ItalyTravelista » Rome Day Trips

Tour Italy Bomarzo Park 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go

ItalyTravelista — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:11:48 +0000

As the owner of an Italy based tour planning company I happen to read a lot of Italy travel books and Susan Van Allen‘s Italy travel book “100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go” is an informative, fascinating, entertaining book, and certainly a must if you plan to visit Italy. I am glad Susan accepted to offer offer my fellow Italy lovers the opportunity to read her take on the most amazing park in Italy.

The Park of the Mosters in Bomarzo, Italy.

In 1564 when his wife died, Prince Vicino Orsini dedicated this place to her. He called it his Sacred Grove. In 1954, Giovanni Bettini found it abandoned, cleaned it up, and renamed it The Park of the Monsters—better for marketing. It’s actually a combo of the two names, which is what makes it so uniquely alluring. It’s set on a wooded hillside where you meander along gravel paths under sun-dappled light and then along the way, popping up in haphazard places, you come upon immense bizarre statues of mythological creatures.

There are about two dozen of these creations in all, most carved directly from the hill’s rocky outcroppings, which explains the unplanned arrangement. There’s a winged mermaid, a sleeping nymph, a sphinx, a colossal Ceres, a tortoise, a whole house that’s set up purposely tilted to astonish you. The most famous of all is a giant screaming monster’s head—so giant you can walk into its mouth, where you’ll find a tongue turned into a picnic table. The inscription carved into this sculpture sums up the park’s surreal atmosphere: All Reason Departs. There’s a lot of mystery surrounding what the heck Orsini was thinking when he created this place. Some look at the statues’ tortured faces and say it was his expression of grieving for his wife, Giulia Farnese. But Orsini began this project before she died.

Their marriage was a good one. He was a military officer, gone a lot while Giulia took over the small town Bomarzo reins. He, of course, had his share of other women, during the marriage and after she died. As far as he knew, Giulia was a perfect, faithful wife. Twenty years after the Sacred Grove was completed Orsini built a temple in her honor that’s the most logical structure in this whole place. The Sacred Grove seems to be more of an expression of Prince Orsini’s intriguing, artsy character. While everybody else in those High Renaissance days was building grand, structured gardens to flaunt their wealth, the Prince turned his back on all that, wanting to create something that was not at all pretentious. It’s not even attached to his castle, but farther down the hill.

Also he didn’t have the money to compete with the Farneses and the d’Estes, so instead of grandeur, he went for shock and awe. Wherever a stone jutted out of the hill, he’d have his workers sculpt it according to his whim. He was a creative type who wrote poems and surrounded himself with the literati. This was his place for contemplation and meditation. It was his dream world where he mixed images from classical Greek, Roman, and Asian times. Like every other prince who had a garden, Orsini had illustrious guests come to visit. But he was always glad when they left, preferring the pleasures of simple country life and his shepherd girls. While other Renaissance gardens were kept up by families over succeeding generations, his was forgotten. Only the locals knew of it, and believed it was a haunted place. In 1938, Salvador Dali, in the midst of a creative crisis, heard about the Sacred Grove, left Spain, and cut his way through a tangle of weeds to see this “sleeping garden.” He became so inspired he made a film that included it and painted The Temptation of Saint Anthony that featured an image of an elephant— clearly inspired by one of the park sculptures. Giovanni Bettini bought the park in 1954 and restored it back to life. A visit here is a relaxing, enchanting experience, where you enter into the mythological dream world of the Prince.

The Park of the Monsters > Daily 8-1 hour before sunset

Golden Day > Wander around the Sacred Grove. There’s a camp lodge-style snack bar there, where you can get a caffè and panino. Eat and stay a short drive north at agriturismo Castello di Santa Maria, a beautiful former convent surrounded by olive groves that serves up exquisite meals.

About the author > Susan Van Allen’s love for Italy stems from her maternal grandparents, who emigrated from Southern Italy. She was born in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up on the Jersey shore amidst wonderful food and drama. When she first stepped off the train into Roma Termini in 1976, she got hooked on Italian travel. Since then she’s explored the country up and down the boot–visiting relatives, immersing herself in the country’s masterpieces and culture, taking language and cooking classes, and going on boating, biking, and hiking adventures. When she’s not in Italy, she is based in Los Angeles, where she lives with her husband and makes scrumptious lasagnas.

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips and pictures with us? Please write us your comment and we’ll be happy to post it!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

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Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in personalized private guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers including underground Rome and her hidden treasures.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing a version of this article please contact Nancy Aiello Tours.

Tags: 100 places every woman should go in italy, bomarzo park, Italy, Nancy Aiello tours, susan van allen

Rome Day Trips | Charming Orvieto | Umbria Wine Tour

ItalyTravelista — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:06:49 +0000

Orvieto Day Trip from Rome | Orvieto Cathedral

Orvieto is probably one of the most beautiful hill top towns in Italy very close to Rome nestled in the heart of Umbria between rolling hills, Etruscan landscapes and views to dream about. A memorable Rome day tour excursion from Rome well suited for Rome’s independent travelers, families visiting Rome with kids and teens, and Rome layover cruise passengers. The countryside that surrounds Orvieto is just stunning. It is a shame that Rome visitors don’t seem to want to explore more of it, focusing instead on some of Tuscany’s better-known areas. Leave the Eternal City behind for a day on your family holiday to Rome and visit Orvieto with a relaxing day trip from Rome.

