Published on Monday, April 21, 2014 by Kathy McCabe While Pompeii may be the most famous archaeological site in Italy, fans of Ancient Rome often argue that the lesser-known ruins of Ostia Antica, just outside of Rome, surpass Pompeii in quality. Now there's even more reason to get your archaeological fix at this old port town with a secret part of the ancient site recently unearthed. "The find is enormous, inclu...

Published on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 by Kathy McCabe An Australian chef has won the pizza margherita category in the World Pizza Championship, held in Parma, Italy. The annual event attracted hundreds of pizza makers from around the world. The international panel of judges deemed Johnny Di Francesco's traditional Neapolitan pizza (tomato, mozzarella, olive oil and basil) as the winner. DiFrancesco owns an Italian r...

Published on Thursday, April 10, 2014 by Kathy McCabe The Italy Mix is a weekly 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: Sorrento So Cool:  Its cobbled streets are lined with historic buildings, beautiful boutiques, refined restaurants and fabulous hotels.   (Daily Star) Italian Islands: Many of Ital...

Published on Sunday, April 6, 2014 by Steve Perillo Tours is all about family; we've been family run for nearly 70 years. Another thing we're known for: our television commercials. A tradition that I've proudly carried on from my father, Mr. Italy, Mario Perillo. A very important part of the family is Harry Perillo. He's my golden retriever who comes into the office each day with me. Harry has taken on more ...

Published on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 by Kathy McCabe Did you hear the news? George Clooney, Italy's most-famous part-time resident has bought another home in Tuscany. Clooney is often spotted by the paparazzi as he comes and goes from his 30-room Villa Oleandra near Bellagio on Lake Como. Now he may have found a more private Italian hideaway - a villa in Tuscany. Clooney has reportedly bought an estate in the less-fa...

Published on Sunday, March 23, 2014 by Kathy McCabe Bulgari has donated  1.5 million euros to the restoration of the famous Spanish Steps in Rome, calling it a "gift" to the Roman people. The Italian jewelry and luxury goods brand is the latest in a series of Italian companies to step in to preserve Italy's heritage among a crushing economic crisis and the cutting of government funds. The refurbishment of 136 of ...

Published on Thursday, March 20, 2014 by Kathy McCabe What's everyone in Italy talking about today? An Italian nun who sang her heart out on the television program, The Italian Voice.  She's now an Internet sensation worldwide! 25-year-old Suor Cristina Scoccia from Sicily sang Alicia Keys' "No One." She wasn't visible to the judges who unanimously voted for her and were stunned to see a nun standing before them. ...

Published on Monday, March 17, 2014 by Kathy McCabe All eyes have been on the Vatican for a year now, with the election of Pope Francis and his incredible popularity resulting in "the Pope Francis Effect." The fervor only seems to be on the increase with the upcoming canonization of two former popes on April 27 at the Vatican.  In September 2013, Pope Francis announced that two of his predecessors - Pope John Paul ...

Published on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 by Steve Have kids or grandkids? Ready to show them the world? Here's your chance to take them on a once-in-a-lifetime trip and see Europe along with other families through our partnership with Smithsonian Journeys. Italy, England/France or Spain...the choice is yours! Spotlight - Treasures of Italy: A Family Adventure 11 days Exploring the Treasures of Venice, Florence, ...

Published on Sunday, March 9, 2014 by Kathy McCabe The Italy Mix is a weekly 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: The Great Beauty Tour: The Italian movie "La Grande Bellezza" won an Oscar last week. Here's a guide to where scenes were filmed in Rome.  (Buzz in Rome) Battle of the Oranges: This Ca...