Hi from rainy New York ….don’t know what it is but lately I am find myself taking a virtual trip around the world literally every single day. It might have been because I watched A Good Year for maybe the 20th time and it always gives me the travelbug (I soooo love that movie, if you haven’t seen it YOU MUST)! Almost every morning I wake up with a new idea and go to sleep with yet another ….I absolutely have the travelbug!? I have always wanted to just once? be one of those who very impromptu, decides to go on an exotic trip. Does that really truly happen or is it just in the movies? Sure sounds fun and adventurous:)
Just looking at travel pictures can totally take me away, I close my eyes and for a minute or two I will myself into wherever I am fantasizing about…whether it be biking through the rolling hills of Tuscany, sipping a cocktail on a luxurious patio overlooking the Aegean sea in Greece or partaking in an early morning yoga session in Fiji…see my mind does run away with me. But what fun to be able to travel through pictures and the internet, when you can’t get there in “real life”!
So……today starts a new series for as long as my travel bug is with me. Every week or two I will post on a new locale. Feel free to chime in on the conversation, if you have been there, or if you want to go. If you have then tell us all about it, what you loved, where you would go, where you stayed, I like details!
So today I start with Italy, one of my most favorite places on earth!? Don’t? know if its my insatiable love for pasta, their rich, colorful and lively culture/history or the fact that so much of what I love comes from Italy but this is always at the top of my travel list! I have been there 3 times but there are still many regions I have yet to explore and have such a longing to visit. So join me as we waltz through Italy…viva Italia!
This picture makes me want to click my heels and be in Italy right this very minute!? St. Peters’s Basilica, Vatican City..seeing is believing! People watching is always so entertaining and I got a kick out of seeing the older Italian woman lively conversing, and probably exchanging some cooking recipes…bet their kitchens smell good! Then there is the food……the best I have ever eaten! Even a visit to your local salami shop is a sheer delight! Tuscany…take me there now! The one place I really really want to go to! The famed Trevi Fountain in Roma……wow! This to me, is always a major highlight from a trip to Italy….the “street scenes” The ruins at the Coliseum….it is so incredible in person! Have I mentioned the food:) Yes it really is this beautiful……….. The Coliseum circa 1896, is such a powerful sight in person The gorgeous Hotel Daniele where we first stayed when we visited Venice…. The Forum, these? ruins are truly breathtaking when you catch that first glimpse The Sistine Chapel is a work of art that will never be able to be duplicated
A gondola ride is a must do when in Venice…..There are what seems like a million cafes just like this one for the quintessential dining al fresco Italian style…. The Vatican is an iconic sight that no matter how many times you have seen it, it will always remain magical
The magnificent Uffizi Museum in Florence, considered to be one of the most famous art museums in the Western world. Leave all diets back at home…this is a food town! ? Then there is the Italian Rivera, here is Camogla (never been but it sure looks incredible)! The Amalfi coast is so picturesque The beautiful famed Spanish Steps in Rome
The Vatican Museum is a true wonder to behold
This is? a place that would beckon me to go in…..so off I go, ciao!
If a trip is in your future, might I suggest one fabulous travel agent who “knows her stuff”…..Sandy of You may be wandering and of Singer Travel, click here to contact her.
? So……does this have you craving a trip Italian style? Me too! I would love to click my heels and be there right this minute….it is such a magical, history rich, fascinating country. The food, architecture, culture, music, shopping, everything about Italy is just incredible. Plus you have to love the passion that is bar none with the Italians…it is contagious while you are there. Have you been? If so what were your highlights? Any hotels you recommend? Restaurants that are must dos?
Its been about 9 years since we were there and I must say, creating this post made me realize we are way overdue for a trip back! (need to be sure my husbands sees this post pronto). ? The Vatican never gets old, it always gives me goosebumps so Rome is a must do, but we loved Florence and Venice is so iconic that its a must see for everyone at least once in their life, plus they refer to it as the sinking city, which I really hope is not happening as fast as some say, its such a national treasure. Your turn! Have you been? Want to go?? Thanks for stopping in….Ciao!
