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
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
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
Palazzo Valentini – A Rome ‘Must See’
March 19th, 2014Make it a ‘Must See Top Eleven’ list for your Rome visit with the new Domus Romane of Palazzo Valentini. Deep under the palace conveniently located in Piazza Venezia, near the gleaming Victor Emmanuel Monument (fondly called the wedding cake), is a modern exhibit that promises a fascinating 1.5 hour tour. The remains of two ... Read More
Train Travel Tips – Italy Perfect’s tips to make train travel in Italy a fun and relaxing experience.
January 30th, 2014Here’s a collection of our wisdom regarding trains, including: Reserving train tickets Seat selection Rail protection insurance Changing reservations Rail pass? Cheaper to drive? First or second class? At the station Validate tickets Paperless tickets Boarding train Changing seats Food onboard Call your greeter Landing in Rome/Milan + same day train to Florence ... Read More
Should We Rent a Car in Italy?
January 8th, 2014Our guests often need to figure out whether and how to rent a car for their Italian vacation. Auto rentals, gas and parking can be pricey so it worth giving some consideration to this question before you assume a car is essential. We strongly recommend you organize your car rental before you leave for Italy, ... Read More
An Easy Italy Travel Planning Guide for your Next Trip
October 8th, 2013Easy Travel Planning for your Trip to Italy Planning a trip to Italy? Here is a three-step breakdown of priorities, timeframes and some tips to help you map out your dream Italy trip. Our process will make planning easier and less stressful. We have used this process to “rescue” many clients who come to us ... Read More
Rome for Romans, Great Neighborhood, Few Tourists
March 27th, 2013Clients ask us where they can stay in Rome that is not touristy and where they can enjoy real Italian life. They have heard or know that in the touristy heart of Rome, visitors can be shoulder to shoulder, reminding us of Disneyland Main Street in summer. If you want to be near the sites ... Read More
Is an Italy Vacation Rental or a Hotel Best for You?
November 27th, 2012Renting a vacation home from Italy Perfect provides some unique benefits. If you are trying to decide whether a vacation home rental or a hotel is best for you here are some trade-offs to consider. ... Read More