Donna Rosa in Montepertuso

Up above Positano in Montepertuso ("Hole in the Mountain") is a restaurant that embodies Italian sensibility. Ristorante Donna Rosa is truly a family affair. The staff is small and the setting is intimate-the kitchen is open for guests to watch the meals being prepared. Classic pastas, meats, rare wines and delicious desserts are on the menu, and if you really like a dish they will give you the recipe (straight from Donna Rosa's cookbook!). Be sure to stop in and see the "Hole in the Mountain" at sunset on your way to dinner. Reservations recommended. Via Montepertuso 97/99. +39 089 811806.

Gladiators Fight in the Colosseum-No joke!

Will 2009 be "the year of the Colosseum?" The new virtual tour of ancient Rome, 3D Rewind Rome, which is shown on the site of the old gladiators training school, already has tourists excited about immersing themselves in the events of the ancient city. Umberto Broccoli, the head of archaeology on Rome's city council, has proposed nighttime gladiator events in the Colosseum alongside recitations from famous Latin poets. And to top it off, extensive renovations are planned for the Colosseum, the Palatine, the Roman Forum, the Imperial Forum and Nero's Golden House. An exciting time to visit-especially as there are many deals to be had in Rome right now (more on those deals in the next post).

Liquor Limits in Rome

Rome's mayor, Gianni Alemanno, has just issued a city-wide ban on selling alcohol "to-go" after 9 pm (supermarkets included!) and restrictions on restaurants and clubs after 2 am. A recent stabbing of a tourist in Campo dei Fiori prompted the decision which many residents had been requesting for years. It seems that not everyone in Rome is interested in staying up all night with a bottle of wine in the piazzas and narrow alleyways of Trastevere! Don't worry, you can still purchase alcohol to go-just do it before 9 pm.

Capofaro in the Aeolian Islands

If you really want to get it away from it all, try the Capofaro Malvasia and Resort in Salina, one of the Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily. For those of you who can't get far enough away from the crowds, this might just be the place you've been searching for. Set amid 13 acres of vineyards, the resort is rustically modern, whitewashed and surrounded by the blue sea and views of the neighboring volcanic islands. The resort makes its own Malvasia, a regional sweet white wine. Salina was one of the settings for the 1994 Oscar-winning movie Il Postino and is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the Aeolian islands. Rates at the Capofaro start at 170 Euros and include breakfast.

Ristorante L'Arcangelo in the Prati

The Prati district near the Vatican is becoming one of Rome's most interesting neighborhoods when it comes to food. Bibenda magazine, Italy's premier wine publication, recently rated Ristorante l'Arcangelo one of Rome's best restaurants for 2009. On the menu you will find quite a bit of seafood (if you like anchovies, there are several options for you!) and an entire section devoted to foie gras. There is even a price fixe menu of Roman specialties. Throughout the menu you have the option to order half portions for a reduced price. What a novel idea! Don't miss the wine list offering many options under 20 Euros.

The Modern Traveler's Top Amalfi Coast Historical Sites

Not that you need to look for any reasons to visit the Amalfi Coast, but just in case you need some guidance, here are the Modern Traveler's top historical sites to visit on and around the Costiera Amalfitana.
1. Villa Jovis on Capri: Capri is fabled for two reasons. It is breathtakingly gorgeous and it was the playground for the less than moral Emperor Tiberius. Don't miss the ruins of his grand palace, the Villa Jovis, at the southern tip of the island. The flower-lined walk to the Villa from town is a lovely way to spend your morning and the views of the Amalfi Coast will knock your socks off.
2. Paestum(pictured): Somehow this sanctuary of ancient Greek temples was overlooked for the past 2,000 years. The 2,500 year old temples are in almost pristine condition and the rest of the archaeological site is pretty interesting too. Paestum is just a short drive from Salerno which is at the southern base of the Amalfi peninsula. Don't miss the museum!
3. Herculaneum: In less than an hour from the Amalfi Coast you can get to one of the most spectacular ancient Roman archaeological sites in the world. Far less visited than nearby Pompeii, Herculaneum is even better preserved. Be sure to take advantage of the guided tours. It's well worth the money.
4. Sant'Andrea Cathedral in Amalfi:Built in the 10th century on the ruins of an ancient temple, this cathedral is a fascinating mix of Italian and Arab architecture. The relics of Saint Andrew, martyred in 64 CE, are contained in the crypt below the cathedral. The church is right on the main piazza of Amalfi and the bells of its Moorish campanile resound throughout the town.