Good morning, Tina! Thank you SO much for the shout out! You know how much I love this kind of post! I, also, have a serious case of Italy wanderlust this week. Your photos are beautiful and make me feel as though I am there…thanks for the escape on this rainy Tuesday!
xoxo
Being decedent of Italians, this was a true treat! I love everything about that country– the language, the people, the food and the culture.. not to mention, football! Italians are passionate about life and I simply love that!
Thank you for sharing this with us, Tina… it was super!
Ahh, fabulous Italy. I am probably one of the luckiest women in the world because I have been 4 times. The highlight was my son’s wedding in Vicenza. It was a fairy tale wedding. The reahearsal dinner was at a venue so ancient that Galileo had been there hundreds of years ago. My son and his bride got to start their marriage in Italy and remained there for 3 years before coming stateside. How magical is that? They could travel to different European countries on holidays, . . . Barcelona, Paris, Croatia, Germany . . .Now I am hungry and want some great Italian wine. Prosecco anyone? Ciao!
Thank you for this getaway. We go to Italy every few years and are actually considering buying into the Exclusive Resorts club where we could visit Tuscany for 2-3 weeks a year! My favorite is Rome and we always stay at the Hassler, the epitome of Italian luxury. I agree that the Vatican no matter how many times you see it is as magical as the first- just incredible. Great post Tina.
As you can imagine I am smiling with delight at your beautiful pictures and love for Italy… and I feel very blessed to spend so much time there… oh la bella Italia, la mia favorita….
It is a very special place in the world….a place that is ALIVE !!! There are so so many beautiful parts of Italy, too many to name…some I have visited and some I haven’t, but all have their own very individual identity, culture and indeed recipes….
All I can say is you must return as soon as you can….al ritorno a Sorrento!!
Wishing you a wonderful day, un bacio x
Italy is like no other place on Earth. After vacationing there with my family, I was lucky enough to go back and spend 2 weeks there with my daughter at the end of her semester abroad. Those 2 weeks will remain a highlight of my life. We visited Rome, Venice, Verona and Naples. Then we spent one weekend backpacking and went to Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri. The Amalfi coast is truly one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Thank you for your post which brought back many wonderful memories. Ahhh, Italy 🙂
Tina italy was a dream for us when we were in cinqua terra. We walked along the cliffs in olive groves on the ligurian coast, made friends, spoke french and spanjsh with locals as they spoke in italian and we understood each other. It was heaven on earth and yes…the food! Anita
Thanks for these wonderful pictures, Tina, they bring back such great memories! What I love most about Italy is the history…I want to jump into a time machine whenever I’m there. Rome is so full of amazing history…I could never spend enough time there, and the Vatican never fails to take my breath away. Assisi is one of the most spiritual places I’ve ever been, and I’m drawn there on every trip…talk about stepping back in time, not to mention the magnificent views of Umbria (the most beautiful area of Italy that I’ve seen). But my heart belongs to Florence. In high school, I read “The Agony and the Ecstasy”, a biographical novel of Michelangelo by Irving Stone. From that point on, it became my life’s dream to see his works (you could call me a groupie). I’ve been so blessed to have my dream come true. Reading that book changed my life, and I recommend it to anyone I know going to Italy. Art and history truly come together in Florence like nowhere else, and every time I’m there I expect to turn a corner and see Michelangelo walking right toward me. Thanks again for the memories.
Italy is right at the top! We have been several times and so far the “Amalfi Coast” is my all time favorite. My “wish” is to rent a chateau for a month and take day trips…aaahhhh! franki p.s. travel worthy photos!!!
I visited Italy a few years ago and can’t wait to go back. Of course, the food was my favorite thing. I had the best pizza ever at a place called iL Boscaiolo. We went there so many times that the owner gave us all cute aprons from the restaurant!
Tks for posting such beautiful pics. Have been to Italy several times, truly most favorite place on earth. Best memory is Ravello on Amalfi Coast at the Hotel Caruso, sipping bellini’s with our son and his fiancee (now wife) celebrating our son’s graduation from Law School several years ago.
