Author Barrie Kerper interviews the author Frances Mayes who seems to have single-handedly put Tuscany on the map and finds out what she Mayes is up to these days.
An American Family in Tuscany
Take one cookbook writer and one artist. Mix well. Add to the Tuscany countryside, and the result? A lovely bed-and-breakfast, and critically acclaimed culinary institute.
Castellina Fortress Opens in Tuscany
For the first time in its history — a history that stretches back to the time of the Etruscans, if you must know – the Tuscany town of Castellina in Chianti is opening the doors of its Rocca Comunale di Castellina to the public. This medieval fortress was built in the 14th century, when the Castellina became part of the …
Rachael Ray’s Italian Wedding Hideaway in Tuscany
“How awesome is that?” One can only imagine the Food Network star repeating her favorite line when she first saw the Tuscan castle that would become the site of her romantic wedding. You can stay there!
Christmas and New Year’s at a New Tuscany Hideaway
I was at the post office today (yes, my local branch is open on Sunday!) mailing a bunch of our gift subscriptions and had a chance during the long wait, to receive some of the things that were in Dream of Italy’s P.O. Box. A new property in Tuscany caught my eye, especially since it is open for Christmas and …
Yummy!: Artisanal Bread School in Tuscany
There are few things more pleasurable than freshly baked bread. Perhaps freshly baked bread dipped in Tuscan olive oil? How about learning to bake your own fresh Italian bread in Tuscany?!? That’s what you can do at the Artisanal Bread School based at the La Macchia estate in the Tuscan village of Mercatale di Cortona. Classes are held in …
Tuscan Tourism on the Rise
If it seems like more and more people are treking off to spend some time “under the Tuscan sun,” it’s not just your imagination. According to The Florentine, “Statistics from 2006 reveal that tourism in Tuscany is up 7.6 percent from the previous year and there is no sign of it declining. Second only to the region of Veneto, Tuscany’s …
Four Hot List Hotels in Italy
Conde Nast Traveller (British edition, thus the spelling) is out with their 2006 “Hot List” of where to stay worldwide. Four Italian hotels made the cut: Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amista (Verona) – The hotel is likened to “a museum of modern furniture.” Hotel Caruso Ravello (Amalfi Coast) – It reopened last June after a major refurbishment by its new …
Tuscan Hideaway: Truffle Hunting at a B&B
In honor of or our March issue, a special report on Tuscan hideaways, we asked friends of Dream of Italy to tell us about their favorite spots in Tuscany. Seth Zurer of Select Italy recommends: The Ankhura is a spectacular family-run farmhouse bed and breakfast perched right in the middle of Senese countryside. Our three-night package lets guests bask in …
Tuscan Hideaway: Villa in Montalcino
Sheri Levitt and Naomi Finkelstein of The Villa People recommend: Our recommended Tuscan hideaway is “Casa “R” in Montalcino (the home of Brunello wine) The villa is breathtaking in that it is nestled totally within the center of a vineyard and boasts 360-degree views. Each room has its own special feature such as fireplace, Juliet balcony or terrace.Typically charming and …