A Rome day trip of Orvieto highlights includes Orvieto’s most beautiful 14th-century Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture, sightseeing Orvieto underground tour, 15th century Saint Patrick’s well, Orvieto Papal Palaces, Orvieto impressive medieval buildings, shopping in the Orvieto historical centre famous for hand crafted ceramics and pottery, and a tour of Orvieto restaurants and Orvieto food and wines. In the surrounding landscape that rolls around Orvieto visitors can find very special wines, EVO oils, honey and delicious salami!

Orvieto Restaurants and Wine bars

La Grotta > Via Signorelli 5 > E.35
La Palomba > Via Manente 16 > E.35
Trattoria dell’Orso > Via della Misericordia 18 > E.35

NOTE: Entrance to churches requires appropriate attire and persons wearing shorts, miniskirts or short sleeves will NOT be admitted. It is also advisable to wear comfortable shoes.

How to reach Orvieto

Orvieto is situated in Umbria (central Italy), halfway between Florence and Rome. It is very easy to reach either by car or train.

By Car > From the Autostrada del Sole A1 turnpike, exit at Orvieto. Orvieto is 120 Km (75 miles) north of Rome, 160 Km (100 miles) south of Florence.

By Train > Orvieto is on the main Italian Railway link: Milano-Roma. Trains leave Rome every 2 hours during the day.

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

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Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in private family oriented Rome and Vatican tours and Rome day trips led by friendly and entertaining official native Italian tour guides designed to satisfy the curiosity and attention spans of the whole family visiting Rome, Italy.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

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Tour Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours

Tags: assisi day tour, family rome tour, orvieto duomo, private guided umbria tour, Rome, rome family tour, rome port excursion, umbria day trip from rome

Day Trip from Rome | Tivoli Gardens and Villa

ItalyTravelista — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:22:09 +0000

Day Trip from Rome| Tivoli Gardens and Villas

Enjoy this walking Rome tour a short drive from Rome. Explore Italy’s rich history in the Roman countryside away from the hustle and bustle of the Eternal City of Rome.

The 3000 years old historic hill town of Tivoli, home to the fabulous Villa Adriana and Villa D’Este, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is a very popular destination for a relaxed and informative day tour from Rome.

Hadrian Emperor Villa, the largest ever built for a Roman Emperor, is just outstanding. The lavish residence was built in two stages from AD 117 to AD 133 and was designed by Hadrian himself, who had a keen interest in art and architecture.

The Villa and grounds occupy an area of approx. 120 hectares, nearly 300 acres, with buildings for the exclusive use of the Emperor and his court, basilicas, theaters, baths, gardens and swimming pools, as well as a race course and a stadium. Hadrian’s Villa represents one of the leading examples of Roman architecture. When Hadrian died the imposing site was abandoned. Neglected, it was left to the mercy of pillagers. Only after the Italy unification in 1870 that lengthy restoration work began unearthing treasures and artworks. The Canopus, a small artificial valley with a pool in the middle flanked by a colonnade adorned with statues, arches and fountains, remains one of the most amazing spots of this huge archeological complex. The museum is also well worth a visit. One of the masterpieces found here, Myron’s Discobulus, is on display at the Vatican Museums.

Villa Adriana is an amazing example of Roman architecture while Villa D’este is one the finest examples of 16th century Italian architecture. Designed by Pirro Ligorio, a hydraulic engineer, it took around 20 years to complete starting from 1550. Villa D’Este beautiful Italian gardens feature fountains fed by the water coming from the nearby Aniene river and from the Rivellese spring providing a spectacular show of endless water games much appreciated by kids. The ground beneath it is a warren of tunnels and pipes but there are no pumps, as everything works by gravity alone.

The construction of this magnificent villa was commissioned by Ippolito II D’Este, the powerful Cardinal of Ferrara, who took up residence as Tivoli’s Governor in the mid 16th Century. Among the several impressive fountains don’t miss Fontana del Bicchierone, Fontana dei Draghi and Fontana dell’Ovato, as well as the world renowned Water Organ Fountain, adorned with Apollo and Orpheus statues. In 2001 Villa D’Este was listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site.

Another Tivoli’s stunning site is Villa Gregoriana, just fully renovated this park features an array of archaeological ruins from different periods, exceptional natural elements, caves and foreshortened views, that make Villa Gregoriana a great environmental, historical and artistic site to visit, including its 160 meter-high breathtaking waterfall.

