Italy Explained

25/05/2018

Hello, friends! Do you subscribe to the Italy Explained email newsletter? If you do, then you should have gotten a note from me yesterday asking that you confirm your subscription details. Yep, it's all part of that GDPR thing you've been inundated with lately, and I apologize for adding to it. It's the law, though. I need to have your re-confirmation or I can't send you my Italy travel tips anymore (sad face emoji).

So! Subscribers, check your inboxes and click the UPDATE button in my email! And if you're not subscribed yet, what are you waiting for?

https://www.facebook.com/ItalyExplained/app/100265896690345/

22/05/2018

I love it when reader questions turn into articles. So, thanks to Emily, here are my tips about how to use your cell phone in Italy without spending your entire life savings in the process.

http://italyexplained.com/how-to-use-your-cell-phone-in-italy/

09/05/2018

Did you know that some of Florence's top attractions are closed on Mondays? Well, never fear, because there are still plenty of things to do and see.

Here's what's open in Florence on Mondays.

http://italyexplained.com/whats-open-in-florence-on-mondays/

Florence is so busy year-round that you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s open 24/7. In fact, some of the Florence’s biggest attractions are closed one day each week – Monday. This isn’t likely to factor into your vacation planning until you arrive in the city, however, so if your itinerary ...

02/05/2018

Hey, y'all, as I'm getting back into the swing of regular Italy Explained articles, I thought I'd ask you what you wanted me to add to my list!

Any topic suggestions welcome, just jot 'em down in a comment.

Many thanks in advance!

26/04/2018

My grandfather, when he ate something particularly great, used to say, "This is eating for fun." I think most Italians would say that applies to ALL their food, but the folks in Bologna might be even more adamant.

Yes, it was incredibly hard to choose only three things for this list, but I'm confident you'll eat more than three things when you're in Bologna, so I think we're all good.

What's on YOUR must-try list for Bologna?

http://italyexplained.com/must-eat-italy-what-to-eat-in-bologna/

25/04/2018

Hello, friends. How are you?

It's been awhile. 😊

I've had a rough six months. And Italy Explained being a company of one means that Italy Explained has had a rough six months, too. I'm crossing my fingers that things are on an upswing now, and I'll get back to regular posting.

In the meantime, lemme know - how are y'all? What are your summer plans? Any Italy trips on the horizon? Any trips you just returned from that you want to brag about?

30/03/2018

Find out how Italians are spending their Easter weekend - including Easter Monday.

http://italyexplained.com/easter-in-italy/

31/01/2018

NEW ON THE BLOG: Looking for things to do in Bologna in between meals? Here's my list of ideas.

Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, a city with a beautiful historic center and a number of tourist attractions, but it draws far smaller crowds than other (arguably similar) cities. It’s a stop on the high-speed trains that zip across Italy, too, making it easy to add to many an ...

17/01/2018

Italy travelers, take note! My calendar of Italy holidays, festivals, & events is now UPDATED FOR 2018! 🎉📆 There are some new additions for 2018, and one event that (sadly) looks like it's on a permanent hiatus.

Are YOU going to Italy this year?

Well, hello, Italy travelers! It’s that time of year again, when I cull through the event listings for the Italian festivals and holidays to update my Italy calendar. And now the calendar is current for all your 2018 travel planning needs.

20/12/2017

Need a last-minute gift for the Italy traveler on your shopping list? I've got you covered.

ITALY EXPLAINED ebooks are instant downloads, y'all.

http://italyexplained.com/italy-gift-guide-for-the-italophile-in-your-life/

Problem? Solved. (You're welcome.)

11/12/2017

My 2017 Italy Gift Guide is out now, so it's easy to make the Italophile on your shopping list* super happy this holiday season.

* including yourself

We all have an Italophile in our lives, right? Someone who embraces his Italian heritage, someone planning a trip to Italy in the coming year, or just someone who loves Italian culture so much she…

08/12/2017

🎁 Finish your holiday shopping with some Italian flair! Here's my updated list of Italy gift ideas - including a selection of gorgeous Italian goodies I found on Etsy. Happy shopping, Italophiles! 🎁

http://italyexplained.com/italy-gift-guide-for-the-italophile-in-your-life/

29/11/2017

Apologies, all. Italy Explained is experiencing some technical difficulties. I'm trying to get them resolved (while biting my nails and stress knitting), and hopefully we'll be back up and running soon. Keep your fingers crossed for me...

