#Tuscany #Italy JESS@FriendsTravel.com

Tuscany Italy is very special!
“Tuscany,” Goethe observed, “looks like Italy should.” Fortunately for today’s visitors, not too much has changed in the centuries since the German writer and statesman traveled in Toscana. Although its cities have many visitors, the region quickly gives way to a wondrous countryside.

The world is opening up again, so you must be ready to curate your clients’ experiences. In travel, YOU are your clients’ biggest ally. And education is YOUR biggest ally. A great educational resource for you is the wealth of knowledge contained in The Travel Institute’s Premium Access Lounge—from its vast library of White Papers and archived webinars to The Institute’s destination, niche market, and expert courses—all at your fingertips.

High on many clients’ wish lists are the Italian towns of Pisa and Florence. Here are some of the many highlights in Tuscany your clients may enjoy:

#Pisa and #Florence

The Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) is north of Pisa. It is a World Heritage Site and contains the city’s most famous sights: the Torre Pendente (#LeaningTower), the #Duomo, and the Baptistry. The Baptistry has an interesting audio effect: sing, and your long notes turn into chords.

The area around Pisa is an economic hub, and Livorno is the port. Cruise ships dock at commercial piers a short distance from town. Small ships and yachts dock even closer. Cruise ship shore excursions typically visit Pisa in the morning on their way for a day trip to Florence.

Florence (Firenze), Tuscany’s capital, is one of the world’s most important architectural and art centers. The birthplace of the Renaissance, the majority of its buildings were constructed in the 15th century and paid for by powerful families, such as the Medici, a hugely wealthy banking family. Visitors head for the Piazza della Signoria flanked by the Palazzzo Vecchio (Florence’s town hall).

Special Experiences

Travelers come to Italy, and especially to Tuscany, for many reasons. Many come in search of fine art experiences; others explore the beautiful countryside. Gourmets and wine lovers descend to enjoy the wonderful food and drink. Walkers enjoy the mountain paths; cyclists the rolling hills, and summer visitors the sea and islands. Special experiences are particularly attractive for repeat visitors.

Cooking Classes Up and down the peninsula, schools teach travelers how to cook the Italian way. The experience of hands-on work enriched by housing in a villa and guided tours of the countryside is a sure winner.
Bicycle Touring Cyclists can explore Tuscany’s back roads on a bicycle tour. Participants pedal their way on itineraries that feature cycling through the beautiful countryside, stopping overnight in four-star hotels, shopping for regional specialties (such as ceramics and leather goods), enjoying the region’s cuisine and exploring the art-filled city centers.
Truffle Hunting Truffle hunting is an ancient tradition in Tuscany. The tube mushrooms grow singly or in clusters, each kind with a unique perfume. Truffles are difficult to find because they grow under the earth among the roots of trees. They are found mainly by dogs and to a lesser extent by pigs.

Wine Tasting Southeastern Tuscany is the source of some of Italy’s finest red wines: Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The Chianti Classico Wine Region is between Florence and Siena. Only Chianti from here may boast the black rooster seal on the bottle. The Barone Ricasoli Winery and Brolio Castle is a good places to start a tour. The winery is Italy’s oldest and the largest in the Chianti Classico area. The formula for Chianti Classico was invented there. Visitors can taste wine, tour the small castle museum and have lunch at a good osteria.

Spas Italy has been known for its hot springs with therapeutic thermal waters since Etruscan days. The largest and best-known spa in Tuscany, Montecatini Terme, is located between Lucca and Florence. Verdi, Rossini, and Puccini spent time composing there. The town’s Liberty-style architecture is an adaptation of Art Nouveau. A funicular (hillside railway) that was built in 1897 takes visitors to see the old town of Montecatini Alto, a fortified medieval town with great views of the countryside. Terme Tettuccio is a legendary thermal resort in Montecatini Terme. The spa is noted for its lavish architecture.
Shopping The fashion and textile industries are important to the Florentine economy. The Via de’Tornabuoni, the top shopping street, has some of the world’s most luxurious clothing and jewelry houses, such as Cartier, Ferragamo, Gucci, Versace, and Bulgari, to name a few. Florence’s covered Straw Market is centuries old.

Clearly, the Tuscan region has much to offer. Want to learn more about Italy? Head over to the Premium Access Lounge TODAY and start exploring!

Ciao!

Travel curated to meet your wants, needs, desires and expectations.

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#Italy #Venice #Venezia JESS@FriendsTravel.com

There aren’t many ways to describe Venice without resorting to cliche.

Soaked in history and impossibly beautiful, the Floating City is an icon. From the grandeur of #PiazzaSanMarco to its tangle of ethereal canals, it’s hard not to be swept away by the romanticism of it all. #Churches, #museums, and incomparable #architecture punctuate every turn, while the only thing richer than its #culture is the #risotto.

And although the much-documented increase in cost, crowds and cruise ships may cast an intimidating shadow across the lagoon, it’s still possible for the curious wanderer to find some solace among the Venetian backstreets.

Grab an #Aperol and take it slow.

#Benvenuti a #Venezia


| FUN FACTS
Venice doesn’t really float
While its nickname might be “the Floating City,” it should really be called the Stilted City.”