Tivoli’s Restaurants:

Restaurant La Tenuta di Roccabruna | Just Next Hadrian’s Villa Entrance | Euro 40

Restaurant Avec 55 | via D. Giuliani 55 | Euro 45 | Dinner only

Restaurant La Sibilla | Tivoli | Euro 35

Rome Travel Tips

• Bring a bottle of water as there are no bars inside Villa Adriana
• Wear comfy shoes as there’s a lot to walk inside the Villas
• Try the local Frascati white wine from the Castelli Romani

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips with us? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it! Buon Viaggio!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Twitter.com/ItalyTravelista

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, based in Rome, specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

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Tags: Excursion from rome, hadrian villa, Rome Day Trip, Rome Excursion, rome tivoli 1 day tour, Rome Tour Tivoli Gardens, tivoli day tour, tivoli from rome, tivoli gardens, tivoli private guided tour, tivoli private tour, tivoli restaurants, Villa Adriana, Villa d'este, villa Gregoriana

Travel to Rome | Rome in Piazza

ItalyTravelista — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:56:13 +0000

Rome Navona Square

The Eternal City of Rome is famous for its mind-blowing monuments, remarkable churches and magnificent museums but the squares in Rome are the best places to enjoy the vibrant city life and the perfect spot to laze away your day surrounded by people and history, as the Romans do! When in Rome visit baroque squares and enjoy your Italian cappuccino next to renaissance palaces or medieval Roman churches. Tour Rome walking your way through art and tradition. This is ItalyTravelista personal list of the most beautiful squares of Rome.

Piazza Navona

Once a site for spectacular Roman games, Navona Square maintains an oval shape, akin to the most famous game arena, Circus Maximus. During the late 15th century, the square underwent a remarkable revamp, and is now the greatest example of Baroque Roman urban architecture. Navona square is dominated by the outstanding Four Rivers Fountain designed by Bernini, and across from the “Nile”, by the church of St’Agnese in Agone designed by Borromini. Here you can relax in one of the several outdoor cafes and restaurants and enjoy one of the several shows performed in the square by street performers and artists.

Piazza del Popolo

Once a site for public executions, these days Popolo Square is far more peaceful, and given its proximity to Borghese park and Via del Corso, it maintains a lively crowd of café-goers, shoppers and businessmen. Enjoy the mighty obelisk in the center of the square while sipping a nice espresso at one of the two pricey bars located in square’s corners. Nearby do not miss the pleasant Via Margutta, a quiet narrow street home to artists and painters.

Piazza Farnese

A quieter alternative to the busy Campo dè Fiori, located just a short walk away. Farnese Square is dominated by the eponymous Palazzo Farnese, a Renaissance palace, boasting works by Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane, Michelangelo, and Giacomo della Porta. While it is necessary to obtain permission from the resident French Embassy to visit the interior, an evening stroll through the piazza allows a glimpse at the frescoed ceilings. The piazza itself is simple and elegant, with two fountains and few cafés. Enjoy a glass of wine at the classy Camponeschi wine bar or a roman dinner at the traditional trattoria Ar Galletto. If you decide for the Galletto make sure to make a reservation asking for a table just in front of the Embassy NOT in the back alley or indoor!

Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina

Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, in the shopping heart of Rome, is one of the most elegant meeting places, and owes its name to the 4th century chapel of San Lorenzo, built on the home of Christian matron Lucina. Just around the corner from Montecitorio, the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina is a regular hang out for politicians and journalists, who are easily spotted eating ice creams or chatting about the next reform at the smart and elegant bar Ciampini, enjoying small but excellent sandwiches and delicious gelati.

St. Lorenzo in Lucina Church | A Great Place to Enjoy Rome

Piazza di Pietra

The impressive facade of the Temple of Hadrian, embedded in the walls of the Italian Stock Exchange building, is the distinctive backdrop for this quiet and pleasant square. The temple was dedicated to the deified Emperor Adriano by his adoptive son and successor Antoninus Pius in AD 145. The temple has just been renovated and its 11 massive corinthian columns shine. A cozy and relaxing setting, the piazza hosts the trendy bar Salotto 42, and La Caffettiera, an elegant Neapolitan-style cafe serving extra-strong espresso to keep you going!

Piazza della Rotonda

The best preserved ancient Roman, the Pantheon was conceived as a temple to all Gods and was later turned into a Catholic church. Michelangelo referred to this temple as “a work not of humans but of an Angel”, and the surrounding Piazza della Rotonda is the Pantheon’s perfect frame. The structure’s balanced geometry and the outdoor cafés lined around the square are a soothing experience for passers-by. Fiocco di Neve Gelateria on Via del Pantheon 51 and Caffè Tazza d’Oro are just a short walk away, while for a hearty roman dinner you can try Armando al Pantheon.

Piazza St. Mary in Trastevere

This lively square is home to one of the oldest and most original churches in Rome, Santa Maria in Trastevere, which is also thought to be one of the sites where Christians first openly celebrated the Holy Mass. The popular Trastevere quarter is a pleasant place to enjoy traditional roman food and typical Rome thin-crusted pizza.

