This American expat in Venice says visitors are more fascinated by her daily shopping than visiting museums. She provides a window on daily life and the best food stores in Venice.
The Extraordinary Heroines of Asolo
The tiny gem of Asolo has been enriched through history by three extraordinary women: a queen, an actress, and an adventurous travel writer. Adding to that are feminine spiritual touches throughout the town and it is a wonderful destination to celebrate women.
Mona Lisa’s Florence
Every year millions of tourists trek to the Louvre in Paris to behold Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. But only in Florence can you discover the real woman behind the iconic smile--although it isn't easy. Mona (Madame) Lisa Gherardini, Florence's most recognized daughter, remains almost invisible in her hometown.
An Ode to Sfogliatelle and Other Neapolitan Pastries
Updated 2018. Whenever I travel to Naples and the Amalfi Coast, I always have to take into account a bit of extra baggage on the return trip. I’m not, sadly, talking about the extra baggage you get to check, but the extra baggage that takes a bit longer to unpack and makes your jeans just that much tighter around the …
October 2014 – Mona Lisa’s Florence, Asolo, Daily Life in Venice
Little is known about Mona Lisa’s life in Florence by author Dianne Hales has uncovered her old haunts. Daily life in Venice might just be more interesting than museums and churches – an expat introduces her to her favorite shops and Venetians. Plus the tiny jewel of Asolo, an hour from Venice, has a surprising history of heroines. (8 pages)
Attending Pizza School in Naples
Updated 2018. Even *I* learn something from the pages of Dream of Italy! Though many of the story ideas and articles are conceived and written by me, I also hire the best travel experts to help uncover more Italian gems. I first read about master pizzaiolo Enzo Coccia and his Naples pizza school when guest editor Barrie Kerper handed in …
Italy’s Best Cooking Schools: Sardinia and Sicily
Italy's two largest islands are home to unique cuisine and what better way to experience the traditional dishes of Sardinia and Sicily than through a cooking class. Here are our favorites.
Italy’s Best Cooking Schools: Puglia
Go truffle hunting in Molise and then cook with the tasty tubers. In Puglia, learn how to make Gallipoli-style fish soup as well as wild chicory with bacon and Pecorino. Your mouth will be watering after reading about these cooking classes.
Italy’s Best Cooking Schools: Venice, Veneto and Trentino
Whether you're high up in the mountains or along the sea, we have some very special cooking classes for you in Trentino Alto Adige, Venice and the Veneto. Don't visit these areas without looking at this list!
Italy’s Best Cooking Schools: Umbria
We have a host of delicious cooking classes in Umbria, whether you want a half-day lesson at a local B&B or a six-night food and instructional extravaganza known as Cucinapalooza.
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