{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1", "user_comment": "This feed allows you to read the posts from this site in any feed reader that supports the JSON Feed format. To add this feed to your reader, copy the following URL -- https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/category/archive/feed/json -- and add it your reader.", "next_url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/category/archive/feed/json?paged=2", "home_page_url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/category/archive", "feed_url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/category/archive/feed/json", "language": "en-US", "title": "Archive Archives - Italy Perfect Travel Blog", "description": "Get the inside information on your Italian Vacation Planning. Great tips, inside information, travel advice and more!", "items": [ { "id": "http://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=1607", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/rome-sites-book-ahead.html", "title": "Five Rome Sites to Book Ahead", "content_html": "

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\n

A little advance planning can make your stay in the Eternal City much easier since you’ll be assured of avoiding long lines that are common at the most popular sites. Here are the sites we recommend you book well in advance of your Rome stay.

\n

Colosseum
\nWhen you approach\u00a0the Colosseum, you may find a line that goes on for hours. There are several solutions:

\n\n

Galleria\u00a0Borghese Museum –\u00a0this jewel of a\u00a0museum is also small, so a visit can be planned for less than two hours.\u00a0Make your reservation well in advance. If you wait until you get to Rome chances are it will already be sold out.

\n\n

Domus Romane of Palazzo Valentini – Really special, see our Blog. You need to go on the tour and there are limited English language times.

\n\n

Domus Aurea – Fascinating “Golden House” of Nero filled with stories of ancient Rome as well as the discovery of this lost monument to Rome’s\u00a0most hated\u00a0emperor. Opening dates and times are limited.

\n\n

\"Sistine-Chapel-Crowd\"

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Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica – Almost always a long line for the Vatican Museums. This is a very large museum that also includes the Sistine Chapel. (If you are traveling with younger children, we suggest saving this until they are older, it can be too much.) A guide can help you navigate so you can take in highlights and if you chose a private guide or the right tour, even children can enjoy. A suggestion is to combine a guided, skip the line tour with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica that is a separate location and unless you are on a tour, about a 15 minute walk apart. Lines for St. Peter’s aren’t always very long and it is lovely to just “be” in that vast holy space, but if you go with a guide, you’ll see and learn things that will astound you.\u00a0 And then, when the tour is over, you can wander and meditate in the vastness of the largest church in the world.

\n

Many of the rich art of Italy can be found in churches that often have free entrance. We recommend a small donation to support their generosity and, of course, respectful silence.

\n

A note about the RomaPass: We\u00a0have done the math for ourselves and others and find that it is usually a break-even investment.

\n

 

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Queue to the Colosseum ticket office – credits to Bob Hall via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Sistine Chapel photo from Voyages Lambert.

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The post Five Rome Sites to Book Ahead appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

\n", "content_text": "A little advance planning can make your stay in the Eternal City much easier since you’ll be assured of avoiding long lines that are common at the most popular sites. Here are the sites we recommend you book well in advance of your Rome stay.\nColosseum\nWhen you approach\u00a0the Colosseum, you may find a line that goes on for hours. There are several solutions:\n\nBook a tour and get all the insight of a professional guide, and also get access to places not open to the general public such as the underground areas.\nIf you buy the Roma Pass, you can go around the line to a separate entrance and walk in. The pass gives you free entrance to 1 or 2 museums (the Coliseum counts as one of them) as well as unlimited transport for several days. The Coliseum is located right by a subway station, handy.\n\nGalleria\u00a0Borghese Museum –\u00a0this jewel of a\u00a0museum is also small, so a visit can be planned for less than two hours.\u00a0Make your reservation well in advance. If you wait until you get to Rome chances are it will already be sold out.\n\nBook online on the somewhat awkward site or, easier with some guided options on this site.\nIf you\u00a0buy the Roma Pass, then telephone for the reservations for the Borghese Gallery and Palazzo Valentini. See the FAQ on the RomaPass site for how to book those museums.\nSee our\u00a0nice blog article on some highlights.\n\nDomus Romane of Palazzo Valentini – Really special, see our Blog. You need to go on the tour and there are limited English language times.\n\nBook online on their rather challenging\u00a0site\u00a0or this easier booking service.\nIf you\u00a0buy the Roma Pass, then telephone for the reservations for the Borghese Gallery and Palazzo Valentini. See the FAQ on the RomaPass site for how to book those museums.\n\nDomus Aurea – Fascinating “Golden House” of Nero filled with stories of ancient Rome as well as the discovery of this lost monument to Rome’s\u00a0most hated\u00a0emperor. Opening dates and times are limited.\n\nRead about it\u00a0then book online.\n\n\nVatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica – Almost always a long line for the Vatican Museums. This is a very large museum that also includes the Sistine Chapel. (If you are traveling with younger children, we suggest saving this until they are older, it can be too much.) A guide can help you navigate so you can take in highlights and if you chose a private guide or the right tour, even children can enjoy. A suggestion is to combine a guided, skip the line tour with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica that is a separate location and unless you are on a tour, about a 15 minute walk apart. Lines for St. Peter’s aren’t always very long and it is lovely to just “be” in that vast holy space, but if you go with a guide, you’ll see and learn things that will astound you.\u00a0 And then, when the tour is over, you can wander and meditate in the vastness of the largest church in the world.\nMany of the rich art of Italy can be found in churches that often have free entrance. We recommend a small donation to support their generosity and, of course, respectful silence.\nA note about the RomaPass: We\u00a0have done the math for ourselves and others and find that it is usually a break-even investment.\n \nQueue to the Colosseum ticket office – credits to Bob Hall via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)\nSistine Chapel photo from Voyages Lambert.\nThe post Five Rome Sites to Book Ahead appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2016-03-29T14:42:06-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-10-22T08:39:48-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Queue-for-Coliseum.jpg", "tags": [ "Archive", "Rome", "Tourist Information", "Travel Planning" ] }, { "id": "http://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=1639", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/italy-train-journey-tips.html", "title": "Four Train Travel Tips for Italy", "content_html": "

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Traveling by train in Italy can be an especially nice experience if you give yourself time to enjoy the ride. Here are some of our tried-and-true tips to help you get the most out of your journey:

\n
    \n
  1. Get to the station early and figure out where the platform information will be posted. The platforms are assigned just minutes before the train pulls into the station. Use the train number because often your destination may not be the ultimate destination posted on the boards.
    2. \n
  2. Enjoy our favorite pre-train experience which is to find a caf\u00e9 in the station and relax for 20 minutes or so, enjoying a cappuccino and pastry, watching the world go by. The main stations have several cafes, find the ones that offer table seating. Rome Termini station has really amped up its caf\u00e9 and restaurants, there are many to choose from offering everything from a simple coffee to pasta made-to-order. The food and beverages are fresh and well prepared. Typically you pay first at the cash register — Cassa — \u00a0for your order and then bring your receipt to the counter to place your order with a small coin tip for the barista
    3. \n
  3. If your train journey is several hours long you can buy\u00a0a sandwich (panino) to go since food service on the trains is very limited.
    4. \n
  4. Restrooms in the large train stations charge \u20ac1 for admission to the toilets. You pay by coin at a turnstile at the restroom entrance. Well worth the price for a clean, safe restroom in the large and crowded stations.
    5. \n
\n

