Inspired by the recent list of do’s and don’ts for tourists, compiled by the city of Venice, we here at Tour Italy Now have come up with a few insider tips of our own for how to tour Venice.

“Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go” Truman Capote

With almost 20 million visitors a year, the watery city of Venice is one Italy’s most popular destinations. Venice can be confusing and crowded and even a little overwhelming. With our advice, you can make the most out of your visit to Venice.

The city is known as La Serenissima, meaning The Most Serene Republic of Venice, recalling a time when Venice was a powerful, independent, city state.

Sestieri: Venice is divided into six neighborhood districts called sestieri.. Each one has a different feel and flavor.

San Marco is where most of the famous tourist sites like Saint Mark’s Square and the Doges Palace, are located.

The commercial district of San Polo is where you can find the Rialto market which has been operating since the 11th century.

If it is art you are seeking, head to the elegant Dorsoduro. Overlooking the island of Giudecca, this is where the Accademia galleries and the Peggy Guggenheim collections are. Take an evening stroll on the nearby Zattere promenade.

Cannaregio is home to the Jewish ghetto.  The word ghetto originates from this place, where in 1516, the Venetian Republic instituted restrictions on the Jewish community. Don’t miss the Tintoretto filled church, Madonna dell’Orto.

Escape the maddening crowds and head to residential areas of Santa Croce and Castello. Wander the quiet calle (streets) and campi (squares).  The Biennale Pavillions and The Arsenale are in Castello.

Getting Around: There are over 400 bridges in Venice.  Only four of these bridges cross over the Grand Canal. They are the Rialto Bridge, the Accademia Bridge and the Scalzi Bridge and the newest, the Calatrava Bridge. You may find yourself want to cross at different points or longer distances.  Since there are no cars anywhere in Venice, you will have to go by boat.

The most economical choice is a Vaporetto, the public water bus.  Buy a ticket at the dock station or from a tabacchi or newsstand.

If you need to get somewhere in a hurry you might want to take a private water taxi. Make sure there is an official taxi number displayed and a working meter.  The established fare rates can be found here.

One of the most iconic images of Venice is of a couple being piloted slowly along a picturesque canal in a Gondola. Built from nine different types of wood and little changed since the 12th century, a ride in a gondola, in Venice, is on most people’s must do list.  Rides are regulated and last for 40 minutes for up to 6 people for €80.  Full details here.

In the Squero di San Trovaso, you can see the last remaining gondola workshops.

Andare alle Ombre: The story goes that wine seller used to place their barrels in the shade of the bell tower in Saint Marks Square to keep them out of the heat of the sun.  This is how the phrase andare alle ombre – let’s meet in the shade – came to mean meeting for a drink and a snack in Venetian dialect.

Cocktail hour in Venice happens in Bacari, simple wine bars are where you go for a glass of wine, ombre  or a spritz, and a snack, cicchetti. A spritz is a refreshing mix of Campari or the less bitter Aperol, prosecco, sparkling water, orange peel and ice.  Cicchetti are small plates of snack.  As Venice is so close to the sea, you will find many seafood dishes like, fried calamari and baccalà mantecato, a creamy blend of codfish, olive oil and garlic.   Tiny meatballs and small dishes of risotto are also popular. This a great option for an early dinner, as Bacari are open from about 6:00 – 9:00pm.

Now that you know which neighborhood is which, how to move around and where to eat like a Venetian, stay tuned for some of Tour Italy Now’s picks for our favorite summer events and museums.

The post How to Tour Venice appeared first on Tour Italy Now.

All in a row. Umbrellas and beach chairs in Positano

Recently, Tour Italy Now shared some of the best beaches in Italy.  Now, here are our top tips on how to go to the beach in Italy.

You might be thinking to yourself, really? Instructions on how to go to the beach? I know how to do that.  Spending the day at the beach in Italy might be little bit different than what you may be used to.

As soon as the weather starts to warm up, Italians head to the seaside.  As summer progresses, the miles and miles of coastline all along the country fills up with vacationers and visitors. Weekends are the busiest. Most of the beaches in Italy are divided up into private beach clubs called stabilimenti balneari.  They work like this; You pay an entrance fee and have access to a whole range of facilities and activities. The whole affair is truly very civilized.

Each of the different stabilimenti has a range of facilities ranging in levels from simple to luxurious.  You can usually count on parking, changing rooms, bathrooms and showers, a lifeguard, a bar for coffee, snacks and light meals and a full service restaurant. Some clubs have children’s activities and playgrounds, pools and and things like paddle boats and kayaks for rent.

