Italian Getaways

Here are some places we like to go when in Italy!

Greve in Chianti, Italy
San Giuseppe, Italy
Venice, Italy
Florence, Italy
Rome, Italy
Cortina
Capri
Sorrento
Assisi
Pisa
Milan

Greve Top

Greve, Italy

Places to Stay

Villa Bordoni
Located in Greve in Chianti about 25 Kilometers south of Florence, this extraordinary but humble villa is a real find.  There are 10 rooms, all remodeled in a splendid mixture of antiques and modern fixtures.  The staff is delightful and top notch from the personable owners to the sommelier, the reservations manager and of course the Villas on site chef.  The food is some of the best we've enjoyed.
Via San Cresci 31/32 - Localita Mezzuola, Greve-in-Chianti
phone: +39 055 8840004  fax +39 055 8840005
www.VillaBordoni.com email: info@VillaBordoni.com 

Castello Vicchiomaggio (winery also)
Stay where Leonardo Di Vinci painted his famous Mona Lisa painting.  Holiday apartments are available year round. Close to Florence, Sienna and Greve in the heart of the Chianti Region.  Winery, restaurant, pool and extraordinary views of the Chianti countryside. 
phone: +39 055 854079  fax +39 055 853911
www.vicchiomaggio.it 

Places to Eat

La Cantinetta di Rignana
Gorgeous farmhouse on top of a lovely hillside.  Once you've arrived at this out of the way dining destination you will be hesitant to leave this beautiful place.  Amazing views and terrific wines and food.
www.lacantinettadirignana.it
phone: +39 055 852601  fax +39 055 852669

Villa Bordoni
On site Chef and Sommelier make for the most unforgettable dining experiences in town.  The meal and restaurant atmosphere are elegant while remaining casual, relaxing and unpretentious - though they have every reason to be full of themselves!  Perfection!
phone: +39 055 8840004  fax +39 055 8840005
www.VillaBordoni.com email: info@VillaBordoni.com 

Fattoria Montagliari (Winery & restaurant)
Traditional Tuscan cuisine.  Indoor and outdoor dining.
Panzano in Chianti
phone: +39 055 852014  or +39 055 852184
www.montagliari.it

Places to Shop

D'interni e Dintorni (Antique Store)
Antichita e decorazioni in the town center of Greve.  Find antique linens made of goat's wool as well as antique furniture, jewelry, glasses, etc.  Quaint, tucked away shop ran by a delightful owner that takes great care and pride in her shops possessions.
Via Roma 35 fi-50022
phone: +39 055 853563  fax +39 333 282 4436
email:  paola@dinterniedintorni.it

Grisanti (Jewelry)
Located in the town center of Greve at Piazza Matteoltti, 16 - this store is run by a knowledgeable and personable staff.  The jewelry is unique, detailed, well crafted and moderately priced.  Grisanti carries Fope, Nomination, Marco Bicego and the Breil lines among others.
phone:  +39 055 8544937

Coltelleria Articoli da Regalo (Tuscan Wood Store - Kitchen Goods)
Crafted household and kitchen items using wood local to the Chianti region.  Unique pieces at affordable prices.
Piazza G. Matteotti, 56 in Greve
Phone/Fax 055 8544551

Fattoria Montagliari (Winery)
Humble but lovely winery that has been producing wines since 1720.  The wines are tasty, but the olive oils and balsamic vinegars are what really knocked us out!  Wonderful gifts for friends who love good foods.
Panzano in Chianti
phone: +39 055 852014  or +39 055 852184
www.montagliari.it

Tours

Drivers
We hired a fabulous driver that is very familiar with the Tuscany area surrounding Florence, Chianti, Sienna, San Gimignano and more.  Natalie speaks fluent English, Italian and Sweedish.
Natalie at natintuscany@hotmail.com

Insider’s Italy
Contact: Robert Stark & Marjorie Shawn
Via A. Cesari 8, Pal C-10, Rome 00152 06 588 5935
www.insidersitaly.com
info@insidersitaly.com
Phone: 914 470 1612

San Gimignano Top

San Gimignano, Italy

La Tavernna di San Giuseppe
Nice resting spot as you wind your way down the cobblestone paths of San Gimignano.  Try the mixed bruschette plate!  Wonderful Liver pates!  Via G. Dupre, 132 - 53100 Sienna
phone: +39 0577 42286
www.tavernasangiuseppe.it

Venice Top

Venice, Italy

The city of Venice is one of a kind.  Neither photos or movies depicting the city can do it justice. Built upon 117 small islands, the city has about 150 canals and nearly 400 bridges. There is not a car to be found in the city.  You must walk or take a water taxi or water bus to get to your destination.

Places to Stay

If it's your first time in Venice, we suggest you select a canal view room for the ultimate Venetian experience. 

