When you hear about Carnevale celebrations in Italy, Venice usually steals the show. But the truth is, numerous Italian towns, large or small, have colorful parties to mark the last days before Lent. One of Italy’s least-known regions, Friuli is home to one of these, in the town of Muggia. As Elisabeth Antoine Crawford writes, “For those with a penchant for …
Ravello’s Palazzo Sasso Transforms Into Palazzo Avino
Ravello's Palazzo Sasso has been renamed Palazzo Avino, in honor of the family who transformed the 12th century ruin into one of the world's most celebrated luxury hotels.
What’s New in Florence Italy
There's a new Florence museum opening in April, the Baptistery is undergoing renovations and Florence's most famous market is being moved, at least temporarily.
Scenes from Italian Life: Colds, Drafts and Germs
Ten years ago, Sam Hilt and his wife Pam Mercer did what so many of us dream of?moved to Tuscany to raise their young children in a simpler culture and started a successful tour business. Their transition hasn't been without hiccups nor plenty of story-producing experiences.
Three New Hip Eateries in Rome — Including a Truffle Lounge
While traditional Roman dining offers its pleasures, this vibrant, modern city is full of new modern dining experiences including a truffle lounge, an American-inspired spot for bagels and burgers and a Paris-inspired café.
February 2014 – Rome Dining, New in Florence, Vesuvius Tour
This issue combines practical reviews and tips along with a look an everyday Italian life. Sam Hilt’s essay on the quirks of Italian culture, particularly in relation to health and the weather. Explore three interesting new modern eateries in Rome, take an exclusive tour inside the Vesuvius crater, find out what is new in Florence and visit the newly re-named Palazzo Avino in Ravello. (8 pages)
Renting a Car in Italy: Don’t Forget Your International Driving Permit
Updated 2018. If you’re renting a car in Italy, be sure to bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) with you. In 2005, a law went into effect requiring all non-European Union foreigners renting a car in Italy to have an International Driving Permit (IDP). While yours truly has rented a car in Italy at least once or twice a year since …
5 Quick Tips for Renting a Villa in Italy
If you’re thinking of renting an apartment or villa in Italy, if you’ve already started looking for a villa rental, you know all of the choices can be daunting. Here are five quick tips for renting an Italian villa: 1. Make sure there’s someone available nearby 24/7 in case something goes wrong. I learned the importance of this first-hand when …
New at the Vatican: Ancient Necropolis Opens
If you’re visiting the Vatican in the near future, you might want to plan on spending some time visiting the latest treasure now open to the public. The Roman Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis (pictured) opened to the public yesterday. Read more over at Italy Travel. Also new in Rome, archaeologists believe they have uncovered the city’s oldest temple near the Church of …