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Travel Tip Tuesday : Italy’s Free Museum Nights

As a huge proponent of budget travel, I get excited when I see things pop up for free or very cheap in Europe.  And I get even more excited about sharing them with you.

This Travel Tip Tuesday I am happy to announce that Italy is hosting a special event called Martedi in Arte, which translates to Tuesday in Art.

The Italian government is sympathetic to the economic woes of travelers, and as such has decided to give art and culture lovers a little break by offering free admission to select museums on the last Tuesday evening of the month between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m..

The program is only running through the end on the year, which means that you’ll only have three possible opportunities to take advantage of the discount; October 26th, November 30th and December 28th, 2010.

Many popular museums in Rome, Venice, Florence and Tuscany are included, as well as a few in other regions like Campania, Emilia-Romagna and Puglia.

For a complete listing of museums check the Martedi in Arte list.

Do you think you’ll be taking advantage?  Which Italy museums would be on your ‘free’ list?

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Visit My Bella Vita for more travel tips!

Five Walled Cities in France

In ancient times, the best way to protect your city was to fortify it. This meant building large walls, towers and other barriers that kept your people safe. Think the Great Wall of China on a much smaller scale.

As the years passed and the 21st Century rolled around, the need for such cities became less necessary. In their infinite wisdom, however, Europe continued to preserve these places through organizations such as UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). This leaves us, the modern travelers and history seekers, a chance to time travel back into a place far different from our own.

Today, we will be focusing our interest in France. So before you finalize that itinerary or book that plane ticket, read up on these fascinating walled cities and maybe find some time to squeeze a little fortification into your trip.

Carcassonne

Consistently, the walled city of Carcassonne has been rated the best in France and perhaps all of Europe for its beautiful yet imposing presence. Originally built to keep invaders out, the hilltop city is encircled by an enormous double row of fortified walls and 56 imposing towers. Tourist often find themselves enthralled in the fairytale-esque atmosphere, half expecting to see a knight and fire-breathing dragon fighting around the corner.

While there is no princess to rescue from an evil foe, the town has its fair share of sordid history. One of the towers housed the Catholic Inquisition in the 13th Century and today is the Musée de la Torture, where visitors can take a look at some of the original torture equipment from that time.

Don’t let that scare you off though. This town evokes romantic notions of a simplistic past that will leave you wishing to set up camp and never leave. Today the town is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site and will continue to leave tourists and locals standing in its magnificent shadow for years to come.

Neuf-Brisach

The most stunning architectural feature of this town is seen only from above. Military engineer, Marquis de Vauban, designed a plan for this town that laid out fortifications in the shape of a large star – making this the most unique walled city on our list!

Three separate rows protect the city, which sits safely nestled in the star’s center. Visitors to the town can stop by the Vauban museum, journey through the forest La Hardt, sit on the banks of the Rhine River or simply enjoy the relaxed local atmosphere. In 2008,  Neuf-Brisach became one of the twelve fortresses recognized as a World Heritage site.

Saint-Malo

A band of wild pirates used to control the island of Saint-Malo. Situated at the opening of the Rance, the ruffians taxed any sailors who passed their way. At one point these fierce warriors even declared the island to be an independent republic!

Today passage is far safer, mostly due to a large bridge installed to permanently attach Saint-Malo to the rest of the continent. As the most visited city in the Brittany region, it may be best to save this spot for a time other than summer to avoid the crowds and to truly enjoy all the city has to offer.

Take a ferry ride, stroll along the beach, see the Cathedral of St. Vincent or visit the Great Aquarium (one of the largest in France). Before you leave be sure to indulge in some seafood – Saint-Malo has one of the highest concentrations of seafood restaurants in Europe.

Avignon

In the 14th and 15th centuries the town of Avignon was the center of great controversy. Pope Clement V chose the city as his residence rather than the traditional Rome, creating a stir in the Catholic Church. Deep into the 15th century, many popes followed his lead and stayed at the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) – the most famous landmark in the town.

