Italy Desire

14/02/2025

...and you, have you ever skied at night next to a lava flow? 😁

This is Italy too! 😎

If you want to know more about Sicily (yes, that's Mount Etna, located between Catania and Taormina in Sicily), don't hesitate to contact us! 📧

09/02/2025

🌟 Book high-speed trains between Paris and Milan with Italy Desire! 🌟

Starting in April 2025, the high-speed rail service between Milan and Paris will be reactivated, which was interrupted in 2023 due to a landslide that made a tunnel along the route unusable!

Thanks to the 4 connections from Milan Centrale – Torino - Lyon - Paris Gare de Lyon, you can travel across the Alps every day with the quality of Italian and French high-speed trains!

Here are the departures:

Milan-Paris:
Departure from Milan at 6:25 AM, arrival in Paris at 1:22 PM
Departure from Milan at 3:53 PM, arrival in Paris at 10:37 PM

Paris-Milan:
Departure from Paris at 7:30 AM, arrival in Milan at 2:07 PM
Departure from Paris at 3:18 PM, arrival in Milan at 10:07 PM

Rates for individuals and groups, as always, are available upon request at [email protected] or via Facebook Messenger.

09/01/2025

🌟 **Attention! Important Update on Vatican Museums Tickets!** 🌟

Starting this year, ticket sales for the Vatican Museums are now open **6 months in advance**! 🗓️ This means that tickets for the peak season are already available for purchase.

If you're planning a **private** visit to the Vatican Museums, it's crucial to book your tickets well in advance. With the high demand (and some operators buying dozens of tickets to resell at inflated prices...🤬), you may find it challenging to secure your spot if you wait too long! 😱

" Desire" will continue to work diligently to secure skip-the-line entries at the desired time and date for your clients. However, if confirmations come in 2 or 3 months prior to the trip, we may encounter several sold-out dates. In such cases, we can offer one of our Small Group Tours, limited to a maximum of 20 participants, as an alternative. 🎨✨

22/12/2024

- BREAKING NEWS FROM FLORENCE!!! -
The Vasari Corridor in Florence reopened to the public on December 21, 2024, after being closed since 2016 for extensive restoration and safety upgrades.
https://youtu.be/LRIHctiSpBk?si=LuHgUF6OY560y1PQ

The Vasari Corridor is a covered passageway that connects the Uffizi Gallery with the Palazzo Pitti, allowing the Medici family to move safely between their residences.

The restoration process took eight years and included significant upgrades to ensure the corridor's safety and preservation. The reopening marks a major milestone for cultural heritage in Florence, allowing visitors to once again experience this iconic landmark.

The corridor is approximately 750 meters (0,45 miles) long and offers the opportunity to enjoy a unique view of Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River.

Contact us here or via email ([email protected]) for information on how to book entry or include the Vasari Corridor in a Florence tour!

Chiuso nel 2016 per consentire l’adeguamento alle norme di sicurezza, è stato interamente restaurato (l’ultimo intervento risale agli anni Novanta) e dal 21 ...

15/12/2024

Rankings like this usually make us smile a bit (who did they survey??? 😅), but we were struck by the fact that the top 3 cities are all destinations often underestimated by the vast majority of our clients.

Let’s talk about it!

🏆 Best Food Cities in the World 2024/25
According to the TasteAtlas Awards, here are the top cities celebrated for their exceptional cuisine:

Top 20 Food Cities
1. Naples 🇮🇹
2. Milan 🇮🇹
3. Bologna 🇮🇹
4. Florence 🇮🇹
5. Mumbai 🇮🇳
6. Rome 🇮🇹
7. Paris 🇫🇷
8. Vienna 🇦🇹
9. Turin 🇮🇹
10. Osaka 🇯🇵
11. Madrid 🇪🇸
12. New York 🇺🇸
13. Genoa 🇮🇹
14. Nice 🇫🇷
15. Lima 🇵🇪
16. Jakarta 🇮🇩
17. Kyoto 🇯🇵
18. Gaziantep 🇹🇷
19. Ferrara 🇮🇹
20. New Orleans 🇺🇸

For the full list of rankings, visit TasteAtlas: tasteatlas.com/best/cities

Note: Reposting is not Allowed

20/11/2024

Subject: Discover Your Dream Italian Getaway! 🇮🇹

Dear Colleagues,

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our new catalogue featuring a stunning selection of Italian rental villas! Whether you're dreaming of a serene escape in Tuscany, a coastal retreat along the Amalfi Coast, or a charming stay in the heart of Sicily, our handpicked villas offer the perfect backdrop for your Italian adventure.