Doesn’t get much better than that. Would go back in a New York minute, however white knuckled drive up those cliffs, sooo worth it, the food, the views, the pistachio gelato I could go on and on, and oh the lemons!!
Tks again for bringing back such memories, need to make more.
Turino, Verona, Florence are all favorite cities. My husband is Italian and still has family there so we look for any excuse to go and do go on average once a year. My son will be doing a semester abroad in Florence in the fall so of course that is a great excuse to go back yet again.
The Amalfi coast is like a fairytale, we stayed at Palazzo Avino and didn’t want to leave, it was incredible.
If you ever get the chance to attend the Gelato festival, you should its a hoot. La Maremma prepared one of the best meals we have honestly ever eaten, I could go on and on. There is nothing like Italy, great pictures!
Yes,
it is a SPECIAL place!Especially for this WANT~TA~BE CONTESSA!I was married there?..in FLORENCE in SAN MINIATO AL MONTE.Above the alter where the MONKS would sing!I lived there for three years back in the early 90’s.I married a MAN from ROME who was born down by NAPLES but grew up in the CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS!By the way, your SPANISH STEPS are in ROMA not FIRENZE!!The whole country is MAGICAL and this AMERICAN did not want to leave when it came time to depart!I fell in love with everything ITALIAN.I believe it made me who I am today!There is nothing ugly about HER. BELLA ITALIA BELLA????.time for you to go back TINA!
I loved Italy too. My dream life would be when my husband retires, I would love to go there for 3-6 months and live in a quaint village and get to know the people. I loved the food, wine, art, everything! Beautiful post! But, I think the Spanish steps are in Roma, right?
OMG! Love, love Italy! Not blessed with high metabolism but I have been to Italy twice! (not including time up to age 6 1/2 when we lived in Napoli). Two must do’s: Riding Vespas in Tuscany thru the incredible Bike Tour Tuscany. A family photo mid day turned into our best New Year’s card yet! Also, a very cherished day with my daughter and Maribel, owner of Taste of Italy. She gives cooking classes at her lovely home in Bologne. A full day event and worth it!! My daughter did a semester abroad at Universite de Bologne & speaks fluent Italian. Cinque Terre is another must see. Don’t worry about eating too much. With so many gorgeous sites and shopping, the calories burn off there, like the ink on my American Express card!
I had the priviledge to go to Italy when I was 15 with my Grandmother. It was AWESOME and I’ve wanted to go back ever since. Actually I’d love to live there one day… may be! If you have the opportunity I say GO!!!! you won’t regret it. The pictures don’t do it justice. Italy should be on everyone’s bucket list. The food, the wine, the art, the history it’s just amazing. When you see those buildings still standing and think about how they were made – with hand tools! The artistry of the sculptors I just get goose bumps! Thanks for sharing!
Tina you are lucky to have been a few times I went the first time 2 years ago and haven’t stopped dreaming of it since. I don’t know why we didn’t go to Italy sooner. I am young, 29 so feel like I have many years to travel but cannot believe it took me that long to get to a place that is like heaven. I liked it much more than France, the people, food and history really appeals to me.
We loved Venice for its uniqueness and Positano for feeling like we stepped back to a wonderful time. Love Italy!
Well, I both loved you, and disliked you a little bit after reading your email. Ever since I watched under the Tuscan sun I have been obsessed with living in TUSCANY!! That is why I loved seeing the photos you posted, disliked it because I SHOULD BE THERE!!!!! We built a new house a few years ago, I created, what I could, my Tuscan home in the New Brunswick Canada. My husband said, before I die he will get my body on Tuscan soil!!!!! He has no idea that if my body gets on Tuscan soil, it will never leave. He can choose to stay with me if he wants to. But I am not going to budge!!!! So thank you for the wonderful photos, they will be bookmarked into my Tuscan decor file!!!!
With some snow on the ground, escaping to sunny warm beautiful Italy sounds like a dream come true. The last time we were there was to visit my son who was there for a semester abroad and we got to spend an amazing 3 weeks traveling all over the country. The Amalfi Coast, Verona and Florence were our three favorite spots with many many wonderful meals everywhere we visited. I so love and admire the passion and love in everything the Italians do. It is something I think us Americans can learn from…..
