When you conjure up the Mediterranean diet in your mind the first thing that probably comes to you is olive oil, and quite likely Italian olive oil. The month of November is the big month for the Italian olive harvest, when the many varietals of olives are picked and brought to one of the hundreds…
Lazio
Palazzo Caetani and the Isola Mattei, a virtual tour
The Palazzo Caetani was one of the great sixteenth century palazzi in Rome. Originally one of a group of palazzi belonging to the powerful Mattei family, it occupied an entire city block on the edge of Largo Argentina. This block is known as the Isola Mattei, or Mattei Island. The Mattei began as rich merchants and over time evolved into…
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…
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…
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…
Sperlonga – A Seafood Haven
Sperlonga – a Seafood Heaven Sperlonga, located midway between Rome and Naples, is easily accessible by both train and automobile. Yet, the charming hilltop town – featuring a maze of steep passageways and arches that open up suddenly to views of the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea – is reachable only on foot. Accommodation is comprised…
Tiella, Stuffed Pizza from Gaeta
The view of the hill town of Sperlonga alone makes an excursion here worth it. I never tire of that view. The water is clean and crisp and delightful: Sperlonga prides itself on having the top water cleanliness rating along the coast. It always boils down to the seaside life and the food, and Sperlonga…
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…
The Best of Sperlonga
Sperlonga captured my heart more than three decades ago when we first started spending the month of June here each year. Some of Sperlonga’s appeal is intangible, it occupies your senses in ways you can’t even describe. Yet, so much of what there is to love in this amazing coastal hill town is easy to quantify….
Eating in Contigliano, northern Lazio
Contigliano is Maurizio’s hometown. He was actually born in nearby Terni but every single relative on his mother’s side was born in Contigliano. And more than that: they were all born in the same family home, in the same iron frame bed, that I have kept and moved to our present home north of Rome….
Saturday outdoor market in Sperlonga
Saturday morning is the big outdoor market day in Sperlonga. One of my favorite vendors has an assortment of olives cured by his family owned azienda agricola, including local Gaeta olives. He also prepares whole red peppers in an agrodolce bath. Most of the peppers go by the wayside as the process is lengthy and…
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,…