If you happen to be around in the summer, the Palace hosts a theater festival of music, dance and cinema. You can join a more formal crowd at the “Festival In” portion, held inside the Palace of the Popes. Or journey over to “Festival Off” to experience a more bohemian style of undiscovered plays and street performers.

Domme

Perhaps the smallest town on our list, Domme is a medieval fortified town on the Dordogne river, that holds barely a thousand residents. Particularly wonderful for sightseeing, the town sits on top of a hill and enchants every visitor who passes through. Other sights include the towers of the Porte des Tours that are open year round for visitors wishing to see the prisons that held the Knights Templar in 1307.

It is still possible to see the engraved crosses they carved while imprisoned. Another spot to check out is the stalactite and stalagmite grottes (caves) that protected residents during the Hundred Years War. Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Domme is an excellent stop whether you’re only popping in to grab lunch or staying for a few relaxing nights.

What are you waiting for? Don’t take my word on these places – go check them out for yourself! Explore the walled cities we described here or any of the others that are scattered across the beautiful countryside. Don’t forget to report back, we love hearing about your travels.

Written by : Kelly Gallucci  Photo Credits:  lorentey /Luftfahrer / Eusebius / Abderitestatos/ Luc Viator

Marcus of Umbria Review & Giveaway

I love a good Italian memoir.  I seriously can’t ever get enough of them.  I’ll scour the Internet and my local library catalog for old ones, new ones, any ol ones really.

I’ll admit that when the publishers of Marcus of Umbria : What an Italian Dog Taught an American Girl about Love, by Justine van der Leun, contacted me to see if I’d be interested in a review copy, I was a bit skeptical.

I just couldn’t imagine what type of book a dog would write about love, even if said dog was writing it in or about Umbria.

But, as I said, I’m a sucker for an Italian memoir, so I agreed to the copy and I’m so glad that I did.

I soon realized that Marcus of Umbria wasn’t really a book about a dog at all.  It’s more of a memoir about an American girl and her time in a tiny Umbrian town with a man, his family and a dog.

I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing.  The title baffles me just a bit, but that is something I’ll fault  the publishers and marketers for – not the author.  The book ended up being much more interesting to me than what the misleading title would have me think.

My measure of a good book is based on how strong a desire I have to read it each and every night – and how hard I fight sleep while I struggle to keep my eyes open,  just to be able to get another chapter in before I turn the light out.

And my desire with this one was very strong.

I thoroughly enjoyed it,though I did at times question her motivation for making some of her choices along the way.

I did think the small snippets of the relationship between her and the dog were heart-warming, though the details that are revealed about canine life in some parts of Italy is enough to send any animal-lover to the Bel Paese to set up a local animal rescue.

I enjoyed her stories of the characters, her boyfriend, his family and her vivid, yet believable descriptions of what rural farm life is like in Collelungo, a tiny Umbrian village with a population of 200.  Perhaps what I found most refreshing was that this memoir, unlike many others, didn’t paint a pretty picture, didn’t involve rich people renovating a villa, sipping expensive bottles of wine and traveling all over the Italy in an Alfa Romeo.

Instead, this one seemed, honest and accurate.

Toward the end of the book, I found myself growing increasingly agitated when the author, who knows she’ll be moving back to New York, is faced with the decision of what to do with her adopted dog Marcus. But in the end, I was relieved after she finally came to the right decision and everything worked out the way it should – a happy ending if you will.

I certainly think this a worth a read!  So, I have decided to give my review copy away to one lucky reader!

UPDATE:  CONTEST IS CLOSED

Here are the deets on the contest:

For your chance to win Marcus of Umbria: What an Italian Dog Taught an American Girl about Love, just leave a comment on this post by midnight EST on Sunday October 31st, with your answer to this question:

What small town or village in Italy would you love to move to and why?

The winner will be announced on Monday, November 1st on my Facebook Fan Page!

Good Luck!

And after you leave your comment here, head over to Ciao Bambino to learn how to win a fabulous vacation in Tuscany!

Travel Tip Tuesday : Three Packable, Stylish Travel Totes

You know how I’m always on the lookout for functional products that make life easier?  Well, I am.  And when said products enable folks to pack lighter and keep the planet green, while remaining somewhat stylish, it makes the Carry On Queen in me happy.