Looking at the pictures transported me back to last summer when we traveled to Italy to celebrate our 30th anniversary… We stayed in Tuscany at Montegufoni Castle and spent time in Rome, Florence, Siena, and The Cinque Terra. We traveled on to Verenna on Lake Como and then finished our vacation in Venice. It was all so beautiful and when people ask us about our favorite place, we cannot pick just one. It was all wonderful and I sure hope that we will be able to go again soon!
Oh how I love Italy!! Your pictures capture the esprit so well, bravissima! Our most recent trip wasVenice, and my best tip is to stroll the streets after dinner, when there are no tourists around!
Tina the sidewalk cafes and the “street scene” is to me the very best part about a trip to Italy. Just taking in and soaking up the culture and spirit of the Italian people is something not to be missed and something I think every one should do at least once in their lifetime. I love Italy and have had the good fortune to live there for 6 months (when I was in my 20’s) and have visited many times since then. We continue to discover something new each and every time.
I LOVE Italy!!! My favorite places are Rome, Venice, Verona Bologna, Oriveitto, Florence and so many more. I never tire of the food, the people the landscape and more!
OK…..I got chills when I started reading your post. Then, got excited because we are planning a trip to Florence and Rome this summer. Then, got a huge grin when I saw your shout out for Sandy, because she and I have been working on my trip for months together!!!! I have a final itinerary and could not be more excited or say enough wonderful things about working with her. She is SO helpful and professional. It’s been more than 20 years since I’ve been to Italy (yes, as a recent college grad) and now taking our sons, I needed to be sure and prepare for this trip. I see at as a vacation, yes, but also as part of my sons’ education. Uffizi, Vatican, Tuscany, Gelato making, Gladiator training…we’re doing it all!!!
The one thing I need is suggestions on where to shop in Florence, so I don’t get sucked into any tourist traps, so if you readers have ideas…I’m all ears!
xoxo Elizabeth
Ah! Italia! I’m so fortunate to have been a few times; once with a friend whose Mama still has an apartment in a small town named Fano in Le Marche region. What a treat to experience Italia as the Italians do; shopping during market day and washing our bathing suits in the bidet! We travelled to many small towns such as Urbino, Pesaro, San Marino (where we attended a Medival Festival that I absolutely must go back to and stay for more than 1 day!), beautiful Venice and Roma. Our last trip was to Milano, Tremezzo and Bellagio where we took ferries across the beautiful Lake Como to the small towns bordering the Lake.
In Venice we also stayed at the Hotel Danieli and in Tremezzo we stayed at Grand Hotel Tremezzo which is a great central location for touring.
My son is beginning a semester abroad in September and we hope to visit Amalfi while there….Or Sicily…Or Cinque Terre…Or Varenna…Or Capri….Or Sardenia…I’m dreaming of it everyday!
Buona Notte!
We have been lucky enough to visit Italy and it is one our favorite places. We haven’t been to the coastline, so a return visit is a must. Gorgeous images, Tina!!
What a fun new series, Tina! I always have a bad case of travelbugitis, so I totally know exactly what you mean. It’s been a few years since we’ve been to Italy, but every visit there has been absolutely magic. My favorite hotel, the Borgo Santo Pietro is in Tuscany and I would love to find myself there again in it’s perfect rose gardens eating a pizza (best ever) and washing it down with a bottle of local wine. In Rome there is a group called Roma Subterrenea who will take you on an underground tour of the city – something not many people see and so fascinating. Now you have me wondering when we can get back, I’m ready for a little dolce vita! XOXO
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Hi from rainy New York ….don’t know what it is but lately I am find myself taking a virtual trip around the world literally every single day. It might have been because I watched A Good Year for maybe the 20th time and it always gives me the travelbug (I soooo love that movie, if you haven’t seen it YOU MUST)! Almost every morning I wake up with a new idea and go to sleep with yet another ….I absolutely have the travelbug!? I have always wanted to just once? be one of those who very impromptu, decides to go on an exotic trip. Does that really truly happen or is it just in the movies? Sure sounds fun and adventurous:)
Just looking at travel pictures can totally take me away, I close my eyes and for a minute or two I will myself into wherever I am fantasizing about…whether it be biking through the rolling hills of Tuscany, sipping a cocktail on a luxurious patio overlooking the Aegean sea in Greece or partaking in an early morning yoga session in Fiji…see my mind does run away with me. But what fun to be able to travel through pictures and the internet, when you can’t get there in “real life”!
