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
Handy Tips for Getting Around Florence for Travelers
April 16th, 2018What’s the best way to get around Florence? On foot, bicycle, taxi, bus, rental car? This is one of the most frequently asked questions from our vacation rental clients when planning sightseeing itineraries and trying to judge time for getting around Florence. The short answer is: Florence is easy to get about. It is small ... Read More
5 Great Italian Cheeses You Will Love
March 27th, 2018When it comes to cheese, Italy has perfected the art of making hundreds of different varieties of formaggio. With such a varied landscape, it is no surprise to find wonderfully different cheeses produced in the hills of Tuscany from that made in the fertile Po Valley or the mountains along the Sorrento Peninsula. Each region ... 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
Architects at War – Bernini versus Borromini
February 27th, 2018While strolling through Rome, it’s impossible to miss the city’s elaborate and delightful Baroque architecture and art. Much like Florence is the showcase of Renaissance architecture, Rome is a jewel box of Baroque design. Of course, you’ll find a little of everything on display in the Eternal City, including buildings and ruins that span centuries ... 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
Delicious Luxury in Venice – Grand Canal Apartments
January 23rd, 2018Guests love these three lovely apartments in a noble palazzo the heart of Venice. Recently renovated with fine taste that cheerfully combines antique heirlooms and bright modern touches. ... 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