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

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,

La Traviata

Do you remember the suitcases in the movie "Once Upon A Time In America"? Or the helmets in Ben Hur? What about the jewels Violetta pawns in the opera "La Traviata"? Behind each cinema, opera, theatre, and television production lie the hidden talent of a great company making and providing the props used for each production. And there is no greater stage work than that of Italian company, E.Rancati. Started in 1864 by the Sormani Family, the company employs a handful of craftsman and designers who craft accessories, jewels, furniture and other historical period props for productions made around the world. Rancati warehouses are located in Milano and Roma. If you are an opera or cinema buff, take a moment to visit their website and see the fabulous props and accessories used in various productions. Visit Rancati at http://www.erancati.com/

Opera buffs and lovers of Verdi's La Traviata, must go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYZngjS04SI for the performance of Sempre Libera - La Traviata - sung by Sumi Jo. Her voice will send chills up and down your spine. Enjoy!

Ciao e a presto,

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