The story of Matera is truly a tale of two cities. When traveling around Italy, one can enjoy the rich history evident in many areas. Consider the much beloved and visited Tuscan city of Florence, which was a wealthy, Renaissance center. Today you can enjoy the art and architecture as Read more…
Ah, the familiar path through Italy of Rome-Florence-Venice. When travelers begin planning their first trip to Italy, they often feel they have to visit each of the must-see places: Rome, Florence, and Venice. The truth is, you really don’t. Will you miss out on seeing some of the most visited sights in Read more…
The well-known treasures of Florence entice many visitors to the city, and with good reason. However, do you know the secrets of Florence? While Florence is full of wonderful sights, it also has its share of secrets, many hidden in plain sight. You can easily found them right in the Read more…
The final episodes of Anthony Bourdain’s show begin airing on CNN Sunday night. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what I’ve learned from this gentle force of nature as I prepare to watch those episodes with a bottle of wine and a box of tissues. This kind soul made Read more…
Sicily is a breathtakingly beautiful island in the very best old-world Italian way. There is a wide range of places to explore, depending on your preferences. Dive into Sicilian life in the bustling town of Palermo. Sit by the sea in the beautiful seaside village of Cefalù. Explore the well-preserved Read more…
Lucca is a Tuscan town that holds many unique surprises. It’s not your typical Tuscan hilltop town. It is completely flat. There are no sweeping views. There are no huge “must-see” sights. Lucca must have other charms if it is to lure visitors. And it has many… The first time Read more…
If you want to visit an Italian town that has a good mix of a vibrant city and small village feel all rolled into one, head to Perugia. Perugia is a hidden gem in the heart of the Italian region of Umbria. Many travelers miss Umbria and head for Tuscany in search of Read more…