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...

Published on Thursday, February 28, 2013 by Kathy McCabe As of 8 p.m. local time, the Vatican's Swiss Guards are a protection force without a Pope to protect. Pope Benedict officially retired from the Papacy today as the Vatican is slated to announce Friday the date for the conclave to elect his successor.   According to  the Associated Press reporter who was at the Pope's summer/weekend residence, "As bells tolled, t...

Published on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 by Kathy McCabe Rabbit Beach, on the island of Lampedusa off the south coast of Sicily, has been voted the best beach in the world by TripAdvisor readers.   TripAdvisor described Rabbit Beach "as an unspoiled nature reserve that can only be accessed by boat and one of the few places in the Mediterranean where loggerhead sea turtles go to lay their eggs."   "Rabbit Beach's is c...

Published on Thursday, February 21, 2013 by Steve You can enjoy special savings on certain Perillo Tours when you book for special departures by the end of February. Don't miss this chance to travel in style and SAVE! Greek Island Yacht Cruise Odyssey: $1,000 OFF 2nd Person When Paid in Full by Feb. 28 (Singles get $500 off). Deal good for June 10, July 8 and October 7 departures Mangia e Bevi Tour: $500 OFF ...

Published on Friday, February 15, 2013 by Kathy McCabe With news of the Pope's resignation this week, many are wondering what comes next for the soon-to-be-former pope when he leaves his post. On his last day, February 28th, the pope will be helicoptered from the Vatican to the Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo, in the hills outside Rome. Then at a later date, he will retire to a monastery within the Vatican walls....

Published on Monday, February 11, 2013 by Kathy McCabe Pope Benedict XVI shocked the world today with the announcement that he will resign the Papacy effective February 28th. If you have a trip to Rome planned for March or Easter (which is March 31 this year) or you are thinking about visiting Rome in the next two months, there are a few things to know now that all eyes will be at the Vatican during that time: Technic...

Published on Friday, February 8, 2013 by Kathy McCabe Rome - both an ancient and modern wonder - is constantly evolving. Renovation and restoration are an ongoing part of the landscape of the Eternal City. At the Vatican Museums,  restoration has now finished on frescoes in one of the Raphael Rooms -  the Room of Heliodorus. The rooms are named after the High Renaissance master painter Raphael.  They were ori...

Published on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 by Steve Florence has long been known for its rich history - it is the birthplace of the Renaissance -  as well as being an epicenter of Italian gastronomy.  That's why I'm thrilled to announce our new, independent 6-night Florence Adventure package from ItalyVacations.com. Rates for this culinary and historical odyssey start at $1,325 per person, based on double, and ...

Published on Friday, February 1, 2013 by Steve Ready to travel to Italy or Greece this year? You can enjoy special savings on certain Perillo Tours when you book for special departures by the end of February. Don't miss this chance to travel in style and SAVE! Greek Island Yacht Cruise Odyssey: $1,000 OFF 2nd Person When Paid in Full by Feb. 28 (Singles get $500 off). Deal good for June 10, July 8 and October ...

Published on Friday, January 25, 2013 by Steve This is prime time to book your tour to Italy for 2013. You may have seen our new commercials on TV this month. My dog Harry comes to the office with me each and every day. He's a key part of Perillo Tours. As you can imagine, he hears all about our tours and has an opinion or two. He insisted (and you just don't say no to Harry) in appearing in one of our latest comm...