What’s the next best thing to traveling to Italy? Well, for us, it’s curling up with a good book that carries you to the rolling hills of Tuscany or the sunny beaches of the Amalfi Coast—for a little while at least—as you turn the pages. Once you’ve planned the perfect Italy trip, enjoy one of these new Italy books to escape to Il bel paese until it’s time to pack those suitcases. These books also make great gifts for those Italophiles in your life this holiday season. For more reading inspiration, check out our recommended books to read before visiting Italy.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Maria Pasquale (@heartrome)

How to Be Italian by Maria Pasquale

The cheerful cover of this book is just the beginning of an enjoyable dive into Italian culture by Maria Pasquale, Rome based food and travel writer and author of the lovely I Heart Rome book. In How to Be Italian: Eat, Drink, Dress, Travel and Love La Dolce Vita, Pasquale shares bite sized servings of everything we love about the Italian lifestyle accompanied by beautiful photography. From an inside glimpse of how Italians think about the holidays, language and love to tips on fitting in fashion wise, you’ll enjoy this little tome that is small enough to curl up with and pretty enough for your coffee table.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Laura Morelli (@lauramorelliphd)

The Stolen Lady by Laura Morelli

For historical fiction enthusiasts, Laura Morelli is likely already on your radar with her novels that delve deep into Italy’s past – often with an art history theme. While she handles those themes beautifully thanks to her background as an art historian, what really shines through is her love of Italy and unraveling intriguing tales. Start with her most recent release, The Stolen Lady: A Novel of World War II and the Mona Lisa, which follows two women who each hide Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa 500 years apart. Then continue with The Night Portrait: A Novel of World War II and da Vinci’s Italy and The Giant: A Novel of Michelangelo’s David. Visit her website www.lauramorelli.com for even more Italy themed novels and guides.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by rachel (@rachelaliceroddy)

An A-Z of Pasta by Rachel Roddy

What is an Italian meal without pasta? No ingredient captures the heart of Italian cooking quite like pasta. In An A-Z of Pasta: Stories, Shapes, Sauces, Recipes, Rome based food writer Rachel Roddy digs into Italy’s most essential ingredient. What emerges as you learn about everything from anelli to fusilli, gnocchi, rigatoni and all the way to ziti, is a remarkable story of Italian cooking told uniquely through many different shapes of pasta. But, don’t worry, recipes are included so you can create tempting pasta dishes at home until your travels bring you back to Italy.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Andrew Cotto (@andrewcotto)

Cucina Romana by Andrew Cotto

Everyone who has dreamed of going to Italy and staying there forever will take heart in Andrew Cotto’s Cucina Romana: Another Italian Adventure. Here we pick up again with Jacoby Pines, who set off for Italy on holiday in Cucina Tipica: An Italian Adventure and settled into life as an expat in Tuscany. Now, in Cotto’s latest release, Pines is off on the trail of family ancestry in Rome and, as expected, his travels are full of plenty of food, wine and adventures. Find out more on www.andrewcotto.com and follow along on his own travel and food adventures on Instagram.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jennifer Anton, Author (@boldwomanwriting)

Under the Light of the Italian Moon by Jennifer Anton

For a captivating read based on a true story, pick up Under the Light of the Italian Moon by Jennifer Anton. This moving story is set in the small town of Fonzaso in northeast Italy and unfolds over two decades against the rise of fascism and the horrors of WWII. Anton’s deep passion for telling stories of women—especially the ones that are too often forgotten to time—shines through in this novel. She didn’t have to look far as it was the lives of her Italian grandmother and great grandmothers that inspired her to tell this story of women, of resilience and of love. Discover more on her website and Instagram.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Robert Camuto (@robertcamuto_writes)

South of Somewhere by Robert V. Camuto

For Italian wine enthusiasts—and not only—South of Somewhere: Wine, Food, and the Soul of Italy by Robert V. Camuto takes readers on a journey deep into the tastes and experiences that make Italy such a sensory delight. Camuto starts this journey in his family’s ancestral town of Vico Equense, set in a scenic spot overlooking the sea between Naples and Sorrento. But from there his travels meander through the regions of Abruzzo, Umbria, Campania, Sicily, Basilicata, Puglia and back to Vico Equense. Along the way, you’ll meet generations of people making wine amid the most varied and sometimes unexpected landscapes. Beautifully written with depth and connection but just as accessible for wine novices, South of Somewhere is a book we’d highly recommend to anyone who loves Italian food, wine and culture.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Stanley Tucci (@stanleytucci)

Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci

While Stanley Tucci certainly needs no introduction, his memoir Taste: My Life Through Food is a heartfelt look at his life with a delectable focus. From big Italian American family meals growing up to his successful films Big Night and Julie & Julia to family cooking and gastronomic adventures around the world, it’s a joy to read from start to finish. Perfect if you loved his CNN series Searching for Italy and are looking for more until season two comes out!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jennifer Probst (@authorjenniferprobst)

