area in Funchal, it’s located in an outstanding botanical garden, with a beautiful pool area with sea view.”

If you’re curious about Madeira as a destination – check out our guide to the magical island of black sand beaches and ancient forests here.

1. Luxury Villa Excelsior Parco – Capri, Italy

Luxury Villa Excelsior Parco is the sixth most romantic hotel in the world, according to Tripadvisor’s rankings.Tripadvisor

Unsurprisingly, Italy also has plenty of romantic places to stay. Coupled up or not, you’re sure to fall in love with Villa Excelsior.

There’s a special thrill to staying on the site of a 2,000 year old ancient Roman residence, knowing they would have enjoyed the same view over the Bay of Naples.

It had a major refurb in 2006, which made it into the elegant boutique villa it is today.

“There are only 11 rooms in this hotel and they are all unique,” wrote one honeymooner last month. But, “as beautiful as the hotel is, it is the staff who really shine.”

The post The top 7 hotels in Italy, Spain and Greece, according to Tripadvisor first appeared on Magazin Haber Ajansı.

And as accommodation is often the last thing left to book, Tripadvisor’s latest award-winners may be just the inspiration you need. The results are in for 2022 stays, showcasing the top-rated hotels across the world.

Europe has a good showing across the categories, and the UK especially triumphed in the ‘Best B&B’ league – with one humble Scarborough business topping the list two years in a row.

But if you’re set on some sunshine, then these celebrated hotels in Spain, Italy, France and Greece are the places to go. As the winners are based on the quality and quantity of traveller reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor over the last year, it’s extremely unlikely you’ll be disappointed.

The travel company has vetted the listings to ensure they deserve top-billing.

From the best hotels overall, to charming B&Bs and romantic resorts, here’s why thousands of travellers gave these places five stars.

7. Ikos Aria – Kos Island, Greece

This Greek gem came third out of all hotels in the world in Tripadvisor’s best of the best category, and – behind Costa Rica and Brazil – was the official European favourite.

Its location clearly helps, perched on the southwest coast of Kos island, with incredible views over the Aegean Sea. As part of the sunny Dodecanese islands, plentiful vitamin D surely inclines guests to write more positive reviews.

The upkeep of the grounds and friendly staff get glowing mentions too.

“An absolutely beautiful hotel in the most stunning of locations,” writes one reviewer. “With immaculately kept grounds, a wide sandy beach, crystal clear seas and views of the beautiful island.”

6. Bless Hotel – Madrid, Spain

Bless Hotel is described as an “exclusive and sophisticated cosmopolitan hotel”.Tripadvisor

If you’re wanting to explore Madrid in style this year, this sophisticated hotel is your safest bet.

Where better to enjoy a siesta than on one of the rooftop pool loungers, after a morning of traipsing the city’s amazing galleries and museums?

It came 10th out of all hotels worldwide, for an array of reasons, according to this reviewer.

“Not only is the place classy, elegant, and dynamic, the staff is also top class. They made sure that our time at Bless was unique, memorable and unmatchable,” they wrote.

5. Ikos Dassia – Corfu, Greece

Another Greek hotel came close on the heels of Bless Hotel – this time on the island of Corfu.

Ikos Dassia is a new 5-star resort with its own long sandy beach, so there’s no stress in finding your spot in the sun.

“The staff can’t seem to do enough for you, the restaurants, including the buffet, are very good, the place is spotless and the facilities are second to none,” said one happy customer.

4. La Maison Favart – Paris, France

La Maison Favart is exquisitely decorated throughout.Tripadvisor

It can be tricky to know where to start when booking accommodation in the French capital. Which arrondissement do you go for, when there are so many attractions around?

But only one spot in Paris made Tripadvisor’s list of top 25 hotels, and that’s La Maison Favart, in the 2nd arrondissement – between Jardin de Tuileries and Montmartre.

Not only well-located, it’s also ornately decorated and – according to at least one reviewer – “Absolutely great in every way!” The staff are particularly attentive, they added, and there’s a gorgeous spa to unwind after strolling the Parisian streets.

3. Salerno Centro Bed and Breakfast – Amalfi Coast, Italy

Salerno Centro is a firm favourite with travellers.Tripadvisor

Though no Italian hotels made the overall top 25, they are well-represented in the Best B&B category (as well as the UK which, though not always perfect across the board, excels in the fried breakfast department).

