When Sharon reached out on behalf of her family (cousin Ty, sister Anita, brother -in-law Charles, and their neighbor, George), as a referral from a previous client, they had specific travel dates in mind and a very long “wish list”! Planning ahead for a month in Italy (our initial contact started almost a year in advance and planning conversations almost eight months in advance) was ideal timing. Requiring a LOT of communication, ultimately an itinerary including their top priority destinations: Milan, Lake Como, Lucca (where they had family roots and connections), somewhere in Umbria, and R ..read more

I recently visited two little jewels; one that I happened across on Instagram by the Opera di Santa Croce about St. Francis and the other that was shared in an email from art historian extraordinaire, Alexandra Lawrence. Both piqued my interest and since both are only a short stroll across my bridge, Ponte delle Grazie, and relatively close to each other…off I went! Women of the Sky (“Donne del Cielo”) From Muses to Scientists When Alexandra Lawrence mentioned this exhibit, not only did it sound interesting and was at a venue I had never visited but I always love and appreciate her level of ..read more

Introduction… I met Alyson, a fellow “California gal”, through a lovely networking organization here in Florence (WIN)… and then got to know her much better while writing an interview and article about her… What a pleasure to introduce you to Alyson today! What a pleasure to introduce you to Alyson! From a (very) small town in Northern California, learn how early memories of her Dad making wine, an influential high school teacher, a trip to Europe and a love of agriculture and genetics all intersected to pave Alyson’s path to wine making in Chianti Classico Country!   Passion for agricul ..read more

Located in the region of Emilia-Romagna, Parma, the City of Gastronomy, is well known for its culinary “stars”: Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma…but there is much more to enjoy in this sophisticated city… Parma = Parmigiano*Prosciutto*Pilotti & Parmigiani Part One: A Taste of Parma (Behind the Scenes!) Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and Aceto Balsamico Thanks to a a personal referral from my dear friend and travel partner Emanuela with Beautiful Liguria, I enjoyed a truly special day meeting small producers, enjoying tasting (delicious!) and learning more about the ..read more

Si, it’s been a while since I shared any “new” TipZ…the fact is, not a lot has changed…but I thought it was a good time to share some “friendly reminders”! With spring on our doorstep, if you’re planning (or thinking about planning) your 2024 Italy vacation, it’s definitely time to put those plans in place! (In fact, it’s almost past time for spring/summer…I suggest that you start thinking about fall/winter.) TipZ from Your “Boots on the Ground” in the Boot! As I have shared many times, there is NO OFF SEASON any more! I repeat, there is NO “OFF SEASON” – the reality is that there is SUPER H ..read more

How We “Met”… Florence, at least the historical centro and surrounding neighborhoods (including where I live on the Oltrarno), is definitely an invitation to walk, wander, explore…and linger. Easily navigated (mostly flat) once you get used to the uneven pavement and sidewalks, always offers new delights and discoveries. You are invited to s-l-o-w down, pause, even get a little lost and you will be rewarded with treasures tucked away in narrow alleyways and vicoli – a local cafe you walked by so many times but now there’s a table outside, a bottega or boutique that may have had its shutters c ..read more

Seduction, Attraction, Charm, Appeal, Glamor… “Seduzione” can be translated as any of the above and certainly, for me, the art of Alphonse Mucha embodies and personifies all of that! Alphonse Mucha poster The Beauty of Being Here…immersing in art is an emotional salve for me in this pretty tumultuous world right now. I’m beyond grateful to be in a place that embraces art and beauty in all its diverse expressions. And, what a pleasure and privilege to be able to enjoy another rewarding experience recently here in Florence. I have memories of loving Mucha’s dreamy art nouveau images so when this ..read more

The Beauty of Being Here…includes my love of this place and sharing it with friends, followers, and my Italy Trip Design clients! After hundreds and hundreds of emails and communications and many months of planning, more of my 2023 clients arrived this fall and lived their dolce vita dream! And, once again I had the pleasure of greeting, meeting, and spending time with many of them when they were in Florence… This is the ultimate reward of my work! In Their Own Words… Barbara and Michael Michael and Barbara decided to plan their first trip to Italy around their nephew’s wedding in fall 202 ..read more

Yes, there’s more to Pisa than the Leaning Tower! Of course, I have seen (and climbed) the Leaning Tower – the Piazza dei Miracoli is NOT to be missed! However, there is more… Just a one hour train ride from Florence, this day trip was dedicated to seeing an exhibit at Palazzo Blu. Earlier this year I returned twice to attend their stunning “I Macchiaoli” exhibit. So, when they announced the current exhibit, I decided immediately to go… Now (through April 7, 2024), Palazzo Blu offers another marvelous exhibit: “Le Avanguardie – Capolavori dal Philadelphia Museum of Art” – The Avant-garde – Ma ..read more

Yes, I guess I can finally say that I “live” here? Although, it still startles me a bit and I still have to shake my head…yes, that’s me…I’m really here! Time really does fly and it’s been a wild three years for all of us – encapsulating all that it has encompassed is, to be honest, overwhelming – a roller coaster of emotions, a collage of fabulous experiences, and always a learning curve! Slowly adapting, adjusting …pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone, letting go of expectations, and embracing the possibilities of more change. And, undoubtedly, always learning more about me and this pla ..read more