Our Italian Summer by Jennifer Probst

For a fun read that will take you back to Italy and those beautiful warm summer days, Our Italian Summer by Jennifer Probst is a great choice. From Rome to Assisi and through the rolling hills of Tuscany, this novel follows three generations of women as they try to reconnect while tracing their family roots. The mother-daughter bonds stretch and grow as the journey leads them not only deep into their family’s history but also closer to one another.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sara Forden (@saragayforden)

House of Gucci by Sara Gay Forden

While not a new release, The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed by Sara Gay Forden is on our list because of the excitement around the soon to be released film by Ridley Scott starring Lady Gaga and Adam Driver. If you’re a book before the movie reader, you’ll want to get started right away on The House of Gucci, which tells the story of the shocking 1995 murder of Maurizio Gucci, head of the Gucci fashion house, by his ex-wife Patrizia Reggiani. Or pick up a copy to dig in even deeper after seeing the film!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Monocle Shop (@shop.monocle)

The Monocle Book of Italy

From the publishers of Monocle magazine, The Monocle Book of Italy is perfect for Italy lovers and is much more than a coffee table book even though it is full of gorgeous photography. With Monocle’s distinctive blend of design, architecture, culture, food and current affairs, this stunning book celebrates Italy from all angles. Monocle says, “La dolce vita never looked so good.” We couldn’t agree more.

The post 10 Books to Transport You to Italy appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

Spaghetti alla Carbonara is a simple and delicious pasta dish considered a signature dish of Rome and made even more popular by lively debates on the most authentic recipe and its origins.

Truth or Fiction?

When we were children in Rome in the 1960s the story was that the dish is a simple preparation of the carbonari, the men of the mountains who burned wood to make charcoal.  This was an easy meal for them to prepare while minding their fires. Someone had to explain to us that people had only recently started getting electric or gas stoves; cooking was done over charcoal fired stoves. Popular culture has it becoming well-known when American troops in Rome after WWII shared rations of bacon and eggs and asked, “What can you prepare with this?”

Relatives and Shocking Offspring

“Carbonara” is related to several similar preparations such as Pasta all’Amatriciana and Spaghetti Caccio e Pepe, also delish but different.  And it has multiplied and spawned many offspring that are amusingly and much derided by purists who decry the illegitimate and shocking additions such as cream, peas, onion, garlic, asparagus – horrors!

Here is the classic and delicious recipe. It is really quite simple. The only tricky part is mixing in the eggs so they form a creamy sauce rather than ending up scrambled.

Tip: this dish doesn’t reheat well so we recommend you prepare only what you plan to eat, don’t count on leftovers.

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 pound guanciale or pancetta or (unsmoked bacon if you can’t find) – diced
• 1 pound spaghetti
• 3 eggs – room temperature (some recipes use 2 eggs + 2 yolks)
• 2/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese or a combination of both
• Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk eggs, cheese, and some black pepper in a bowl until smooth and creamy

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add diced guanciale or pecorino. Cook, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and crispy, 5 to 10 minutes.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until a bit firmer than “al dente”. Reserve a quarter cup of the pasta water.

If guanciale has cooled, reheat. Add pasta to skillet. Stir.

Pour egg mixture over pasta and guanciale, stirring quickly, until creamy. Add some reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess. And salt to taste and a generous grinding of pepper.

Where to Eat Spaghetti Carbonara?

We asked our team where they would most like to eat their Spaghetti Carbonara dish in Rome. Top votes went to:

1. On the Donizetti Dream terrace with views of Trinita’ de Monti Church which crowns the Spanish Steps.
2. In the elegant Zegno apartment near the Spanish Steps.

Buon appetito!

The post Spaghetti Carbonara – Ultimate Comfort Food appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

Create the Italian Aperitivo at Home

The aperitivo is a quintessentially Italian tradition that is enjoyed with friends and family as a post-work/pre-dinner ritual. The aperitivo is made up of cocktails, small canapes and conversation designed to hold you over until dinner and may be enjoyed over an hour or two. The Italians have perfected the art of the aperitivo, and no matter where you go in Italy, you’ll see the tradition in play with regional tweaks. For example, in Venice, it’s common to see whole bars dedicated to the aperitivo, serving fizzy orange Aperol Spritzes and cicchetti (small plates à la tapas). No matter what city or region you visit, you’ll always see people socializing and—because it’s Italy—food and drink is always the star of the show.

Drinks for an Italian Aperitivo

Even though we’re dreaming sipping prosecco on the lush lawns of any of our beautiful selection of Tuscany villas, any standard kitchen table or backyard patio will do. Start with some classic Italian cocktails: An Italian aperitivo can be enjoyed at home as well. Start with some classic Italian cocktails: The negroni is the perfect cocktail for an aperitivo. All you need is equal parts gin, vermouth and Campari (a bitter herbal liqueur), stirred over ice. (Pro tip: keep your vermouth in the fridge to keep it fresh.) It’s easy to riff on the negroni by swapping out the gin with prosecco, which makes it a negroni sbagliato or the “mistaken” negroni. The prosecco makes the cocktail a little lighter in alcohol, too.

