Published on Thursday, November 29, 2012 by Kathy McCabe Officials in Rome have announced that a protective barrier will be erected around the Colosseum in order to protect visitors and passersby from falling chunks of the ancient structure.  Over the past year, the pieces have presented more and more of a safety hazard. According to Wanted in Rome, "The impassable security barrier will be composed of cast iron and cement...

Published on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 by Kathy McCabe Slightly belated birthday wishes to one of the most famous sites in all of Italy - the Sistine Chapel - a must on every tour of Rome. The Vatican beauty turned 500 years young on October 31st. But you don't get to such a ripe old age without some controversy, some are calling for visits to the Sistine Chapel to be limited. The grand dame is a popular lady and five ...

Published on Friday, October 26, 2012 by Kathy McCabe The city of Rome has a new logo.  Rome's city council approved the new logo which features a wolf on top of an ancient monument. The wolf is the symbol of Rome. According to The Florentine, "At the centre of a new merchandising campaign, which kicks off in November, the logo will appear on souvenirs, ranging from mugs to T-shirts, hats and even jackets and other gar...

Published on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 by Kathy McCabe So you're planning a trip to Italy - probably your first - and can't decide exactly where to go. You're not alone, this is a problem most visitors to Italy have. There's simply too much to see! You need to start with the realization that there is no way you are going to see everything so don't even try.  The key is to prioritize. If it is your first trip to Italy, s...

Published on Friday, October 12, 2012 by Kathy McCabe There were few moments more dramatic in ancient Rome than the stabbing of Emperor Julius Caesar; but until now the details have been murky. Archaeologists from the Spanish National Research Council say they have now pinpointed the location and details of the famous act. According to the Huffington Post, "The scientists said in a written statement that they found a ...

Published on Monday, October 8, 2012 by Kathy McCabe In Rome, they've dubbed it "the War on the Sandwich." Starting October 1, it is  illegal to snack on or near any monuments in the Eternal City. Rome's mayor spearheaded the new legislation. According to NBC News, "Tourists will still be allowed to eat while they walk, but stop with a bag of chips in your hands or sit down while chewing on your panino, and you are...

Published on Friday, October 5, 2012 by Steve For me to pick a favorite tour is like choosing a favorite child, but the 10-Day Vesuvius Tour is in the running for one of my top picks. Why?  It's Affordable! Starting at $2890 per person, Vesuvius packs in a lot for the price including first clas deluxe hotels, many delicious meals, experienced guides and transportation via our state-of-the-art motorcoaches. ...

Published on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 by Steve If Italy is calling you in the near future and you enjoy the convenience of an escorted tour but the adventure of dining on your own, I recommend our 14-Day North Continental Tour. This is the same itinerary as our best-selling Italy tour in history (14-Day North Classic) with the freedom to choice your own dining experiences. Imagine seeing the sites and then explor...

Published on Saturday, September 29, 2012 by Kathy McCabe Five million tourists visit the Sistine Chapel every year and one Italian writer says the most famous chapel in the world, at the heart of Vatican City, is falling prey to unimaginable disaster because of visitors who act like "drunken herds." Pietro Citati, a leading Italian literary critic and biographer, writes in an article for Corriere della Sera the the tou...

Published on Monday, September 24, 2012 by Kathy McCabe The Vatican recently completed a month-long pilot project placing priests in the Vatican Museums to offer interaction with visitors and hails it a success. “There are so many themes that are spoken of. We might speak of art and faith or of economics and faith. Some people come to share their experiences or difficulties in their personal, professional or family li...