Secret Hotels of Sicily

Budget Travel has a great list of villas and farms that have been turned into hotels. Each property starts at below 150 Euros and promises to offer an authentic and unique Sicilian experience. The Villa Letizia in Palermo is right on the waterfront and near one of the city's most charming quarters. The Hotel Gutkowski in Siracusa's historic Ortygia district (pictured) offers sea views and a real regional Sicilian breakfast. The Villa Nettuno in Taormina is situated in a lush garden overhanging a seaside cliff. For more "Secret Hotels" read the article on BudgetTravel.com.

Run a Marathon in Rome

The annual Rome Marathon (Maratona di Roma) will take place on March 22. The entire city center is cordoned off for this event and entertainment abounds on every street. The course takes in every major site in Rome from the Basilica of San Paolo to St. Peter's and beyond. If you'd like to participate in the marathon, they are still taking registration for runners. The fee is 50 Euros and can be submitted on-line or via fax. If you'd like to run through Rome but aren't quite up for a marathon, there is a fun run of 4 kilometers that takes place at the same time. Diverti te!!!

Selinunte-Not Just an Archaeological Site

The ruins at Selinunte are spectacular. You will forget the rest of the world as you gaze at the golden fields and blue sea surrounding the temples. But there's more to Selinunte than archaeology. Selinunte boasts beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean and a simple yet extraordinary seafood restaurant. Try the beach west of Via Pigafetta (near the ruins) or take Via della Pineta east until it ends. You'll find a sandy beach there with a concession stand for snacks. Be sure to stay for the whole day when you visit and finish with a seaside dinner at Ristorante Pierrot of pasta con sarde or couscous (after all Africa is only about 100 km away!).

New High Speed Train From Naples to Milan

Trenitalia has launched the new high-speed line from Naples to Milan. Now you can get from Rome to Milan in 3.5 hours, and Rome to Naples in a little over an hour! Perfect for your trip to the Amalfi Coast. The line also offers free newspapers, beverages and snacks. Make reservations at www.italiarail.com. Buon Viaggio!

Saldi Begins! Italy is On Sale!

It's here! The twice yearly shopping event-SALDI! Retailers in Rome are offering huge discounts on everything in their stores. The city government even gets involved-there's a shuttle from Termini to the shopping districts for tourists and suburban residents coming in to the city. Not sure what to buy this year? La Repubblica has a guide to the styles you don't want to miss out on. Sale season in Rome lasts from January 3rd to February 13. The Saldi Calendar is slightly different throughout Italy, so make sure you check the schedule for each city before you go. Saldi is the perfect time to make an investment in a classic or a trend.

New High Speed Train From Naples to Milan

Trenitalia has launched the new high-speed line from Naples to Milan. Now you can get from Rome to Milan in 3.5 hours, and Rome to Naples in a little over an hour! Perfect for your trip to the Amalfi Coast. The line also offers free newspapers, beverages and snacks. Make reservations at www.italiarail.com. Buon Viaggio!

Hotel Orientale in Palermo-Old World Splendor

The Hotel Orientale in Palermo is housed in a 17th century palace once belonging to Prince Alessandro Filangieri II. Now the baroque residence is crumbling a bit, but it still maintains its elegant atmosphere. With simply furnished bedrooms, the place is truly a budget hotel, with rates starting at around $90 a night. However, its location in the historic center and its frescoed ceilings will convince you that you are royalty too. Well, former royalty at least.