The Aperol Spritz is another timeless aperitivo. It’s an easy assembling job with one-part Aperol, one-part prosecco and a splash of sparkling water, plus a wedge of orange to garnish. There are tons of other Italian aperos to try. For something a bit different, you could try making cocktails with limoncello, a sunshine-yellow Italian spirit made with sweet lemons from the Amalfi Coast. You can even try making your own limoncello if you’re feeling crafty, but limoncello cocktails are certainly a bit easier to assemble and the punchy spirit mixes well with prosecco or even sparkling water. Limoncello can also be enjoyed on its own, but that’s traditionally considered more a post-dinner drink or digestivo.

Food for an Italian Aperitivo

Alongside good drinks and good company, food is the other key component to an Italian aperitivo. In Italy, some bars set out whole aperitivo buffets and massive spreads, while other bars will serve you a few little bites with your drink. At home, you can make your aperitivo offering as simple or elaborate as you wish. Good quality salumi, such as prosciutto, is a good option, as are firm Italian cheeses: you can’t go wrong with a salty chunk of Parmigiano Reggiano or pecorino. Add potato chips, marinated olives, or jars of vegetables in olive oil (red peppers, artichokes, etc.). Anything salty is a good idea! Also, incorporate seasonal autumn flavors too, as Italians eat with the seasons.

In terms of setting, while an Italian palazzo or sun-splashed terrace is the ideal spot for an Italian aperitivo (who wouldn’t want to spend aperitivo hour on the dreamy pool patio of Vista Galli overlooking the Isle of Capri or on one of these other gorgeous terraces?), a trip to Italy is not strictly required. An evening picnic aperitivo in the park or in your backyard will be (nearly) as delightful.

When you’re ready to start planning an Italian holiday then we’re here to help. Contact Italy Perfect at reservations@italyperfect.com or 1-888-308-6123, and we’ll help get the ball rolling.

The post Cheers! Create an Italian Aperitivo at Home appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

What to Wear to the Opera in Italy

A night at the opera is the time to wear the sparkly shoes and snazzy dress that you have been saving. Nowhere more so than Milan. Understated, but supremely elegant, is the dress code there. Men should wear a dark suit and ladies don their finest. The more modest the seats, the less formal your attire needs to be, but this is not the place for shorts, t-shirts and tank tops. Ever.  

How to get Tickets to the Opera in Italy 

Each of the established opera houses in Italy has online ticketing. You can also stop by the box office, but know that many of the most popular dates and performances sell out far in advance. Italy Perfect guests can engage a local concierge who can help with advice and logistics. 

Milan: Teatro alla Scala

The opening night of La Scala, the opera house in Milan, is an evening on par with some of Hollywood’s most glittering events. It is always on December 7, which is the feast day of Saint Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan. The season runs until the end of November. There is a dress code at La Scala. Remember, the Milanese are impossibly elegant. Tours are conducted by appointment at the Ansaldo Workshops where you can see costumes and sets. 

Opera in Venice

Venice’s opera house Teatro La Fenice has faced untold challenges. It has endured fires and floods repeatedly living up to its namesake La Fenice, which translates to the mythical bird the phoenix. Giuseppe Verdi premiered many of his operas, including Rigoletto and La Traviata, in this magnificent theater. This is also where the renowned soprano Maria Callas made her debut. The season at La Fenice begins in November, with opera and ballet performances running throughout the year. A highlight of the season is the New Years’ concert. It’s part orchestra performance and part melodrama. The concert always ends with “Va’ Pensiero” from Nabucco and the toast “Libiam ne’ lieti calici” from La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi. If you can not attend a show you can still take a tour of the historic theater. There is even an app for that! 

On the Grand Canal Italy Perfect hosts guests in these beautiful apartments: Alloro, Menta and Zenzero.

For a more casual and interactive opera experience, see a performance by Musica a Palazzo. Nightly performance rotates between La Traviata, The Barber of Seville and Rigoletto in rooms of the 15th-century palazzo Barbarigo Minotto on the Grand Canal. There is no stage, instead the audience sits among frescoes by Tiepolo and stucco work by Tencalla, and moves among different rooms between acts. 

Rome: Teatro dell’Opera di Roma

The opera season at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma runs from October until May. Fitting for the Eternal City, the Costanzi Theatre was built on the site of an ancient emperor’s home. The severe Fascist-style facade and foyer were designed by Marcello Piacentini and belies the ornate theater inside, with tiled tiered boxes, frescoes, stucco work and excellent acoustics. 

Terme di Caracalla transforms to a theater during the summer.

Summer visitors to Rome have a delightful possibility. The ancient Roman baths, Terme di Caracalla, are transformed into an open-air theater during July and August. There are both opera and ballet performances (and an occasional pop concert!)

Naples: Teatro di San Carlo

The Teatro di San Carlo is steps away from the dramatic Piazza del Plebiscito and the royal palace of the former Bourbon Kings. Built in 1737, it is the oldest continuously active opera venue in Europe. 

Opera in Tuscany

Puccini Festival 

The only festival dedicated solely to Giacomo Puccini is the annual Puccini Festival. It is held every summer in Torre del Lago, with weekend performances of his best-known works. This Tuscan village, not far from Lucca, overlooking the Lake Massaciuccol, is where the artist lived and worked. You can visit Puccini’s house and see the pianos where he composed some of his many famous operas including Tosca and Madam Butterfly.

