The latest news from the experts in Italian Travel
This is from the July/August 2006 issue of Dream of Italy: Bellagio, the most famous of Lake Como’s villages, is said to have been inhabited since prehistoric times. Today it is perfectly groomed with potted flowers galore, small winding streets and old world charm. Restaurants and cafès line the lakeside promenade, and luxury shops beckon. An important silk town for …
Looking for a new place to rest your head next time you’re in Milan? How about staying a 7-star hotel? That’s no typo – when the Town House Galleria opens later this year, it promises to be Europe’s first 7-star hotel. The only other 7-star in the world is Dubai’s Burj Al Arab. As the eFlyer newsletter reminds us, there …
Calling directory assistance in Italy? A convicted murderer might help you locate a phone number. There has been lots of press about the outsourced phone call centers opened in India, but unlike the U.S., Italy is keeping these jobs within the country—and giving them to convicts, according to Reuters. Telecom Italia, the country’s biggest phone operator, recently launched a new …
Dream of Italy readers can save 10% on European Escapes’ “Tesori della Toscana” Tour September 21 through 29, 2006. This women-only tour includes four nights in Florence, two nights nights at a 5-star spa in Tuscany and two nights in Rome. Dream of Italy readers can save 10% off the tour price of $3,450.00 per person. (This is a good …
In the past year, the once deserted city of Pompeii has really come to life. Beginning in the fall of 2005, Pompeii has hosted a year-long celebration of its history with special exhibits and activities devoted to each season. After “Moods of Autumn,” “Winter: Romantic Pompeii,” and “The Spring”, Pompeii is now in full swing of “Summer Amusements.” The intention …
During the month of July, there are clearance sales n (saldi) all over Italy. It is one of two government-sanctioned periods for holding such sales; the other being in January, just after the Christmas shopping season. In honor of saldi, Dream of Italy is offering discounts on everything from our storage binder to gift subscription to our Special Reports Collection. …
A sumptious new hotel opened in Rome almost two weeks ago. The Portrait Suites is the first Roman property from Florence-based Lungarno Hotels (which is affiliated with the Ferragamo shoe family). Florence’s Hotel Lungarno is one of my favorite places to stay in the city; a close tie with JK Place). Both exude understated elegance. The Portrait Suites occupies an …
Here’s just one reason I wish I was traveling to Italy this summer – the incomparable Roberto Benigni (the Italian actor who won an Oscar for Life Is Beautiful) will spend 13 evenings reading “The Divine Comedy”by Dante in Piazza Santa Croce in the heart of Florence. The great Tuscan actor will perform 13 songs, the first ten, the XXVI …
There are many ways to judge what makes a truly spectacular dining experience. Ratings and awards can be one way to sort of the best from the rest and food connoisseurs in Europe generally look to the stars awarded by authors of the French Michelin guides as a good indicator of culinary brilliance. Each year Michelin revises its ratings – …
Pope Benedict XVI began his 17-day Alpine vacation Tuesday at the chalet he stayed in last year and where his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, used to spend his holidays, according to Catholic Online. The Pope is staying at a residence belonging to the Salesian Order, about 12 miles from the city of Aosta. Those visiting Rome between from July …