Get in Line. One of the first things you will notice are the rows and rows of umbrellas and chairs filling almost the entire beach. You can rent a chair and umbrella for the day. Expect to pay between €11 to €40 depending on the resort. You may have a choice of type of chairs between a sdraio for a low slung beach chair lettino for a full sized beach lounger.

The early bird gets the good view. Get there early. In many seaside towns, many families have been returning to the same seaside town, to the same stabilimento even to the same set of chairs, year after year after year.  If you want a prime spot near the water you need to get to the beach early, by about 9:00am or you can call ahead and ask for prima fila, the first row.

What time is it? Even on when on vacation, Italians stick to a schedule.  With the morning spent tanning and reading and then moving on to lunch between 1:00-2:00.  You can have a full meal at the clubs sit down restaurant or have a sandwich or salad from the bar.  You may see families with small picnics with sandwiches brought from home.

Don’t go in the water.  You will probably have the sea to your self in the hours right after lunch as Italians prefer to digest on land.  Small children will often be brought back home for an afternoon nap, returning later in the afternoon.  The hours after lunch are spent napping, lounging and card playing.

Bring your sunscreen.  The main beach activity in Italy is taking in the rays.  It is a badge of honor to return home from a holiday with a deep, dark tan and be greeted with the words buona abbronzata (great tan.) If your skin is more Celtic than Mediterranean, make sure you pack your high SPF sunscreen and a big hat.

Less is more.  Ladies, pack a bikini. No matter the shape, from teenagers to nonna, you will be hard pressed to find anyone in a one piece bathing suit.  For men, Speedos are not required.  You will see both the skimpy European style and surfers baggies being sported.

After Dark. Once the sun sets, the crowds clear and some stabilimenti even close.  There are some places that serve sunset aperitvo.  These are usually the chicer spots with lots of white cushions and glamorous people sipping cold glasses of prosecco or mojitos.  After dinner and late into the night a number of the beach clubs are transformed into dance clubs with music and dancing sometimes until dawn.

There are free beaches to be found all up and down the coast.  Some even with bathrooms and chairs and umbrellas to rent. If wild, sandy spaces are what you are searching for head to Sardinia or the Maremma coast in Tuscany.

The post How to go to the beach in Italy appeared first on Tour Italy Now.

The writings of Pliny the Elder from over 2,000 years ago talk about a sweet dessert made from snow collected from the mountains, brought to Rome and mixed with crushed fruit for a sweet, cold dessert…

The name gelato is  derived from the Italian word, gelare, which means to freeze. In Italy an ice cream shop is known as a gelateria.

While the two words gelato and ice cream are sometimes used interchangeably they are not quite the same thing.

Italian gelato is denser with less air incorporated into it and it has a lower fat content. Gelato is also served at a higher temperature than ice cream.

Italians take their gelato pretty seriously.  There is even a Gelato University in the town of Anzola dell’Emilia, near Bologna where you can take courses on how to make gelato.

Gelato is the perfect anytime snack to take a break with on a hot summer day.  You can even start your day with some gelato.  Follow the Sicilian tradition and order a freshly baked brioche filled with your favorite gelato flavors for breakfast!

Get the Good Stuff

There are 37,000 artisanal gelato makers throughout Italy. That means there are gelaterias on just about every corner, but it is worth your while to seek out truly artisanal places to avoid synthetic ingredients, stabilizers and sweeteners.  A good test is the Pistachio flavor.  If it is bright green and in a large, swirly pile move on.  Look for a pale green-ish shade in submerged metal containers for a much more delicious frozen treat.  Signs to look out for are Produzione propria or Produzione artigianale - this means that the gelato was made on site or hand-made

The Price is Right 

There was a recent scandal in Rome, with a gelateria charging over $80 for 4 take-out cones! Even in the most heavily visited tourist sites, a cone or a cup at the bar or for take out should be no more than €6 to €8 for the largest size. Remember that prices may double if you are sitting down. Prices must be posted clearly for you to see.  If you are unsure, ask.

Even the smallest size cone or cup you order affords you the choice of at least two different flavors.  There are the classic combinations like Stracciatella (chocolate chip) and hazelnut  and lemon and strawberry, but there are many new flavors popping up all the time, like salted caramel and ginger.  We recommend trying as many as you can.

