Published on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 by Steve It is no secret that my favorite city in the world is bella Roma - the Eternal City! You would think, given how often I visit that I would get a little tired of it but quite the contrary, I find there's always something new to see and do...and well, FUN to be had! FUN was the name of the game for my latest trip, especially since I was there for my birthday! We mixe...

Published on Sunday, October 5, 2014 by Kathy McCabe The Italy Mix is a weekly post about the most interesting Italy and Italy travel news and human interest stories around the Web.  Here are our top picks for this week: Rowing in Venice: “There is no better way to connect with Venice than with an oar and discovering the original way of life that so few sustain,” says Nan McElroy.  (The New York Times) Rom...

Published on Monday, September 29, 2014 by Kathy McCabe To commemorate 2,000 years since the death of Rome’s first emperor, Augustus, in 14 AD, the ancient Baths of Diocletian reopened to the public last week in Rome. Visitors can view the natation (outdoor swimming pool) and the small cloister of the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, which was built in the 16th century on the ruins of the baths. Marble sculptures...

Published on Saturday, September 6, 2014 by Kathy McCabe Thanks to a change in Roman law, luxury hotels in Rome just got pricier. Italian lawmakers recently approved a new lodging tax, hiking fees for five-star and four-star hotels from 3 to 7 € and 6€, respectively (approximately $4 to $9 and $8), per person per night. Previously, guests staying at one-, two-, or three-star hotels incurred a €2 € tax; now, ...

Published on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 by Kathy McCabe Where is the one place any visitor to Rome must go? Why Trevi Fountain of course! As throwing three coins in the fountain promises a return trip to the Eternal City.  The beloved fountain will be undergoing some changes however, but have no fear, it will still be open to the public. According to Italian news agency ANSA, restoration of the beloved fountain bega...

Published on Sunday, May 25, 2014 by Steve For the independent traveler, we have a perfect mix of guided tours and time on your own with our ItalyVacations.com package Rome & The Charming South. See the best of Italy's history and beautiful coastline! Start in the Eternal City visiting Ancient Rome and the Colosseum, then head south to sunny Sorrento and the stunning island of Capri. Plus, enjoy food to...

Published on Monday, April 21, 2014 by Kathy McCabe While Pompeii may be the most famous archaeological site in Italy, fans of Ancient Rome often argue that the lesser-known ruins of Ostia Antica, just outside of Rome, surpass Pompeii in quality. Now there's even more reason to get your archaeological fix at this old port town with a secret part of the ancient site recently unearthed. "The find is enormous, inclu...

Published on Monday, March 17, 2014 by Kathy McCabe All eyes have been on the Vatican for a year now, with the election of Pope Francis and his incredible popularity resulting in "the Pope Francis Effect." The fervor only seems to be on the increase with the upcoming canonization of two former popes on April 27 at the Vatican.  In September 2013, Pope Francis announced that two of his predecessors - Pope John Paul ...

Published on Thursday, February 13, 2014 by Kathy McCabe What's a great way to celebrate a college graduation and a 65th birthday? How about walking 200 miles from Siena to Rome on the historic Via Francigena? That's what aspiring filmmaker Alex Sandberg and his mom did last June. The Via Francigena is part of the ancient route that brought pilgrims from Canterbury to Rome. Alex and his mom Catherine met up in Siena, hi...

Published on Thursday, January 2, 2014 by Kathy McCabe Scaffolding is now up around part's of Rome's iconic Colosseum, as part of a $33 million repair project funded by the private Italian leather goods company Tod's. Amid economic hardship and deteriorating ruins, private companies have stepped in to help save some of Italy's treasures. Tod's chairman Diego della Valle told CBS News, “I am very proud to be Italian....