A VIEW OF ETNA LOOKING SOUTH FROM TERRACE AT GRAND HOTEL TIMEO TAORMINA   Read More ..read more

THE BAR AT HOTEL NOLINSKI- VENICE  One of the tasks we have to perform as  a tour operator,  is to conduct hotel site visits.  Throughout each year we keep a list of properties we  have  read about or have been introduced to, and  schedule an  in person visit.  We want to keep abreast of what is new, renovated, lost pizzazz,  or which hotels  have closed. It is interesting to see the changes in interiors, colors, fabrics, and furniture periods.   An obvious trend  today in hotel decor is utilizing  mid century modern /futur ..read more

2023 What lies ahead  in 2024 for travelers to Italy & France?  Reserve early.   REPORT FROM THE FIELD: In 2023 by mid May, hotels were sold out in popular markets, such as Amalfi Coast and Capri and Lake Como.   Finding  view rooms, especially delux category rooms, or family rooms,  were far between.    2024 we have already learned that  hotels reservation policies in Capri, and Amalfi coast  during high season ie.  starting Mid May - Mid September require minimum stays  from 3-5 nights.   Hotels in those are ..read more

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Visit to the Brancacci Chapel Restoration, Florence Italy  The Brancacci Chapel, in Florence, Italy is  located in the Basilica of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence, and will be undergoing restoration during all the 2022. During the restoration, visitors have a unique opportunity to admire the magnificent 15th C frescos  by Masaccio, Masolino da Panicale and Filippino Lippiand  and are  invited to  view the process close up from the scaffolding.  The cycle, based on the life of St. Peter, is considered an undisputed masterpiece of painting, thanks to ..read more

[div ] TRAVEL TO ITALY SAFETY PROTOCOLS    TRAVELERS: INFORMATION ON TRAVEL TO and FROM ITALY TRAVEL+LEISURE – March 3 article https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/travel-to-italy-no-covid-test-required GOOD NEWS: Italy has dropped its pre-arrival testing requirement for vaccinated travelers, becoming the latest European country to ease entry protocols. The new rules, which went into effect on March 1, allow international travelers to enter the country by simply showing they have been fully vaccinated within nine months or received a booster shot, according to the National To ..read more

THE ITALIAN CONCIERGE WEEKLY ZOOM CLASSES THE REGIONS OF ITALY JOIN US AS WE VIRTUALLY TRAVEL AROUND ITALY TOGETHER DURING A ZOOM  AND POWERPOINT PRESENTATION. DURING OUR ONE HOUR CLASS, WE  WILL EXPLORE THE DIFFERENCES IN EACH OF ITALY'S REGIONS.  CLASSES WILL COVER, A TOUCH OF HISTORY, WHERE TO VISIT, HOW LONG TO STAY,  AND WHAT NOT TO MISS. WE WILL ALSO REVIEW THE REGIONAL FOODS AND WINES AND OFFER SUGGESTIONS WHERE TO DINE.  ALL CLASSES HELD SATURDAYS AT 11:00 EST  SESSION THREE: MARCH 6,13,20,27      THE REGIONS OF SOUTHERN ITALY Sat ..read more

 The Italian Concierge - WEEKLY Zoom classes  THE REGIONS OF ITALY JOIN US AS WE VIRTUALLY TRAVEL AROUND ITALY during a  series of four ZOOM classes utilizing a POWERPOINT PRESENTATION. DURING each ONE HOUR CLASS, WE  EXPLORE THE DIFFERENCES IN EACH OF ITALY'S REGIONS.  CLASSES WILL COVER, A TOUCH OF HISTORY, WHERE TO VISIT, HOW LONG TO STAY,  and WHAT NOT TO MISS. WE WILL ALSO REVIEW THE REGIONAL FOODS AND WINES AND OFFER SUGGESTIONS WHERE TO DINE. SESSION THREE: March 6,13,20,27      THE REGIONS OF SOUTHERN ITALY Saturdays 11:30 AM eastern ..read more

[row] [span-6 ] Joyce Falcone The Italian Concierge [/span] [span-6] [/span] [/row]   “In Italy, Leave no road untraveled.” In the mid 90’s, at the onset of the internet, and the proliferation of home computers, and cell phones invading the space in our lives, that a quirk of fate changed my direction, and I became a tour manager and guide for American travel companies providing walking and hiking vacations throughout Italy. Prior to 9/11, it was not unusual to have large groups of travelers numbering 20-28 on walking tours all over Italy, but this would soon change. As a guide, often, w ..read more