Dream of Italy® - Italy Travel News Blog

The Aftermath: Traveling to Emilia-Romagna Post-Earthquake

2012-05-22T15:33:00.000-04:00

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake north of Bologna in the region of Emilia-Romagna Sunday morning killed seven people and destroyed numerous buildings. One of our long-time subscribers, Italy travel planner Jim Zurer was staying in nearby Modena and shares his experience in this report. The local cheese production and sites of cultural and historic significance were hit hard. Experts say it is the worst cultural damage since the 1997 earthquake that devestated Assisi in Umbria. If you're planning to visit Emilia-Romagna in the near future, here is a rundown of the damage (we will keep updating this post):

Local cheese production: This is where Reggiano Parmigiano and Grana Padano cheeses are produced and the Coldiretti Italian farm lobby says 400,000 wheels of cheese were damaged when the racks where they are aged collapsed. Workers are trying to determined what can be salvaged before mold moves in. At least 10 percent of Parmesan production has been impacted, according to early estimates by the Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Consortium.

Finale Emile: Finale Emile was at the epicenter of the quake. The town's bell tower came crashing down and of the town's churches as well as the cathedral, according to AFP. The turrets of the 13th-century century Castello delle Rocche were extensively damaged.

Sant'Agostino: City hall heavily damaged.

Ferrara: Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has temporarily closed museums as a precaution. One modern building came down, killing four people.

San Carlo: The 16th-century Ghisilieri Oratorium (pictured above, pre-earthquake), an elaborate chapel used for concerts has partially collapsed. According to AFP, "A painstaking eight-year restoration was partly funded by a campaign on social media networks and contributions from local residents."

San Felice sul Panaro: Three churches destroyed and three of four towers of La Rocca Castle in ruins, according to the BBC. Church of the Archpriest and its great works of art severely damaged.

Modena's Osteria Francescana: Recently named as one of the best restaurant's in the world, the chef at Osteria La Francescana tweeted that the osteria is open and not damaged.

Cruise Italy This Summer With Silversea and Save

2012-05-19T14:58:00.000-04:00

Whether you've seen Italy by land already or its your first trip, cruising the Italian coastline (there are 4,700 miles of it) is an amazing way to experience Italy from a unique vantage point. Cruising can be a great way to see so much in short amount of time for one price and without packing and unpacking...and oh and with lots of people waiting on you hand and foot.

I will admit to being a bit partial to Silversea Cruises since cruising with them a few years back. I have been to Italy 30 times and my Silversea experience was one of my top three trips EVER. The ships are small (540 or fewer people), the service is incomparable and so much is included (all alcohol and wine with a bar in your room and evening appetizers delivered to your room, etc) that isn't included on other cruise lines. Plus Silversea is owned and operated by one Italian family - the Lefebvres. How many family-run cruise lines are there any more?

Last Minute Deal for June 4th Sailing From Athens to Rome

Sometimes the best things come to those who wait or procrastinate. Hurry up and back your bags because Silversea is offering the amazing rate of $3,999 (and a $1,000 shipboard credit) per person on its June 4th 9-day sailing from Athens to Rome with stops in Milos, Zakinthos, Itea and Corfu in Greece, Gallipoli in Turkey and Sorrento and Rome in Italy.

On this sailing, the Silver Wind stops for two full days in Sorrento giving cruisers the perfect opportunity to really explore the Amalfi Coast and Naples. When I cruised on Silversea, we also stopped for two days in Sorrento. One day we spent in Naples, primarily at the National Archeological Museum and the next day my parents, with whom I was traveling took Silversea's tour of Pompeii (they were impressed that a crew member from the ship also accompanies each shore excursion just to make sure all guests are well looked after) while I took the ferry from Sorrento to the nearby islands of Ischia and Procida.

July 2nd Sailing From Athens to Venice

While I've been to Venice a handful of times - even once arriving on the Orient Express - NOTHING compares to saling into Venice in the early morning while cruising on Silversea. It is a stunning perspective of the city you simply can't get any other way than arriving by boat.

Experience it for yourself on Silversea's July 2nd sailing from Athens to Venice. The rates for this cruise start at an amazing $2,999 per person - that's a steal for 7 days of luxury. Port calls include Monemvasia and Corfu in Greece, Kotor Montenegro, Split Croatia and Venice. You even get to spend one night on the ship while exploring Venice.

