Published on Saturday, July 20, 2013 by Kathy McCabe When visiting Venice, it is well worth taking a day trip (or multi-day trip) to the countryside of the Veneto to see the stunning villas designed by Andrea Palladio. The beautiful one above is Villa Barbaro. Photo by Gruenemann, flickr.com...

Published on Thursday, July 18, 2013 by Kathy McCabe The Italy Mix is a post about the most interesting Italy and Italy travel news and human interest stories around the Web each week. Here are our top picks for this week: Fishing in Tuscany:  Who knew that the region of rolling hills and vineyards is also a fine place to fish - whether in the rivers or on the sea.  (The Florentine) Colosseum Restoration Startin...

Published on Sunday, July 14, 2013 by Kathy McCabe The ornate marble floor of Siena's Duomo is one of its great treasures. Yet it is rarely uncovered in all its glory for visitors to see. Following the success of last summer's display (350,000 visitors saw it), the flooring of Siena's cathedral will be on view again this summer, for two months, starting August 18th. A must-see if you're visiting Tuscany. According ...

Published on Friday, July 12, 2013 by Steve With the arrival of July, half of 2013 is over, but that's okay, there's STILL another half of 2013 to travel to Italy! Plus it is just the right time to start planning your travels for 2014. Perillo Tours can help! As my father Mario used to say, “Off-Season is bargain time, shopping time and the weather’s fine!” This special travel season runs November 2013...

Published on Sunday, July 7, 2013 by Kathy McCabe Italians love the beach and will set up shop wherever there is sand and water! This shot is taking in Castiglioncello on the coast of Tuscany. Photo by antmoose, flickr.com...

Published on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 by Kathy McCabe The Italy Mix is a post about the most interesting Italy and Italy travel news and human interest stories around the Web each week. Here are our top picks for this week: John Paul II Set For Sainthood: A second miracle by the late Pope has confirmed and has the beloved John Paul cleared to become a saint.  (BBC News) Italy's Undiscovered Alpine Retreat: Rick St...

Published on Thursday, June 27, 2013 by Kathy McCabe There's no doubt that Rome is a bustling city. As you explore Rome, you can hear the buzz of Vespas on the road, the trinkle of fountains, the chatter of conversations in Italian. But is Rome too loud? Especially at night? The Italian environmental association Legambiente conducted some noise readings in conjunction with an Italian newspaper and found illegal night...

Published on Sunday, June 23, 2013 by Kathy McCabe The stunning beaches on the island of Sardinia aren't just for people apparently! This photo was taken in Porto Pino in southern Sardinia. Photo by emmequadro61, flickr.com...

Published on Friday, June 21, 2013 by Kathy McCabe Mount Etna, Sicily's towering and active volcano, has been deemed a World Heritage Site by the United Nations office UNESCO. The volcano joins 47 other World Heritage sites in Italy, including the Amalfi Coast and the Dolomite Mountains. The selection of World Heritage sites is based on 10 criteria such as "to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cu...

Published on Sunday, June 9, 2013 by Kathy McCabe If you're looking for a little slice of paradise this summer, head the pastel-colored resort of Portofino on Italy's Italian Riviera in the northwest corner of the country. It is one of the Italy's most elegant towns with shops, restaurants and hotels lining the turquoise blue Mediterranean water. Photo by Michal Osmenda, flickr.com...