Home to one of the most powerful ancient civilizations, and the epicenter of ancient culture, Italy with its grandiose architecture, stunning frescoes, and exquisite sculptures is a visual delight. Visitors are never at a loss for things to see in this country that is overflowing with UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Rome, the capital city is where one can relive the past and soak in the splendor of the Roman civilization. Shut out the world and listen to the roar of the crowd as the gladiators fought for their lives at the colosseum, or imagine the senate debating the larger issues of Europe at the Forum. Cross the historic River Tiber to the Vatican and catch your breath as you marvel at Michelangelo’s splendid frescoes inside the Sistine Chapel. Take a gondola ride down the famed waterways of Venice to soak in the glories of the medieval maritime republic or go further out to Naples where you can feast your eyes on some more of the glories of the great civilization.
Everywhere you look in this splendid country, there is something to remind you of Italy’s great history, which is not just about the Roman civilization, but also about its splendid art and the Renaissance. Some of the world’s greatest artists came from this part of the world and their amazing work is a reminder of their sheer genius. Whether it’s Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” in Milan, Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,” in Florence or Giotto’s frescoes in Padua, these exquisite pieces of art will definitely leave you transfixed.
Italy’s diverse and varied landscape is as colorful as its history. Whether its the breathtaking scenery along the Amalfi Coast, the glacial lakes of the Alps, beautiful villages tucked into hillsides or the gorgeous island of Capri, there is much to discover about Italy’s natural vistas.
Europe’s boot also kicks up quite a storm when it comes to living the good life, whether it be fashion or food. Eat your way through some of the best restaurants in the world in this food-obsessed country or set yourself back by a few thousand dollars as you loosen your purse strings to splurge on some high-end fashion in Milan; you can be assured you won’t return disappointed.
Looking for the perfect base to explore Italy’s stunning Campania region without the five-star price tag and crushing crowds of the Amalfi Coast? Salerno is your answer. While many travelers view it as just a transit point to Positano or Capri, this historic port city offers amazing accessibility, genuine Italian life, and excellent value. Home…
A lot of first-time visitors show up in Ischia and realize they booked the wrong hotel. Maybe it’s halfway up a hill, nowhere near a beach, or the “thermal spa” turns out not to use real spring water at all. Been there, done that! With six different towns and more than 100 thermal springs across…
Choosing where to stay in Varenna can feel surprisingly overwhelming, especially for such a small village tucked along the eastern shore of Lake Como. Yes, we’re talking from experience! With hotels ranging from historic villas dating back to the 1500s to boutique hideaways overlooking the water, the options are beautiful but not always easy to…
Perched 365 meters above the Mediterranean, Ravello has long drawn artists, writers, and royalty seeking peace and beauty, from Wagner composing his operas here to Jackie Kennedy finding refuge in its quiet gardens. That’s why visiting this commune is a must when you’re in Italy. That said, choosing where to stay in Ravello can feel…
Authentic and peaceful, Volterra might just become your new favorite town in Tuscany. This historic hilltop destination dates back over 3,000 years to the Etruscan period and sits comfortably away from the tourist crowds. We’ve loved our visits here, as it’s a quieter alternative to popular cities like Florence, yet it still captures the true…
Family vacations in Tuscany are the kind that our kids talk about for years, filled with shared experiences everyone can enjoy. From exploring medieval towns and UNESCO sites to relaxing in the countryside, this region offers endless opportunities for family-friendly fun. And with that comes an equally impressive selection of family hotels. Since the choices…
Nestled between Siena and Florence, Chianti is the epitome of the charm and beauty of Tuscany. Stretching more than 100 mi (161 km), the region is famed for historic estates, scenic vineyards, and rolling, undulating hills. So, it’s not surprising that it has as many as 8 wine subregions with hundreds of winegrowers producing some…
Arezzo has been inhabited since the 9th century BC, making it even older than Florence and Siena. Surrounded by vineyards that produce exceptional wines, it’s no wonder the city itself seems to age just as gracefully. Why do we love Arezzo? From its authentic charm to its antique markets and rich cultural heritage, there are…
Idyllic villages and towns, stunning, lush landscapes, and unique stays make Tuscany one of the most romantic places in the world, and not just Italy. That’s what makes it such a perfect destination for romantic getaways and anniversaries. It was also why we chose it for our second honeymoon, and frankly, you should choose it for…
