Fiesole, the Crown of Florence
November 5th, 2014The narrow and crowded streets of Florence are filled with delights but you may find, as we do, four nights into our stay, that we need a respite and Fiesole is the perfect solution. On the heights above Florence, the ancient town of Fiesole welcomes with amazing views, a small historical area with an evocative ... Read More
Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne: Unrequited Love
October 22nd, 2014Apollo and Daphne is a life-sized baroque sculpture by renowned sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini. An extraordinary masterwork, the sculpture depicts the mythical story of unrequited love and can be found in Galleria Borghese in Rome. The Galleria Borghese is also home to Bernini’s David, paintings by Caravaggio and many other masterpieces. It is no surprise ... Read More
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
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
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
Joy and Canocchie in Venice
July 22nd, 2014Thank you to Dale R. who stayed at the Venice Marino apartment. Dale gave us permission to share this with all of our Italy Perfect Blog followers. On our final evening in Venice my wife and I meandered from San Marco to the Rialto bridge, working up quite a seafood appetite. We stopped at nearly ... 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