Italy's Steep Austerity Measures

Both Houses of Italy's Parliament are expected to vote today on a $30b austerity package hoping to bring needed relief to Italy's growing economic worries. The new measure expects to include tax increases for citizens and businesses and pension reform as well as other numerous cutbacks. If passed, the passage will result in changes to the retirement age for men and women to 66 years of age by 2018. 


Ciao e a presto,

Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana release their Spring 2012 line of Women's Fashion in Milano. Designs exhibit soft elegance surrounded by brilliant color and upbeat style.  An Italian winner!

Ciao e a presto,

Toscana Sun Festival

The Toscana Sun Festival 2011 takes place from July 30 through August 7 in the town of Cortona.
Enjoy a week of music, fine arts and culinary delights in this delightful medieval town. For more information or to obtain tickets visit http://www.tuscansunfestival.com/.

Ciao e a presto,

Summer Get-A-Way in Rimini

Located on the Adriatic Sea, Rimini is one of the most popular summer vacation spots on the coast.
When you tire of the sea and sand, there are a few worthwhile places to see in the village square. Inside the Tempio Malatestiano, the official cathedral church of Rimini, is a faded yet spectacular fresco by Piero della Francesca.  Other chapels contain beautiful works of art, tombs, and statues of prophets. Don’t leave the square before taking a photo beside Rome's oldest surviving arch, the Arco d'Augusto erected in 27 BC.

Rimini has more than 1,000 hotels and restaurants. My favorites are: La Locanda di San Martino for fresh seafood and the luxurious 5-star Grand Hotel, http://www.grandhotelrimini.com/en/offers-special-rimini-hotel-italy-offers-weekend-holidays-sea-families.htm and sits right on the beach.
For more information visit the Rimini Tourism Office website www.riminiturismo.it

Ciao e a presto,

Italian Designer Fashion

No trip to La Bella Italia is complete without bringing back the latest fashions from Italy's most prestigious designers.  Look no further than the fashionable hi tech designer outlets located in Roma, Napoli, Venezia, e Milano.  

For "must have" custom made clothes, try  http://www.italyfactoryoutlet.com/ on your next trip!

Ciao e a presto,

Citta di Verona

Spend a romantic weekend in Citta di Verona (located in the Veneto Region) professing your love as Romeo professed his love to Juliet beneath the balcony of the Casa di Guiletta. Tour the city's best attractions such as the Teatro Romano and the Amphitheatre. Check into one of the loveliest Italian boutique hotels http://www.escalusverona.com/and live la dolce vita!

Ciao e a presto,

Vinitaly Italia e Stati Uniti 2011

This year marks the 150 anniversary of the unification of Italy and what better way to celebrate than to taste the best of Italy's food and wine. If you are in the wine or food trade industry, don't miss Italian Wine Week scheduled for January 21-23, 2011 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. The official Vinitaly Expo in Verona will take place on April 7, 2011. For more information visit http://www.vinitaly.com/EN

Ciao e a presto,