Check out more of Silversea's Mediterranean Cruises

Villa Rental in Puglia: Masseria Gelso Bianco

2012-05-15T07:14:00.000-04:00

So far on my trip to Puglia, I have stayed in four great places and it is hard to pick a favorite since they are all so unique but if I had to, it would be Masseria Gelso Bianco near Alberobello (my photos won't do it justice so I have taken some from the site).

This combination farm/villa/trulli was restored by Antonello Losito in record time (just about 6 months) two years ago. If you have ever met Antonello, you will know that he is a passionate perfectionist and no detail was overlooked here. It is an incredible mix of authenticity and luxury.

I stayed in the room "Carciofo" (meaning artichoke) which is actually two trulli - I slept in one and the bathroom was in the connecting one. I can't wait to write more about this place in our upcoming special issue on Puglia but in the meantime, if you are looking for a stupendous Puglia villa rental complete with trulli, swimming pool, professional kitchen -- that sleeps up to 10, this is the place. (Get a free copy of Dream of Italy's Guide to Villa Rentals in Italy too)

George Clooney in Italy: He Might Be in Puglia

2012-05-15T06:56:00.000-04:00

Forget Lake Como, if you're looking for George Clooney, you just might find him in Puglia. Earlier this week, my guide Yle took me to the new gelateria/cafe CREM in Lecce. The owner is a dead ringer for Clooney, especially when he takes his sunglasses off.

Natural Wonder: Puglia's Cava di Bauxite

2012-05-13T19:07:00.000-04:00

If you find yourself near Otranto in Puglia, don't miss the natural wonder of Cava di Bauxite. I visited earlier this week and no one else was there!

Sunset Cocktails Overlooking the Trulli Near Alberbello Puglia

2012-05-10T17:51:00.001-04:00

Sunset cocktails at Masseria Gelso Bianco near Alberbello (land of the trulli) in Puglia.

Riding Around Lecce Puglia in a Fiat 600

2012-05-09T17:40:00.000-04:00

Someone had a great day in Puglia today - me! I rode around the stunning Baroque city of Lecce in a 1956 Fiat 600. This beautiful bronze bi-color has 97,000 kilometers on it and easily navigates some of the city's smaller streets.

Three Bonus Issues of Italia! Magazine When You Subscribe to Dream of Italy

2012-05-09T17:28:00.001-04:00

We are so excited to be partnering with Italia! Magazine to bring our subscribers all the very best of Italy...when you subscribe to the award-winning travel newsletter Dream of Italy (or renew your subscription) during May or June, you will receive THREE FREE issues of Italia! Magazine mailed to your home as a bonus. This mini-subscription to Italia! is worth $32.

If you're dreaming of living in Italy, Italia! does a particularly good job covering real estate in Italy and considerations facing expats.

Cool Swimming Pool in Puglia Italy

2012-05-08T17:14:00.002-04:00

Arrived in Puglia today where I found a very cool swimming pool (with a famed Puglia olive tree in the middle!) at Masseria Provenzani.Thanks to Yle from Yltour for introducing me to this place.

Join Us for #italychat on Traveling in Italy with Kids

2012-05-01T20:13:00.001-04:00

Dream of Italy (@dreamofitaly) will be hosting #italychat on Twitter on Wednesday, May 30th at 3 p.m. ET. The topic taking your kids to Italy and our guest will be Madeline Jhawar (@madelinej)! You're invited to join us by asking questions and/or sharing your own own advice on traveling with children in Italy.

After five years in Italy working first as a hiking and biking guide and then as a corporate expat, Madeline and her husband settled down in the USA and had two kids, but didn't stop traveling. In 2008 Madeline founded Italy Beyond the Obvious and now spends her time creating unique itineraries for families traveling to Italy. Her kids are 5 and 7 years old and are now (finally!) okay on 10-hour flights.

