|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
What's Going On In Italy
Mille Miglia Road Race, May 13-17
Enzo Ferrari, the legendary father of the sleek race car, called this "the world's greatest road race." Begun in 1927 as the result of a feud between the automobile clubs of Brescia and Milan, it continued as a bona fide endurance race until 1957, when a fatal crash put an end to the competition. Nowadays it is run annually as the world's most exciting vintage car road show. It is doubtful that the race is still 100 miles long, as claimed by its name, but what is guaranteed are the tens of thousands of fans who line the narrow country lanes and cobbled town streets to watch the colorful parade of 375 race cars, all made before 1950. This year the events start in Brescia on May 13, with a Holy Mass. The next morning, after the cars have been blessed by a papal delegate, they're off and running towards Ferrara, Sansepolcro, Rome, and Monteriggioni before crossing the finish line in Brescia. For more information and an exact itinerary, click here.
Gubbio's Candle Festival, May 15
 |
Held on the eve of the anniversary of the death of the patron St. Ubaldo, this ritual has time-honored traditions. The Ceri are three gigantic wooden structures weighing about 400 kilos each, surmounted by statues of St. Ubaldo, St. Giorgio and St. Antonio. Youths carry them on their shoulders from the historic part of the town to the top of Mount Ingino, where the basilica of the patron stands. The route is such that the ceri-bearers rush headlong through the streets; then face the arduous and tiring slope to the mount. They are followed throughout by an excited, cheering crowd. Imbued with very strong mystical overtones, the festival is one of the most unusual religious events in Italy. |
Pisa's Festival of Lights, June 16
| Each year on June 16, more than 70,000 candles are meticulously placed inside as many glass holders and set into whitewashed wooden scaffolds that frame all the buildings and bridges and ramparts along the tract of the Arno River that bisects Pisa. At sunset the sky darkens and the lights go on, creating a fairy-tale Renaissance kingdom that will take your breath away. Mirroring this fantasy are thousands of tiny lights bobbing on the river itself, as well as hundreds of oil lamps adorning the Leaning Tower. As if any more illumination were needed for this magical display, the celebration in honor of St. Ranieri culminates with fireworks! |  |
Nola's Lily Festival, June 28
This ancient tradition is as fascinating for its pageantry as for the incredible papier maché masterpieces the locals build for it each year. The occasion is a commemoration of the local saint, Paolino, who in 409AD turned himself in to a foreign ruler in exchange for a child who had been captured and taken into slavery. The story goes that Paolino then served as the ruler's slave for a number of years, until he was finally awarded his freedom; but this he agreed to accept only after the ruler had freed all the Nola townspeople who'd been forced into slavery by the ruler. When Paolino and the men returned to Nola, a small town in the Campania region, all the locals ran out to meet them carrying lilies. Today, the people of Nola create magnificent papier maché sculptures and parade them through town for this most poignant ceremony.
For information about other pageants and festivals throughout Italy, click here.
For information about special art exhibits, click here.
Also, it's time to think about summer music festivals and operas staged in spectacular settings! For information, click here.
New & Fun at In Italy Online
Private Transfers in Venice
Everyone wants to visit Venice but sometimes the logistics of it can be pretty daunting. After all, the streets are made of water! And you'd better think twice before whistling for a cab -- these private motor launches are fit for a king and sometimes cost a king's ransom too. For years we've been trying to find a reliable local company that would provide trustworthy service at a fair price, and finally, we've found it! Now we are thrilled to offer four different types of private transportation between Venice Airport, train station, cruise docks and hotels. The service ranges from low-cost semi-escorted to fully-escorted door-to-door, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. Find out more by clicking here.
