This article originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of Dream of Italy. Only a few years ago, the options for accommodations in Palermo were limited, but now there are new hotels, B&Bs and hostels opening every day. The city can be noisy and a bit intimidating on a first visit, so it’s a fine idea to spend a little …
Enjoying Old and New Palermo
This article originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of Dream of Italy. Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is one of the oldest and most complex cities in Italy. Sitting on the northwest coast of Italy’s largest island, it has a history dating back to the 8th century BC. Unfortunately, for many it has become infamous in the past century …
Five Foods to Eat in Palermo
This article originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of Dream of Italy. Food is more than just a way to survive in Sicily, it’s more like a religion. Almost every conversation, no matter if it is politics or religion, eventually turns to the subject of food. Sicilians can debate at great length which recipe makes the best pasta sauce …
A Moment with the Contessa
This article originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of Dream of Italy. Join Dream of Italy as a member to access this issue and 180+ back issues. Palermo was ruled for centuries by a noble class. A stroll around the city reveals palace after palace, as wealthy landowners built elaborate city homes here for generations. The unification of Italy in …
March 2019 – Special Report: Palermo
Our writer and guest editor for this Special Report is Sarah Murdoch, a tour guide, travel writer, artist, former architect and packing expert. She has worked for Rick Steves for 19 years as a tour guide and guidebook researcher, recently coauthoring Rick Steves’ Sicily along with colleague Alfio Di Mauro (who helped with these articles). . Enjoying Old and New …
Who To Meet Along the Chianti Wine Road
This article originally appeared in the February 2019 issue of Dream of Italy. Steeped in true Tuscan culture and history, the Chianti wine road is nestled within the rustic and beautiful countryside between Florence and Siena and the only place where Chianti and Chianti Classico wines are produced. Along with some of the most incredible wines, you’ll discover local farmers and …
Surprising Bagno a Ripoli
This article originally appeared in the February 2019 issue of Dream of Italy. “Slowed to a speed for observing, Jacoby’s first hard look at Italy excited him so profoundly his teeth began to chatter. It seemed surreal — so casually spectacular.” – Cucina Tipica: An Italian Adventure by Andrew Cotto (that’s me!!) This is the reaction the protagonist in my latest …
What’s Old is New Again in Chianti
This article originally appeared in the February 2019 issue of Dream of Italy. Editor’s note: The first time I ever visited Chianti was with Judy Witts Francini in 2004 and I felt so lucky to first experience this magical patch of land with a true insider. Judy is a native Californian who has been living in Italy since 1984. In her …
Visit 16 Umbria Museums with One Ticket
Journey through time and Umbria with one single ticket. The “Lands and Museums of Umbria” ticket offers an easy tourist route that guides visitors through 16 museums spread over a dozen towns in the hilly Central Italian region. The participating museums can be found in: Amelia, Bettona, Bevagna, Cannara, Cascia, Deruta, Marsciano, Montefalco, Montone, Spello, Trevi and Umbertide. Each town is …
Modern Mormon Temple Opens in Rome
Europe’s largest Mormon temple will soon be dedicated in Rome. Visible from the expansive shopping mall, Porta di Roma, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a three story, 40,000 square foot building with a 160-foot spire topped by a golden, trumpet-blowing angel. The colossal structure is made of bright granite and towers over the other buildings in its …