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Where to Stay for Portofino and Cinque Terre

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:39:33 +0000

Two of the top Italian Riviera destinations are Portofino and the Cinque Terre but driving to them and finding parking can be difficult and there aren't many places to stay. On a nice day, the best way to arrive is by ferry but the Cinque Terre can also be reached by train and Portofino can be reached by bus from Santa Margherita Ligure, a nice seaside town on the train line. Ferries to Portofino and Cinque Terre leave from its port as well, making it a good place to stay.

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Siena Cathedral and the Gate of Heaven

Mon, 20 May 2013 03:27:16 +0000

The 13th century Duomo of Siena is one of Italy's top cathedrals. Inside are beautiful frescoes, important art works, and the stunning inlaid marble floor mosaics, only uncovered for a couple months each year. Recently the Gate of Heaven, a series of rooms in the "heavens" of the cathedral, opened to the public and can be visited on a guided tour by reservation only - see Gate of Heaven for details. A tour from our affiliate Select Italy, Secret Itineraries of Siena Cathedral...

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Fall 2013 Italy Tours and Workshops

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:39:41 +0000

Fall is a fantastic season to travel in Italy when crowds are thinning and the heat of summer is gone. Here are three unique tours and workshops in Italy scheduled in fall 2013:

Southern Italy Through Jewish Eyes. Rabbi Barbara Aiello, a first-generation Italian-American who became Italy's first female rabbi, will lead two tours focused on Jewish heritage in southern Italy's Calabria region and on the island of Sicily in October.
Writing and Cooking on Capri. Dianne Hales, author of La Bella Lingua, will lead a writer's studio and, along with Cooking Vacations, cooking classes in a villa-style hotel in Anacapri, the highest town on the enchanting island of Capri.
Golden Week in Tuscany. Stay in a villa south of Florence on this special women's week in Tuscany in November led by Susan Van Allen, author of Letters from Italy and 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go.

More: Why Visit Italy in Fall?

Chapel of Skulls in Otranto, Puglia

Mon, 13 May 2013 07:53:29 +0000

The southern Italian seaside town of Otranto, on the Salento Peninsula of Puglia, has an unusual sight in its 11th century cathedral. In 1480, 813 martyrs were beheaded in a Turkish invasion for refusing to give up Christianity and many of their skulls and bones are on display behind the cathedral's altar. On May 12, Pope Francis granted sainthood to the Martyrs of Otranto, whose sainthood had already been approved by Benedict XVI, according to this CBS News article.

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Festa della Sensa and Vogalonga in Venice

Sat, 11 May 2013 09:15:57 +0000

The Festa della Sensa, or Ascension Festival, is one of Venice's most important events. Held on the Sunday after Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter, a colorful boat parade goes from Saint Mark's Square to the Lido where a Wedding with the Sea ceremony is held at Saint Nicolo' Church. A gold ring is thrown into the water to symbolize Venice's marriage to the sea. Afterwards a big market is held on the Lido and there are other events including a concert and traditional Venetian rowing races. In 2013 Festa della Sensa takes place on May 12. See program.

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Plan Ahead for Top Summer Events in Italy

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:44:51 +0000

Summer is a popular time to visit Italy so it's a good idea to do a little advance planning. In addition to booking your hotel rooms in advance, you'll want to buy tickets for these museums and sites to avoid long lines. If you plan to go to the popular horse race for the Palio of Siena, you'll need to buy tickets far in advance (see Palio of Siena for details) and book a hotel in Siena. Italy also has many summer music festivals and most of the events on this music festivals list should be booked ahead too.

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Visiting the Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi

Sun, 05 May 2013 13:47:47 +0000

In the hill town of Assisi is the Basilica di San Francesco, or Saint Francis, the most visited monument in the Umbria region and one of the most visited churches in Italy. It's also one of Central Italy's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tomb of Saint Francis is in the Lower Church and a stunning fresco cycle of the saint's life is in the Upper Church. Several other Saint Francis sites can be found outside Assisi's charming historic center too.

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Palazzo Ducale in Urbino, Italy

Fri, 03 May 2013 11:34:39 +0000

The Palazzo Ducale, or Ducal Palace, in Urbino was the first mansion built for a Duke in Italy and is still one of the most impressive. Duke Federico, who built the palazzo in the 15th century, was a patron of the arts and his small study, which you see on a visit, has walls covered with inlaid wood scenes depicting books, musical instruments, and historical and Biblical people. Inside the palazzo, the National Art Gallery of the Marche houses one of the world's most important collections of Renaissance paintings in 80 of the palace's renovated rooms. Find out more about Urbino's Palazzo Ducale including visiting information.

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Photo of Sant' Efisio Festival in Cagliari, Sardinia

Wed, 01 May 2013 12:35:50 +0000

The Festival of Sant' Efisio starts in Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, on May 1 and lasts for 4 days. The procession arrives at the Romanesque Church of Sant' Efisio, by the sea in Nora, the afternoon of May 2 and the saint, carried in a beautifully decorated cart, finally returns to Cagliari on May 4. See more festival photos on our Italy Travel Facebook page, including a photo of me in a shepherd's costume.

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Night of the Museums

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:50:41 +0000

The 2013 Night of the Museums, La Notte Dei Musei, will be held Saturday, May 18 and includes free admission to many museums throughout Italy from 8PM - 2AM on Sunday. Some museums also have concerts or special events during the night. Night of Museums is held throughout Italy and Europe.

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