If you’ve been in popular Italian cities rubbing elbows with all the other visitors, take an easy train ride to the hilltop town of Orvieto, Italy. Located in between Florence and Rome, the town of Orvieto is a gem, but usually gets skipped over in favor of these Italian highlights. Perched on tufo (condensed volcanic […]
ORVIETO, ITALY – Your Guide to the Hilltop Town Read More »
Are you trying to decide whether or not to rent a car in Catania? Or perhaps you’ve already booked your car and just want to make sure your pickup and drop-off are smooth and stress-free. Catania is a simple and convenient place to rent a car for your Sicily trip. All major rental companies operate
HOW TO RENT A CAR IN CATANIA (+ Tips & Map!) Read More »
Updated on November 19, 2023 Quick guide to everything you should see and do on a one-day visit to Sicily’s coastal village of Cefalù. Cefalù, a lively beach town on the northern coast of Sicily, has it all – golden sand beaches, ancient ruins, a hilltop castle (La Rocca), a glittering cathedral, and excellent dining.
CEFALÙ – How to Spend One Day in the Delightful Beach Town Read More »
If you’re in southeastern Sicily and your children (or you) are craving a day at the beach, Sampieri is your place! Sampieri’s calm, sandy beaches are perfect for small children, and the small fishing village has all of the services you need as a family (stroller-friendly, places to change diapers, small playground, pharmacy, grocery store,
SAMPIERI, SICILY – A Family-Friendly Beach Town on the Southern Coast Read More »
Castelmola is one of Italy’s Borghi Più Belli – Most Beautiful Villages. It’s one of our favorites too! If you’re in Taormina – for a few days or just for an afternoon – it’s worth making your way from busy Taormina to this tiny village built around the ruins of a 16th century Norman castello
CASTELMOLA – How to Spend an Afternoon in the Tiny Village Above Taormina Read More »
Marzamemi is one of my favorite small villages in Sicily. It’s easy to skip by it on your way from one Val di Noto UNESCO site to another, but if you stop in, you’ll love your time in the small seaside village. Go for a lazy stroll along the water, join in-the-know locals for a
MARZAMEMI – Quick Guide to Sicily’s Dreamy Fishing Village Read More »
Are you heading to Sicily soon and trying to decide if you should rent a car or use public transport? I’ve written this guide based on my time driving in Sicily and renting cars in Sicily for work and personal travel – since 2004. I’ve also tapped into my Sicilian family for their advice. This
RENTING A CAR IN SICILY – Tips & Advice Straight From Italy Read More »
Are you ready to zip through the Tuscan vineyards on a day trip in your FIAT 500? Daydreaming about driving in the Dolomites? Perhaps you’re vacationing in neighboring France but want to pop into Italy for the afternoon. Or maybe you drew the short straw and you’re the official van driver for your group’s tour
INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT FOR ITALY IN 2027 – Why and How to Get One Read More »
Are you planning on being one of the almost half a million people who visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa each year? If so, don’t miss our tips! Our family lives in Tuscany and I wrote this post after our family made another visit to Pisa, this time with my elementary-age son. It was his
LEANING TOWER OF PISA – 13 Tips for Your Visit Read More »
Aaah, the dreaded ZTL in Italy. It’s one of the most popular topics in forums on Italy travel, and many visitors stress about accidentally entering one of the limited traffic zones in Italian cities and villages. I’ve been driving here since 2003 and I’ve seen ZTLs pop up all over the country – from major
ZTL IN ITALY – Your Guide to Italy’s Limited Traffic Zones Read More »
