March Sponsors

The following companies have made Dream of Italy possible: Casale Sonnino – 18th century villa outside of Rome Chiantionline – olive oil from the heart of Tuscany Dream of Italy Designs – fine Venetian glass jewelry created by the masters Italia Rail – book your train tickets before you travel to Italy Kublai – this Italy-based travel agency can handle …

RSS & Travel to Italy

I have soooooo much work to finish tonight and I should be writing, but I just discovered the wonderful world of RSS and I’m now obsessed! I knew what RSS was before today BUT never downloaded a reader. Well, I have a reader (Google) and have even set up this blog with a RSS feed: Join the fun and subscribe …

Mussolini’s Villa Opens to Public

After $6 million of renovations to restore decades of decay, Rome’s Villa Torlonia, the home of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and his family from 1925 to 1943, has opened to the public. Visitors will be able to see the the hidden bunkers and anti-gas chamber Il Duce constructed. According to the AP, “While restoring the chamber, archeologists discovered it was …

Starhotels Offers Spring Cultural Excursions

From April 14 to May 7, 2006, select Starhotels properties in Florence, Rome and Naples will be offering artistic excursions with every two-night stay. Guests can take in Modigliani (painting to the right) exhibit in Rome, the “Mythology and Erotica” show in Florence or a display of Titian’s paintings in Naples. In Rome, reserve a room at either Starhotels Michelangelo …

Joe Knows… Flying to Italy

As I mentioned in a previous post, travel industy experts are predicting a busy summer for travel to Europe. Yet, seats on planes to Italy always seem to be at a premium during the summer. When it comes to anything airline related, I always turn to my friend Joe Brancatelli of Joesentme.com (by the way, members of his site get …

Mickey on the Med

Is Europe ready for this? I’m not sure. But at least they will have more than a year’s warning. That’s right folks, Mickey Mouse is hitting the Mediterranean. Disney Cruises announced today that it will offer 10- and 11-night Mediterranean cruises on Disney Magic during the summer of 2007. Italian ports of call include: La Spezia (Florence), Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples …

Book Early for Summer Travel to Italy

USA TODAY is among the media outlets reporting that summer travel to Europe looks to be up over past years, with travel to Italy especially popular. (Why? Dollar more stable, Olympics coverage provided PR.) Travel reporter Laura Bly featured yours truly in her article Friday. Laura’s query got me thinking about what travelers can do now to get ahead of …

Brangelina to Wed in Italy This Weekend?

There’s a distinct buzz in the air at Lake Como today. Rumors are rampant that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt will tie the knot there this weekend, either at pal George Clooney’s lakeside home in Laglio or at the luxurious Villa d’ Este Hotel. The Associated Press spoke to the wife of Laglio’s mayor who said, “There’s a lot of …

Win a Trip to Italy!

My friend and fellow travel writer Barbara Benham has come up with a fantastic concept for a blog — travel contests. In addition to giving the details of various contests, Barbara shares some of her vast travel knowledge in each blog entry. Italophiles listen up! Barbara has found two contests offering a trip to Italy as the prize. One will …

Italy May Be Crowded This Summer

The New York Times reports that summer bookings for travel to Europe are way up over last year. If you’re planning to visit Italy this summer, plan ahead to get the best flights and accommodations. Here’s what the Times says: Among Europe’s capitals, Rome, above, is expected to be particularly popular. The city was ranked No. 1 among European cities …