So……today starts a new series for as long as my travel bug is with me. Every week or two I will post on a new locale. Feel free to chime in on the conversation, if you have been there, or if you want to go. If you have then tell us all about it, what you loved, where you would go, where you stayed, I like details!
So today I start with Italy, one of my most favorite places on earth!? Don’t? know if its my insatiable love for pasta, their rich, colorful and lively culture/history or the fact that so much of what I love comes from Italy but this is always at the top of my travel list! I have been there 3 times but there are still many regions I have yet to explore and have such a longing to visit. So join me as we waltz through Italy…viva Italia!
This picture makes me want to click my heels and be in Italy right this very minute!
? St. Peters’s Basilica, Vatican City..seeing is believing! 
People watching is always so entertaining and I got a kick out of seeing the older Italian woman lively conversing, and probably exchanging some cooking recipes…bet their kitchens smell good! 
Then there is the food……the best I have ever eaten! 
Even a visit to your local salami shop is a sheer delight! 
Tuscany…take me there now! The one place I really really want to go to!
The famed Trevi Fountain in Roma……wow! 
This to me, is always a major highlight from a trip to Italy….the “street scenes”
The ruins at the Coliseum….it is so incredible in person! 
Have I mentioned the food:)
Yes it really is this beautiful……….. 
The Coliseum circa 1896, is such a powerful sight in person 
The gorgeous Hotel Daniele where we first stayed when we visited Venice…. 
The Forum, these? ruins are truly breathtaking when you catch that first glimpse 
The Sistine Chapel is a work of art that will never be able to be duplicated 
A gondola ride is a must do when in Venice…..
There are what seems like a million cafes just like this one for the quintessential dining al fresco Italian style…. 
The Vatican is an iconic sight that no matter how many times you have seen it, it will always remain magical
The magnificent Uffizi Museum in Florence, considered to be one of the most famous art museums in the Western world.
Leave all diets back at home…this is a food town! ? 
Then there is the Italian Rivera, here is Camogla (never been but it sure looks incredible)! 
The Amalfi coast is so picturesque 
The beautiful famed Spanish Steps in Rome
The Vatican Museum is a true wonder to behold
This is? a place that would beckon me to go in…..so off I go, ciao!
If a trip is in your future, might I suggest one fabulous travel agent who “knows her stuff”…..Sandy of You may be wandering and of Singer Travel, click here to contact her.
? So……does this have you craving a trip Italian style? Me too! I would love to click my heels and be there right this minute….it is such a magical, history rich, fascinating country. The food, architecture, culture, music, shopping, everything about Italy is just incredible. Plus you have to love the passion that is bar none with the Italians…it is contagious while you are there. Have you been? If so what were your highlights? Any hotels you recommend? Restaurants that are must dos?
Its been about 9 years since we were there and I must say, creating this post made me realize we are way overdue for a trip back! (need to be sure my husbands sees this post pronto). ? The Vatican never gets old, it always gives me goosebumps so Rome is a must do, but we loved Florence and Venice is so iconic that its a must see for everyone at least once in their life, plus they refer to it as the sinking city, which I really hope is not happening as fast as some say, its such a national treasure. Your turn! Have you been? Want to go?? Thanks for stopping in….Ciao!
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Good morning, Tina! Thank you SO much for the shout out! You know how much I love this kind of post! I, also, have a serious case of Italy wanderlust this week. Your photos are beautiful and make me feel as though I am there…thanks for the escape on this rainy Tuesday!
xoxo
Ciao bella! 🙂
Being decedent of Italians, this was a true treat! I love everything about that country– the language, the people, the food and the culture.. not to mention, football! Italians are passionate about life and I simply love that!