Piazza Santa Maria ai Monti

Nestled within the narrow alleys of the Monti hill, between Via dei Serpenti and Via del Boschetto, the small and charming Piazza di Santa Maria ai Monti, hosts the main church of the Monti neighborhood and the Catholic Ukrainian Seminar of Rome. Lots of sitting room around the fountain makes the perfect spot to rest your tired feet or to read a book under the sun. Don’t miss a very pleasant pre-dinner rest in one of the several Monti wine bars like Tre Scalini, Al Vino al Vino, Barrique or an Indian dinner at the Maharajah, otherwise you can enjoy a creative Italian dinner at Urbana 47.

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips with us? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it!

Have a nice walking tour of Rome!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Twitter.com/ItalyTravelista

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, based in Rome, specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing a version of this article on your website please contact us for consent and further info.

St. Mary in Trastevere | Enjoy Rome as the Romans do!

Tags: Navona Square, Rome Day Trip, Rome Piazza, Tour Rome, Walking Tour of Rome, when in Rome

Rome Shopping Guide between Art and History | Tour Rome

ItalyTravelista — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:44:17 +0000

Rome Shopping between Art and History

Shopping in Rome is a must on your visit! Rome is a tremendous place for shopping and all non-EU residents can claim a tax refund (Approx. 14% Net) on VAT Tax Refund if they spend over € 154, 94 in any one day in one shop, and if they live outside the EU for more than six months in the year. You just need to bring a copy of your passport when shopping since you will be asked to fill out a form with your personal data as well as your passport number.

Rome Al Fresco Lunch

Most stores are open from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm except Mondays when they open at 3:30 pm and close at 7:30 pm. A lot of shops close for a couple of hours at lunch time and that gives the perfect excuse for a long meal in one of the many delightful restaurants located along ancient streets transformed nowadays into trendy shopping areas.

Rome’s historic centre offers more than 2,000 years of history, hosting treasure-filled museums, architectural wonders, stunning landmarks and enchanting squares together with exclusive boutiques, innovative gourmet restaurants and lively wine bars to enjoy shopping while living the most cosmopolitan side of the Eternal City of Rome!

Most of Rome’s fashion shopping is crammed into the Spanish Steps area from Via dei Condotti, the Madison Avenue of Rome, to Via Borgognona filled by elegant boutiques, several adorned with neoclassical facades, selling high style Italian clothes, where shoppers can purchase the latest collections s by famous brands such as Gucci, Prada, Ferragamo, Valentino, Armani and Versace. But the streets worth a visit even if you do not want to buy anything as are also a great place for some serious window- shopping and people-watching!

Early Baroque Fountain of the Old Boat

To the right of the Spanish Steps are two of the major street for antiques in Rome, Via Margutta today rich of art galleries and fashionable restaurants, starting from the Renaissance centre of life for craftsmen workshops, including the neoclassical artist Canova who had his workshop here, and the fine Via del Babuino lined with antique shops, some with a long history as the print shop at number 110 where both Wagner and Poussin used to live.

Many other streets intersect this trendy city-centre street filled with a variety of exclusive boutiques cafes and al fresco restaurants.

Rome Spanish Steps elegant shopping area has ancient Roman origins.

Via dei Condotti originally must have been the entrance to Lucullo’s Villa and remained during the Medieval times a country road. Since the 18th century became common and trendy to meet in Via Condotti’s cafes and at the Spanish Steps, and that has not changed much! Yesterday were Stendhal, Byron, Shelley, Goethe and D’Annunzio while today politicians, artists and movie stars keep meeting at the Caffé Greco in Via dei Condotti, 81, perhaps the most famous café in Rome.

Antico Caffé Greco, established in 1760.

From 1870 the street has pretty much remained the same as it was originally designed, when Rome became the capital of Italy and this area was designed to be occupied by banks and state administrative offices. Bulgari opened here in 1905 its atelier and Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of the radio, lived at Via dei Condotti 11, until his death in 1937.

Shopping in Rome

Via del Babuino, rich in 17-18th-century palaces was the artists’ street. In the 17th century, a colony of Dutch and Flemish painters came to live here and in the adjacent Via Margutta and therefore becoming the antiquarians’ street.
Today, prestigious antiquarians still have their shops here together with jewelers’ like Tiffany, Chopard, and Pomellato and icon fashion stores like Emporio Armani, Kenzo, Etro and Chanel.

The close Via Margutta, where Gregory Peck’s character lived in the classic movie Roman Holidays became in the 1950s an exclusive address and home to famous people, like film director Federico Fellini, and as result became one of the most cultural and lively areas in Rome.

Today this vivacious ancient area of Rome is one of the most important high-level shopping areas offering a wide choice of shops: antiques, jewelers, boutiques and fashion ateliers that keep the tradition and charm of one of the most beautiful old streets in Rome.

Via dei Condotti home to many of Italian's Designer Shops

Enjoy your Rome Shopping Stroll!

