Enjoying a gondola ride through the Venice canals is quite the experience, but have you ever wanted to commandeer one yourself? Treat yourself with a rowing lesson with Row Venice called vogata di sera. During the lesson you can learn the Venetian style of rowing — standing up and facing forward. Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning ...
This 4-month long festival takes place from May to September and invites guests to explore the vineyards and towns of the northern region of Lombardy has to offer. The festival celebrating Franciacorta, which some regard as Italy's finest sparkling wine, is pulling out all the stops with various events celebrating the food, wine, sports, nature and art of the region. ...
This opera festival is just as famous for the venue in which the operas are performed as it is for the quality of the performances. To sit under the stars in an ancient Roman amphitheater (the Arena di Verona) in the middle of the city and experience an opera is an incredible opportunity that has been drawing visitors from all ...
Nightly performances at 8:3o p.m. at Rome's Teatro Marcello focus on classical music, including Baroque, Romantic, and Classic styles. Performances range from soloists to chamber ensembles to polyphonic choirs. Note: dates have not been confirmed; please check the event website for updates. Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning travel publication publishing 170 issues since 2002. Get a ...
This open-air opera festival is one of a kind as it highlights the master Giacomo Puccini by inviting thousands of visitors a year to experience the various operas performed in the very places that inspired his work. The charming grounds of Tuscany are home to the festival where past performances have included Madama Butterfly, Turandot, and Tosca. Note: Please visit ...
Marvel and wonder with the crowd in Lonato's impressive stone fort, la Rocca Visconteo Veneta di Lonato del Garda, and be captivated by the street art and music performances, jugglery, dance numbers, pantomime and magic acts and much more from around the world. The theme of this year's edition is "Contemporary Circus", highlighting renowned Italian circus companies such as Lonato ...
It's the summer and in August many Italians are looking forward to Ferragosto which starts on August 15th. It's known as a two-week vacation period with roots in ancient Rome. When Emperor Augustus invented the feriae Augusti to mark the end harvest he also made it a moment that signified a period of well-deserved rest. Later, during the fascist regime, this ...
This antiques fair in Cortona, one of the largest in all of Tuscany, brings together about 50 exhibitors from around the country to Cortona's Palazzo Bagnotti, with special exhibits focusing on interior design throughout the ages. Note: Dates have not been confirmed; please visit the event website for updates. Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning travel publication ...
Referred to as the Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematographica, this is the oldest film festival in the world, originating in 1932. Here's your chance to hob nob with the world's greatest movie stars, producers and directors. Films are shown throughout each day of the festival. While the international jury members get the best seats, there are seats available for the public. ...
Since August 29th, 1901, when Pope Leo XIII erected a bronze, 23 ft. tall statue of Christ the Redeemer on Monte Ortobene in honor of the Jubilee Year, locals and visitors have participated in celebratory procession to the statue from Nuoro's Cathedral. At Dawn, the faithful participants of the march congregate in the square outside the cathedral. They sing songs ...
Every last Sunday of August this Tuscan hilltop town is consumed in the, by then, week-long celebration of the Bravio delle Botti, also known as the "Barrel Race". The festivities kick off with the presentation of the Bravium, the victory banner, which is painted each year by a select artist with a winning design based on on a specific theme; the ...
Monza is regarded by many as the embodiment of Formula One racing. Not only is it a fantastic example of a track that combines speed with skill, it also has a heart and soul all of its own. It has seen some of the finest races of all time, but also some of the sport's worst accidents. The names of great ...
The Bird Festival (Sagra dei Osei) is surely the most ancient of its kind and one of the oldest festivals in Italy and Europe. In fact, the first historical records date back to 2nd August 1274. The prestigious goal of seven centuries of life for the event, which was achieved several years ago, confirms the charm and success of the ...
The Grand Canal fills with exquisite 13-century boats and cavorting onlookers on this first Sunday of September. The regatta itself is four separate competitions, including a particularly compelling one between double-oared gondolas. Art displays, music, and celebrations abound among the boats and gondolas as well. Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning travel publication publishing 170 issues since ...
Lace up those running shoes, get that last swig of water and be sure to get a good stretch in; the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is on again. The Italian branch of the organization hosts a series of events and workshops promoting good health and exercise leading up to a big race in efforts to raise money ...
Danza Urbana is an international dance festival held in the streets of Bologna. Attendees are invited to enjoy many multimedia performances and exhibitions that double as commentary on international issues. Note: Dates have not been confirmed; please visit the event website for updates. Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning travel publication publishing 170 issues since 2002. Get ...
If you happen to be in Rome on the third day of September, catch the train to Viterbo for the Festa di Santa Rosa, the festival of the city's patron saint. Thousands flock to see one hundred facchini, or strongmen, carry a 90-foot tall, four-ton macchina - an obelisk-shaped statue - of the Santa Rosa through the winding streets of ...