\"Cassa\"

\n

Now sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

\n

The post Four Train Travel Tips for Italy appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

\n", "content_text": "Traveling by train in Italy can be an especially nice experience if you give yourself time to enjoy the ride. Here are some of our tried-and-true tips to help you get the most out of your journey:\n\nGet to the station early and figure out where the platform information will be posted. The platforms are assigned just minutes before the train pulls into the station. Use the train number because often your destination may not be the ultimate destination posted on the boards.\nEnjoy our favorite pre-train experience which is to find a caf\u00e9 in the station and relax for 20 minutes or so, enjoying a cappuccino and pastry, watching the world go by. The main stations have several cafes, find the ones that offer table seating. Rome Termini station has really amped up its caf\u00e9 and restaurants, there are many to choose from offering everything from a simple coffee to pasta made-to-order. The food and beverages are fresh and well prepared. Typically you pay first at the cash register — Cassa — \u00a0for your order and then bring your receipt to the counter to place your order with a small coin tip for the barista\nIf your train journey is several hours long you can buy\u00a0a sandwich (panino) to go since food service on the trains is very limited.\nRestrooms in the large train stations charge \u20ac1 for admission to the toilets. You pay by coin at a turnstile at the restroom entrance. Well worth the price for a clean, safe restroom in the large and crowded stations.\n\n\nNow sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!\nThe post Four Train Travel Tips for Italy appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2016-03-07T12:19:50-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-09-19T02:26:29-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Coffee1.jpg", "tags": [ "Archive", "Italian Culture", "Tourist Information", "Travel Planning" ] }, { "id": "http://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=1578", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/avoid-long-lines-major-rome-florence-sites.html", "title": "What Florence Sites to Book Ahead?", "content_html": "

\"\"

\n

Our guests often ask for advice on which sites to reserve in advance to avoid waiting in long lines. We know those lines so well. I remember a special excursion to Florence years ago with my young son, having driven for 2 hours from our countryside vacation rental. He really wanted to see Michelangelo’s Bound Prisoners in the Accademia (even more than the prospect of seeing the original David that is also there). We arrived at the Accademia that hot July day to find a line at least an hour-and-a-half long in full sun. As we wilted, my son’s impatience and frustration grew and we gave up, learning our lesson that for some sites a little advance planning is well worth it.

\n

Here are our tips for which Florence sites you absolutely should buy tickets for well in advance, or face the prospect of waiting in line, even during off-season. Before leaving for Italy be sure to print your ticket vouchers and bring them with you.

\n

\n

\"\"

\n

Uffizi Gallery\u00a0(one of the most important museums in the world with the greatest collection of Renaissance art and more) – always book ahead. Consider a guide who\u00a0can\u00a0help you navigate and understand what you are seeing. Or rent headsets for a self-guided tour.

\n\n

\"\"

\n

Accademia (Michelangelo’s David and the Bound Prisoners as well as a nice small museum) – besides long lines in peak times, the open times are also limited, so another reason to book ahead.

\n\n

Also consider the Firenze Card.\u00a0You have to do the math to see if it is worth your while versus buying individual tickets. It is valid for just 3 days, so valuable if you are going to see\u00a0a lot of tourist sites in quick order.

\n

Photo thanks to Lynn with Creative Commons License.

\n

The post What Florence Sites to Book Ahead? appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

\n", "content_text": "Our guests often ask for advice on which sites to reserve in advance to avoid waiting in long lines. We know those lines so well. I remember a special excursion to Florence years ago with my young son, having driven for 2 hours from our countryside vacation rental. He really wanted to see Michelangelo’s Bound Prisoners in the Accademia (even more than the prospect of seeing the original David that is also there). We arrived at the Accademia that hot July day to find a line at least an hour-and-a-half long in full sun. As we wilted, my son’s impatience and frustration grew and we gave up, learning our lesson that for some sites a little advance planning is well worth it.\nHere are our tips for which Florence sites you absolutely should buy tickets for well in advance, or face the prospect of waiting in line, even during off-season. Before leaving for Italy be sure to print your ticket vouchers and bring them with you.\n\n\nUffizi Gallery\u00a0(one of the most important museums in the world with the greatest collection of Renaissance art and more) – always book ahead. Consider a guide who\u00a0can\u00a0help you navigate and understand what you are seeing. Or rent headsets for a self-guided tour.\n\nPrebook tickets and tours here.\nGet the special perspective of a scholar here.\n\n\nAccademia (Michelangelo’s David and the Bound Prisoners as well as a nice small museum) – besides long lines in peak times, the open times are also limited, so another reason to book ahead.\n\nPrebook tickets and tours here.\nGet the special perspective of a scholar here.\n\nAlso consider the Firenze Card.\u00a0You have to do the math to see if it is worth your while versus buying individual tickets. It is valid for just 3 days, so valuable if you are going to see\u00a0a lot of tourist sites in quick order.\nPhoto thanks to Lynn with Creative Commons License.\nThe post What Florence Sites to Book Ahead? appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2016-02-22T16:57:18-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-10-22T09:11:07-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Primavera.jpg", "tags": [ "Archive", "Florence", "Tourist Information", "Travel Planning" ] }, { "id": "http://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=1526", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/the-magical-fountains-of-villa-deste-in-tivoli.html", "title": "The Magical Fountains of Villa d\u2019Este in Tivoli", "content_html": "

\"\"

\n

Fantasy and reality combine to create a world beyond our dreams at Villa d\u2019Este in Tivoli, just outside of Rome. Cascading fountains draw you inside, whispering their secrets as you pass and cypress trees stand tall, guarding the estate and its terraced gardens. Looking up to the main house, you wonder if Juliette will come to the window looking for Romeo as a renaissance ball spills into the garden below.

\n

\"Villa

\n

Villa d\u2019Este is a great day trip for anyone looking to leave the hustle and bustle of Rome\u00a0for a few hours. Hop on the urban train line FL2 from Tiburtina to\u00a0arrive in Tivoli about 45 minutes later. Walk\u00a0from the station to Villa d\u2019Este to get a feel for the village with its winding cobblestoned streets and classic old town.

\n

The villa\u00a0itself is certainly worth a look, too, its frescoed ceilings are beautifully maintained. However once you enter the gardens, the real fun begins.

\n

 

\n
\"Villa

It is easy to forget that these palatial grounds were constructed in the late 16th century and rely mostly on gravity to create the impressive fountains. The central Fontana del Bicchierone, designed by Bernini, first appears to be a raw piece of rock but\u00a0upon further inspection one realizes that is the brilliance behind the design. Each terrace of the garden will surprise you with its ingenuity, don’t be afraid to spend all afternoon figuring out which water feature is your favorite!