When people think of Tuscany, many instantly picture Florence or Siena. However, if you love wine tasting and prefer somewhere more intimate, we highly recommend visiting Montalcino. Located in the heart of Tuscany’s UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia, Montalcino is a small medieval town best known for producing one of Italy’s most celebrated wines, Brunello di Montalcino…
San Gimignano isn’t called the “Medieval Manhattan” for nothing. Once boasting 72 soaring stone towers, only 14 remain today, standing like ancient skyscrapers against the Tuscan sky. As we explored its winding streets, sipped a glass of crisp Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and watched the sunset over rolling vineyards, we quickly understood why this UNESCO…
When we first arrived in Sorrento, we were instantly swept up by its charm. The scent of fresh lemons in the air, the sparkle of the Bay of Naples below, and its cobblestone lanes. But we quickly learned that finding the right place to stay makes all the difference. Between the summer crowds, steep cliffs,…
With more than 1,200 miles of golden coastline and crystal-clear waters, Sardinia is easily one of Italy’s most breathtaking destinations. If you’ve never been to this Mediterranean Island, this is your sign to book your ticket now! It combines natural beauty with rich history, where ancient ruins meet luxurious resorts and local flavors steal the…
The former thriving Roman port of Pisa, once a maritime power that rivaled Venice and Genoa, is best known for an architectural project gone wrong. However, the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa is just one of this compelling city’s many gorgeous sights. With a picturesque town center, Romanesque architecture, and a vibrant cafe and bar…
The charm of Tuscany lies not only in its Renaissance art and postcard-perfect villages but also in the way it invites you to relax and savor the good life, especially in the summer. And what better way to do that than from the edge of a sun-drenched pool overlooking rolling vineyards? That’s why we’ve rounded…
To truly immerse yourself in the soul of Tuscany, there’s nothing quite like sleeping behind stone walls steeped in centuries of history. The best castle hotels in Tuscany Italy, have completely transformed the way we experience the region. Every morning, instead of the noise of traffic, we awoke to the quiet beauty of sun-drenched vineyards.…
There are places that instantly win you over, not because they’re lavish or overly polished, but because they feel like they truly belong to the town they’re in. Hotel Taodomus Taormina Sicily Italy is one of those places. During our stay, we quickly realized this boutique property wasn’t trying to compete with Taormina’s glitzy resorts.…
If there’s one town in Sicily that knows how to steal the spotlight, it’s Taormina. This place is made for slow mornings, long lunches, and relaxing sunset strolls. We truly can’t have enough of Taormina! That said, while the 5-star hotels often get all the attention, we’ve found that the 4 star hotels in Taormina…
Tuscany is wonderful in every season. This vibrant landscape in the heart of Italy blossoms with life and color, and vineyards are its crown jewels. Think vineyards beginning to burst with color, mauve wisteria cascading down weathered stone walls, and wildflowers scattered across meadows. What’s more, every corner of the region holds a chapter in…
We’re the type of travelers who believe that the best travel experiences and memories are the ones from places that feel personal. That was exactly what we got at Hotel Isabella Taormina Sicily Italy. This hotel flawlessly gave us the most authentic Sicilian experience we could’ve asked for—central location, boutique comfort, unbeatable views, you name…
If Sicily is on your travel list, chances are Taormina is already calling your name. We’ve been to this clifftop town, and dare we say it has everything. Sweeping views of the sea? Delectable food? History at every corner? Check, check, and check. But here’s a secret: your stay isn’t just about where you go,…
Taormina, perched high above the sparkling Ionian Sea, is Sicily’s crown jewel. Think timeless Mediterranean charm, ancient ruins, jaw-dropping views of Mount Etna, and the most stunning, serene coastline with turquoise blue waters of the Ionian Sea. That’s why we went looking for hotels in Taormina on the beach for our holiday. Not only did these…
Milan, Italy’s financial and cosmopolitan fashion capital, is synonymous with everything luxurious, whether it’s the designer stores, the neighborhoods, or the stays. While five-star accommodations have always been more in number, there has been a profusion of 3-star hotels in Milan to cater to a wide range of travelers. After all, not everyone wants to…
What comes to mind when you think of Milan? Perhaps Italy’s second-largest city, its financial hub, or the iconic Milan Fashion Week. For us, it’s the breathtaking architecture—especially the magnificent Duomo! However, if you’re in the city to experience the finest the city has to offer, you should consider staying at one of the following…