10/11/2017

Having a beach to yourself in Italy? Heavenly. ⛱🌞😍 (by Laura of Ciao Amalfi)

Escaping to Santa Croce beach near Amalfi for a relaxing day in the sunshine and one last taste of summer on the Amalfi Coast. Hang on summer ... I'm not quite ready for you to go!

09/11/2017

In which Alexandra of arttrav.com visits an Italian potato farm to learn about how this seemingly-ubiquitous tuber is harvested.

Some harvests are more celebrated than others. Potatoes in Italy are less fêted than wine or pasta, but in Alto Adige, there's reason to take a second look.

08/11/2017

NEW ON THE BLOG: Did you know the oldest bridge in Rome is still in its original shape and has been in constant use since it was built in 62 BCE?

http://italyexplained.com/romes-oldest-bridge/

07/11/2017

I get all excited whenever I read some monument or excavation is about to open to the public FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER.

The Barberini tomb, also known as the Corneli tomb, is set to open to the public for the first time ever in November, following a major restoration. © ANSA

06/11/2017

I stopped reading (and my stomach started grumbling) at "tortelli di zucca."

The tastiest dishes are those with the freshest, in-season ingredients. If you’re in Rome this autumn, make sure to try one of these five autumn dishes.

04/11/2017

The show in Padua is meant to take a more "holistic" look at Galileo's "multi-dimensional talents."

An art exhibition featuring 16th century polymath Galileo Galilei - astronomer, father of the scientific method, poet, writer, musician, and artist - goes on display in Padua starting November 11 and…

03/11/2017

😭🍷💔

Wine producers’ body warns production will fall after Italy, France and Spain were hit by freak weather events in 2017

02/11/2017

The President of the Veneto region says that the vote was "not comparable to the secessionist agenda" in Spain.

Voters in Veneto, which includes Venice, and Lombardy, home to Milan, back further devolution from Rome, say regional leaders

01/11/2017

NEW ON THE BLOG: In the spirit of the season, here are four stories of Venice's best-known, umm, spirits! 👻 What do you think, is Venice haunted?

http://italyexplained.com/haunted-venice/

31/10/2017

I canNOT get over how cool these underwater statues look after they've been "claimed" by the sea. What a wonderful way to promote more sustainable fishing in Tuscany! Thanks to Georgette of Girl in Florence for sharing.

Before I went to a dinner recently at Molo Sedici in Castiglione della Pescaia, I had no idea that Tuscany’s marine life in Maremma was in such dire risk. In my inbox came an invite to dinner themed…

30/10/2017

Not long ago, there was news of a November 7th taxi strike, too. Be prepared to take public transport, travelers!

Italy's taxi unions on Thursday confirmed a November 21 strike against the reorganisation of the sector contained in a government decree. © ANSA

28/10/2017

Soccer fans, mark your calendars! ⚽❤

The Azzurri will have to beat Sweden for a place in the 2018 World Cup.

27/10/2017

😢

Firefighters have been working for more than two weeks to stop the spread of fires in the dry region west of Turin near Italy's border with France.

27/10/2017

😪

Death of Spaniard struck in Basilica di Santa Croce raises questions about state of Italy’s ageing and fragile monuments

26/10/2017

Several northern Italian cities, including Milan and Turin, on smog alert. Visitors with respiratory issues should take care.

Turin's town council on Thursday told residents not to open doors and windows amid a smog outbreak. The call came after the concentration of PM10 particles jumped to 114mcg/cm, more than double the…

25/10/2017

NEW ON THE BLOG: Find out how you can visit Michelangelo's tomb and a World War II-era leather-working school inside one church in Florence.

http://italyexplained.com/florence-artisans-the-santa-croce-leather-school/

24/10/2017

File under: Better Late Than Never

Remaining fur items to be auctioned as luxury brand prioritises sustainability and follows Armani’s 2016 lead