It's Travellers Calabria week on Bleeding Espresso in honor of the publication of the first guide book totally about the region of Calabria. Also featured is a new Calabrian music CD. If you go to kicking off traveller's calabria week with mimmo's music and post a comment by Friday you'll be eligible to win a CD or a copy of the guide book.

So just where is Calabria? The Calabria region is the part of southern Italy called the toe of the boot - take a look at this Calabria Map. Calabria is a fascinating region that's not heavily touristed. It has four national parks, mountains, and lots of coast. Lamezia Terme airport has flights to other parts of Italy and Europe and ferries cross to Sicily from the west coast.

Pictures: Northern Calabria Pictures

Soave Castle - an expected attraction in northern Italy's Veneto Region
More Italy Castles

Picture of Soave Castle © Martha Bakerjian, licensed to about.com

The Dolomite Mountains, with 18 peaks rising above 3000 meters, recently became Italy's 44th UNESCO World Heritage site. The Dolomite range, in the Italian Alps running across the northern border of the Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige regions, is popular for skiing almost all year and hiking in summer. UNESCO says

It features some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes anywhere, with vertical walls, sheer cliffs and a high density of narrow, deep and long valleys.

L'Aquila, the Abruzzo region's capital recently devastated by a major earthquake (more), is the setting for the 2009 G-8 meetings. World leaders will come together for three days of intense meetings July 8-10. Travelers may want to avoid L'Aquila and nearby parts of the Abruzzo region as security will be very high, often making travel difficult, and it's likely there will be protests, too. Protests are also expected in Rome during the G-8 meetings. L'Aquila is in central Italy, about 110 kilometers from Rome.

Location: Abruzzo Region Map
Travel: L'Aquila and Abruzzo Towns
G-8 Overview: Reuters Factbox

The gas explosion by the Viareggio train station last week that killed 22 people and forced 1100 from their homes, caused the Viareggio station and tracks to be closed. One of the eight tracks that serves passenger trains re-opened Friday but there are still many train cancellations and delays, according to ANSA. The report also said that the explosion site has been declared a national disaster area but most people have been able to return to their homes. although about 80 were left homeless.

Viareggio, in Tuscany, is a major stop on Italy's west coast rail line. Those planning travel to Viareggio or through Tuscany's coast should consider alternative plans. Our Tuscany coast map shows the location of Viareggio and our Tuscany Rail Map will help you find alternative routes in Tuscany.

More about Viareggio

After the recent story about a Japanese couple being highly overcharged for a meal in an expensive Rome restaurant, you may be worrying about where to eat in Rome. My friend Barbara recommends La Buca di Ripetta, where she ate dinner twice on her fall visit to Rome. Prices are reasonable and the food is good. The restaurant was across the river from her hotel, Visconti Palace (book direct).

Note: It's unlikely that you'll be ripped off at a restaurant in Italy but if you are, report it immediately.

Inexpensive Dining: Antica Osteria da Giovanni
Traditional Roman Food: Checchino dal 1887
Friendly Rome Bars: Cafe Life Rome Book Review

July's horse race for the palio of Siena is over and contrada della Tartuca has been declared the winner. Now it's time for my favorite horse race and festival, L'Ardia di San Costantino on the island of Sardinia. Like many Italian festivals, this is actually a recreation of on an important historical event - Constantine's victory at the Mulvian Bridge in 312.

Sardinians really know how to throw a festival and this one is no exception. Besides the exciting race run in the evening and again the following morning, there are lots of stalls selling candy, toys, and especially food. Be sure to try the skewered eel or roast suckling pig cooked over the coals.

More about Sardinia: Sardinia Pictures | Sardinia Travel Directory

L'Ardia di San Costantino photo © James Martin, Europe Travel

Rapallo Pictures | Rapallo Travel Guide

Picture of Rapallo © Martha Bakerjian, licensed to about.com

The horse race for the palio of Siena is one of Italy's most famous festivals. Run twice during summer, the first race is July 2 with ten of Siena's seventeen contrade, or districts, competing. In addition to the race around Piazza del Campo, Siena's large fan-shaped main square, there are other festivities starting today.

From the book Piazza - Italy's Heart and Soul

It is almost impossible to describe the passion and enthusiasm that the Sienese have for the Palio. It is more than just a horse race to the residents of Siena, it is a way of life.

If you're planning to attend the palio, you'll probably be part of a huge crowd standing in the piazza so be sure to arrive early. Find out more about this exciting festival in the Palio of Siena.

Photos: Siena Palio Photos
Travel: Siena Visitors Guide
Location: Tuscany Map

Picture of Piazza del Campo © James Martin, Wanderer's Eye Travel Photography

Travelers who enjoy staying in bed and breakfast inns can save $50 to $100 on bookings made by July 6 during the Sizzling Summer Sale on BedandBreakfast.com.

Travelers looking for luxury in Venice can get the fourth free and 25% off stays of five nights or longer with the Linger Longer in Venice special offered through August by three Venice Starwood Hotels .

Hotel Polo, near the sea in Rimini, has a last minute deal - three nights for the price of two from July 5-8 or seven nights for the price of six throughout July.

More: Where to Stay in Italy