Published on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 by Kathy McCabe Sixty percent of the world's art treasures can be found in Italy. That's a staggering amount of painting, frescoes, sculptures and artifacts. Its no wonder that when visiting Italy, travelers want to try to see it all, even though that is impossible.  Plus there's the risk of Stendhal syndrome. What is that you ask? According to Wikipedia, "Stendhal syndrome, Sten...

Published on Sunday, March 31, 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: Top Family Hotels in Italy: TripAdvisor says seven of the 10 best family-friendly hotels are in Italy. The Cavallino Bianco Family Spa Grand Hotel in Ortisei (Val Gardena) (pictured) rated #1. ...

Published on Thursday, March 28, 2013 by Kathy McCabe The Palio, held in Siena Tuscany each July 2 and August 16, is so much more than just a horse race. It is an age-old tradition that makes up the very fabric of this charming Tuscan city. Watch this video to learn more about how Siena is preparing for this summer's race: ...

Published on Monday, March 25, 2013 by Kathy McCabe There are few places in Italy as stunning as the Amalfi Coast and few places as magnificent on the beautiful coastline as the cliffside paradise of Ravello. This photo was taken at the gardens of Villa Cimbrone, a must-visit. Photo by dalbera, flickr.com...

Published on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 by Kathy McCabe Our new feature on ItalyTravel.com is The Italy Mix, 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: Meet the Three People Pope Francis Wanted Front and Center: Pope Francis celebrated his Inaugural Mass at the Vatican this week with some personal guests in t...

Published on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 by Kathy McCabe All eyes are on Vatican City in Rome -- and specifically the chimney leading from the Sistine Chapel -- to see if a new Pope has been elected. 115 cardinals are locked away in the chapel, voting on the leader of over a billion Catholics. Here are some fun facts about the Conclave: In the 13th century, Pope Gregory put the rule into effect that cardinals must be s...

Published on Saturday, March 9, 2013 by Kathy McCabe We've started a new feature on ItalyTravel.com, it is called The Italy Mix and it 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: Papal Conclave to Start Tuesday: Cardinals have gathered at Vatican City to elect a new Pope. (Miami Herald) Is An America...

Published on Thursday, March 7, 2013 by Kathy McCabe Sicily's Mount Etna erupted Tuesday night providing a beautiful nighttime fireworks show. Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and  the tallest active volcano in Europe.  It is the most active of Italy's three active volcanoes and the highest mountain in Italy, south of the Alps. ...

Published on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 by Kathy McCabe On Friday, the Vatican post office released stamps for the Sede Vacante or Vacant See period - the time when there is no Pope. Pope Benedict XVI stepped down on February 28th.  Because this period is so short, these stamps are quite the collectors item. Perillo Tours President Steve Perillo has his own collection of Sede Vacante commemorative stamps. The Vatican star...

Published on Saturday, March 2, 2013 by Kathy McCabe We've started a new feature on ItalyTravel.com, it is called The Italy Mix and it 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: Madonna Opening Gym in Rome: The Material Girl's venture Hard Candy Fitness will open a 13,000-foot gym across from the Coloss...