Don't travel to Italy without the best Italy vacation guide around! The award-winning travel newsletter, Dream of Italy, offers savvy, insider Italy travel advice on Italian destinations from Cinque Terre to the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany to Sicily. We cover Italy villa rentals, new Italy hotels and restaurants, Italy vacation packages, shopping in Italy, private guides in Rome and Venice, etc. We'll give you the Italy travel information you need to make your Italy vacation a once-in-a-lifetime travel event! Don't visit Italy without Dream of Italy!
Featured on ABC NEWS and in USA TODAY, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER and U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
Home | BLOG | Destinations | FREE Italy Articles | Italy SHOP | Sample Issue | SUBSCRIBE | Search | Subscribers Center
Get your free guide to Italy villa rentals...
About this Site
 About
 BLOG (updated daily!)
 Contact
 E-mail This Page
 FREE Italy Articles
 List of Back Issues
 Online Press Kit
 SUBSCRIBE
 Umbria Tour - Nov. 2010
 Italy Travel Discounts
Search
Destinations & Topics
 Abruzzo
 Amalfi Coast/Naples
 Basilicata
 Bologna/Emilia-Romagna
 Books About Italy
 Calabria
 Campania
 Christmas in Italy
 Cinque Terre/Liguria
 Cooking Schools
 Dolomites
 Florence
 Getting Around Italy
 Italian Life/History
 Italian Recipes
 Italy in America
 Italy Travel Tips
 Lazio
 Le Marche
 Lombardy
 Milan
 Puglia
 Real Estate/Expat Life
 Rome
 Sardinia
 Sicily
 The Italian Lakes
 Turin/Piedmont
 Tuscany
 Umbria
 Valle d'Aosta
 Veneto
 Venice
 Villa Rentals in Italy
 Wine
PRODUCTS
 All Products
 Travel Gift Baskets
 Gift Subscriptions
 Home Decor Items
 ITALIAN CHRISTMAS CARDS
 Italy Inspired DVDs
 Italy Travel Books
 Note Cards of Italy
 Travel Planning Services
 Venetian Glass Jewelry
RESOURCES
 Archive
 Help
 Text Size
 Your Account
Other
 Privacy Policy
 Terms of Use

Join us on:





Merchant Services


Home | Tuscany
 
Tuscany
Tuscany Italy Travel Articles

Sponsored by Sant' Antonio Country Resort (Montepulciano)

Also visit our FLORENCE page

Tuscany is what many people around the world envision as a true representation of Italy.  Rolling hills. Stone farmhouses. Vineyards. Olive groves. It is one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations and many travelers choose to rent a Tusan villa and live like Italians for a week or two. Six areas in Tuscany are protected by UNESCO:  the Val d'Orcia, the cathedral of Pisa, and the historic centers of Florence, San Gimignano,  Pienza and Siena.  The Etruscans were the first major civilization in this area and their imprint can be found throughout the region. Tuscany was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and there is history around every corner.
Get your free guide to Italy villa rentals...


The following articles are free for all readers to access:
An American Family in Tuscany
Uncovering the Mysteries of Tuscany Tour Guide Dario Castagno
Live the Bond, James Bond Experience at These Tuscany Rentals
The Dream Interview: Frances Mayes, Author of Under The Tuscan Sun
Rachael Ray's Italian Wedding Hideaway in Tuscany
Italy Events Calendar: What's Happening in Italy in 2010

The articles below are available to paid subscribers only:

The Dream Interview: Tuscany and Umbria Insider Barrie Kerper (July/August 2010)
Kerper is such a thorough researcher she would put any librarian at the Library of Congress to shame. She finds out absolutely everything about a place -- much of it through the eyes of other great travel writers -- and the presents the essential and the fascinating in a compelling way. . . . read more
What's New In Tuscany: A Museum and A Wine School (May 2010)
Visiting Tuscany this summer? We've got the 411 on a new museum in San Gimignano and a new wine school - with regularly scheduled, two-hour classes in English! . . . read more
Panzano in Chianti: A Butcher and His Town (March 2010)
Dario Cecchini helped put his hometown in Chianti on the map. Now he's expanded his butcher shop into several restaurants. Judy Witts Francini reports on Dario's sister's shop and new B+B and what else there is to see and do in Panzano. . . . read more
Lingering in Lovely Lucca Tuscany (October 2009)
One of the loveliest towns in all of Italy, Lucca enchants visitors with wide cafe-filled promenades, churches and palaces, fine shopping and much more. . . . read more
The Details for Lucca: Hotels, Apartment Rentals, Restaurants, Private Guides (October 2009)
We've got the 411 on where to stay and where to eat in Lucca as well as the contact information for two fabulous women who can show you around. . . . read more
Where to Shop in Lucca (October 2009)
Lucca - This gem of a city in Tuscany offers fantastic shopping. Our writer has put together a cheat sheet on not-to-miss fashion and home furnishings stores. . . . read more
Studying Italiano in Lucca Tuscany (October 2009)
Have you ever dreamed of spending a few weeks in Italy learning the language? Our writer went to language school in Lucca (Tuscany) and reports back... . . . read more
La Petraia: A Little Piece of Paradise in Tuscany (October 2009)
This organic farm in the heart of Chianti offers cooking classes, gourmet meals, lovely rooms and farm tours. . . . read more
How to Choose a Language School in Italy (October 2009)
Tips for what to ask about and look out for when you're selecting a language school to study Italian. . . . read more
Historic Locanda Toscanini in Tuscany (October 2009)
An American journalist and her Italian architect husband are behind the transformation an historic, run-down palazzo into an elegant country inn. . . . read more
Women Reign Supreme at These Italian Wineries (September 2009)
Learn about the women who are changing the face of Italian winemaking and how you can visit their vineyards in Tuscany and Piedmont. . . . read more
One Italian Expert's Guide to Tuscany: Dianne Hales' Favorites in Tuscany (May 2009)
The author of La Bella Lingua has been visiting one hotel in Tuscany year after year. She shares this special resort with you as well as her favorite Tuscany dining experiences and which Tuscan towns to visit. . . . read more
The Dream Interview: Catching Up with the Diva of Tuscan Cooking (May 2009)
We catch up with our friend - the diva of Tuscan cooking, chef, cooking school owner, culinary tour guide and now cookbook author - Judy Witts Francini. She shares the secrets of Tuscan cooking and her favorites places to eat in Florence and Tuscany. . . . read more
Tuscan Recipe: Diva's "Ravioli Gnudi" (Naked Ravioli) (May 2009)
Divina Cucina Judy Witts Francini shares her recipe for an easy and delicious Tuscan dish - Ravioli Gnudi. . . . read more
Art Classes in Italy: Landscape Painting Workshop in Tuscany (April 2009)
Imagine yourself following in the tradition of Renaissance painters, on a Tuscan hillside, in front of an easel, spending every day for a whole week capturing the landscape with your paints and brush. . . . read more
Art Classes in Italy: Jewelry Making Workshops in Cortona (April 2009)
Spend a week in the Tuscan town of Cortona to learn how to make reliquary jewelry which with charms bordered in silver, encased in glass, that hold tiny mementos, bits of photos or antique fragments. . . . read more
A Tuscany Olive Harvest Feeds the Body and Soul (March 2009)
The traditional Italian harvest method, called brucatura, pulling one olive at a time off the full branches, had brings our writer to a euphoric state. She tells you how you can join in a Tuscan olive harvest this November. . . . read more
Retiring in Italy Profile: One Couple's Move to Tuscany (February 2009)
This American couple recently retired in Tuscany. They share their advice for how to retire in Italy. . . . read more
Spa Life at Tuscany's Hotel Adler Thermae (October 2008)
As far as Tuscan spas go, the Hotel Adler Thermae, which opened four years ago, is the new kid on the block. Yet the raison d'etre of the hotel -- the nearby thermal waters -- have been celebrated for thousands of years and the family managing the resort has been in the hospitality business for nearly two centuries. . . . read more
Bagno Vignoni: Tiny Tuscan Gem (October 2008)
This tiny Tuscan town (population: 36) boasts healing waters and sweeping views. . . . read more
