Published on Monday, August 5, 2013 by Kathy McCabe If you're looking for some ultimate, once-in-lifetime Italian experiences, get ready to visit the region of Emilia-Romagna in central Italy. That's where Italy's luxury car makers are based and where YOU can get behind the wheel of a Ferrari or a Lamborghini for a Super Car Test Drive! Choose the model you want to drive (how about a Spider) and where (race track, i...

Published on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 by Kathy McCabe 2013 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi, one of the world's greatest opera composers. Many know, of course, that the composer was Italian (or born in what is now considered Italy) but may know anything about his early life. According to Wikipedia, "Verdi was born the son of Carlo Giuseppe Verdi and Luigia Uttini in Le Ron...

Published on Sunday, July 28, 2013 by Kathy McCabe The Italy Mix is a post about the most interesting Italy and Italy travel news and human interest stories around the Web each week. Here are our top picks for this week: Ischia's Appeal:  Its neighbor Capri is far more famous but the island of Ischia is well worth a visit. (The Sun) A Murderer's Tour of Venice: Author Donna Leon, who lives in Venice, makes the ...

Published on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 by Kathy McCabe A visit to Hadrian's Villa in the town of Tivoli, 18 miles from Rome, makes for a great day trip from the Eternal City.  Roman Emperor Hadrian's retreat was built during the second and third decades of the 2nd century AD. The "villa" is actually a complex of more than 30 buildings and a variety of gardens.  Now five more buildings, surrounded by large statues, have ...

Published on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 by Kathy McCabe A number of dead fish have been found floating in the lagoons of Venice in recent days. While officials have been quick to scoop them up, so as not to ruin the tourist experience, residents and environmentalists alike are wondering what is causing the deaths of these fish? According to Gazzetta del Sud, "(Experts) want to clarify whether a lack of oxygen, possibly ...

Published on Saturday, July 20, 2013 by Kathy McCabe When visiting Venice, it is well worth taking a day trip (or multi-day trip) to the countryside of the Veneto to see the stunning villas designed by Andrea Palladio. The beautiful one above is Villa Barbaro. Photo by Gruenemann, flickr.com...

Published on Thursday, July 18, 2013 by Kathy McCabe The Italy Mix is a post about the most interesting Italy and Italy travel news and human interest stories around the Web each week. Here are our top picks for this week: Fishing in Tuscany:  Who knew that the region of rolling hills and vineyards is also a fine place to fish - whether in the rivers or on the sea.  (The Florentine) Colosseum Restoration Startin...

Published on Sunday, July 14, 2013 by Kathy McCabe The ornate marble floor of Siena's Duomo is one of its great treasures. Yet it is rarely uncovered in all its glory for visitors to see. Following the success of last summer's display (350,000 visitors saw it), the flooring of Siena's cathedral will be on view again this summer, for two months, starting August 18th. A must-see if you're visiting Tuscany. According ...

Published on Sunday, July 7, 2013 by Kathy McCabe Italians love the beach and will set up shop wherever there is sand and water! This shot is taking in Castiglioncello on the coast of Tuscany. Photo by antmoose, flickr.com...

Published on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 by Kathy McCabe The Italy Mix is a post about the most interesting Italy and Italy travel news and human interest stories around the Web each week. Here are our top picks for this week: John Paul II Set For Sainthood: A second miracle by the late Pope has confirmed and has the beloved John Paul cleared to become a saint.  (BBC News) Italy's Undiscovered Alpine Retreat: Rick St...