​Bucatina Carbonara  Italian carbonara is famously rich, combining pancetta or guanciale (cured pork jowl) egg yolks and cheese.
 
Pasta with clams and garlic (often from Sicily) – Remove the clam shells and toss with a good amount of crushed red pepper flakes.

 



​Pappardelle with Lamb Ragu –  Prepared with fresh ground lamb cooked in lamb stock. Top this with fresh ricotta and mint to garnish
 
Spaghetti alla Puttanesca - is an Italian classic and a specialty of the Campania region. Mad with tomatoes, garlic, anchovies, capers and olives make this a favorite.

Mmmm.  Enjoy!

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In Capri for the day and wondering what to do - consider spending part of your day at the "lido" - beach club.  Here you can swim, sunbathe, dine al fresno, plus shower and change back into your street clothes when it's time to go. Reservations are suggested. 

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One popular aperitivo is Vermouth and usually from Turin.

Campari, a red herbal liqueur and has a slightly bitter taste to it.  I like it with a large splash of soda on the rocks. 

The Negroni hails from Florence and includes Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth rosso (red.) It's typically garnished with an orange peel. 

Prosecco from Veneto.  This is Italy's answer to champagne and you'll find it on almost every hotel breakfast buffet.  

The Aperol Spritz is from Venice. but popular all over Italy.  It consists of  Aperol, Prosecco, soda water, and garnished with a big of orange peel. 

Of course, there are many more Italian cocktails but this will give you a good start.  Salute!

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is located in Florence, Italy.  The Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy was opened by Dominican monks who were growing herbs next door to use in salves and balms for their infirmary.  It opened to the public in the 17th century.  Today, the pharmacy still sell products made from the monk's original recipes. There is an immense product list available in many languages, and a large computerized display allows customers to explore the offerings and read the product's history.    The building  was a former papal residence and is ornate and lovely but very easy to miss from the exterior. It's still in the extraordinary original building, the rooms of which feature vaulted ceilings, stain glass windows, ornate gilding, frescoes, walnut cabinetry, glass decanters full of colorful potions, and marble floors. 

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Are you a golfer who is heading to Italy?  The Verdura Resort, on the island of Sicily, is outside of Sciacca and has 3 golf courses. It also boasts 6 clay tennis courts, plus pool, spa and fitness center, and several restaurants and bars.
 
And, Sicily’s very first golf course, Il Picciolo is a 4* course located  in a more rural area.  Gary Player's Parkland layout at the Donnafugata GolfResort & Spa hosted the inaugural Sicilian Open several years ago.    

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It's a custom in Italy to put something precious - perhaps a piece of jewelry - inside a chocolate egg to give to a loved one.  The chocolate shops in Italy will do that and then wrap the chocolate egg up beautifully.



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Another tradition is the making of "Easter Pie."  Although there are sweet versions, the meat pie is made using pie crusts and filling it will a mixture of eggs, chopped salami, ham, proscuitto, and cheese. 

In Palermo, Easter week features several reenactments of Christ arriving in Jerusalem. And, there are always religious parades to be found,  You'll typically find myrtle, bay leaves and oranges carried in these processions. 

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Antipasti - Many of you already know that, but it's the "appetizer" portion of your meal.  It might be simple or lavish, hot or cold, but always delicious!

Primi - this is your first course, usually pasta, risotto (rice), or soup.

Secondi - the entree or your main dish, usually meat or fish, but might be a vegetarian specialty instead. 

Contorni - these are your side dishes - vegetables, potatoes, and your salad. 

Dolci - the best for last as this is your "sweets" or dessert. 


Mangia!

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Naples, or course, claims to be the birthplace of pizza, but there is far more culinary dishes be enjoy beyond their delicious Neopolitan pie.

The city chefs create the freshest and lightest doughs to create the best pastas.  One of Naple's most popular specialties is frutta de mare - literally meaning fruits of the sea.  It's made from fresh caught fish and paired with tasty pasta sauces. 









Monkfish ravioli is a local favorite and you'll find an excellent variety of Neopolitan ragu among the city's eateries.  And, their pasta e fagioli can't be beat. 


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t’s the world’s smallest country, consisting of only 100 acres – that’s about 1/8 the size of  New York’s Central Park.
 
They issue passports, print their own Euros and have their own stamps and flag.
 
The Swiss Guards were originally a mercenary force.






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Benito Mussolini signed the decree creating the Vatican.  
 
At various times, popes escaped the Vatican via a secret passageway built in 1277. 


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