CIU Travel - Concierge in Umbria

10/12/2024

As Christmas approaches, it is fun to see traditions that may not be quite like your own...🎅

Though the consumerism that plagues the Christmas holidays in the US is slowly creeping across the Atlantic, an Italian Christmas continues to focus on the

09/12/2024

In the country that brought us Ferrari and Lamborghini, this gentleman chose.... a Yellow Cab????🚕

Mauro Marroncelli was pushing 40. He had his eye on a Crown Victoria taxi. He had to have it.

04/12/2024

Just a little reminder that Casa Gola Olive Oil is almost here!!! 🫒 cantinadirect.com

The olives of Casa Gola have been harvested, pressed, filtered, and are now ready to make their journey to the US as an exquisite extra virgin olive oil. The

03/12/2024

When it comes to plant based dishes, Italian cuisine may not always come to mind, but there are wonderful vegan Italian options!

Explore the delicious world of plant-based dining with our vegan guide to Italy, with tips, dishes and restaurants you can't miss.

02/12/2024

Another pasta shape you may want to try! Everything you need to know about pastina!!

Pastina is a common, small Italian pasta that is used in many dishes, and it has a pretty fitting name. Here's everything you need to know about pastina.

27/11/2024

You may be ready with your pumpkin and pecan pies, but if you would like to add a bit of an Italian flare to your dessert lineup this Thanksgiving, perhaps consider these possibilities...

There's nothing like a touch of Italy on the holiday table, from great hard-to-find wines to local specialties like truffle sauce or extra virgin olive oil

26/11/2024

As we approach Thanksgiving, looking back on previous celebrations it is amazing how quickly 10 years have gone by!!

We've had a year that has made us particularly thankful, with the celebration of 10 years of CIU Travel, good health, and the support of family, friends, and

22/11/2024

It is National Espresso Day!! Who "observes" more brilliantly then Italians?!?!?!☕

One detail about Italy that strikes first time visitors is the ubiquitousness of the bar. Virtually every street corner, main square, and side alley is home

21/11/2024

Have you ever wondered about the birthplace of the King of Cheeses?🧀

Here's everything you need to know about planning a trip to Parma, Italy, including the best things to do, places to stay, and more.

20/11/2024

We are ever closer!! 🫒 cantinadirect.com

The olives of Casa Gola have been harvested, pressed, filtered, and are now ready to make their journey to the US as an exquisite extra virgin olive oil. The

19/11/2024

As further research is performed on the remains from Pompei, it seems long standing theories may not be quite correct...

In 79 A.D., a volcanic eruption engulfed a town’s residents. They weren’t all who scientists thought, newly extracted genetic material suggests.

15/11/2024

Plans for the 2025 International Friends of Festival Verdi are already under way! We are far more inclusive than these fellows, but just as passionate about Verdi, and we would love for you to consider joining us next fall!!! 🎼

Based in Parma, Club dei 27 is so exclusive that it’s given rise to all sorts of myths. But it’s really about venerating the famous opera composer born near the Italian city.

14/11/2024

Holiday cooking is a couple of weeks away! Make sure you have pre-ordered your Casa Gola olive oil from Cantina Direct to create your tastiest dishes this season!!! 🫒

Olive oil, gift boxes, parmigiano-reggiano, pantry provisions, and more shipped to you from Italy.

13/11/2024

The sudden rise of one of Italy's tasty treats...🍋

The liqueur has gone from being an occasional digestif, served in shot form, to a ubiquitous spritz popular in bars and restaurants from Adelaide to Athens. What’s behind the overnight rise of a decades-old drink?

13/11/2024

It was great to catch up on travel trends at Condé Nast Traveler’s Points of View meeting and the Reader’s Choice Awards cocktail. We’ve been vetted and listed as Top Travel Specialists since 2006!

12/11/2024

If you are cooking store-bought pasta at home and are a bit perplexed by which brand is best, you might appreciate a few pointers! 🍝

Sometimes, the labels on a box of pasta can feel like a secret code. We turned to expert chefs to figure out what makes one pasta worth buying over another.

08/11/2024

It's National Cappuccino Day!!! ☕

There are many epiphanies that first, second, and third—time visitors have upon arrival in Italy, but perhaps one of the most life-changing of these

07/11/2024

We are taking pre-orders!! Cantina Direct cantinadirect.com!!! 🫒

In a country known for its unparalleled food, Italy’s extra-virgin olive oil stands apart. One of its most important gourmet exports and a staple of Italian