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Today, in Catholic tradition, is the Feast of the Annunciation, celebrating the day when the Angel Gabriel swept in and announced: THE DIVINE IS WITHIN YOU! Nine months later came Christmas. It’s no coincidence that both Florence and Venice chose March 25 as the date for their founding. Florence became a Republic in the 12th century, and traditionally celebrated their New Year on March 25, all the way up until the 18th century. This is still a day of grand parades and celebrations in the city. Venetians felt so connected to Mary that they chose the day to officially establish their Republic in 421AD.  TheyRead More →

Happy International Women’s Day! All over Italy on March 8, this holiday is celebrated with mimosa flowers, given by men to the women in their life, or by women to their friends. The flower represents strength, sensitivity, and resilience. It was chosen by Italian women to symbolize the holiday in 1946–a time when women’s contributions in World War II were recognized. International Women’s Day is a global day to celebrate all female achievements–past, present, and future. Courageous women began it in the early 1900s, holding demonstrations for the right to vote and for equal pay and working conditions.  The Union of Italian Women officially declared March 8 Women’s Day in 1945.TheRead More →

December 13 is the Feast of Saint Lucy Celebrate the Saint of Light and Sight, Italian Style On Saint Lucy’s Feast Day, Hope comes to dark winter days. The saint inspires us to see that there is light, even in the darkest times. The festa also brings me back to Siracusa, Sicily, and the island of Ortygia, where she is honored, along with other amazing females… Ortygia’s Duomo is built around the remains of a Greek Temple that honored the Goddess Athena, patron of Wisdom, Craftsmanship and Heroic Endeavors, who became Minerva to the Romans. Sprung from the head of Zeus, Athena was a realRead More →

Pre-Holiday Release! I’m grateful to be sending this new edition out into the world in the midst of our post-pandemic travel boom. It’s been wonderful on recent trips to see so many women reveling in the pleasures of Italy—some for the first time, others returning to discover new places. There’s a fresh appreciation for what a privilege it is to travel, inspiring us to truly savor every moment, slow down, stay longer, seek out hidden treasures and immersive experiences. I’m always thrilled to hear from travelers and readers how my advice enriched their Italy adventures. Decades ago I’d get postcards and phone calls from womenRead More →

My sisters and I had an extraordinary time traveling through Sicily with an AutoEurope Car Rental in springtime— on roads bordered by blooming ginestra and poppies. It’s wonderful to discover the island on a road trip, as there are so many beautiful places that can be complicated to reach by train or bus. And who wants complications on an Italian vacation? Auto Europe Car Rental made the adventure EASY – from their simple online reservation system to a clear contract with no hidden costs. I’ve rented with them for decades and they’ve always come through with the best prices and great customer service. Traveling byRead More →

A ferry ride from Naples, across  the sparkling sea, takes you to the wonderful island of Ischia. Ischia gives travelers a fabulous combination of La Dolce Vita glamour, rich history, and a folksy Neapolitan scene in its villages—along with fantastic southern Italian food—pizza, seafood pastas, and the best bruschetta al pomodoro I’ve ever eaten! You may have seen Ischia’s famous castle in the 1999 movie, “The Talented Mr. Ripley” or its beautiful beaches more recently, in episodes of HBO’s “My Brilliant Friend”. I fell in love with Ischia decades ago, when I arrived in Italy after a long trip from the USA. Like many travelers,Read More →

The magic of Venice expands beyond its borders, to the Veneto — a region rich with beauties and deliciousness. I admit it wasn’t easy to pull myself away from Venice and explore its surroundings. But since my first visit to Padua, over 20 years ago, I’ve been enchanted by all I’ve discovered — from breathtaking masterpieces of art and architecture to transformational spa experiences, and elegant towns that aren’t overcrowded with tourists. To add to its appeal, extraordinary tastes, beloved worldwide, originated in the Veneto — including tiramisu and prosecco. Come with me and wonderful women in June, for Extra Golden Days in the Veneto: ForRead More →

December 13 — Feast of Saint Lucy Celebrate the Saint of Light and Sight, Italian Style Today is Saint Lucy’s Feast Day, where Hope comes to dark winter days. The festa also brings me back to Siracusa, Sicily, and the island of Ortygia, where she is honored, along with other amazing females… Ortygia’s Duomo is built around the remains of a Greek Temple that honored the Goddess Athena, patron of Wisdom, Craftsmanship and Heroic Endeavors, who became Minerva to the Romans. Sprung from the head of Zeus, Athena was a real career goddess who did such great things as guide Odysseus home, think up theRead More →

Once spring is near, I start dreaming about Rome…and artichoke season. Here’s an excerpt from “Hungry for Italy”: “Order carciofi,” (pronounced car-CHO-fee), is what I tell travelers who ask for advice about Rome. Sure, you can run around oohing and aahing over the Forum, Colosseum, and Sistine Chapel, but for the True Roman Experience, you have to stop and taste the artichokes. From late February to early May, overflowing crates of these green and purple-tinged beauties from surrounding farmlands begin to appear in the Eternal City. Signoras in smocks sit in the open air Campo dei Fiori market, peeling Carciofi Romaneschi with their tiny knives, as if they’re made of butter. InRead More →

Happy International Women’s Day! All over Italy on March 8, this holiday is celebrated with mimosa flowers, given by men to the women in their life, or by women to their friends… It’s a global day to celebrate all female achievements–past, present, and future. Courageous women began it in the early 1900s, holding demonstrations for the right to vote and for equal pay and working conditions.  The Union of Italian Women officially declared March 8 Women’s Day in 1945.The scent of mimosas is everywhere, reminding us that spring is near… Girlfriends get together and have fun…and maybe get a little wild…with Mimosa cocktails… AND Mimosa cake… Every State-Owned Museum in Italy offersRead More →