Deruta hand-painted ceramics and pottery began as far back as the Renaissance and for the past four generations Giovanni Baiano and his family have been a key part of this local artisanal industry. Giovanni's wife, California native and architect Joan Malloy, shared the fascinating Deruta and Antica Fornace Deruta story with me. Deruta and pottery...
Day Trips
Capri Day & Overnight Trip
I can't help it; I'm back in Capri...again. Just for a day and a night to get my fix of Caprese flavors and another rollercoaster of jaw dropping views. Take a look at the pictures below and you'll see why I keep coming back. Constantly. If you're interested in an overnight trip to Capri just...
Naples in a Day: Fifteen Absolute Musts!
Naples is a must if you're looking for amazing food and incredible pastries, jaw dropping art that will leave you dazzled, and if you want to experience a culture of passion and music! To enjoy Naples to its fullest you have to take it as it is, jump in and enjoy! There's nothing like...
Ninfa Gardens Day Trip from Rome
If you're looking for a day trip from Rome out of the hustle and bustle of the city the Ninfa Gardens Day Trip from Rome is a wonderful choice! Here's what you need to know: About the Ninfa Gardens The Ninfa Gardens were nominated as one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe. They are...
Best of Bologna Day Trip
Bologna is the city of porticoes, Europe's oldest university, amazing towers and culinary delights you can't even imagine. If you're hankering for something different and unique to do while visiting Rome then this is the day trip you'll want to make! Are you interested in a culinary walking tour of Bologna? Then I’ve got you...
Subiaco day trip from Rome
If you're looking for a day trip out of Rome where you can find an oasis of peace immersed in spectacular natural beauty, yet rich with Italian history, art and culture then a Subiaco day trip from Rome is a perfect choice. Subiaco is located about an hour and a half southeast of Rome in...
Day trip to Cortona, in the Tuscan province of Arezzo
The town of Cortona is easily reachable by train from Rome: a pleasant and affordable 2 ½ hour train ride ((Euro 16 in first class). Once you reach the Camucia / Cortona station you can take a bus (runs about every 40 minutes) or a taxi (Euro 10) up to Cortona centro. The entrance way...
Mozzarella production, a medieval hill town & a winery visit
The morning starts with a visit to one of my favorite of wonderful small artisan mozzarella di bufala and ricotta cheese producers in the area. We’ll observe the mozzarella cheese making process and learn why this cheese is so fabulous and cannot be produced elsewhere – not even in most of Italy! We’ll have lunch...
Day trip to Ariccia in the Colli Albani southeast of Rome
Day trip to Ariccia in the Colli Albani Hills southeast of Rome Sometimes doing exactly what every tourist does when they visit Rome just isn’t what you have in mind and you'd like to experience something different, and perhaps out of Rome's city center. As it turns out, it’s easy; there are many day trips...
Day Trip to Lake Bolsena for a fish lunch
Last weekend we were at Lake Bolsena, an under two hours drive from us. We were there with friends: and others who vacation at the lake regularly; sailing, canoeing, swimming. Fish is my favorite food and it's a pleasure to occasionally indulge in lake fish. The best that Lake Bolsena has to offer is coregone,...