Buon Ferragosto

Ferragosto, August 15, is a catholic holiday celebrated by all Italians. It's the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

It's also a day for giving thanks for the land and for good harvests.

When you hear the word "Ferragosto" it means that Italians go on holiday and head to the beach or mountains.

While many businesses throughout Italy are closed, the new Fodor's Italy 2010 guide will give you plenty of ideas for planning an August vacation. If you like cycling, you'll find a great resource on our blog, Cycling in Italy.

August is great month to travel. Cities are less crowded and you won't have to wait in long lines for entry into tourist attractions.

If you are headed to Siena, plan to attend the Palio www.aboutsiena.com/palio-of-Siena.html

If you love art, music, wine and food, catch the Cortona for the Tuscan Sun Festival www.tuscansunfestival.com before it ends on August 6.

Want to cool off, head to the sea or better yet bypass the busy beaches and head north to Verona for the Summer Opera www.arena.it

Buon Ferragosto,

Ciao e a presto

Eco Holiday

Voted one of the "10 Best Eco Holiday Resorts" in the world, Tenuta di Spannocchia is a working organic farm where you can learn authentic Tuscan cooking.

Located in close proximity to Florence, San Gimignano, and Chianti, the luxurious farmhouses and villas have sweeping views of the property and, while a bit pricey, are worth every penny. Reserve a room in the Fattoria and tour the centuries old Castle and archaeological museum.

For a preview of Tenuta di Spannocchia visit their website at http://www.spannocchia.com/

Ciao e a presto,

Latest Discovery in Roma

Archaeologists exploring underground catacombs in Roma make a remarkable discovery in the St. Tecla catacomb. Using laser technology to burn away calcium deposits, a team of researchers found 4th century A.D. biblical scenes and painted images of Jesus Christ's beloved Apostles John, Andrew, Peter and Paul. The St. Tecla catacomb was first discovered in the late 1950's but unseen by the public. The restoration effort took two years at a cost of 60,000 euros.

Ciao e a presto,

Quando a Roma Manga La Porchetta

Juicy, succulent, aromatic, and slow roasted on a spit until golden brown and tender, nothing beats the smell and taste of a fresh porchetta panino. Careful preparation is what separates the experienced from the inexperienced porchettari "porchetta makers" and no body does it better than the Fratelli brothers Alessio and Claudio Azzocchi. The family business dates back to 1894 in the small hill town of Ariccia, about 45 minutes southeast of Roma or just one stop en route to the Rome airport (Via Portuense, Fiumicino). Not only will you taste the best porchetta in Italy, but you can join in on the fun at the Sagra (festival) di Porchetta in Arricia.

Buon Appetito!

Ciao e a presto,

Breaking News.....

Italian Born Francesca Schiavone wins 2010 French Open!

Vacanza

Siamo in vacanza. Torna presto!

My Italian Hideaway

Palio di San Ranieri

Summer in Italy means its time for boat races! Head up to the Pisa area to partake in the Palio San Ranieri (San Ranieri is the patron saint of Pisa) scheduled for June 16 and 17.

Four districts compete in the race with each boat a different color to represent a district. Each row boat has a steersman, a climber, and eight oarsmen struggling against the current.

The finishing line is a boat anchored at Palazzo Medici, a location decided in 1737 upon the request of the Duke of Montelimar, who was staying in one of the palaces there. The climbers must scale one of four cables to the top of the boat’s 10m mast and grab a paliotto (triangular, silk banner). The blue banner indicates first place, white is second, and red is third. The winners receive an animal such as an ox or a rooster; the losers are awarded with a pair of goslings and torrents of abuse from onlookers.

The regatta was originally celebrated during the Assumption and moved to St. Ranieri’s feast day in 1718. The night before the race 70,000 candles in glass holders are hung from buildings and along bridges, palaces and churches overlooking the river. Join the locals for a celebration of fireworks at midnight.

Ciao e a presto,

Sagra del Pesce di Camogli

Mark your calendar for May 8-10 to attend the Sagra del Pesce - the fish festival of St. Fortunato, the patron saint of fishermen. The festival is located in Camogli, a small fishing village on the Ligurian sea. Complete with fireworks and all the fish you can eat! Buon appetito!

Ciao e a presto,

Campeggio

Want to spend a family holiday in Italy? Try camping (campeggio). Camping season officially opened this week with over 1,700 camping sites and villages to chose from throughout Italy. Look for village camp sites that offer kayaking, boating, sport fishing, and a multitude of family oriented activities. When searching for a campsite, consider its proximity to local markets, restaurants, pharmacy, and cinema. Some of the finest campsites have individual cabins, playgrounds, grilling equipment, and swimming pools. For a weekend of fun, try Gardaland, Italy's #1 Amusement Park. Visit their website for details on events and ticketing at www.Gardaland.it

Ciao e a presto,

Bella Macchina

Lady in Red. This is truly "La Bella Macchina". The new sleek Ferrari 458 Italia boasts 562 horsepower engine; 0-60 in 3.4 seconds with acceleration from standstill to 124 mph in 10.4 seconds; a great ride for Italian cowboys.
Price: only $250,000 USD

Take a test drive:


Ciao e a presto,

Cyling In Italy

Spring and Autumn are perfect times of the year for cycling around Italy. The best biking routes will take you from the sea going through delightful small villages of Tuscany, Umbria, and Marche. A number of organized groups and cycle tour companies offer excellent deluxe touring packages that include a night's stay in a villa and a home cooked gourmet dinner. Here are two touring companies that come highly recommended http://tuscanybiking.com/ and http://www.cycleitalia.com/. Biking regulations can be found at http://www.bike-eu.com/facts-figures/eu-regulations/3078/the-european-cen-standard-for-bicycles-updated-for-2009.html

Ciao e a presto,

Caffe e Pasticerria

A day without un cafe (a coffee) and una pasta

(no, not that kind of pasta, in this case it means a pastry!) is like a a day without sunshine in Arizona!

