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,

The Best of Abruzzo

I had to think long and hard about what I wanted to say about Abruzzo because Abruzzo offers so much to see and do. Castelli is a good place to start.  A beautiful hill town with spectacular views of the Gran Sasso, and one of the best places to buy ceramics in all of Italy. You might want to visit the Museo della Ceramica, the ceramics museum  located in the Ex-Franciscan Monastery just outside Castelli.

Not to be missed is the St. Clemente Abbey which was built in 871. The Abbey lies in the Province of Pescara and is open from October to April. If you need a place to stay, try the four-star Zunica 1880 Ristorante and Hotel located in Civitella.

Let's not forget about the fresh local specialties such as scamorze cheese made from buffalo milk to be accompanied by a glass of  rosatello aquilano, or a nice light white wine such as Corfinio della Valle Peligna.  And last but not least, if you have have time to spare, sign up for an Italian Language Vacation on the Adriatic coast in the town of Lanciano.

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,

That's Amore

"For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values".

http://www.americancatholic.org/FEATURES/SACRAMENTS/Marriage.asp

And what better place to exchange wedding vows than in Italia!  There are many options when planning a wedding, and you do not have to be Italian to get married in Italy.  To learn more about the traditions and customs of getting married in Italy, visit http://www.italy-weddings.com/index.html.

Watch a wedding in progress by clicking over the title bar -did you get an invite?

Ciao e a presto,

Case Al Mare

By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea. Property prices throughout Italy continue to rise, but properties by the sea are by far the best investment. Some of the most desirable places to own include Forte dei Marmi, Portofino and Capri with prices ranging from 950.000 euros to over 15.000,000 euros for a magnificent villa - for a peek of the villa just click on the title bar. Wouldn't it be nice??

Ciao e a presto,

Italy's Best Kept Secret

Franciacorta, a hidden jewel in the Region of Lombardy, is where some of the most prestigious sparkling wines are produced. The northern lakes have long been Italy's Best Kept Secret where well-to-do Italians rush off for a weekend of great food and great wine. With so much to see and do, wine aficionados should travel the Franciacorta Wine Trails and sample some local wines. Home to some of the best cheeses, such a Taleggio, Franciacorta is surrounded by some of the finest restaurants, wine estates, and inns. The Relais Franciacorta, a former 17th century estate, is now a gourmet restaurant and winery. For designer fashions, shop the outlets just outside Brescia .

Ciao e a presto,

The Story of Montalcino

If you love reading about Italy, you will love "Vanilla Beans and Brodo Real Life in the Hills of Tuscany" by Isabella Dusi. It is, in my opinion, a well crafted historical timeline which tells the story of the montalcinesi people and their struggle as working farmers up to present day Montalcino where the undertaking of the restoration of the San Pietro Church in Pianello is still underway. Click on the title bar to see the progress of the restoration.

A field of red poppies in the Spring, Montalcino is one of the most beautiful medieval hilltop villages in Tuscany. After Vanilla Beans and Brodo, you cannot help but feel a much deeper sense of understanding and love for Montalcino and the people of Montalcino.

Ciao e a presto,

Bugatti Veyron

$1.6 million dollars...only 300 made. The Bugatti Veyron is the ultimate in luxury for the affluent buyer.

Equipped with a 16.4 cylinder 1,0001 horsepower engine, this baby travels at a maximum speed of 253 mph. It takes a month to build a Bugatti in the factory located in Molsheim, France. If the driver looks nearly this good, I'll marry him. Take a peak at the Bugatti by clicking the title bar...wow

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,

Italy's National Parks

Italy's Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso was the first of all parks to be established in Italy. Located in the Aosta Valley of Piedmont, the park has over 70,000 hectares with an elevation of 800 meters to 4,061 meters. There you will find an abundance of fauna and flora and be dazzled by the grassland and aquatic environments of the park. Other outstanding national parks to visit are Vesuvius in Campania; Maddalena in Sardinia; Casentinesi Forest in Emilia-Romagna, and Sila National Park in Calabria. Learn more about Italy's National Parks by visiting http://www.parks.it

Scroll over the title bar to watch a very cool and quick video on Vesuvius National Park.