Venice and its centuries-old buildings are perched on more than ten million tree trunks. These stilts function as the city’s foundations and prevent it from sinking into the marshy land beneath. They were drilled down about 25 meters into a layer of clay under the marsh. Keep in mind this ingenious way of building began in the 5th Century AD, with most of the building happening in the 13th and 18th centuries.

Of course, it’s common knowledge that Venice is slowly sinking and even tilts slightly to the east. It’s one of the many reasons that tourists and cruise ships are now controlled so heavily in the city.

| KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

It’s very crowded and very expensive
Venice is one of the most visited cities in the world, and for good reason. But with that comes increased prices and brutal crowds. Do your best to accept that it’s going to be busy, and set aside enough funds to stay for a few days. This will give you the flexibility of seeing things earlier in the morning or later in the evening after day-trippers leave. For a taster of the cost, a gondola ride could set you back well over $100 for half an hour.

Avoid eating around the tourist center wherever possible (there are exceptions). The meals are going to be priced sky-high and cooked at rock-bottom quality. Patience, deep pockets, and some good walking shoes will be your friend. And if you can, avoid weekends.
You’re going to need a reservation https://www.friendstravel.com/contact.html
And we’re not talking about dinner. In an attempt to curb some of the over-tourism in Venice, government officials have brought in a new system for day-trippers to the city. From January 2023, day-trippers will be required to make reservations for the day of their trip and pay a fee.

The cost will vary depending on the time of year, time of day, and how far in advance they pay. The max is only around $10, but those caught without paying could be fined as much as $300. If you’re staying overnight, there’s no need to pay or reserve a spot.

Brace yourself for floods

When this happens, a siren will sound a few hours before the peak, and local authorities will place raised walking platforms around the flooded area. It’s nothing to be worried about and shouldn’t impact your stay much, If you have space in your suitcase, it might be worth throwing in a pair of rain boots just in case.

| THINGS TO DO

Take a #gondola ride
What else could be at the top of the list? It doesn’t matter if it’s the ‘touristy’ thing to do. Taking a gondola ride through the canals of Venice is one of the most iconic things to do in the city. The best views are from the water, and it’s impossible to feel the town in a better way.

Once used as the main form of transport by wealthy #Venetians, all gondolas today are for tourist use only. There are only four hundred of them left in the city, so count it as a small privilege, even if it is one of the biggest tourist draws in the world.

They are expensive, but you can at least rest easy knowing that the prices are set at a standard price across the city. #Gondoliers won’t negotiate with you as they’re not allowed to change the price. Currently, it costs 80 euros for a private 30-minute tour, with every extra twenty minutes priced at 40 euros. An evening ride is 120 euros for the same length.  Remember this is possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity.

If you’re not fussed or don’t think it’s worth it but still want some views from the water, pay for a water bus day ticket. Not only will you get to see the sights from the canals, but you’ll also have the fastest mode of transport at your disposal whenever you need it.

Visit Piazza San Marco (St Marks Square)
No trip to Venice is complete without a visit to one of the most famous squares in the world – Piazza San Marco or St Marks Square. It’s easily one of the most remarkable architectural sites in the world; from the majesty of the basilica to the stunning Torre dell Orologio Clock Tower, there’s a lot to see.

St Mark’s #Basilica should be the main stop here. Set aside around two hours to explore the thousand-year-old church and try to get there early. It’s highly recommended to book in advance to skip some of the lines. Inside you’ll find an astonishingly beautiful collection of treasures from the #Byzantine era and beyond. History buff or not, it’s still worth a look. The view from the terrace is worth the entrance alone.

The nearby #Doge’s Palace is the perfect place to learn about the Venetian Empire. Once home to Venice’s Doges, the highest political position in the republic, the sprawling Gothic building was at the heart of Venice’s daily life for centuries until Napoleon’s troops took the city. It’s an excellent visit and a wonderful opportunity to learn about the immense impact Venice had on the world.

Of course, one of the joys of St Mark’s Square is enjoying the scenery itself. That’s fine and well, but make sure you don’t sit anywhere you’re not supposed to, and definitely don’t eat on the steps of any buildings – you can expect a steep fine.

Explore some of the other islands
Venice is built on 120 little islands, and not all of them are close to the central tourist area surrounding St Marks. Some require a day trip but can offer a far more authentic experience of life in Venice, far from the chaotic crowds.

#Burano is a popular choice. Forty minutes via the #Vaporetto ferry, the fishing town is as picturesque as they come. Colorful buildings line the canals, and with only 2000 residents and a handful of tourists every day, you can enjoy a far quieter experience. Highlights include the leaning bell tower and the Museo del Merletto, where tourists can learn about the lace industry, which was pivotal on the island.

#Murano could be even prettier than Burano but does come with more crowds. It’s not as far from the old city and has its own Grand Canal as well as the same colorful houses. It’s still a more intimate place than the traditional areas and is home to a stunning basilica and a glass-blowing industry – perfect for a unique souvenir.  [Side note, when I bought mine, about 10 years ago for $1000.  it is now worth a minimum 5X that!] 



| WHERE TO STAY

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In the thick of it all
Staying in Venice is the key to having a great visit. A day trip is fast and hectic, and you’ll be herded around like a sheep all day. Staying a few days lets you slow down, be strategic, and take advantage of the less busy early mornings and evenings.

