Central Italian Travel
Exploring the web for recipes, I have also come across lots of travel information. And living here helps too. Here are sites I have especially liked.
Restaurant Reviews
Being a wine/food/travel writer means eating out often. These are places in Italy that I have especially liked.
Being a wine/food/travel writer means eating out often. These are places in Italy that I have especially liked.
La Sagra Del...
If you're visiting Italy, have a car, and see a poster for a town fair, by all means go eat dinner -- you'll see a side of life most do not, and the food will be well worth it.
If you're visiting Italy, have a car, and see a poster for a town fair, by all means go eat dinner -- you'll see a side of life most do not, and the food will be well worth it.
Distillerie
Going to be in Italy in late fall? A grappa distillery under full steam is a sight you'll never forget.
Going to be in Italy in late fall? A grappa distillery under full steam is a sight you'll never forget.
San Gimignano: La Cittá delle Belle Torri
A beautiful town, with wonderful wines.
A beautiful town, with wonderful wines.
Montepulciano
An absolutely beautiful town an hour from Siena, which is also a perfect stopping point on the drive from Florence to Rome.
An absolutely beautiful town an hour from Siena, which is also a perfect stopping point on the drive from Florence to Rome.
Exploring Chianti Rufina
It's hard to believe that an area just a half-hour's drive from downtown Florence could be so wild. Exploring castles, villas, and cellars, in an itinerary that will be wonderful in the fall, when the vineyards turn russet and gold.
It's hard to believe that an area just a half-hour's drive from downtown Florence could be so wild. Exploring castles, villas, and cellars, in an itinerary that will be wonderful in the fall, when the vineyards turn russet and gold.
Il Vino Nobile
Montepulciano has some extraordinary wines, and its Pecorino is renowned. It's beautiful, too.
Montepulciano has some extraordinary wines, and its Pecorino is renowned. It's beautiful, too.
Tutto Montefalco
Montefalco is a pretty town overlooking a broad Umbrian valley, with Assisi off in the distance. And should you not want to visit Assisi, it's also home to Sagrantino, one of Italy's great wines. The site is in both Italian and English.
Montefalco is a pretty town overlooking a broad Umbrian valley, with Assisi off in the distance. And should you not want to visit Assisi, it's also home to Sagrantino, one of Italy's great wines. The site is in both Italian and English.
Esplorazioni Lunigiane:
A perfect itinerary for the summer months, to a wild and relatively unknown part of Tuscany with some fine wines.
A perfect itinerary for the summer months, to a wild and relatively unknown part of Tuscany with some fine wines.
Montalcino
Beautiful, and with magnificent wines....
Beautiful, and with magnificent wines....
Il Carnevale
A Carnevale ogni scherzo vale! cry the children as they squirt each other with colored shaving cream; indeed, no prank's out of bounds. Carnevale is a time for adults to have fun too, with parades like the one in Viareggio, and costume balls, the best of which are in Venice. Also, if you have children, don't forget the Befana!
A Carnevale ogni scherzo vale! cry the children as they squirt each other with colored shaving cream; indeed, no prank's out of bounds. Carnevale is a time for adults to have fun too, with parades like the one in Viareggio, and costume balls, the best of which are in Venice. Also, if you have children, don't forget the Befana!
Le Cinque Terre
Le Cinque Terre are both a region in Liguria and the wine that comes from it: A monument (successful, I might add) to people's determination to eke something from the soil.
Le Cinque Terre are both a region in Liguria and the wine that comes from it: A monument (successful, I might add) to people's determination to eke something from the soil.
San Gaetano
One of Florence's few Baroque churches, a beautiful oasis where few tourists go.
One of Florence's few Baroque churches, a beautiful oasis where few tourists go.
Rimini
A detour to a town that began life as an Etruscan settlement, and is now a mecca for fun-lovers of all kinds. But that's not all: There are some spectacular artworks to see!
A detour to a town that began life as an Etruscan settlement, and is now a mecca for fun-lovers of all kinds. But that's not all: There are some spectacular artworks to see!
Dagli Etruschi a Sodoma
A day in the Sienese countryside, on the path of the Etruscans and one of the Masters of the Renaissance.
A day in the Sienese countryside, on the path of the Etruscans and one of the Masters of the Renaissance.
Tuscan Distilleries
A day trip to grappa distilleries around Florence (this is especailly interesting in the fall).
A day trip to grappa distilleries around Florence (this is especailly interesting in the fall).
Villas and Fortifications in Chianti
Explore one of the finest and most beautiful wine-producing regions in the world, stopping at several top wineries.
Explore one of the finest and most beautiful wine-producing regions in the world, stopping at several top wineries.
On the Truffle Trail
Though dedicated to Alba and San Miniato's truffle fairs, which are worth a journey, this article will also give you a good idea of what you can expect to find if you visit Alba, which is at the heart of one of Piedmont's prettiest regions.
Though dedicated to Alba and San Miniato's truffle fairs, which are worth a journey, this article will also give you a good idea of what you can expect to find if you visit Alba, which is at the heart of one of Piedmont's prettiest regions.