Ciao from Rome
Nancy Aiello
NancyAielloTours.com
Twitter.com/ItalyTravelista

Tags: Rome shopping Guide, rome tour

Travel to Italy | Fashion Outlets and Slow Food Restaurants in Italy

ItalyTravelista — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:52:02 +0000

Outlet Shops in Italy

Shopping in Italy, after museums and monuments, is another great reason to travel to Italy. Italy’s hottest places to shop are the hidden-away designer outlet malls offering Italian top quality brands and Made in Italy’s Fashion at 30 to 75% off their original store prices.
This short list of Italy’s outlets is guaranteed to make your designer-loving heart go a-flutter and give you major mileage for your buck! And after a long day of glorious shopping afford your feet and credit card a well-deserved break by sampling tasty Italian food in a Slow Food Restaurant.

Castel Guelfo Outlet City

Castel Guelfo Outlet, just a short ride from Bologna and the Riviera of Romagna, is the ideal place for quality bargain shopping in the Emilia Romagna Region. At Castel Guelfo Outlet there are over 70 outlets selling men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, sportswear, accessories and cosmetics, with huge discounts on over 100 leading Italian and international brands. Castel Guelfo Outlet also features cafés, restaurants, children’s dedicated areas and lots of events designed to entertain families with kids.

Slow Food Restaurants:
Trattoria E’ Parlamintè | Via Mameli 33 | Imola
Best Bets: Culatello Ham | Meat Sauce Hand Made Tagliatelle | Rosemary Beef

Hostaria 900 | Viale Dante 20 | Imola.
Best Bets: Chianina Carpaccio | Tortellini in light broth | Lamb Rack

The Place Luxury Outlet

The Place Luxury Outlet is less than an hour’s drive from Milan or Turin showcasing the most prestigious Italian Fashion Designers such as: Ermenegildo Zegna, Agnona, Gucci, Sergio Rossi, La Perla and Vogart Sunglasses. The Place Outlet offers a wide selection of elegant clothing, Italian-Made shoes and classy accessories for both men and women, as well as a café and a fine restaurant that specializes in excellent Piedmont cuisine. A visit to The Place will transform a day of shopping into a true luxury experience!

Slow Food Restaurant:
Restaurant Baracca | Via Sant’ Eusebio 12 | Biella
Best Bets: Cold Cuts | Chilled Veal in Tuna Sauce | Cheese Ravioli

Veneto Designer Outlet

Veneto Designers Outlet is strategically located at less than one hour drive from Venice. The design inspiration for this outlet comes from the palazzos of the surrounding Veneto region paying homage to the classic Italian style. The buildings are laid out along streets, plazas and squares, some of which are lined with covered archways to give you the Venice feel, less the Gondola. There are over 140 stores including major fashion brands like Armani, Aspesi, Bikkembergs, Borbonese, Jill Sander, Les Copains, Ferragamo, Sergio Rossi, Valentino, and Costume National.
As added bonus in July and August Veneto Region will be the venue for Veneto Jazz Festival 2009 with an international star-studded program.

Slow Food Restaurants:
Osteria Cà D’Oro Detta Alla Vedova | 3912 Cannaregio Ramo Cà D’Oro | Venice
Best Bets: Busara Spaghetti | Liver Venetian Style | Polenta

Trattoria Dalla Marina | 652 Cannaregio Fondamenta San Giobbe | Venice
Best Bets: Gnocchi | Seafood | Tripe

Serravalle Designer Outlet

Slow Food Restaurants:
Restaurant Cappelverde | Via San Pio, 26 | Alessandria
Best Bets: Pesto Lasagna | Chilled Veal in Tuna Sauce | Meat Sauce Agnolotti

Trattoria Razmataz | Via Bellini 24 | Alessandria Best Bets: Cheese Platter | Oxtail with Barbera | Tripe

Shop 'til You Drop for the Latest Fashion Items

The Mall or Gucci Factory Outlet

The Mall Outlet, set in the Tuscan Hills, is often referred to as the Gucci outlet and is located just a thirty-minute drive south of Florence on the way to Leccio. The Mall was opened on August 2001 and has since expanded now offering Italian and international luxury labels like Agnona, Alexander McQueen, Armani (3 shops), Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Diesel, Zegna, Fendi, Ferragamo, Gucci, Hogan, La Perla, Loro Piana, Marni, Pucci, Sergio Rossi, Stella McCartney, Tod’s, Valentino, Yohji Yamamoto, Yves Saint Laurent …. need more reasons to visit The Mall?!
The Mall is bargain hunting at it’s finest, very popular with tourists, expect busloads of Japanese shoppers, so arrive early as it is likely that you’ll have to queue your way out. For a break head to the on-site restaurant for tasty Tuscan food and wine.

Prada Outlet in Tuscany

Space or Prada Outlet | Via Levanella Becorpi | Montevarchi (AR)

Some 35 minutes away from either Arezzo or Florence, in the middle of nowhere, housed in a depot as big as an hangar, Prada Outlet, also known as Space is a not to miss experience for the value conscious fashionista! This is a shopping Mecca where you’ll find great bargains not only on Prada most coveted items but also on labels like Miu Miu, Car Shoe, and Church. It’s very easy to rack up a bill in the hundreds, but keep in mind you’d never find prices like this in a Prada store. This is by far my favorite factory outlet in Italy!

