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15 Must-See Castles in Portugal (Ranked!)

Medieval castles dot the landscapes of Portugal. Many of these hilltop garrisons were originally built by the Romans and the Moors, and then further fortified by the Christians and Templar Knights in the Middle Ages. While touring the castles in Portugal, not only will you take a step back in time, but you will also […]

Where to Stay in Florence: Best Hotels & Neighborhoods

If you’re planning your first visit to Florence, where you stay will shape the entire experience. Florence is compact and walkable, which means a well-chosen hotel puts the Duomo, the Uffizi, and the Ponte Vecchio at your doorstep. A poorly chosen one means commuting to the magic instead of living inside it. We’ve visited Florence […]

Best Things to Do in Monteverde: Cloud Forests, Ziplining & Waterfalls

Spotting a male and female Resplendent Quetzal in the same morning. Soaring above the cloud forest canopy on what felt like an endless zipline. Walking through misty, moss-draped trails without another soul around. Monteverde delivered some of the most memorable moments on our two-week trip through Costa Rica. But here’s what nobody tells you before […]

12 Wonderful Things to Do in Taormina, Sicily

Taormina, with its cliffside setting, rocky beaches, ancient Greek theater, picturesque streets, and panoramic views of Mount Etna, is one of the most beautiful cities in Sicily. Strolling its streets, exploring the public garden, visiting lovely Isola Bella, and climbing the steps up to Castello di Taormina are all top things to do in Taormina, […]

1 to 2 Days in Bologna: The Best Itinerary for First Timers

Bologna didn’t make it onto our Italy itinerary until our sixth trip. We’d visited Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, and the Dolomites, and somehow kept skipping over this city in northern Italy. Once we finally arrived, Tim and I were instantly captivated: the busy, bustling Quadrilatero with its wine bars and shops overflowing […]

How to Visit the Valley of the Temples | Sicily, Italy

The Valley of the Temples is one of Sicily’s most popular attractions. This ancient Greek archeological site contains the remains of seven temples, several of which are in amazing condition. This archeological sit sits on the southern coast of Sicily, just outside of the town of Agrigento. It can be visited on a road trip […]