Fly into Milan?

Walking along the roof of the Cathedral is my favorite memory of Milan.

Here's a thought, maybe we fly into the North and stay for a day/night and then take the train down to Arezzo (3.5 hr train ride)? The plane ticket from Dallas to Milan are about $400 less and that's $800 for the both of us so it might make sense to save that money and see the lovely cathedral in Milan. If not we'd probably fly into Rome since it's also a few hundred less than Florence and maybe stay in Rome for a few nights? Thought? Should we go North or South?

I see us in a castle by the sea!

That's one of my favorite lines from Enchanted April and while this place isn't a castle it sounds pretty amazing.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/935429?guests=6&s=6PGI
An old Italian man greets you as you arrive, that is my definition of a good start to a vacation. Also I love the idea of relaxing by the sea with day trips to Capri and other places by boat.
Check out airbnb it's all private rooms and homes for rent and the selection and price are awesome.

Timeshare?

This may not be the most authentic way to travel, but here are some options for lodgings if we are interested. David's parents have a timeshare and RCI is an affiliate-  we can usually get a 3-room, 2-bath "condo" with a kitchen and washer/dryer for around $100 per night under his account.  The ones we have been to have always been clean, but pretty generic and filled with Americans, I'm sure.  Some of them, however, look like they are local villas being managed by RCI (like this beauty). Anyway, here is a list of the Italian locations.  I can get more details if we are interested, but they usually require early bookings (1.5 yrs in advance).

Gastronomics of Bologna's Surrounding Cities

I've been reading about the food centers of Northern Italy, and I'm hoping to try these dishes, in particular, if we plan to visit or pass through the Bologna region (or Emilia/Modena/Ferrara). 

Capellacci di zucca
(squash ravioli with parmesan, nutmeg, butter, and sage)

Capellatacci 
(sweet pasta stuffed with chestnut, chocolate, dressed with olive oil and black pepper... so basically Nutella ravioli)

and of course, Modena's balsamic vinegar on anything.

Danielle and Emily, do you recall your favorite dishes from your Italy experiences and which areas did them the best?  I am most excited about the food!

vecchio o nuovo

As I was watching the travel channel yesterday while I was on the treadmill I saw a tour of Hotel Una Vittoria in Florence. The hotel is super modern and a bit crazy looking. I can't decide if it would be fun or a headache to sleep in one of these rooms. It's a bit like a renaissance disco meets Tron.


In contrast to the craziness of the new is this lovely hotel located in a former 15th century monastery which still has some original fresco's intact. Hotel Morandi Alla Crocretta is my choice for a place to stay in Florence. Its centrally located and the foyer reminds me of the Jensen's living room so I think it's fate. Also it's half the price of the modern hotel and therefore I'll go ahead and say it's Cameron's pick as well.