March 30, 2015
Are the Florentine crowds worth the stop? Preparing to leave for Italy a few years ago, I wasn’t so excited that the last few days of the trip would be in Florence. On my last stay there, in October 2008 for just a night, I told myself: it’s just not…
March 9, 2015
This past fall I returned for the umpteenth time to a most memorable meal and always lively visit with Janet and Stefano, owners of the Sagittario Olive Farm. Located just south of Florence, this stop is the highlight for many of my clients among countless exceptional Tuscan experiences. Janet and…
February 22, 2015
Lucca is a city that I had by-passed many times. Sure, I’d heard about the magnificent olive oil, jogging around the Renaissance-era city walls (which total about 4 kilometers – a nice little morning passeggiata!), and all the Puccini paraphernalia. But the city never caught my interest like some of…
February 12, 2015
Next time you’re planning a trip to Italy, consider flying into Pisa. During the summer months, airlines often serve Pisa with non-stop flights from the US, making it even more convenient for many travelers than flying into Florence. Pisa is the perfect starting point to explore the delightful city itself,…
January 23, 2015
We have such FABULOUS local guides in Italy! On my Traversing Tuscany trip last fall, I had to take a day off to accompany a client to the hospital for a minor injury. I left the rest of the group in the capable hands of the staff at Pratello Country…
January 14, 2015
I’ve tabled this week’s draft blog for some thoughts related to the recent series of attacks in locations around the world. Many are familiar with Mark Twain’s idea that travel dispels bigotry and narrow-mindedness. In his day, one had no choice but to “fully immerse” in a destination. Today, it…
December 16, 2014
About 300 villas are nestled in the hills between Pisa and Lucca. In 1805 the Villa Reale di Marlia was “created” by Napoleon’s sister, Elisa Bacciochi Bonaparte. She united the beautiful 16th century Villa Orsetti and the 17th century Bishop’s palace into a harmonious ensemble. While the villa is private,…
December 3, 2014
Two thousand fourteen has been a great year for Adagio Travel. The business grew substantially, proving again that Italy-lovers are seemingly immune to economic dips and continue to seek new and fascinating corners of the Bel Paese. Along with wonderful travel companion and chef extraordinaire Susan Eckis, we’ve perfected the…
November 7, 2014
Fifteen fortunate couples will have the chance — and this may be the last chance — to enjoy seats in the Executive Section at Andrea Bocelli’s annual concert at the Teatro del Silenzio (“Theater of Silence”). A group of Adagio travelers visited this stunning space last month during our time…
October 7, 2014
Hard to pick a favorite experience after a fabulous week with a wonderful group of folks. We started with one of my top 10 things to do in Italy: visiting my friends Janet and Stefano in their peaceful abode just south of Florence. This year unfortunately we talked about how…
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