15 Aug 2014

Posted at 00:00h in Events, Italian itineraries

A treasured national holiday in Italy, the 15th August holiday known as “Ferragosto” hails the unofficial start of the Italian vacation season. Italians from the interior flock to coastal resorts to frolic in the surf and to escape the summer's heat.

Ferragosto traditions include celebrations, festivals, and parades. Events are held in various parts of the country to mark the holiday, which coincides with the religious Assumption Day in Italy. Ferragosto traditions date back to ancient times, tied to religious and seasonal agricultural commemorations that feted peace, prosperity, growth and fertility.

04 Aug 2014

Posted at 00:00h in Italian itineraries

Fashion in Italy has long formed a part of the country’s cultural life, and played a key role in its society and traditional lifestyle.

This has been the case for hundreds of years, and is the result of a strong artistic development from the eleventh century onwards. While France became a contender for being the main fashion trendsetter, Italian fashion fought back after World War II, responding to Chanel and Dior with labels like Gucci and Armani.

Elegance and glamour are strongly linked with Italian style and fashion, just like with their art and their food, so here are a few tips on Italian fashion and style.

27 May 2014

Posted at 00:00h in Italian itineraries

Survival kit for communicating with Italians even without speaking

Maybe it’s a legacy from our theatrical heritage, for example the “commedia dell'arte”, or perhaps simply because we are too passionate a people to be able to coop up all this energy inside our bodies. The fact is that we Italians are the world champions of “non-verbal communication”: it seems that there are no less than 250 different types of gestures that we Italians use daily in our conversations.

06 May 2014

Posted at 00:00h in Italian itineraries

Italy in Spring! Smart travelers in Italy have long known that the spring season is a delight. The summer throngs have yet to arrive, the air is filled with the scents of blossoming flowers, and soft spring breezes usher winter out. Myriad outdoor activities offer a great look at the wonderful variety that epitomizes Italian culture.