L'Arte dei Vinattieri
Every year Florence's Wine Makers hold a procession to present the new Vintage to the Masters of the City. It's fun to watch, and after the official presentation there's merrymaking in Piazza della Signoria.
Every year Florence's Wine Makers hold a procession to present the new Vintage to the Masters of the City. It's fun to watch, and after the official presentation there's merrymaking in Piazza della Signoria.
Getting out of Town: An Overview of Tuscany's Beaches
Where to seek relief when you've come to Florence and the asphalt starts to melt.
Where to seek relief when you've come to Florence and the asphalt starts to melt.
The Ancient Walls
An alternative series of walks, along Rome's ancient walls.
An alternative series of walks, along Rome's ancient walls.
Between Rome and Florence
Photos of San Galgano & Bomarzo (two of the prettiest lesser-known places in Central Italy) by Philip Greenspun, with some text and commentary
Photos of San Galgano & Bomarzo (two of the prettiest lesser-known places in Central Italy) by Philip Greenspun, with some text and commentary
Castello Vignanello
Beautiful Italian gardens, outside Rome. In English.
Beautiful Italian gardens, outside Rome. In English.
Le Catacombe Cristiane
No visit to Rome is complete without an exploration of the Catacombs, and this is the best place to find out about them. In five languages!
No visit to Rome is complete without an exploration of the Catacombs, and this is the best place to find out about them. In five languages!
Le Cinque Terre
Another well-done page dedicated to one of Liguria's marvels. This one has very pretty pictures, and also mentions that the famed Via dell'Amore has reopened. In English.
Another well-done page dedicated to one of Liguria's marvels. This one has very pretty pictures, and also mentions that the famed Via dell'Amore has reopened. In English.
Convents In Emilia Romagna and the Marche
Places to visit, places to stay
Places to visit, places to stay
Corsica
The first time I visited Corsica (1983) the natives spoke something very close to italian among themselves and French to the outsiders. The new generation may speak French, or they may not, but they are fortunate in any case because the isle is very beautiful. This site has all sorts of links and info.
The first time I visited Corsica (1983) the natives spoke something very close to italian among themselves and French to the outsiders. The new generation may speak French, or they may not, but they are fortunate in any case because the isle is very beautiful. This site has all sorts of links and info.
Il Duomo di Orvieto
Orvieto's cathedral is beautiful from afar, and magnificent close up. All about it, including the tale of the blood that dripped from the host and ran into lake Bolsena, giving rise to Corpus Domini. In English.
Orvieto's cathedral is beautiful from afar, and magnificent close up. All about it, including the tale of the blood that dripped from the host and ran into lake Bolsena, giving rise to Corpus Domini. In English.
La Grotta Del Vento
It's called The Wind Cave, it's not far from Lucca, and it's spectacular. This article originally appeared in the English edition of Gambero Rosso.
It's called The Wind Cave, it's not far from Lucca, and it's spectacular. This article originally appeared in the English edition of Gambero Rosso.
La Grotta del Vento
An elegant, exhaustive site dedicated to one of Italy's prettiest caves. You'll want to go! In 4 languages.
An elegant, exhaustive site dedicated to one of Italy's prettiest caves. You'll want to go! In 4 languages.
Had Enough of Roman Splendor?
Two rather grisly Roman museums for when you've had a Surfeit of Antiquity and an Excess of the Baroque: One examines the traces left by souls in Purgatory, the other looks at one of Rome's prisons. In English
Two rather grisly Roman museums for when you've had a Surfeit of Antiquity and an Excess of the Baroque: One examines the traces left by souls in Purgatory, the other looks at one of Rome's prisons. In English
Il Mulino dell'Opera
I don't usually single out Agriturismi, but Philip Henderson, a transplanted Englishman, has turned his mill into an extraordinary place, and has assembled a delightful collection of tips and suggestions for getting to know the area around Lucca.
I don't usually single out Agriturismi, but Philip Henderson, a transplanted Englishman, has turned his mill into an extraordinary place, and has assembled a delightful collection of tips and suggestions for getting to know the area around Lucca.
Rome's Catacombs
Rome is beautiful above ground, but there's a great deal to see below as well, and this becomes especially true when it gets hot. Of the many sites devoted to the catacombs I've seen, this is about the best.
Rome is beautiful above ground, but there's a great deal to see below as well, and this becomes especially true when it gets hot. Of the many sites devoted to the catacombs I've seen, this is about the best.
Ostia Antica
An excellent self-guided walking tour, from Initaly Online. Also mentions the Synagogue, the earliest known outside of the Middle East.
An excellent self-guided walking tour, from Initaly Online. Also mentions the Synagogue, the earliest known outside of the Middle East.
Outdoor Markets in Umbria
You can never tell what you'll find in a market. Weekly ones can be fun, especially if you like to haggle, and there are the strangest things in the markets towns host on festive days.
You can never tell what you'll find in a market. Weekly ones can be fun, especially if you like to haggle, and there are the strangest things in the markets towns host on festive days.
Panzano in Chianti
What's going on in a pretty town not far from Florence; what to see, and what to do. Also some rental information and other whatnot.
What's going on in a pretty town not far from Florence; what to see, and what to do. Also some rental information and other whatnot.
