The Dolomites. This is where jagged pinnacles of rock soar into the sky, mountain huts and cabins dot the green, rolling hills, cable cars whisk hikers and skiers to the highest mountain peaks, and hiking trails connect small hamlets and towns. It’s easy to fall in love with the photos. Planning a smooth trip here, […]
Venice is one of the most photogenic cities in Italy. Simply wander its canals and squares and you’ll come away with quite the compilation of photographs. But if you’re looking for elevated viewpoints and photography ideas, this guide has you covered. We’ve visited Venice three times: once as a young family traveling on a tight […]
Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites, but visiting it requires planning. In this guide, you’ll learn the best time to go, how parking and access restrictions work in 2026, how to avoid the worst crowds, and whether Lago di Braies is actually worth visiting. This crystal-clear […]
At 3,842 meters (12,605 feet), Aiguille du Midi is one of the highest places you can reach by cable car in the world and the closest most people will ever get to the summit of Mont Blanc without a rope and crampons. We’ve ridden cable cars across Europe from the Dolomites to Zermatt, and this […]
Jagged limestone peaks rise above green valleys, cable cars make it easy to reach the high mountains, and many trails lead to rifugios where you can stop for lunch with an incredible view. The Dolomites are one of the best hiking destinations in Europe, and this guide ranks the 15 best hikes in the Dolomites, […]
The Adolf Munkel Weg is a point-to-point hiking trail that runs along the Odle/Geisler mountain group in Val di Funes. This hike is on the longer side (13 km) and since it is point-to-point, you will have to use public transportation or do some extra hiking to get back to the starting point. We didn’t […]
Known as the Pearl of Lake Garda, Sirmione is one of the most captivating towns in northern Italy, and one of the most visited. It sits at the very tip of a long, narrow peninsula that juts into the southern end of the lake, surrounded on nearly all sides by the turquoise water of Lake […]
The Croda da Lago Circuit is one of the most underrated hikes that we did in the Dolomites. We’ve explored this region on multiple trips and hiked many of its classic trails, and this loop still stands out for its variety: soaring limestone peaks, quiet alpine meadows, and the impossibly photogenic Lago Federa tucked beneath […]
Riva del Garda was our introduction to Lake Garda, and looking back, it was the highlight of our entire time there. We drove in from the Dolomites, stopping first at Villa Canale (amazing!) and Parco Grotta Cascate Varone, and then spent the remainder of the day visiting the historic city center, the MAG museum, Torre […]
The hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is one of our favorite short hikes in the Dolomites. This is a gorgeous hike every step of the way, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, a unique view of the “backside” of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and of course, an awesome view of the Cadini […]
Although we hadn’t intended to hike to Rifugio Averau or Rifugio Nuvolau, seeing them in the distance while hiking the Cinque Torri changed everything. The views from both huts were spectacular, turning a spontaneous decision into one of our most unforgettable experiences in the Dolomites. Rifugios Averau and Nuvolau are two of the most scenic, […]
We’ve explored the Dolomites across multiple trips, hiking Tre Cime, the Puez-Odle Altopiano, Lago di Sorapis, and more, and we have strong opinions about what’s worth your time. The Cinque Torri belongs near the top of any list. It’s one of the most recognizable rock formations in the Dolomites: five jagged towers rising above alpine […]
Lago di Sorapis (Lake Sorapis) is one of the most popular hikes in the Dolomites. Located just outside of Cortina d’Ampezzo, this aquamarine lake attracts hundreds of hikers every day during the summer months. The vast majority of people hike out-and-back to Lago di Sorapis on the main trail. What many people don’t know is […]
One day in Venice itinerary: 3 different ways to plan your time, whether you want the top sights, the quiet canals, or a mix of both. If you are planning to spend one day in Venice, there are several ways to do it. Do you want to spend the day visiting the top sights in […]
Our 2-day Venice itinerary, refined over three visits and built for first-time visitors who want to see the highlights without wasting time in line. If you are planning your first trip to Venice, this itinerary is built for you. With 2 days in Venice, you have just enough time to visit the highlights of this […]
There’s a moment on the train from Rome to Florence, about an hour in, where the landscape shifts from the flat Roman countryside to something greener and hillier, and you realize you’re already in a different Italy. We’ve made that journey more than once over six trips to Italy, and it never gets old. This […]
Lake Como is one of northern Italy’s most breathtaking day trips. In just one well-planned day, you can ferry between Bellagio and Varenna, cruise past famous villas, and experience the most scenic stretch of the lake without changing hotels. We visited Lake Como as a day trip from Lugano in late June, navigating the ferry […]
Bellagio is the most famous town on Lake Como, a postcard-perfect mix of colorful streets, scenic lakeside vistas, and historic villas. If you’re planning a visit, here are the best things to do in Bellagio, plus tips to make the most of your time. Bellagio is often called the Pearl of Lake Como, and after […]