\n

\"IMG_2096\"

\n

As you leave the villa, be sure to stop for a\u00a0gelato at Il Gelato de Pinocchio, a perennial favorite and explore the shops of the old town. The town of Tivoli is also host to a few other famous villas that are worth discovering if you have the time, Villa Adriana built for Emperor Hadrian and Villa Gregoriana for Pope Gregory XVI. A great photo stop is the Little Waterfalls under the Ponte Gregoriano which provides the perfect background to capture your time in Tivoli!

\n

\"3108112459_86c90589a1_z\"

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Photos by\u00a0Dark Rome Tours & Walks,\u00a0Neo_II,\u00a0majolie46,\u00a0Joe Anderson\u00a0and\u00a0Roger W. Under Creative Commons.

\n

The post The Magical Fountains of Villa d’Este in Tivoli appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

\n", "content_text": "Fantasy and reality combine to create a world beyond our dreams at Villa d\u2019Este in Tivoli, just outside of Rome. Cascading fountains draw you inside, whispering their secrets as you pass and cypress trees stand tall, guarding the estate and its terraced gardens. Looking up to the main house, you wonder if Juliette will come to the window looking for Romeo as a renaissance ball spills into the garden below.\n\nVilla d\u2019Este is a great day trip for anyone looking to leave the hustle and bustle of Rome\u00a0for a few hours. Hop on the urban train line FL2 from Tiburtina to\u00a0arrive in Tivoli about 45 minutes later. Walk\u00a0from the station to Villa d\u2019Este to get a feel for the village with its winding cobblestoned streets and classic old town.\nThe villa\u00a0itself is certainly worth a look, too, its frescoed ceilings are beautifully maintained. However once you enter the gardens, the real fun begins.\n \nIt is easy to forget that these palatial grounds were constructed in the late 16th century and rely mostly on gravity to create the impressive fountains. The central Fontana del Bicchierone, designed by Bernini, first appears to be a raw piece of rock but\u00a0upon further inspection one realizes that is the brilliance behind the design. Each terrace of the garden will surprise you with its ingenuity, don’t be afraid to spend all afternoon figuring out which water feature is your favorite!\n\nAs you leave the villa, be sure to stop for a\u00a0gelato at Il Gelato de Pinocchio, a perennial favorite and explore the shops of the old town. The town of Tivoli is also host to a few other famous villas that are worth discovering if you have the time, Villa Adriana built for Emperor Hadrian and Villa Gregoriana for Pope Gregory XVI. A great photo stop is the Little Waterfalls under the Ponte Gregoriano which provides the perfect background to capture your time in Tivoli!\n\nPhotos by\u00a0Dark Rome Tours & Walks,\u00a0Neo_II,\u00a0majolie46,\u00a0Joe Anderson\u00a0and\u00a0Roger W. Under Creative Commons.\nThe post The Magical Fountains of Villa d’Este in Tivoli appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2016-02-01T15:14:45-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-09-19T04:30:44-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/5868497139_5d4e46a982_z.jpg", "tags": [ "Archive", "Rome", "Tourist Information", "Travel Planning" ] }, { "id": "http://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=1459", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/venice-pleasure-musica-a-palazzo.html", "title": "Venice Pleasure: Musica a Palazzo", "content_html": "

\"\"

\n

Music is woven through the life and history of Venice. A concert or an opera is a wonderful way to deepen your enjoyment of this lovely city.

\n

Enjoy fine music in unique and intimate settings at Musica a Palazzo. You can choose your opera, based on the day of the week\u00a0and then move from room to room for different parts of the performance in a fascinating noble palace.

\n

With the world-class singers and musicians performing as you all move through the beautiful salons, you feel like you are part of the story. The two hours fly by.

\n

Have an early dinner in nearby Campo Santo Stefano before strolling to Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto for your Musica a Palazzo.

\n

A unique aspect of this fine program is that you buy an annual subscription for \u20ac75 for unlimited concerts. Of course, as a tourist, you may just go once but think of the bargain if you manage to go twice!

\n

Registration and advance reservations are required and can be done by clicking here

\n

Current performances include La Traviata, Rigoletto, the Barber of Seville and Love Duets.

\n

Of course, we invite you to stay in our lovely apartments in Venice:

\n

\"SerenataSerenata\u00a0with its terrace and views of the canals and San Marco is an 11 minute walk to Musica.

\n

 

\n

 

\n

 

\n

The post Venice Pleasure: Musica a Palazzo appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

\n", "content_text": "Music is woven through the life and history of Venice. A concert or an opera is a wonderful way to deepen your enjoyment of this lovely city.\nEnjoy fine music in unique and intimate settings at Musica a Palazzo. You can choose your opera, based on the day of the week\u00a0and then move from room to room for different parts of the performance in a fascinating noble palace.\nWith the world-class singers and musicians performing as you all move through the beautiful salons, you feel like you are part of the story. The two hours fly by.\nHave an early dinner in nearby Campo Santo Stefano before strolling to Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto for your Musica a Palazzo.\nA unique aspect of this fine program is that you buy an annual subscription for \u20ac75 for unlimited concerts. Of course, as a tourist, you may just go once but think of the bargain if you manage to go twice!\nRegistration and advance reservations are required and can be done by clicking here\nCurrent performances include La Traviata, Rigoletto, the Barber of Seville and Love Duets.\nOf course, we invite you to stay in our lovely apartments in Venice:\nSerenata\u00a0with its terrace and views of the canals and San Marco is an 11 minute walk to Musica.\n \n \n \nThe post Venice Pleasure: Musica a Palazzo appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2015-12-14T15:55:45-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-09-19T05:43:21-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Musica-a-Palazzo.jpg", "tags": [ "Archive", "Italian Culture", "Tourist Information", "Travel Planning", "Venice" ] }, { "id": "http://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=1148", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/five-great-day-trips-from-florence-italy.html", "title": "Five Great Day Trips from Florence Italy", "content_html": "

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Florence is conveniently located in central Tuscany, a city known for millennia as the intersection of great art, history, and food. \u00a0The nearby towns and cities, rich with culture and tradition, are great opportunities for easy day trips while staying in Florence. Here are some of our favorites chosen by our Italy travel experts.

\n

FIESOLE

\n

In the hills overlooking Florence, is a pleasant and peaceful retreat from the crowds where you enjoy a stunning panorama of Florence and its surrounding hills. Easy to reach in 35 minutes by city bus #7 from Piazza San Marco (corner of Via la Pira).

\n
\"P1040035\"

Roman & Etruscan Ruins\u00a0in Fiesole

\n

Much older than Florence, Fiesole is the first human settlement in the area. Founded by the Etruscans in the 9th century BC, it offers visitors a vast archaeological site that contains Etruscan and Roman remains. The peaceful Roman amphitheater is surrounded by fascinating reminders of ancient times as well as a fascinating small museum. The beautiful Villa Medici, one of the residences owned by the rulers of Renaissance Florence, sits in the peaceful countryside.

\n

MONTELUPO

\n

A small village about 20 kilometers from Florence. Easy to reach in 30 minutes by train.