Once a year, an empty field in the Tuscan countryside is transformed into a open-air theater. The renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli created the Teatro del Silenzio, near the village of Lajatico, where he was born and still lives. The show is an extravaganza of international stars and choreography. The venue is a lovely country drive away from one of our villas in Chianti San Casciano. 

Parma and Verona: the Arena

If you are staying in Emilia Romagna near Parma then you’ll want to visit the home of Verdi. During September and October is the Verdi Festival, which includes celebrations of the food, wine and culture of the region.

In Verona, a truly unforgettable experience is a night at the opera in an open-air amphitheater that was built in the first century. The Arena is in the center of the city of Verona, and the opera season begins mid-June and runs until the first week of September.  

La Camerata Fiorentina is located in the building where opera was born.

Italy Perfect has a property that will have you singing! Contact us at reservations@italyperfect.com or 1-888-308-6123 to reserve your Italian accommodations for opera season and beyond.

The post Opera Houses in Italy: What to Know about Going to the Opera in Italy appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

The Trevi Fountain has been featured in a multitude of classic films.

Classic Films Set in Italy

If Rome is your destination watch Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita and Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. You can plan your own midnight stroll to the Fontana di Trevi, without the dip which, of course, comes with a hefty fine, unless you are Anita Ekberg. Stay in the Fedele or Ginevra apartmants and you can easily retrace Joe Bradley’s steps on the nearby via Margutta. Spend a few hours at the lavish Palazzo Colonna, just like Princess Anne. The palazzo where you find our Sonata and Cavaliere apartments is featured in The Talented Mr. Ripley with Matt Damon. The Santa Croce neighborhood is where Miss Lucy Honeychurch stays in Florence in A Room with a View. Venice is particularly evocative on foggy winter nights. The Comfort of Strangers and Don’t Look Now both capture that mysterious atmosphere. For a sunnier story, Katherine Hepburn’s Summertime shows Venice at her most ravishing. 

Villa Landolfo is just one of our fantastic homes in Tuscany.

Idyllic Italy

Longing for a little dolce far niente and languorous summer lunches under pergolas with lots of cold white wine? Look no further than the alluring and immersive films of Luca Guadagnino. Call Me By Your Name will make you feel like you are living in a villa such as Frantoio Villa in the Italian countryside. A Bigger Splash takes you to a remote Sicilian island, if only for a few hours. 

Modern Italian Tales

Take a deep dive into the darker parts of Italian society with series like Suburra and Baby, both set in Rome. The Oscar-winning film Gomorrah tells the story of organized crime in Naples. The is also a television series of the same name. An interesting detail to make note of while you watch is that the gangster’s homes are furnished with actual items seized by the Italian anti-mafia police. The director and screenwriter Paolo Sorrentino captures the luxurious intrigue of Vatican politics in The Young Pope. His award-winning film La Grande Bellezza  – The Great Beauty, shows Rome at her most beautiful and her most complicated with scenes filmed from our Imperial Vista apartment palazzo. The documentary Agnelli is a fascinating look at the style icon Gianni Agnelli and his life as the head of Fiat and major player in modern Italian politics. 

Lessons in Italian History 

Instead of hitting the books, make a bowl of Parmesan-dusted popcorn and stream a few episodes of a series that will sneakily teach you some complex details of Italian history. The two seasons of Rome are set in the time of Julius Caesar and look at the everyday life of Roman soldiers, gladiators, Senators and the wives and girlfriends of the powerful.  While slightly less meticulous in its historical accuracy, Medici the Magnificent, the political intrigue and opulent life of the powerful Florentine family, is an entertaining binge. My Brilliant Friend is the first season of the adaptation of the wildly successful Neapolitan novels by Elena Ferrante. Post-WWI Naples and the challenges faced by the main characters are exquisitely realized. 

The Food and Gardens of Italy 

Samin Nosrat charms in her first episode “Fat” in the series Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat. She takes you to cheesemakers in Emilia Romagna and butchers in Tuscany. The famous Tuscan butcher and chef Dario Cecchini makes another appearance in his stand-alone episode of Chef’s Table. Anthony Bourdain’s award-winning series Parts Unknown has episodes that explore the food and culture in Rome and southern Italy. Phil Rosenthal eats his way through Venice in the second season of his show Somebody Feed Phil. Monty Don is a famous English garden expert. In the four episodes of his show Monty Don’s Italian Gardens, he takes you to gardens outside of Rome, Florence, Venice and Naples. The famous gardens of La Foce welcome our guests at the Ronda and Bersagliere accommodations. Kathy McCabe shares her love and passion for all things Italian–the food and artisans to the best-known cities and undiscovered villages–in two seasons of Dream of Italy. 

Are you ready to turn your Italy dreams to reality? Italy Perfect has the accommodations to get you started. Contact us at reservations@italyperfect.com or 1-888-308-6123 to reserve your Italian home-away-from-home.