Slow Food Restaurants:
Antica Trattoria da Guido | Via Madonna del Prato 85 | Arezzo
Best Bets: Cold Cuts | Ribollita Soup | Rabbit stuffed with Artichokes

Enoteca La Torre di Gnicche | Piaggia San Martino 8 | Arezzo
Best Bets: Onion Soup | Pappa al Pomodoro | Zolfini Beans

Fidenza Village Outlet

Fidenza Village is one of Italy’s most popular outlet shopping centers, a lineup of 90 upscale stores and boutiques with famous designer outlets including Versace, Calvin Klein, D&G, Duvetica, Furla and Trussardi. Fidenza Village, midway between Milan and Bologna also offers, for a fee, expert style consultant services to guide customers towards exciting new looks.

Slow Food Restaurants:
Trattoria Ai 2 Platani | Via Budellungo, 104 | Parma
Best Bets: Parma Ham of course | Balsamic Vinegar Gnocchi | Cotechino

Trattoria Antichi Sapori | Via Montanata 318 | Parma
Best Bets: Culatello Ham | Ricotta Ravioli | Pork Knuckle

Barberino Designer Outlet

Barberino Designer Outlet is located just 20 minutes from Florence and less than an hour from Bologna, located in the beautiful natural environment of Valle della Sieve, resemble a Renaissance town. Here you can choose from more than 100 fashion stores including D&G, Jean Paul Gaultier, Les Copains, Missoni, Cavalli, Ferrè, Polo Ralph Lauren and Diesel, selling clothing, shoes, sports, accessories and much more. Avoid Sunday afternoon when it gets very crowded with locals and families. The good news for avid shoppers who don’t like driving, like me, is that there are daily shuttle services to/from Florence.

Slow Food Restaurant:
Ristorante Marisa | Via del Lago 21 | Barberino del Mugello ( My Favorite for a tasty Chianina Steak!)
Best Bets: Cold Cuts | Beans Soup | Chianina Beef

Castel Romano Designer Outlet

Castel Romano Designer Outlet, half an hour drive south of Rome, is one of two Designer Discount Outlet Malls travelers can reach easily from Eternal City. Castel Romano Designer Outlet is a very big mall, selling everything you could wish for, in a modern and tasteful environment. Since its opening in 2003 over 11 million visitors have come here to save money and find excellent bargains in the over 100 stores that offer the most prestigious Made in Italy brands like Trussardi, Ferrè, Malo, Valentino, Burberry, Valentino, Diesel, D&G, Zegna, Ferragamo, Roberto Cavalli, Etro, and more so!

Slow Food Restaurants:
Ristorante Da Vittorio | Via Musco, 29 | Rome
Best Bets: Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe | Lamb | Roman Artichokes

Osteria Priscilla | Via Appia Antica 68 | Rome (Great Location!)
Best Bets: Amatriciana Gnocchi | Tagliatelle with Wild Boar Sauce | Tripe

Fashion District Valmontone Outlet

Fashion District Outlet is located in Valmontone about 40 km away from Rome, in the Roman Castles area famous for the locally produced Frascati White Whine. Spreading out on 45,000 square meters, it hosts 180 shops with a wide and wild choice of style and fashion including brands like Mariella Burani, Elena Miro, Luisa Spagnoli, Cacharel, Calvin Klein, Papermoon, Francesco Biasia, Coccinelle, Antica Murrina, Lamborghini and a lot more. A good news for avid shoppers who love shopping rather than driving is that there’s a daily shuttle bus to/from Rome Termini making sure you shop ’til you drop!

Slow Food Restaurants:
Ristorante Cacciani | Via A. Diaz 13 | Frascati
Best Bets: Tonnarelli Artichokes and Bacon | Lamb | Roman Chicken

Ristorante La Scuderia | P.le Sforza Pallavicini 1 | Genzano di Roma
Best Bets: Beans Soup | Ricotta Cheese Ravioli | Roman Tripe

Tod’s Outlet | Della Valle Factory Outlet | 134 Corso Garibaldi Casetta D’Ete | Ascoli Piceno

Up to 50% Discount on Tod’s shoes and clothing, Hogan, Fay and Koss

Bargains during Sales Season in Italy

Italy Shopping Tips:

Hire a Local Personal Shopping Guide: An expert personal shopper understands your needs and your budget. A local personal shopping guide knows all the stores, all the tricks and provides insights and Italy shopping tips. You will be treated like a star on your Italy shopping trip. When in Rome I strongly recommend to contact Stefania Troiani, a very professional and fun personal shopping guide in Rome.

Hitting the Sales: Twice a year, in January and July, outlets sell off seasonal stock at further reduced prices and you can enjoy an additional discount!

Tax Back: Non-EU residents can claim a tax refund (Approx. 14% Net) on VAT if they spend over €175 in any one day in one shop, and if they live outside the EU for more than six months in the year.

Have a Plan: Because you never know exactly what you may find at a Designer Outlet Mall, have a checklist of items you are looking for.

