Published on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 by Kathy McCabe Expert in all things European travel, Rick Steves has put together his list what to look out for in Italy in 2013. If you're planning to travel to Italy this year, it is worth a read. Here's what Steves says is new and interesting in Italy for 2013: More rooms at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence have been opened to the public, including  the Caravaggio Rooms and t...

Published on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 by Kathy McCabe So you're planning a trip to Italy - probably your first - and can't decide exactly where to go. You're not alone, this is a problem most visitors to Italy have. There's simply too much to see! You need to start with the realization that there is no way you are going to see everything so don't even try.  The key is to prioritize. If it is your first trip to Italy, s...

Published on Monday, October 15, 2012 by Kathy McCabe Like clockwork every fall bring acqua alta (high water) to the canals and walkways of Venice.  Seasonal high tides in this city on water rise 105 centimeters during this time of year, flooding squares and walkways. Currently the 9% of the city is underwater and the city is at "code yellow" meaning more high water is expected. November and December are traditionally t...

Published on Friday, October 5, 2012 by Steve For me to pick a favorite tour is like choosing a favorite child, but the 10-Day Vesuvius Tour is in the running for one of my top picks. Why?  It's Affordable! Starting at $2890 per person, Vesuvius packs in a lot for the price including first clas deluxe hotels, many delicious meals, experienced guides and transportation via our state-of-the-art motorcoaches. ...

Published on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 by Steve If Italy is calling you in the near future and you enjoy the convenience of an escorted tour but the adventure of dining on your own, I recommend our 14-Day North Continental Tour. This is the same itinerary as our best-selling Italy tour in history (14-Day North Classic) with the freedom to choice your own dining experiences. Imagine seeing the sites and then explor...

Published on Thursday, September 13, 2012 by Kathy McCabe Looking to make an impression on the upwards of 15 million people who visit the city of Venice Italy each year? Maybe you should take out an ad on the city's famous Rialto Bridge. The Venice city council is looking for a sponsor to pay for 5 million euros of renovations on the celebrated bridge. In return, the sponsor will receive advertising on the bridge as well a...

Published on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 by Steve Yesterday, I told you about our new Italy food and wine tour and today, I'd like to  tell you about another tour I’ve personally designed… (Gee, they sure keep me busy around here!) Named after the great Italian explorer Marco Polo, our 10-Day Marco Polo Tour navigates the very best of the cities of Venice, Florence and Rome.  Save $500 per couple when you ...

Published on Saturday, June 23, 2012 by Daniel Decorated gondolas floating cross the canals will be an indelible picture in the minds of anyone who has visited Venice. The charm of gondola rides in Venice has since time immemorial attracted visitors to this mesmerizing city. So if you are planning a honeymoon vacation or wish to gift your special someone a memorable time; what can get better than a romantic ride o...

Published on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 by Kathy McCabe One of the reasons travelers flock to Venice is that in many ways it has changed little over the centuries. You can see St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace much as they appeared during time of the Venetian Republic. Yet, any world-class city like La Serenissima  is always evolving and here is a sampling of what's new in Venice: New Vaparetto Service -  Â...

Published on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 by Daniel When you want to enjoy Italy at its best, you definitely ought to visit its five fascinating cities - Rome, Venice, Milan, Florence, and Naples. These beautiful cities are a perfect amalgamation of Italian history and modern attractions. With abundant places to visit, these cities are sure to create moments that you’ll cherish for years to come. Each city here has s...