Best of all is Salerno Centro on the beautiful Amalfi Coast. It’s located in a former 15th century convent, just a stone’s throw from the train station. People report that it is very reasonably priced, with the owner brimming with advice for what to do and where to visit.

One frequent guest couldn’t wait to get back after lockdown last year. “It was quite an emotional moment for me when I experienced, again, the laughter and joy around Lena and Pasquale’s kitchen table during and following yet another cooking class,” they wrote.

2. Quinta Jardins do Lago – Madeira, Portugal

This year’s ‘most romantic hotel’ in Europe is located in a botanic garden. From its Tripadvisor page, it’s not clear where the gardens end and the accommodation begins.

But that’s clearly part of the beauty for thousands of guests who have hoisted it to the number 4 spot in the romance category.

“Magnificent quiet hotel,” wrote one guest last month. “Only a couple of minutes away from the busy tourist area in Funchal, it’s located in an outstanding botanical garden, with a beautiful pool area with sea view.”

If you’re curious about Madeira as a destination – check out our guide to the magical island of black sand beaches and ancient forests here.

1. Luxury Villa Excelsior Parco – Capri, Italy

Luxury Villa Excelsior Parco is the sixth most romantic hotel in the world, according to Tripadvisor’s rankings.Tripadvisor

Unsurprisingly, Italy also has plenty of romantic places to stay. Coupled up or not, you’re sure to fall in love with Villa Excelsior.

There’s a special thrill to staying on the site of a 2,000 year old ancient Roman residence, knowing they would have enjoyed the same view over the Bay of Naples.

It had a major refurb in 2006, which made it into the elegant boutique villa it is today.

“There are only 11 rooms in this hotel and they are all unique,” wrote one honeymooner last month. But, “as beautiful as the hotel is, it is the staff who really shine.”

The post These are the top 7 hotels in Italy, Spain and Greece on Tripadvisor first appeared on Magazin Haber Ajansı.

They withdrew the case at the UN’s highest judicial body, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), “following recent judicial developments in Italy” and due to discussions between the two countries.

Germany had alleged in a case filing reported on Sunday that Italian courts continued to bring claims against the country from victims of Nazi war crimes who were seeking reparations despite a 2012 ICJ ruling against Italy on the same issue.

Berlin had asked the ICJ to require Italian courts to stop entertaining civil claims brought against them, adding that the courts were violating Germany’s sovereign immunity.

But now, the UN court said, Germany considers that a new Italian decree entering into force on 1 May addresses the concerns in the case.

Germany understands from the Decree that “Italian law requires Italian courts to lift measures of enforcement previously taken, and that no further measures of constraint will be taken by Italian courts against German property used for government non-commercial purposes located on Italian territory,” according to the country’s letter requesting the case’s withdrawal.

Germany agreed that the decree “addresses the central concern” of the case.

Hearings at the court in The Hague had been due to open on 9 May but have now been cancelled.

The post Germany withdraws UN court case against Italy over war reparations first appeared on Magazin Haber Ajansı.

Health minister Roberto Speranza signed off on the rules on 29 March, meaning that travellers to Italy will still have to present either a vaccination certificate, recovery certificate or a negative test result to enter the country.

Passenger locator forms are staying too, and travellers from all countries will need to fill one in before arrival.

The health minister will review the rules again at the end of April.

The extension comes as Italy’s domestic COVID-19 rules begin to ease. Green Passes and Super Green Passes are set to be dropped from 1 May but a mask mandate is set to remain in place until at least the 15 June. 

The country’s ‘state of emergency’ ended on 31 March and there is hope that Italy will remove all of its restrictions by the summer.

What are Italy’s travel rules?

Fully vaccinated travellers (those who have received one or two doses within the past nine months or those who have received a booster shot) from any country are no longer required to supply a negative COVID test to enter Italy.

That means if you’re fully jabbed, you can present either proof of vaccination status or a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 within the past six months.

Unvaccinated visitors can also enter Italy and are no longer required to quarantine (previously they had to quarantine for five days). But they will need to produce proof of recovery from COVID within the last 180 days or a negative COVID test.

Regardless of vaccination status, all passengers must fill in a Passenger Locator Form, which can be found here. If they do not, they will have to quarantine for five days on arrival.

Passengers flying to or from Italy must also wear an FFP2 mask at all times while on board.

Venice, ItalyCanva

Do I still need a Green Pass or Super Green Pass in Italy?

