The Italy! Mamma Mia! Blog
The ItalyMammaMia Blog shares with you all that I love about Italy: news (with lots of good news stories too), our latest articles (featuring beautiful Italian places, recipes and travel advice). Then we've also things like Italian songs, great videos and essential information for planning your next trip to Italy.
Join me, Maria, and my family in discovering Italy together...
Don't Miss The Little Things
We all rush way to much and miss the little things. Yet, it is in the little details that the greatest joy is to be found and the only way to see the details is to go slowly.
Take this video for example, you might just be tempted to skip through it or jump onto some thing else but then... you'd miss the little path on the right zigzagging down to the beach; you'd miss the villa on the hill, the one with the three cypress trees; and you'd most certainly miss the little church, perched high on the hill to the right.
An Insiders Guide to the Best Hotels on the Amalfi Coast
Fragrance of jasmine & lemons in the air, colorful cottages tumble down to azure seas far below. This convent is the best hotel on the Amalfi coast...
Continue reading "An Insiders Guide to the Best Hotels on the Amalfi Coast"
Acqua Alta Bookshop - Like Something from Wonderland
Gondolas inside and gondolas floating by outside, piles of books, cats everywhere and a fire escape that involves jumping into a canal. This is the Acqua Alta Bookshop
Continue reading "Acqua Alta Bookshop - Like Something from Wonderland"
HUGE SHIPS BACK IN VENICE
Despite promises that ships over 50,000 tons would not be back in Venice it seems that will not be the case.
In fact the Governor of the Veneto was happy to announce the return of two MSC monster ships.
He was delighted to let everyone know that these two ships, both over 90,000 tonnage, would be sailing from Venice this summer and they would be heading down the Giudecca canal: where near accidents have happened, where many locals say the very foundations of priceless palaces, churches and homes are being undermined and where dolphins frolicked while the monsters were gone.
Why have they gone back on their word?
Well, they say the new docking facilities aren't available in Marghera and it could be years before they are.
So, that's it then.
The future of Venice is put at risk for short term profit. I will let MSC know how I feel. If you would like to do the same you can on https://www.msccruisesusa.com/forms/contact-us
Summer in Italy... All Year Round
Give the gift of love straight from Italy - the land of amore. Have you experienced a summer in Italy? We've a way for you to bring that joy home with you...
The Ultimate Venice Vacation Rentals
Venice vacation rentals, the best way to really live the city & feel like a local. I love going to the outdoor market, coming home laden with local produce & great wine to cook up a pasta dish.
The Best Beaches in Tuscany
The beaches in Tuscany meet the needs of even the most demanding; from the island beaches of Giglio through to these stunningly beautiful and wild beaches of the Maremma...
The Best Beaches near Rome
Looking for the best beaches near Rome? Look no further! These are beaches with azure seas and endless soft sand, paradise right on the doorstep of Rome.
The Ghosts of Venice
Venice seems so bright and sparkly on a summer's day but, as night falls, another Venice can be felt.
A Venice where the loud voices, laughter and excitement of the tourists is gone. Now it is the ghosts of Venice who dominate, the spirits of centuries past. Mist rolls slowly along the blackened canals, enveloping all in its embrace. A shiver runs down your spine, your blood turns to ice. Mostly benevolent, you can feel their presence, the presence of a thousand years of lives lived and lost in these streets.
Ristorante Trattoria Cherubino
I have been to Venice several times now, and always end up going back to this Trattoria. The owner and staff are very friendly and the food and wine excellent.
Piemonte vs. Piedmont on Maps
Occasionally I've seen maps of Italy which have everything in Italian except the Piemonte region will be shown as Piedmont. My understanding is that Piedmont
A Virtual Journey through Venetian Life
Real Venetian life is lived far from the tourist spots. Down the little canals and lanes is where you'll discover the real Venice.
Discoveries While Lost in Venice
Getting lost in Venice is the best way to discover the amazing secrets and soul of this city. These amazing photos were all captured down the secret alleys and forgotten canals...
The Rialto Bridge in Venice Italy
The Rialto Bridge is the most beautiful bridge in Venice and perhaps the world. Here's everything you need to know about the bridge and plenty more on Venice too..
Things to Do in Bari & Reasons to Love Bari
In many ways it is in Bari that the heart and soul of Puglia is to be found. Bari is real, Bari is vibrant and Bari is enchanting. Watch out for flying wooden spoons though!
Continue reading "Things to Do in Bari & Reasons to Love Bari"
What to See in Sicily
Wondering what to see in Sicily? We've a lot of fabulous suggestions that you will absolutely LOVE!
The Enchanting South of Italy
What is it about the south of Italy that makes it so special. This story will provide the answer....
The Most Beautiful Places in Italy
People often ask me which are the most beautiful places in Italy? My answer to them is this...