Be Smart: Clothing, no matter how cheap, is still a waste of money if it never gets worn. Ask yourself if you really have a reason to wear it in the next year.

Check the Web: Before departure visit the Outlet Official Website to check for on-going sales and clearance.

Ready? Take your pick – Italy has it all!

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips with us? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it! Buon Viaggio!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

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Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, based in Rome, specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

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Made in Italy with Style!

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Travel to Italy: Fashion Outlets and Slow Food Restaurants-Part One-

ItalyTravelista — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:20:03 +0000

Castel Guelfo Outlet City- Official Website: www.outletcastelguelfo.it

Castel Guelfo Outlet, just a short ride from Bologna and the Riviera of Romagna, is the ideal place for quality bargain shopping in the Emilia Romagna Region. At Castel Guelfo Outlet there are over 70 outlets selling men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, sportswear, accessories and cosmetics, with huge discounts on over 100 leading Italian and international brands.
Castel Guelfo Outlet also features cafés, restaurants, children’s dedicated areas and lots of events designed to entertain families with kids.

Slow Food Restaurants:
Trattoria E’ Parlamintè- Address: Via Mameli, 33. Imola
Best Bets: Culatello Ham, Meat Sauce Hand-Made Tagliatelle, Rosemary Beef.

Hostaria 900- Address: Viale Dante 20, Imola.
Best Bets: Chianina Carpaccio, Tortellini in light broth, Lamb Rack.

The Place Luxury Outlet- Official Website: www.theplaceoutlet.com/inglese

The Place Luxury Outlet is less than an hour’s drive from Milan or Turin showcasing the most prestigious Italian Fashion Designers such as: Ermenegildo Zegna, Agnona, Gucci, Sergio Rossi, La Perla and Vogart Sunglasses. The Place offers a wide selection of stylish clothes, Italian-Made shoes and classy accessories for both men and women, as well as a café and a fine restaurant that specializes in excellent Piedmont cuisine. A visit to The Place will transform a day of shopping into a true luxury experience!

Slow Food Restaurants:
Restaurant Baracca-Address: Via Sant’ Eusebio, 12. Biella
Best Bets: Cold Cuts, Chilled Veal in Tuna Sauce, Cheese Ravioli.

Veneto Designer Outlet- Official Website: www.mcarthurglen.it/noventadipiave

Veneto Designers Outlet is strategically located at less than one hour drive from Venice.
The design inspiration for this outlet comes from the palazzos of the surrounding Veneto region paying homage to the classic Italian style. The buildings are laid out along streets, plazas and squares, some of which are lined with covered archways to give you the Venice feel, less the Gondola. There are over 140 stores including major fashion brands like Armani, Aspesi, Bikkembergs, Borbonese, Jill Sander, Les Copains, Ferragamo, Sergio Rossi, Valentino, and Costume National.
As added bonus in July and August Veneto Region will be the venue for Veneto Jazz Festival 2009 with an international star-studded program.
Official Website: www.venetojazz.com

Slow Food Restaurants:
Osteria Cà D’Oro Detta Alla Vedova-Address: Cannaregio 3912-Ramo Cà D’Oro. Venice
Best Bets: Busara Spaghetti, Liver Venetian Style, Polenta.

Trattoria Dalla Marina-Address: Cannaregio 652-Fondamenta San Giobbe. Venice
Best Bets: Gnocchi, Seafood, Tripe.

Serravalle Designer Outlet- Official Website: www.mcarthurglen.it/serravalle

Serravalle Designer Outlet is located about halfway between Milan (80 kilometers) and Genoa (50 kilometers) and since its opening in September 2000 over 20 million conscious value fashion victims have visited these Made in Italy Fashion Shops. The biggest and most impressive factory outlet in Europe, with a sales area of 40,000 square meters, consists of 180 stores, selling designer-label clothing, shoes and accessories, plus cafés, restaurants, fast food outlets, and a children’s playground.
Stores include Bulgari, Brooks Brothers, Diesel, Dolce & Gabbana, Hugo Boss, La Perla, Lacoste, Roberto Cavalli, Prada, Frette, Ferragamo, Versace, Benetton, Swatch, Bassetti, Mandarina Duck and much more.

Slow Food Restaurants:
Restaurant Cappelverde-Address: Via San Pio, 26. Alessandria
Best Bets: Pesto Lasagna, Chilled Veal in Tuna Sauce, Meat Sauce Agnolotti.

Trattoria Razmataz-Address: Via Bellini, 24. Alessandria
Best Bets: Cheese Platter, Oxtail with Barbera, Tripe.

The Mall or Gucci Factory Outlet- Official Website: www.themall.it

The Mall Outlet, set in the Tuscan Hills, often referred to as the Gucci outlet, is a thirty minute drive south of Florence on the way to Leccio. The Mall was opened on August 2001 and has since expanded now offering Italian and international luxury labels like Agnona, Alexander McQueen, Armani (3 shops), Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Diesel, Zegna, Fendi, Ferragamo, Gucci, Hogan, La Perla, Loro Piana, Marni, Pucci, Sergio Rossi, Stella McCartney, Tod’s, Valentino, Yohji Yamamoto, Yves Saint Laurent …. need more reasons to go?!
The Mall is bargain hunting at it’s finest, very popular with tourists, expect busloads of Japanese shoppers, so arrive early as it is likely that you’ll have to queue your way out. For a break head to the local restaurant for tasty Tuscan food and wine.