There are a number of stunning accommodations, from quaint tucked-away gems to full-on luxurious hotels. And while you can’t expect the lowest prices, there are some fair rates out there. Whatever you choose, make it central.

Our Top Pick: Palazzo Morosini Degli Spezieri
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Venice, Italy
A renovated spice market and palace are the settings for this luxurious but ever-so understated hotel. There are only nine apartments and they’re all uniquely designed with modern flair, and even come with a washer and dryer for longer stays.

The beauty of this stay comes in the location. Nestled in a residential area but easy walking distance to all of Venice’s greatest sites, you really couldn’t do better. And it’s phenomenal value to boot.
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Other Top Picks
• The Gritti Palace https://www.friendstravel.com/contact.html
• Ca Maria D’Adele https://www.friendstravel.com/contact.html
• Rosa Salva https://www.friendstravel.com/contact.html

We offer many varieties of accommodations at almost any price point,

BUT we strongly recommend 4 or 5 star hotels and select 3 stars.

| WHERE TO EAT https://www.friendstravel.com/contact.html


Choose wisely
As the home of one of the greatest maritime empires in history, it shouldn’t be a surprise that seafood rules supreme in Venice. You’ll find an array of different dishes, from #risottos to bite-sized meals called #Cicchetti.

The greatest barrier to your enjoyment is finding the best versions of these. The tourist district is rife with low-quality restaurants charging crazy sums of money for mediocre food. Get away from the crowds, ask around, and do some research to ensure you find the best of this wonderful culinary tradition. #FriendsTravel #JessKalinowsky will give you personal recommendations. Remember JESS is a graduate of the

Le Cordon Bleu, Paris France

 


Our Top Pick: Trattoria Al Gatto Nero
Venice, Italy

Founded in 1965, the family-run business pairs Chef Ruggero Bovo with his son Massmiliano who together offer locally-sourced fresh seafood cooked to the highest quality. You’ll have to head to Burano to grab a table, but it’s more than worth the journey.
A stellar wine list compliments a wide selection of food, but the best idea is to order the tasting menu where you’ll be walked through a smaller portion of five or seven of the restaurant’s signature dishes like risotto, scampi, grilled cuttlefish, and more.

The Best of the Rest
• Restaurante Quadri
• Lineadombra
• Oro

| WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN VENICE. https://www.friendstravel.com/contact.html

• Some of the best Venetian bars for an Aperol Spritz
• The festivals to time your Venice trip for
• A handful of unusual things to do in Venice
• The “idiots” who power surfed through the canals
• Craft beer bars along the canals





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Italy Golf 2022-23 Extremely special offers! JESS@FriendsTravel.com

#Italy #Golf + #Gourmet #Food and #Wine + #incredible #automobiles!

Castiglion del Bosco is one of those golf courses every golfer wishes to play at least once in their lifetime.

Ranking as no.1 course in Italy according to Leading Courses (July 2022), this is one of the finest private courses in Europe and the only continental European design of legendary champion Tom #Weiskopf. #Tuscan masterpiece is exquisitely blended into the soft curves and contours of the estate’s rolling hills and valleys with panoramic views across the Val d’Orcia, a #UNESCO protected landscape.

Be the first to tee off every morning! The newly launched Tuscany Golf Experience package includes your choice of Suite, two rounds of the 18-hole course for two players per day of stay (advanced reserved tee times from 8 – 10 a.m. ) plus rental equipment, golf cart, practice range access, daily breakfast and one additional meal per day for two.

Close proximity to the most enchanting parts of #Tuscany means that, during your stay, you can also fit in a private tour of the Castiglion del Bosco winery or step beyond the estate. Truffle-hunting excursions! Visits to Siena or the medieval towns of the Val d’Orcia! Hiking and Biking the Via Francigena! Tuscany is your playground thanks to  our expert Concierge team. What’s more, should limbs need rejuvenating after a round of golf, the resort’s two infinity pools, gym, and Spa are at your disposal.

The Ryder Cup is a biennial men’s golf competition between teams from Europe and the United States. Golfers traveling to Italy, where The #RyderCup will be played in 2023, are invited to enjoy special access to Italy’s only private golf club

Take a 15 minute tour of Italy! 
https://youtu.be/t5Ju8m7r4t0?t=89

Rent, Lease, Buy: Ferrari , Lamborghini , and Maserati

#MontBlanc pen for first 50 First Class tickets! USA to/from Italy. [2022-23]

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Celebrate Wines Italy Barolo Barbaresco Regions JESS@FriendsTravel.com

 

Celebrating Italian wines with full-day excursions highlighting #Italy’s renowned #Barolo and #Barbaresco #wine regions. Travelers visit distinctive wineries, learn about the region’s history and traditions, and enjoy tastings of notable vintages.

The tour home base is #Alba, located two hours from #Milan. The excursions are woven into custom itineraries that begin in Milan. A typical itinerary may include hotel accommodations, a private airport transfer, a private walking tour of Milan, restaurant reservations, and a private car transfer to Alba. In Alba, other activities, such as a private cooking class or a visit to a local #beekeeper, can be added to the itinerary.

Barolo: The #Barolo visit features two wineries including Elio Grasso wine estate with 45 acres of vineyards surrounded by forests and meadows. Featured wines include #Barolo, #Barbera, #Langhe, #Dolcetto and #Chardonnay. Also on the agenda is a visit to the #wine #cellars and tasting room of family-owned #Marcarini vineyards.

