Custom Italian Travel Planning for Unforgettable Moments

Ciao!

 

First things first: This newsletter is late. I had the flu. It was awful. 

 

But here's what's getting me through the winter doldrums: THE OLYMPICS.  Big Olympics fan. Obsessed.

 

The world is getting a front-row seat to my beloved Italy these days. Watching the coverage and seeing Milan and Cortina shine on the global stage? Chef's kiss. If you've been swept up in the excitement and suddenly thinking "wait, I need to go there," you're in luck! 

 

Check out the Milano newsletter and then dive into the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol newsletter to learn more and get inspired.

 

You know what else is a good antidote to seasonal winter depression?  Having a trip to look forward to!  I'm sure the 17 of you departing for Italy and beyond in March and April are counting down the days.  I've got a few coming up too, but more about those next month.

 

Let's dive into this month's region...

Once the home of an opera composer, this property is now a boutique hotel in Rome with a glamorous restaurant, happy and bright rooms that match the way I hope everyone feels when they're in my favorite city, and one of the most enviable locations in town.

 

By enviable, I mean almost unfairly good ie. walking distance to the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps etc., etc., etc. When you need a break from the crowds, you're not too far away from your home away from home.

 

I like Hotel Maalot aaa lot.

The "dying city" that's not actually dying anymore because tourism saved it. 

 

This medieval town sits on top of an eroding volcanic plateau, accessible only by a pedestrian bridge that makes for dramatic photos. There are maybe 10 permanent residents and zero cars. It's tiny, atmospheric, and feels like you've walked onto a movie set. The views of the surrounding valley are ridiculous.

 

Go early or late to avoid the day-trippers or better yet, spend the night at Corte della Maesta and really have the place to yourselves.

Like Pompeii but without the volcano drama or the crowds and with some often much needed shade. 

 

This remarkably preserved Roman port city is 30 minutes from Rome and feels like you have the place to yourself. Walk down ancient streets, peek into houses with intact frescoes and mosaics, sit in a 4,000-seat theater, and visit the old taverns where sailor drank 2,000 years ago.

 

It's less famous than Pompeii, but that kind of makes it cooler, doesn't it? 

This jewish specialty from the Ghetto neighborhood of Rome consists of artichokes that are twice-fried until they're crispy, golden, and look like flowers.  

 

The outer leaves get crunchy like chips, the heart stays tender, and the whole thing is seasoned with just salt and lemon. They're made with the local Romanesco artichokes in spring, so if you see them on a menu between February and April, order them immediately.

A white wine with a memorable backstory and an unforgettable name. 

 

Legend says a 12th-century German bishop sent his servant ahead to mark the best wine towns with "Est" (Latin for "it is"). When he got to Montefiascone, the wine was so good he wrote it three times.  

 

The wine itself is light, crisp, and citrusy, made from Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes grown around Lake Bolsena. Yum! Yum!! Yum!!!