Here are some of Tour Italy Now’s favorite spots for the best gelato in Italy’s greatest cities

Rome

Bar Alberto Pica

The slightly grouchy Alberto Pica has been making gelato in this old school bar near Largo Argentina since the days when his shop was one of the few places in Rome with the refrigeration to be able to store and sell milk. Riso is a creamy and crunchy frozen rice pudding like gelato you are unlikely to find elsewhere.  The coffee flavor is a rich pick-me-up and the sweet, delicate rose flavor is made with flowers from the owner’s own garden. via Della Seggiola, 12

Gelateria Gracchi is the perfect stop after a Vatican tour.  Come here for crispy sugar cones and all organic flavors like dark chocolate with star anise and pine nut and cream. via dei Gracchi 272

Florence

Carapina is a little bit off the beaten path, but it is worth the detour.  The gelato is made fresh daily and they serve only seasonal flavors. Piazza G. Oberdan 2r

Vivoli is probably the most famous gelateria in Florence. The gelato is only served in cups at this luxe spot, so as not to interfere with the flavors. Via dell’Isole delle Stinche 7r

Venice

La Boutique del Gelato This popular spot usually has a line. Most Venetians agree that this is the best gelato in town, making it worth the wait.  Salizzada San Lio, Castello 5727

Gelateria Nico Serving gelato since 1935, along a scenic canal, the speciality here  is the Gianduiotto, a slab of chocolate/hazelnut gelato with plenty of whipped cream.  Fondamenta Zattere 922

Naples

Gelateria della Scimmia This historic spot serves classic flavors made from eggs, cream and sugar and local, seasonal fruits.  They even have gluten free offerings. Piazza Carità 4 

Polo Nord  Located near the famous Pizzeria da Michele, this is the oldest continuously operated gelateria in Naples. Via Pietro Colletta 41/43,

Nationwide 

Grom is a rapidly expanding franchise from the north of Italy.  Carefully selected and seasonal ingredients that change each month keep us coming back to this chain no matter what city we are visiting.

Be on the look-out if you are visiting Rome and Florence soon. There are gelato festivals coming up in Florence from May 17-26  and in Rome from June 21-23.

The post The Best Gelato in Italy appeared first on Tour Italy Now.

A real Neapolitan pizza is made with San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella cooked in a wood burning oven.

Have you ever wondered what kinds of everyday things you use did Italians invent? The list of Italian inventions is a long one.  Here are Tour Italy Now’s picks for the top 10 Italian inventions.

Wireless Communication.  

You are reading this online right?  You can thank Guglielmo Marconi for that. In 1909 he and Karl Ferdinand Braun won the Nobel Prize in Physics for contributions to the development of wireless telegraphy.  In 1902 Marconi successfully sent the first transatlantic transmission from Canada to the United Kingdom.  This revolutionary technology was critical when the luxury ocean liner the Titanic sank and wireless communications were maintained for 72 hours during the rescue operations.

Barometer and Thermometer

Knowing what the weather will be like and what the temperature is on your Italian vacation is very important.  The thermometer was invented by Galileo Galilei in 1593. Galileo created a glass instrument filled with water that rose and fell as the temperature changed. Friend and student of Galileo, Evangalista Torricelli created the barometer in 1643.  The instrument measures pressure in the atmophere that can be used to predict the weather.

Eyeglasses 

There are references to corrective lenses as far back as the first centuryAD found in writings of Seneca the younger. You probably know that Benjamin Franklin invented bifocals, but you may not recognize the name Giordano da Pisa who in 1280 created one of the first pairs of eyeglasses. Now some of Italy’s biggest fashion names like Gucci and Prada produce todays most stylish frames. A pair of Italian sunglasses make an excellent souvenir from your Italian vacation.

Dentures

No one enjoys going to the dentist, but people have been doing just that for thousands of years.  The Etruscans, who pre-date the Romans were producing dentures made from both human and animal teeth in 700AD. A little later in about 500AD Etruscans crafted elaborate gold fixtures to attach these false teeth.

Violin

In the mid 1500’s in Amati workshop located in the northern Italian town of Cremoa, Andrea Amati is credited with creating the 4 stringed instrument that is still played today and known as a violin.  Generations of the Amati continued with this art even employing as an apprentice one of the most famous names associated with the instrument, Antonio Stradivari.  Violin makers, known as luthiers are still crafting these exquisite instruments by hand today.  You can find modern luthiers in small workshops near the Vatican, in the historic center of Naples and of course in the town of Cremoa.

Pizza

While the history of pizza is long and much debated, it is hard to argue that Italy claims the prize for the best place to eat the best pizza in the world.

In 1830 in Naples, the world’s first pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, was opened. MOre than fifty years later, in 1889, King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Savoy visited the City of Naples. A pizzaiolo named Raffaele Esposito created three pizzas in the Queens honor. The queens favorite of these new creations, was the one evoking the colors of the Italian flag — green (basil leaves), white (mozzarella), and red (tomatoes). This classic combination is still known as a Pizza Margherita and you can try it at the Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba in Naples, even today.

