4 Top Tips From a Fanatic Packer
March 3rd, 2015I confess, I pack with near-military precision, fitting everything into a rolling carry-on bag even for a month-long trip. During my most recent trip — a month in Italy inspecting properties — I moved accommodations every couple of nights because staying in our properties is the best way to inspect. Packing for a long winter ... Read More
Take your Children to Florence
January 13th, 2015Italy is one of the most child friendly countries in the world. Your precious ‘bambina’ will have her cheeks pinched and your ‘bambino’ will be whisked off to the kitchen to taste some fresh schiacciata. If you’re travelling with a baby, be ready to get more attention than you’ve ever experienced — from grandmothers and waiters ... 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
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
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
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
A Moveable Feast Tuscan Style
April 11th, 2014Food traditions are a big part of Italian culture so it’s no surprise that eating well is a tradition of our Italy trips! A highlight of a recent trip was a marvelous dinner prepared for us by Chef in Tuscany at our accommodations near Florence. Graziella and her staff arrived cheerful and efficient; settled us ... 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