#Barbaresco: At Castello di Verduno, originally built in 1500, travelers visit “infernot,” small underground rooms dug into the rock without light or ventilation where the estate’s finest wines are stored. In addition to a cellar-guided tour, participants #taste five #exclusive #Barbaresco and #Barolo vintages dating from 2011.

The afternoon visit focuses on the #Sori #Paitin vineyards, one of the oldest Barbaresco wineries. Located in the #Langa region, the property has been in the same family since 1796. Participants walk the terraced, organic vineyards, and taste four historical vintages including Sori Paitin, Serraboella and Sori Paitin Vecchie Vigne.

#Montalcino: For travelers who want to add in or concentrate on #Tuscany, also offers a full-day wine excursion from #Florence to #Montalcino. All wine excursions provide hotel pick up and transportation by private car with English-speaking driver, plus small-group winery visits and tastings. #FriendsTravel also provides restaurant recommendations and reservations.

Offering an array of #luxury itineraries and #bespoke arrangements. Now in its 37th year, #FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa90069 tailors distinctive packages and itineraries for independent travelers and small groups to Europe and beyond, sold exclusively through travel advisors. For more information on custom itineraries to destinations throughout Europe,

EMAIL JESS@FriendsTravel.com

Italy Tuscany Agriturismo Casetta JESS@FriendsTravel.com

#Agriturismo #Casetta in #Tuscany Private tour!

Tuscany’s Agriturismo Casetta Launches “Secret Sustainable Food Tour”

Agriturismo Casetta in Tuscany has launched a “Secret Sustainable Food Tour.” The 270-year-old luxury farmhouse is located on 90 acres in the #Chianti region, a half-hour from #Florence. #Sustainability has been a focus for owner Xenia Lemos as she creates experiences for those who enjoy slow travel and slow food. Lemos has created this immersive food tour to share the secrets of culinary traditions, methods, and recipes that have been passed down over the generations.

According to Lemos, “This experience complements all we do at Casetta from collecting rainwater, composting food, implementing natural energy resources, and using organic fertilizers to grow olives to produce our own extra-virgin olive oil.”

The “Secret Sustainable Food Tour” is available for those who book the whole house, which includes five bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. The experience includes arriving at Casetta and being welcomed with a chilled glass of prosecco. In the late afternoon join Casetta’s cook Patrizia Vaggioli for a pasta-making session using ancient flour and organic produce from the garden followed by dinner. The next day, guests can relish a farm-to-table breakfast followed by a seasonal foraging experience in Casetta’s woods. Guests will then be driven to #Corzano & #Paterno for a winery and cheese tour and tasting with a light lunch. The next stop is the local organic and bio-dynamic farm #Camporbiano which also harvests ancient grains. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of sustainable farming. They can also make cheese from the milk of goats and cows on the farm.

Following a ride to the hilltop town of San Miniato, guests can stop for a cocktail and mixology session at #Ethan’s Bar. They can taste Casetta’s signature cocktail, Roveta Dodici, and have dinner at the vegetarian restaurant #Maggese, where chef Fabrizio Marino provides a welcoming and lively atmosphere.

Prices start from approximately $5,281 for a group of seven including local transportation. Dinner at Maggese is not included in the price. Hybrid cars are available upon request for an additional fee.

Plus applicable #DiscountAirfares First, Business or Coach. Private jets are available for charter.

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Recipe Mussels Mantegna JESS@FriendsTravel.com

Recipe Mussels Mantegna For Your Christmas Table 

Buon Appetito!
It is that time of year when the Christmas Eve “Feast of the Seven Fishes” is upon us. As you may know, this seafood heavy celebration is much more of a southern Italian and Italian-American tradition than something universally Italian. I have a celebrity seafood dish for you to add to your repertoire. As you may know, actor Joe Mantegna joined me this year to host a dinner party.

Joe contributed two recipes – his famous Spaghetti Carbonara which was featured on his series Criminal Minds – and a family recipe, Mussels Mantegna! He says it is a tip of the hat to his brother Ron, who took an old family recipe and twisted it around a little bit and came up with something great.

The mushrooms are a unique addition to traditional mussels. Whip up this recipe and dream of the Italian coastline this Christmas season! [Or, frankly anytime in the mood for seafood that is currently available!]

Serves 4

Ingredients
• 2 to 3 lbs mussels, fresh and tightly closed
• 1 small onion, or 2 large shallots, chopped
• 2 Tbsp butter or margarine
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lb sliced mushrooms
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup fresh chopped parsley
• 2 to 4 Tbsp white wine or dry vermouth
• 1 (14½ oz) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or oregano, to taste (optional)

Directions
1. Scrub and debeard the mussels. Set aside.
2. In a heavy stockpot, over medium heat, sauté onion or shallots in butter and oil until transparent. Add mushrooms and garlic to onion and sauté until golden, stirring frequently. Stir in parsley and add wine to just cover the bottom of the stockpot. Add tomatoes and bring to a boil over high heat. Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Add mussels and cover tightly to steam. Carefully shaking the pot every 30 seconds, cook over high heat for 3 minutes. Mussels are done when all the shells are open. Discard any that do not open. Check the broth and adjust seasoning, adding basil or oregano.
4. Divide mussels among deep individual serving bowls. Carefully pour cooking liquid over mussels, but do not use the last of the liquid in the pot because it may contain shell fragments.