If you would like to participate by reading the chat and hopefully asking and answering questions, here are some tips:

Be sure to use the hashtag #italychat within your Tweet so everyone can see your question, answer, contribution, etc.
Whether or not you have a free Twitter account, you can follow #italychat LIVE here OR here or you can come back to these links later to read the chat in full.
@dreamofitaly will tweet out all questions using "Q" and a number- Sample tweet from @dreamofitaly: "Q1: What is your favorite family-friendly town in Italy? #italychat"
Our special guest @madelinej will tweet her answer using same number - Sample tweet from @madelinej: "A1: I really like San Gimignano #italychat"
Anyone else on Twitter including YOU can answer the question too using A+number as this is all about sharing great experiences and Italy travel information. Sample tweet from YOU: "A1: I think Siena is great for families, so much to do #italychat"
If you want to ask Madeline or the crowd a question, start your tweet with @dreamofitaly followed by the question and I will put it in the queue and give it a number (example - "Q6") and tweet it out when ready. Sample tweet from YOU: "@dreamofitaly Is there a great amusement park in Italy? #italychat"

April 2012 Issue: Florence Dining, Shopping and Hotels; Borgo Near Siena

2012-04-25T19:53:00.000-04:00

The April 2012 issue of Dream of Italy is hot off the presses. If you're NOT a subscriber, subscribe today to access this issue and more than 88 back issues of our award-winning print newsletter, subscriber-only discounts and our new BONUS - 3 FREE issues of glossy travel magazine Italia! ($32 value).

Our paid subscribers (who can log-in here) are reading the following articles this month:

A Borgo Near Siena
We've found the perfect spot for a getaway outside of Siena. Plus three Montalcino vineyards to hit up for wine tasting.

Florence: Where to Eat and Drink
Our picks for four places to dine/drink on your next visit to Florence including iO Osteria Personale, a hip new eatery that deconstructs classic Tuscan dishes.

Florence: Shopping the Oltrarno
In this neighborhood, you will find the studios and shops of Florentine artisans, many whose families' local roots date back centuries.

Posh Places to Stay in Florence
We review two luxury hotels in Florence - one new 5-star property near the Basilica di Santa Croce and a Ferragamo hotel a stone's throw from the Ponte Vecchio.

News, Tips, Deals and Events
Contemporary Art at Punta della Dogana in Venice; New Rome Restaurant: Pipero al Rex; Friday Nights at the Vatican Museums

What You Need to Know About Italy's New High-Speed Train

2012-04-21T20:14:00.001-04:00

Italo, Italy's new high-speed train made its inaugural run Friday. This new service is going to revolutionize travel in Italy. Imagine traveling from Rome to Naples in just an hour; possible because the train travels up to 216 miles per hour! For the next few months, service will be limited to Milan-Florence-Bologna-Rome-Naples. You can book tickets now for trips through August. Even better the price is right, right now. Introductory fares are as little as 30 euros for a Milan-Rome ticket.
Here are some things to know about Italo, Italy's high-speed train:

There's a cinema car.
Free WiFi throughout the train.
Two station stops in Milan: Porta Garibaldi and Rogoredo
Two station stops in Rome: Tiburtina and Ostiense (starting late May)
Each station has a "Caso Italo" - a special waiting area where you can also buy tickets.
The Milan-Salerno Line will eventually stop at Milan, Torino, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples and Salerno.
The Venice-Rome Line will eventually stop at Venice, Padua, Florence and Rome.
There are a number of add-on services including door-to-door luggage delivery.

Tips for Snagging Affordable Airfare to Italy This Spring and Summer

2012-04-18T16:29:00.000-04:00

It is no secret airfares to Italy are steep this year. Blame fuel charges most of all and also limited capacity. Where $900 roundtrip from New York to Italy in the shoulder season used to seem expensive, it now sounds about right. We'r have an information-packed conversation on Dream of Italy's Facebook page filled with great Italy airfare tips -- especially for buying tickets for this May, June and summer.

I've always said that Dream of Italy has some of the most knowledgable readers around and that I often learn a great deal from them. Looking to buy a plane ticket to Italy, here are some of the tips, tricks and strategies readers are talking about (some I've written about before but great reminders):

Big difference in fares between May and June so go in May if you can.
August (and Christmas) are always the most expensive in terms of Italy airfares. Italians are coming to the U.S. on vacation, Italian Americans are going home for celebrations, etc. Looking like $1,300 roundtrip for August.
Fly major airlines to Rome/London/big cities, then look for lower cost european airlines to destinations to smaller cities. WhichBudget can help you find airlines, routes. But keep in mind you might need to change airports (usually the case in London) and big fees for checked luggage.
AerLingus has some decent fares from JFK to Rome through Dublin. (Just under $900 r/t in May) Check about spending a few days in lovely Ireland!
Have seen sales on JFK-Venice routing - Air France, Delta. One reader got a fare for $690 r/t in May. Best we have heard of this season.
Six weeks ahead might be best time to buy (unless you're going in the really crowded high summer season). Experts seem to thinking buying plane tickets too early or too late is where you spend more.
Sign up for alerts from sites like AirFareWatchDog, Travelzoo, etc. to monitor sales. Often you have to move very quickly.
Summer usually means a sale on business class fares to Europe. A business class ticket might be cheaper than you think!
Air France has some great sale fares for flights now through May 21.

