What's New In Italy
Summer Update, 2008

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Dear Friends of Italy,

Italians are usually thrilled at the arrival of summer -- unless of course it is marked by elimination from the European Soccer Cup! Yes, World Champion Italy was knocked out of the finals by Spain, for the first time in no less than 88 years, so don't be surprised if you see a lot of long faces and hear a lot of very heated arguments. Chances are 10 to 1 both will be caused by the magnificent Gianluigi Buffon's inability to block just one penalty kick at the end of four games. We personally don't think GL should take the blame. He's tied for the title of Best FIFA Goalkeeper of the past 20 years and, after his team lost its two best mid-fielders to penalties, the rest of the team just wasn't there for him. But uh-oh, we don't want to start one of those loud and endless discussions in this venue! So let's move on to some fun things you can keep an eye out for this summer:

CANINE LIFEGUARDS

In Italy, a day at the beach is much more than just going for a swim. The beach is a whole sub-culture for Mediterranean people, and as with everything else, the Italians have elevated it to the highest art form. You can choose a "wild" beach -- which means you'll park on a deserted patch of sand and trek through a pine forest to end up at a pristine stretch of sand or a rock-lined cove, where crystal-clear water awaits and few if any other humans disturb the peace -- or you can choose an "equipped" beach, which means you'll be joined by many other funlovers using the endless supply of toys and watercraft, and lounging in the skimpiest of bathing suits at the cafe or trattoria. If the latter is more to your liking (and for families it is definitely the way to go), then don't be surprised if you see a dog paddling around in the waves. This summer, 200 or more canine lifeguards will be patrolling the beaches and lakes along with the Italian Coast Guard, Air Force, Civil Protection and Red Cross. Each dog operates in tandem with a human, and they have already racked up an impressive number of saved lives. Want to know more? Click here (there's a Union Jack for those who'd prefer to read in English).

OVINE LAWNMOWERS

And while we're on the subject of animals in wacky places, don't be surprised if you run into a herd of sheep while roaming through the many parks of downtown Turin. For the second year in a row, this incredibly organized city has decided to save its taxpayers some money by "bringing on the sheep," who will graze for two months before heading off to a vacation in the mountains. No less than 700 adults and 16 newborn lambs have been recruited, and it's been such a success that we wager the furry grass-eaters will be showing up all over Italy next year. Which leads us to wonder if we'll soon see "Turin Park Chevre" on our local grocery shelves?

ZERO TRASH NETWORK

Italy may be famous for its ancient history and past glories, but it is in the forefront of modern innovations too. The latest is the Zero Trash Network project, which started in Tuscany and has spread all across the country. Each city that signs on commits to achieving zero garbage by a target date. So far the most ambitious is Capannori, on the northern coast of Tuscany just below Liguria, which has promised to be garbage-free by 2020. Some of the strategies include door-to-door garbage pick-up, a decrease in the use of dumps and incinerators, and creating ways to recycle and reuse 100% of garbage. The Mayor claims that in the first month of the program, recycling was up 65%, differentiated collection rose 5% and reached even the far-lying areas of the city, 35 new jobs were created and taxpayers saved 20% on fees -- all at no cost to anyone. So many other cities have joined the initiative that you might say the country is being hit by "Garbage Fever."


HOME OF EMPEROR AUGUSTUS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Lovers of ancient Rome have another treasure to behold: the home where future Roman Emperor Augustus lived in about 30 BC is now open to the public. The ruins were discovered in the 1970s but have been off-limits to the public until now. Experts say the frescoes decorating its four rooms -- a dining room, bedroom, reception hall and study -- are among the most splendid surviving examples of Roman wall paintings, on a par with those found in the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Archaeologists believe they may have been painted by an Egyptian. One of the four restored rooms is decorated with scenes of an elegant garden. Another, called the "room of the masks," has a theatrical theme featuring a trompe l'oeil stage with two doors ajar and comic masks peering from small windows overlooking a garden. Graffiti on one wall is believed to have been left by the builders, who seem to have sketched out geometric designs, possibly for mosaic floors, and left their names. The art is so delicate that no more than five visitors at a time will be able to enter the rooms. Nevertheless, they are expected to attract large crowds.