You can read more about Pizza here.

Espresso Machine

The hiss and whir of the machine that produces a perfect cup of coffee every time is the creation of Achille Gaggia.  In 1938 A patent for a machine that would send highly pressurized water over freshly ground coffee beans to create the desired crema that only the best espresso’s have.  The Gaggia company was founded in 1947 and is still found in bars all over Italy and the world.

Ice Cream Cone

The Italian diaspora in England and the United States are responsible for the ubiquitous crispy wafer.  Ice cream and flavored ices were sold in carts on the street in cities like Manchester, England and New York.

Ice cream cones were patented separately by two Italian Immigrant entrepreneurs in the years 1902 and 1903. Antonio Valvona, an ice cream merchant in Manchester,England patented a biscuit cup producing machine in 1902. In 1903, Italo Marchiony, an ice cream salesman in New York city filed for the patent of a machine which was a “molding apparatus for forming ice-cream cups and the like.” U.S. Patent No. 746,971

Scissors

You have them in your kitchen drawer, in the kids craft supplies box and probably with your office supplies on your desk, but did you know that scissors, like the ones you use  have been around since 100 AD in ancient Roman? Made from bronze or iron the tool spread as far as the far east to China, Korea and Japan.

Banking

Modern banking can trace it’s roots back to medieval and early Renaissance Italy. Wealthy northern cities like, Lucca, Siena, Venice and Florence were established centers of commerce.

Numerous financial terms that you are familiar with come from 14th-century Florence.

The word “bank” comes from the Italian banco, which was the bench on which itinerant merchants traded. If a merchant fell on hard time, his banco was broken the origins of the term, bankruptcy.  Risk comes from Rischio the Tuscan word used for the costs incurred on, or contingencies of, a loan. It was simply a euphemism for interest, something that the Catholic Church had forbidden.

The relationship between banking and the church was a difficult one.  One of the reasons Florence became such a center of great art was that bankers donated some of their profits into the church by way of patronage to offset the perceived sin of their trade.

You can be a part of the Italian banking tradition if you use an ATM machine of the oldest operating bank, Monte dei Paschi di Siena. This bank is headquartered in Siena, and has been operating continuously since 1472.

The post Italian Inventions appeared first on Tour Italy Now.

Opera in Verona’s Arena

Summer is almost here and in Italy that means festivals.  Here is a round-up of some of Tour Italy Now’s posts on our favorite summer festivals in Italy.

The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino

The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is an annual opera and arts festival held in Florence at two exciting venues; The historic Teatro Communale and the brand new Teatro dell’Opera di Firenze.  This year the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino festival will take place from the 2nd of May to the 25th of June.

Read more about the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino here:

Festivals in the Dolomites

The dramatic, rocky, Dolomite mountains in the north of Italy were once known as the pale mountains and are a UESCO World Heritage Site.  They are spread equally between three regions, Trentino, Veneto and Alto Adagio. There are 18 peaks that climb to over 3,000 meters high.

The Dolomites are not just about snow and skiing. They are busy in the summer months too!  When the snow melts and the flowers bloom the cities, towns and even the skies fill with music and film and balloon festivals.

Read more about the many summer festivals in in the Dolomites here:

Opera in Verona, fireworks in Rome, contemporary art in Venice and and an exclusive, one night only concert in Tuscany.  There is something for every one and every interest throughout Italy all summer long.

Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul

The patron saints of Rome, Saint Peter and Saint Paul are celebrated on June 29. Most shops and business are closed. The day commemorates the martyrdom of Peter and Paul and falls on what is either the anniversary of their deaths or the moving of their relics into a secret hiding place.  The day traditionally ends with an incredible fireworks show designed by Michelangelo at the Castel S’Angelo.

Arena di Verona Festival

Aida, Nabucco, La Traviata; These are just a few of the operas that will be performed in the stunning third century Roman arena in the romantic city of Verona this summer at the Verona opera festival. You have 58 performances of 6 operas and 3 Gala nights from June 24-September 24, 2013 to choose from.

Venice Biennale

June 1 marks the opening of the contemporary art exhibition known as the Biennale in Venice. In it’s 55th year, the entire city is host lectures, exhibitions, performances.  88 nations and 10 artists will participate from June 1- November 24. The main venues are the Central Pavilion (Giardini) and in the Arsenale.

Teatro de Silenzio Concert 

For one night only, just outside the small town of Lajatico, a quiet space is transformed in to an open air amphitheater and stage where renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli holds a spectacular concert. Known as the Teatro de Silenzio, the concert is on July 13, 2013.

