Embrace Those Carbs! 6 Pasta Favorites & Where to Find Them
April 4th, 2017Italy offers an overwhelming number of traditional pasta dishes. The array of shapes, sauces, meats, and cheeses is daunting, and any true foodie will try them all! Spaghetti al Pomodoro While spaghetti dates back to the twelfth century, the first formal recipe for spaghetti al pomodoro did not appear until 1839. This simple dish is ... Read More
A Dreamy Terrace in Rome
March 27th, 2017Mediterranean weather makes terraces enjoyable much of the year in Rome which is why finding the perfect apartment with a terrace, or balcony, is at the top of many of our guest’s wish list. When the weather is pleasant a terrace can be enjoyed throughout the day whether it’s in the morning with a cup of ... Read More
Budget Friendly Activities & Apartments in Florence
March 20th, 2017Florence is a great place to maximize your time and your budget. The art is astounding, the food delicious and the relatively compact size of the historic center lets you pack a lot of sightseeing, eating and enjoyment while savoring many breathtaking sites. And, with careful planning you can stretch your budget with many rich, yet modestly-priced, experiences. ... Read More
Most Amazing Art Show in the World – Venice’s Biennale
February 27th, 2017Find every conceivable kind of art at Venice’s Biennale d’Arte. This is the largest art exhibit in the world. Really HUGE! ... Read More
Behind-the-Scenes Italy Perfect Florence Video
February 20th, 2017Enjoy an insider’s view of a vacation rental inspection trip, an important aspect of our service because we pride ourselves on personally selecting every property we represent. Lisa and Pat Byrne, sisters and founders of Italy Perfect, had the good fortune to have sister Madelyn, founder of Paris Perfect and London Perfect, along on their trip to Florence, ... Read More
Italian Soups to Warm the Soul
January 30th, 2017There’s nothing better on a cold winter day than a warm bowl of soup. This week I’ll be making Pasta e Ceci (Pasta and Chickpea), a simple, flavorful soup that is one of our family’s favorite wintertime comfort foods. A hearty Italian soup is not just a starter, it is a meal in-and-of itself with fresh, ... Read More
Vista Serena Luxury Villa: Amalfi Coast Gem
January 23rd, 2017Sparkling waters, sun and serenity will enhance your stay at Vista Serena, a new addition to our Amalfi Coast villa portfolio. Marvelously positioned on a hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian sea, the gulf of Positano and Amalfi, Vista Serena is a classically elegant villa in a world-class location between Sorrento and Positano. We personally choose every ... Read More
Famous Italy Sights from the Silver Screen
January 17th, 2017Take it from someone who learned from experience: running into a film set during your travels can be the most exciting – and least convenient – part of your adventure. While in Florence, my companions and I found ourselves dashing down side-streets when the main thoroughfares were blocked-off for filming. The movie? Dan Brown’s Inferno. ... Read More
Riposo Verde: A Dreamy Tuscan Villa Retreat
January 9th, 2017We are so pleased to introduce a beautiful new offering to our villa portfolio! Riposo Verde is a fine Tuscany restored farmhouse with resplendent views, and elegant decor to match. It is set among 5 acres of beautiful gardens, vineyards, olive orchards and fruit trees. A tranquil setting just minutes drive from the scenic town of San ... Read More
Welcoming the New Year, the Italian Way
January 1st, 2017There are few holidays as truly global as New Years. Something about changing the calendar makes us think that anything is possible. New Year: a clean slate for adventure. Now that is something to celebrate. In Italy, the New Years Eve celebrations fall under the umbrella of La Festa di an Silvestro – a country-wide ... Read More
Mangia! Mangia! Torta della Nonna
December 19th, 2016Eating at Nonna’s – ‘Nonna’ being the Italian word for grandmother – is never a disappointment. The stereotype of the bustling Italian women serving platefuls of pasta until their families are stuffed are not far from the truth. Spot-on, at least, for my family. ... Read More