Pizza Margherita. Some folks eat pizza once a week, once a month, or even once a day in some cases. These days with the smorgasbord of pizza options out there, the history of a good pizza often gets lost. However, the truly modern pizza we eat today begins with the infamous Margherita pizza straight from …
Siracusa, on the island of Sicily, is well known for its rich Greek history, which includes ancient amphitheaters, architecture, and culture. The entire city of Siracusa is a UNESCO World Heritage site, citing the numerous “monuments and archaeological sites situated in Syracuse are the finest example of outstanding architectural creation spanning several cultural aspects; Greek, Roman and Baroque.” Additionally, it …
Photo Friday: Covered Walkway in Siracusa, Sicily Read More »
During the middle ages, Pitigliano, Italy, situated between Florence and Siena, was a refuge to Jewish settlers. As Jews were being expelled in other areas of Italy (and the rest of Europe), many settled peacefully among the hills of Pitgliano. For awhile, it was considered the little Jerusalem, and while the population has dwindled, many …
From the Kentucky Derby to the United Kingdom’s Derby Stakes, horse racing captures the attention of fans around the world as they cheer their favorite around an oval track. While those races may be held on a wide open track, the Palio de Sienna is a racing derby held in the city square. It’s got the …
We’re sending out the very best in Valentine wishes to our readers. And since we know some of you may be looking for romantic travel ideas, we have some of those to share with you as well. Now, it’s too late to pull any of these off today, but you can find a card and …
Many of the visitors to Vatican City aren’t Catholic, or even religious at all. They’re drawn to this small city/state out of an interest in history, politics, and art. And if you’re keeping track of the countries you visit, this walled city/state located entirely within the city of Rome, counts. Religion does play a part …
Take a Stroll through the Shadows Like many people, when I hear the phrase, “Italian food,” the first dishes to come to mind are pizza and pasta. Both are certainly Italian, but they are not the specialties for every region. For instance, while it’s possible to get pizza in Venice, the best is in southern …
What is Limoncello? Limoncello (lee-moan-chello) is a popular after dinner digestive in southern Italy. When you visit Naples and other cities along the Amalfi Coast, such as Sorrento, Positano and Ravello, you will see this bright yellow liqueur in decorative bottles on display in shop windows everywhere you go. It’s not just for tourists, either. …
The Lake Maggiore Express offers one of the most delightful European excursions that can possibly exist: a train through exquisite Alpine countryside which takes you across the Italian border and into the Swiss town of Locarno, before a gentle return journey by boat. The day begins in Stresa, Italy, from where the first train …
Lake Maggiore Express: Visiting Italy & Switzerland in a Day Read More »
A few years ago, an idea popped into my mind: Methinks I will not die quite happy without having seen something of that Rome of which I have read so much. Of course, that’s not an original thought. In fact, I stole it from the Scottish novelist and poet, Sir Walter Scott. Making a trip …