Ciao e a presto,

Venice Film Festival

The 66th Annual Venice Film Festival will take place on the Island of Lido September 2-12, 2009.The festival dates back to August 6, 1932 when the first film showing was Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

The location of the screening is the Palazzo del Cinema on Venice Lido a small quiet island 10 minutes from St. Mark's Square. For more information, send email inquiries to biglietteria.cinema@labiennate.org

Ciao e a presto,

Lamborghini Gallardo for Italian State Police

Things are moving up for Italian Police who have upgraded their vehicles to the new 2009 model Lamborghini Gallardo. Not only does it move fast, but I understand the car has a specialized system for transporting donor organs. I'll be looking in my rear view mirror in September.

Click on the Title bar and see how Lamborghini's are made. What a car!

Ciao e a presto,

No Wining for Teenagers in Milan

Breaking news...For the first time in Italy's history, Milan city council has banned serving and selling alcohol to persons under the age of 16. The law goes into effect on Monday. Prior to this new regulation, Italy had no laws prohibiting the drinking age. Fines for serving teens under the age of 16 range from 500 euros to 750 euros. The fine also applies to catching under age teens drinking.

Ciao e a presto,

Italian Eyewear

Looking for the lastest Italian eyewear from Prada, Valentino, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgo Armani,and more? Try US framemaker Frames Direct. At Frames Direct, you can custom order prescription or fashionable sun glasses and actually try them on through their virtual upload - imagine that!! If you buy through Frames Direct, there is free shipping within the U.S. Now that's what I call Happy Eyes.

Ciao e a presto,

Driving In Italy

There is nothing more fearful than driving in Italy. No matter how prepared you think you are, I guarantee you, you will need a change of underwear especially if you decide to drive along the Amalfi Coast. While there is no scenery more beautiful, prepare yourself for the ride of your life. The narrow winding roads will leave you breathless.

Did you know that in the first week of August, ten million italians take their vacation. That's right, ten million italians on the road. If that doesn't scare you then you need to start jumping out of planes. I recommend you get off the road between the hours of 11:45 and 12:30 p.m. and go have pranzo (lunch). This leaves the road wide open for those Italians speeding to get home, have lunch, nap, and get back to work with as little car damage as possible.

Seriously, driving is the best way to see as much of Italy as you can. In addition to renting a good car, pay for the extra insurance, and invest in a good road map. Happy Driving

Ciao e a presto,

Giorgio Armani Apartments

News break.

Giorgio Armani is building 63 luxury apartments in Rome which will be called "Cavour 220". The apartments are being built in a former 19th century convent not far from the Coliseum. The interior will be of modern luxury design and include Gaggenhau appliances, limestone bathrooms, and italian fabric decor throughout. The building includes a spa, garden, and underground parking. Prices start at $1 million euros. Completion is expected by January 2010.

Ciao e a presto,

Fiat 500 Comes to US

After a two-year debut in Europe, the Fiat 500 car lineup will be coming to the US, as part of Fiat's partnership with Chrysler Group LLC. Fiat, homebased in Turin, has a 20% stake in Chrysler. Four 500 models will be sold in the US market. Watch the birthday celebration by clicking on the title bar.

Ciao e a presto,

You Can Live In Italy For Under $50,000

Why spend thousands of dollars to buy and maintain a second home in Italy when you'll only use it for a month or two? Fractional ownership is a great way to own and live in Italy for a fraction of the cost of full ownership. The cost of the property and the maintenance are shared by all owners. No more chores and repairs, just immerse yourself in the Italian lifestyle with family and friends. Share this post and video.

Ciao e a presto,

Italian Shoes

Looking to buy a pair of 100% authentic "Made In Italy" shoes. Visit GiGi Cetta at http://www.italiandesignershoes.com/ for superb prices. GiGi has a New York warehouse stocked with good inventory of men's and women's Italian leather dress and casual shoes. This family has been in the shoe making business for more than three generations. Treat yourself to Italian made shoes. Ciao e a presto,