RomaPolacchi

Yes, it's that time of year again. Time to get that villa in Tuscany booked! Travel and Leisure has a helpful list of questions to ask your travel agent or rental agency when confirming your dream villa. A few that I would add: 1. Does the property have air conditioning? (A must in summer in Italy). 2. How far is the nearest train station/major town? 3. Are amenities (such as housekeeping and chef services) available and negotiable?

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.

Every year Travel and Leisure publishes THE LIST. This year, 5 hotels on the Amalfi Coast and one in Sorrento made the coveted ranking, however none of them are new to the list. All are luxurious and all are VERY expensive. But even if you can't stay at any of these properties, stop in for lunch or a drink. The views and service are definitely a worthwhile experience. On Capri, the Capri Hotel & Spa and the Grand Hotel Quisisana are recommended. In Positano, Travel and Leisure ranks Il San Pietro di Positano and La Sirenuse as the best. In Ravello, the lovely and exclusive (43 rooms) Palazzo Sasso (pictured) is the hotel to visit. If you make it over to Sorrento, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria overlooks the Bay of Naples and provides an excellent jumping-off point for visiting ruins, islands, and the Amalfi Coast.