Many thanks to readers Nancy Simioni, Dawn Sposato, Jennifer Dombrowski, Missy Staie, Howard Ladd, Carol Agia, Nancy Falvo for the tips and lively discussion.

The chat was prompted by my own search for a plane ticket for early May or early June so I will report back on any additional specific Italy airfare deals!

Music and Markets on The Amalfi Coast This July

2012-04-08T18:59:00.000-04:00

The breathtaking Amalfi Coast is the setting for an inspiring week of discovery and music
with Music and Markets Tours.

In the magical atmosphere of "the divine coast," enjoy mouthwatering cuisine and explorations of delightful seaside towns, the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the fabled isle of Capri.

Complete each day with performances of the renowned Fine Arts Quartet
and other artists in picturesque locations.

Click here for details of this luscious July trip and join us for a thrilling experience of authentic Italy!

(This is an ad.)

Five Quick Tips for Renting a Villa in Italy

2012-04-03T00:54:00.001-04:00

If you're thinking of renting an apartment or villa in Italy, if you've already started looking for a villa rental, you know all of the choices can be daunting. Here are five quick tips for renting an Italian villa (get our FREE guide to Renting a Villa in Italy for more tips):

1. Make sure there's someone available nearby 24/7 in case something goes wrong. I learned the importance of this first-hand when I rented a villa in Tuscany and none of the toilets worked! Fortunately, the owners had a local handyman nearby to respond and fix the situation.
2. Decide if you really, truly want to be in the countryside. I'm amazed at how many of my readers rent a villa and then realize that they can't walk into town or it takes a half-hour to get to any major sites. Think about the location and your daily plans.

3. Ask for references. Renting a villa in Italy can be a major investment. As the owners or rental agency if you can e-mail or call previous renters and then be sure to ask what they liked least about the rental and or anything they wish they had known beforehand.

4. Do some online sleuthing. One villa can be represented by the owner directly as well as several villa rental agencies. Most companies "disguise" the villa by giving it a different name. So take some of the key descriptive terms as well as the town where it is located and Google it. Also look at an image search. You might find the same villa offered at a cheaper price.
5. If you're renting through an agency, ask if they agency owners or the person you are talking to has personally visited the property. At the best villa rental agencies, at least one key staff member has personally inspected the villa.
For more tips on how to rent a villa in Italy and a list of the best rentals and rental agencies, broken down by region, get a FREE copy of Dream of Italy's Guide to Renting a Villa in Italy

Photo by Fuyunum, flickr.com

Cinque Terre Travel Update: Ready for Visitors in Spring and Summer 2012

2012-03-30T20:34:00.000-04:00

Surely you saw the news about the devastation to Cinque Terre following heavy rains last fall. How are these five villages coping and are they ready for visitors this spring and summer? Kate Little, a tour guide and sommelier originally from Texas, has lived and worked in the area since 1989. (You can find out more about Kate and the Cinque Terre at her site http://www.littleparadiso.com/) She fills us in on some hopeful news for those wishing to visit the Cinque Terre this year:
October 25th, 2011, will be a date that no one in Monterosso will ever forget.
It had been an exceptionally long, dry summer and the drizzle that started on the 24th was welcome. However, during the course of a night and day of constant rainfall, the land could not absorb any more water. Culminating on the early afternoon of the 25th, 20 inches of rain pounded the village in less than three hours. Landslides tumbled downhill and downstream, taking dirt, trees, boulders, automobiles, and in many places - people, with them.
After the rains stopped, residents first made sure that everyone was accounted for and put out the alert for those who were missing. Next they started assessing the damage. The buildings were standing in their correct places as if nothing had happened. However parts of roads had popped open from the volume of water running in the canals underneath and the piazzas, remaining roads and the ground floor of almost every building were a good two to three meters under mud. Livelihoods were mixed in with the sludge. They lost everything, but not their spirit.