\n
\"Montelupo

Sunflower Plate from Montelupo

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This\u00a0is a bit of a hidden treasure; most tourists have never heard of it, but it was an important center for the production\u00a0of maiolica (hand-painted glazed ceramics) during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. It continues to produce beautiful, colorful\u00a0ceramics. Founded in the 13th century by the Florentines on their route to Pisa, Montelupo boasts medieval city walls and an interesting\u00a0Museum of Ceramics. In the historical center, discover many fine\u00a0ceramic stores and artisan workshops making their signature handmade pottery.

\n

Every June Montelupo hosts the Festa Internazionale della Ceramica, International Festival of Ceramics, making this a super time to visit the town, but year-round a trip here will give you a sense of small-town Tuscany.

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LUCCA

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Another not-to-be-missed destination while in Tuscany, Lucca is just a little over an hour away by bus or train.

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\"Roman

Roman Coliseum shapes Lucca’s Piazza

\n

Famous for its spectacular 16th century walls that surround the entire city, where visitors and locals stroll and ride bicycles (rentals available). Exploring\u00a0Lucca opens up the layers of Italian history and art. To celebrate its native son, be sure to listen to the music of the composer Giacomo Puccini\u00a0while planning and visiting, including the haunting arias of Tosca.

\n

CHIANTI\u00a0REGION

\n

An area renowned for its Chianti wine and also the idyllic landscape characterized by vineyards, olive trees and hilltops topped with fortified villages. The best way to visit the area is by car. You can rent a car for the day, but if you want to visit some of the wineries and enjoy a bit of wine-tasking, we\u00a0suggest hiring a driver!

\n
\"P1040041\"

World Famous Chianina Beef

\n

There are many nice towns\u00a0to visit: Greve, considered the gates of Chianti; Montefioralle with its ancient medieval castle; and Panzano famous for the \u201cbistecca alla fiorentina\u201d (Florentine beef steak from the prized and ancient breed of Chianina cattle) all presenting wonderful panoramas of this beautiful region.

\n

\"San

\n

SAN GIMIGNANO

\n

Declared by UNESCO a World Architectural Heritage site, San Gimignano is only 60 kilometers from Florence. It is reachable by bus, but for your convenience we suggest to rent a car or hire a driver.
\nThis wonderful medieval town is famous for its extraordinary towers, which remind us of its golden age when all the gentry of the town built towers to defend themselves against their next door neighbors! Golden, must have been awful! There were hundreds of them! Although they dominate the town, few towers remain but history haunts the charming winding streets.

\n

Photo by M Lazzaroni\u00a0(CC)

\n

The post Five Great Day Trips from Florence Italy appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

\n", "content_text": "Florence is conveniently located in central Tuscany, a city known for millennia as the intersection of great art, history, and food. \u00a0The nearby towns and cities, rich with culture and tradition, are great opportunities for easy day trips while staying in Florence. Here are some of our favorites chosen by our Italy travel experts.\nFIESOLE\nIn the hills overlooking Florence, is a pleasant and peaceful retreat from the crowds where you enjoy a stunning panorama of Florence and its surrounding hills. Easy to reach in 35 minutes by city bus #7 from Piazza San Marco (corner of Via la Pira).\nRoman & Etruscan Ruins\u00a0in Fiesole\nMuch older than Florence, Fiesole is the first human settlement in the area. Founded by the Etruscans in the 9th century BC, it offers visitors a vast archaeological site that contains Etruscan and Roman remains. The peaceful Roman amphitheater is surrounded by fascinating reminders of ancient times as well as a fascinating small museum. The beautiful Villa Medici, one of the residences owned by the rulers of Renaissance Florence, sits in the peaceful countryside.\nMONTELUPO\nA small village about 20 kilometers from Florence. Easy to reach in 30 minutes by train.\nSunflower Plate from Montelupo\nThis\u00a0is a bit of a hidden treasure; most tourists have never heard of it, but it was an important center for the production\u00a0of maiolica (hand-painted glazed ceramics) during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. It continues to produce beautiful, colorful\u00a0ceramics. Founded in the 13th century by the Florentines on their route to Pisa, Montelupo boasts medieval city walls and an interesting\u00a0Museum of Ceramics. In the historical center, discover many fine\u00a0ceramic stores and artisan workshops making their signature handmade pottery.\nEvery June Montelupo hosts the Festa Internazionale della Ceramica, International Festival of Ceramics, making this a super time to visit the town, but year-round a trip here will give you a sense of small-town Tuscany.\nLUCCA\nAnother not-to-be-missed destination while in Tuscany, Lucca is just a little over an hour away by bus or train.\nRoman Coliseum shapes Lucca’s Piazza\nFamous for its spectacular 16th century walls that surround the entire city, where visitors and locals stroll and ride bicycles (rentals available). Exploring\u00a0Lucca opens up the layers of Italian history and art. To celebrate its native son, be sure to listen to the music of the composer Giacomo Puccini\u00a0while planning and visiting, including the haunting arias of Tosca.\nCHIANTI\u00a0REGION\nAn area renowned for its Chianti wine and also the idyllic landscape characterized by vineyards, olive trees and hilltops topped with fortified villages. The best way to visit the area is by car. You can rent a car for the day, but if you want to visit some of the wineries and enjoy a bit of wine-tasking, we\u00a0suggest hiring a driver!\nWorld Famous Chianina Beef\nThere are many nice towns\u00a0to visit: Greve, considered the gates of Chianti; Montefioralle with its ancient medieval castle; and Panzano famous for the \u201cbistecca alla fiorentina\u201d (Florentine beef steak from the prized and ancient breed of Chianina cattle) all presenting wonderful panoramas of this beautiful region.\n\nSAN GIMIGNANO\nDeclared by UNESCO a World Architectural Heritage site, San Gimignano is only 60 kilometers from Florence. It is reachable by bus, but for your convenience we suggest to rent a car or hire a driver.\nThis wonderful medieval town is famous for its extraordinary towers, which remind us of its golden age when all the gentry of the town built towers to defend themselves against their next door neighbors! Golden, must have been awful! There were hundreds of them! Although they dominate the town, few towers remain but history haunts the charming winding streets.\nPhoto by M Lazzaroni\u00a0(CC)\nThe post Five Great Day Trips from Florence Italy appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2015-07-19T09:46:26-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-09-19T08:28:04-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/San-Gimignano.jpg", "tags": [ "Archive", "Florence", "Tourist Information", "Travel Planning" ] }, { "id": "http://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=1125", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/favorite-month-to-visit-italy-our-travel-experts-answer-might-surprise-you.html", "title": "Favorite month to visit Italy? Our travel experts\u2019 answer might surprise you.", "content_html": "

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\n

November is our favorite month to take advantage of\u00a0low season rates and fewer crowds. We always go in November, have done for 10 years, and the first part of the month has mild, October-like weather that can last into the latter half of the month.

\n

Mike from ItalyPerfect says “The best time to tour Italy is in November, hands down, the mild weather makes even the most ambitious itinerary possible. And goodness knows our staff has the most ambitious itineraries I’ve ever seen.”