The post Movies and TV Shows to Inspire your Trip to Italy appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

Art Exhibitions in Rome

All kinds of shows come to Rome including ancient treasures that are loaned from other Italian regions and museums from around the world. Many of these museums have rich permanent collections in addition to temporary exhibitions. To help you explore even more of Rome’s artistic treasures in Renaissance cloisters and modern palazzos, we have put together this list of 10 great places to see art exhibitions in Rome.

Richard Meier via Wiki Commons

Museo dell’Ara Pacis 

The striking and modern Richard Meier glass and travertine building along the Lungotevere houses the ancient monument the Ara Pacis Augustae. This triumphal piece was commissioned by the Roman senate in 13 BC to honor the emperor, Augustus. The Museo dell’Ara Pacis offers a virtual reality experience of the monument and has a small exhibition space downstairs for visiting shows. 

The Scuderie del Quirinale

The Scuderie del Quirinale is at the top of one of Rome’s famous seven hills (the Quirinale) and is part of the Palazzo Quirinale, which is an official residence of the President of the Italian Republic. Built in the 1700s, the building was once used as the carriage house and stables of the palazzo. Today it hosts major art exhibitions in Rome. The climb to the top floor offers a view out towards San Pietro. The bookstore is worth a visit for unusual and interesting Roman and museum themed gifts. 

Ciorano via Wiki Commons

Palazzo Bonaparte

Piazza Venezia is a chaotic traffic circle that is best known for the massive Vittoriano monument. The Palazzo Bonaparte stands at the beginning of the famous shopping street the via del Corso and has recently opened to the public after years of renovations. Once the home to Maria Letizia Ramolino, you may know her better as the mother of Napoleon Bonaparte, who used her enclosed green shuttered balcony to watch over the piazza. The Suprema Style and Giada apartments are a nice stroll.

Palazzo Venezia

Across the street from the Palazzo Bonaparte is the Palazzo Venezia. Over the centuries, this palace has been home to a pope, the Venetian and the Austrian embassy to Rome and the headquarters of the Fascist party. Today it is a small museum that has an eclectic collection of furniture, paintings and few Bernini sculptures. The real secret here is the quiet garden in the middle that is free and open to the public. 

Chiostro del Bramante

The Chiostro del Bramante is one of Rome’s prettiest spaces. Built by the Renaissance era architect and rival of Michelangelo, Donato Bramante was originally part of a monastery complex. The church next door is home to four Sibyl frescoes painted by Raphael. Look for the special room next to the cafe where you can view them. The exhibition space showcases major modern artists.  The Italy Perfect Cortigiana apartment is right there.

Livioandronico2013 via Wiki Commons

Palazzo Braschi

The Palazzo Braschi is one of the Renaissance palaces that ring the Piazza Navona. Modern by Roman standards, it was built on the footprint of a fifteenth-century construction and centuries of political and financial problems beset its completion. After WWII, it even served as shelter for 300 homeless families. After extensive repairs and renovations undertaken by the Italian state today, the palace is home to the Museo di Roma and hosts art, sculpture and photography shows. The views over the three fountains in the piazza are special. It’s very convenient to our Pasquino apartment.

Palazzo Altemps

Inside the 15th century, Palazzo Altemps is an enthralling selection of Classical sculpture collected by Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi in the 17th century. The Ludovisi Battle sarcophagus dates to the 3rd century and is remarkable for its fine detail depicting the Romans fighting the Ostrogoths. Purchase the combined ticket for a few euros more and you will have entry to the three other museums that are part of the Museo Nazionale Romano. 

Gobbler via Wiki Commons

Palazzo Barberini

The Palazzo Barberini is home to Rome’s National Gallery of Ancient Art. In this vast palace, you can visit famous works by Caravaggio, Bernini, Lippi and Rafael. The site of personal gardens and vineyards of the Sforza family in the 15th century was purchased by the Barberini family in 1625. Three of Italy’s greatest architects, Maderno, Borromini and Bernini all worked on the building. Don’t miss the hidden garden and magnificent oval spiral staircase. This is easy to reach from the Italy Perfect apartments nearby such as Corelli Charm.

Palazzo Merulana

A short stroll from Termini train station is the Palazzo Merulana. The former Health Department had been abandoned for decades, but it has been painstakingly restored into a gleaming light-filled space. The permanent collection is works of 20th-century artists from Rome and Italy, including pieces by Boetti, De Chirico and Pirandello.

Centrale Montemartini

The Centrale Montemartini is an unconventional mix of form and function where Roman sculptures and mosaic floors from the Capitoline Museum collection are placed among the massive engines and turbines that once powered the city.  The former power plant-turned-museum is in the Ostiense neighborhood where you can explore a thriving street art and modern dining scene. 

Ready to explore some of Rome’s best museums? Get in touch with the Italy Perfect team today to find a vacation rental that is perfect for your trip. 

The post 10 Great Places to see Art Exhibitions in Rome: Beyond the Vatican Museums appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

What to Eat in Italy in the Fall

September is all about mushrooms and wine. Specifically, you’ll want to try porcini mushrooms. You can find them dried year-round, but autumn is the only time you can enjoy fresh porcini mushrooms. Enjoy them right away; they don’t last for longer than a couple of days (even refrigerated). The mushrooms are delicious on their own, but you’ll also find them served in seasonal dishes like porcini risotto.

