Italy Beyond the Obvious

06/17/2024

Temperance - along with the six other virtues by Pollaiuolo and Botticelli - was originally housed at the Tribunale di Mercanzia in , where business disputes were settled. She now lives at the and is seen here mixing water and wine, symbolizing restraint and moderation.

You might say she's making a Renaissance spritzer 😉🍷

06/15/2024

It's Biennale time in Venice! Here's a quick guide to help you navigate this sprawling, overwhelming, fabulous contemporary art festival:

https://ciaobella.co/venice-biennale2024-guide/

06/13/2024

Note this carb-forward checklist for your next foodie adventure in Italy!

Pasta is best when it’s made simply and with local ingredients; it’s not about the fuss, but the history, flavors, and the spirit put into it.

06/05/2024

Our advice is to visit the Cinque Terre in the spring and fall before the summer crowds arrive...but no matter when you do, here are some highights to search out:

https://www.theitalyedit.com/cinque-terre-guide/

06/02/2024

Great advice for a meal along the Grand Canal that won't break the bank and beats the crowds later in the day!

https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahturner/2024/05/24/breakfast-on-the-grand-canal-is-venices-best-kept-secret/

05/31/2024

The venerable Michelin guide has launched a "key" ranking for hotels (similar to their star ranking for restaurants) and Italy has quite a few...many of which we book often for clients!

Here are those in Florence and Tuscany:

https://www.theflorentine.net/2024/05/08/michelin-key-hotels-florence-tuscany/

05/29/2024

Italy's summers are not going to get cooler any time soon. Remember to focus on the early morning and late afternoon hours for outdoor exploring, and keep the midday for cooler museums or pool/beach time.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/24/travel/heat-waves-europe-tourists.html

05/26/2024

A great program for younger travelers who love outdoor adventures and want to explore Italy far from the crowds. We are always trying to nudge our clients to go beyond the Rome-Florence-Venice trifecta to get a taste of Italy away from the blockbuster destinations!

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240523-sardinia-the-mediterranean-isle-where-hikers-stay-for-free

05/25/2024

Italian meal times are bit different than what you may be used to, but you'll never go hungry if you adapt to the local schedule! Here's how:

https://italybeyondtheobvious.com/eat-like-an-italian/

05/20/2024

An up-to-date Florence dining guide by two local foodies who you can trust!

Classic trattorias, fantastic steak, and where to eat like a local. These are the best restaurants in Florence.

05/15/2024

You don't have to brave the crowds in the Vatican and Uffizi to see great art! Masterpieces are everywhere in Italy...

Italy boasts a wealth of art beyond its famous masterpieces. Beat the crowds and discover 10 overlooked Italian artworks.

05/12/2024

Emilia-Romagna is one of our favorite regions in Italy, with great food, plenty of art and history, sexy cars, and pretty landscapes.

https://newromantimes.substack.com/p/why-you-should-plan-a-trip-to-emilia

05/10/2024

📷 Check out our Italy Beyond the Obvious newsletter this week!

Read about the Val d'Orcia, a Parma hotel, how to explore the Amalfi Coast, Trieste, and more!

Don't forget to sign up to get regular Italy-focused news and insights directly to your inbox.

https://mailchi.mp/italybeyondtheobvious/val-dorcia-palazzo-rosa-prati-visit-amalfi-coast-trieste?e=[UNIQID]

05/05/2024

If a visit to Pompeii is on your trip bucket list, be sure to take a look at our five tips for an unforgettable exploration of this ancient Roman city!
https://italybeyondtheobvious.com/pompeii/

05/03/2024

The UNESCO-listed Val d'Orcia never fails to draw gasps, especially in the spring when showers bring out its emerald glory.

This is the home of well-known towns like Pienza and Montalcino, but also below-the-radar gems like Castiglione d'Orcia (pictured), San Quirico d'Orcia, and Bagno Vignoni (known for its natural hot springs).

The only way to explore this area is on foot, by bike, or by car...these hill towns are not connected by rail.

