Updated 2019. Click here for all Christmas in Italy travel suggestions While the above headline is no doubt alarming, don’t worry, I have it on good authority that Santa Claus is alive and well and quite busy up at the North Pole. But his inspiration, the original St. Nick, a 4th-century Greek bishop, rests in the region of Puglia. Saint Nicholas …
One thing Italians and Americans have in common is their love of heavy, elaborate meals at holiday celebrations. Only the Italians, though, can make the excuse that drinking liquor after your meal is good for your digestion. One of my favorite digestivi, especially around Christmas, is Strega (Italian for witch). It comes from Benevento, a city in the Campania region that …
The town of Tricase, almost at the tip of the Italian heel in Puglia, is often called “The Bethlehem of Italy” for the living nativity (Il Presepe Vivente di Tricase) that takes place here each year. Supported entirely by volunteers from civic groups and schools, everyone from children to grown-ups (about 250 residents in total) dress in period costumes that …
Updated 2019. Italy has many special Christmas celebrations, but there’s one in the region of Molise that may be among the most unique. The ‘Ndocciata, or torchlight parade, takes place on December 8 and 24 in the town of Agnone. It is the largest celebration of its kind in the world. The ndocce are 6- to 8-foot-high torches made of silver …
We are always covering new
hotels in the pages of Dream
of Italy, but with an explosion
of new places to stay in Italy, we
decided to round up some of the
latest selections and look ahead to
what is opening in 2014.
We think you will really enjoy this video of La Befana (Italy’s Christmas witch) through the eyes of a child, produced by our friends at Walks of Italy. When you’re finished watching, check out our article on La Befana in Rome and the guest article on Christmas markets in Italy by our friends from Walks of Italy.
There’s a chill in the air and the holiday season is upon us. Our friend Judy Witts Francini aka Divina Cucina is our go-to-gal for all things dolce and she contributed several holiday dessert recipes to our Christmas in Italy guide (free download). Here’s her version of the ultimate Italian hot chocolate: One of my favorite chocolate shops in …
Our friend Martha Bakerjian, the Italy guide for About.com, recently published a new mobile app: Italy Travel Tips & Hints, available on iTunes and Android. The tips and hints included in the app are based Martha’s personal travels throughout Italy over the past 30 years, as well as questions she gets from her readers. There’s a section of things you should do …
For many foreigners/Americans, tiramisu is the quintessential Italian dessert. It is a luscious mix of lady fingers dipped in coffee, egg whites, sugar, and marscapone cheese. I’ll be honest that I’ve had some good tiramisu in Italy but I’ve never been blown away. After my experience a few days ago I’m beginning to think maybe I simply didn’t know where …
All aboard! Did you know that Italy is home to some culinary-inspired trains? We profile five that either serve you on board or take you to a foodie destination. Then off to Naples where the city has met the 21st century. And further south, the enchanting region of Calabria where alluring places await!
