We are pleased to announce that Travel + Leisure has selected Joyce Falcone the Italian Concierge to be included in their 2015 “A-List” of travel agents specializing in Italy. This prestigious award is one of the highest honors in the travel industry. This year's award marks the 7th consecutive year that Falcone has been named. Auguri!

In a bustling city like Naples, it can be difficult to find peace and quiet, especially in the city center.  But the other day while strolling among the crowds of tourists and street vendors, I decided to duck into Santa Chiara, a church/monastery complex I had walked by a few times before.  The few euro I had to pay for entry proved to be more than worth it.  Upon entering the courtyard of this 14th century convent, a feeling of complete peace and serenity washed over me.  I was taken back not only by the beauty of the courtyard (more formally known as the Cloister of Clarisses), but even more so by the peaceful, even euphoric feeling that made it easy to recognize this was a place of spiritual refuge. 

For years I have had a lovehate  relationship with the city of Milano.  In the past I have told clients, if you only have 9 days, thenk skip Milano and get right to the lakes, but now  my sentiment  has changed and that something happened with the preparation for The Worlds Fair of Food- Expo 2015- Feeding the planet which is now   in full swing at the Milano Fair grounds -October 31, 2015 . The city has removed her  dull dusty 1940's gray mask and has replaced it with new look, which is  fresh,  and reflective of her position as #1 ( move over Paris) in art and style.  The city's new identity is encouraged by the numerous  publications which  have been flashing her new look under our nose. You can't read Savour, Architectural Digest, Departures , Travel + Leisure or Conde` Nast Traveler without seeing even  a mention of something  happening that is very Milanese.  

Italy has been know to be a  socially conservative  country given  it is the seat of the Catholic church, and is the ony country remaining  in Europe that does not recognize same sex  marriages or civil unions.  With the church's anti - same sex relationship stance it is no surprise that any change to the current position  regarding man-women, women- women, man-man would take great debate. 

The Tuscan mines that provided the marble for Michaelangelo’s David is at risk of being over mined, fueling dangerous levels of erosion. The mines located near the town of Carrara were the source of marble for Michaelangelo’s masterpiece, the David, his depiction of the Madonna and Child (Pietà), as well as other sculpted masterpieces in Italy’s rich artistic history.