EyeItalia

The Iso Lele was a 2-door sports coupé built between 1969 and 1974 by Piero Rivolta’s Iso. As the other models by Iso, the Lele combined Italian flair and design (by coachbuilder Bertone) with American V8 engines by Ford and Chevrolet. A total of 285 Leles were produced, making it a rare and intriguing car.

Located only 7 kilometers from the city center, Villa Grabau is one of Lucca’s most important historic villas. First built in Renaissance style in the late 16th century, the villa was renovated in the 19th century in a neo-classical style; it has been owned by the illustrious Grabau family since 1868.

Built in 1956, this Alfa Romeo 1900 SS Touring is a marvelous expression of Italian Style of the 50′s.

Italy can be perplexing – if not downright exasperating – to those of us living on “tempo Americano”. If you’re a first-time traveler to Italy, here are a few handy (and tongue-in-cheek) tips that will help prepare you for the challenges and eccentricities of visiting “il bel paese”.

Few things – or aromas – are as closely associated to Italy as coffee – caffé. Yet in Italy there isn’t just “il caffé”: there is a multitude of ways to enjoy your coffee; every Italian generally has a preference for one kind or the other. When in a bar ordering a caffé, what you will get is a “caffé espresso”. However you might ask for (and hear people around you asking for) a “caffé lungo”, which is an espresso diluted with a little more water, or for a “caffé ristretto”, which is exactly the opposite (an espresso with even less water than in the regular one – basically a dose of pure caffeine).