This Travel Tip Tuesday,  I wanted to share a few packable, eco-friendly, stylish totes that can be used during your travels as a purse, day-pack, market bag, beach tote or just some extra space for travel souvenirs when you have no room left in your luggage.

Here are three affordable options that you should consider bringing along on your next vacay.

1.  Baggu Bags

© Baggu

These totes fold flat into a 5″ x 5″ pouch, which makes them perfect to tuck into that top pocket of your suitcase or in between your t-shirts.  Made of rip-stop nylon these machine washable totes are available in an array of rainbow colors, stripes and florals.  But perhaps the most stylish is the recent addition on the No. 6 line – a colorful collection of animal prints.  Grrrrrrroooowl.  Priced from $8 – $12.

2.  Flip & Tumble

© Flip and Tumble

These little cuties pack up into a tiny ball, the size of a pair of socks – which makes them the perfect size to toss into your luggage.  They have several styles, many of which sling over your shoulder, which are better than the short handled version.  They come in both solids and prints and range in price from $5 to $12, making them a great buy.  And the best part – when you feel you’ve gotten your money’s worth – you can send them back to the company and they’ll recycle them.

3. ChicoBag

© Chicobag

ChicoBag’s original model may be a bit boring, so opt for the Vita, or the Vintage, Nature and Karma collections which all have fun graphic designs. Though they may not be quite as compact, one feature the other two brands mentioned don’t have is the addition of a lightweight aluminum carabiner on each little storage pouch.  The idea being that you can ‘clip’ your ChicoBag somewhere and never loose it.

For travel, this might work well if you attached yours to your suitcase.  As part of ChicoBag’s Zero Waste Program consumers are encouraged to send in reusable bags, functional or not, so that they can either distribute them to low income families or recycle them into useful products. Bags range from $6 – $13.

Would you use something like this when you travel?  Have you used one of these bags before?

Tell us about it in the comments.

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Don’t forget to pop on over to see Cherrye’s travel tips!

Six Scenic Drives in Italy

During my year in Italy I traveled by plane, train, taxi, car, bike and bus. I saw Italy through more windows than I can count and yet one particular journey stands out in my mind. It was a warm Saturday morning in April, when me and my friend, Julianne, decided to travel to Volterra.

I sat with my face pressed to the glass, a citizen of Italy for over 10 months and yet still enamoured with the view. It was like driving through a postcard – endlessly blue sky, grass green enough to make the Irish jealous and fields of grapes and history flanking us on either side.

If what you seek is natural beauty and an escape from the typical, rev that engine and get moving to these fantastic locations…

1.   Grande Strada delle Dolomiti – SS 48

Journey through the “Heart of the Dolomites” for views of the Alps that will steal your breath away. This road takes you through hairpin turns at the legendary mountains before giving way to views of ancient coral reefs. The reefs are thousands of feet above sea level and weathered into craggy peaks. Break the trip up by stopping in local towns, where you’ll usually find locals speaking both Italian and German. If you seek unforgettable views, the Dolomiti is the place for you.

2.  Via Aurelia – SS 1

Constructed in 241 BC, this road leads right to Rome. It winds and dips with the earth, spanning the coastline of the Italian Riviera. Watch the sun glisten off the Ligurian Sea, explore the many cliff-hanging villages at your leisure and maybe even stop at a beach to get some sun. Camogli is certainly worth a visit.  Parts of the road are tight to drive down, including a section that has deep ravines on one side and the ocean on the other. So in between gazing at the wildflowers lining the grass and the waves lapping on the rocks, keep focused on the road.

3.  Strada Chiantigiana – SS 22

For a classic version of Italy, take this back road between Florence and Siena. Pack a picnic lunch and ride along slowly until you find that perfect spot, right in the middle of rolling hills dotted with medieval towers and vineyards to step out and enjoy the scenery. It’s also the perfect time to search out wineries and pick up a freshly made bottle of vino. With the cypress trees lining the road and the Tuscan landscape spread out before you, what could honestly be better?