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#LeCordonBleu #Paris #France trained.

Italy The Best Spots to Visit JESS@FriendsTravel.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#Italy The Best Spots to Visit According to T L Editors
There are endless things to do and places to see in Italy, but these are some of our favorites.

At T + L, we love all things Italy — the culture and history, the food and drink, the people and hospitality, and of course, the gorgeous scenery. In fact, we love it so much, we named it our 2021 Destination of the Year.

These days, it feels like we’re constantly dreaming of the day we can return, so we’re sharing our favorite spots for those of you feeling the same. Here’s hoping it inspires a future trip, and that we all can go back soon.

Lido La Caravella, Taormina


#Lido la Caravella, a beach in #Taormina, on #Sicily’s northeastern coast, is my happy place. It’s a little bit of a walk from the funicular that takes you from the heart of the clifftop town down to the stunning Ionian Sea, so it’s more of a local spot than a tourist destination. (Though some hotels, like my favorite in town, Villa Carlotta, do offer shuttle service to La Caravella if you know to ask for it.) Beyond the quintessential Italian coastal colors that serve up a true feast for the eyes — blue sea, white sand, yellow umbrellas — and the calm, pristine water, which you can enjoy leisurely on one of the floats provided for visitors, I love this beach for the restaurant and service. You can easily stay all day, starting with a bottle of #prosecco, delivered straight to your beach chair on ice, and moving on to a sit-down lunch of fried seafood and fresh salads or pasta at a table with a view. The staff will make you feel like family, so much so that when the sun starts to set, you definitely won’t be ready to leave.

Pyramid of Cestius. Piramide Cestia. Cimitero Acattolico. Non-Catholic Cemetery of Rome. also called Cimitero dei Protestanti Protestant Cemetery or Cimitero degli Inglesi Englishmen’s Cemetery. European Cemeteries Route. Rome. Testaccio. Lazio. Italy. Europe.

Cimitero Acattolico di Roma

Many visitors stick to the touristy heart of Rome, but things really start to get interesting when you start heading outward. The so-called #ProtestantCemetery, in #Testaccio, is still technically within the old #Aurelian Walls, but just barely — and it’s an incredible distillation of how history can overlap in this city, from the Republic to the Empire, from the Renaissance to the age of Gran Turismo to Mussolini. Right next to the cemetery is the Piramide, an Egyptian-style pyramid that the magistrate Gaius Cestius built in the 1st Century BCE to serve as his tomb. Seventeen centuries later, others started choosing this spot as their final resting place. Those buried here include, but are not limited to: Keats; Shelley; Gramsci; assassinated Iranian dissident Mohammad Hossein Naghdi; beat poet Gregory Corso; Giorgio Bulgari (yes, that Bulgari); August von Goethe, son of and assistant to Johann Wolfgang; painter Tatiana Tolstaya, daugher of Leo and Sophia; actress Belinda Lee; former Albanian Prime Minster Shefqet Vërlaci; and Count Felix Felixovich Sumarokov-Elston of Russia, whose son is known for the murder of Rasputin in 1916. —

The arch is located along the alley called Via Monastero Maggiore

Friuli Venezia Giulia


I always feel bad for Friuli Venezia Giulia, stuck all the way up there in the far northeast of Italy, along the borders with Austria and Slovenia. It may be one of Italy’s most-overlooked regions — at least for American visitors — despite the fact that it has all the charming cities, gorgeous beaches, Roman artifacts, long history, incredible food, and electric wine that make this country so worth a trip. Up here, where the Austrian-Hungarian Empire used to rule, you’ll find a fascinating blend of Central European vibes and Italian flair, particularly in the port city of Trieste, where one of the world’s most enchanting sailboat regattas still takes place every October. Udine, a city occupied then liberated in World War I, is today a jumping off point for wine routes and grappa tasting trips. The Roman ruins of Aquileia are now protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, worthy of at least a day’s exploration. But save time for a few days on the beach, on the seaside island of Grado, filled with spas, cafes, bars, and clubs that buzz all summer long. —

La Casa del Caffé Tazza D’oro, Rome


This counter-service shop near the Pantheon kept coming up when my coffee-obsessed husband was researching the best places to get a capuccino in Rome. Its location in such a tourist-heavy part of the city had me a tad suspicious, but after our first visit, we were both convinced. You wait in line with some travelers, yes, but mostly a bunch of no-nonsense Romans, who seem to be stopping by on their way to work. Once you place your order, you find a spot along one of the pastry cases, lay your ticket on the counter, and wait for one of the baristas to snatch it up. Before you know it, he’s back with your espresso beverage of choice, which you’re meant to down in a few quick sips. It became our morning ritual and a place we’d go out of our way to visit. Case in point: On a pre-pandemic trip to Egypt, we routed our layover through Rome just so we could get a Tazza D’oro fix.

The Baptistery of St John (left), Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Duomo Centre), Giotto’s Bell Tower (Large Tower centre), Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Photograph taken at sunrise.

