MAG TRAVEL

When the heat rises in City, where do you go? In Rome, I run away from my non-airconditioned apartment and try to find cool breezes wafting through Rome’s public parks. Villa Borghese is the best, and largest, with a small lake located in the middle. From the Flaminio Metro, walk North through the arches (with the Eagles on them) straight ahead and follow the cool air! In the evenings free theatre and concerts and even outdoor cinema bring Romani and travelers together, to enjoy the relief from the scorching heat and humidity. Make sure to bring your bug spray….it’s a jungle out there!...

Late Summer Edition

All’ombra del colosseo
One of the nicest of the temporary areas set up for the Estate Romana summer festival, “Al Ombra del Colosso” features a 1,500 square meter village, seating 2000 for cabaret and concerts. During the day, there’s a 200-square meter pool and jacuzzi; a disco, with an “apperitivo pool party” at 5 pm; a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and apperitivi; a revolving Texas Hold ‘em Poker game; and cabaret shows nightly at 9:45 pm. Parco del Celio, Viale del Parco del Celio at Via Celio Vibenna. Pool open, 9 am – 6 pm; Monday...

Ferragosto, August 15th, is  THE holiday in Italy. Even though most people consider it just an excuse to go to the beach, Ferragosto is in fact a religious holiday. The Catholic Church commemorates the “Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary“, that is the real physical elevation of her body into Heaven.

Ferragosto, though, has much more ancient origins. As in the case of most of the other big religious holidays, the Roman Church has replaced ancient pagan holidays with a Catholic “Holy Day of Obligation”, that is a day that commemorate...

Marrakech is the top destination this summer but that doesn’t mean you have to feel it. In an interview with a local, here are the top places not to miss in the red city. Piazza Jama’a El-Fnaa; Kutubiya Mosque; Sa’Didi tomb; Bahia Palace; Medersa Ben Youssef; Majorelle Gardens; The Menara; Berber dancing and music at Derb Chorfa Lakbir. For Riad bookings or private visits please contact Hafid at hafid@magtravel.net...

This is one of the most typical regional restaurants in the area, lying in the historic center opposite Giardini Pubblici, a public park. Dark wooden tables and chairs and a high-arched ceiling evoke its former role as a farmhouse. The kitchen staff has won a loyal following among locals attracted to the market-fresh cuisine and the skill in preparation. Many habitués begin with one of the homemade pasta dishes such as orecchiette with cl...

Are you going to be dining when you stay in Italy? Of course! Common sense can go a long way, but here is a list of useful tips that only the locals of Italy would know.

Italians are religious about eating so “when in Rome, eat like a Roman”! Lunch is at 1:00 pm, and dinner is generally at 8:00 pm. The more South you go, the later the hours, but it is nearly impossible to find a Restaurant open between 3 pm – 7:30, except for tourist joints and fast food.

Coffee: I could write a book about this subject. 100% of Italian families consume coffee daily in the form of espresso. Most consume ...

When you need to get around!

Rent a car for travel in the countryside, but walk or take a taxi while cities.. You must be 21 to rent an economy or subcompact car, and most rental companies make those under 23 pay by credit card. If you want a bigger car, you might have to show two credit cards.  The expressways are free, but the highways are toll. Upon entering a toll highway, you are issued a ticket, which you ...