From 1 May, Italy plans to drop both the ‘basic’ and ‘super’ versions of its Green Pass – a digital certificate proving a person had been vaccinated or recovered from COVID – in almost all settings. This includes restaurants, bars and long-distance public transport. 

You’ll also no longer need it to enter cinemas, theatres, concerts, cultural centres, parties or discos. 

The Super Green Pass will still remain in place, however, for those visiting hospitals and nursing homes. 

Do I still have to wear a mask in Italy?

Despite plans to drop the mask mandate from 1 May, Italy has now extended its requirement to wear masks on public transport and in some indoor settings until 15 June. 

Everyone over the age of five must wear a high-grade FFP2 mask on all forms of public transport, in cinemas, at indoor sporting events theatres, concerts, hospitals, schools and universities. 

No other setting, including shops and workplaces, is included in the most recent announcement though it does still “strongly recommend” masks continue to be worn in all indoor public spaces. 

The Italian government has made COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory to police starting from December 15.Alessandra Tarantino/AP Photo

What’s the easiest way to find out travel rules for Italy?

Italy’s rules can change at short notice.

For the most up-to-date and reliable information, fill in this questionnaire from the Italian Foreign Ministry. It is in English and will give you the travel requirements based on your individual situation.

You can also check the Italian Health Ministry’s travel information page (in English).

Or you can call the Italian coronavirus information line.

From Italy: 1500 (toll-free number)

From abroad: +39 0232008345 or +39 0283905385

The post Italy entry rules: Testing, restrictions and where to wear a mask first appeared on Magazin Haber Ajansı.

Greece’s civil aviation authority announced on Sunday that it would lift COVID-19 restrictions for domestic and international flights.

The only remaining COVID-19 measure for passengers and staff will be to wear a face mask at airport arrivals and waiting areas as well as on flights.

Passengers had previously been required to prove vaccination or show a negative test result.

Meanwhile, Italy will no longer require its health pass to access much of public life including restaurants, cinemas and other venues and visitors to Italy will also no longer need to have a passenger locator form.

Italy also eased some of its indoor mask requirements although face masks will still be required on public transportation and in cinemas.

They will also continue to be required for employees and visitors to health care and elderly care facilities.

“It was needed,” said Claudio Civitelli, a Rome resident who was having his morning coffee at a bar near the Trevi Fountain. “We have waited more than two years.”

But even as life increasingly returns to normal in Europe, public health officials have urged prudence as the virus continues to circulate.

Italy, which was the epicentre of Europe’s outbreak in February 2020, imposed one of the harshest lockdowns and maintained tough restrictions during coronavirus waves.

The post Italy and Greece relax some COVID restrictions ahead of tourist season first appeared on Magazin Haber Ajansı.

The theme of the show centres around the ecological, economic and social aspects of water, and each installation is located in various water locations around the town. 

The spectacular art trail takes place every day from 9 pm to midnight from 29 April to 22 May 2022.

Water is life – Light is art

There are 29 light installations in total, designed and created by local and international artists. 

More than 20 fountains and other cultural-historical treasures are reinterpreted and highlighted with various works of spectacular light and art.

Under the motto, “Water is life – Light is art”, the art trail in Brixen is 3.2km long, and is connected by a blue line which runs through the old town. 

Check out the video above for a look at the stunning water light art trail

The post Take a look at this stunning Water Light Festival in Italy first appeared on Magazin Haber Ajansı.

Mario Draghi was addressing the European Parliament in Stasbourg on Tuesday, where he said he wants member states to consider changing the bloc’s treaties in order to deal with the challenges linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

 “The European institutions that our predecessors built over the decades served the European citizens well, but they are inadequate for the reality that is before us today,” Draghi told MEPs. “We need pragmatic federalism that embraces all of the spheres hit by the transformations taking place, from the economy to energy and security.

“If this requires the start of a path that will lead to the revision of the treaties, this should be embraced with courage and confidence.”

The Italian prime minister added that he wants his country to be at the forefront of reshaping the EU.

He also indentified the principle of unanimity as a major area where reform is needed.

“A Europe that is capable of deciding rapidly is a Europe that is more credible with respect to its citizens and the world,” Draghi said.

All 27 member states must agree on foreign policy matters before moving forward, often delaying important decisions.

It’s this which is holding up a new sixth round of sanctions against Moscow’s oil and gas exports, with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán one of the main opponents.

For German MEP Sergey Lagodinsky, the EU would be stronger if a simple majority of votes was used in foreign policy decisions.

