Author: Tommaso De Poi

Ancient architecture, beautiful landscapes, and a thriving culture characterize Genoa. Although this diverse city is most commonly known as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, there is much more to Genoa. As Italy’s largest seaport Genoa has drawn people to its quaint alleyways, historic churches, noble castles, monuments, and museums. Additionally, this historic city is also […]

On the island of Sardinia, where lively colors and bright festivities are the norm, a ritual of contrasting black and white can seem far from the original tempo of the city. Once a year around the time of Ash Wednesday, Sardinia becomes an island that is bursting with black and white painted faces, grotesque masks, […]

Whether it’s stone soup, chicken noodle, seven layer, or another, soup is a delicious dish that has been around since the beginning of time. When large amounts of food were limited in times past, it only seemed logical that you would mix everything together to make the leftover food extend further to feed more mouths. […]

Lamborghini, Ferrari, Pagani, and Maserati….just the names of these manufacturers can leave any car lover salivating. The thought of seeing these cars, touching them, and witnessing just how they are made could drive any enthusiast up the wall. Motor Valley in Emilia Romagna is where these Italian cars and their history can be observed first-hand. […]

Opera lovers do not miss La Scala opera house in Milan. It is known worldwide for offering some of the best performances and, of course, some of the most genuine Milanese moments. Most of Italy‘s greatest opera artists and many of the finest singers from around the world have appeared at La Scala!

Italian cuisine is undoubtedly a feast for the senses. Homemade pastas, fresh vegetables and virgin olive oil are staples of the Italian diet.  Apulia region is the queen of the Mediterranean diet and fresh fish is always available, whether you are looking for a romantic dinner or a simple healthy lunch. Have a look  at […]

A vacation in Sicily may evoke a myriad of images; uncontaminated landscapes, centuries-old traditions, Greek temples, delicious traditional food and a crystal clear sea. Stop by the beautiful Erice and drive along the unique Salt Road with the many red-roofed windmills. The white pyramids of the sea salt piled along the evaporation basin is just […]

Looking for the perfect destination for a gourmet gateway? Ask Trips2Italy about the Langhe, in the Piedmont region. It is an area of gently undulating hills, ancient castles, medieval villages and vast vineyards where some of the finest specialties and wines (Barolo, Nebbiolo ) of the whole northern Italy are produced. Discover the taste of […]

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, in the Tuscany region, is considered a must see. It’s a marvel and a miracle that attracts many tourists from all over the world. Did you know that it began to lean even before its construction was completed during the 12th century? Nowadays the current tilt makes an angle of […]

Naples is the southern culinary capital of Italy. The Pizza was born here in honor of Queen Margherita di Savoia in 1889. The queen was visiting the city …

Right in the heart of the beautiful Tuscan region, not far from Siena and only 9 Km from Montalcino, sits the impressive Sant’Antimo Abbey, a must-see for anyone visiting the area. According to a legend, the abbey was founded by Charlemagne in 781 AC after he fell ill nearby and prayed for deliverance. Even though […]

Dear Friends and Clients, We are moving! Beginning July 29, 2013, Trips 2 Italy will be located at 5701 Woodway Dr., Suite 220, Houston, TX 77057, (at the corner with Chimney Rock). During this transition, we will continue to provide the same excellent service you have come to expect from us. Please note that all […]

Folklore is a large part of Italy and even more so, in the Apulia region located in what is the heel of Italy’s “boot” shape. In this particular region, folk dances are very popular and have their roots in Ancient Greece. The “Pizzica” is a traditional dance popular throughout the Salentine peninsula along with the […]

The archaeological site of Pompeii is one Italy’s and the world’s most popular tourist destinations. This ancient Roman city was destroyed by the volcanic ashes from a catastrophic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius on August 79 A.D. Today, one can see the well preserved remains of a city and its local population that was buried alive, […]

One of Tuscany’s most famous and attractive landscapes is its never ending fields of sunflowers during the summer. Usually from June to August, one can enjoy a beautiful panorama of these lovely yellow flowers driving through the small winding roads through the enchanting Tuscan countryside only to be enhanced by the sight of cypress trees, […]

Rome is the “Eternal City” Your journey through Rome can take you from the modern age to the Renaissance age and from the Medieval to Ancient times in a matter of minutes. A simple tour walk can reveal the mysteries of the ages.  This is one of the city’s greatest pleasures!

Blue Jeans… did you know this super popular garment has Italian origins? Its name comes from the particular blue fabric that was once worn by the dockworkers in the port of Genova, in the Liguria region. They were always traveling around the world and thus, brought what we know as denim to the shores of […]

When in Venice, be sure to visit the Island of Murano, home to artisan glass shops where unique handmade glass products have been produced for thousands of years, using the same ancient techniques particular to Murano glass making . From simple small glass figurines available in different colors to much more elaborate pieces such as […]

Every year in the quaint and historic town of Spoleto, located in the Umbria region, one of the most important artistic festivals in the world takes place during the summer months: the “Festival dei Due Mondi,” or Festival of the Two Worlds. This exuberant event was first started in 1958 by composer Gian Carlo Menotti. […]

When tourists think of the best place for good coffee in the beautiful nation of Italy, famous towns such as Naples or Rome are often the first to come to mind. These cities, however, are not the only coffee spots in the country. On the opposite side of the peninsula, sharing a border with Slovenia, […]

Skiers know that they can find quite a few great places to go skiing on their Italian vacation, and the Aosta Valley is one that often stands out amongst the best in the country. You can find great lifts and runs, perfect snow, and plenty to love about the area. This area offers far more […]

Many people reading this are probably already thinking about their next vacation. Visions of ancient cities, friendly people, and gorgeous landscapes dance before the eyes, and noses are already picking up phantom scents of true Italian cooking! If you are one of the many thinking about a trip to Italy this year, or beyond, I […]

Italy is a country rich in history, and visitors are able to find historic and archeological sites throughout the land. Even the smaller towns have rich histories, and Aquileia is certainly no exception to this. The town in northern Italy is a perfect destination for an Italian vacation.  This small town is only 35 miles […]

Naples is a city steeped in history and it is home to many wonderful sights and artifacts. One of the most interesting and beautiful places to visit is Sansevero Chapel. Stepping into the chapel is like stepping back in time, and one is able to find some remarkable treasures hidden within. When you explore the […]