Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Harvest Time in Tuscany
July 5th, 2019Summer is traditionally the most popular time to visit Italy, but we’re here to make an argument in favor of autumn in Tuscany. Autumn means harvest time when many of the country’s most popular food and drinks are produced for the rest of the year. If you plan your trip right, you could be in ... Read More
5 Marvelous Rooftop Bars in Rome
May 15th, 2019The timeless skyline of Rome is a joy to appreciate from one of these fascinating rooftop bars. Although Rome is called the Eternal City, you shouldn’t have to spend an eternity figuring out where to get an aperitivo and a great view, so that’s where we come in! Here’s our list of the five best ... Read More
Romantic Experiences in Italy: Beyond the Gondola Ride
February 27th, 2019Look at any list of the top romantic experiences in Italy and you’re sure to find one staple: the gondola ride in Venice. We’re not trying to say that a gondola ride down the Venetian canals isn’t romantic, but we want to make an argument for a few other pretty appealing options. This is, after ... Read More
Everything You Need to Know About Tipping in Italy
March 19th, 2018The question of tipping is always a big one for travelers since it can differ so much from country to country. In Italy, the culture around tipping can even vary as you travel up and down the bel paese. To answer your questions and help with travel planning, we’ve gathered everything you need to know ... Read More
Four Ways Florentine Cuisine Highlights Tuscan Bread
February 13th, 2018Did you know that tasty Tuscan bread has no salt? It’s one of the details that makes bread in Tuscany so unique. However, without salt it goes stale quickly. Clever Italian cooks handled this problem by inventing delicious traditional dishes that make the best use of old bread. Nothing goes to waste! Why did they ... Read More
4 Great Stops when Visiting the Pantheon
January 15th, 2018Marvel at the Pantheon in Rome, a world treasure, then stay a while in a wonderful neighborhood with many fine delights. Round out your visit to the Pantheon with lunch at a terrific seafood restaurant, some shopping and a gelato all within a 5 minute walk. The Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple, itself is a ... Read More
Favorite Rome Cheap & Cheerful Restaurants
December 18th, 2017There is an amazing selection of restaurants in Rome but we often find ourselves hankering for simple, home-style cooking where we can walk in, catch up after a busy day of looking at apartments and sites and have a simple, inexpensive meal. Our guests often ask “Where do you go in Rome for an a ... Read More
Favorite Easy Italy Souvenirs – from the Supermarket
October 31st, 2017You’ve had a wonderful vacation in Italy and at the end of your trip you suddenly realize that you need to bring back a little something for the neighbor who took in your newspaper and watered the plants, the friend who gave you a ride to the airport, your cleaning person, your hairdresser and the ... Read More
Shopping with a Florence Fashion Expert
September 19th, 2017Florence is a shopping mecca, famous for fine fashion, leather, scents, art, decorated wood, fine papers and shoes. But how do you know which retailers to trust, what price is right and what is good quality? You don’t! It’s embarrassing the number of times we (who have taken shopping trips to Florence since we were teens) ... Read More
Italy Perfect’s Most Requested Advice: Do’s and Don’ts
June 19th, 2017Fortunately Italy is a welcoming country, happy for its visitors and proud of its own fine culture. No need to worry that you might not fit in like a local, but here here a few gentle suggestions or cautions to avoid awkward or embarrassing situations. • Don’t picnic (eat or drink) at the sites like monuments, cathedral steps ... Read More
Embrace Those Carbs! 6 Pasta Favorites & Where to Find Them
April 4th, 2017Italy offers an overwhelming number of traditional pasta dishes. The array of shapes, sauces, meats, and cheeses is daunting, and any true foodie will try them all! Spaghetti al Pomodoro While spaghetti dates back to the twelfth century, the first formal recipe for spaghetti al pomodoro did not appear until 1839. This simple dish is ... Read More