What’s New in Italy for 2024: From Roots Tourism to Historic Train Trips

This article originally appeared in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of Dream of Italy. To cope with record-high tourist numbers, Italy has generated new and creative ways to welcome and entertain visitors. This coming year promises a renewed love and appreciation for locomotive travel, ancestry-inspired tours and a fresh Italian Capital of Culture sure to bring a new side of the …

Editor’s Note: June/July 2023 Dream of Italy Issue

This Editor’s Note originally appeared in the June/July 2023 issue of Dream of Italy. Members receive access to more than 195 back issues—if you’re not a member, join here.  Visiting Modena for the first time in February and several times more this year has been life-changing for me. I’ve been spending time in this most charming city in Emilia-Romagna to …

Under the Tuscan Sun: Will the Real Bramasole Please Stand Up?

Surely, you’ve heard or read about what might be the most famous villa in Italy: Bramasole. The one that Frances Mayes wrote about in her memoir, Under the Tuscan Sun. With husband Ed, Frances transformed a forgotten ruin into a thrilling second act in life. “The house protects the dreamer, the houses that are important to us are the ones …

Enjoy The Movie Magic of Under the Tuscan Sun at Villa Laura in Cortona

This article originally appeared in the February/March 2023 issue of Dream of Italy. If you have read Frances Mayes’ bestselling memoir or watched the movie Under the Tuscan Sun like me, you’ve probably dreamed of visiting the magical town of Cortona and wondered about that villa called Bramasole, which means “to yearn for the sun,” that plays center stage. [You can …

Editor’s Note: February/March 2023 Dream of Italy Issue

This Editor’s Note originally appeared in the February/March 2023 Issue of Dream of Italy. Members receive access to more than 190 back issues—if you’re not a member, join here.   I was very randomly led to re-visit Lago di Garda just a few weeks ago and I couldn’t be more grateful. In this issue, you will read my review of Lefay …

Win Four Nights in Florence!

We are here to make your Italian dreams come true! Win four nights at a beautiful Florence apartment from Italy Perfect! – One winner will receive four consecutive nights for up to four guests staying together at a select Italy Perfect vacation apartment rental in Florence, Italy. This prize is valued at approximately $2,500-$4,000 USD. You can redeem this prize …

Editor’s Note: December 2022/January 2023 Dream of Italy Issue

This Editor’s Note originally appeared in the December 2022/January 2023 issue of Dream of Italy. Members receive access to more than 180 back issues—if you’re not a member, join here.  On my most recent trip to Italy, I was craving salt air so I took the opportunity to visit my friend Paola Vojnovic, who recently moved from Florence to Viareggio. …

Nominate Your Favorite Italian Vacation Rentals

When my friend Madonna Finney (yes, that’s her name, combining my two favorite things – including the name of my dog Finney) and her husband shared a link to the Airbnb in Florence where they stayed this fall, I thought to myself, my gosh there are so many great vacation rentals in Italy that I don’t know about!! So now I am on a quest, …

Editor’s Note: August/September 2022 Dream of Italy Issue

This article originally appeared in the August/September 2022 of Dream of Italy. I’m writing this editor’s letter from Italy where I have returned for a two-month stay after a long time away. You cannot imagine how good it feels to be back, something like a rebirth. Italy always amazes me in its ability to heal and transform. I’m filming new …