Thank you for sharing this with us, Tina… it was super!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Ahh, fabulous Italy. I am probably one of the luckiest women in the world because I have been 4 times. The highlight was my son’s wedding in Vicenza. It was a fairy tale wedding. The reahearsal dinner was at a venue so ancient that Galileo had been there hundreds of years ago. My son and his bride got to start their marriage in Italy and remained there for 3 years before coming stateside. How magical is that? They could travel to different European countries on holidays, . . . Barcelona, Paris, Croatia, Germany . . .Now I am hungry and want some great Italian wine. Prosecco anyone? Ciao!
Thank you for this getaway. We go to Italy every few years and are actually considering buying into the Exclusive Resorts club where we could visit Tuscany for 2-3 weeks a year! My favorite is Rome and we always stay at the Hassler, the epitome of Italian luxury. I agree that the Vatican no matter how many times you see it is as magical as the first- just incredible. Great post Tina.
Buongiorno cara Tina…
As you can imagine I am smiling with delight at your beautiful pictures and love for Italy… and I feel very blessed to spend so much time there… oh la bella Italia, la mia favorita….
It is a very special place in the world….a place that is ALIVE !!! There are so so many beautiful parts of Italy, too many to name…some I have visited and some I haven’t, but all have their own very individual identity, culture and indeed recipes….
All I can say is you must return as soon as you can….al ritorno a Sorrento!!
Wishing you a wonderful day, un bacio x
Italy is like no other place on Earth. After vacationing there with my family, I was lucky enough to go back and spend 2 weeks there with my daughter at the end of her semester abroad. Those 2 weeks will remain a highlight of my life. We visited Rome, Venice, Verona and Naples. Then we spent one weekend backpacking and went to Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri. The Amalfi coast is truly one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Thank you for your post which brought back many wonderful memories. Ahhh, Italy 🙂
Tina italy was a dream for us when we were in cinqua terra. We walked along the cliffs in olive groves on the ligurian coast, made friends, spoke french and spanjsh with locals as they spoke in italian and we understood each other. It was heaven on earth and yes…the food! Anita
Thanks for these wonderful pictures, Tina, they bring back such great memories! What I love most about Italy is the history…I want to jump into a time machine whenever I’m there. Rome is so full of amazing history…I could never spend enough time there, and the Vatican never fails to take my breath away. Assisi is one of the most spiritual places I’ve ever been, and I’m drawn there on every trip…talk about stepping back in time, not to mention the magnificent views of Umbria (the most beautiful area of Italy that I’ve seen). But my heart belongs to Florence. In high school, I read “The Agony and the Ecstasy”, a biographical novel of Michelangelo by Irving Stone. From that point on, it became my life’s dream to see his works (you could call me a groupie). I’ve been so blessed to have my dream come true. Reading that book changed my life, and I recommend it to anyone I know going to Italy. Art and history truly come together in Florence like nowhere else, and every time I’m there I expect to turn a corner and see Michelangelo walking right toward me. Thanks again for the memories.
Italy is right at the top! We have been several times and so far the “Amalfi Coast” is my all time favorite. My “wish” is to rent a chateau for a month and take day trips…aaahhhh! franki p.s. travel worthy photos!!!
I visited Italy a few years ago and can’t wait to go back. Of course, the food was my favorite thing. I had the best pizza ever at a place called iL Boscaiolo. We went there so many times that the owner gave us all cute aprons from the restaurant!
Tina,
Tks for posting such beautiful pics. Have been to Italy several times, truly most favorite place on earth. Best memory is Ravello on Amalfi Coast at the Hotel Caruso, sipping bellini’s with our son and his fiancee (now wife) celebrating our son’s graduation from Law School several years ago.
Doesn’t get much better than that. Would go back in a New York minute, however white knuckled drive up those cliffs, sooo worth it, the food, the views, the pistachio gelato I could go on and on, and oh the lemons!!
Tks again for bringing back such memories, need to make more.
