Italy Travel Guide

If you are planning your first visit to Rome and have limited time, this Rome itinerary is perfect for you. With 2 days in Rome, you have just enough time to visit the highlights. Tour the Vatican Museums, enjoy the amazing view from St. Peter’s Basilica, marvel at the Colosseum, get a history lesson at […]

Visit the Colosseum, stroll through the historic heart of Rome, tour the Vatican Museums, climb to the top of the dome on St. Peters’ Basilica, cycle the Appian Way, have an aperitif with a spectacular view of Rome, dine on gelato and pizza by the slice…these are all things you can with 3 days in […]

Rome is the capital city of Italy and one of the largest cities in Europe. With its long, rich history, famous landmarks, museums and archaeological sites, the to-do list for visitors is enormous. 30 things to do in Rome sounds like a lot, and it is, but there are many more places we could have […]

4 days in Rome is a wonderful amount of time to spend in this city. Not only will you be able to visit the main highlights, but you will also have time to explore a few hidden gems and add in something like a cooking class, more leisurely time, or a food tour. The list […]

Drinks with a view…one of the best things to do in Rome is to visit a rooftop bar. Sipping on a cocktail or a glass of wine is the perfect way to wind down after a day of sightseeing, and from a rooftop bar, you also get to enjoy the view. In this guide, we […]

Rome is a treasure trove of ancient archeological sites, world famous landmarks, picturesque squares and city streets, and a long list of notable basilicas museums. It is a beautiful city to photograph, from vantage points along the Tiber River, to rooftop bars and terraces, and in its famous squares. In this article, we share some […]

The Appian Way is one of Rome’s ancient roads, connecting Rome to the Adriatic Port of Brindisi. This road was a marvel of Roman engineering at the time it was constructed, 2000 years ago. Today it is a place for biking, viewing ancient Roman ruins, touring the catacombs, and taking a break from the hustle […]

The Colosseum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. If you are planning your first trip to Rome, most likely the Colosseum is on your to-do list. In this guide, we cover what you need to know about how to visit the Colosseum, including what to do when you are here, […]

If you are planning your first trip to Rome, then most likely a visit to Vatican City is on your to-do list. In this guide, we cover what you need to know about how to visit the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, including what to do when you are here, the […]

If you are planning to spend one day in Rome, there are several ways you can do it. Do you want to spend the day visiting the highlights of Rome, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican, and historic heart of Rome? With proper planning, you can do this ambitious itinerary, but it will be an […]

Rome is filled with some of the world’s most famous landmarks…the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum. One of the best things to do in Rome is to get a bird’s eye view of these iconic spots. From panoramic views from the highest spots in Rome to lovely […]

Where should you eat in Rome? With outdoor cafes, rooftop restaurants, wine bars, and a long list of restaurants selling pizza, pasta, and gelato, your choices may seem overwhelming. In this guide, we list some of the top restaurants in Rome. Ranging from quick, cheap eats to Michelin starred restaurants with a view, there is […]

If you are trying to decide where to stay in Rome for the first time, you have a lot of options. Do you want to stay in the heart of Rome and easily walk to the city’s top sights? How about a romantic apartment tucked away in a charming neighborhood? Or a hotel with a […]

Are you planning a trip to Florence? Sure, you can’t miss Michelangelo’s David, the amazing Uffizi Gallery, a stroll across Ponte Vecchio, and a visit to the Florence Duomo, but you also cannot miss the best views of Florence. Climb to the top of duomo for a breathtaking view of Florence, watch the sunset from […]

Florence is not only filled with some of Italy’s most awe-inspiring sights, but it also makes a fantastic home base for exploring Tuscany and nearby cities. There is a long list of day trips from Florence, from quick visits to Tuscan hill towns to full day excursions to the Cinque Terre, Siena, and Pisa. Whether […]

If you are planning your first trip to Florence, this Florence itinerary is perfect for you. With 2 days in Florence, you have just enough time to visit the highlights of this beautiful city. Tour the Uffizi Gallery, climb the dome of the Duomo, see Michelangelo’s David, stroll across Ponte Vecchio, and watch the sunset […]

Visiting a rooftop bar or two (or three!) is one of the best things to do in Florence. If you want drinks with a view of the Duomo, you have quite a few rooftop bars in Florence to choose from. In this guide, we cover the top picks and practical information so you can choose […]

Home to the amazing Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David, famous piazzas and historic bridges, towers to climb, and of course, the Duomo, there are many wonderful things to do in Florence. Florence is a relatively small, compact city but there is a lot to do here. To get to everything on this list, it would […]

