Insider Italian Summer Itineraries, Part 2
7 insider Italian Summer itineraries to book now for next summer, all around the country, adults-only and family-friendly, affordable and splurge luxury.
Things I consumed this week, of (potential) note
I was laying in bed just the other night wondering when, exactly, did the American accent emerge? Because I frequently find myself wondering these types of things, I subscribe to all sorts of newsletters, one being the uncreatively-titled, History Facts. The answer to the question was in my inbox, and I thought it was interesting.
On the subject of history, if you aren’t already a Saturday regular and New York Times subscriber, I highly recommend getting into Flashback, where you place 8 different pieces of history on a timeline. In a time like now, it’s nice to have a bit of history in your weekly agenda, to remind us that everything really is cyclical, and humans are resilient.
In keeping with very weird Millennial woman tradition, I turned to a true crime documentary when I felt like I was going to combust. This was good, with just two episodes – The Lost Daughter, which came out a while ago and you’ve probably already watched.
I read the latest poorly-written but easy-to-like domestic thriller by Freida McFadden, The Boyfriend. It was one of my favorite of hers, 4/5 stars. I didn’t guess the ending!
Now, I’m reading Things Don’t Break on Their Own by Sarah Easter Collins, which is solid so far. I love a thriller, sue me! Up next is Someone in the Attic by Andrea Mara, and The Wayside by Caroline Wolff.
Mostly, I worked a lot, all of which you will see in the coming weeks :)
The Shopping Section
Away just dropped a glitter collection and I wanted to hate it because I really dislike all of their special colorways, but…I love the silver. The blue, too. If you’re in the market, you might as well have a fun suitcase.
I can’t stop thinking about these Bottega sunglasses. They’re kind of ridiculous, and I don’t have the right face shape for them, but something about the gold drop on the arms is…oh so alluring.
I think the Shopbop sale is lacking this time around, but these jeans are so good and 40% off with an additional 10% off.
Call me crazy, but a sequined Polo turtleneck might just the statement piece of the season.
When the turtleneck takes a break, these gold earrings are so fun for an affordable enough piece of costume jewelry for the season. But also, cool year-round.
THIS COAT. Red is a primary color, just in case your mind started to wander.
I’ve debated about the barrel leg silhouette trend, as I’m not one typically for trends, but I actually think a non-blue jean, tan or army green version will be forever cool. I’ve wanted these by Nili Lotan for what feels like forever, and this is a new corduroy version, which might be my favorite yet.
How is this bag $100 and how does it look so, so good?
And because I’m curious, if it were $8/month instead of $10, would that skew you to become a paid subscriber? Definitely not saying I’m going to change anything – I’m just curious.
See you Sunday!
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Seven Insider Italian Summer Itineraries
Round one was a hit, and the questions keep coming. I have infinite Italian Summer itineraries swimming in my head, I thought I’d put seven more into the ring, with one specifically family-oriented. Japan is coming next week! But now, I’m taking you everywhere I didn’t the first time. Of course, I share how to get to and from everywhere, and all the places to stay – both affordable and splurge luxury.
Itinerary 1: Calabria, Basilicata, and Naples (including my beach list for Tropea and the areas north and south)
Itinerary 2: The best way to do the Amalfi Coast
Itinerary 3: Piemonte, Franciacorta, and the Prosecco hills for the wine-lovers
Itinerary 4: Ischia and Puglia, with kids
Itinerary 5: Art, served straight, in Venice, Mantova or Ravenna, and Florence
Itinerary 6: On the party circuit
Itinerary 7: A grand tour of grand hotels
For regular and long-time readers, there will be familiar names. But, I like to try to help put the names together for a perfect itinerary puzzle.
Andiamo!
Itinerary 1: You’ll Need to Know Some Italian
This is a trip I have not yet taken, but I really want to. It’s definitely not for your first or first five trips to Italy, as to be a respectful traveler, knowing a bit of Italian would definitely be helpful. It’s also a bit of a splurge, as the HH-approved options are limited and not inexpensive.
Everyone says and agrees that the most beautiful beaches in Italy are in Calabria. I only have one Calabrese friend, and because it’s a poor part of the country, with less international tourism, and limited train lines – it often gets missed.
To do this right, you really need a car. A version of it can be done by train, as Italo (not Trenitalia) has high-speed train service to a few places in the region in the summer. But because it’s all about the beach here, I’d want to go to stretches popular and less-trodden, requiring a car.
Still, Tropea is base for the west coast. You’ll fly into Lamezia Terme on a connecting flight, unless you’re coming from Toronto. The only hotel in Tropea that makes the