Contessa Nally: Must-See Italian Fashion Blog

If you want to see fashion shows, artists and beautiful people up close, go to contessanally.blogspot.com. Venice resident Contessa Nally Manfredi Bellati is a photographer and stylist who has worked for Vogue and Bazaar and whose photos appear in magazines all over the world. Now you can see her candid photos of Milan (pictured), Paris and New York's Fashion Weeks and many other fashionable and fabulous events all over Italy on her blog. You will definitely be mesmerized by her beautiful world.

San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants

San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants have been chosen and six restaurants in Italy have made the list. The restaurants are innovative, experimental, and break the bonds of tradition all the while being the most chic in the city and country. The Italian restaurant ranked highest on the list is Osteria Francescana in Modena with the Michelin-starred Ristorante Cracco in Milan not far behind. The famous Gambero Rosso in Livorno has made the list again. Combal.Zero in the Museum of Contemporary Art in Piedmont presents dishes that will surprise you in every way. Dal Pescatore in Mantua has one of Italy's most celebrated women chefs. La Calandre in Rubino is traditional and hearty and has a pastry shop and food shop that you can order from on-line! These restaurants are worth leaving the beaten track for-and not easy to get into. Make sure you call ahead.

Travel and Leisure is All About Italy

This month's Travel and Leisure magazine is full of information about several Italian cities, including Milan, Venice, Rome, Florence, Amalfi and even a few out of the way spots. Find out about American Ballet Theatre's newest star, Robert Bolle, and his favorite spots in his hometown, Milan. Travel and Leisure's Italy expert, Valerie Waterhouse, shares some secrets about Venice. Affordable and stylish hotels in Rome and Florence are featured, and an authentic family restaurant in San Cesareo, near Rome, is recommended.

The Frugal Traveler Visits Venice and Milan

New York Times blogger Matt Gross (a.k.a the Frugal Traveler) recently visited Italy with his wife and newborn baby girl. On the agenda were Venice and Milan. His posts last week were filled with all kinds of tips on visiting Venice with an infant and finding comfortable and stylish accommodations on a budget in Milan. If you are at all hesitant to take Junior on his first trip to Italy-don't worry! It can be done, even in winter, and you can still have a ton of fun. Remember, Italians love babies.

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!