Explore the beauty of Italy with us and experience the luxury, comfort, and authentic charm that our villas provide. Start planning your unforgettable getaway today!

Check our Villas website to browse the full catalogue and find your perfect villa.
https://secure.italianrentalvillas.com/ag/search/RegionsStart.jsp?aun=italydesire&lang=en

Buon viaggio!

15/11/2024

🌅 **A Unique Experience at the Colosseum! 🛡️⚔️**

Are you ready to become a gladiator for a day?
On the occasion of the launch of the sequel to 'Gladiator', Airbnb, in collaboration with the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum in Rome, offers a free experience at the Colosseum for a maximum of 16 participants!

The event is scheduled for May 7 and 8 (outside normal entry hours), and the 16 lucky participants (for each date) will likely be chosen through a lottery, booking from November 27 at 3 PM until December 10 on airbnb.com/gladiatormovie

One more reason to book a trip to Rome? 🏛️✨

For the moment, there is no shortage of controversy in Italy, and many have criticized the Management of the Archaeological Park for this "original" marketing operation...



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_IWxHFkuEM

09/11/2024

Italy Desire is happy to share with all of you our new product, also available from Viator (link below): PIZZA CLASS IN NAPLES FROM ROME BY HIGH SPEED TRAIN.

Round-trip bullet train journey, transfer to the waterfront, and a pizza-making class followed by lunch, including alcoholic drinks. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring Naples before returning to Rome.
And, as always with Italy Desire, we customize the experience upon request! 😉


https://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/Pizza-Class-in-Naples-from-Rome-by-high-speed-train/d511-458745P1?campaign=1149558976&mcid=42383&pid=P00067021&medium=social-share-copy

02/10/2024

We've tried them all.
What are you waiting for? 😄

28/09/2024

The day is here!
Presenting the first images from our carefully designed itinerary through southern Italy, crafted with our friends at Travel While You Can!

19/05/2024

The "Archaeological Park of the Celio and Museum of the Forma Urbis" is the newest museum in Rome, inaugurated last January. Located on the Caelian Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome, the museum offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the past of the Eternal City.

Within its walls, visitors can admire the remains of ancient buildings and archaeological structures, but the true main attraction, however, is the "Forma Urbis", a monumental map of ancient Rome engraved on a marble slab, which allows visitors to immerse themselves in the city as it was in the 3rd century AD.

With the discovery of the Forma Urbis in the mid-1500s, the work was partially dismembered, with a reconstruction that over time has seen some fragments completely lost, and about a tenth of the original plan saved, which, thanks to the new layout of the Museo della Forma Urbis, has become more readable.

The Archeo-Park can be visited free of charge every day; while the Museum of the Forma Urbis will be open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (last entrance one hour before) and requires an admission ticket.

A true gem for history and archaeology enthusiasts, the "Forma Urbis" has already become - in these first months of 2024 - a must-visit destination for all those visiting Rome!

01/03/2024

When we are asked for putting together a journey to Sicily, there is a small coastal town that we often recommend to pay a visit (either for a full-day from Palermo or for a 2-3 day stay), being sure that it will never disappoint expectations...

Cefalù, a coastal gem in Sicily, enchants visitors with its blend of history, scenery, and relaxed ambiance. Nestled along the northern coast of the island, Cefalù offers a captivating glimpse into Sicilian life and culture.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the town's rich history by exploring its iconic landmarks, such as the mesmerizing Duomo di Cefalù with its intricate Byzantine mosaics. Wandering through the cobblestone streets of the historic center reveals quaint shops, inviting cafes and wine bars nestled among medieval alleyways with unexpected views of the sea, and traditional trattorias serving up Sicilian delights, providing ample opportunities for cultural immersion.

Cefalù offers a refreshing contrast to the more opulent atmosphere of Taormina, presenting itself as a place of genuine authenticity. Unlike Taormina, which can sometimes feel exclusive and ostentatious, Cefalù exudes a down-to-earth charm that resonates with visitors seeking a more unassuming experience. Its beaches, also, while equally stunning, are often described as more evocative and easily accessible compared to those of its "famous sister" town, Taormina.

