Published on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 by Kathy McCabe To combat Islamophobia and celebrate ancient Middle Eastern culture, two Florence museums have teamed up to stage an exhibit on Islamic art and the reciprocal relationship between Florence and Islam. The exhibit, titled “Islamic Art and Florence from the Medici to the 20th Century,” runs through Sept. 23 at the Uffizi Gallery and the Bargello Museum, showcasing 25...

Published on Sunday, June 10, 2018 by Kathy McCabe Earlier this month, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence debuted its “Raphael and Michelangelo Room” as part of a larger rearrangement of the museum. Housed in Room 41 of the building, the Raphael and Michelangelo Room – as one might expect – contains paintings from the two Renaissance masters. Two paintings by Raphael dating to 1404-05 – portraits of a Floren...

Published on Sunday, May 20, 2018 by Kathy McCabe The Bridge of Sighs. The Ponte Vecchio. We all know at least one bridge that makes us long for Italy and its beautiful views. That’s why we love this list of 16 Italian bridges via The Local. If you’ve wanted a new perspective on your Italian travels, this could be it: Why not try out some of these crossings, working them into city visits and country treks, to...

Published on Thursday, February 22, 2018 by Kathy McCabe In anticipation of peak summer tourist season, the Duomo cathedral complex in Florence is stepping up security measures by installing seven metal detectors in the building. The new walk-through metal detectors will replace the old handheld detectors, with the goal of reducing the time spent waiting to clear security and helping the monuments’ 1.4 million annual visi...

Published on Monday, September 25, 2017 by Kathy McCabe With  increasing restrictions across Italian cities aimed at curbing tourists’ unruly behavior, Venice and Florence have both launched campaigns to accomplish that goal, called #EnjoyRespectVenezia and #EnjoyRespectFirenze, respectively. The message, sent through fines and increased awareness, is common sense: Respect the city, its history, its art and its resident...

Published on Monday, July 24, 2017 by Kathy McCabe Florence will begin a “free flow” bike-sharing program on July 24, enabling riders to rent bicycles from anywhere in the city. Unlike traditional bike-sharing programs that require users to visit designated rental stations, Florence’s program will allow riders to rent bikes from anywhere, at any time. Bikes are a great way to get around the city! Through a sm...

Published on Saturday, April 29, 2017 by Kathy McCabe The Basilica di Santo Spirito in Florence has opened its cloister to the public for the first time. The cloister of the former monastery and convent was a space that connected different parts of the complex, such as the basilica and the dining hall, that the monks who lived there used daily. It comprises two refectories and a sacristy. To enter the cloister from th...

Published on Sunday, February 21, 2016 by Kathy McCabe Florence is one of those cities you must see at least once in your lifetime and then even once you have been there, you yearn to go back again and again. We love Florence so much that we are giving away a trip to the city of art in our Florence Facebook Sweepstakes. In the meantime, here are five, fun Florence facts that you might not know: 1. Be sure to stop by...

Published on Friday, February 5, 2016 by Kathy McCabe If you're a U.S. resident, enter our the Perillo Tours Facebook Sweepstakes for the chance to win a spectacular 4-night getaway to the city of art! Here is what is included: Airfare for two from a U.S. gateway to Florence. Four nights at the Grand Hotel Minerva. Day trip to the Tuscan countryside with a private driver. Private wine tasting and lunch a...

Published on Monday, January 18, 2016 by Kathy McCabe A recent trend shows young Italians may be straying from the longstanding tradition of eating family meals at their parents’ house every night, instead favoring a new appetizer-heavy dining concept served in bars, called apericena. Mamma has reigned as queen of the Italian kitchen for what seems like forever, with mamma’s or nonna’s cooking a symbol of home. Tha...