\n

The weather is great for walking about, warm in the day, fresh at night. Those open places like the Roman Forum and Pompeii where you wilt in the summer sun, are great outings. You might get some rain but usually\u00a0it is a fast moving shower. If the forecast says rain, there are so many museums and churches to visit, you won\u2019t be bereft of great activities. Of course we can\u2019t guarantee the weather, but early-to-mid November is typically\u00a0pleasant.

\n

Pat says “A long-time favorite of cognoscenti is October when the weather cools off a bit. But now everyone seems to know about October so that month tends to be quite busy so we go in November.”

\n

\"autumnchestnutsRome\"

\n

Air fares tend to be lower, vacation rentals have low-season prices and, best of all, the harvest is in! The peppery-tasting new olive oil is to be savored, mushrooms, fresh porcini and truffles. Special autumn dishes are on every menu: Pumpkin Ravioli, Pasta with Ragu made from wild boar meat, Porcini Risotto, Pasta al Tartufo (truffles) and the heart-warming aroma of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, sold by street vendors in paper cones to nibble as you stroll along.

\n

\"BestTimetoVisitItaly\"

\n

Lisa says “Chianti wine has had a rebirth in popularity in recent years. We really enjoy fall wine tasting in Tuscany\u2019s Chianti region, especially the Chianti Nuovo, newly pressed wine much-promoted by local restaurants, similar to France\u2019s rush for Beaujolais Nouveau during the first weeks in November.”

\n

Photos by\u00a0Matthew Mendoza\u00a0(CC)\u00a0and\u00a0Francesco Sgroi\u00a0(CC)

\n

The post Favorite month to visit Italy? Our travel experts’ answer might surprise you. appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

\n", "content_text": "November is our favorite month to take advantage of\u00a0low season rates and fewer crowds. We always go in November, have done for 10 years, and the first part of the month has mild, October-like weather that can last into the latter half of the month.\nMike from ItalyPerfect says “The best time to tour Italy is in November, hands down, the mild weather makes even the most ambitious itinerary possible. And goodness knows our staff has the most ambitious itineraries I’ve ever seen.”\nThe weather is great for walking about, warm in the day, fresh at night. Those open places like the Roman Forum and Pompeii where you wilt in the summer sun, are great outings. You might get some rain but usually\u00a0it is a fast moving shower. If the forecast says rain, there are so many museums and churches to visit, you won\u2019t be bereft of great activities. Of course we can\u2019t guarantee the weather, but early-to-mid November is typically\u00a0pleasant.\nPat says “A long-time favorite of cognoscenti is October when the weather cools off a bit. But now everyone seems to know about October so that month tends to be quite busy so we go in November.”\n\nAir fares tend to be lower, vacation rentals have low-season prices and, best of all, the harvest is in! The peppery-tasting new olive oil is to be savored, mushrooms, fresh porcini and truffles. Special autumn dishes are on every menu: Pumpkin Ravioli, Pasta with Ragu made from wild boar meat, Porcini Risotto, Pasta al Tartufo (truffles) and the heart-warming aroma of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, sold by street vendors in paper cones to nibble as you stroll along.\n\nLisa says “Chianti wine has had a rebirth in popularity in recent years. We really enjoy fall wine tasting in Tuscany\u2019s Chianti region, especially the Chianti Nuovo, newly pressed wine much-promoted by local restaurants, similar to France\u2019s rush for Beaujolais Nouveau during the first weeks in November.”\nPhotos by\u00a0Matthew Mendoza\u00a0(CC)\u00a0and\u00a0Francesco Sgroi\u00a0(CC)\nThe post Favorite month to visit Italy? Our travel experts’ answer might surprise you. appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2015-07-13T13:10:47-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-09-19T08:32:17-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/BestTimetoVisitFlorence.jpg", "tags": [ "Archive", "Florence", "Rome", "Tourist Information", "Travel Planning", "Venice" ] }, { "id": "http://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=1064", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/the-ztl-avoid-restricted-traffic-zones-fines-in-italy.html", "title": "The ZTL \u2013 Avoid Restricted Traffic Zones & Fines in Italy", "content_html": "

\"\"

\n

Are you thinking of cruising\u00a0around in your rental car, pulling up to the doorstep of your vacation rental in the center of Rome or Florence, unloading your bags and then chancing upon a\u00a0handy parking garage or, better yet, street parking? Think again…

\n

\"\"

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Driving in Italy takes some careful planning if your route takes you through a major city. Before you book that rental car, heed this advice because it is really, and we mean really, daunting to avoid the infamous ZTL, the limited traffic zones which throttle\u00a0traffic in the city centers.

\n

Watch For the\u00a0Signs With a Red Circle

\n

\"ztl-b\"

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To reduce air\u00a0and noise\u00a0pollution in city centers, Italy has established \u201cRestricted Traffic Zones\u201d (Zona Traffico Limitato \u2013 ZTL) with limitations on driving during certain days and hours. The nice thing about\u00a0the limited traffic zones\u00a0is that\u00a0many city streets are now lovely pedestrian zones, where you can stroll and linger without being overwhelmed\u00a0by traffic zipping past, honking horns and exhaust fumes. Vehicle access to these zones is normally limited to local residents, public transport, emergency services and specific permit holders. The entry points are normally clearly indicated by signs and are controlled by cameras that automatically read the registration numbers of all entering vehicles; the numbers are then checked against a list of authorized vehicles and, if no match is found, the offending driver is issued a fine of about\u00a0\u20ac100 or more, which will then be delivered by mail or added to your rental car costs.

\n

This can catch tourists by surprise\u00a0because the boundaries of the ZTLs generally include most of the sites and monuments that you\u00a0would like to visit.

\n

Decoding ZTL Signs

\n

\"ztl

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Here’s a primer to better understand the signs. These photos of signs\u00a0shows the hours of the days of the week when access to this particular sector is restricted. The \u201ccar\u201d symbol indicates the restrictions that apply to private vehicles. The \u201cman with the hand cart\u201d icon\u00a0refers to the restrictions that are enforced to commercial vehicles delivering goods to the businesses inside the ZTL sector. The \u201ccrossed hammers\u201d signify working days (usually Monday to Saturday). Should restrictions be applied on Sundays and/or festivities, a Latin cross symbol is used.

\n

In\u00a0some zones, the restricted access time can be variable. In such instances, the ZTL sign is complemented by an electronic board signaling whether the ZTL restrictions are in effect/active (\u201cZTL ATTIVA\u201d).

\n

\"ZTL3\"

\n

If you study the ZTL signs, zones and schedules for locations of interest, you may be able to find times of day when you can freely drive through the areas. Each city posts their zones and schedules online. But general advice to short-term tourists is to either drop your rental car or to park it. It’s simply not worth the hassle, delays and fines to try to drive in the ZTL zones.

\n

If you are going to stay within a ZTL, plan ahead to turn in a rental car or to park it. You need a garage that is either outside the ZTL or that can register you for temporary access. If you are staying at a hotel and want to drive to it before parking your car, contact the hotel directly to see if they can get you temporary access and also ask them to copy you on their request in case of a future dispute. If you are staying in an Italy Perfect vacation rental, please contact us and we will give you advice for your situation. We can tell you the closest rental car drop point or garage.

