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 home. How To Pronouce Stresa […]
STRESA (ITALY) – A Local’s Guide Read More »
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 over Italy for almost 20
ITALIAN GAS STATIONS – A Guide to Getting Gas in Italy Read More »
Pienza is a jewel of Tuscany – a medieval hilltop town that has a unique history, streets that smell like fresh cheese, and stellar views from its walls. The tiny Tuscan village was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2006 and even though it sees its share of tourists, it never feels overrun. When
PIENZA – Your Complete Guide to Tuscany’s ‘Utopian’ Town Read More »
Are you perplexed about tipping in Italy? You’re not alone! Tipping in Italy can be quite confusing and controversial, so I’m here to help you sort it out. Yes, there are plenty of people who will insist, “we don’t tip in Italy!” and “tipping isn’t part of our culture!” You can listen to them if
TIPPING IN ITALY – A 2026 Guide to When and How Much (+Printable Quick Guide) Read More »
The Tuscan city of Lucca has plenty to do to keep you (and your kids if you’re traveling as a family) busy during your visit. Cycle the city walls, try the local dish of tordelli lucchese (meat ravioli), check out the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, or just wander the city streets. As the summer temperatures rise, the
LOCAL’S GUIDE TO GOING TO THE BEACH NEAR LUCCA (6 Best Beaches + Map) Read More »
