Overnight Accomodation Tax in Rome

February 18, 2011

Beginning January 2011 there will be a fee applied to lodging in Rome.  Introduced as an “overnight accomodation tax”  the fee charged  will be 2 euro per person, per night and applied at the end of the stay.  Children aged 10 years or younger will be exempt from payment.  The fee is intended to financially [...]

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Mount Etna awakens in 2011

January 13, 2011

New activity from Mt. Etna in Sicily created spectacular fire fountains and lava flows on the eastern flank of the Southeast Crater.  It started January 11 and stunning photos were captured.  It closed the Catania airport for a short time but has reopened today, Thursday, January 13th.  Read more about this amazing event along with [...]

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Florence covered in Snow

December 21, 2010

A very rare event when Florence and much of Italy received snow!  As you can imagine, motorways, rail, air and local traffic around Tuscany were at a standstill.  Rome also had snow for the third time in 42 years.  Check out some great pictures from Living Venice blog…amazing photos!

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Rome’s Colosseum Underground Chambers Open

December 16, 2010

Next time you are in Rome you may get access to part of the Roman Colosseum never before open to the public.   Special funds & conservation projects made possible public entry through the back entrance “Porta Libidinaria” where in Roman times gladiators made their grand entrance to the arena.  Through a glass elevator you are [...]

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Currency Tool for using Euros

December 16, 2010

Here’s a great tool for traveling to Italy and using the euro currency. Before you depart, print a “cheat sheet” that converts euros to US dollars.  While the rate changes daily, you will have a good estimate.  The online resource I share with my clients is Oanda , which gives real time currency conversion.  You [...]

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Off Season Tuscany

December 15, 2010

Beating the crowds in Tuscany takes on a different kind of itinerary.  Off season travel in Italy can be enchanting and a way to avoid the crowded roads and constant bumping into other tourists.  It is a way to truly immerse yourself into the everyday life with the locals.  There are always festivals in nearby [...]

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Venice in the Winter

December 15, 2010

Venice is an enchanting city with it’s alluring canals, interesting water modes of transportation, charming six sestieri or neighborhoods & wine bars where you can experience Cicheti.  Because of the popularity, it can also be very crowded during the in season months and during cruise season.  If you would like to avoid crowds and see [...]

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Veal Involtini

December 15, 2010

I just counted my Italian cookbooks and am at a grand total of 11 and growing. For inspiration,  I also go on the Internet to my favorites, Giada De Laurentiis, Mario Balti and Lidia Matticchio Bastianich to name a few. Following is one of my favorite recipes for a dinner party. It is impressive, tasty [...]

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Italy Off Season

December 15, 2010

If you like walking and dining with locals, visiting museums and sites without crowds then off-season Italy is for you. I’ve visited Italy in November, December and early April and found it to be more of a true experience in Italian life. While you may deal with cooler weather and some rain, being prepared for [...]

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