The latest news from the experts in Italian Travel
In the Florence episode of the second season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy visits a unique family run jewelry studio. Goldsmith and jeweler Alessandro Dari’s family has been making jewelry in Florence since 1630. Dari puts and elaborate and nontraditional spin on the craft. Rings are his specialty and each has a spiritual significance or a connection to …
In the Florence episode of the second season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy visits the bustling Central Market and tries a traditional Tuscan dish. Mercato Centrale (central market), a Florence institution, since the late 19th century, sells everything needed to make traditional Tuscan meals – you will find meat, seafood, produce, spices and more on the first floor. …
In the Florence episode of the second season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy views a restoration of the only Last Supper painted by a woman. Florence’s first woman artist, nun Plautilla Nelli, has been at the center of a 10-year restoration project spearheaded by the Advancing Women Artists Foundation. Multiple paintings by the 16th-century painter have been researched, …
In the Florence episode of the second season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy explore the works of art and restoration workshop in the Opera del Duomo. Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (Piazza del Duomo, 9) was built in 1891 to house the works of art created for the cathedral. The museum was recently renovated at the hands of director …
In the Bologna episode of the second season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy experiences a unique day long food tour of Bologna and the surrounding areas. Alessandro Martini is the founder of Italian Food Days Experience offering culinary experiences in and around Bologna. He will be your guide for a day of crazy culinary adventures (though minus the …
In the Bologna episode of the second season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy catches up with her childhood friend to discuss his latest wine venture in Italy. New Jersey native (and Kathy’s childhood neighbor) Danny Marcus has been living in Bologna since 2002. Danny partnered with a local winery located in the picturesque rolling hills of Imola and …
In the Bologna episode of the second season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy learns the art of making Italy’s most popular dessert, gelato. It’s not the oldest university in the world, but it may be the tastiest. Carpigiani Gelato University just outside Bologna (Via Emilia Ponente, 45; Anzola dell’Emilia) teaches students from around the world how to make …
In the Bologna episode of the second season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy has the thrilling experience of driving in a Lamborghini! The Lamborghini Factory (Via Modena, 12; Sant’Agata Bolognese) doesn’t have a test track, so employees test-drive the cars on the city streets as Simone did with Kathy. Next time you’re in Bologna, head over to the …
In the Bologna episode of the second season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy learns how to make tortellini, the iconic filled pasta of Bologna. Legend has it that tortellini, the culinary symbol of Bologna, were created to resemble Venus’ belly button after an innkeeper caught a glimpse of the goddess’ beauty. Sisters Daniela and Monica Venturi of Le …
In the Bologna episode of the second season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy explores the small city center on a guided bike tour. Getting around Bologna by bicycle is convenient, as the city is small and many of its streets don’t allow cars. Velostazione Dynamo offers bike rentals as well as themed guided tours that take riders through …