\n

The ZTL in Rome

\n

\"Roma

\n

Much of central Rome is affected by traffic limitations.

\n

In addition to the traffic restrictions defined by the ZTL, some areas of central Rome are pedestrianized. While strolling in the evidently pedestrian zones, you still need to keep your wits about you because vehicles still zip through either by special permission or by ignoring\u00a0the law.

\n

The ZTL in Florence

\n

\"florence_ztl_map\"

\n

With only about one ninth of the inhabitants of Rome, beautiful Florence is a much smaller city, but equally packed with artistic and historical treasures, especially, as you would expect, in its ZTL. The good news is that, the city being so much smaller, the ZTL is too, and can mostly be explored on foot.

\n

If you are coming to Florence just for the day or are staying outside the ZTL, you can park at the Santa Maria Novella train station underground car park or at the San Lorenzo car park at the central market and then walk from there.

\n

No ZTL restrictions in Venice

\n

Venice is an exceptional city, also in the sense that it is the exception; there is no ZTL in the city: there just is no road traffic at all.

\n

Italy Perfect hopes you find\u00a0this information helpful. With a bit of\u00a0advance planning you can have a safe and smooth trip!

\n

Feature photo by Kim (CC)

\n

The post The ZTL – Avoid Restricted Traffic Zones & Fines in Italy appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

\n", "content_text": "Are you thinking of cruising\u00a0around in your rental car, pulling up to the doorstep of your vacation rental in the center of Rome or Florence, unloading your bags and then chancing upon a\u00a0handy parking garage or, better yet, street parking? Think again…\n\nDriving in Italy takes some careful planning if your route takes you through a major city. Before you book that rental car, heed this advice because it is really, and we mean really, daunting to avoid the infamous ZTL, the limited traffic zones which throttle\u00a0traffic in the city centers.\nWatch For the\u00a0Signs With a Red Circle\n\nTo reduce air\u00a0and noise\u00a0pollution in city centers, Italy has established \u201cRestricted Traffic Zones\u201d (Zona Traffico Limitato \u2013 ZTL) with limitations on driving during certain days and hours. The nice thing about\u00a0the limited traffic zones\u00a0is that\u00a0many city streets are now lovely pedestrian zones, where you can stroll and linger without being overwhelmed\u00a0by traffic zipping past, honking horns and exhaust fumes. Vehicle access to these zones is normally limited to local residents, public transport, emergency services and specific permit holders. The entry points are normally clearly indicated by signs and are controlled by cameras that automatically read the registration numbers of all entering vehicles; the numbers are then checked against a list of authorized vehicles and, if no match is found, the offending driver is issued a fine of about\u00a0\u20ac100 or more, which will then be delivered by mail or added to your rental car costs.\nThis can catch tourists by surprise\u00a0because the boundaries of the ZTLs generally include most of the sites and monuments that you\u00a0would like to visit.\nDecoding ZTL Signs\n\nHere’s a primer to better understand the signs. These photos of signs\u00a0shows the hours of the days of the week when access to this particular sector is restricted. The \u201ccar\u201d symbol indicates the restrictions that apply to private vehicles. The \u201cman with the hand cart\u201d icon\u00a0refers to the restrictions that are enforced to commercial vehicles delivering goods to the businesses inside the ZTL sector. The \u201ccrossed hammers\u201d signify working days (usually Monday to Saturday). Should restrictions be applied on Sundays and/or festivities, a Latin cross symbol is used.\nIn\u00a0some zones, the restricted access time can be variable. In such instances, the ZTL sign is complemented by an electronic board signaling whether the ZTL restrictions are in effect/active (\u201cZTL ATTIVA\u201d).\n\nIf you study the ZTL signs, zones and schedules for locations of interest, you may be able to find times of day when you can freely drive through the areas. Each city posts their zones and schedules online. But general advice to short-term tourists is to either drop your rental car or to park it. It’s simply not worth the hassle, delays and fines to try to drive in the ZTL zones.\nIf you are going to stay within a ZTL, plan ahead to turn in a rental car or to park it. You need a garage that is either outside the ZTL or that can register you for temporary access. If you are staying at a hotel and want to drive to it before parking your car, contact the hotel directly to see if they can get you temporary access and also ask them to copy you on their request in case of a future dispute. If you are staying in an Italy Perfect vacation rental, please contact us and we will give you advice for your situation. We can tell you the closest rental car drop point or garage.\nThe ZTL in Rome\n\nMuch of central Rome is affected by traffic limitations.\nIn addition to the traffic restrictions defined by the ZTL, some areas of central Rome are pedestrianized. While strolling in the evidently pedestrian zones, you still need to keep your wits about you because vehicles still zip through either by special permission or by ignoring\u00a0the law.\nThe ZTL in Florence\n\nWith only about one ninth of the inhabitants of Rome, beautiful Florence is a much smaller city, but equally packed with artistic and historical treasures, especially, as you would expect, in its ZTL. The good news is that, the city being so much smaller, the ZTL is too, and can mostly be explored on foot.\nIf you are coming to Florence just for the day or are staying outside the ZTL, you can park at the Santa Maria Novella train station underground car park or at the San Lorenzo car park at the central market and then walk from there.\nNo ZTL restrictions in Venice\nVenice is an exceptional city, also in the sense that it is the exception; there is no ZTL in the city: there just is no road traffic at all.\nItaly Perfect hopes you find\u00a0this information helpful. With a bit of\u00a0advance planning you can have a safe and smooth trip!\nFeature photo by Kim (CC)\nThe post The ZTL – Avoid Restricted Traffic Zones & Fines in Italy appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2015-06-16T14:17:10-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-09-19T08:41:26-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/ZTL_driving_in_Rome.jpg", "tags": [ "Archive", "Florence", "Rome", "Tourist Information", "Travel Planning" ] }, { "id": "http://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=1040", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/indispensable-italian-coffee-primer.html", "title": "Indispensable Italian Coffee Primer", "content_html": "

\"\"

\n

The caffeine landscape in Italy is rich with ritual and tradition. The espresso is as much a staple as pizza and wine. Italy is very traditional in its choice of coffees; popular American and British brands have never really made their mark here. So the Starbucks vocabulary such as\u00a0latte\u00a0and\u00a0venti, while they\u00a0are Italian words,\u00a0don\u2019t mean the same thing in an authentic Italian caf\u00e8.\u00a0And\u00a0don\u2019t expect to come across your usual choice of Starbucks, Caff\u00e8 Nero, Peet\u2019s or Tim Horton\u2019s.

