Diana Skok Corridori

With Halloween upon us, what could be more appropriate than a post about a monster park? A monster park that happens to be more than 500 years old (just to add to the creepiness).

The Sacro Bosco, also named the Garden of Bomarzo as well as the Park of Monsters is located 40 miles north of Rome in a wooded park in the town of Bomarzo.

This eccentric park with its bizarre stone sculptures was commissioned by Pier Francesco Orsini and designed by Pirro Ligorio who was a well-known architect and...

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The attentive staff throughout the hotel are efficient and enthusiastic. The Spa Castello is the star attraction with its mineral waters sourced from the nearby Boiola Spring. The feel of the spa is crisp, modern and soothing. Health and beauty treatments can be arranged and range from anti-ageing facials to thermal mud remedies. The spa includes a whirlpool tub overlooking the lake, Finnish sauna, steam bath, ice fountain and gym. In addition to spa access, there is also free use of t...

Texas native Diana Skok Corridori traded the Lone Star State for the Old Country when she moved to Milan to live with her Italian husband. In addition to raising her two sons, she spends her time writing about the quirks and beauty of life in northern Italy through her travel blog Vino Vita Viagg...

Milan has seen a steady rise in tourism over the past few years and is known for its hip vibe. It offers visitors an endless selection of museums, bars, restaurants and shopping and has become a destination city all on its own, but it can be chaotic and overwhelming, so why not plan an escape to one of the many enchanting lakeside towns that are so close? Here is a selection of towns and villages that are sure to take the edge off hectic urban life.
Orta San Giulio
Orta has a dreamy and celes...

Focusing on romantic love and how Italian artists portrayed that love through paintings and sculpture.

This year marks the 500th anniversary of Leonardo’s death and seeing as how he spent a big portion of his life in Milan, the city is celebrating with all kinds of cultural offerings. They include everything from art exhibits by Leo himself to exhibits by artists influenced by him. But the events go way beyond just art. Also included are educational talks, multimedia shows, kids’ activities, plays and tours.
This post will focus on the highlights.
Sforza Castle Exhibitions
There are three exhi...

We live in Lombardy, the most hard-hit region in Italy. We have been on lockdown for a week, but partial lockdown for a few weeks during which time the kids have been out of school and hubby has been working from home. What is life like? Well, first of all, it is not the end of the world. We are able to go out for groceries, to the pharmacy and small walks near our home or at the public trails that are permitted for use. There is free movement allowed for those who cannot work from home as we...

As with many thermal springs in Italy, this spa has a rich history. Not only is it old (2,000 years), but it has also hosted key figures throughout the years. Leonardo da Vinci himself used to make visits to this area.
Coming to this spa is like taking a journey through time. Rustic in nature, there are thermal pools carved out from caves used during Roman times and grottos with detoxifying Turkish baths where one can experience wellness from the warm depths of the earth.
There is also an out...

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The smiling staff are attentive and ready to assist with any request. The hotel has a top-notch wellness centre that includes a large gym, sauna, hamman, emotional showers and a relaxation area with various teas and fresh fruits. There is also a heated indoor pool with large windows providing soft natural lighting. The outdoor pool is surrounded by a garden and also has a small baby pool.
A whole host of treatments are available from the spa, from facials to lymphatic drainage massage....

Italy remains on lockdown until at least May 3rd. A few days before the country asked us all to stay home, we were in Venice where things were already very quiet. Below are some pics of that time – around March 6th. The gondolieri were out but had no business. It was the same situation for most cafès and restaurants. In fact, we made a quick coffee stop at the historical, Caffè Florian. It was a little sad that it was almost empty, but at the same time, kind of fun hanging with the Venetians....

Travel article on accommodation options in Italy.

In the past month, we have all likely been cooking more, and although lockdown will be coming to an end soon, why should the kitchen action come to an end? What a nice side effect of a horrible situation.
Whether you are a seasoned cook (ha, ha, ha…get it???) or just getting started in the kitchen, here is a selection of resources to see you through your Italian cooking journey.
The Bible
This is the oldest Italian cookbook, it was first written in 1891 by Pellegrino Artusi. He wrote the book...

Here is a super ambitious one-day itinerary for Milan, Italy. So if you are a road-warrior, this day is for you.
When planning a visit to a place like Milan, of course you have to see the classics, but there are some off the beaten path stops as well, otherwise this guide would be just like all the others out there…right? It will NOT include “The Last Supper.” I know….gasp….but I will save that for a two or three-day visit.
Make sure to scroll all the way down for the timetable of your day an...

The amount of art in Rome is completely overwhelming. Where does one even begin when trying to plan a trip on what to see. Much to the horror of my art historian sister, on my first few visits to Rome, I completely skipped the Vatican Museums and the Borghese Gallery. Instead, I opted for the free art in Rome that blankets the city. I love to sprinkle my Roman day with masterpieces by the likes of Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini and many others. This is a fabulous option if you are lover of ar...

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Located on Isola Superiore, also known as Isola dei Pescatori. The island itself only has 50 inhabitants, but there are many shops, cafés and restaurants given its small size. It is a 15-minute ferry ride from Stresa and a 20-minute ride to Isola Madre, another island that is known for its English gardens and 17th-century palace complete with period furnishings and paintings.
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Set in a 19th-century building, this hotel has been completely renovated but has also been able to maint...