As anyone who has ever traveled to Italy knows, movies like Under The Tuscan Sun, Letters To Juliette, and others are simply fuel for the fire of passion that is kindled once the visitor has had a taste of La Dolce Vita. After several years, and many trips to visit friends in Tuscany, Kyle Ball decided she wanted to buy a house in the Bel paese, or the beautiful country. Inexplicably, she was moved to buy an abandoned church in a tiny village near Greve in Chianti. Further, she spent untold amounts of money renovating it.

Think you know Rome? Here's a fabulous book that will show you SO much more to do, explore, eat, and learn than you ever thought possible. 103 Other Adventures* In and Around Rome - *Beyond the biggies like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican is written by Bill Richards (whom you've met here before, with Family on the Loose columns and books!) and Silvia Prosperi.

Whether you're new to exploring Rome or an old hand, there is so much packed into this unassuming TARDIS of a book.

Let me tell you about my new favorite book, How to Be Italian: Eat, Drink, Dress, Travel, and Love la dolce vita. It is beautifully written by Maria Pasquale, the author of I Heart Rome. Born to Italian parents, Maria always knew Rome was her destiny, although she was raised in Melbourne. With a formal background in political science and history, she is now an award-winning food and travel writer and journalist and contributes regularly to USA Today, CNN, Condé Nast, and The Telegraph.

Your dream is to move to Italy...now where to begin?! This VIRTUAL crash course on how to move to Italy is one-on-one with Ashley & Jason Bartner (owners of La Tavola Marche), American expats living in Italy for almost 15 years. We personalize each workshop based on your goals, timeline, and questions, and offer you the tools & insider information you need for a successful start to your new life in Italy!

Established in 2020, Dantedì is the Italian national day dedicated to Dante Alighieri. The date of March 25 was chosen because it was recognized by scholars as the day on which the poet embarked on his journey in the afterlife in the Divine Comedy.

If you're like me, and want to discover the most colorful, quirky things on your journeys, Italy is full of them. If you're looking for day trips from Florence that fulfill these criteria (because, let's face it, another travel criteria, good food, abounds in Italy!), here are 2 of my favorites.

Travel doesn’t need to be expensive! This is especially true in Florence, Italy. Whether you’re a college student studying abroad, a faculty member on sabbatical, looking for family travel activities that don’t break the bank, or a budget-minded traveler, finding the free is ALWAYS a good thing, so that you have room in your travel budget for accommodations, interesting tours, and, of course, great food.

Italy...the land of gastronomy and cool Mediterranean waters is currently the third most visited country in Europe. The captivating country is divided into 20 different regions, and is interconnected by an extensive rail system that is not only efficient, but also budget friendly. Fast trains, such as Italo and Trenitalia, are apt for a quick commute between the major cities of the country.

Italy has been a tourist magnet for people across the globe for its romantic coastal towns, irresistible art, architecture, and spectacular food. Whether it is a lesson in history, sprawling acres of vineyards or the uninterrupted peace by the lakes, Italy has it all. 

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Florence, or an old pro, there are always secrets to discover in this ancient city.

Perhaps the most interesting secrets belong to Il Duomo, Florence’s unique cathedral.