Millions of European Slaves taken to Africa
Did you know that perhaps millions of Europeans, including Italians, were captured by slavers from North Africa?
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Italian DO NOT do any of these things... EVER!
There are some things Italians absolutely DO NOT do. Some of those things things that YOU do daily Italians see as life threatening.
Continue reading "Italian DO NOT do any of these things... EVER!"
DO NOT TRAVEL UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL!
I had to laugh at the latest New Zealand travel campaign asking tourists NOT TO TRAVEL UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL. Rather asking them to focus on the experience, on enjoying the moment. Not on posing.
That applies to Italy too.
It is why we resist all pressure to follow those cliched Instagrammer staples like holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa, jumping on a beach, wearing straw hats in a Tuscan field of sunflowers.
We prefer to bring you Italy itself... definitely far more beautiful than us ;-).
We'd rather help you plan YOUR visit to Italy while bringing you photos of beautiful Italy.
Photos can only go so far so we always try to capture in words a little of the things you can't see: the aromas, sounds, emotions that come with being in Italy.
Hope that is okay for you... or should I head off to Pisa?
Dolomites Holidays - The Guide to this Region of Italy
Dolomites Holidays features some of the most beautiful parts of the Dolomites. From great places to stay to special places to visit...
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Italy Is NOT all Chaos, Tourists and Noise. There IS another Italy.
Looking to escape the tourist madness of cities like Venice and Rome? Longing to spend time in a quieter Italy? We have EXACTLY what you need!
Continue reading "Italy Is NOT all Chaos, Tourists and Noise. There IS another Italy."
Discovering the Best of Venice
The best of Venice - 6 experiences you simply must have if you are visiting Venice. Here is the list...
Venice in July
Great advice on how to avoid the crowds if you are visiting Venice in July and some wonderful ideas on things to do.
The Colorful World of Burano
Discover a world of color. A place where every cottage is a different hue and where each and every color mixes and dances in the reflection off the canals. This is Burano!
The Best Southern Italian Destinations
South of Rome we go, taking you on a journey discovering the very best Southern Italian destinations. You may know of some of them but others I am sure you have never heard of.
Venice Italy - The 6 Things you HAVE to See
There's so much to see in Venice Italy that you can become overwhelmed. Before you despair, here is the list of the 6 sights you absolutely must see and everything you need to know about them.
Continue reading "Venice Italy - The 6 Things you HAVE to See"
Venice Tourism - Getting Away From the Crowds
Venice is not only the Bridge of Sighs and St Marks Square. There is a whole lot more to this great city. Join me, Maria, exploring the Venetian wonders few ever discover.
Continue reading "Venice Tourism - Getting Away From the Crowds"
The Best of Rome Vacation Rentals
Looking for Rome Vacation Rentals? I have personally selected the best apartments to rent in Rome, you can be sure your Roman Dolce Vita will begin the moment you walk through the door.
Walking Tours in Rome - Discover the Secrets of this Ancient City
One of the best walking tours in Rome is a visit to the main outdoor market called Campo dei Fiori - it is teeming with friendly people, tasty food, vibrant colors, animated conversations
Continue reading "Walking Tours in Rome - Discover the Secrets of this Ancient City"
The Weather in Rome Italy Guide
The Weather in Rome Italy. Our guide is packed full of information on when is the best time to visit Rome Italy and much much more too.
The Best Hotel in Central Rome?
There is a hotel in Rome that is so very special, where breakfast is served under the orange trees with the fragrance of orange blossom infusing the air.
What About Going Shopping in Rome?
What could be better than a day shopping in Rome? Not much I promise! Before you start though you've got to read our guide filled with all the must-see shops and markets.
THE Biggest Mistake Tourists to Italy Make
THE biggest mistake tourists to Italy make is ... well, read the article for the answer and discover how you can avoid making the same mistake.
Continue reading "THE Biggest Mistake Tourists to Italy Make"
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Simply book your next trip anywhere (not only to Italy) with the search box below or with any of the hotel links on the website.
I promise you'll get the best deal on accommodation available and the income we receive from HotelsCombined helps us to:
- Stay independent and to keep bringing you the best of Italy.
- Never have to accept money from hotels directly; that way we can share only those we genuinely love.
Recent Articles
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The Colosseum is Back!
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Don't Miss The Little Things
We all rush way to much and miss the little things. Yet, it is in the little details that the greatest joy is to be found and the only way to see the details is to go slowly. Take this video for examp… -
Italians NEVER Do THIS...
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An Insiders Guide to the Best Hotels on the Amalfi Coast
Fragrance of jasmine & lemons in the air, colorful cottages tumble down to azure seas far below. This convent is the best hotel on the Amalfi coast...
-
Acqua Alta Bookshop - Like Something from Wonderland
Gondolas inside and gondolas floating by outside, piles of books, cats everywhere and a fire escape that involves jumping into a canal. This is the Acqua Alta Bookshop
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