Read more about these and many more summer festivals in Italy here:   

Make sure you like Tour Italy Now on Facebook to stay up to day on all of the summer happenings in Italy.

The post Summer Festivals in Italy appeared first on Tour Italy Now.

Italy Do’s and Don’ts

We want your trip to Italy to be relaxing and fun.  Here we will share 10 Italy Do’s and Don’t to make sure you are always making a Bella Figura.

Do make a good impression.  Bella Figura is a term that translates roughly to making a good impression. This means so much more than just dressing well, though that is important too.  It means saying hello when you enter a store, making sure your arms are covered when visiting a church and even having correct change when paying for your cup of coffee.

Don’t order a cappuccino (or a latte) after a meal. Italians advise against drinking a cappuccino after a meal as they feel that milk after eating is a recipe for a stomach ache.  So skip the milk and have an espresso instead. A cafe macchiato, an espresso with a splash of milk is ok.  You may have heard  that you shouldn’t order a cappuccino after 11:00 am. You can order a cappuccino later in the afternoon as a snack.

Do know what time it is.  Know that many museums, sites and restaurants are closed on Mondays.  Restaurants keep pretty rigid service hours.  Lunch is from 1:00-3:00pm and dinner is from 8:00-10:00.  It can be difficult to find a sit down meal outside of these times.

Do slow down.  Rome wasn’t built in a day, so don’t try and see it in one. Art, monuments, shopping, There is so much to see in Italy and it’s cities and towns that you want to pack as much as possible into your short time.  Plan for a slow day or parts of days where you have nothing planned.  Sit in a sunny piazza and watch the world go by. Embrace what the Italians call dolce far niente, the deliciousness of doing nothing.

Don’t ask for parmesan.  Italians know a thing or two about what tastes good with what.  Follow their lead and if it doesn’t come with the dish, don’t ask for it.  Parmesan doesn’t belong on fish and balsamic vinegar is not for dipping your bread into.

Do ask for the check.  It is not the norm for restaurants to turn a table several times in an evening.  This is why you may walk into an completely empty restaurant only to be told there are no tables.  This also means the waiter will not bring you the check with your dessert.  You have to ask for it.  Sometimes more than once.

Don’t touch the fruit. Markets across Italy are filled with beautiful fruits and vegetables artfully arranged. They look so colorful and inviting. Most markets are not self serve and the vendor will help you choose your purchases.  Make sure to ask first to avoid  being scolded.

Do learn the lingo.  A simple Buongiorno will go a long way.  In major tourist areas you will find most people speak at least a little english, but son’t be afraid to try out a few phrases that you have learned.  Your effort will be most appreciated by the locals.

Do buy a ticket.  Save your feet and take the bus. Public transportation can be a great, efficient way to move around Italy’s major cities.  You need a ticket for every trip and you must purchase your ticket before you board the bus.  Tickets are not usually sold on the bus.  You can find bus tickets at some Bars, Tabaccaio’s (look for a sign with a large T) and newsstands.

Do order more than one flavor.  So much gelato, so little time.  Even the smallest size cone or cup you order affords you the choice of at least two different flavors.  There are the classic combinations like hazelnut and chocolate and lemon and strawberry, but there are many new flavors popping up, like salted caramel and coconut.  We recommend trying as many as you can.

bonus tip:  Do have fun on your Italian vacation!

The post Italy Do’s and Don’ts appeared first on Tour Italy Now.

Don’t you want to jump in?

Tour Italy Now shares our picks for Italy’s best beaches.

May 1st is the official kick-off of the beach season. Italy is almost completely surrounded by water.  With almost 5,000 miles of coastline and more than 400 Islands, there are so many wonderful beaches it is hard to choose.  The best news is that you are close to a day at the beach from pretty much any place in Italy.

Here are some of our favorite places along Italy’s many beautiful coastlines.

Near Rome

It is very easy to hop on a train and spend the day at the beach and be back in Rome in time for dinner.  Two good spots are Ostia and Santa Marinella.

Ostia is less than an hour from the center of Rome and you can take the metro from Piramide station for less than €2.  There are miles of beach clubs and stretches of free beach to chose from once you get there.

Santa Marinella is about an hour away on a regional train. In about an hour you can escape the city and traffic and have your feet in the sand, sipping a café zero (the Italian frappaccino) in the charming little curve of beach in Santa Marinella. Trains leave from San Pietro station every 30 minutes (or so) on the Civitavecchia or Pisa line, track 5, Or from Termini usually track 25 or 28.  Buy a BIRG ticket (zone 3 €8) ticket that covers your roundtrip journey.

Near Florence

Tuscany is not just cypress trees and countryside villas and renaissance art treasure. It also has over 100 miles of coast and an archipelago of beautiful islands.

