For young Italians, nothing says “That’s Amore!” quite like heavy metal – and the rest of the continent is locking onto the trend. Maybe it’s just me, but when I think metal, chains and padlocks, the first thing that comes to mind usually isn’t romance. But leave it to the Italians to take those three things, add …
Of all the cities in the world, there are few having more intriguing and rewarding areas than Rome’s neighborhoods. Standing proudly alongside such famous neighborhoods as the boroughs of New York City and the arrondissements of Paris, the neighborhoods Rioni of Rome are filled with historic sites and museums and each has its own style …
The first question asked by most people flying into Rome is – “How do I get from the airport to my hotel?”Rome’s primary airport, Leonardo da Vinci, nicknamed Fiumicino or FCO, is 16 miles from the city center. The most popular way to get to the city center is to take the train, which leaves every half hour …
In the last edition of Planning your Italy Vacation, I wrote about traveling north from Rome, with Venice as the final destination. In this post we’ll explore the alternative: traveling from Rome southward. This alternative will be attractive to travelers who have already seen the major sights in the north of Italy, and to travelers …
This article, written for first-time travelers to Italy, is intended to assist in itinerary planning for those who want to start in Rome while also wanting to see it all. It is the first in a series of articles which will address a variety of routes throughout Italy and, we hope,prove valuable to travelers with all degrees of familiarity with Italy. One …
Some of the best deals in Rome can be found in the beautiful outdoor markets. Located in timeless settings on ancient streets and in stunning piazzas, the markets offer every kind of merchandise imaginable, from immaculate floral arangments and high-quality produce to inexpensive clothes, shoes, and antiques. I first visited the markets as a …
When I first heard the phrase “fifth quarter meats,” I asked: What are fifth quarter meats, and how can you get five out of four? The answer to this latter question illuminates the history of Rome’s unique style of cooking. The first quarter of a butchered animal was given to the nobles, the second …
The primary reasons for checking out Cavour 313 are a warm welcome, an overall sincerity and lack of pretension, a massive, 1000-bottle-plus wine list, and an awesome décor. The food is also good, but should be viewed as an afterthought to the wine. If you’re like me, this doesn’t pose a problem. It seems …
Insider Tip: The Roma Pass How to Save Time and Money with the Roma Pass The Roma Pass was once a little-known trick of sophisticated travelers, but it has now become a must-have for anyone visiting Rome for the first time, especially during peak season. It saves you time and money and makes it easy …
The Vatican dominates the art museums of Rome, with its vast collection of treasures, but for me, the Borghese Gallery and Villa has even more appeal. Some of the sculptures here are so beautiful and perfectly crafted, you can only marvel at the genius who created them. Set in acres of landscaped gardens, the villa, …