What to See in Three Days in Florence
July 19th, 2018Once upon a time a group of artists, intellectuals and politicians from a city in the centre of Italy, whose works and ideas would have shaped the future of human civilization. It was the XV-XVI century, and that place was Florence: Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Raffaello Sanzio among the others, under the reign of ... Read More
Rome’s Largo di Torre Argentina Where Cats Sunbathe Amidst Roman History
June 26th, 2018Growing up in Rome, I spent many an hour waiting for the bus at Largo di Torre Argentina, commonly referred to as Largo Argentina. My only thought about Largo Argentina at the time was that it was a convenient central bus hub to get all around Rome. It is and was easy to find because ... Read More
Italy Packing Tips: My Favorite Purse for Travel is a Backpack
May 22nd, 2018Packing for a trip can be one of the most daunting aspects of travel planning. We’re often asked for advice on what type of purse to carry. Shoulder, cross body, tote bag, backpack? My vote is for a small, lightweight backpack. I’ve tried many different types of travel purses. It’s important to get it right ... Read More
Where to Stay in Florence
May 15th, 2018Florence is an intriguing small city, packed with wonderful thing to see, do, eat and drink. We recommend finding a vacation rental that you like and using that as your base to explore this fabled city. You really can walk to anywhere in the center, even with children. But if time and distance require, take ... Read More
The Joys of Food Shopping in Italy
May 8th, 2018Farmer’s Markets If you are staying in an Italy Perfect city apartment there is usually a fresh food, open market nearby. No prepackaged foods and antiseptic counters, but friendly vendors and colorful, delicious vegetables, fruit, cheeses and meats of every kind. We think of them as museums for food! See our previous blog all about the ... 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
Campo de’Fiori – Today’s Roman Forum
December 4th, 2017Just as Romans have done for thousands of years, they gather today in Campo de’ Fiori where visitors and locals alike find a beautiful open air market, offering everything from cut flowers to pizza. At night, the piazza transforms into a social hub for young people looking to make the most of the nightlife. Campo de’Fiori ... Read More
Rome Pasta Favorite: Cacio e Pepe
November 20th, 2017Will we ever run out of delicious foods to enjoy while in Rome? The answer: Never! While there are obvious Roman classics like spaghetti alla carbonara, the humble yet delicious cacio e pepe – a long-time favorite among Romans, is worthy of equal praise. ‘Cacio’ is pecorino in the Roman dialect, and pepe means pepper ... Read More