\n

\"Cafe_Florian\"

\n

First of all let’s get our terms straight: There’s the\u00a0caf\u00e8 and then there’s caff\u00e8.\u00a0If you ask an Italian barista for a\u00a0caff\u00e8, you will be served an espresso, while a\u00a0caf\u00e8\u00a0is the place where you go to drink coffee, however most Italians refer to a\u00a0caf\u00e8\u00a0as a\u00a0bar as in ‘snack bar’. These family owned bars are bustling hot-spots for the pre-work crowd. The baristas are centers of their neighborhood community, they brighten up the morning with a tiny cup of espresso served with a smile; and they keep up-to-date on local gossip!

\n

If one shot of caffeine is not enough to get you moving, you can always ask for a\u00a0caff\u00e8 doppio, which is two espressos served together in a larger cup and guaranteed to wake you up and keep you buzzing!

\n

\"Cappucino_beautiful\"

\n

The ubiquitous cappuccino is one of the most popular coffee styles in the world; it is an espresso infused in a tea-sized cup with hot frothy milk. The name cappuccino, by the way, is derived from the Capuchin Friars, whose habit is brown and white like the beverage with an alternative explanation that the cup with its ring of foam looks like the monk\u2019s tonsure (shaved top of head). If you want equal parts of coffee to milk, ask for a cappuccino chiaro\u00a0(light colored cappuccino).

\n

The locals, by the way, probably won\u2019t be ordering either type after 10am. Italians are very protective of their health, and the thought of having to digest coffee with milk after morning time can send them into spasms of worry. You can get away with sipping a\u00a0caff\u00e8\u00a0macchiato\u00a0(literally meaning\u00a0stained, as you stain it with a drop of milk); akin to a mini\u00a0caff\u00e8 latte.

\n

\"Caffe_cornetto\"

\n

Italians do not take their coffee to-go in a big paper cup, but drink it rather quickly standing at the bar. The price is higher if you take it to a table or have it served there. That said, we have lately seen a few tourists carrying their big paper cups of coffee on the streets of Italy. Some smart bar owners have figured out how to appeal to the Starbucks-addicted!

\n

\"Caffe_corretto\"

\n

You will find Italian coffee served in all sorts of varieties and all sorts of proportions besides the aforementioned beverages. Here\u00a0are some of the most popular styles of Italian coffee:

\n\n

The post Indispensable Italian Coffee Primer appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

\n", "content_text": "The caffeine landscape in Italy is rich with ritual and tradition. The espresso is as much a staple as pizza and wine. Italy is very traditional in its choice of coffees; popular American and British brands have never really made their mark here. So the Starbucks vocabulary such as\u00a0latte\u00a0and\u00a0venti, while they\u00a0are Italian words,\u00a0don\u2019t mean the same thing in an authentic Italian caf\u00e8.\u00a0And\u00a0don\u2019t expect to come across your usual choice of Starbucks, Caff\u00e8 Nero, Peet\u2019s or Tim Horton\u2019s.\n\nFirst of all let’s get our terms straight: There’s the\u00a0caf\u00e8 and then there’s caff\u00e8.\u00a0If you ask an Italian barista for a\u00a0caff\u00e8, you will be served an espresso, while a\u00a0caf\u00e8\u00a0is the place where you go to drink coffee, however most Italians refer to a\u00a0caf\u00e8\u00a0as a\u00a0bar as in ‘snack bar’. These family owned bars are bustling hot-spots for the pre-work crowd. The baristas are centers of their neighborhood community, they brighten up the morning with a tiny cup of espresso served with a smile; and they keep up-to-date on local gossip!\nIf one shot of caffeine is not enough to get you moving, you can always ask for a\u00a0caff\u00e8 doppio, which is two espressos served together in a larger cup and guaranteed to wake you up and keep you buzzing!\n\nThe ubiquitous cappuccino is one of the most popular coffee styles in the world; it is an espresso infused in a tea-sized cup with hot frothy milk. The name cappuccino, by the way, is derived from the Capuchin Friars, whose habit is brown and white like the beverage with an alternative explanation that the cup with its ring of foam looks like the monk\u2019s tonsure (shaved top of head). If you want equal parts of coffee to milk, ask for a cappuccino chiaro\u00a0(light colored cappuccino).\nThe locals, by the way, probably won\u2019t be ordering either type after 10am. Italians are very protective of their health, and the thought of having to digest coffee with milk after morning time can send them into spasms of worry. You can get away with sipping a\u00a0caff\u00e8\u00a0macchiato\u00a0(literally meaning\u00a0stained, as you stain it with a drop of milk); akin to a mini\u00a0caff\u00e8 latte.\n\nItalians do not take their coffee to-go in a big paper cup, but drink it rather quickly standing at the bar. The price is higher if you take it to a table or have it served there. That said, we have lately seen a few tourists carrying their big paper cups of coffee on the streets of Italy. Some smart bar owners have figured out how to appeal to the Starbucks-addicted!\n\nYou will find Italian coffee served in all sorts of varieties and all sorts of proportions besides the aforementioned beverages. Here\u00a0are some of the most popular styles of Italian coffee:\n\nCaff\u00e8 ristretto, which has the same amount of coffee but brewed with less water, and the\u00a0caff\u00e8 lungo, a slightly more diluted espresso still served in a small cup\nCaff\u00e8 corretto\u00a0(literally, coffee that has been\u00a0corrected\u00a0with a shot of alcoholic beverage, normally sambuca or grappa), caff\u00e8 Borghetti, an espresso served with a splash of Borghetti liquor (popular with soccer players and consumed at break time),\nCaff\u00e8 con schiuma\u00a0(froth), prepared by either lightly beating it or blowing steam through it,\u00a0caff\u00e8 schiumato\u00a0with its splotch of frothy milk, the\u00a0caff\u00e8 con panna, an espresso with a dollop of whipped cream\nCaff\u00e8 freddo, an iced coffee normally served in the summer\nGran caff\u00e8 speciale, a delicious creamy double espresso only served at one of Italy\u2019s coffee holy places, Rome\u2019s Sant\u2019Eustachio coffee bar\nCaff\u00e8 latte, usually just called a white coffee in England and traditionally a home-made Italian breakfast drink of coffee with heated milk added to it\nCaff\u00e8 Americano is the Italian take on American style coffee.\nCaff\u00e8 Hag, which has become synonymous with all decaffeinated coffee (Hag is a brand of decaf). Either ask for a caff\u00e8 Hag or a\u00a0deca, the result will be the same.\nTwo new coffees snaking their way into Italian life; the\u00a0mocaccino, a mixture of coffee and hot chocolate, and the\u00a0caff\u00e8 al Ginseng, said to enhance virility.\nAnd, saving the best for last, the\u00a0granita di caff\u00e8 con panna. This yummy coffee slushy is served with whipped cream or even without.\n\nThe post Indispensable Italian Coffee Primer appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2015-06-08T12:42:35-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-09-19T08:51:21-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Cappuccino_feature.jpg", "tags": [ "Archive", "Food", "Italian Culture" ] }, { "id": "http://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=1002", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/shopping-romes-unique-flea-markets.html", "title": "Shopping Rome\u2019s Unique Flea Markets", "content_html": "

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Romans love many things, and shopping is high on their list. To get a taste of bargain hunting, Italian style, why not visit a flea market or two?\u00a0Here we’ve compiled a list of five\u00a0interesting flea markets within this glorious city.