Chose from swanky Forti di Marmi with it’s designer shops and large villas or Viareggio with it’s Liberty style architecture and classic cafes or head to the wilder Maremma coast for long stretches of empty sand.

On the island of Elba you can drive windy roads through national parkland that goes from dense wild forest to Mediterranean scrub and discover crystal clear water and sandy beaches in the shadow of enormous granite boulders that were long ago used to build monuments in Rome.

Near Venice

Need a break from a hot, crowded Venice? The Lido de Venezia is located between the Adriatic and the lagoon and is a tranquil respite.  From St Mark’s Square, find the1, 52, LN,  or 2 Vaporetto. In less than 30 minutes you can be under an umbrella and relaxing at the San Nicolò’s beach club. Lounging in the sun not your thing? Rent a bike and explore the Ca’Roman nature reserve.  How about a round of golf at the Golf club Venezia? Stash a copy of Thomas Mann’s book, Death in Venice in your beach bag and have a drink at the Hotel des Bains for a literary experience.

Amalfi at Sunset

Amalfi Coast

The famous winding road and colorful towns that seem to be just barely clinging to the steep cliffs are some of Italy’s greatest treasures. The entire Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO protected heritage site.

You have your pick of types places here.  You can chose the laid back beach scene in Positano or take a ferry over to glamorous and chic Capri and not be missed is the island of Ischia filled with thermal spas and ancient castles.  One thing to note is the beaches of the Amalfi coast are small pebbles and not sand. There are row upon row of comfortable beach loungers and colorful umbrellas to relax under. The beach resorts in Capri have slabs of concrete built into the rocks to make a deck and are strewn with loungers and mattresses out over the crystalline sea. One of the best ways to explore the Amalfi coast is by boat, where you can find your own private cove to swim and escape the crowds.

Italian Riveria

Known as the the Gulf of Poets, where Byron, Shelley and DH Lawrence once swam and were inspired, the Italian Riveria, in the region of Liguria, is a colorful must see.

The Cinque Terre villages are particularly spectacular, with 11 miles of multicolored buildings clinging to steep cliffs between the Levanto and La Spezia. Hike or stroll between the picturesque towns stopping for rustic seafood meals or a break on small slices of sand.

If nightlife is your thing, Rimini, on the opposite side of the country,  is the place for you. White white sanding beached backed with beach loungers and nightclub this stretch of the Adriatic never sleeps.

Island Hopping

There are over 400 islands in Italy.  Two of the largest are popular destinations for the beach lover.

Sardinia

You can reach the fabled emerald coastline of Sardinia in less than an hours flight from Rome.  Peaceful sandy beaches, village festivals and bronze age settlements make this one of the most unique beach destinations in Italy. A car is the best way to explore boulder strewn coves and wild inland hiking spots filled with fragrant shrubs and wild grasses.

Sicily

Head to the southern Island of Sicily for it’s bright colors, Greek ruins, pastries and Volcanos.

One of Sicily’s most famous historical attractions is the Valley of the Temples, just outside Agrigento. This archaeological park consists of eight temples and various other remains built between about 510 BC and 430 BC:

Not far from this spectacular archeological site are the dramatic Turkish Steps. Almost two miles of smooth white granite natural steps leading down to the sea. The name comes from a time when the region was under attack from pirates and invaders from Saracens, Arabs, or Berbers known generically as “Turks.”

For some natural nighttime fireworks you will want to visit the Aeolian islands and see the still active Stromboli volcano from a sunset boat cruise.

Do you have a favorite beach in Italy?  We would love to hear about it.

The post Italy’s Best Beaches appeared first on Tour Italy Now.

How to Tour Italy

There is a reason Italy is one of the most popular vacation destinations. It really does have it all; Art, music, cities, charming hill towns, beaches, mountains and more. You feel like you want to see it all. Tour Italy Now is here to help you figure out best how to tour Italy.

Planning 

The first piece of advice is do your homework.

With 47 UNESCO sites,more than any other country,95,000 churches, 20,000 historical cities and towns and 5,600 museums and archaeological sites, Italy has such a variety of opportunities that you need to decide what kind of vacation you would like and work from there. Don’t try to see everything in the entire country or you will end up overwhelmed and exhausted. Pick just a few major sites or experiences and work from there. You can spend a few days viewing art and walking city streets in Rome or Florence.  Then move on to a day touring wine country and hill towns in Umbria or Tuscany.  You can have a beach day near Venice or a mountain trek in the Dolomites or a day of outlet shopping.