Giotto’s Bell Tower, Florence

There’s really no such thing as a “bad” view in Florence, the charming capital of #Tuscany. Lots of tourists climb the steps of the Duomo to soak in views of the red-roofed buildings and rolling Tuscan hills, but I think the view next door — from the top of Giotto’s Bell Tower — is even better because you can see the city’s iconic Brunelleschi dome from a short distance. Opt for an evening visit to watch the sun set over Florence, and then go enjoy a well-deserved aperitivo after your workout (there’s no elevator, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes!). —

Roma, Italy – The Appian Way, an walk with bycicle with mausoleum

Appian Way

I haven’t been to Italy since I was 16 (criminal, I know) but I’ve never forgotten the day our Latin class spent walking the Appian Way. We visited the tiny church of Santa Maria in Palmis, toured the catacombs, and spent an afternoon gazing out at the open fields and neat rows of Italian cypress trees. As teenagers do, we joked around and half-listened to our teachers and tour guide, trying to act cool, but I think many of us were secretly awed to be there, on one of the oldest roads in the world. I know I was. —

ORVIETO, UMBRIA, ITALY: Aerial view of the medieval town and the Orvieto Cathedral, seen from the Torre del Moro.

Orvieto, Umbria


This medieval hill town in #Umbria is just an hour from Rome by train, but it’s a super rewarding day or overnight trip that shows an entirely different side of central Italy. My favorite part about this place is the wine of the same name, one of the only white wines I’ll drink: a dry, refreshing blend of Grechetto and Trebbiano that you’ll find all around town and at the wineries at the foot of the butte. But there’s a lot more to Orvieto: the ruins of the Etruscan necropolis on which the town is built, regional foods like wild boar ragù and fava beans with pecorino, and a 14th-century cathedral striped with travertine and basalt, which was left miraculously unscathed by bombings in and around the area during WWII. —

Gelateria del Teatro, Rome

I’m pretty sure this spot — recommended to me by a friend who’d spent a year studying in Rome — has ruined me for every other gelato on the planet. They have all the usual suspects (a dreamy fior de latte, the most perfect stracciatella, and the platonic ideal of pistachio), but what you’re really going for are less widely available combinations. I dream about flavors like the aromatic rosemary, honey, and lemon and the sweet-tart Veccia Roma (translated as “cheese and cherry”), but you can’t go wrong with anything they have on offer.

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Italy Capri Hottest Hotel Hotel La Palma JESS@FriendsTravel.com

#Italy #Capri Hottest Hotel Hotel La Palma

The countdown has begun for the highly anticipated debut of the refurbished Hotel La Palma in Capri, #Oetker Collection’s newest #masterpiece hotel and its first (believe it or not) Italy. Two-hundred years after it was first built in 1822, Capri’s very first hotel has been transformed by Oetker Collection into an elegant 50-room-and-suite property. #FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa90069 offers the absolute #BestValueRates! 

This is the first hotel created by interior designer Francis Sultana, with the help of #Italian #craftsmen and local #artisans. With a prime location just mere steps from the famous #Piazzetta, Hotel La Palma will feature a rooftop restaurant and bar with food concepts led by Neapolitan Chef Gennaro Esposito, its own beach club, a newly built pool deck, a spa, and high-fashion boutiques. The La Palma Beach Club, also designed by Sultana, will become the day-into-night, buzzing epicenter of the social scene on the island.

Hotel La Palma is owned by Reuben Brothers, marking the latest landmark procurement in their pipeline of investments and developments in #Europe. The Reubens Brothers’ acquisition also includes the legendary La Taverna Anema e Core nightclub, a famous nightspot frequented by celebrities, located in the same premises.

Hotel La Palma has been conceived as an elegant Mediterranean retreat on the fabled Italian island. The original hotel on Capri will once again become the chic address for people who want to see and be seen.
During its renovation, the room count of the hotel is being drastically decreased, from 80 to 50 rooms, including 18 suites, each complete with its own private balcony or terrace. Located in the beating heart of Capri, just around the corner from the famous Piazza Umberto I (well known as the Piazzetta), Hotel La Palma is near some of the most notable sites of Capri: I Giardini di Augusto, Via Krupp, La Certosa and the iconic Faraglioni. Another of the island’s best-known, must-visit natural sites in easy reach from the hotel is the Grotta Azzurra, the Blue Grotto, a dark cavern where the sea glows electric blue.

Hotel La Palma will be a gourmand’s delight, with Gennaro’s restaurant, bar and terrace, under the direction of Chef Gennaro Esposito. Esposito is a culinary hero in Italy, having run his own two-#Michelin Star restaurant, Torre del Saracino, for the last 23 years. A simple, stylish step back in time to the Capri of the 1950s, Gennaro’s will serve unpretentious, authentic Italian cuisine. It will also benefit from being right next door to the great Taverna Anema e Core.

Another highlight will be #Bianca, a newly created rooftop restaurant and bar open late with #spectacular #views over #Capri Village and the sea in the distance. Bianca, also under the culinary direction of Chef Gennaro, will become the island’s top hangout, transporting guests to another time and place. In addition, Hotel La Palma will offer a brand-new pool deck, complete with an elegant pool bar paying homage to the classic Capri of the golden age.