Continued - Read what is open in the Cinque Terre this spring and summer

(Photo from RebuildMonterosso.com)

Cucina Povera in Tuscany with Cookbook Author Pamela Sheldon Johns

2012-03-30T19:22:00.001-04:00

Cucina Povera in Tuscany
May 3-10, 2012

From the mountains to the rolling hills to the seaside...

Learn about Tuscany's traditional rustic dishes of the past.

Details:

http://foodartisans.com/workshops/cucina-povera-tuscany.html

Victory gardens of wartime Florence

Peasant farmers & foragers: Artimino & Lucca

Apennines

Tuscan coast: Pietrasanta, Viareggio, Livorno, Grosseto

Tuscan archipelago island of Capraia

Southern Tuscany: Maremma and Pitigliano

At home in Montepulciano

(This is an ad.)

Join Us for a Twitter #italychat on Florence

2012-03-27T22:53:00.002-04:00

Dream of Italy (@dreamofitaly) will be hosting #italychat on Twitter on Wednesday, June 1st at 3 p.m. ET. The topic will be Florence and our guest will be Alexandra Korey (@arttrav)! You're invited to join us by asking questions and/or sharing your own own advice on travel to Florence or expat life in Florence. Alexandra is an art historian turned journalist, blogger, and digital marketing specialist. She has lived in Florence for 12 years. Read more about Alexandra here

If you would like to participate by reading the chat and hopefully asking and answering questions, here are some tips:

Be sure to use the hashtag #italychat within your Tweet so everyone can see your question, answer, contribution, etc.
Whether or not you have a free Twitter account, you can follow #italychat LIVE here OR here or you can come back to these links later to read the chat in full.
@dreamofitaly will tweet out all questions using "Q" and a number- Sample tweet from @dreamofitaly: "Q1: What is your favorite restaurant in Florence? #italychat"
Our special guest @arttrav will tweet her answer using same number - Sample tweet from @arttrav: "A1: I really like Cibreo #italychat"
Anyone else on Twitter including YOU can answer the question too using A+number as this is all about sharing great experiences and Italy travel information. Sample tweet from YOU: "A1: I ate at Giovanni last year and think it is the best #italychat"
If you want to ask Alexandra or the crowd a question, start your tweet with @dreamofitaly followed by the question and I will put it in the queue and give it a number (example - "Q6") and tweet it out when ready. Sample tweet from YOU: "@dreamofitaly Which Florence museums are open on Monday? #italychat"

Share Your Favorite Italy Tour Guide

2012-03-25T17:20:00.001-04:00

We need your help in rounding up the very best of Italy's tour guides and you could be rewarded with a 6-month digital subscription to Dream of Italy ($47) if you're the first person to nominate a tour guide we include in our upcoming special issue on Italy's best tour guides!

Please take two minutes to fill out our favorite Italy tour guide nomination form.

We're looking for private guides as well as those who lead regularly scheduled groups. The tours they lead can be anything from a guided tour of a museum to a full-day city tour to a multi-day, multi-location tour like a bike trip or escorted group tour. They must give at least some of these tours in English.

Please only nominate a tour guide that you have personally experienced. Nominations by guides themselves or anyone who has a financial interest in their tours will be disqualified. Feel free to pass along to friends who might have guides to share.

Remember that if you're the first person to nominate a tour guide we include in our upcoming special issue on tour guides, you will receive a 6-month digital subscription to Dream of Italy ($47 value)! Grazie mille!

Photo by jennconspiracy, flickr.com

To Do in Italy This Weekend: FAI Spring Days

2012-03-23T15:45:00.002-04:00

This weekend is the perfect time to find yourself in Italy—great weather, pre-Easter celebrations and one of the most anticipated events of the year, the 20th annual Spring Open Days. Six hundred seventy cultural and historical sites all over Italy will be open to the public free of charge. The event is organized by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI), the largest Italian non-profit organization for the preservation of Italian historical and natural heritage. Among the participating sites are gardens, churches, palaces, hiking trails, libraries and museums, many of which are not normally accessible to the public.
Some of the most attractive sites this year are in Milan, including the Bank of Italy building which will open to the public for the first time in history. The building’s recently-restored rooms, which contain period furniture and works of art by Balla, Guttuso and Hayez, can be visited. The prestigious institution of higher education in art and music, the Academy of Fine Arts of Brera will also open its doors to the public. It was founded by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria in 1776.

