As unlikely as it seems, Mount Etna is an up-and-coming wine region in Italy. Around its perimeter, vines cover the lower the slopes of the volcano, creating one of the most unexpected wine regions in Europe. The hilly slopes, the black lava soil, the regular dusting of volcanic ash, and the threat of a major […]
Out of everything we did in Sicily, from climbing Mount Etna to exploring the Valley of the Temples to visiting its charming coastal and hill towns, Taormina stands out as one of the highlights. Perched on cliffs overlooking the Ionian Sea, with steaming Mount Etna forming the perfect backdrop, this city is gorgeous. Add in […]
If you are planning your first visit to Florence, one of the most important decisions you will make is where to stay in Florence. You have lots of great options to choose from, from cozy boutique-style hotels, highly rated budget properties, luxurious 5-star hotels, family friendly apartments, and hotels with a view of Ponte Vecchio […]
Noto is a small Sicilian city famous for its Baroque architecture, UNESCO-listed city center, and long list of churches. Visiting the churches, climbing the bell towers, and photographing the beautiful buildings top the list of things to do in Noto. The medieval town was destroyed in the 1693 earthquake. The remains of this town can […]
Taormina, with its cliffside setting, rocky beaches, ancient Greek theater, picturesque streets, and panoramic views of Mount Etna, is one of the most beautiful cities in Sicily. Strolling its streets, exploring the public garden, visiting lovely Isola Bella, and climbing the steps up to Castello di Taormina are all top things to do in Taormina, […]
Bologna, famous for its medieval towers, historic churches, endless porticos, and incredible culinary scene, is an absolute delight to explore. 1 to 2 days in Bologna is just enough time to get to know this underrated city. Bologna is often overlooked by many first timers (and even second or third timers) on a visit to […]
The Valley of the Temples is one of Sicily’s most popular attractions. This ancient Greek archeological site contains the remains of seven temples, several of which are in amazing condition. This archeological sit sits on the southern coast of Sicily, just outside of the town of Agrigento. It can be visited on a road trip […]
Relax on the beach, explore the picturesque medieval town, visit one of Sicily’s most important churches, and hike to the top of Cefalù Rock for panoramic views over the city and coastline…these all top the list of things to do in Cefalù. Cefalù is a gorgeous seaside town. With its picturesque setting next to a […]
Mount Etna dominates the skyline of eastern Sicily. This is one of the tallest active volcanoes in Europe and the largest of the three active volcanoes in Italy. It’s also one of Sicily’s biggest tourist attractions. Visiting Mount Etna is a bit more complicated than just putting on a pair of hiking shoes and hiking […]
This two week Sicily itinerary is done as a road trip, making one loop around the island. On this itinerary, explore Sicily’s most beautiful cities, climb Mount Etna, explore ancient Greek temples, stroll through picturesque hill towns, taste Modica’s famous chocolate, and spend some time on the beach. We spent just over two and a […]
Planning a trip to Sicily and only have one day in Palermo? Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is one of the largest cities in Italy. It is famous for its churches, its vibrant nightlife, and seaside setting. With its nearby international airport, it is also makes it a popular starting and/or ending point for a […]
Learn how to make fresh pasta and Bolognese sauce, climb a tower or two, immerse yourself in the sights, smells, and flavors of the Quadrilatero, and take a day trip to see the Ferrari and Lamborghini museums…these all top the list of things to do in Bologna. Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region of […]
4 days in Rome is a wonderful amount of time to spend in this city. Not only will you be able to visit the main highlights, but you will also have time to explore a few hidden gems and add in something like a cooking class, more leisurely time, or a food tour. The list […]
San Quirico d’Orcia is a small, hilltop town in Val d’Orcia, Tuscany. This is one of the smallest towns in the area and often overlooked by many travelers. If you have a few hours to spare, this lovely village a joy to visit. San Quirico d’Orcia is named in honor of Saint Quiricus. This town […]
If you have plans to visit Alberobello, one of the best things to do in this small town is to stroll the picturesque streets. We came up with a walking tour of Alberobello that includes the highlights of a visit here: the top viewpoints, rooftop terraces, photography locations, and hidden gems. This Alberobello walking tour […]
If you are planning your Tuscany itinerary, there are a lot of things to consider. How long should you spend here? Where should you stay? Should you rent a car? What towns are worth visiting? We have visited Tuscany twice. The first time was in July 2014. We spent a week in Tuscany, spending a […]
Paestum is one of the best places in Italy to see Greek ruins. Home to three ancient Greek temples dating back to 450 BC, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is often an overlooked destination in Italy. The ancient city of Paestum sits just to the south of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast. For those with […]
With its incredible Duomo, underground wells and caves, medieval streets to explore, viewpoints of Umbria, and museums and archaeological sites, there is plenty here to keep you busy all day. In this guide, we list the best things to do in Orvieto. Orvieto is a hilltop town that is located in Umbria, Italy. With its […]