Whether early morning or late afternoon, take a break and head for the local caffe (coffee bar) for a freshly brewed espresso or macchiato (coffee with a dash of milk) and a creamy house made cannoli -- or two.

Some of the best coffee bars in Italy include: Barrati & Milano in Torino; Spinnato Antico Caffe in Palermo; and Tuttobene in Firenze.

And don't forget to stop by the local pasticerria (pastry shop) and pick up some mouth watering house made chocolates for those late night cravings.

Ciao e a presto,

Sleep in Italian Luxury

If you long for a good night's sleep, treat yourself to Italian bed linens and blankets.

Italian company Sferra of Venice have been making linens since 1891.

Italian linens and bedding are made from 100% Egyptian cotton. Their cashmere blankets are made from 100% mongolian fleece.

Cashmere is the undercoat of goats and only a handful of cashmere can be combed from each goat.

The cashmere is then graded and sold at auctions to European tailors and mills.

Visit Sferra's website for pricing and care instructions http://www.sferralinens.com/product/blankets/714/sferra-savoy.html - you'll never sleep better.

Ciao e a presto,

Carnevale di Venezia 2010

Carnevale, derived from its Latin meaning of "farewell to meat" dates back to the 12th century. Carnevale is the period between the Epiphany and the beginning of Lent and marks the passing of Winter into Spring. Beginning February 6 through February 16, St. Mark's Square will be alive with dancers, actors, musicians and non stop pageants, processions, masquerades, balls, concerts, and banquets. The Grand Ball of the Pulcinella will take place in the Marco Polo Ballroom of the Luna Hotel Baglioni near the Piazza San Marco. The last event of Carnevale will be held in the elaborate 14th century Palazzo Pesaro Papafava. I'll be richly dressed in brocade and velvet wearing a Moretta mask. See you at Carnevale! For more information, visit http://www.venice-carnival-italy.com/ -- some events are already sold out.

Ciao e a presto,

Buon Natale

Buon Natale & Nuovo Anno Felice

My Italian Hideaway wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

We will be on holiday until January 3, 2010

Ciao e a presto,

The Best of Barolo

Barolo, one of Italy's most prized wines, is produced in the Region of Piemonte (which means at the foot of the mountain). Barolo, made from the Nebbiolo grape, is ruby-garnet in color with aromas of red currant and licorice. A finely made Barolo can easily age 20 years. The heart of Barolo production lies in the communes of La Morra, Barolo, Monforte d'Alba, Serralunga d'Alba and Castiglione Falletto.

The best rated Barolos from Wine Spectator (WS) and Gambero Rosso (GR) include:

2004 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto - 96 points (GR)

2004 Vietti Barolo Lazzarito -95 points (GR)

2005 Roberto Voerzio Barolo Brunate- 99 points (WS)

2005 Vietti Barolo Lazzarito - 98 points (WS)

Winemaking at its best in La Morra http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxKMRE6CMRw

Mark your 2010 calendar: The Barolo Wine Festival takes place each year in September!

Ciao e a presto,

Guilty

Breaking news...A Italian jury has convicted American Amanda Knox and her Italian ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito of murder in the stabbing death of British student Meredith Kercher in Perugia Italy.

Amanda Fox was sentenced to 26 years in prison; Raffaele Sollecito received a 25 year sentence.

http://us.cnn.com/video/?/video/crime/2009/12/04/newton.lok.knox.verdict.cnn

Ms. Fox plans to file an appeal.

Ciao e a presto,

Skiing the Dolomiti

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ7mXYUcIXE
The skiing season has officially opened and what better challenge than to ski the dolomites with its expansive majestic views. Declared an UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, a perfect hideaway for a family holiday of winter sports like snow shoe hiking, ice skating, and cross country skiing.

The Italian Dolomites are located in north east Italy in the province of Belluno and partially in the provinces of Bolzano-Bozen and Trento. The name "Dolomites" takes it origin from a famous French mineralogist Deodat Gratet de Dolomeiu.

From now through December 23, you will find special offers for lodging and ski passes and some resorts even offer one night free lodging and one free day pass. A substantial savings making a getaway to the Dolomites affordable.

Follow the link to experience what awaits you in the Dolomites!

Ciao e a presto,

Motion Picture of the Year New Moon

FILMED IN MONTEPULCIANO ITALY

STARTS TODAY IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE

A click on the title bar takes you to the excitement

Ciao e a presto,

A Weekend In Milano

Thinking of a quick weekend getaway, think Milano. Here is a great itinerary.

Arrive Milano Friday and check into Bulgari Hotel on Via Privata Fratelli Gabba. Book a cozy dinner for two at Trattoria del Carmine at Piazza del Carmine. End the evening with a gelato from Viel Gelateria (Corsa Buenos Aires) while strolling along the Naviglio Grande Canal constructed in 1177.

Rise and shine with an espresso and head to the Piazza del Duomo to feed the pigeons and meditate. No trip to Milano is complete without a shopping spree to the five biggest fashion houses in the world--Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Paul Smith,Versace, and Vivienne Westwood

http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/designers/bios/viviennewestwood/

Dress for an evening of opera at La Scala followed by dinner at Ristorante Cracco (Via Victor Hugo).

Sunday morning, rent a car and head out early for a trip to Lake Como before heading back to your destination. Now that's a weekend getaway!

Ciao e a presto,