A short drive to Capri’s southern coast is La Palma Beach Club in the Marina Piccola, home to the island’s most famous #beaches and #restaurants. Open to non-hotel guests, visitors will come from yachts and neighboring hotels as La Palma Beach Club becomes the meeting place of choice on the island, with lunches created by Chef Gennaro and sunset cocktails. Hotel La Palma will hotel also feature a spa with three treatment rooms, including one double treatment suite, a sauna, steam bath and ice shower, relaxation space and fitness center.

The property’s interiors are currently being transformed by Francis Sultana, a true maestro in the world of high-end interior design, in collaboration with Francesco Delogu of Delogu Architects. #Sultana is one of the world’s foremost interior and furniture designers, working across both residential and commercial projects.

Sultana has frequented Capri for decades and has a great affinity for the island, its people and culture. “Capri is an island that I love. Hotel La Palma is an iconic hotel that everyone will adore in its new lease of life,” he says. “I wanted my design to reflect the very special relationship I have with Capri, that was love at first sight from my first visit in my early 20s, an island of romanticism and great aesthetes with a beauty and great inspiration for creativity, in all its forms.”

Sultana has created the hotel foyer as an artistic statement, paying homage to Hotel La Palma’s original incarnation as a place where artists once stayed and would leave artworks behind them. Ceiling #frescos of Roberto Ruspoli will immediately capture guests’ attention. Keeping the space open, Sultana has sparingly added splashes of Mediterranean blue, green and turquoise. The curves of the ceiling are mirrored in the scalloped edges of the reception and concierge desks, and there is detailing in the planters, niches, and column capitals. Large palms in planters bring the outdoors in, a nod to Capri’s love affair with the palm tree, which is also reflected in the hotel’s new logo as an abstracted palm tree design.

The hotel’s rooms feature exquisite craftsmanship, luxurious materials and the utmost attention to detail. Once again keeping the color palette neutral, Sultana has allowed the materials to speak for themselves. Bespoke furniture and carpets together with sophisticated lighting accent the bedrooms that lead into marble and bronze-lined bathrooms.
Decorative attention to detail has been paid to everything, right down to custom bathroom taps. Sultana’s unmistakable signature design flows through the indoor bar and restaurant, pool terrace and bar, and the stand-out rooftop bar.

Since 1822, Hotel La Palma, formerly known as Locanda Pagano, is the oldest hotel on Capri. The original owner, notary Giuseppe Pagano, hosted travelers in his villa for the pleasure of long conversations and often his guests were artists, poets, writers, architects, painters and musicians, all who showed their gratitude by painting the walls, writing poems, singing and playing in what was dubbed the “Artists’ Hotel.” When Hotel La Palma opens in April 2022, guests will once again receive the same warm Italian welcome.

“I simply cannot think of anything more exciting than the outlook of opening a true masterpiece hotel in one of the most beautiful and glamorous destinations in the world, the island of Capri,” says Timo Gruenert, CEO of Oetker Collection. “It will be an homage to La Dolce Vita and the legacy of this legendary location—the first hotel in Capri—while reinventing Hotel La Palma to once again be at the epicenter of the island’s vibrant social scene. And as with all our masterpiece hotels, we are truly committed to creating a sense of timeless hospitality, deeply rooted in family spirit and genuine kindness.”

Jamie Reuben of Reuben Brothers says he is thrilled that Hotel La Palma will be joining the prestigious Oetker Collection portfolio of hotels. “When we acquired the property, we saw its potential to become a truly world-class hotel, a vision shared by Oetker Collection,” he says. “We have no doubt that Hotel La Palma will be right at home next to some of the world’s most legendary hotels and part of this glittering hotel brand, and similarly that Oetker Collection will breathe new life into this history-steeped Italian icon.”

Capri can be accessed by air or by sea. The closest airport is #Naples International Airport, located approximately 10 kilometers from the city’s port. There is also a #heliport in #Anacapri and other airports include #Ravello (20 minutes) and #Rome (70 minutes). In addition, the island can be reached by ferry or hydrofoil in 25 minutes from #Sorrento or #Positano, in 50 minutes from Naples, and in one hour from #Amalfi

Oetker’s current portfolio includes Le Bristol Paris, Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, Château Saint-Martin & Spa in Vence, The Lanesborough in London, L’Apogée Courchevel, Eden Rock-St Barths, Jumby Bay Island in Antigua, Palácio Tangará in São Paulo and The Woodward in Geneva.

For more information, JESS@FriendsTravel.com #JessKalinowsky #FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa90069

#FriendsTravelWestHollywood90069 is a concierge travel company using decades of our worldwide relationships and travel experiences to deliver our clientele the best accommodations and VIP treatment. We curate tailor made experiences for clients, based on their wants, needs, desires and expectations whilst keeping an eye on every aspect of travel and entertainment spending, based on the clients’ budget.

#FriendsTravelWestHollywood90069 specializes in customized, 4-5-star luxury mega yachts, and #PrivateCharterAircraft of any size. Our professionally trained advisors coordinate every detail of our client’s experiences. #DiscountAirfaresWorldwide First Business Coach!

#TravelCurator #TravelAgent #TravelAdviser #TravelAdvisor #TravelConsultant  #Experience

Amalfi Coast, Capri, Florence JESS@FriendsTravel.com

#AmalfiCoast, #Capri, #Florence – 2022
10-Day / 9-Night Package offered *
Everyone loves Italy and this is just one of dozens of examples we’ve done to the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Florence. Our focus here is on the experiences with private guided and small group tours, private transfers throughout, a mix of activities, first-class rail, free time, and a lovely mix of four-star boutique properties. The number of nights, flow, tours, and activities makes this itinerary perfect. Of course, we customize to your client’s specifications, but this one is a keeper for your future reference.