04/28/2024

Puglia's "trulli" dwellings are one of the most unique structures in Italy. Here's how the came about:

The white, conical houses dotting the Valley d’Itria, called trulli, have withstood time, actual deconstruction, and innovation.

04/27/2024

It's amazing to think that some of the ancient Roman aqueducts that brought water to the city thousands of years ago still exist today....

The Aqua Marcia was the longest of the city’s aqueducts, running nearly 60 miles from its source in the countryside to the heart of ancient Rome. The author followed its course, above and below ground.

04/26/2024

Getting around Italy by vintage train is one of the most unique experiences you can have by rail! We spent yesterday traveling through the Val d'Orcia on this coal-fed steam train from 1907, complete with vintage cars and a stop along the way to fill up the water tank.

The Italian Railways Foundation runs a number of historic tourist trains each spring and fall (not summer, when the original cars (no air conditioning!) would be sweltering and the flying sparks might cause wildfires) along scenic routes from Piedmont to Campania. They generally run along lesser-used tracks, stop and semi-abandoned stations, and are paired with a local festival so everyone can get off for a few hours to have lunch, browse the market, and explore the old town before the return trip.

You can check out the schedule here: https://www.fondazionefs.it/content/fondazionefs/en/itineraries.html

04/22/2024

Did you know that you can ski atop Europe's tallest volcano...in Sicily? This island really is a four-season destination!

Most people don't think of snow in Sicily. But the Italian island's rumbling peak offers one of the world's most unforgettable skiing experiences.

04/22/2024

Cacio e pepe is one of the four classic Roman pastas (and the only one that is vegetarian-friendly). Can you name the other three?

They all use a combination of two or more of the same five ingredients---pecorino romano cheese, guanciale, black pepper, tomatoes, and eggs---to create four unique dishes that are staples of any Roman menu!

04/20/2024

It's Biennale time! Here's a first look at the top pavilions and shows:

The 60th edition of the Venice Biennale is launching in April, with a focus on marginalised groups, immigration and decolonisation.

04/18/2024

It's always fun to see news of the latest treasures unearthed in Pompeii:

Archaeologists unearth significant new paintings in the ancient Roman town buried by a volcano in AD79.

04/15/2024

The Amalfi Coast was producing wine long before it became the capital of Italy's VIP set. Take a break from the crowds along the coast and visit one of the area's boutique wineries on your next visit:

Exploring stunning, heroic vineyards and taste unique, local grapes when you go wine tasting on the Amalfi Coast, Vesuvius and Sorrento.

04/13/2024

Italy is skipping right over spring and headed into full-blown summer with sky-high temps this week. The countryside is rushing to keep up, with everything from fields to flowers blooming all at once!

04/12/2024

We often plan kid-focused itineraries in Rome (and other top cities across Italy), and you'd be surprised how family-friendly these bustling centers of culture and commerce can be!

Visiting the Italian capital brings history vividly to life, and you can sightsee simply by strolling, with regular reviving pizza, pasta and ice-cream stops.

04/10/2024

Mt. Etna has been blowing smoke rings for days. Here are 30 seconds of pure charm (and wonder):

A new crater on the volcano's summit has created a spectacular sight for tourists and locals.

04/04/2024

If you need a break from the food fest that is Parma, sightsee at these fairytale castles for an afternoon:

Foodies flock to the Parma area for its spectacular gourmet blockbusters like Parmigiano Reggiano cheese,  Prosciutto di Parma ham, Lambrusco wine, and more; while cyclists love the area because it’s relatively flat compared to much of the rest of Italy...

04/02/2024

A mix of blockbusters and sleeper surprises:

This is how you make it through a city with millennia worth of history.

03/28/2024

Once you've checked off Rome's main sights and neighborhoods, branch out to the lesser touristed corners of the city:

Plus: fountain pens for special occasions, moon phase watches and more from T’s cultural compendium.

03/27/2024

Some great dining tips for Sicily!

It is easy to get trapped by touristy restaurants in Sicily, so here are some tips to make the most of the cuisine and your stay according to Katie Parla.