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One of the best known of the markets is the Porta Portese Sunday morning market, situated in Trastevere. The market is open until 1pm and you will be hard pressed to get around it all \u2013 it is absolutely enormous! If you\u2019re looking for a bargain, perhaps a handbag or stylish footwear, you\u2019ve reached the right place, but remember, \u201cIf it looks too good to be true, it probably is\u201d, \u00a0there are lots of fake designer goods. Alternatively there is a plethora of gorgeous vintage items which you\u2019ll find at the intersection of via Ippolito Nievo/via Ergisto Bezzi/Largo Francesco Anziani.

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Next on the list is the Borgo Parioli market, situated between Via Tirso 14 and Via Metauro 21, within one of Rome\u2019s most exclusive residential areas. There is a good chance you\u2019ll come across some really classy and classic bargains \u2013 perhaps some vintage jewelry or silverware if you\u2019re lucky. This is a weekend market, open on the first three weekends of the month, from 10am to 8pm.

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If clothes are your \u2018thing\u2019, a visit to the morning flea market of Via Sannio in the Porta San Giovanni area, should put a smile on your face. Here, you\u2019ll find a very good variety of new and vintage clothes as well as some truly gorgeous leather jackets and shoes. This market is open Monday through Saturday from 8am until 1pm.

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For all those who enjoy walking amongst unusual and interesting artifacts, the La Soffitta Sotto I Portici market, set up under the impressive Piazza Augusto Imperatore portico and just off the popular Via Del Corso, takes place every first, third, fourth and (when there is one) fifth Sunday of the month, with the exception of the month of August. On display are a vast array of collectibles of books, stamps, coins, antiques etc. This Rome flea market has become a reference point for Roman collectors.

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Saving one of the best markets for last, is the Mercato delle Stampe (meaning the Prints Market) in Piazza Borghese. For lovers of all things printed, this is the market for you. Within it, you\u2019ll be able to browse through books, including genuine, second hand and antiquarian ones, old prints, and back issues of specialist magazines. There is usually a plentiful variety of illustrated art books to spend time with. Open from Monday through Sunday from 7am to 1pm.

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There are just a few things to bear in mind when visiting any market. First of all, it\u2019s always a good idea to start early if you want to find\u00a0the best bargains. Secondly, don\u2019t carry\u00a0valuables with you; the flea markets are,\u00a0after all, a busy environment and things can easily get lost or \u2018be relieved\u2019 from you (in short, watch out for pickpockets!). Third, remember to barter! Italians are in their element when put to the test and you\u2019ll have lots of fun when attempting to get the best price. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes! You could be walking long distances and, on cobble-stoned streets, you won\u2019t want the additional distraction of sore feet! Remember not to get too carried away shopping; as tempted as you may be, don\u2019t buy more than you can carry home in your luggage. And last but not least, there is a good opportunity to sample some of Italy\u2019s local delicacies while you stroll through the markets. From savory \u201clupini\u201d beans to (in season) warm \u201ccaldarroste\u201d (roast chestnuts), you\u2019ll really feel part of the \u2018bella Italia\u2019 for the day!

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Photos by\u00a0A.\u00a0Kotok, A. Malatesta and D. Restivo\u00a0under Creative Commons

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The post Shopping Rome’s Unique Flea Markets appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

\n", "content_text": "Romans love many things, and shopping is high on their list. To get a taste of bargain hunting, Italian style, why not visit a flea market or two?\u00a0Here we’ve compiled a list of five\u00a0interesting flea markets within this glorious city.\n\n\nOne of the best known of the markets is the Porta Portese Sunday morning market, situated in Trastevere. The market is open until 1pm and you will be hard pressed to get around it all \u2013 it is absolutely enormous! If you\u2019re looking for a bargain, perhaps a handbag or stylish footwear, you\u2019ve reached the right place, but remember, \u201cIf it looks too good to be true, it probably is\u201d, \u00a0there are lots of fake designer goods. Alternatively there is a plethora of gorgeous vintage items which you\u2019ll find at the intersection of via Ippolito Nievo/via Ergisto Bezzi/Largo Francesco Anziani.\n\nNext on the list is the Borgo Parioli market, situated between Via Tirso 14 and Via Metauro 21, within one of Rome\u2019s most exclusive residential areas. There is a good chance you\u2019ll come across some really classy and classic bargains \u2013 perhaps some vintage jewelry or silverware if you\u2019re lucky. This is a weekend market, open on the first three weekends of the month, from 10am to 8pm.\nIf clothes are your \u2018thing\u2019, a visit to the morning flea market of Via Sannio in the Porta San Giovanni area, should put a smile on your face. Here, you\u2019ll find a very good variety of new and vintage clothes as well as some truly gorgeous leather jackets and shoes. This market is open Monday through Saturday from 8am until 1pm.\n\nFor all those who enjoy walking amongst unusual and interesting artifacts, the La Soffitta Sotto I Portici market, set up under the impressive Piazza Augusto Imperatore portico and just off the popular Via Del Corso, takes place every first, third, fourth and (when there is one) fifth Sunday of the month, with the exception of the month of August. On display are a vast array of collectibles of books, stamps, coins, antiques etc. This Rome flea market has become a reference point for Roman collectors.\n\nSaving one of the best markets for last, is the Mercato delle Stampe (meaning the Prints Market) in Piazza Borghese. For lovers of all things printed, this is the market for you. Within it, you\u2019ll be able to browse through books, including genuine, second hand and antiquarian ones, old prints, and back issues of specialist magazines. There is usually a plentiful variety of illustrated art books to spend time with. Open from Monday through Sunday from 7am to 1pm.\nThere are just a few things to bear in mind when visiting any market. First of all, it\u2019s always a good idea to start early if you want to find\u00a0the best bargains. Secondly, don\u2019t carry\u00a0valuables with you; the flea markets are,\u00a0after all, a busy environment and things can easily get lost or \u2018be relieved\u2019 from you (in short, watch out for pickpockets!). Third, remember to barter! Italians are in their element when put to the test and you\u2019ll have lots of fun when attempting to get the best price. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes! You could be walking long distances and, on cobble-stoned streets, you won\u2019t want the additional distraction of sore feet! Remember not to get too carried away shopping; as tempted as you may be, don\u2019t buy more than you can carry home in your luggage. And last but not least, there is a good opportunity to sample some of Italy\u2019s local delicacies while you stroll through the markets. From savory \u201clupini\u201d beans to (in season) warm \u201ccaldarroste\u201d (roast chestnuts), you\u2019ll really feel part of the \u2018bella Italia\u2019 for the day!\nPhotos by\u00a0A.\u00a0Kotok, A. Malatesta and D. Restivo\u00a0under Creative Commons\nThe post Shopping Rome’s Unique Flea Markets appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2015-05-18T15:57:35-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-09-19T08:56:52-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/RomeMarket.jpg", "tags": [ "Rome", "travel tips", "Archive", "Tourist Information", "Travel Planning" ] } ] }