February 2010 Issue - Spas in Italy, Shopping in Rome

Our February newsletter - out this week - contains just the information you may need to plan your 2010 trip to Italy. (If it doesn't sure many of the 70 back issues we provide to paid subscribers will do the job.)

The newsletter is made up of two huge feature stories:

The first covers the magic of Italian spas - and why those on the island of Ischia and the region of Veneto are particularly good.

The second feature is a huge shopping guide to Rome - featuring 50 shops you shouldn't miss!

Not a subscriber? Find out how becoming one can help you an enjoy an authentic, unique Italian vacation

Northern Italian Cities to Ban Cars This Sunday

On Sunday, cities and towns across northern Italy will be smog-free for the day, according to Italian news agency ANSA. Northern Italy faces the country’s highest concentration of smog, and to combat the industrialized region’s smog problem, 80 cities and towns have agreed to take vehicles off the road on February 28.

Turin mayor Sergio Chiamparino, backed by several other mayors of northern Italian cities, announced the anti-smog day last week. Chiamparino emphasized that the one-day traffic halt must be followed by long-term smog-reducing measures. He hopes that Italy will continue to fight its smog problem by providing incentives to consumers who buy environmentally-friendly cars and pushing for greener, more efficient energy.

Although traffic bans have previously been performed several times in Milan and other cities, the February 28 ban is the first official, organized vehicle ban in northern Italy. Cities participating in the automobile ban range from bigger cities like Bologna to small towns. -- Elaine Murphy

Introducing Brigolante Guest Apartments Agriturismo

Our lovely 16th-century stone farmhouse just outside Assisi, nestled among the foothills of St. Francis' beloved Mount Subasio in Umbria, has been carefully remodeled into intimate apartments blending historic features and modern amenities.

We pride ourselves on our famous Italian hospitality, welcoming our guests to a relaxing and memorable stay in the breathtaking Umbrian hills.

www.brigolante.com

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