Package Pricing Includes
• Airport transfers on arrival and departures per itinerary below
• Railway transfers on arrival and departures per itinerary below
• Ferry transfers to/from Hotel in Capri provided by hotel’s complimentary shuttle
• 1st class rail from Naples to Florence (3 hours)
• 3-nights in Positano at Poseidon Hotel Positano, Superior double room
• 2-nights in Capri at Hotel Excelsior Parco, Deluxe Sea View Terrace room and outdoor Jacuzzi
• 4-nights in Florence at Antica Torre Tornabuoni 1, Deluxe double room
• All hotels include Eurobound Amenities – breakfast & VAT
• Private transfer from Positano to Naples pier with guided tour of Pompeii en route
• Positano: Private half-day tour Amalfi Drive – Amalfi and Ravello (4 hours)
• Capri: Private Boat tour of Capri (4 hours)
• Florence: Small-group original walking tour (3 hours)
• Florence: Private Half-day Tour Visit to Academia and Uffizi Galleries (4 hours)
• Florence: Small group Full-day tour to Siena and San Gimignano (9 hours)
• Florence: Group Cooking Class and Visit to the Market (5.5 hours)


Itinerary Summary
DAY 1 Naples/Positano: Arrive on own air arrangement in NAP Airport, transfer to Positano hotel
DAY 2 Positano: Half-day tour Amalfi Drive – Amalfi and Ravello
DAY 3 Positano Day at leisure
DAY 4 Positano / Capri: transfer to Naples pier with guided tour of Pompeii en route – Ferry transfer to Hotel in Capri
DAY 5 Capri Private Boat tour of Capri
DAY 6 Capri / Florence: Transfer to Capri pier, Transfer to Naples train station, Rail, transfer to Florence hotel
DAY 7 Florence: Morning – walking tour, afternoon – tour/visit Academia and Uffizi Galleries
DAY 8 Florence: Full-day tour to Siena and San Gimignano
DAY 9 Florence: Cooking Class and Visit to the Market
DAY 10 Florence: Transfer to Florence FLR Airport, depart on own air arrangement

 

 

 

 

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#Florence #Italy JESS@FriendsTravel.com

Portrait of Firenze
Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 4 50123 Florence, Italy

#Ferragamo needs no introduction. The legendary 20th century shoemaker-turned-fashion-emperor has occupied headquarters in Florence’s iconic Palazzo Spini Ferroni for more than 70 years. During this time, this eponymous brand has expanded to include the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum and a luxury hotel brand known as the Lungarno Collection. The collection comprises five hotels in Florence alone, including Portrait Firenze. Located on the banks of the Arno River, the Portrait is a romantic Italian gem nestled among Florentine rooftops with incredible views of Ponte Vecchio bridge. The hotel embodies the primary values of the company – style and service – with a special nod to the 1950s, when Florence was living its fashion high, attracting a glamorous cast of designers, directors and royals.


Why You’ll Love It Here…

The Design: Architect Michele Bönan selected furnishings reminiscent of the 1950s, but are set in modernist tones of monochrome black, gray, and gold. Art-filled walls and picture stands display images drawn from the Locchi, Giorgini, and Alinari photography archives, all of 50s-era celebrities vacationing in the city. These unguarded images of Hollywood icons savoring their Florentine adventures are a rare find—just one of the many pleasures to be enjoyed on the property.

The Sleep: The elegant six-floor hotel’s 37 suites, ranging from 40 to 120 sqaure meters, all feature large windows with views of the Arno, Ponte Vecchio, and the surrounding hillscape. All suites have walk-in closets, bathrooms lined in Carrara marble, Salvatore Ferragamo bathroom amenities, a concealed kitchenette for making cocktails and snacks, a Bluetooth system, an iPad with docking station, and music and DVD libraries.

The Taste: Looking out over the River Arno, the newly re-opened Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo (one Michelin Star) offers the ultimate fine dining experience with stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio. Chef Claudio Mengoni brings his philosophy of true, authentic cooking with ingredients that stand out for their uncompromising creativity and rigor. Also set against the stunning riverside backdrop of the Arno, the contemporary Italian cafe, Caffè dell’Oro, offers a selection of exquisitely Italian dishes, many prepared with produce from a nearby farm.

Special COVID-19 Notes: Portrait Firenze is currently open. For more information about their COVID-19 procedures, click here. EMAIL: JESS@FriendsTravel.com 24|7|365

Penthouse Floor

The Penthouse Floor is the ultimate vantage point over the masterpieces of Renaissance Florence. The full top floor will be at your complete disposal to enjoy the heavenly sights, sounds and smells of Florence. By the iconic Ponte Vecchio and overlooking the river, this is more a chic city-center dwelling than a hotel suite. The floor has a maximum capacity of 10 and wit a total of five splendid bedrooms, six sumptuous bathrooms and four tastefully-decorated lounge-dining areas, the penthouse is perfect for hosting friends, family or entourage.

Explore Other Rooms & Suites

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