In Rome, the Villa Celimontana will open its doors, a 16th-century villa featuring lovely gardens and the recently restored marble mosaics of the Ninfeo dell’Uccelliera. Another first time opening will be held at the Oratorio dei Filippini. The oratory, Designed by Francesco Borromini, is located adjacent to the Chiesa Nuova in the historic center.

Registrations to FAI will be open during the event. Visitors who register with the association during those days will get priority access to the sites.

The complete list of monuments and openings can be seen at http://www.giornatafai.it/

-- Danielle Rovet

Win a Copy of SimpleItaly Loves Chicken + Rigatoni and Chicken all'Amatriciana Recipe

2012-03-07T15:28:00.002-05:00

Frequent Dream of Italy contributor Sharon Sanders has a new e-cookbook out dedicated to Italian chicken recipes. SimpleItaly Loves Chicken ($2.99) is for sale in the Amazon Kindle store and Barnes & Noble Nook store.

LEAVE A COMMENT below with the name of your favorite chicken dish (doesn't have to be Italian, but we do love Italian dishes!) and you might be randomly selected to win a FREE COPY of SimpleItaly Loves Chicken! We will pick one random winner on March 17, 2012. Deadline to leave a comment is 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 16th. Note that comments must be approved so don't worry if your doesn't show up right away.

Sharon kindly shared one of the 25 delicious recipes from her new e-book:

This recipe for Rigatoni and Chicken all'Amatriciana is inspired by the famous pasta dish from the town of Amatrice (in the Italian region of Lazio).
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 ounces thinly sliced pancetta or bacon, cut in slivers
1 onion, halved and thinly sliced
3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper + extra for garnish
Salt
1 pound dried rigatoni
Grated Pecorino Romano cheese

1. Set a covered large pot of water over high heat.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until the pancetta starts to crisp. Add the onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until golden.

3. Scrape the pancetta and onion to one side. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes, or until no longer pink.
4. Add the tomatoes, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and more pepper if needed.

5. When the water boils, add 1 tablespoon salt and the rigatoni. Stir. Cover and return to the boil. Uncover and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Drain the rigatoni.

6. Add the rigatoni to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add a bit of cooking water, if needed, to loosen the sauce. Garnish with cheese and more crushed red pepper at the table.

Serves 4 to 6.

One of the World's Most Unusual Libraries is in Perugia Italy

2012-03-01T12:42:00.000-05:00

In the February 2012 issue of Dream of Italy, Irene Levine visits the oldest public library in Europe in the town of Cesena. In this excerpt from the current issue, Elaine Murphy looks at another of Italy's libraries that warrants a visit:

Biblioteca Sandro Penna (Perugia)

This public library, located in the San Sisto district of Perugia (Umbria), was named for 20th-century Perugia-born poet Sandro Penna. Its modern design and open floor plan make it an anomaly among Italy's traditional and historic buildings - it was built in 2004 and designed to look like a flying saucer. The library's transparent magenta walls and disc shape allow plenty of light to flow in, creating a homey and relaxing feel. The airy, informal space is equipped with multimedia stations on all three floors, as well as a colorful area catering to children. At night, the illuminated building casts an ethereal glow. Call (39) 075 5772500 or visit http://www.commune.perugia.it/

Spring in Venice with Music and Markets

2012-02-29T15:04:00.000-05:00

Glorious Venice is the setting for an inspiring week of discovery and music with Music and Markets Tours.

From April 28 to May 4, our days will be filled with the stellar art, glorious music, world-changing architecture, and delicious cuisine of Venice and the Veneto.

Click here for details of this luscious spring trip and join us for an in-depth experience of Venice!
(This is an ad.)

