Published on Friday, April 5, 2013 by Kathy McCabe An Italian woman has been named the world's best chef by Restaurant Magazine.  Nadia Santini, the proprietor of Dal Pescatore in the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, has won the honor.  Until recently her family's restaurant, which is over 100 years old, was the only restaurant in Italy to hold a Michelin three-star rating. Nadia, who married into the...

Published on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 by Kathy McCabe Sixty percent of the world's art treasures can be found in Italy. That's a staggering amount of painting, frescoes, sculptures and artifacts. Its no wonder that when visiting Italy, travelers want to try to see it all, even though that is impossible.  Plus there's the risk of Stendhal syndrome. What is that you ask? According to Wikipedia, "Stendhal syndrome, Sten...

Published on Thursday, March 28, 2013 by Kathy McCabe The Palio, held in Siena Tuscany each July 2 and August 16, is so much more than just a horse race. It is an age-old tradition that makes up the very fabric of this charming Tuscan city. Watch this video to learn more about how Siena is preparing for this summer's race: ...

Published on Monday, March 25, 2013 by Kathy McCabe There are few places in Italy as stunning as the Amalfi Coast and few places as magnificent on the beautiful coastline as the cliffside paradise of Ravello. This photo was taken at the gardens of Villa Cimbrone, a must-visit. Photo by dalbera, flickr.com...

Published on Friday, March 22, 2013 by Steve If you're taking your first trip to Italy and you're looking for an independent itinerary, I have just the one for you. I'm thrilled to announce a fabulous new travel package called Three Crowns of Italy.  Experience Italy's 3 major cities in style, with 4-star, centrally located hotels and all of your land transportation! Here's what's included: 3 nights in a...

Published on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 by Steve I'm thrilled to announce a fabulous new travel package called Roman Adventure! With the Eternal City as your home base, see the highlights of Ancient Rome, the Colosseum, and the Vatican, plus venture out to Pompeii, Naples and Tuscany to make the most of your week in Rome. Here's what is included: + 6 nights in a 4-star Rome hotel + airport transfers + Coloss...

Published on Friday, March 15, 2013 by Steve All eyes were on Rome and Vatican City this week as Pope Francis became the 266th pope in the history of the Catholic Church. There has never been a better time to visit the Eternal City and Italy and  ItalyVacations.com has put together  an amazing package for you to meet the new pope! Meet Pope Francis at a Papal Audience at the Vatican - a once-in-a-lifetim...

Published on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 by Kathy McCabe All eyes are on Vatican City in Rome -- and specifically the chimney leading from the Sistine Chapel -- to see if a new Pope has been elected. 115 cardinals are locked away in the chapel, voting on the leader of over a billion Catholics. Here are some fun facts about the Conclave: In the 13th century, Pope Gregory put the rule into effect that cardinals must be s...

Published on Thursday, March 7, 2013 by Kathy McCabe Sicily's Mount Etna erupted Tuesday night providing a beautiful nighttime fireworks show. Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and  the tallest active volcano in Europe.  It is the most active of Italy's three active volcanoes and the highest mountain in Italy, south of the Alps. ...

Published on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 by Kathy McCabe On Friday, the Vatican post office released stamps for the Sede Vacante or Vacant See period - the time when there is no Pope. Pope Benedict XVI stepped down on February 28th.  Because this period is so short, these stamps are quite the collectors item. Perillo Tours President Steve Perillo has his own collection of Sede Vacante commemorative stamps. The Vatican star...