Hotel American - Dinesen
Elegantly furnished hotel with lovely antiques in traditional Venetian styled rooms.  Fixtures are modern.  Canal view is spectacular.  Off the heavily touristy paths but conveniently situated between the Accademia museum and the Peggy Guggenheim museum.  Walking distance to Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal.  Located steps from some lovely canal side restaurants.
San Vio 628 - 30100 Venice
phone: +39 041-5204733 fax +39 041-5204048
reception@hotelamerican.com  www.hotelamerican.net

Pensione La Calcina on Zattere
One of the best deals on the Canal.  There is only one canal side or balcony room, so make a request if you want it.  The restaurants in the hotel are fabulous too with great food and romantic canal side seating.  Near the Guggenheim and the Accademia musuems.
Dorsoduro Zattere 780 - 30123 Venice
http://www.lacalcina.com/

Places to Eat

Trattoria Montin Albergo
Widely acclaimed restaurant and local favorite.  The best place we ate in Venice!  Also hosts an inn. 
Venezia - S. Trovaso, Fondamenta Eremite 1147
phone: 041 5227151 www.locandamontin.com

Do Forni
Elegant setting.  One of the finest in Venice. Expensive but so is everything in Venice. Reservations required for dinner.
phone: 041 5237729

Gianni Ristorante- Pizzeria
Sale interne posti 100- Terrazza a mare a posti 160
Zattere, 918- Venezia
Phone: 041/5237210

Bar -Caffe La Piscina La Calcina Ruskin’s house
Dorsoduro, 782- 30123 Venezia- Italia
Phone: 041-2413889

Ristorante Al Giglio
30124 Venezia – S. Marco 2477/78
Phone: 041 5232368
Fax: 041 5225700

Places to Shop

Marina e Susanna Sent (Jewelry)
Near the Peggy Guggenhiem museum.  This shop carries many one of a kind art and jewelry pieces and jewelry pieces that are ART!  A must see for jewelry lovers who like special pieces.
Fondamenta Serenella, 20
phone: 0415274665 email: sent.snc@tin.it

Gualti - Wearable Art, Amazing Jewelry
Dramatic Sculpture jewelry / art to wear.  Gorgeous, light weight, one of a kind pieces that are masterfully crafted and imagined.
Dorsoduro, Rio Tera Cana, 3111
Venezia, Vaporetto: Linea 1 CA Rezzonico
Phone/Fax: 0415201731
www.Gualti.it email: info@gualti.it

Gianni Cavalier (Hand crafted Picture Frames)
Maker of fine frames in the heart of San Marco.  Extraordinarily hand crafted.  Over 20 years in operation producing amazing frames the old fashioned way.  Pricey, but well worth it if you treasure quality.
S. Marco, 2863/a
phone/fax: 041 5238621

Calle dell'Avogaria
1629 Dorsoduro 041 296 0491
www.avogaria.com Email: info@avogaria.com

Vino Vino: Calle delle Veste 16
Reasonably priced.  Antipasto bar - restaurant upstairs. Great wine list.
2007A San Marco Phone: 041 241 7688  www.anticomartini.com/vinovino.htm

Libreria Della Spada
Via della Spada
Phone N.19-21/r 50123 Firenze
Email: spada@libreriadellaspada.com.
www.libreriadellaspada.com

Falena (Fotografo in Venezia
www.falenafoto.it
falen3@tin.it

Florence Top

Florence (Firenze), Italy

The Medici family moved into Florence during the Middle Ages attracting goldsmiths and artists to sell to the powerful family.  These craftsmen exist even through this day.  Visit Florence's world-famous art museums, shop in the amazing fabric and jewelry stores and enjoy Tuscan cuisine in traditional trattoria's..  Spend sometime on Ponte Vecchio or "Old Bridge" shopping for jewelry and other great Italian finds.

Places to Eat

Enoteca Baldovino
Great food in a casual atmosphere.  Indoors or outdoors seating.  Great house wine by the carafe!  Romantic dining outdoors yet casual enough for hanging out with your friends.
Via San Giuseppe 18R (Piazza S. Croce)
phone: 055 2347220
www.baldovino.com email: info@baldovino.com

Maso
Mediterranean restaurant with nice atmosphere and good food.
Via Maso Finiguerra, 10
Phone: 055 212106

Beccofino restaurant
Piazza degli Scarlatti 1R (Lungarno Guicciardini)  Florence 
Phone: 055 290 076

Via Borgo Pinti 12/r - Florence - ITALY - Tel.-39-055/24.13.41 La Giostra is intentionally difficult to find. Outside the front door there is no sign. The street on which it is found is far away from the typical touristy routes. Yet it is only a few hundred meters from the Duomo, in the very center of Florence, in Borgo Pinti at number 12, near to the San Piero arch. In short, it is not a place for tourists, it is more a place for travelers. On foot: five minutes from the Duomo going along Oriuolo street.  Ten minutes from Repubblica square by taking Corso street, Borgo Albizi street and crossing the San Piero arch.  By car: follow the ring-road avenues (from north to south) toward Donatello square (English monumental cemetery), follow the indication for D'azeglio square and then take Borgo Pinti street.  An alternative is to leave the car at the Parterre parking-lot (Liberty square) and then take a taxi. By taxi: ten minutes from most of all central hotels, cost: not anymore 10 euros.