Train vs car

Our guided tours in Italy take care of all of your transportation using a private tour bus to shuttle guests from place to place. Choose one of our private escorted tours and you will have a driver at your disposal.  If you are on your own you will have to choose between driving or taking the train.

Train service between cities it fast and efficient.  There are now two services to chose from; Trenitalia and Italo.  The farther ahead you book the more reasonable the fare. Eurostar trains are the quickest route between major cities and the most reliable.  InterCity and regional trains are slightly slower, making more stops and may experience delays.  Remember to validate your ticket at a machine before you board the train.

To explore the smaller towns, not easily reached by train, a car can make things easier.  It is important to know that manual transmission is the norm in Italy and automatic transmission cars can be difficult to reserve and are more expensive.  Driving on the Autostrade is really not very different than an American interstate.  Fuel costs are more expensive than in the states. If you want to stop for a rest look out for the Autogrill.  They are a combination of gas station, cafe, convenience store and restaurant and are located all over the country along the autostrade. On smaller roads the signs can be confusing and at time non-existent.  Patience, a paper map and a GPS are all good ideas to have with you.

Where to Sleep

Of course you can book with us to guarantee the best rates and service at some of Italy’s finest hotels, but we have a few other suggestions for you too. A variety of lodging options are available in Italy.  You can choose from a Hotel with room service and an elevator or smaller Guesthouses/B&Bs.  In the country there are Villas to rent and apartment rentals in larger cities for a longer stay can mean you can try some italian cooking of your own. There are even monasteries and agriturismos – farm stays, for a unique experience. 

The Italian star system for hotels and bed and breakfasts refers only to the facilities offered and not the quality of the hotel.  So you might find that a 3 star is a much more elegant choice than a 4 star, it is just missing breakfast service or a fancy lobby.

When to Go 

Each season in Italy offers something wonderful.

If you wish to avoid the crowds and don’t mind carrying an umbrella, the winter season may be best.  In winter you may have entire rooms of the Vatican museums to yourself, you can eat hearty pasta dinners fireside and spend a day relaxing in a natural hot spring.  January is when the winter sales begin and you can snag a great deal on a pair of Italian boots.

Spring and fall offer the best combination of weather and events.  The weather is mild and dry and you can avoid the big crowds than you may encounter during the summer high season.  In spring the flowers are blooming and the spring fruits and vegetables are some of Italy’s finest.

Summer is busy with town festivals, music performances in major cities and seaside activities. Summer in Italy is hot and many places are not well air conditioned.  Plan for crowds and some closures in the month of August, when Italians traditionally take their vacations.

Travel Documents

You will need a valid passport to travel to Italy. According to the U.S. Department of State, U.S. citizens may enter Italy for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. For the latest travel requirements and news check the State Department website.

The post How to Tour Italy appeared first on Tour Italy Now.

The beautiful Duomo tops Florence’s skyline.

The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is an annual opera and arts festival held in Florence at two exciting venues; The historic Teatro Communale and the brand new Teatro dell’Opera di Firenze.  This year the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino festival will take place from the 2nd of May to the 25th of June.

The first Maggio Musicale Fiorentino was held in 1933 and was created by conductor Vittorio Gui.   Gui wished to revive little known and neglected operas and present them to public in a visually dramatic way. The very first performance was of Guiseppe Verdi’s now iconic opera, Nabucco. 

The first festival was a huge success and with little interruption has now become an highly anticipated annual event. It has expanded to now include not just opera but classical musical performances and ballet.

Always attracting some of the most well known names and personalities the 2013 festival is no different.  The festival opens with Verdi’s opera Don Carlo, directed by Zubin Mehta, with Massimo Giordano and Kristin Lewis in the starring roles. The three other operas to be performed are The Rape of Lucretia by Benjamin Britten, Il Farnace by Antonio Vivaldi and Macbeth by Giuseppe Verdi.

This year the festival will host 12 concerts with conductors including Claudio Abbado and Markus Werba who will conduct works by Marino Moretti Gabriel Fauré, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Robert Schumann, Richard Wagner, Giuseppe Verdi, Hector Berlioz just to name a few!

There will be two Ballets; one particularly a delight for children is Peter Pan By Francesco Ventriglia and a compilation of dances choreographed by George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián and Andonis Fonidakis.

Venues

The many musical events of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino are held in three venues all located in the historic center of Florence

The Teatro Communale has been at the heart of Florentine artistic and musical life since the 16th century. It’s modern structure, once an open air arena, was constructed in 1862 . It has has been been partially destroyed twice.  First in 1944, Word War II bombing and by the terrible flood that occurred in 1966.  After both events the theater was quickly restored and came to symbolize rebirth and a civil commitment of the city of Florence.