Cell Phone Information for Italy
 |
Most people think of Italy as the world's best getaway destination, yet most people still need to be able to connect with what is going on back home. Many US phones work overseas -- but many don't -- and neither you nor even your provider can be sure until you get there and it's too late to fix any problem that may exist! Click here for expert advice on cell phone service in Italy. |
| 19th-Century Life in Tuscany |  |
| Brothers Leopoldo, Giuseppe and Romualdo Alinari were pioneers in photography, setting up shop in Florence over 150 years ago. While perfecting their skills in the brand-new art, they traveled down every dirt road in Tuscany, taking exquisite black-and-white pictures of i toscani as they went about their daily tasks in the fields, the vineyards, the barns, the livery stables and the big family farmhouses where today we spend our vacations. Next time you're in Florence or Rome or Milan, be sure to stop in and see some of their collection. In the meantime, enjoy our tiny collection by clicking here. |
Ostia Antica, The Better Pompeii!
We just can't say it enough: if you are thinking of visiting Pompeii, stop first and consider ancient Rome's seaport. It is only a 20-minute subway ride from Rome, it is far less crowded, the site itself is a gorgeous mix of tall umbrella pines, perfectly-preserved ruins, and faraway glimpses of the sea and, best of all, you can visit the entire city in a couple of hours. Instead of traipsing all the way down to Pompeii to see a tiny neighborhood of ruins, treat yourselves to a relaxing afternoon strolling along ancient streets past apartment houses, snack bars, restaurants, fire stations, public latrines, an entire ancient shopping mall, plus the requisite temples and forum, not to mention a real amphitheatre. And when you're done, walk across the street to visit an authentic 15th-century castle! Intrigued? Find out more by clicking here.
Greek Italy
 |
Not enough time to visit Italy AND Greece? No worries! Some of the most beautiful classical Greek temples and art in the world are actually to be found in Italy. Between the 8th and 5th centuries BC, the Greeks colonized the coastal parts of southern Italy and Sicily, creating a western empire called Magna Graecia. Today, the ruins of this civilization (which gave origin to our present-day alphabet, among other things) range from huge world-class sites -- such as Ortigia Island in Siracusa, or the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, or the three magnificent temples at Paestum -- to the odd foundation or tomb that you stumble across in the middle of an olive grove. If your travels will take you to southern Italy, find out more by clicking here. |
| "Angels & Demons" Walk Through Rome |  |
| If you read Dan Brown's best-selling prequel to "The Da Vinci Code," you know that the Vatican plays a central part in the mysterious plot. Join Americans Michael and Dennis, high school professors who have lived in Rome for almost 40 years, on a walk that traces the footsteps of Dr. Robert Langdon and Vittoria Vetra across Rome, visiting the spellbinding sites associated with the four primordial elements of all things in existence -- Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. It goes without saying that these are the same spots you'll see in the upcoming Tom Hanks movie. For more details, click here. |
Remember, In Italy Online is your one-stop shop for travel to Italy. With over 4000 pages of information, you can find just about everything you needed to know before you leave home. For an index to our site, click here.
Did you know that at In Italy Online we personally inspect each unique lodging that we offer, and we welcome to our site only those where we ourselves would happily spend a few days?
This year our prices are 20% to 40% lower than last year, and we will match any competitor's bona fide offer. And if you need any other reasons to reserve your trip through us, consider this:
Start by browsing the Special Offers available only for readers of In Italy Online. You'll find them on this page:
And here are three brand-new properties we are proud to introduce this month:
In Rome
 |
Old Roman Ghetto Apartment Very authentic and spacious apartment for 3+2 on a quiet street in the ancient Ghetto, halfway between Trastevere, Piazza Navona and the Forum; elevator; terrace; heating/air conditioning; washing machine; dishwasher. From 172. EURO/night; from 1087. EURO/week |
In Sorrento
 |
Sorrento Marina Grande Apartments Five modern apartments for 2-5 people each, on a quiet street near the water. Air conditioning, satellite TV, wireless Internet, washing machine. From 80 EURO/night |
On Lake Garda
 |
Gardone Centro Apartment Very large, well-furnished and panoramic apartment for 7 on the shores of the lake. Four bedrooms, central heating, partial air conditioning, washing machine, dishwasher, swimming pool 300 yards away, lake boats stop 50 yards from the house. From 320 EURO/night |
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:
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.