The Florence Cathedral, also called the Duomo di Firenze and Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, is one of the most recognizable cathedrals in the world. A visit to this cathedral is more than just walking through the cathedral and seeing the dome. You can also climb Giotto’s bell tower, walk the stairs to the […]

Planning a trip to Italy and only have enough time for one day in Florence? With a well-planned day, you can visit Florence’s top sights, including the Duomo, Michelangelo’s David, the amazing Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio. Watch the sunset, stroll through Florence’s scenic streets, and enjoy views of the Florence Cathedral from a rooftop […]

Florence is one of Italy’s most popular cities to visit, especially for first timers. Not only is Florence the art capital of the world, it is a gorgeous city filled with world class art museums, towers to climb, great places to go shopping, and lots of beautiful viewpoints. Here is a list of the 10 […]

If you are planning your first visit to Florence, one of the most important decisions you will make is where to stay in Florence. You have lots of great options to choose from, from cozy boutique-style hotels, highly rated budget properties, luxurious 5-star hotels, family friendly apartments, and hotels with a view of Ponte Vecchio […]

Planning a trip to Tuscany? This guide covers everything you need to build the perfect itinerary, whether you have 3 days, 5 days, or a full week. How long should you spend here? Where should you stay? Should you rent a car? What towns are worth visiting? These are all questions that may be running […]

Traveling from Florence to the Cinque Terre? Here’s how to stop in Pisa to see and climb the Leaning Tower in just a couple of hours, without derailing your travel day. If you’re traveling between Florence and the Cinque Terre, Pisa is one of the easiest and most worthwhile stops you can add to your […]

Siena is easy to visit if you only have one day since it is a compact city with just a few big sites. With one day in Siena, visit the Duomo, get one of the best views in Italy from the Torre del Mangia, wander the historic old town, and dine at one of many […]

From world-famous cities like Florence and Siena to quiet hill towns and scenic drives through vineyard-covered hills, Tuscany offers a wide range of experiences, but deciding what to do (and what to skip) can be overwhelming. We’ve explored Tuscany on two very different trips: a one-week highlights tour with our kids and a longer 10-day […]

San Gimignano is famous for its medieval towers, and yes, you should climb one. But a great visit here goes beyond the main piazzas and the gelato line at Dondoli. On our first trip, we arrived by bus from Siena on a busy morning with our kids, climbed to the top of Torre Grossa, ate […]

Italy is filled with gorgeous cathedrals and the Siena Cathedral is one of the best. On a visit to the Siena Cathedral, not only can you admire its unique appearance both inside and out, but you can also tour the Crypt and the Baptistery, visit the museum, and view the cathedral from unique vantage points, […]

Perched on a hilltop in Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia, Montalcino is one of Italy’s most beautiful wine towns, famous for its Brunello wine, sweeping vineyard views, and charming medieval streets. Whether you’re here for a quick stop or a slow afternoon of wine tasting, this small town delivers one of the most memorable experiences in Tuscany. […]

After two trips through Tuscany, we’ve visited a lot of hill towns, including Siena, Cortona, Montepulciano, Pienza, and a handful of smaller villages tucked into the countryside. Arezzo was one of the last ones we visited, and arriving on a Sunday in early October, we weren’t sure what to expect. What we found was one […]

Pisa and Lucca are two popular day trip destinations from Florence. Their close proximity to one another, small sizes, and handy train stations make them very easy to combine into one amazing day trip from Florence. We’ve visited both cities on separate trips to Italy. We stopped in Pisa while traveling by train from Florence […]

Stroll the picturesque streets, dine on pecorino cheese, walk the city walls, and tour a Renaissance palace…these are all things to do in Pienza. Located in Val d’Orcia, Pienza is one of the loveliest towns in Tuscany. And its small size makes it easy to visit, even on the fastest of itineraries in Italy. In […]

Perched on a hilltop, overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany, sits Montepulciano. This medieval town, with its underground wine cellars, medieval churches, and scenic streets, is a delight to explore. In this guide, we list the best things to do in Montepulciano, where to go wine tasting with a view of Val d’Orcia, and how […]

With its incredible Duomo, picturesque main square (Piazza del Campo), medieval streets to explore, and views from the top of Torre del Mangia, there is plenty here to keep you busy all day. In this guide, we list 10 essential things to do in Siena, a good starting point for your first visit to Siena. […]