Pitigliano
The Tuscan Jerusalem, a beautiful Tuscan town with a flourishing Jewish community until the War. The site discusses history, foods and wines.
The Tuscan Jerusalem, a beautiful Tuscan town with a flourishing Jewish community until the War. The site discusses history, foods and wines.
Recollections of Rome
Kristin's fond memories of the Eternal City. In English.
Kristin's fond memories of the Eternal City. In English.
Remembering Tuscany
Rosemary Torigian's reminiscences of gathering chestnuts, making wine and luxuriating in hot pools.
Rosemary Torigian's reminiscences of gathering chestnuts, making wine and luxuriating in hot pools.
The Slide Show
Photographs of mine from throughout Tuscany (on Go Tuscany).
Photographs of mine from throughout Tuscany (on Go Tuscany).
San Gimignano
A nicely done site dedicated to the City of the Fair Towers, with history, what's going on, where to sleep, beautiful photos and more.
A nicely done site dedicated to the City of the Fair Towers, with history, what's going on, where to sleep, beautiful photos and more.
In Search of Artichokes
A delightfully whimsy account of exploring the Roman ghetto in search of the national Jewish dish.
A delightfully whimsy account of exploring the Roman ghetto in search of the national Jewish dish.
In Search of Obelisks
They may be Egyptian in origin, but Rome has more than a dozen, and an obelisk walk is just the thing for a kid who has seen too many art museums. In English
They may be Egyptian in origin, but Rome has more than a dozen, and an obelisk walk is just the thing for a kid who has seen too many art museums. In English
Siena's Palio
Unlike me, Kristin Jarrat discovered the Palio as an adult, and therefore finds wonder in things that seem normal to me. A fun, thorough page; now if only she weren't a Bruchina... Initaly Online also sells bleacher tickets for the Palio -- this is the only web service I know of that does, so get them while you can!
Unlike me, Kristin Jarrat discovered the Palio as an adult, and therefore finds wonder in things that seem normal to me. A fun, thorough page; now if only she weren't a Bruchina... Initaly Online also sells bleacher tickets for the Palio -- this is the only web service I know of that does, so get them while you can!
Siena: A Photo Album
Nice slides of one of Italy's most romantic towns.
Nice slides of one of Italy's most romantic towns.
Sutri, a Visit to Several Ancient Cultures
Rome may have come to dominate, but central Lazio had a number of cultures, all of whom have left fascinating traces. Here's a nice day-trip from Rome.
Rome may have come to dominate, but central Lazio had a number of cultures, all of whom have left fascinating traces. Here's a nice day-trip from Rome.
Terre di Toscana
A delightful sight dedicated to the Mugello, a wild area with spectacular mountains, castles and foods.
A delightful sight dedicated to the Mugello, a wild area with spectacular mountains, castles and foods.
Torgiano
A pretty Umbrian town, which is also the seat of Cantine Lungarotti, one of Italy's leading wineries. In addition to the town there's the Museo del Vino della Fondazione Lungarotti, and a restaurant called Le Tre Vesselle (it's reviewed). In English, except for the Lungarotti link, which has pretty pictures.
A pretty Umbrian town, which is also the seat of Cantine Lungarotti, one of Italy's leading wineries. In addition to the town there's the Museo del Vino della Fondazione Lungarotti, and a restaurant called Le Tre Vesselle (it's reviewed). In English, except for the Lungarotti link, which has pretty pictures.
The Tuscan Image Page
Jay Pulli is an excellent photographer who has traveled Central Italy, camera and notebook in hand. This is a labor of love, a fascinating collection of shots, with brief essays on the subjects of the photos, and technical notes on the photographs and how they were processed as well. Lots of interesting stuff here, and it's updated every week. In English.
Jay Pulli is an excellent photographer who has traveled Central Italy, camera and notebook in hand. This is a labor of love, a fascinating collection of shots, with brief essays on the subjects of the photos, and technical notes on the photographs and how they were processed as well. Lots of interesting stuff here, and it's updated every week. In English.
Tuscan Markets
A quick rundown of which town has its market on what day. Definitely worth consulting, especially if you like swap-meets and such -- the atmosphere's similar to that of an Italian market. In English.
A quick rundown of which town has its market on what day. Definitely worth consulting, especially if you like swap-meets and such -- the atmosphere's similar to that of an Italian market. In English.
Umbria
The Green Heart of Italy, an introduction to a beautiful region that's less well known than it ought to be. In English.
The Green Heart of Italy, an introduction to a beautiful region that's less well known than it ought to be. In English.
La Via Franchigena, an Alternative Pilgrimage Route to Rome
The Tuscan part of the Medieval pilgrimage route from Rome to the Alps. Interesting.
The Tuscan part of the Medieval pilgrimage route from Rome to the Alps. Interesting.
Walks in Florence
Three walking tours that explore Florence's streets and squares. I wrote them for Go Tuscany but haven't had time to add pictures yet. However, I think you'll like them.
Three walking tours that explore Florence's streets and squares. I wrote them for Go Tuscany but haven't had time to add pictures yet. However, I think you'll like them.