Porcini mushrooms in Tuscany

October is all about pumpkins so try some delicious tortelli di zucca (pumpkin stuffed pasta). This dish is so delicious that it put the beautiful city of Mantova (in the Lombardy region) on the foodie map. If you’re not a pasta fan, never fear: there is also the tasty zuppa di zucca, a seasonal pumpkin soup.

In November, seek out the tartufo bianco (white truffle). There are truffle festivals taking place all over the regions of Tuscany, Piedmont and Umbria, where visitors and locals alike can gather to taste both traditional and inventive truffle recipes along with other local products, like wine and olives. November is also the month for biscotti toto, a cookie made to celebrate All Souls Day (or the Day of the Dead) on November 2nd. These treats are generally made with chocolate and cinnamon, but there are also non-chocolate versions that are usually lemon-flavored.

Castagnaccio, a traditional chestnut treat

Where to Eat in Italy in the Fall

Now that we’ve covered what you should eat in Italy in the fall, it’s time to tell you where to eat it.

Autumn harvest at Campo de’ Fiori market in Rome

All throughout the season, Italian food markets really come to life. In Rome, stop by the central Campo de’ Fiori market for all of the classic seasonal products: artichokes, zucchini, chestnuts, pumpkins and more. And during the first two weekends of October, head north of Rome to Soriano nel Cimino, where you’ll find Sagra della Castagna, a seasonal chestnut festival.

The Pasquino apartment in Rome near Campo de’Fiori

Pro tip: If you’re looking for a home base during your vacation in Rome, we suggest the Pasquino property. It’s within walking distance of the Campo de’ Fiori market and is close to Piazza Navona, a must-enjoy piazza in the center of Rome.

In Florence, the food vendors at the Central Market (part of the large San Lorenzo Market area) offer seasonal vegetables and meats during the autumn season. Make sure to stop by the stall of Perini’s delicatessen, which specializes in all types of meats (in the fall, wild boar is the one to try). And if you want a seasonal pizza treat, stop by one of the highest-rated pizzerias in the country, Santarpia, to try their crema di zucca pizza (pumpkin puree, mozzarella, and guanciale). We buy our dried porcini and fresh truffles in this fine market.

Pro tip: So many of the Florence Italy Perfect vacation rentals are located in the center of town near this market, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from!

Just about 30 kilometers outside of Florence is Montemerlo (Prato), where olives are harvested in November. During this fair, you can taste different types of olive oil before deciding which one (or several) to bring home! Observe then taste the olive harvest while vacationing at the fine La Foce agriturismo in the Val d’Orcia (select that area on the Italy Perfect Tuscany page). The area is famous for its variety of olive oils. Guests can also enjoy special olive oil tasting dinners.

The regions of Tuscany and Piedmont are major hubs for fall harvest in Italy. This is where the truffles, olives and wine all come from. One of the most popular festivals is, of course, the International Market and Fair of the White Truffle in Alba. The festival lasts for eight weeks (October 5 to November 24 in 2019), and although the main attraction is the truffle, there are also vendors selling other harvest-time delicacies like wine, pasta, cheese, mushrooms and chestnuts.

A Final Tip

No matter where you’re based during your stay, the best way to find out where to eat in Italy in the fall is to look out for this word: sagre. Sagre refers to the local festivals that pop up around throughout the towns in agricultural regions throughout the country.

Are you ready to book your autumn trip to Italy? Contact Italy Perfect at reservations@italyperfect.com or 1-888-308-6123.

The post What to Eat in Italy in the Fall appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

When is harvest time in Tuscany?

It’s not possible to state an exact date for the vendemmia, the harvest; it depends on what the weather has been for the previous year. But, generally, the grape harvest in Tuscany takes place between late September to mid October.

Normally, olives are harvested in November. However in Tuscany, the olive harvest often begins toward the end of September. This earlier harvest time means that the olive hasn’t ripened as much, which means less oil and the special peppery taste of Tuscan olive oils – something that is unique to the region and that Tuscans are very proud of.

What is harvested in Tuscany?

You’ll find many of Italy’s most popular foods during harvest time in Tuscany: truffles, porcini, chestnuts, pumpkins, olives, and, of course, grapes for new wine.

During the harvest season, restaurants will offer specialties that highlight the newly harvested foods. A few famous plates we’d recommend: porcini risotto, pumpkin ravioli, pasta al tartufo and dishes with wild boar.

Try some roasted chestnuts– street vendors sell them in convenient little paper cones for easy snacking as you stroll around!

Are there harvest celebrations?

Yes! We suggest visiting a harvest festival to celebrate the season with the locals.

We recommend the annual wine festival in the city of Greve, in the heart of the Chianti region. This four-day festival usually takes place early in September. You’ll purchase a wine glass for about 10 euros that gives you access to taste up to eight wines from all of the options that are offered at the festa.

One of the most popular annual fairs in the region is the International Market and Fair of the White Truffle in Alba, in the Piedmont region of Italy. The fair lasts for eight weeks and takes place in October and November. In addition to truffles, there are also tastings and vendors selling other harvested delicacies like wine, pasta, cheese, mushrooms and chestnuts.

