Sampling Italy

And the train to Brisighella departs from Faenza so another reason for an extended trip.

If you're in Rome in July, there is something happening this summer that hasn't happened in nearly 50 years. The Orchestra of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia is returning to perform concerts inside the Basilica of Maxentius, in the Roman Forum. They performed there regularly from 1933 to 1979, then stopped because the basilica needed major restoration. That restoration has finally finished, and they're coming back.

Concert dates run July 2 through July 29. Tickets went on sale April 16. Capacity is around 1,500 per concert, and I'd expect these to sell out. If this is the kind of thing you'd want to see, book now.

The Basilica of Maxentius itself is also now open as part of your standard Roman Forum ticket, which is worth knowing even if the concerts aren't your thing.

If you’re looking for serene green spaces outside of Milan’s most popular parks and piazzas, try one of these secluded spots: https://bit.ly/41PsJwU

"If there was ever a week to hold onto that dream, it is this one and honestly I have a good reason to talk about books because this Thursday, April 23rd, marks World Book Day, and here in Florence, we are celebrating with the first edition of “A Firenze fioriscono libri” (Books Bloom in Florence).

Inspired by the charming Catalan tradition of gifting a book and a rose, our city is doing something rather special. If you buy a book from any of our participating local independent shops this Thursday, you’ll be gifted an Iris—the historic symbol of Florence. "

The Best Independent Bookshops in Florence and the Literary Events Worth Your Time Skip the over-hyped wine windows and seek out a wine library instead — along with the independent bookshops that give Florence its soul plus where to find your literary community