LIVE PLAYS IN ENGLISH AT THE ROMAN FORUM

Just down the hill from the Palatine, right inside the Forum itself, "The History of Rome, Part I" is a satyric take-off on some of ancient Rome's more salient characters including Romulus and Remus, Caesar, Cleopatra, Marc Antony, Nero and others. Performances are held every Friday at 7:30pm from June 20-August 8. Click here for details and a map.

OPERA AT THE VERONA ARENA

Looking for something a little more tragic? Attend an outdoor performance of Aida or Nabucco at the ancient Roman arena in Verona. The setting is unparalleled, the scenery is spectacular, the elephants are real and the whole experience is a once-in-a-lifetime treat. For schedules and tickets, click here.

RODEO ALL'ITALIANA?

Did you know that Italy has its own breed of bona fide cowboys, who so impressed Wild Bill Hickock that he hired many for his own Wild West Show? Each year on August 15, they stage an equestrian competition in the beautiful Maremma Regional Park near the coast halfway between Rome and Florence. They split into two teams, the Red Rose and the Yellow Rose, and then opposing riders face each other on horseback and try to tear off the other's team sash. With getaways and hand-to-hand battles in quick succession, the contest continues until all the competitors have faced each other. The winning team is the one which manages to take the most opposing roses. For details, call the Maremma Park Visitors' Center at (011-39) 0564-407098.

For information about many more local festivals throughout Italy, click here.

On July 25, 1943, Benito Mussolini was arrested and the Fascist era came to an end, for all intents and purposes. An ad hoc celebration of this historic event will be held in Rome this coming July 25, so don't be surprised if you see groups of people carrying banners, singing songs, banging pots and pans and shouting slogans all over the center of the city. The wildly popular comedian and political blogger Beppe Grillo has called upon his fans and others to join a march that will visit each of the 13 major political parties' national headquarters (shown on the attached map), to voice their opinions about the way things are going in modern Italy. Although his real name translates as "Joe the Cricket," Grillo is dead serious about politics and his blog enjoys a huge readership. You can find out about the reasons for the march (and much more) in English by clicking here. And don't worry about the march: there's nothing more Italian than a demonstration, so add it to your bag of holiday souvenirs!

What's New at In Italy Online

Italy 's Cleanest Beaches

Now here's something everyone wants to know! And by the way, if you haven't scheduled a day at the beach in your vacation, please reconsider! You may think it's a waste of valuable time but the truth is that a day at the beach is THE quintessential Italian activity and absolutely nothing like what we do at home. To pick the spot that best suits your tastes and itinerary, click here for a list of beaches that received the coveted blue flag from the Foundation for Environmental Education this year. Italy boasts no fewer than 104 of them!

Tuscany 's Nature Train

Here's a great way for your family to get out into the Tuscan countryside for a day even if you don't want to rent a car. In 1996 the province of Siena decided to revive an otherwise dead secondary railway line that crosses the haunting crete senesi, the clay hills and broad valleys where the prized Brunello di Montalcino is produced. Using vintage locomotives and passenger cars, the Nature Train completes a circle between Siena, Asciano and Monte Antico several times a day from spring to fall. Click here for details.

US Memorial Cemeteries in Italy

Something you might not have included in your plans is a visit to the cemetery -- but if you're driving around in Tuscany and Latium, a stop at one of the memorials dedicated to the US servicepeople who died liberating Italy in World War II is a very rewarding experience. One just outside Florence (on the road to the Chianti) holds 4402 graves of those who fought in northern Italy after the fall of Rome in 1994. For details about the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial, click here. On the coast just 38 miles south of Rome is the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial dedicated to the 7861 Americans who died in the battles of Sicily, Salerno and Anzio. Click here for details. Both are beautiful and moving sites.