Jackie
Turino, Verona, Florence are all favorite cities. My husband is Italian and still has family there so we look for any excuse to go and do go on average once a year. My son will be doing a semester abroad in Florence in the fall so of course that is a great excuse to go back yet again.
The Amalfi coast is like a fairytale, we stayed at Palazzo Avino and didn’t want to leave, it was incredible.
If you ever get the chance to attend the Gelato festival, you should its a hoot. La Maremma prepared one of the best meals we have honestly ever eaten, I could go on and on. There is nothing like Italy, great pictures!
Yes,
it is a SPECIAL place!Especially for this WANT~TA~BE CONTESSA!I was married there?..in FLORENCE in SAN MINIATO AL MONTE.Above the alter where the MONKS would sing!I lived there for three years back in the early 90’s.I married a MAN from ROME who was born down by NAPLES but grew up in the CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS!By the way, your SPANISH STEPS are in ROMA not FIRENZE!!The whole country is MAGICAL and this AMERICAN did not want to leave when it came time to depart!I fell in love with everything ITALIAN.I believe it made me who I am today!There is nothing ugly about HER. BELLA ITALIA BELLA????.time for you to go back TINA!
I loved Italy too. My dream life would be when my husband retires, I would love to go there for 3-6 months and live in a quaint village and get to know the people. I loved the food, wine, art, everything! Beautiful post! But, I think the Spanish steps are in Roma, right?
OMG! Love, love Italy! Not blessed with high metabolism but I have been to Italy twice! (not including time up to age 6 1/2 when we lived in Napoli). Two must do’s: Riding Vespas in Tuscany thru the incredible Bike Tour Tuscany. A family photo mid day turned into our best New Year’s card yet! Also, a very cherished day with my daughter and Maribel, owner of Taste of Italy. She gives cooking classes at her lovely home in Bologne. A full day event and worth it!! My daughter did a semester abroad at Universite de Bologne & speaks fluent Italian. Cinque Terre is another must see. Don’t worry about eating too much. With so many gorgeous sites and shopping, the calories burn off there, like the ink on my American Express card!
I had the priviledge to go to Italy when I was 15 with my Grandmother. It was AWESOME and I’ve wanted to go back ever since. Actually I’d love to live there one day… may be! If you have the opportunity I say GO!!!! you won’t regret it. The pictures don’t do it justice. Italy should be on everyone’s bucket list. The food, the wine, the art, the history it’s just amazing. When you see those buildings still standing and think about how they were made – with hand tools! The artistry of the sculptors I just get goose bumps! Thanks for sharing!
Oh my goodness, Tina! Such a gorgeous post.
Is there a more beautiful place than Italy? And the pizza looks wonderful.
Happy Tuesday.
Teresa
xoxo
Tina you are lucky to have been a few times I went the first time 2 years ago and haven’t stopped dreaming of it since. I don’t know why we didn’t go to Italy sooner. I am young, 29 so feel like I have many years to travel but cannot believe it took me that long to get to a place that is like heaven. I liked it much more than France, the people, food and history really appeals to me.
We loved Venice for its uniqueness and Positano for feeling like we stepped back to a wonderful time. Love Italy!
Well, I both loved you, and disliked you a little bit after reading your email. Ever since I watched under the Tuscan sun I have been obsessed with living in TUSCANY!! That is why I loved seeing the photos you posted, disliked it because I SHOULD BE THERE!!!!! We built a new house a few years ago, I created, what I could, my Tuscan home in the New Brunswick Canada. My husband said, before I die he will get my body on Tuscan soil!!!!! He has no idea that if my body gets on Tuscan soil, it will never leave. He can choose to stay with me if he wants to. But I am not going to budge!!!! So thank you for the wonderful photos, they will be bookmarked into my Tuscan decor file!!!!
Gorgeous! Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂 (Aren’t the Spanish Steps in Rome?) Makes me want pizza asap!
Thanks for the vacation I needed that!!
Just what I needed today Tina, , thank you so much for this inspiration and a virtual getaway, so fabulous!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
With some snow on the ground, escaping to sunny warm beautiful Italy sounds like a dream come true. The last time we were there was to visit my son who was there for a semester abroad and we got to spend an amazing 3 weeks traveling all over the country. The Amalfi Coast, Verona and Florence were our three favorite spots with many many wonderful meals everywhere we visited. I so love and admire the passion and love in everything the Italians do. It is something I think us Americans can learn from…..