Recommended Rental Agencies, Apartments and Villas in Italy (September 2008)
The best part of this special report - a listing of over 50 agencies, apartments and villas that we've tried and like - from apartments rentals in Rome to villas overlooking the Amalfi Coast. . . . read more
Up Close with Pisa's Ancient Ships (July/August 2008)
Nine ships dating from the 2nd century B.C. to the 5th century A.D. are being restored now in Pisa, but the Antique Naval Museum is closed. What to do? Don't worry -- Dream of Italy has the secret to seeing these grande dames of the sea, up close and personal! . . . read more
Updates on Past Dream of Italy Articles (July/August 2008)
Want to know what Florence's Dario Cecchini is up to now, or how Milan's Hotel Manzoni is faring? Dream of Italy has all the latest updates for you! . . . read more
Cheat Sheet: Italy's Summer Music Festivals (May 2008)
See opera under the stars at the Arena di Verona, take in some of Europe's best jazz festivals and many more musical events to plan your travels round. . . . read more
Need a Ride? Your Men for Transfers in Tuscany (May 2008)
These identical twins provide reasonably priced transfer service in a fleet of impeccably clean sedans and mini-vans. . . . read more
Hitting the Links: Playing Golf in Italy (April 2008)
While only 100,000 Italians play golf, there are some incredible golf courses in the Lakes, Tuscany and Lazio where travelers can experience golf in Italy. Lots of details on where to stay, where to play and special Italian golf notes. . . . read more
Tuscany's Newest Hideaway: La Bandita (April 2008)
An American music executive and his wife found their own piece of paradise in the UNESCO-protected Val D'Orcia and have opened it up to guests seeking beauty and relaxation. . . . read more
Pisa: Discovering La Dolce Vita Beyond the Tower (Feb. 2008)
The town of Pisa is one of the world's most famous tourist quickies. But there's so much more beyond the Leaning Tower... . . . read more
Terme di Saturnia's Golf Course Opens (February 2008)
In December, Saturnia's first nine holes opened and the second nine will open in March. There are stunning views of the nearby villages of Saturnia, Montemerano and Poggio Murella from every hole. . . . read more
Fractional Ownership: Buy a Share of Tuscany (Dec. 2007/Jan. 2008)
Thought you couldn't afford to buy a home in Tuscany? Think again. Fractional ownership allows you to buy a share in a villa or apartment for as little as $90,000. We profile three private residence clubs in the region. . . . read more
Disney Tour Does Italy (October 2007)
Adventures by Disney gives families a new and organized way to tour Italy and make it fun for young and old family members alike. Our writer takes her family of one of their first Italy tours. . . . read more
Get Up Close and Personal with the Italian Harvest (October 2007)
About this time of year, with the olive and grape harvests in full swing, travelers looking for a hands on experience often wonder have they can take part in the harvest. Here's how you can volunteer. . . . read more
This October "The Secret" Meets "Under the Tuscan Sun"
Dream of I . . . read more
Hop on the Val d'Orcia's New Wine Train (July/August 2007)
The newest innovation in Tuscan wine tourism is the Treno del Vino, which began service this summer between Siena and the Torrenieri-Montalcino train station, which has been refurbished into the "Wine Station." . . . read more
The Heat Is On For Italian Winemakers (July/August 2007)
This summer's heat wave across Italy hasn't just been a hindrance to summer travel but could wreak serious havoc with travelers hoping to be in Italy for this year's wine harvest (vendemmia). . . . read more
Noteworthy Italy Hotel Openings (April 2007)
Check out these new digs in Florence, Milan, Rome, Venice, Puglia, Sicily and Tuscany. Lots of new Italy hotels are opening! . . . read more
Family Travel: Take the Kids to Italy (February 2007 - Updated 2010)
Just married, we set off on a second, impromptu honeymoon for a bike tour of Italy. Just the two of . . . read more
The Dreaming of Tuscany Interview: Barbara Ohrbach (February 2007)
Lifestyle doyenne Barbara Milo Ohrbach may already be well known to Dream of Italy r . . . read more
Bargains Abound at the Prada and Gucci Outlets (January/February 2003)
The build-up is intense. First you have to find the elusive Prada Outlet (officially called . . . read more
Cypresses and Cylinders: Italy by Ferrari (October 2005 - Updated 2010)
The vehicle: a new Ferrari F430 F1. The country: Italy. You: behind the wheel. Sound like your wildest Italian dream? One company is ready to make it a reality. . . . read more
More HeadlinesMore Headlines
Home | Search | About | BLOG | Contact | E-mail This Page | Italy SHOP | SUBSCRIBE

© 2002-2010 Dream of Italy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without permission prohibited. "Dream of Italy" is a registered trademark. Need to contact us? Call (877) OF-ITALY or (202) 297-3708