4.  Amalfi Coast

If you aren’t ready to fall in love, keep this place off of your list. The Amalfi Coast, or Costiera Amafintana to the Italians, stole my heart the moment I looked out and saw that unbelievable turquoise water.  Located in the southwest, this route is home to is a mix of 13 celebrity resort towns and quaint fishing villages with traditional food and more limoncello than you can drink! Some of the more mountainous roads aren’t for the faint of heart or height-fearing, though are always rewarding for any who brave the journey.

5. Umbria

The region of Umbria holds no shortage of picturesque roads to travel on. Settled in the heart of Italy, you become surrounded by the art of the Renaissance and the romantic views of fortified towns nestled between cypress trees, vineyards, lavender and sunflowers.  Make your way through the back roads to places like Gubbio, Urbino, Todi and Spoleto.  Don’t forget a stop in Perugia for some chocolates. Whether you seek the intimate slow pace of ancient towns like Le Marche or the feisty passion of Rome, the roads in Umbria will lead you there.

6.  Gallura Coast

Straying from the mainland, if you find yourself in Sardinia the coast of Gallura is not to be missed. Frequented by Italians, this slice of ravishing landscape is unknown to most tourists. Skim the outline of the island for panoramic views of the coastline. Take a jaunt inland to find local farmers guiding their sheep along mountain trails.  The best advice for this and all of the trips is to just keep exploring – never be content with face value.

The amazing thing about Italy is that you don’t need to follow a guidebook to find fantastic routes like these.  Ask the locals for travel tips, risk taking the back road, trust your instinct – it could be the best thing you ever do.

Itching for more information? Check out :

- Back Roads Italy (Eyewitness Travel Back Roads)

- The Essential Driving Guide for Italy (Essential Guide to Driving in Europe)

- Frommer’s25 Great Drives in Italy (Best Loved Driving Tours)

So what are you waiting for? Grab a travel buddy (preferably one who prefers to drive and leaves you to window-gaze), fill up that tank and get rolling. Then share your best (or worst!) driving experiences!

Written by: Kelly Galluci  Photo Credits:  Simo ubuntu / Martina Rathgens / Alaskan Duke / A&G MacLarty / sportsilliterate / piermario

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Traveling to Italy? Click here to see how I can help plan your trip!

Favorite Italian Food Blogs

I spend the majority of my day on the Internet.  And while sometimes that gives me a headache, eye strain and carpal tunnel, it also gives me constant exposure to content.  I peruse so many things on other blogs, Facebook and Twitter – some of it good, some of it not-so-good and other things are just downright great!  And I really like to share the good stuff, but I don’t get the chance to here as often as I’d like.

As a foodie, I am always drawn to good food, simple recipes and food porn quality photography.  The photos are so important – you eat with your eyes first. And while I have been known to post a recipe or food photo or two (or twenty) myself – my blog is not 100% dedicated to food.  It’s not a Food Blog per se.

But there are people out there who are Food Bloggers. And many of them do darn good work.  I can attest to the fact that food blogging is hard work. I’ll never know their secrets for taking such good food photos.  I mean, I know it starts with a kick-ass camera, one that may cost more than a month’s salary to purchase, and it ends with good lighting. Unfortunately for me – I have neither.  But, I know some fine folks that do.

Here is a list of my favorite Italian Food Blogs.  One warning though – DO NOT VISIT WHEN HUNGRY.

• Bell’alimento As a recipe developer, Paula dishes up her own Italian creations, with flare and humor!
• Proud Italian Cook Marie serves up home cooking with Italian-American style and yummy photos.
• The Italian Dish Elaine’s site is a real feast for the eyes. Great step-by-step photos and recipes. Love her pasta posts.
• Lucillian Delights Ilva is a photographer, so of course her photos are lovely, but her recipes are just as tasty.
• Frutto della Passione Joanne mixes food recipes with personal stories.  There is even a cocktail section!
• Aglio, Olio e Peperancino Eleonora will tempt you with recipes and mouth-watering photos from Rome.
• Italian Food Forever Deb has almost every imaginable recipe on her site, what a great Italian resource!
• Juls Kitchen Giulia’s photos are the definition of food porn. Who needs a recipe when you can link your screen?
• Scordo Vince shares lots of guides and helpful how to’s on topics like canning, curing and wine making!