Since 1275, this ancient horse race has turned Asti's Piazza Alfieri into a racetrack, and has linked modern Asti with its medieval roots. Twenty-one Contrade (city divisions) compete in the central square, while over 1,200 individuals donning medieval garb parade proudly throughout the streets of the city. The traditional flag-wavers (Sbandieratori) also run their own Palio against residents of neighboring towns. To ...
Though the origin of this colorful celebration is disputed, many believe Rificolona began as a celebration on the eve of the Feast of the Madonna, the nativity of the virgin. It is said that villagers would start their pilgrimage before the break of dawn to the city of Florence on the eve of her birthday. They relied on their lanterns, ...
Volterra, an enchanting medieval town in the Tuscan hills, hosts its annual Notte Rossa, or Red Dusk, event to celebrate the town and allow visitors to discover the city and its offerings by showcasing mini concerts, performances and photo exhibits. The event takes place every second Saturday of September so don't miss your chance to discover Volterra on your own! Dream ...
Tocatì, meaning "it's your turn," in the local Venetian dialect is an UNESCO-recognized festival of traditional international street games such as parkour, ultimate frisbee, awalé, carrom, backgammon and many more. The festival has a different guest country each year, and includes traditional ancient games such as marbles. Note: Dates have not yet been confirmed; Please visit event website for updates. Dream of ...
The Artigianato e Palazzo Artisanal Handicrafts Show displays quality handmade crafts from more than 80 talented artisans, including woodcarving, glass blowing, jewelry, millinery, and shoemaking. The event will be held in Palazzo Corsini in Florence. Access 160 Issues of Our Award-Winning Travel Publication. Get Insider Help Planning Your Trip to Italy.
Il Santo Chiodo or The Holy Nail allegedly was taken from the cross used to crucify Jesus, and during this celebration, Milan's archbishop ascends toward the ceiling of the Duomo in a rickety mechanical basket to uplift the relic, and then brings it back down for the crowd to admire. Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning travel publication ...
This weekend the world is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the oh-so popular cocktail, the Negroni invented in 1919. Various bars throughout Italy will be partaking in the celebration of this classic aperitivo drink, including the Meccanismo Bar & Bistro and the Jerry Thomas Speakeasy, whose top-notch drinks have lead it to land a place on the list of "The World's 50 ...
The protector and patron saint of Naples, San Gennaro is celebrated zealously throughout Italy, but particularly so in bella Napoli. As the massive statue of the saint is carried throughout the city, Napoletani sing, pray, and cry to the saint. The festival officially ends with the miraculous liquefaction of the blood of San Gennaro in the Duomo di Napoli, which ...
European Heritage Days began in France in 1954 as a way to celebrate the European continent. Celebrations are arranged across Italy, with different themes for each country every year. Free admission to museums, archaeological sites, concerts and theater invite Europeans and visitors to discover the heritage and culture of Italy. Note: Dates have not been confirmed; please check the event ...
A month-long festival of operas and concerts celebrating Giuseppe Verdi at the Teatro Regio and other venues around the city of Parma. Tickets start at 10€ for standing room. Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning travel publication publishing 170 issues since 2002. Get a free issue to see what we are all about. Join now to access them ...
Located near the Po River in the beautiful region of Lombardy, sits the charming city of Cremona. Home to the Violin Museum and birthplace of the best violin makers, this city is renowned worldwide for its techniques in violin making. It is also home to the annual International Exhibition, the best of its kind, for high-quality instruments. Here, guests can ...
The Italian Yacht Club's biggest regatta, this sailing festival brings boats from all over Europe to Genoa's Porto Antico Bay. The millevele or one-thousand sails along the Ligurian coast is a sight not to miss! Dream of Italy is a membership website and award-winning travel publication publishing 170 issues since 2002. Get a free issue to see what we are all about. ...
Monza is regarded by many as the embodiment of Formula One racing. Not only is it a fantastic example of a track that combines speed with skill, it also has a heart and soul all of its own. It has seen some of the finest races of all time, but also some of the sport's worst accidents. The names of great ...
This fall festival in Piedmont features fine wines, exquisite wines, the rare and prized white truffle (that can only grow in nature) and much more to tempt the taste buds. Note: Pricing starts at 22€ and may vary depending on event. Admission ticket to the white truffle world market is included with purchase of any wine tasting experience, Food Moments ...
Rome's Fantafestival is dedicated to fantastic and horror cinema. The location at Multisala Barberini is confirmed and so are the "Golden Bats" for the best picture and short in both the Italian and international categories. There will once again be the Z-Day, with a zombie-walk along the streets of Rome. Note: Dates have not been confirmed; please check the official ...