“The situation we are seeing now shows us both, on the one hand, that we can achieve unity against a foreign threat, but at the same that this unity is very fragile,” Lagodinsky told Euronews. 

“And depending on someone like Orbán – who is an ally of Russia, who does not come along with all of the measures and where we have other problems, like democracy problems – does indeed put the European Union in a very difficult situation and we can only overcome it if we get rid of this unanimity rule.”

The last time EU countries agreed to any major change to the bloc was in 2007, following the Treaty of Lisbon.

The post Italian PM calls for changes to EU treaties amid Ukraine war first appeared on Magazin Haber Ajansı.

One of the most important events in the art world opened in late April after being delayed due to the pandemic.

The Nordic Pavilion has been renamed the Sámi Pavilion for the first time. It aims to celebrate the art and sovereignty of the Indigenous Sámi people who live in Nordic countries and Russia’s Kola Peninsula.

“The wonderful thing about the Venice presence for the Sami this year is that the Nordic Pavilions have joined in giving the Sami room instead of having a separate Norwegian, a separate Swedish and a separate Finnish pavilion,” says Harald Gaski, a professor at Sami University of Guovdageaidnu Norway.

“They have all agreed to give space to the Sámi so actually, this is a new notion or nation.”

Co-Curator Liisa-Ravna Finbog says the Sámi have been fighting for their rights for centuries. Now the world is turning to them for answers on how to survive.

“People in general are understanding that we may be faced with the apocalypse in a global setting, climate changes, wars. There are places in the world that haven’t seen rain for decades, and so what do you do when you reach a point that you have never been to before?” she explains.

“You of course look to the people that have lived there for a millennium or for centuries because we have in a way discovered how to live within the apocalyptic world and do it while maintaining our spirits.”

What can be seen at the Belgian Pavilion?

The 2022 Biennale also serves as a reminder of humanity’s most resilient state, childhood. In the Belgian Pavilion, artist Francis Alÿs depicts children playing in films and paintings.

“When children play, they really are into the game, they forget everything that is around them,” says Hilde Teerlinck, curator of The Nature of the Game exhibit.

She adds that children can neutralise the outside world, even in the most difficult of situations. They are completely in the game, playing together and expressing their feelings.

Children, Teerlinck says, “somehow give a sense to reality in this time that has sometimes lost direction and lost sense.”

What else stands out at the 59th Venice Biennale?

The main exhibition at this year’s Biennale is titled the “Milk of Dreams” from a book by Leonora Carrington. This is “a magical world where life is constantly re-envisioned through the prism of the imagination,” writes Cecilia Alemani, curator of the event.

“It is a world where everyone can change, be transformed, become something or someone else; a world set free, brimming with possibilities.”

The installation at the Danish Pavilion is set in the future, where humans have transformed themselves into centaurs.

“It’s a response to the world situation as it is. I began this project before COVID, before the war in Ukraine, but it sort of developed over time,” explains the artist behind the piece Uffe Isolotto.

“I incorporated some more darkness into it because it was more balanced between light and darkness to begin with. So it’s very much a gut feeling from me but also addresses your gut feeling when you visit.”

The Venice International Art exhibition opened on April 22 and runs until November 27, 2022.

Watch the video above to see some of the pavilions at the 59th Venice Biennale.

The post Why you need to plan a trip to Venice in 2022 for this art event alone first appeared on Magazin Haber Ajansı.

The filing referred back to a 2012 decision by the UN court that determined civil claims by Nazi victims could not be brought against Germany in foreign courts.

Italy’s supreme court had judged in 2008 that an Italian civilian was entitled to reparations after his deportation to Germany in 1944 to work as a slave labourer. The ICJ ruled that Italy must ensure that decisions of its courts that infringe on German immunity cease to have effect.

But in the new filing, Germany alleges that several new cases have been brought against the country in Italian courts seeking reparations in relation to Nazi war crimes during World War II.

Germany has asked the court to require Italy to ensure its courts “no longer entertain civil claims brought against Germany based on violations of international humanitarian law committed by the German Reich between 1943 and 1945.”

Germany also accused Italy of taking or threatening to take German state-owned properties in Italy.

Berlin had argued in the 2012 case that the Italian ruling threw into doubt a restitution system put in place after the Nazis’ defeat that has seen Germany pay tens of billions in reparations since the 1950s.

The International Court of Justice is the principal UN judicial organ established in 1945.

The post Germany files case against Italy in UN court over war reparations first appeared on Magazin Haber Ajansı.

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