February 2012 Issue: Home Food, Italian Libraries, Puglia Resort

2012-02-25T13:00:00.000-05:00

The February 2012 issue of Dream of Italy is hot off the presses. If you're NOT a subscriber, become one this week and get $15 OFF a one-year, digital-only subscription and the BONUS BOOK Up at the Villa ($17.95 value), you will also receive access to this issue, online access to more than 87 back issues and subscriber-only discounts! Our paid subscribers (who can log-in here) are reading the following articles this month:
Home Food: Dinner with The LocalsThis culinary cultural association arranges scrumptious, authentic meals in local Italian homes. Read about our dinner in Florence and how you can enjoy the unique Home Food experience. PLUS: Italian Pear Cake Recipe

Visit Europe's First Public Library in Cesena
Exploring Malatestiana Library is made even more remarkable when you learn that despite wars and natural disasters, the building, furnishings and manuscripts have all remained virtually untouched since the structure was built in the middle of the 15th century. PLUS: Other Noteworthy Italian Libraries

News, Tips, Deals and EventsSala Blu Offers Assistance in Italy's Train Stations; A Rare Visit to the Swiss Guards Armory at the Vatican; Take A Mosaics Class in Rome

New Resort in Puglia
This incredible borgo offers a seaside location complete with luxury villas and a golf course as well as Pugliese cuisine and hospitality.

Tuscany Villa Deal from Villa Vita

2012-02-23T17:28:00.002-05:00

If Tuscany is on your Bucket List - you'll want to know about Il Borgo Villa Bossi Pucci

+ Want to stay in a private countryside villa with friendly, professional hosts?
+ Want to enjoy favorite local dishes in charming restaurants each night?
+ Want to drive along the scenic back roads of Chianti without renting a car?
+ Want to visit medieval towns with local guides with plenty of free time, as well?
+ Want to avoid the crowds without missing the best sights and discover hidden gems, too?
+ Want to return each evening to watch the sunset from the tranquility of your terrace in one of the most beautiful regions in the world?

Inclusive Tuscany at Il Borgo

Making it easy to make it real.

Amazing Vacation "A Perfect Holiday""

"The best trip ever...service unsurpassed!"

"Vacation of a Lifetime"

"Well beyond expectation"

"Il Borgo is spectacular!"

(read more reviews on TripAdvisor)

Stay in beautiful, spacious apartments on the hilltop estate of Il Borgo Villa Bossi Pucci, each with its own living room, kitchen and terrace or balcony... surrounded by olive trees and vineyards and a sparkling pool overlooking distant castles.

Spend the days in Florence, San Gimignano, and Lucca... and enjoy vineyard visits, cooking classes and a language lesson, o due.

Dine at favorite local restaurants taking pleasure in the fine food and wine without worry as your friendly professional driver takes you back to your home in Tuscany!

Included.

Three different 7-night to suit your vacation style just right - and the flexibility to arrive programs any day of the week!
All Stays Include:
+ Arrival and departure transfers from Florence
+ Seven nights in a private, spacious apartment with breakfast daily
+ Three course dinners with wine at lovely family-owned restaurants
+ Excursions to surrounding places such as Siena, Florence, Lucca, and Wine Country
+ Deluxe air conditioned transportation to all off-site events and dinner venues
+ Genuine Tuscan hospitality

Programs:

Classic - Our most popular program with 7 dinners and 6 daily tours enjoyed with other guests with plenty of free time to explore on your own.
Deluxe - Our Classic Program with the flexibility and personal attention of a private driver daily and your own guided tours. Great for small groups of family and friends.

Special - A great option for those who wish to enjoy more free time to relax at Il Borgo including 5 dinners and 4 tours and two days at your leisure. Popular with our returning guests!

Free Tuscan Cooking Lessons for Dream of Italy Readers INCLUDED!

(Please book before March 31st, 2012 to take advantage of this offer)

Programs start at only $2195 per person. Arrivals welcomed from April through November based on availability at time of booking. Airfare additional. Longer or shorter stays can be arranged. Reduced rates for groups of 6 or more guests - please inquire!

Enrich your experience further with optional classes at Il Borgo:

Cooking - Wine Production and Appreciation - Ceramic Painting- Renaissance Art and

History - The Italian Language - Watercolor Painting - Photography

Add a few days in Rome, Venice, the Lakes or on the coast for a complete immersion nto the best of Italy!

Inclusive Tuscany - Unsurpassed value and service in one of the at Il Borgo Villa Bossi Pucci.

www.mytuscanytrip.com/

Or call now toll free U.S. and Canada 1-866-590-8181 or from elsewhere +1-623-680-0853
email Gina Ruggiero at gina@villavita.net for more information...

It's time to make it to Tuscany!

(This is an ad.)