SHOPPING TIPS:

Hitting the Sales: Twice a year, in January and July, boutiques and outlets sell off seasonal stock at reduced prices to make way for incoming collections and you can enjoy an additional discount!

Tax Back: Non-EU residents can claim a tax refund (around 14 per cent) on VAT if they spend over €175 in any one day in one shop, and if they live outside the EU for more than six months in the year.

Have a Plan: Because you never know exactly what you may find at a Designer Outlet Mall (orange, chiffon-ruffled blouse, anyone?), have a checklist of items you are looking for. The sheer volume of items can be distracting, but if you know you need a black turtleneck, it will be easier to scan the shops for what you want.

Be Smart: Clothing, no matter how cheap, is still a waste of money if it never gets worn. See a cute dress you may wear if you ever go on a cruise? Ask yourself if you really have a reason to wear it in the next year.

Ready? Take your pick – Italy has it all!

Ciao from Italy!

Nancy Aiello
www.NancyAielloTours.com
twitter.com/ItalyTravelista

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Rome Day Trip to Tivoli Gardens and Villa Adriana

ItalyTravelista — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:36:47 +0000

Summer time in Rome can be very hot and the best way to make the most of your Roman Vacation and appreciate the cool Roman breeze while indulging yourself in Roman history is to take a Rome day trip to the hilltop ancient Roman town of Tivoli to visit the Roman Hadrian’s Villa.

Built 3000 years ago, the little hill town of Tivoli is about 25 kilometers outside Rome.
A fascinating drive along the ancient Tiburtina road, enjoying the Roman countryside, will bring you to the spectacular Villa Adriana, the most amazing serene place you could ever imagine, and the perfect spot for an alfresco Italian lunch!

Villa Adriana is an exceptional complex of classical buildings created in the 2nd Century A.D. by the great architect-emperor Hadrian as his summer retreat from the city life.

Bigger than the whole city of Pompeii, the Villa recreated the sights of Emperor Hadrian’s travels throughout the Roman Empire. Adorned with statues, mosaics, fountains and pools, it included palaces, thermal, theatre, temples, libraries, and quarters for courtiers, praetorians and slaves in the form of the ‘ideal city’.

Since 1999 Hadrian’s Villa is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! It was proclaimed “a masterpiece that uniquely brings together the highest expressions of the material cultures of the Mediterranean world.”

When in Rome then do not miss this enchanting excursion! Villa Adriana is open daily from 9am until one hour before sunset, is closed Mondays.

Nearby Attractions: Villa d’Este listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a fine example of Renaissance architecture and garden design. www.villadestetivoli.info
The newly reopened Villa Gregoriana Park, a privileged and obliged destination of many Grand Tour travelers.
www.villagregoriana.it

Where to Eat:
• Restaurant La Tenuta di Roccabruna | Outside Hadrian’s Villa Entrance | Euros 35

Tips:
• Bring a bottle of water as there are no bars inside the Villa
• Wear comfy shoes as there’s a lot to walk inside the Villa
• Try the local white wine from the Castelli Romani
Buon Viaggio!
Nancy Aiello

Travel Italy at Your Own Pace!

Day Trip from Rome | Tivoli Gardens and Villa

Tags: Rome Day Trip, Rome Excursion, Rome Tour Tivoli Gardens

Travel Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours!

ItalyTravelista — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:47:50 +0000

Travel Italy At Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours!

Nancy Aiello Tours is a tour planning company based in Rome, Italy that strives to provide highly personalized private tours of Rome and the Vatican State, Florence, Venice and Italy’s hidden gems for the value conscious travelers.

Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in private tours of Rome and the best of Italy has to offer with official licensed Italian tour guides including private transportation with fully licensed and insured a/c mercedes benz to discover not only the most famous Rome landmarks & museums but also the lesser known and off the beaten path Rome and Italy treasures.

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, a small boutique Italy travel planning company based in Rome advises solo travelers, families visiting Rome with children and cruise passengers touring Italy with fun and informative private Italy tours combined with personalized VIP Italy travel services to enjoy Rome,Italy as the Romans do!

Please, let us know how we can assist you in making your Italian trip an unforgettable memory of a lifetime.

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips or pictures with us? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it!

Ciao from Italy:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Follow ItalyTravelista on Twitter

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours is based in Rome and specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing any of these articles please contact Nancy Aiello Tours for info.

Travel to Italy in Comfort and Style with Nancy Aiello Tours

Tags: italy blog, Italy Museums, italy travel, Nancy Aiello tours, private rome tours, Rome Museums, rome shore excursion, tour rome with kids, Travel to Italy