Updated February 3, 2025 Lucca, Italy – a charming, relaxing city inside medieval walls. When to visit, what to see, helpful tips, and map. Lucca is famous for its wide walls, topped with greenery, and a cycling and hiking path that’s visited by locals daily. Good To Know: Lucca was named a UNESCO World […]
LUCCA (ITALY) – My Guide to the Walled City Read More »
Updated on November 8, 2023 You’ve got your International Driving Permit, your rental car is booked… now what? It’s time to learn the Italian road signs! Some may look similar to signs from home, while others may leave you scratching your head. Based on my time driving here as a cycling guide, trip planner, resident,
ITALIAN ROAD SIGNS – Guide for Visitors + Printable Booklet Read More »
Updated on October 31, 2024 Buongiorno – it’s Clair! Venice is my favorite city in Italy. I’ve been traveling to Venice for years, both on my own and accompanying visitors from other countries. It always amazes me that there’s something new to see and some new corner to discover each time I visit. Venice is
THE 16 BEST THINGS TO DO IN VENICE (ITALY) Read More »
Our family loves visiting Venice in winter *, and we often bring hesitant (and later, grateful) visiting family and friends along with us. Winter in Venice is everything it isn’t during the rest of the year – quiet, calm, peaceful. It’s romantic (always!) and the foggy mornings and twinkling lights in the evening make for
VENICE IN WINTER – All the Details on Our Favorite Time to Visit Read More »
Venice can be crowded. And hot. Packed streets, busy vaporetti (water buses), and long lines. But you don’t have to see Venice that way. Come to Venice at night! Venice at night is peaceful and dramatic. It’s quiet, the day-trippers are gone, and Venetians have taken back their city. It’s an enchanting time to see
VENICE AT NIGHT – 17 Things to Do in La Serenissima Read More »
Updated on November 8, 2023 Are you coming to Italy on vacation and want to know if you can rent a car here with your US driver’s license? Or are you living here in Italy and wondering if you can use your US driver’s license to rent a car? Can I Rent a Car in
CAN I RENT A CAR IN ITALY WITH A US DRIVER’S LICENSE? Read More »
Updated on January 14, 2024 We just got back from another trip to Venice with kids. This time my oldest child stayed home so it was just a preschooler and a 1-year-old. We had a blast! Our kids love Venice, and so do we! We’ve figured out how to make it fun and relaxing for
VENICE WITH KIDS – A Mom in Italy’s Complete Guide Read More »
Updated on November 19, 2023 Italy has the highest number of UNESCO Heritage Sites in the world. Everywhere we look, we are surrounded by art, history, and beauty, so it’s no wonder that famous museums in Italy hold some of the world’s greatest treasures. Let’s take a look at Italy’s most famous museums – andiamo!
19 FAMOUS MUSEUMS IN ITALY + Map & Tips Read More »
Updated on November 8, 2023 Ciao! Clair here. People often ask what brought me to Stresa, as I used to live in the northern Italian town of Ferrara (between Bologna and Venice) and I guess the answer is love! My partner is a Stresiano born and bred and now, after 12 years, it’s my adoptive
STRESA (ITALY) – A Local’s Guide Read More »
Updated on November 7, 2023 If you’re renting a car in Italy, you’ll need to know how to get gas. I know it can be intimidating – the pumps are different, the staff speaks Italian, and you may be forced to interact with a computer. I’m here to help! I’ve driven (and gotten gas) all
ITALIAN GAS STATIONS – A Guide to Getting Gas in Italy Read More »
