Florence named #1 of World's Best European Cities from Travel & Leisure!

It's no surprise that the historic center of Florence is one of the World's favorite's cities. From the views of Piazza Michelangelo to breathtaking Piazza della Signoria this city will sure have affect on you! Where did it rank on the world's best list? Find out more below!

Coming in at #4 Florence and Rome coming in at #5, Italy made two appearances on this top 10 World's best!

Check out who else joined Florence & Rome on the World's best and Europe's best...

Top Ten World's Best European's Cities

1. Florence

2. Rome

3. Krakow

4. Barcelona

5. Istanbul

6. Budapest

7. Seville

8. Edinburgh

9. Madrid

10. Paris

Top Ten World's Best Cities!

1. Kyoto

2. Charleston

3. Siem Reap

4. Florence

5. Rome

6. Bangkok

7. Krakow

8. Barcelona

9. Cape Town

10. Jerusalem

Tell us, what is your favorite city? Which of the above have you visited?! Comment below!

All information courtesy of TravelandLeisure.com.

When is the best time to travel Italy?

At least once a day someone will ask:"When is the best time to travel Italy." Now, I would just like to say there is never a wrong time to visit this country but if I had to break it down here is what I would suggest: 

For the Beach, Romance, and Relaxation

June or Late September/ Early October 

Looking for some quality beach time or maybe just to eat a great meal and sip on some limoncello? Then visit the white sand beaches of Puglia, the romantic coast of Amalfi or even take a hike in Cinque Terre during early Fall.

It will be wonderful no matter when you visit but if you don't like crowds sneak a vacation after the summer season.

Interested in visiting the Amalfi Coast late September/Early October check this out! 

Wine Tasting, Florence and Exploring the Rolling Hills of Tuscany and Beyond

May, September or October 

If you are an Italian 'wino' you already know that harvest season is the best time to visit Italy. Besides being immersed into the vineyard culture it also happens to be a big festival time throughout the country! From olive oil to truffles--visit a small town sagra to taste these specialities first hand with the locals.

Can't make harvest time? Then schedule a trip in May to join the Cantine Aperte (open winery day)! The weather is just getting warm making it ideal to sip some Sangiovese in the sun.

If you are dreaming of visiting in the fall you will love this trip! 

The Cooler Months 

February & March

If you prefer traveling during the winter months you will still have lots to do! During the late winter/early spring time it is the perfect time to participate in one of the famous annual events held throughout the country.

Whether you are looking forward to dressing up for Carnavale in Venice or Viareggio, tasting some local chocolate at the festival in Perugia or looking to take a photo on Juliet's balcony during Verona in Love you will not be disappointed! 

Expect crowds but this is no excuse to miss these events--they are after all once in a lifetime experiences! 

What is the conclusion? Overall, no matter when you go to Italy it will be an experience you will not forget! 

 

Looking for authentic and back door experiences on your next trip to Italy? Contact us today! 

Meet Rising Tuscan Winemaker Elena Pozzolini

In today's blog Travel ItalianStyle's team member Jessica Risolo tells the story of Italian winemaker Elena Pozzolini!

Pic courtsey Tentuta Sette Cieli  

31 year old Tuscan native Elena Pozzolini is not only an accomplished winemaker, she is also one of the few women working in a very male dominated industry. As the winemaker  and CEO of Tenuta Sette Cieli ("The Estate of the Seven Skies") she is considerably younger than many of her colleagues, the majority of which are male.

            According to the Napa Valley Wine Register, Elena initially planned to study agriculture in college but her interest in wine was sparked by a viticulture class. She graduated from the University of Pisa where she majored in viticulture and enology.

Together, these two disciplines incorporate all aspects of wine making. She has extensively studied vineyard diseases as a part of her work, in order to figure out why diseases occur and how to produce the best grapes and wine possible.

In addition to her extensive experience working for Italian vineyards, Ms. Pozzolini has also traveled and worked internationally, in places such as California, Argentina and Australia.

Picture courtesy of Tentuta Sette Cieli

She initially worked in Argentina because it was difficult for her to find a job in Italy, after a few years and lots of success and experience, she returned to Italy where she recieved job offers from every vineyard she applied to. She has been with Tenuta Sette Cieli since 2013.  Under her leadership, is an all female team of workers who are responsible for the wine that the vineyard's patrons and clients enjoy so much. 

            The vineyard's website boasts gorgeous pictures of lush fields and hearty looking grapes and wine. It even suggests foods to enjoy with the specific types of wine that they produce.

The vineyard provides a view of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the green forestry. It provides a perfect location for wine tasting or even site seeing of beautiful Southern Tuscany.

Picture courtsey of Tenuta Sette Cieli 

Wine is an incredibly important part of Italian commerce and culture, and traveling to this idyllic vineyard is a must when you need a break from the bustling, tourist dense cities, or just a great glass of vino created by Elena and her team!

 If you are dreaming of wine tasting in Italy, especially at women focused wineries then you are going to love our Discovering Tuscany Women's Tour coming up this Fall 2015! Find out more here

 

Meet Jessica!

Jessica Risolo is attending Manhattan College studying English and Women and Gender Studies. She comes from a large, loud Italian and Brazilian family that has inspired her desire to travel the world. An avid lover of Italian culture, feminism, iced coffee, pugs and all things cheetah print, she is very excited to be working with Travel Italian Style to coordinate research on Italian women and culture.