Pasquino, the Talking Statue, and his Congress of Wits
October 8th, 2014The talking statues of Rome acted as avatars for the voices of the people, the dissidents and outliers who fell between the cracks of the Pope’s rule, that could voice their opinions by posting notes on these well-known marble figures. In the early 14th century the Pope ascended to power as King of the Roman ... Read More
Cool Apps to Enhance Your Italy Travels
September 16th, 2014We recently tried out a bunch of apps using an iPhone and also an Android phone. Here are our favorites based on usage and usefulness! So lets pack our bags, load our smartphones, this is traveling in the 21st century. ... Read More
I Didn’t Think I Would Need Travel Insurance.
September 2nd, 2014We hear this sad lament when travelers have to cancel their trip due to an unanticipated, usually medical, issue or they miss their trip altogether, as many travelers did in 2010 when the volcano in Iceland erupted, disrupting travel throughout Europe and leaving travelers stranded. With the recent news of Icelandic volcano eruptions brewing, and ... Read More
Top Tips for Visiting your Student Abroad in Italy
August 25th, 2014A semester abroad is a dream-come-true for many university students — and their family members who come to visit. We recently interviewed Mike, a recent college graduate, who shares with us his wisdom on “do’s and don’ts” for visiting your son or daughter who is studying abroad in Italy. ... Read More
Italy Perfect Quoted on Condé Nast Traveler
August 7th, 2014Lock in the best hotel rooms in Italy for the holidays. “Rome books up well in advance of December, with people interested in Vatican papal audiences and midnight Masses,” advises Lisa Byrne of Italy Perfect. “Remember to take note of religious holiday closures and plan museum visits and tours accordingly.” -From 5 Things Smart Travelers Should Be ... Read More
10 Must See Roman Fountains
August 4th, 2014The city of Rome has a history of fountains that goes back to the Roman empire. Some of Rome’s fountains are still flowing from the same ancient aqueducts as when they were commissioned. We present our list of ten best loved favorite Roman fountains for you to enjoy with some nearby vacation rentals. Find them ... Read More
Three Ways to Manage Jet Lag
July 16th, 2014Ancient Roman philosopher Epictetus wrote that one must first control his eating habits, and then he must control his sleeping habits. We can use his advice in our three tips for travelers crossing the Atlantic to stay in Italy. ... Read More
Every Caravaggio Painting in Rome
July 11th, 2014The greatest painter of the Renaissance was Caravaggio according to many experts. Born Michelangelo Merisi, his lively character and grandiose personality would rival modern celebrities. He arrived in Rome in 1592, a penniless painter’s apprentice. A decade later he had become the most famous painter in the world as well as a gambler and a ... Read More
4 Essential Items to Pack for your Trip to Italy
July 3rd, 2014Packing for your European adventure brings decisions big and small. Here are four very useful items we recommend adding to your packing list, without which you could waste or even lose funds and more. All of the following products have been tried and tested on our own trips to Europe and are available online through the affiliate links. ... Read More
Florence Mercato Centrale: A Tour of Tastes
June 30th, 2014The newly renovated Mercato Centrale [Central Market] is the epicurean center of new and old Florence, a veritable tour of tastes. The ground floor has always offered a wide array of fruit, vegetable, meat and other specialized local vendors. The 140 year-old Mercato Centrale recently celebrated the opening of its new HUB gourmet food hall ... Read More
3 Best Ways to get from the Pisa Airport to Florence
June 23rd, 2014To get from the Pisa Airport to Florence, there are three usual ways: by train, by bus and by private car directly to your vacation rental. You don’t need or, probably want, a rental car in Florence, but you could do it all the same. Here is all the information you need to decide on ... Read More