Published on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 by Kathy McCabe Italy is home to thousands of museums (this list of museums features the most famous ones) and those numbers are in the increase with the opening of the new Gucci Museum in Florence and a new museum opening in Rome’s Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (also known as Fiumicino). The  new Gucci Museum in the 14th-century Palazzo della Mercanzia, in Florence's Piazza Signor...

Published on Monday, September 12, 2011 by Kathy McCabe I'll admit it. This humble Italy travel writer -- who gets to visit the land of la dolce vita and drink all kinds of fabulous wines -- sometimes likes to drink something of a lesser vintage and quality -- Diet Coke. I know, how could I? Well, on a recent trip to Italy, I discovered an alternative, of sorts, to Diet Coke, a good ole' Italian soda called "Chino." It has...

Published on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 by JacobMartin If you’re a discerning gastronomist, then you have no reason to miss the excitement of truffle hunting in Alba Italy. Of course, you can make a stop at Alba’s  autumn weekend truffle markets to shop for these so called “diamonds of the kitchen”, but you might have to pay top dollar for them! Instead, give yourself a deserving break from your busy life and sav...

Published on Monday, September 5, 2011 by Kathy McCabe I'll be heading back to the central Italian region of Umbria in a few weeks and can't wait for my trip. Let me tell you about one of my favorite restaurants in Umbria...Dinner at Ristorante Redibis in the town of Bevagna is practically guaranteed to be one of the highlights of a visit to the region. The unique setting makes a lasting first impression. The dining area ...

Published on Monday, September 5, 2011 by JacobMartin Mention Italy and a vision of mouthwatering dishes conjure in your mind. If you want to savor the authentic taste of pastas and pizzas, then you ought to plan a tour to Italy. Not just pastas and pizzas, Italy offers a wonderful palette of more such delectable recipes. Pasta: It is undoubtedly one of the most popular Italian dishes. Did you know that there is a hug...

Published on Thursday, August 18, 2011 by Kathy McCabe I first ate at Cammillo Trattoria more than 15 years ago during my first visit to Florence; I have since returned again and again, mostly to taste their excellent pappa al pomodoro (bread and tomato soup) or tortellini and enjoy the homey, if bustling atmosphere. This trattoria, a few blocks from the Ponte Vecchio, on the Oltrano side of the river, has been around for...

Published on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 by David Do you think you know the cities of the world?  How fast can you identify them? The Travel IQ Challenge game from TravelPod is a timed game where you identify cities or famous landmarks by clicking on points on a map.  Your score is based on how close you get to the correct location. If you score enough points in the first round you are allowed to advance to the ...

Published on Monday, August 1, 2011 by JacobMartin Rome is a wonderful tourist destination for families! While the historic tourist attractions in Rome interest men; the adventurous catacombs and museums get the little ones keyed up. And for women, Rome is the seventh heaven! With a myriad of choices to shop for everything right from chocolates to fashion accessories, shopaholic women will find it hard to wind up thei...

Published on Sunday, July 31, 2011 by Kathy McCabe Once the seat of the government of the Venetian Republic, the palace of justice, and the residence of the Doge (the head of republic), the Palazzo Ducale or Doge's Palace is an incredible piece of history in Venice. The building is decorated with works by numerous Italian masters, including one wall entirely taken up by Jacopo Tintoretto's Paradiso. From the main bu...

Published on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 by Kathy McCabe Who wouldn't like to save a few dollars -- or euros -- while visiting Italian cities? Special city cards for tourists, which usually include discounts on public transportation and museum admissions, can be worth using when you are visiting Italy. For example, the Roma Pass which is valid for three days at the cost of 25€ gives you free admission to your first two...