Temple of Venus

One of Roma's most important archaeological sites has been restored. The Temple of Venus was re-opened to the public after nearly 30 years. The shrine was designed in the 2nd Century AD by Emperor Hadrian and measures 348 feet (106 metres) by 156 feet (48 metres). Tickets to the Temple of Venus are approximately 12 euros or about $16 USD. If you are headed to Rome for the upcoming holidays, it is worthwhile to purchase a ticket which will also give you entry to the Roman Forum, the Palatine and the Colosseum.

Ciao e a presto,

Santa Maria a Poneta

No stay in Italy is complete until you've had a chance to stay at Santa Maria a Poneta in Barberino Val D'Elsa, just a few miles from some of the most famous wineries in the Chianti Region.  Riccardo and Susanna are the proud owners of this beautiful estate and a most gracious host and hostess.  The estate stretches over 40 acres and home to at least 12 full  bred horses, some which have competed in the International Horse Show Contest in Piazza di Siena.

The historic center of Barberino is quite charming with expansive views, great restaurants, and quaint shops.  Barberino and Santa Maria a Poneta are in close proximity to San Gimignano,Volterra, Florence, and Siena making day trips from this location very convenient. The owners are happy to an assist you with planning a variety of activities and tours in the area.  The apartments on the estate are beautifully decorated by Susanna in typical Tuscan fashion.  The property is surrounded by the thick forest and tall floating cypress trees.  The sparkling pool is a delightful place to enjoy a glass of wine, meet other guests (by the way most have been staying here for years!) and or taking a cool dip.

When you make you reservation, tell them My Italian Hideaway sent you!  Expect to be treated like good friends!

Ciao e a presto,

Abruzzo

On April 6, 2009, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 on the Richter scale occured near L'Aquila, the capital of Abruzzo injuring more than 1,500 and leaving over 50,000 people homeless. Cleanup and reconstruction efforts continue and contributions are needed. Contact the National Italian American Foundation Abruzzo Relief Fund at http://www.niaf.org/relief.

Abruzzo is divided into four provinces; Chieti, L'Aquila, Pescara, and Teramo. Each province is unique and offers an array of cultural activities, local  cuisine, and places to explore. Let's not forget how close we are to the Adriatic Sea!

The "Best of Abruzzo" will be featured in a coming post so please don't head off before catching of glimpse of what's to come.  Click on the title bar for a preview.

Ciao e a presto,
  

Vacanza

My Italian Hideaway and All Things Italian are taking a "vacanza" to seek some fun in the sun at a undisclosed hideaway. 

We'll be back in two weeks or less with a focus on the Region of Abruzzo and some wonderful recommendations on places to stay, dine, and the best Montepulciano d' Abruzzo wines that are readily available. 

 Ciao e a presto,

Tutto Italia

My friend Jennifer lives in one of the most beautiful places in Italia...Sorrento.

And better yet, Jennifer and her friend Jodi own and operate Tutto Italia All Italy Travel LLC. Their agency offers incredible packages and pricing. Here is a quote from Tutto Italia

'Tutto Italia Travel is ready to create your dream vacation in Italy. Jodi Bushkin will be assisting you from the US and Jennifer Aries will be working for you from her home in Italy - enabling us to provide you that personal touch!

Tutto Italia has relationships with all the best hotels, guides and drivers so you can have a holiday filled with unique experiences and beautiful moments.
In our quest to offer our clients new and exciting options for touring Italy, we have just returned from a wonderful "research" trip! We explored three areas in depth that were new for us - Puglia, Matera in neighboring Basilicata and the Maremma (southern Tuscan coast). After spending years of travelling throughout Italy, we were both astounded by what we had found".

Find out what italian hideaways await you at Tutto Italia.

Ciao e a presto,

Scuba Diving In Italy

The white sandy beaches of Sardinia and abundance of sea life is a divers dream. Water temperatures in Sardinia vary from 15 degrees centigrade to nearly 25 degrees in summer and fall. Visibility is 50-100 feet where you will see octopus, coral, sponges and more. See for yourself why divers choose Sardinia...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoAaTVHt6gs


Costa Smeralda with its unspoiled pink sandy pristine beaches is perfect for swimming. Sardinia's coast is truly captivating and whether you are a novice or an expert diver there are dive sites for both levels. The coral reefs, scorpion fish, barracuda, and diving for wrecks make this an unforgettable Italian experience.

Visit some interesting websites about the Island of Sardinia http://www.sardi.it Some good diver sites include http://www.discover-sardinia.com and http://www.divesardinia.com

Ciao e a presto,

Oh The Italian Life

Don't you want to spend more than one minute and 23 seconds living the Italian Life? To view video, click on start button on the left.

Ciao e a presto,

World Air Games

Jason Stephens, from our home town of Gilbert, Arizona is the only American glider scheduled to compete in the World Air Games on June 13, 2009 in Torino, Italy. Stephens is a three time national championship holder and co-owns a flying school with his brother.

Some of the worlds' top glider racers will be competing at a height of 1,000 - 3,000 meters.

Follow this race and visit the website www.wag209.com/eng/ for information about the World Air Games Gliding, Parachuting, Ballooning and many other air games.

Ciao e a presto,

Technorati Profile

My Italian Hideaway

Italy, there is no place like it in the world. As I take my morning stroll through the piazza to the local mercato where fresh produce awaits me to prepare today's pranzo, I gaze at the breaktaking views of the swaying cypress trees over the Val d' Orcia.

Italy, there is no place in the world like it. Stopping for my morning espresso to catch up on the news of the village. Marco is ready to bring in the Brunello grapes and Maria just had another baby girl, Isabella.

Italy, there is no place like it in the world. You have lost your way back to the road and no cars around when you hear the chug of the tiniest car and a shy man calls out "follow me" and suddenly you are back on the main road. You yell "grazie signore, grazie" and he replies with a soft whisper and a twinkle in his eye, "prego signora" .

Follow the my story which leads you to finding and owning a charming italian hideaway somewhere in romantic Italy. Foolow me and you will find hidden gems and authentic italian products, and before long you will embrace the time you have to spend in Italy discovering and exploring hideaway villages and towns. Immerse yourself and feed your passion for All Things Italian.

TO BE CONTINUED...A DOMANI