This article originally appeared in the August 2015 issue of Dream of Italy. Updated 2018. Today Sicily is officially part of Italy—but don’t try to tell Sicilians that they are the same as Italians. The island has a long, rich history and a deep, complex culture that has many ties to the mainland, but remains separate and distinctive even in the 21st century. Although …
Making Marbled Paper in Florence
This article originally appeared in the September 2015 issue of Dream of Italy. Updated 2018. I drop spots of rose, yellow, blue and green pigment onto a jelly-like solution. After running assorted combs in different directions to transform lines, dots and arches of paints into a rhythmical swirling pattern, I place a piece of thick paper atop my design. The paints immediately …
New Casa del Vino in Arezzo
This article originally appeared in the October 2015 issue of Dream of Italy. Who can even begin to taste a small percentage of the divine vintages available to drink in Tuscany? Well, some wineries around Arezzo are making it easier to sample their wares with recent opening of Casa del Vino, a wine tasting center in the main square of …
New Vatican Train Tour
This article originally appeared in the October 2015 issue of Dream of Italy. Updated 2018. For the first time, visitors to the Vatican can take a quick ride through the world’s smallest state and experience a part of papal life previously closed to visitors: the state railway of the Holy See and the Pope’s summer residence, Castel Gandolfo, 15 miles southeast …
Death in Rome: The City’s Memorable Tombs
This article originally appeared in the October 2015 issue of Dream of Italy. Updated 2018. Rome is called the Eternal City because its ancient citizens believed that regardless of how many empires came and went, the city herself would go on forever. And considering the capital of Italy is more than 2,000 years old, it seems they were right. Perhaps that’s …
Exploring Florence Through the Medici
This article originally appeared in the October 2015 issue of Dream of Italy. Updated 2018. Even if you’ve never read much Italian history, let alone watched The Borgias, you’ve probably heard of the Medici. A powerful banking dynasty, they ruled medieval and Renaissance Florence with an iron hand in a velvet glove of culture. Award-winning novelist Paul Strathern chose non-fiction as …
Eating Rome with Elizabeth Minchilli
This article originally appeared in the June/July 2015 issue of Dream of Italy. Updated 2018. One recent spring day, famed British actor Patrick Stewart sat enjoying an al fresco lunch in Rome with a companion. A woman rushed up to their table, clearly excited. “Are you Elizabeth Minchilli?” she said to Stewart’s companion. Minchilli, who reported that encounter on her Twitter …
Five Lessons from Puglia’s Pasta Mamas
This article appeared in the June/July 2015 issue of Dream of Italy. Updated 2018. Can you think of a better way to spend a month in Italy than traveling around the Salento area of Puglia learning traditional pasta making techniques from the locals? That’s what Katie Leaird – pastry cook, caterer, personal chef, food blogger and now a cook at America’s Test …
Six Tips for a Perfect Italian Honeymoon
There are few more romantic destinations than Italy. That’s why it is the ultimate honeymoon destination. Our recent honeymooners have five tips to help you enjoy the romance and see the sights.
Around Lake Garda on Two Wheels: A Biking Adventure
The Veneto is a fantastic cycling destination for bikers of all levels. Our writer visits beautiful Lake Garda and stays at a hotel "geared" for cyclists.