The Teatro della Pergola was established 350 years ago with the performance of  the comic opera  Colognole di Giovanni Andrea Moneglia.  The theater was designed by Ferdinando Tacca and modeled after the Pitti Palace, under the patronage of Cardinal Gian Carlo de’ Medici. The theater only has opera performances during the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino festival.

The Teatro Goldoni is another of the historical theaters in the center of Florence.

The post Maggio Musicale Fiorentino appeared first on Tour Italy Now.

Italy is one of the best shopping destinations in the world.  From the big name fashion houses like Prada and Gucci to small artisans located in tiny towns, to outlet malls and factory stores near Italy’s main cities, there is something for everyone. For this post, the team at Tour Italy Now is here to help you find the very best outlet shopping in Italy.

Outlet malls and Factory Stores

Located just outside of Italy’s major cities Tour Italy Now can can find well organized shopping malls and slightly obscure factory shops that all have deep discounts on clothes, shoes bags and more from the biggest names in Italian fashion.

Rome

Castel Romano Designer Outlets

Located to the south of Rome about 15 miles from the city center this organized shopping center is the destination for great prices on luxurious Frette sheets and textiles, colorful Etro scarves and ties, Valentino gowns and Feragamo shoes. There is a shuttle bus that leaves from either Termini station or near the Vatican three times a day.  The roundtrip cost is €13.  There are cafes and restaurants and free wifi for when you need to take a break and refuel for more shopping.

Valmontone 

This colorful shopping center is the place to go for well known names like Superga, the sought after classic Italian sneakers, Bialetti, the manufacturer of the iconic coffee maker and Miss Sixty jeans. There is a shuttle service is available on saturday, sunday, tuesday, thursday and on public holidays. The roundtrip cost is €7

Soratte Outlet

The newest of the outlet malls near Rome, Soratte is located on autostrade heading towards Florence. The draw here is the cryptically named Diffussione Tessile where you will find dresses and coats from Max Mara and Marina Rinaldi. Shuttle bus service from your hotel in Rome can be arranged for € 20.  That price includes a restaurant voucher and a 10 discount shopping pass.

Diffussione Tessile

A dedicated factory store for all things Max Mara is located on the southern outskirts of Rome  in Pomezia.

Bulgari

Located in a Roman suburb you can get rock bottom prices on Bulgari jewels, bags and sunglasses.

Florence

Small artisan factories in the towns outside of Florence are where many of your favorite designers create the bags, shoes and clothing we all love so much.  The actual factories are off limits, but special outlet malls and shops are not.

The Mall

If you only have time for one outlet shopping excursion this is the place. This elegant open air center only 30 minutes from Florence has all of the heavy hitters. Gucci bags, Todd loafers and an elegant Pucci caftan for your Amalfi Coast trip are all here.  You will also find elegant La Perla lingerie, Fendi furs and shoes and Loro Piano, one of Italy’s most luxurious cashmere producers. There is a public bus and a shuttle bus service that can be arranged from your hotel.

Barberino Designer Outlet

Located 40 minutes to the north of Florence, this well laid out outlet mall is the spot to snag great prices on stripy Missoni pieces and elegant Prada ready to wear and accessories. There is a daily shuttle bus service that departs from Piazza Stazione Santa Maria Novella twice daily.  The roundtrip cost is €15.

The official name is The Space, but this is the Prada factory store you have heard about. Here you will find men’s and women’s clothes, shoes, sunglasses, purses and perfume, as well as the Miu Miu brand. If you are visiting during high season, you will have to get a number from the machine near the front door as the number of people allowed inside the store is controlled.  There is a cafe where you can wait for your turn.

The Prada outlet is about 30 minutes from Florence and you can take a local train and short taxi ride to this enormous fashion mecca. We suggest keeping a copy of the the address and phone number for the taxi driver, just in case.

Milan

 Il Salvagente

60% off Armani, Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Dolce e Gabbana, Prada, Brunello Cucinelli, just to name a few of the designers you will find all under one roof. This shopping hot spot is easily reached by public transportation.

SERRAVALLE DESIGNER OUTLET

The designers you will find among the 180 stores include Armani, Prada, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana. There is shuttle bus service from both Milan and Turin.  The roundtrip cost is €20.

 Armani Factory Store

Located Nineteen miles north of Milan near the town of Como, this is Armani’s largest factory store in Europe and carries the full range of the brand, including Giorgio Armani, Armani Junior, and Armani Casa.

Marni

There are only two Marni outlets in the world and this is one of them. Located in the Ortica suburb in Milan.

The post Outlet Shopping in Italy appeared first on Tour Italy Now.