I’m off to the airport to catch my Alitalia flight to Italy tonight, the same airline that Pope Francis arrived in yesterday.  I was a little sad to be missing the Pope’s visit to New York until I found out he’s staying on East 72nd Street. Between his visit, the UN General Assembly, and the President being in town, I don’t think you’d be able to get anywhere in the city driving or walking so I’m getting out of dodge just in time.

I’ll be starting my trip in Milan for fashion week and to visit the Expo. I owe a huge debt of gratitude for help on this trip to Brandie Silva who I met through interior designer Philip Mitchell when he was in town for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House. She’s lived in Milan for 10 years and has been an invaluable resource for advice and assistance. She’ll also be coming with me to Venice where we’ll take in the Biennale and hopefully drink a spritz on the terrace of the Gritti Palace.

Then I’ll go onto Rome where I’m excited to be staying at the Hotel Locarno which was recommended by George Nunno of Flair Home. It’s also a favorite of The Sartorialist. I look forward to visiting the original Flair in Rome and also in Florence where I will end my trip. I randomly came across the hotel Palazzo Galletti where I am excited to sleep in their frescoed Ceres suite. I’m paying for these hotels so these are not sponsored endorsements.

Actually, I have to go back to Milan at the end of my trip so I can fly home. Brandi already warned me not to try traveling on the same day of my flight home on October 7th because of the possibility of a strike. I’ll be staying one night at the Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa in Milan.  Perhaps I’ll have to indulge in a spa treatment before I leave.

Thanks to everyone who sent me recommendations. I especially love the list that photographer Christipher Draghi sent me since he used to live in Florence and has the inside scoop on the city. I’m looking forward to visiting all the museums and sites I can fit into my trip and eating lots of pasta and gelato. Hope I fit into my jeans at the end of my two week sojourn!

Not sure if I’ll look as chic as Giovanna Battaglia does above but I’m going to give it a try. As usual, you can follow along in real time on Twitter and Instagram.

Arrivederci!

HC