If you happen to visit, drool, fall in love or make a comment, please share the love and tell them My Mélange sent ya

Buon Appetito!

Your turn to share the love.  Which Italian Food Blogs did I miss?  Which ones are your favs and why?

A Wine Harvest in Paris’s Montmartre

It is no secret that France is world-renowned for their outstanding wines.  But honestly, when you hear wine and France – your mind’s eye and taste buds are automatically drawn to the reds of Burgundy and Bordeaux, the clay soil of Chateâuneuf-du-Pape or the whites of the Loire Valley.

But Paris? Not so much.

But did you know that there is a little corner of Paris that prides itself on vines that date back to Gallo-Roman times and still produce wine every fall?

The Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre, is a special annual wine harvest which takes place in the lovely Montmartre neighborhood of Paris.  The fenced-in rows of vines, known simply as Vineyard Clos Montmartre, can be found covering a steep hill at the corner of Rue des Saules and Rue Saint Vincent, across from the famed Lapin Agile.  2009′s harvest produced about 500 liters of wine, yielding just over 1000 bottles.

This years fête takes place now through Sunday, October 10th, and will be celebrated with humor, music, parades, tours, tastings and many stands of local produce.  The festivities will be topped off with a fireworks display on Saturday evening in Square Louise Michel.

If you are lucky enough to be in Paris this week (and if you’re not, why not plan a visit to Paris for next fall!)- go, drink and be entertained.  And have a glass or two for me.  Salute!

Travel Tip Tuesday : Ten Free iPhone Travel Apps

I’ve written about plenty of travel apps for both the iPhone and Blackberry before.  Specifically apps for Rome, Paris and free Blackberry apps.

But, with technology moving at the speed of light – there’s always something new that pops up.  In fact, right after I hit that ‘publish’ button on a post - I’m sure somewhere, someone has just released a new travel app.

This Travel Tip Tuesday, Kelly is sharing ten of her favorite iPhone Travel Apps. And the best part – they are all free!

Here’s Kelly -

It’s finally happened. This formerly loyal Blackberry girl is questioning her devotion and all because of apps.

Over the summer, my gluten-free father and I took a road trip to attend a family wedding. I figured our biggest problem would be finding places he could eat, but with two swipes of his finger across the iPhone’s screen, he had a list of restaurants friendly to his diet.

It was enough to have some palpable envy brewing on my part, jealous of all those vagabonds and nomads able to use their iPhones as they trot the globe.

If iPhones are your style, hopefully you’ll find these free (who doesn’t love a freebie) apps to your liking :

1.  World Customs & Cultures

This is a great one! 165 countries listed and broken down so you won’t find yourself stepping on local toes. It has everything from Personal Space to Gender Issues, Taboos to Greetings. If you’re looking to blend in – this is the app for you.

2.  The Weather Channel

Ever been to Scotland in January? I wouldn’t recommend it unless you fancy blue toes. This app certainly would have helped me and my best friend as we braved one of Scotland’s coldest winters. Don’t travel without it!

3.  Skype

The wanderer’s best friend. Instant message anyone on the globe and call fellow Skype users for free! Easy, fast and excellent for travels long and short. A few bugs still exist in the video function, but once that is fixed this app will be perfect.

4.  French Travel Free / Italian Travel Free

This is a sample version of an app you must pay for. It covers basic translations from greetings to emergency services and offers real voice translations so you know just how long to roll those Rs. It sounds like a good introduction for those looking to pick up a few key phrases along their travels.

5.  Currency

When I lived in Florence, I was constantly watching the currency yo-yo back and forth. An app like this would have suited me well back then and still would today. With over 100 currencies to compare, this app is guaranteed to keep you financially on track.