Photo Album of Naples

Stretched out alongside one of the world's most beautiful bays, Naples is an old favorite with us. Colorful and lively, unpredictable and entertaining, it is the antithesis of Florence and the quintessential Italian city. To see wonderful pictures of Napoli, click here.

Centro Puccini Language Schools

We are pleased to welcome our newest partner, Centro Puccini, offering Italian courses that combine a beautiful holiday and a study vacation. Alternate a challenging program of study with some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy and some of the most important historical cities in the world. For details, click here.

Day Trip to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast from Rome

OK, we all know that there is just TOO much to see in Italy! If you want to make the most of your limited time, consider this private tour. The driver will pick you up at your Rome hotel and drive you to Pompeii, where you'll meet your guide for a fascinating two-hour full immersion at the ruins. After a spot of lunch, you'll continue on for a breathtaking drive along the Amalfi Coast, with stops in Positano and Amalfi. At the end of the day your driver will take you to your hotel in Naples, Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast. This tour can also be done in the reverse direction. For details, click here.

This month we have several new hand-picked unique lodgings to present to you. Did you know that at In Italy Online we personally inspect each property, and welcome to our site only those where we ourselves would happily spend a few days? Start your search for lodgings on our Special Offers page. Only for readers of In Italy Online, many of the hotels and villas we represent are offering special low rates for 2008 bookings. Be sure to check this page first:

When searching for places to stay in Italy, be sure to use our brand-new Amenity Search Feature. Not sure where you want to stay but it better have air conditioning? Or a swimming pool? Or Internet access? Then simply click the map for the region of your choice (say, Tuscany or Veneto or Sicily) and select all the amenities you desire. Our very handy engine will find the properties that offer what you want, and present you with a picture and a brief summary of each one. Click on the property name to see a detailed description, photo album, map, guest reviews, complete amenity chart and price details. Here is the selection of newcomers we are proud to welcome to our site this month :

In Sicily

Palermo Centro Hotel
Elegant classic hotel in the city center. Elevator, air conditioning, all amenities, restaurant. From 100.00 EURO/night

Sicilian Olive Estate
Elegant yet rustic estate only minutes from the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento; swimming pool [March-October]; restaurant; air conditioning; Internet point; satellite TV in the lobby. From 122. EURO/night

Marsala Country Resort
Upscale country retreat with views of the Mediterranean and the Egadi Islands; close to many fascinating Western Sicily sites; panoramic swimming pool, elevator, air conditioning, all amenities, restaurant open daily. From 100.00 EURO/night

Medieval Castle in Sicily
Your only chance to stay in an ancient castle in Sicily; extremely romantic; unbeatable hilltop views of the Mediterranean, the coastline and the islands; restaurant, air conditioning, satellite TV, Internet access, free parking. From 150. EURO/night

Villa Siciliana di Enna
Completely restored 18th-century aristocratic villa in the epicenter of Sicily; great for day trips to many sites; restaurant; air conditioning; two swimming pools; satellite TV. From 100. EURO/night

On Lake Como

Lake Como Vistas
Romantic hilltop residence surrounded by gardens with spectacular views of the lake. Three rooms and one apartment for a total of 9 people. Air conditioning, Internet access, breakfast available nearby. From 60. EURO/night; 350. EURO/week

On the Riviera

Santa Margherita Vistas
Classic seaside hotel in the center of town on the edge of the marina. Elevator, air conditioning, all amenities, restaurant. From 110.00 EURO/night

Santa Margherita Garden
Charming family-run hotel occupying a 19th-century palazzo in the heart of Santa Margherita, 100 yards from the sea. Elevator, air conditioning, restaurant, free parking. From 87.50 EURO/night