Enjoy seven days in the most authentic part of Italy's favorite region. You'll visit the quaint villages of Montepulciano, Siena, Pienza and Montalcino, see how wine is made in a historic Brunello winery, visit an ancient olive oil mill, delight to countless tastings of the local food and wine, and learn how to make your own Tuscan menus at four hands-on cooking lessons. Groups never exceed 12 people, and In Italy Online's exclusive low price for this unforgettable experience, including all food and unlimited wines, is only US$2400.-2650./person. Sign up now for the trip of a lifetime!
The Chianti is one of the loveliest little patches of this earth, and what better way to get to know it than by staying right at its heart and roaming among its enchanting villages, vineyards and castles on your own (with the help of detailed route maps, of course!)? This 4-night program includes all the Chianti experiences including tastings of wine, cheese and meats. Costs are kept way down -- and your individual freedom way up -- by using your own car. Only 495 Euro/person including lodgings, one dinner, and visits to wineries.
Treat yourselves to this 4-night independent full-immersion into la vita toscana. Travel at your own pace while discovering great art, perfectly manicured landscapes, abundant vineyards, comfortable stone houses with big fireplaces, foods that are as delicious as they are simple, and great wines to accompany all of the above. We have included just the right amount of exclusive activities you could never do on your own, so that you can experience all the things that make Tuscany one of the most magical places on earth. Only 505 Euro/person including lodgings, two dinners, and visits to wineries and a cheese farm.
Make plans to see at least one of the blockbuster temporary shows, but don't neglect the classics! We were the first to make it possible to book the Uffizi and the Accademia, and now we've added several more museums, plus Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper in Milan (which is the hottest ticket in Europe right now, by the way!). We also offer specialized guided tours of the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's in Venice.
If you're going to be landing in Naples, Livorno, Civitavecchia and/or Venice, consider these private day trips. They are much less expensive than those offered by the cruise lines, and our licensed guides are as fun as they are educational. 70.-650. Euro/person, including private car and driver and personal tour guide.
Find out all about Italy’s most famous pageant. Occurring annually on July 2 and August 16, it has been the fulcrum of this ancient city’s life for 600 years. To attend it is to immerse yourself into an atmosphere of excitement and magic like none other. In Italy Online is proud to be one of the very few vendors in the world to sell seats for this event. We are now selling seats for the Palios of July and August 2009. Hurry, July is almost sold out!
This is the best way to familiarize yourself with the lifestyle of Italy as well as its hidden secrets and unknown monuments. All activities are for private groups and are led by artists, historians, art historians and professors who combine a love of Italy past and present with a zestful approach for life that's sure to leave lasting memories long after your trip is over. To spend half a day with them is to become an Italian for a while. Be sure to browse their offerings before you leave home, and read what their former guests had to say about them.
Calling all parents! There are several articles on our site about Family Friendly Activities in Italy, including this page, where you'll also find the beginnings of a new mini-site we hope will interest your offspring. Read this page before you leave home: it's bound to add a little more fun to your kids' holiday.
You know the saying, "Insurance is like an umbrella: you take it so you won't have to use it." We represent Travel Insured, now offering coverage that will reimburse travel expenses even if you lose your job. All the "fine print" is online, as well as an order form and more general information to help you best protect your investment in your vacation. Please take a moment to read this page, for your own peace of mind on the road!
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 have well over 500 titles, including guidebooks, cookbooks, books for kids, novels, classics, biographies, memoirs, coffee table books, books about Italian-American heritage, Italian style, art history and history, genealogy research books, and more. Our collection includes the perfect gift for everyone -- even for yourself!
We have a wonderful selection, ranging from documentaries and travel films to such classics as Bicycle Thief, contemporary hits like Life is Beautiful and masterpieces like La Dolce Vita. Before you take your trip, select a few movies set in the areas you'll be visiting. This will help you visualize the places you want to see and things you want to do. Then when you get home you can watch the movies over and over to keep your own memories all the more fresh in your mind!
Whether you like old crooners, opera, wild rockers, baroque chamber music, or traditional folk tunes, we have something for you in our Italian Music Store. Browse the categories of Love Songs and Opera, or all the works of such favorites as Pavarotti, Bocelli, Ramazzotti and Battisti.
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.