In November, head to Montemurlo (Prato), just 30 kilometers outside of Florence, to celebrate the olive harvest. This is great for anyone who wants to bring back olive oil as a souvenir; you can taste different types of oil before deciding which one (or which dozen) to bring home.

Where to stay to see the harvest?

We have great options for basing yourself near the harvest activities.

There are several Italy Perfect villas on the Borgo estate, the renowned property in the Val d’Orcia. Here the olive harvest is done the traditional way — by hand. The estate offers special tasting dinners featuring their olive oil varieties all year round when you stay in these renovated farmhouse accommodations including Ronda, Tiglio and Vespa.  It is also near to Montepulciano, famous for its Vino Nobile. The town hosts exciting and unique events like the Bravio delle Botti (wine barrel race). The Val d’Orcia a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the heart of the Chianti region, there are some beautiful properties to choose from: Rubino Raro Villa in Chianti has enchanting scenic views of vineyards and gently rolling hills that stretch out into the distance.

Florence celebrates the harvest, too, and is an excellent base for day trips into the countryside and, of course, savoring all the bounty in its excellent restaurants. See our excellent accommodations in Florence.

As always, we’re happy to help you find the perfect place to stay during the harvest time in Tuscany. Contact us at reservations@italyperfect.com or 1-888-308-6123 to book your trip!

The post Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Harvest Time in Tuscany appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

If you’re interested in live performances of music in Italy during your visit, you’ll find a festival almost any time of the year, though most take place during the summer months. Here are a few of our recommendations, conveniently located near several Italy Perfect vacation properties.

Arena di Verona is a fantastic setting for music.

Music in Italy: Summer

Enjoy music in the surreal setting of Terme di Caracalla in Rome.

Summer Opera Season in Rome: The opera season in Rome lasts from January through November, but in June through August, the performances move outdoors to the Roman Terme di Caracalla – the ancient Roman Baths. This stunning location – able to seat up to 20,000 guests! – has been hosting summer opera performances since 1937.

Where to stay: The Mercurio property is located in the Colosseum neighborhood, which will keep you very close to the open-air theater performances.

Verona Opera Festival: Italy’s most famous opera festival has taken place in Verona each summer for nearly 100 years. As the most famous festival, it appropriately hosts some of the most famous operas: Aida, La Traviata, Il Trovatore, Carmen, and more. The setting couldn’t be more beautiful: an ancient Roman amphitheater located directly in the center of the city (it claims to be the largest open-air opera theater in the world). Schedules and tickets are easily found online.

The 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom Menta apartment in Venice

Where to stay: Venice is an easy 1 hour 10 minute train ride from Verona. There are a number of Italy Perfect properties in Venice that are perfect for traveling parties of all sizes.

Torre del Lago concert venue

Puccini Festival: Another popular summer event is the Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago. Giacomo Puccini is the composer known for the beloved operas La Boheme, Tosca, Turandot and Madama Butterfly. Towards the end of his life, Puccini spent most of his time in Torre del Lago, and today visitors can pay their respects at the Villa Museo Puccini, his former home, and the chapel in the Villa Puccini, where he is buried. The festival performances take place at a 3,400-seat open-air theater in July and August, and tickets can easily be purchased online in advance.

Where to stay: Florence would be a great home base for exploring this region of Italy. Try something like the Santa Croce Mimi apartment (with a stunning view!), or, if you plan to do several day trips, or the lovely Giovanna apartment that is located within walking distance of the main train station in Florence.

The Teatro Regio in Parma

Music in Italy: Fall

Festival Verdi: In September and October, Parma hosts a popular event celebrating music in Italy: the Festival Verdi. In 2018 this festival was designated Best Festival in the World at the International Opera Awards. More than 50% of the festival attendants are visiting from outside of Italy, from all over the world. Performances take place in the Teatro Regio di Parma, the design of which was inspired by Parisian architecture.

Orvieto any time of year is amazing!

Music in Italy: Winter

Umbria Winter Jazz Festival: Visiting Italy in the quieter seasons? Never fear – there is still music in Italy during the cooler months! The most popular music event is the Umbria Winter Jazz Festival, which takes place in Orvieto starting in December. This is the sister of the Umbria Jazz Festival that takes place in July every year, and it’s a lovely way to ring in the new year. Events are held over five days, and some of the performances are even free to attend. Schedules and tickets can be found online in advance.

La Fenice in Venice is an incredible place for an opera.

La Fenice in Venice: La Fenice opera house (translation: The Phoenix) opened in 1792 and has survived two fires. Its biggest and most popular performance takes place every year on New Year’s Eve. If you love or are at least interested in opera, but aren’t sure you want to attend a whole festival, then seeing one really great performance might be a great option for you! La Fenice offers music most of the year.

See a concert in the beautiful Church of Santa Felicita in Florence. (credit)

Florence: If you don’t happen to be in Italy during these specific festivals, there is music all year round. Take for instance the Santa Felicita church in Florence. Enjoy baroque music performed with original historic instruments. There are many opportunities for concerts in small settings such as the chance to listen to an Italian opera in Santa Monaca Church combined with a dining experience.