To save you loads of time when you're browsing through our hundreds of lodgings, we have created a summary page for each and every one of them. At a glance, you'll be able to see the general character, location (including a map), size, features, price range, minimum stay requirements, advantages, disadvantages and whether a car is required. Then, if it looks like this might be a place for you, we offer a photo album, more detailed description, details about pricing and conditions, and reviews from former guests. If you'd like us to make suggestions about where to stay , visit Our Favorite Properties. Or use the clickable map of Italy to view an index of all the lodgings in each region, including farm apartments, villas, historic residences, hotels and city apartments. Or, if you know the kind of atmosphere you're after (romantic, authentic, culinary, seaside, etc.), try our specialized itinerary maps, offering the same style of lodgings throughout the country. If you already know what property you're looking for but can't find its page, the easiest solution is to try our Index of Unique Lodgings. Remember that our prices always include everything - there are no hidden surprises you find out later.

• Italian Gift Shop

Not sure what to give your family and friends for the holidays? Be sure to visit our online bottega italiana for a vast range of gifts from your favorite country. We offer books, movies, gift baskets, calendars, posters, foods, wall displays and many more items guaranteed to thrill any Italophile on your list. Click here to start shopping!

We are also proud to offer some wonderful short programs for independent travelers. Combining self-guided itineraries, excellent lodgings, some meals and transfers, they are perfect for those who like to travel on their own but leave the planning to the experts. In Tuscany and on the Amalfi Coast, we offer:

• Self-Guided Tour of the Amalfi Coast

This just might be one of the most popular activities we have ever offered – if you read the Guest Reviews you’ll see why! Spend four days at a 4-star seaside resort hotel outside Ravello or Praiano and leave the driving to your hosts. They’ll pick you up at the airport or station and whisk you out to the coast, then take you to see Amalfi, Ravello, Positano, Capri, and Pompeii. You’ll tour on your own, at your own pace, but you won’t have to deal with crowded public transportation or – even worse! – with driving yourself on the Amalfi Coast! Prices start at 1115. Euro/person, including four nights accommodations and dinners, plus all excursions and transfers.

• The Food & Wine Lover's Southern Tuscany

What if you adore fine cuisine and wines but you don't want to spend your holiday learning to cook? Then this is the trip for you! This very special escorted tour was created for In Italy Online expressly to please the independent traveler who wants to delve deep into the lifestyle of Tuscany. For centuries la vita toscana has meant the following things: great art, perfectly manicured landscapes, entertaining anecdotes, comfortable stone houses with big fireplaces, foods that are as delicious as they are simple, and great wines to accompany all of the above. And there’s another element you may not know about: for millennia, the incredibly indulgent and healthy thermal spa experience has also been an integral part of life in central Italy. You will experience all these and much more on this 6-day trip, which is incredibly affordable at 1245. Euro/person, including all accommodations and excursions and, of course!, all meals with wine.

• Pictures of Italy

Whether you're trying to decide what part of the country to visit, or just hankering to relive the memories of your latest trip, pictures are the quickest way to get there. We have assembled a gallery with hundreds of colorful shots ranging from the Alps to the southern tip of Europe and featuring people, food, architecture, art, even the animals you'll encounter at the national parks! Be sure to bookmark the page so you can return often and visit the newest additions to the gallery.

• The Food & Wine Lover's Southern Italy

This is a six-night program for all those who really want to get off the beaten track. Okay, it does include one whole day on the Amalfi Coast! But it also features Paestum, considered by many to be the best preserved Greek temples in the world, and a host of charming hill towns where tourists rarely set foot, as well as a visit to a mozzarella farm, several wineries, a fantastic local market where you can buy just about anything under the sun for a fraction of the price in Florence, and a pizza lesson! Considering that the price includes lodgings in an exquisite boutique hotel, as well as unlimited food and wine, at 925 Euro/person it is the bargain of the year in Italy. Sign up now for the trip of a lifetime!