This was me…
Pretty…
Pretty…
Pretty…
PIZZA! LOL!
Somehow you fell of my blog list? Hmm…
xo
Andie
Looking at the pictures transported me back to last summer when we traveled to Italy to celebrate our 30th anniversary… We stayed in Tuscany at Montegufoni Castle and spent time in Rome, Florence, Siena, and The Cinque Terra. We traveled on to Verenna on Lake Como and then finished our vacation in Venice. It was all so beautiful and when people ask us about our favorite place, we cannot pick just one. It was all wonderful and I sure hope that we will be able to go again soon!
Oh how I love Italy!! Your pictures capture the esprit so well, bravissima! Our most recent trip wasVenice, and my best tip is to stroll the streets after dinner, when there are no tourists around!
Tina the sidewalk cafes and the “street scene” is to me the very best part about a trip to Italy. Just taking in and soaking up the culture and spirit of the Italian people is something not to be missed and something I think every one should do at least once in their lifetime. I love Italy and have had the good fortune to live there for 6 months (when I was in my 20’s) and have visited many times since then. We continue to discover something new each and every time.
I LOVE Italy!!! My favorite places are Rome, Venice, Verona Bologna, Oriveitto, Florence and so many more. I never tire of the food, the people the landscape and more!
OK…..I got chills when I started reading your post. Then, got excited because we are planning a trip to Florence and Rome this summer. Then, got a huge grin when I saw your shout out for Sandy, because she and I have been working on my trip for months together!!!! I have a final itinerary and could not be more excited or say enough wonderful things about working with her. She is SO helpful and professional. It’s been more than 20 years since I’ve been to Italy (yes, as a recent college grad) and now taking our sons, I needed to be sure and prepare for this trip. I see at as a vacation, yes, but also as part of my sons’ education. Uffizi, Vatican, Tuscany, Gelato making, Gladiator training…we’re doing it all!!!
The one thing I need is suggestions on where to shop in Florence, so I don’t get sucked into any tourist traps, so if you readers have ideas…I’m all ears!
xoxo Elizabeth
Ah! Italia! I’m so fortunate to have been a few times; once with a friend whose Mama still has an apartment in a small town named Fano in Le Marche region. What a treat to experience Italia as the Italians do; shopping during market day and washing our bathing suits in the bidet! We travelled to many small towns such as Urbino, Pesaro, San Marino (where we attended a Medival Festival that I absolutely must go back to and stay for more than 1 day!), beautiful Venice and Roma. Our last trip was to Milano, Tremezzo and Bellagio where we took ferries across the beautiful Lake Como to the small towns bordering the Lake.
In Venice we also stayed at the Hotel Danieli and in Tremezzo we stayed at Grand Hotel Tremezzo which is a great central location for touring.
My son is beginning a semester abroad in September and we hope to visit Amalfi while there….Or Sicily…Or Cinque Terre…Or Varenna…Or Capri….Or Sardenia…I’m dreaming of it everyday!
Buona Notte!
I would love to go…I have never been to Europe…its on my bucket list!
Tina,
Love to travel, too! BTW, did you post a winner of the pet pictures, or have the poll – I think I missed the whole thing!
We have been lucky enough to visit Italy and it is one our favorite places. We haven’t been to the coastline, so a return visit is a must. Gorgeous images, Tina!!
What a fun new series, Tina! I always have a bad case of travelbugitis, so I totally know exactly what you mean. It’s been a few years since we’ve been to Italy, but every visit there has been absolutely magic. My favorite hotel, the Borgo Santo Pietro is in Tuscany and I would love to find myself there again in it’s perfect rose gardens eating a pizza (best ever) and washing it down with a bottle of local wine. In Rome there is a group called Roma Subterrenea who will take you on an underground tour of the city – something not many people see and so fascinating. Now you have me wondering when we can get back, I’m ready for a little dolce vita! XOXO