by Mara Solomon | Oct 13, 2019 | Cities & Towns
Tuscany is frequently at the top of our guests’ trip requests. Given the region’s popularity, the challenge is finding the authentic, unspoiled corners of this region. Using Il Mugnello as your base camp and the villa’s charming Giovanna as your guide, your time will...
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 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 | May 3, 2017 | Cities & Towns
Visiting a great city can sometimes feel like it comes with a lot of “shoulds.” Not the least is that you “should” actually find it a “great city” when maybe you won’t. When we work with guests on their plans for visiting Rome, we...
by Mara Solomon | Mar 10, 2017 | Activities, Italy Vacation Activities
We started travelling with our twin daughters when they were 6 months old. OK, so our work gave us good reason to take them along, but to this day we maintain those early experiences helped them grow into the interested, engaged, curious young women they are today....
by Mara Solomon | Mar 4, 2017 | Food
We all have special skills. As my friends and family know, mine is dressing a salad just so, like the Italians. Now, it is easy to get into a disagreement about food in Italy. Even about dressing a salad. I was told, in no uncertain terms some years ago, to apply the...
by Mara Solomon | Mar 2, 2017 | Cities & Towns
Lucca is a gem – compact, flat, lively – an ideal destination for groups of all description. The still-standing enclosing wall, itself a rarity in Tuscany, has been thoughtfully transformed into a circular park of some 4 kms in length. Run it, bike it, stroll it as...
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 | Feb 24, 2017 | Cities & Towns
Venice is a complex city and her charms can be elusive. A strategy, paired with local insights, are key. Plus a spirit of adventure really helps. Here are our suggestions to make the most of your time. Andiamo! The best time to do this either early in the morning or...
by Mara Solomon | Oct 30, 2015 | Activities, Cities & Towns
Amazingly and wonderfully, there are a number of free parking lots on the edge of Cetona that are usually available. Be prepared to manage tight turns and small spaces to park, but then you are done with the car and can explore on foot. Explore beyond the Piazza...
by Mara Solomon | Jun 19, 2015 | Seasons In Italy, Wine
Take Brunello, undisputedly one of the most important wines of the world, and add an infectious passion for winemaking. These were the two ingredients inspiring Roberto to take over a wine estate in Montalcino and turn a good wine into a great one. He brought...
by Mara Solomon | Jun 19, 2015 | Shopping
Over the course of a morning with Cristina, the current artistic head of Positano’s last remaining fashion producers; you will come to experience the passions and artistry that has driven this three-generation enterprise for more than 50 years. You will be treated to...