If you're looking for something on our site that you just can't seem to find, the best solution is to start with:
With well over 4000 pages on our site now, sometimes even we don't remember where everything is! No matter what you're looking for, please start here. To make browsing even more enjoyable, we've added a little picture gallery to the page. This month's gallery is dedicated to the amazing Duomo of Milan.
If there's something specific you are looking for, try using our new search engine. Just enter the words or phrase (ie. Vatican Museum) that you want, and click "Search".
When you get to the actual planning stages of your trip, don't forget the regular features on our site:
In response to so many of your questions, we have put together some sample itineraries that you can do on your own. We've added information about how to get from place to place, how far it is between major destinations, how long to stay in each place and what order to visit them in. You'll also find tips about getting into Venice, taking the ferry to Sicily, moving around on the coast, and so on.
There is so much information on this page! Even if you don't book your accommodations through In Italy Online, you'll learn all about the differences between American and Italian hotels and apartments, and many other valuable tips about what to expect when you get to your casa italiana.
If you have time to look at only one page on our site, make it this one. It will help you create a very handy folder of information you might not care about now but might suddenly find yourself in desperate need of once you're on the road!
The very first thing you need to do when planning a trip is get good maps such as these. We use them for all our itinerary planning, our editor uses them on her semi-annual two-month marathon scouting trips, and the Italian government uses them for something that's probably classified. Well anyway, our editor could use any maps on earth, and these are the ones she packs. Here's her personal advice: if you're going to be driving in Tuscany, get several province maps rather than one regional map. You might spend $20. more now, but we think it's worth it to save countless hours of fear and frustration later.
Every single town in Italy is listed here, friends, so if you're having trouble finding a place, start here first.
Okay, it would be impossible for anyone to list all of these, but we offer a wide enough selection throughout the country for you to match your itinerary with at least one of these must-see events. We also offer a guidebook: for information, click here.
One of our favorite affiliates is a new specialist in wine tours in Tuscany, who will help you discover a hidden Tuscany. Wine tastings and Italian cooking lessons in Florence. Guided visit to wineries with wine tastings in the Chianti region. Wine shipping all over the world.
Cellular Abroad offers local cell phone rates many European destinations, including free incoming calls. They also have a convenient travel resources guide. Be sure to read this very informative article. It deals with the pitfalls and advantages or renting or buying a cell phone for your trip to Italy, and explains why it may often be the smartest way to keep in touch.
For the independent traveler who doesn't want to join a group but doesn't want to have to do everything on his or her own. Visit Sicily or Tuscany by private car or bicycle, concentrating on food or history or just plain having fun.
English-Italian electronic pocket translators for travelers offer reliable and accurate two-way English-Italian Full-text Machine Translation (of any phrase or text) with voice output! The world's most sophisticated Speech Recognition that understands exactly what you say and provides instant translation of words and phrases. Travel Voice PhraseBook translates and speaks 14,000 phrases using native-speaker voice narration.
Whether you want a full-blown program or just a half-day lesson with a chef or a grandmother, check out this page to see what we offer in Tuscany and Rome.
This is the part of our web site that put us on the map: over 2000 pages of articles with our favorite itineraries, in-depth reports and suggestions about off-the-beaten-track attractions in Italy. We've added more photographs and information, so spend some time here gleaning the hard facts about the areas you want to visit - you'll probably end up printing out a few pages to take along with you.
Over a hundred pages of hard-core information: how to use the telephones; how to use the post office; how to contact the provincial tourist boards; how to rent a cell phone; traffic regulations; the weather; English-language church services; shopping conversions; and so much more. Especially important is the section entitled "Trains, Planes, Ferries, Buses and Cars In Italy," a series of links to the sources with schedules, fares, and other useful information (including specific information about the major airports).
A treasure trove of consolations for travelers caught between trips! Recipes, North American museums with Italian art, universities with Italian programs, movies, videos and books about Italy.
You've asked for this for so long - finally we have it for you!
Our revised newsletter details how to stay at a convent. We've added dozens more places to stay throughout the country, with information about kinds of accommodations, amenities, prices, curfews and so on.