Candice Criscione

Candice, a mamma of three, is an Italy trip planner and travel guide who has been living, traveling, and working in Italy for over two decades. She uses her extensive experience in Italy to help travelers plan their first (or tenth!) trip to bella Italia. She lives in Tuscany with her husband and three boys and when she's not writing for Mom in Italy or The Tuscan Mom, you can find her cycling the Tuscan hills and exploring Italy with her boys!

View of Sassolungo and Sassopiatto in the Dolomites in northern Italy.

TRAVELING TO THE DOLOMITES FROM VENICE – Modes of Transport, Access Cities, Our Recommendations

Are you planning on trading the summer crowds and heat of Venice for the fresh air, mountain cuisine, and stunning scenery of the Dolomites?  Maybe you’re itching to visit the Dolomites on your trip to Northern Italy but aren’t sure how to fit them in?  If you’re visiting Venice, you’re not far away from the […]

TRAVELING TO THE DOLOMITES FROM VENICE – Modes of Transport, Access Cities, Our Recommendations Read More »

View of the Cinque Torri Italy, in the Dolomites on a gorgeous summer day.

VISITING THE CINQUE TORRI – Things to Do, Best Rifugio for Lunch, & Overview Map

Updated on January 14, 2024 Visiting the Cinque Torri Italy – Our Favorite Things to Do, Best Place to Have Lunch, Visiting the Cinque Torri with Kids, and more Helpful Tips! No, I’m not talking about the popular coastal villages – the Cinque Terre.  These are the Cinque Torri (the 5 towers).  I’ve been visiting

VISITING THE CINQUE TORRI – Things to Do, Best Rifugio for Lunch, & Overview Map Read More »

FLORENCE WITH A BABY OR TODDLER – What to Do + Helpful Tips from a Local Mom

You’re coming to Florence… with a baby or toddler!  Are you wondering what you can do with your baby in Firenze? Maybe you’re trying to decide if you should bring your stroller. Or perhaps you’re stumped on which neighborhood is best to stay in with your little one. Read on for the answers to these

FLORENCE WITH A BABY OR TODDLER – What to Do + Helpful Tips from a Local Mom Read More »

ITALIAN TOLL ROADS – Complete Guide to the Autostrada (Tolls, Navigating, Traffic, Speed Traps)

Have you rented a car but are feeling a little nervous about driving on Italy’s toll roads (Autostrade)? Maybe you heard that the Italian Autostrada (singular for Autostrade) is full of cars driving 200 km/hr. Perhaps you’re wondering if you should even use the Autostrada, or just stick to country roads during your time in

ITALIAN TOLL ROADS – Complete Guide to the Autostrada (Tolls, Navigating, Traffic, Speed Traps) Read More »

HOW TO PAY TOLLS IN ITALY (Autostrada) – Step-by-Step With Photos

If you’re planning on renting a car and driving in Italy, you’ll probably end up driving on Italy’s toll roads – the Autostrade (singular: Autostrada).  It helps to be prepared for entering and exiting the Autostrada and paying the toll for using it.  If you know what to expect, you’ll feel more confident using Italy’s

HOW TO PAY TOLLS IN ITALY (Autostrada) – Step-by-Step With Photos Read More »

Woman cycling on Passo Gardena road in the Dolomites in northern Italy. You can see the high mountains on the left and green grass on either side of the road. It's a sunny day with some whispy clouds.

OUR 20 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN THE DOLOMITES (+ Tips for Your Visit)

Updated January 8, 2025 If you’re headed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites in Italy’s South Tyrol, you’re in for a treat! The area’s combination of gorgeous mountain scenery, outdoor activities, incredible food, and three distinct cultures make it a destination for all interests. I’ve been visiting the area multiple times a

OUR 20 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN THE DOLOMITES (+ Tips for Your Visit) Read More »

Piazza della Repubblica in Florence, Italy during the Christmas holidays. The buildings are lit up in colorful lights.

WHERE TO SPEND CHRISTMAS IN ITALY – Best Destinations + Things to Keep in Mind

Christmas in Italy is a magical time.  Cities, towns, and villages are lit up with twinkling lights and light shows, Christmas trees decorate piazzas, and Christmas markets pop up throughout the country.  Italy definitely has its popular destinations during the busy tourist season (May through September), and many of those places are also worthy of

WHERE TO SPEND CHRISTMAS IN ITALY – Best Destinations + Things to Keep in Mind Read More »

ITALIAN GROCERY STORES – A Visitor’s Guide + Helpful Tips

Italian Grocery Stores– different types of supermarkets in Italy, important things to know about shopping, helpful tips, useful words and phrases for shopping at an Italian grocery store and more! Ah, grocery shopping in Italy.  Is it really romantic like they show it in the films?  Skipping along cobblestone streets, stopping in at the jolly

ITALIAN GROCERY STORES – A Visitor’s Guide + Helpful Tips Read More »