6.  Tripwolf

Now here is a great find! This app combines the best information from trusted travel guides – leaving you with access to thousands of points of interest. You can write reviews, add photos and star favorite places too. Worried about Wi-Fi charges? You can download your travel guide before you leave and browse offline at your leisure.

7.  Free Travel Journal

Nothing is better than reliving your abroad adventures and this app lets you do just that. Write, take pictures and map your experiences as you go. So when you find yourself craving the sight of the Italian countryside or the sun setting behind the Eiffel tower, it’s all just a click away!

8.  TripDeck

Built for the busy business traveler and the organizationally challenged. This app keeps it all under control. Hotel reservations, car rentals, flights, restaurants – your entire itinerary is in the palm of your hand.

9.  Travel Yoga

Talk about a unique app! Created by Darrin Zeer, who spent seven years in Asia studying the Eastern arts of healing, this app ensures that you arrive by plane, train or car feeling relaxed. Namaste.

10.  Flook

From quiet pubs to quirky cafes, this app helps to find them all. It’s a great way to dig deep into a city and find those local haunts that will make your trip unforgettable.

Know of any free travel apps we didn’t mention here? Tried any of these and found them lacking?

Share your knowledge, traveler!

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Don’t forget to check out My Bella Vita for more travel tips!

Written by : Kelly Gallucci  Photo Credit : Gonzalo Baeza Hernandez

A Luxury Tuscan Getaway – Castiglion del Bosco

Mossimo Ferragamo, son of the famous high-end Italian fashion designer and Chairman of Ferragamo USA , has set up a different kind of shop in Tuscany – a private, luxe, members-only vacation club called Castiglion del Bosco – or CdB for those in the know.

Located in Val d’Orcia in the Province of Siena, this lovely restored estate sits within a nature preserve and has the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The compound, which retains its ancient charm, boasts remnants of a 12th century castle fortress (for which the property is named), ruins of a Gothic chapel, a circular Etruscan stronghold, and the church of San Michele Arcangelo adorned with a Lorenzetti fresco.

Nine private villas -all with pools and patios, are set far apart on the estate’s expansive 4,500 acre property.  Amenities include an 18-hole golf course with sand imported from Germany, glass-enclosed gym, full-service spa, infinity pool and two restaurants.  Also featured is a 39,000 square-foot winery, Cantina Nuova, which is set within 130 acres of vines.  The winery is known for its modern Brunellos and the younger Rosso di Montalcino. It seems fitting that Montalcino is just a short drive away.

Care to join the other members, which reportedly number a carefully-vetted 40?  Though the membership price cannot be found on the website, the Wall Street Journal reports the membership fee at a cool $1.6 million, which translates to ‘out of reach’ for most of my readers, who are used to me touting the joys of budget travel.

Can’t pony-up the hefty membership fee? No worries. Non-members can drop by as overnight guests for between $735 and $4,000 a night.  The rate doesn’t include all of the services that members enjoy – but it does include breakfast!

But, even if that’s not doable – it’s perfectly acceptable to dream a little, isn’t it?

All Photos are © Castiglion del Bosco

Travel Photo Friday : Terracotta in Tunisia

This month’s Travel Photo Friday is a shot by fellow blogger and Italophile Eleonora Baldwin.  And though she runs the blog Aglio, Olio & Peperoncino, she has actually submitted a photo of Tunisia.  Yes, it does seem that us Italy-lovin’ travel bloggers do actually like to travel to other places.

Eleonora says this about her photo:

” The picture depicts a roadside pottery market in a small Tunisian village called Douz, the doorway to the Sahara. I was on my way to 4×4 journey to a remote inland oasis called Ksar Ghilaine. The Douz sunset pit stop lent quite a few photo ops. I like the colors of the terracotta plates, the tajines on the top shelf, the camel motifs on the rugs and the “desert roses,” natural sculptures made with sand, dew and wind.”

© Eleonora Baldwin

Thanks Eleonora!  I have long wanted to visit Tunisia, and this pottery just gives me yet another reason to visit.  I must get my hands on one of those Tajines.

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If you have a fabulous photo to be featured here, please send it along with a short description to mymelange {at} yahoo.com.

See you on November 3rd for our next edition!