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 …
Tuscany Tour for Women – Save 10%
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 …
Pompeii’s Summer Amusements
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 …
Saldi!: July Sale on Dream of Italy Products
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. …
New Rome Hotel: The Portrait Suites
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 …
Florence: Roberto Begnini Reads Dante’s Divine Comedy
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 …
Italy’s Best Restaurants – According to Michelin
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 – …
Il Papa Vacationing in the Italian Alps
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 …
News and Notes on World Cup Victory Celebrations
Once again, my friend Joe, another confirmed Italophile, reports in on what’s going on in Italy — and what else could it be this week, but the celebrations surrounding Italy’s World Cup win: Telegiornale 2 says 600,000 people were at the party at Circo Massimo on Monday evening. Best sign I saw in the crowd: Cannavaro Santo Subito. Cannavero is …
Italy’s Nationwide Taxi Strike Called Off
Travelers in Italy will be very glad to hear that the general strike scheduled by the taxi drivers’ union to take place tomorrow, Tuesday, July 11th, has now been called off. The general strike’s coming has been foreshadowed for over a week by a number of wildcat strikes. Drivers have been causing turmoil all over Italy, as their interruption of …