by Mara Solomon | May 14, 2019 | Blog, Travel Advice
There are many avenues to get to know a culture. In Italy, we often look to food and wine as a ways to gain a deeper cultural appreciation of the country. But we must not forget another critical means for understanding: language. Like many Italian cultures, proverbs...
by Mara Solomon | Jan 31, 2019 | Activities, Cities & Towns, Destination Spotlight, Helpful Hints, Italy Vacation Destinations, Restaurants & Cafes, Travel Advice
Jutting off the Tuscan Coast lies one of Italy’s most undiscovered destinations: the Monte Argentario. An easy two hour drive from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, the Monte Argentario offers the best of summer by the sea and the Italian lifestyle rolled into one...
by HB Abroad | Oct 25, 2018 | Blog, Food, Luxury Indulgences, Travel Advice
Without a doubt, the biggest benefit to our guests enjoying a villa vacation in Italy is the cook—or the chef—in the kitchen. Whether you are a party of five or 35, it transforms your villa vacation. Why not turn over the meal planning, shopping, preparation, serving...
by Mara Solomon | Nov 15, 2017 | Blog, Italy Travel Advice, Italy Vacation Activities, Italy Vacation Destinations, Travel Advice
Since Roman times the emerald green waters of Lake Como have made it a coveted holiday retreat. Shaped like an upside-down Y, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy. Its waters are lined with ancient villages, ornate villas and gardens bursting with...
by Mara Solomon | Sep 7, 2017 | Travel Advice
Between busy schedules at work, kids in school, relatives growing old and just the fast-pace of our day to day lives, finding the time to get all of your loved ones in one place can seem like an impossible dream. Yet, after talking about it and dreaming about it for...
by Mara Solomon | May 18, 2017 | Travel Advice
It’s question season here at Homebase Abroad. “Can we still find a house for this summer?” (Yes, except on the Amalfi Coast) “How do we get to Florence?” (We recommend by private car or train as parking a rental car is challenging), “How do we get on the water along...
by Mara Solomon | Mar 2, 2017 | Activities, Travel Advice
La Pineta is a summer-time pilgrimage for the locals and there is always a warm welcome from the Zazzeri family. This is the place to see and be seen for evenings lingering over a superb summer meal of grilled fish with good wine surrounded by the impeccable style of...
by Mara Solomon | Apr 25, 2015 | Helpful Hints, Italy Vacation Activities, Travel Advice
1. Let the Days Evolve. Have no more than one concept or destination per day. Reward lingering with ample time to enjoy a meal while watching the street scenes, watch an artisan work or contemplate a fresco in the cool serene of a neighborhood church. 2. Sera or...
by Mara Solomon | Mar 5, 2015 | Activities, Cities & Towns, Travel Advice
Have you heard about the Dolomites but cannot figure out why or where? Unfortunately, you have a lot of company. We have been crisscrossing Sud Tirol for the last several years, absorbing the beauty and distinction that marks this territory. We are delighted to offer...
by Mara Solomon | Dec 5, 2014 | Helpful Hints, Luxury Indulgences, Our Favorite Things, Travel Advice
Italians never sit down at an undressed table. For a snack and certainly for a special holiday feast, dressing the table is an essential part of preparing for a meal in true Italian style. A real meal in Italy is an evolution of tastes and colors reflected in the...
by Mara Solomon | Oct 17, 2014 | Activities, Helpful Hints, Italy Vacation Activities, Travel Advice
1. Manage everyone’s expectations Travel might be the ultimate test of relationships (besides politics according to my mother). We all do it differently and spend time and money according to our own priorities. Manage everyone’s expectations for time together and...
by Mara Solomon | Jan 24, 2014 | Cities & Towns, Italy Vacation Activities, Italy Vacation Destinations, Travel Advice
Where in Tuscany do the Florentines go on weekends and holidays? The Alta Maremma. This is their Hamptons. Their Malibu. A long sandy coastline with a strong and intact local, traditional Italian economy relatively undiscovered by tourists and largely ignored in...