Including Cefalù in a Sicilian itinerary allows travelers to witness the town's cinematic beauty firsthand, as evidenced by its use as a filming location in popular TV series ( ). Whether strolling along the shoreline, indulging in local cuisine, or delving into the region's rich history, Cefalù promises a memorable and enriching addition to any Sicilian journey.

15/02/2024

We are thrilled to unveil our brand new website featuring a stunning array of apartments and houses available for rent across Italy, and we're excited to share it with all our esteemed agents and partner agencies.

This innovative platform stems from a fruitful collaboration with longstanding local suppliers who have been fixtures in the Italian holiday rental market for years.

Our sales rates are NET (so don't miss out on adding your markup!), and there's the convenient option for you or your clients to book directly through the site.

Should any questions or uncertainties arise, don't hesitate to drop us a line via email!

Save up to 30% off the normal price when travelling at the last minute on this selection of villas, vacation rentals and apartments.

19/01/2024

The winter season offers the opportunity to visit Italian art cities in a more relaxed manner, with fewer crowds. Even though a few days of rain or cold weather may occur, Florence, Rome, Venice, or Sicily have a lot to offer even in the "low season."

But there are areas where, between November and March, the season is high, indeed very high: the Alps! The highest mountain range in Europe is a paradise for snow enthusiasts, for fairy-tale landscapes lovers, and, of course, skiers! The Alps are home to numerous high-end hotels and resorts, often located near ski facilities or charming villages, offering top-notch services such as spas, heated outdoor pools, children's mini-clubs, and gourmet restaurants where you can taste the typical cuisine of northern Italy - not to mention the excellent wines produced in those areas!

These days, we have been in one of the largest hotel complexes in the Alpine region, at an altitude of 1400m amid dreamlike landscapes, a dozen pools and whirlpools, a children's animation service from morning to evening, and then a wine cellar, gym, bowling, etc., etc.

Enjoy some pictures!

15/01/2024

There has been talk of an entry tax to Venice for years. This year the Municipality finally established it, but only for 29 "peak days" during 2024. Also, it will have to be paid only by day-trippers.
Will all this work to manage the overtourism better?

Venice is rolling out a tourism tax to try to stop overcowding on peak weekends.

08/01/2024

The city of Bologna often gets overlooked by many travelers, a hidden gem rarely on their Italian travel lists. However, for Italians, Bologna isn't just an important art city; it's the ultimate spot for food lovers! Imagine enjoying delicious tortellini, savoring aged Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and trying a variety of cured meats... Well, these Italian specialties come all from the Bolognese district!

On the flip side, while Lambrusco is well-known internationally as a classic Italian wine, within Italy, it doesn't always get the same love, except from the people of Bologna, of course.

Our pro tip?
Whether you're thinking of a one or two-night stay in Bologna or considering it for a day-trip while exploring Florence, Venice, or Rome, let us seamlessly incorporate the charm of Bologna into your next custom itinerary.
Allow us to craft an experience that reveals the colorful essence of this city, ensuring not just a tour but a lasting memory of art, culture, and, of course, delicious food!

05/01/2024

Meet La Befana, Italy's broomstick-riding joy-spreader since the 13th century. Embrace the magic of January 6th, as this enchanting witch delivers surprises to kids, coal for the naughty, and a sweet twist. Join towns transformed into vibrant spectacles, from Urbania's extravaganza to Venice's hag-filled boat race. La Befana sweeps away troubles, leaving room for festive notes, red stockings, and a nationwide holiday atmosphere. Celebrate with a toast, wine, and delectable treats – because in Italy, every season is a reason for joyous revelry. 🧙‍♀️🎁🎉

Experience Italy's festive magic with La Befana, the broomstick-riding joy-bringer since the 13th century. January 6th unfolds with surprises, vibrant spectacles, and a sweet twist.

02/01/2024

Christmas just passed, and I embarked on the picturesque journey detailed below—a mesmerizing adventure through the Italian-French Riviera! 🎄✨ .

Embark on a captivating journey along the Riviera dei Fiori, from Sanremo to Monaco. Explore picturesque towns, historical gems, and vibrant landscapes in this transnational adventure.