A few last words on music in Italy before you go: it’s customary to dress up for these performances and they are quite popular, so we recommend booking tickets in advance. Tickets and schedules can easily be found on each of the festival and venue websites. And to make sure you secure an Italy Perfect property near the festival[s] of your choice, check out our selection of villas and and apartments. Contact us at reservations@italyperfect.com or 1-888-308-6123 if we can help you book your trip!

The post The Best Music Festivals in Italy appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

UNESCO Sites in Italy

Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast

Let’s start with one of the most famous UNESCO sites in Italy: Pompeii. When Mount Vesuvius erupted 2000 years ago, the ash and lava turned the city of Pompeii into an incredible and heartbreaking monument to life during that time, frozen in place forever. Visitors can now explore a museum dedicated to the history of the city and the volcano, as well as a few of the excavation sites.

Pompeii is located along the Amalfi Coast in Italy, which has its own UNESCO Heritage designation. The most popular cities along the coast are probably Positano, Sorrento, Amalfi, and Ravello. The coastline is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, and the region produces one of the most delicious Italian specialties in the world: limoncello. The coast is a popular summer destination for travelers from all over the world looking for an idyllic and relaxing beach getaway.

Pro Tip: If you’re interested in visiting either of these sites, we recommend basing yourself in Sorrento for ease of traveling to and from the Naples airport as well as to the small towns and sights in the region. There are plenty of Italy Perfect villas available in Sorrento for traveling parties of all sizes!

Historic Center of Rome

Rome has been central to so many important eras throughout history, possibly more than any other city in the western world. It was the capital of the Roman Empire and has been, since the 4th century, the capital of the Christian faith as well. The UNESCO designation encompasses the city limits within the walls that existed in the 17th century. This includes such historic sites as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Hadrian’s Tomb (Castel Sant’Angelo), the Forum, and more.

Pro Tip: The historic centers of Florence and Naples are UNESCO sites as well!

If you want to be based where history is inescapably beautiful we can recommend a few Italy Perfect apartments: Mercurio and Cicero.

Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany

A recent addition to the UNESCO list (in 2013) are the Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany. Most people think of Florence when they think of the Medici, as the family rose to political prominence in the city and sponsored Florence’s most famous artist, Michelangelo. They also funded the building of Santa Maria del Fiore, one of Florence’s most adored buildings. But the Medici Family originally came from Tuscany, and their villas in the countryside are remarkable for the way they incorporate the natural environment into their design. The villas were built between the 15th and 17th centuries and were dedicated to art and leisure. They introduced a new form of architecture, a balance between the farms owned by wealthy Florentine families and the majestic castles built by royalty.

If you want to enjoy your own serene Tuscan villa, don’t worry, you don’t have to be a member of the Medici Family. Italy Perfect has you covered with plenty of options to choose from!

Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre region of Italy is made up of five adjoining coastal towns that date back to the later end of the Middle Ages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The region is designated as a UNESCO site because of its continuous human habitation for centuries, despite being almost unreachable by the outside world for much of its history. The coastline is extremely steep, yet little homes, churches, and markets cling to it. The towns originally sustained themselves through innovative farming methods, some of which are still in place to this day.

Pro Tip: High season is very, very busy here, so consider the off-season.

Historic Centers of San Gimignano and Siena

Siena and San Gimignano are well worth venturing to. Both date to the 12th and 15th centuries. The towns are about 30 minutes to an hour’s drive from Florence making it feasible to see them both during a day trip from the city. San Gimignano is notable for its original fortified walls and amazing towers(only a few of which have survived to this day), as well as the many artistic 15th century Italian masterpieces that still hang in their original architectural homes, such as the cathedral: Ghirlandaio’s Annunciation in the Baptistery (1482) and the fresco of The Last Judgment, Heaven and Hell by Taddeo di Bartolo, to name two.

Siena, meanwhile, joined the ranks of UNESCO sites in Italy because it is an incredibly well-preserved example of a Gothic medieval city. In the years after it was constructed and inhabited, it had a huge influence on art, architecture and city planning during the Middle Ages, not just in Italy but throughout Europe as well.

To see these cites we recommend basing yourself in Florence. There are great Italy Perfect apartments to choose from in the city.

Val d’Orcia

Southeast of Siena is Val d’Orcia. In fact, when you imagine the Tuscan landscape, this is probably what you picture. The spectacular rolling landscape is known for its serenity and contrast between its fields and dramatic white-chalk hills. Hay fields, vineyards, and rows of cypress trees dot the landscape, along with Medieval castles, farmhouses and fortified hilltop towns and villages. These views inspired numerous Renaissance painters, and they will no doubt leave you inspired as well.

In Val d’Orcia, you can find our high-quality agriturismo with these nice apartments: Beco, Bersagliere, Fonte, Ronda, Tiglio and Vespa.

So there you have it! Have we convinced you to go discover a few UNESCO sites in Italy? If so, you can contact Italy Perfect at  reservations@italyperfect.com or  1-888-308-6123, and we’ll be happy to help you cross a few places off your bucket list.

The post Include these Incredible UNESCO Sites in Italy on your Itinerary appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.