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 year since 2004, for […]
OUR 20 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN THE DOLOMITES (+ Tips for Your Visit) Read More »
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 »
Ciao! I’m Marica, a native of Le Marche, Italy. My region is one of incredible beauty, tranquility, delicious food, and outdoor activities. When considering a holiday in Italy, many people – Italians included – don’t even consider coming to Le Marche. Travelers looking for a beach vacation choose Puglia, those interested in visiting small towns
LE MARCHE, ITALY – Tips from a Local Read More »
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 Heritage site for its well-preserved walls. It’s also the birthplace of the famous opera composer Giacomo Puccini and you’ll see references to him throughout
LUCCA (ITALY) – My Guide to the Walled City Read More »
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, and licensed driver, I feel
ITALIAN ROAD SIGNS – Guide for Visitors + Printable Booklet Read More »
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 a wonder, conjured from an
16 THINGS I LIKE 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 »
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 Italy with a US Driver’s
CAN I RENT A CAR IN ITALY WITH A US DRIVER’S LICENSE? Read More »
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 the adults too. Whether you’re
VENICE WITH KIDS – A Mom in Italy’s Complete Guide Read More »
