Author: Tommaso De Poi

Right in the heart of the beautiful Tuscan region, not far from Siena and only 9 Km from Montalcino, sits the impressive Sant’Antimo Abbey, a must-see for anyone visiting the area. According to a legend, the abbey was founded by Charlemagne in 781 AC after he fell ill nearby and prayed for deliverance. Even though […]

The archaeological site of Pompeii is one Italy’s and the world’s most popular tourist destinations. This ancient Roman city was destroyed by the volcanic ashes from a catastrophic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius on August 79 A.D. Today, one can see the well preserved remains of a city and its local population that was buried alive, […]

One of Tuscany’s most famous and attractive landscapes is its never ending fields of sunflowers during the summer. Usually from June to August, one can enjoy a beautiful panorama of these lovely yellow flowers driving through the small winding roads through the enchanting Tuscan countryside only to be enhanced by the sight of cypress trees, […]

Rome is the “Eternal City” Your journey through Rome can take you from the modern age to the Renaissance age and from the Medieval to Ancient times in a matter of minutes. A simple tour walk can reveal the mysteries of the ages.  This is one of the city’s greatest pleasures!

Blue Jeans… did you know this super popular garment has Italian origins? Its name comes from the particular blue fabric that was once worn by the dockworkers in the port of Genova, in the Liguria region. They were always traveling around the world and thus, brought what we know as denim to the shores of […]

When in Venice, be sure to visit the Island of Murano, home to artisan glass shops where unique handmade glass products have been produced for thousands of years, using the same ancient techniques particular to Murano glass making . From simple small glass figurines available in different colors to much more elaborate pieces such as […]

Skiers know that they can find quite a few great places to go skiing on their Italian vacation, and the Aosta Valley is one that often stands out amongst the best in the country. You can find great lifts and runs, perfect snow, and plenty to love about the area. This area offers far more […]

Every year in the quaint and historic town of Spoleto, located in the Umbria region, one of the most important artistic festivals in the world takes place during the summer months: the “Festival dei Due Mondi,” or Festival of the Two Worlds. This exuberant event was first started in 1958 by composer Gian Carlo Menotti. […]

When tourists think of the best place for good coffee in the beautiful nation of Italy, famous towns such as Naples or Rome are often the first to come to mind. These cities, however, are not the only coffee spots in the country. On the opposite side of the peninsula, sharing a border with Slovenia, […]

Many people reading this are probably already thinking about their next vacation. Visions of ancient cities, friendly people, and gorgeous landscapes dance before the eyes, and noses are already picking up phantom scents of true Italian cooking! If you are one of the many thinking about a trip to Italy this year, or beyond, I […]

Italy is a country rich in history, and visitors are able to find historic and archeological sites throughout the land. Even the smaller towns have rich histories, and Aquileia is certainly no exception to this. The town in northern Italy is a perfect destination for an Italian vacation.  This small town is only 35 miles […]

Naples is a city steeped in history and it is home to many wonderful sights and artifacts. One of the most interesting and beautiful places to visit is Sansevero Chapel. Stepping into the chapel is like stepping back in time, and one is able to find some remarkable treasures hidden within. When you explore the […]

CICERO No. 2 – Anno MMXII Travel Newsletter of Italy April 2012 – Vol. 3 Dear Trips2Italy’s Friends, Spring has arrived and with it the wish to discover and enjoy new places. The short winter days are now behind us and it’s the perfect time to think about travels and celebrate the season of blooming […]

Have you ever climbed up and down a thousand steps in a narrow staircase? Have you ever been to the place where some of the world’s finest violins come from? Have you ever tasted sweet and delicious nougat? If you can answer yes to at least at one of these questions then you know this […]

As some may know, the delicious and exclusive white truffle can be found and savored not only in the Alba and Piedmont region, but also in the municipality of Acqualagna in Italy’s central region of Marche. Although Acqualagna’s population is only less than 5000, it is renowned throughout Europe for its centuries-old tradition of truffle […]

Although winter arrived late to most of Europe, this past winter, Italy and especially the Apennine region have experienced an exceptional snowfall that temporarily buried some towns and small villages under an incredible amount of fresh snow. In the Abruzzo region, the owners of a Vacation Farm or “Agriturismo” were left isolated in the mountains […]

If you think that the word Palio is only associated to the well-known Siena horserace, you will learn that it is not the case after reading this article. According to its Latin origins, the word Palio (from Pallium) refers to the banner or the cloth awarded to the winner of a competition. According to the […]

CICERO No. 1 – Anno MMXII Travel Newsletter of Italy February 2012 – Vol. 3 Dear Trips2Italy’s Friends, As winter’s images are still vivid in our eyes and all our New Year’s resolutions for 2012 are fresh in our minds, I would like to wish you all the best for this New Year and tickle […]

  When one says apple in Italy one immediately thinks of Val di Non in Trentino Alto Adige. Ten percent of the entire production of apples in Italy comes from this area. “Golden Delicious”, “Red Delicious” and “Rennet” are only a few of the types you will be able to taste in this beautiful valley, […]

Land of the Romans, Lombards, Venetians and the Habsburgs the Friuli Venezia Giulia region is a hidden treasure to be discovered for its history, customs and hospitable people. Let us focus on a beautiful and charming small town called San Daniele which is said to be the place where the perfect Friulan dialect is spoken […]

The Fontina is a DOP cheese which means that it has the Denomination of Protected Origin in all of the European Union and around the world, a classification that today guarantees at a European level the respect for strict production regulations and allows for the maintenance of the cheese’s specific and organoleptic qualities, as well […]

Ever considered Italy for your next seaside destination or simply do like the Italians do the “dolce far niente” which literally translates to “sweet doing nothing”, if you know what we mean? Whether you have or have not, let us suggest the coast that goes from Tropea to Capo Vaticano, in the province of Vibo […]

Intrigued by the sexual play and political intrigues of the Borgia family? The recent hit miniseries certainly caters to the tastes of the sordid, but can such escapades really have happened? History of contradictory Italian family that rule not only the Vatican…

The island of Stromboli is a living testament to the beauty of fire. With an almost constant stream of small volcanic eruptions, visitors come from far and wide to view the fountains of orange magma against the night sky. The play of light and dark has inspired artists, poets and photographers for time immemorial, creating […]