
Staying Connected in Italy: A First-Timer’s Guide to Getting a Local SIM Card
Planning your first trip to Italy? Ensuring seamless connectivity is essential for navigating the beautiful streets, staying in touch with loved ones, and sharing your experiences. One of the most cost-effective ways to achieve this is by obtaining a local SIM card. Here's everything you need to know.

Top Things to Do in Cortona, Tuscany – Plus Where to Stay in Style
Discover the best things to do in Cortona, Tuscany — from iconic sights made famous by Under the Tuscan Sun to local hidden gems, scenic day trips, and unforgettable food and wine experiences. This guide also features a rare find: a 7-bedroom luxury villa with a private pool, located inside Cortona’s historic town walls. Ideal for family holidays or group escapes, it’s the perfect way to live like a local in one of Tuscany’s most charming hill towns.

Where to Stay in Tuscany: Chianti, Val d’Orcia, Lucca, or Cortona?
So You Want to Stay in Tuscany?
Tuscany is full of dreamy landscapes, historic towns, and unforgettable food and wine—but choosing the right area to stay in can make all the difference. From the central convenience of Chianti, to the cinematic hills of the Val d’Orcia the coastal charm of Lucca, and the elegance of Cortona—here’s how to choose the best base for your Tuscan adventure.

Women Rebuilding Tuscany: Inspiring Stories of Entrepreneurship, Travel, and Italian Dreams
Dreams of Italy – A Women’s Experience - this is an article I published in a local magazine in 2009 - but the memories and truths still hold. Enjoy!
So many women, so many stories. My journey to find unique and special properties introduced me to these extraordinary women and their ventures. I want the women of Canada and the USA to experience Italy and find a way to bring Italy home.
Women Traveling Together – A Growing Phenomenon
Women traveling solo or in groups has become a well-documented trend. More women than ever are choosing to travel alone or with friends, sisters, mothers, or book clubs—whether to celebrate a milestone birthday, heal from a personal loss, achieve a long-held dream, or simply take a well-earned break from daily life.

Family Villas Tuscany

Explore Italy's Most Stunning Train Journeys: A Perfect Villa Escape Add-On
Explore Italy's Most Stunning Train Journeys: A Perfect Villa Escape Add-On
Italy is a country of endless beauty, where every corner offers a story, a flavor, or a view that takes your breath away. While staying in a charming villa offers the perfect base to immerse yourself in la dolce vita, adding a scenic train journey to your itinerary can elevate your Italian experience even further.
In a recent article by AFAR, some of the most picturesque train rides in Italy were highlighted, showcasing routes that take you through dramatic coastlines, rolling countryside, and even across to Sicily. Here are a few highlights to inspire your next trip:

Black Friday Exclusive Discounts: Authentic Tuscan dinner or Cooking class - Cortona Under the Tuscan Sun -
Black Friday Exclusive: Your Italian Villa Dream Awaits! ✨
This Black Friday, we’re bringing you a taste of Italy like never before. Whether you dream of relaxing in a villa surrounded by the rolling hills of Tuscany or indulging in authentic Italian cuisine, this offer is for you.
📍 Valid for Villas in and Around Cortona
Known for its stunning landscapes, historic charm, and exceptional cuisine, Cortona is the perfect base for your Italian escape.
What’s Included?

Are you searching for Italy? Dreaming of a villa in Tuscany, Stanley Tucci's food inspirations...
So you’ve heard of House Hunters…well I have lived the real thing “House Hunters Italy...my version”. For the past 20 years I have been in Italy more than 50 times, following leads, driving up dirt roads in Tuscany, winding roads in the Val d’Orcia, country lanes in Puglia, mountain ridges in the hills of Umbria, and more….finding the perfect villa to match your dreams…and create memories.

Italian wines - Exploring the Richness of Italian Wines: A Recap of the Vancouver International Wine Festival
Exploring the Richness of Italian Wines
Italy’s wines are as diverse and captivating as the country itself, offering a journey through its regions, each with its own unique varietals and traditions. From the bold Barolos of Piedmont to the elegant Brunellos of Tuscany, Italian wines have long been celebrated for their depth and character.
At the Vancouver International Wine Festival, Italian wines took center stage, showcasing their rich heritage and the passion of their winemakers. Highlights included tastings of iconic reds, crisp whites, and sparkling Proseccos that epitomize the vibrancy of Italian viticulture.
🍷 If you want to discover more about Italian wines or explore wine-themed villa experiences in Tuscany, contact us today! info@classicvactionrental.com

Celebrating Italian Excellence: Classicvacationrental.com Featured in the Vancouver Sun
🗞️ Featured in the latest edition, I am thrilled to share my passion for Italian wines and the art of slow travel. 🍇 From the picturesque vineyards of Piedmont to the sun-kissed landscapes of Sicily, each sip tells a story of tradition, culture, and unparalleled craftsmanship.
🍝 But it's not just about the wine; it's about embracing the Italian way of life. 🏞️ Through my personalized experiences, you'll delve into the essence of "la dolce vita" – living like a local, savoring every moment, and discovering hidden gems off the beaten track.
💪🏼 My strength lies in curating unforgettable journeys that go beyond the ordinary, immersing you in authentic encounters and enriching experiences. Whether you're a wine connoisseur, a food enthusiast, or an explorer at heart, there's something magical waiting for you in every corner of Italy.

Eat better at Rome airport - EATALY opens at FCO
Eataly, the chain of high-quality Made in Italy food outlets, launches in the newly-opened Boarding Area A at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci airport, better known as Fiumicino.
The arrival of Eataly at Fiumicino marks the first time the celebrated food emporium has opened in an airport.
The 2,000-sqm outlet, which has seating for 300 people, will be run in collaboration with Autogrill, the Italian-based, multinational catering company.