Volterra is a hilltop town that is located in Tuscany, Italy. It’s one of the larger hill towns to visit in Tuscany and can keep you busy all day, with its list of museums, archeological sites, restaurants, shops, and stunning views over Tuscany. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Volterra […]

Monteriggioni is a small, walled town in Tuscany, Italy. A visit here is quick, with a stroll through town and a walk on the walls topping the list of things to do in Monteriggioni. It’s well worth adding onto your visit to Tuscany, especially if you have plans to drive through nearby towns such as […]

Made famous by the movie Under the Tuscan Sun, Cortona is a small, Tuscan hill town with a short to do list. Stroll the medieval streets, enjoy the views over Tuscany, go wine tasting, and shop in the boutique shops. If you like museums and want to visit a few churches, you can do that […]

San Quirico d’Orcia is a small, hilltop town in Val d’Orcia, Tuscany. This is one of the smallest towns in the area and often overlooked by many travelers. If you have a few hours to spare, this lovely village a joy to visit. San Quirico d’Orcia is named in honor of Saint Quiricus. This town […]

Lucca is one of Tuscany’s most rewarding cities to visit. While Florence gets the crowds and Pisa gets the selfies, Lucca has a charm that’s entirely its own: Renaissance city walls you can walk or bike, medieval towers rising above the rooftops, and a piazza built inside a Roman amphitheater. What we loved most was […]

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 […]

From ancient Roman ruins to pastel streets made for evening strolls, Verona feels like stepping into a storybook. Here are the best things to do in Verona, plus how to plan the perfect one-day visit. Have you ever visited a new place and instantly fallen in love with it? For us, that was Verona. On […]

Perched on the tip of a long, narrow peninsula, Sirmione is a medieval town surrounded by gardens, thermal spas, beaches, and the aquamarine water of Lake Garda. Explore an ancient castle, wander the narrow city streets, tour historical sites, and go on a sunset cruise around the peninsula. Here are the best things to do […]

Riva del Garda is a picturesque town located on the north end of Lake Garda. With colorful buildings, medieval towers, and narrow alleyways, this is a wonderful place to go for leisurely stroll. From Riva del Garda, you can also take your pick from short hiking trails that lead up into the mountains, visit medieval […]

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 […]

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. With brightly colored towns, castles and Roman ruins, beaches and vineyards, amusement parks and historical sites, there is plenty here to keep you busy for days. The list of things to do in Lake Garda is long and we cover the top sights in this guide. Our […]

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, spanning three provinces of Italy (Trentino, Verona, and Brescia). On a visit to Lake Garda, not only can you visit the long list of lovely towns that line the lake, but you can also cruise to Lake Garda’s islands, take your pick from hikes in the area, visit vineyards […]

Milan makes a surprisingly easy and rewarding stop between Florence, Venice, and the Cinque Terre. With high-speed trains and compact sightseeing, you can see the Duomo, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, and stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, all in just a few hours. Milan also co-hosted the 2026 Winter Olympics, bringing the world […]

The Dolomites are one of the best hiking destinations in Europe. In this guide, we rank the 15 best hikes in the Dolomites, from easy scenic trails to challenging alpine adventures, based on views, difficulty, and our firsthand experience hiking the region. Jagged limestone peaks, knife-edge ridgelines, and turquoise alpine lakes make the Dolomites one […]

We have traveled to the Dolomites twice, spending 12 days exploring alpine lakes, mountain passes, and hiking trails. This guide features the very best things to do in the Dolomites that require minimal or no hiking, based on our personal experiences. It’s no secret that the Dolomites are a great place to go hiking. But […]

The ridgeline of Seceda looks almost unreal — a dramatic wall of jagged peaks rising above the green pastures of Val Gardena. It’s one of those views that stops you in your tracks, the kind you’ve seen in photos of the Dolomites and wondered, Is it really that beautiful in person? (Yes. It is.) And […]

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 […]

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 […]

Planning a Dolomites itinerary can feel overwhelming. With its towering peaks, storybook alpine villages, epic hikes, and scenic drives around every corner, how do you decide what’s worth your time? In this guide, we make it simple. We break the Dolomites into easy, day-by-day itineraries that you can mix and match to build your perfect […]

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 […]

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 […]

The Puez-Odle Altopiano trail is a 17 km (10.6 mile) hike along some of the highest mountain peaks in the Dolomites. We hiked this lesser-known trail on our first trip to the Dolomites and it is a spectacular hike from start to finish. With jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites, fields of wildflowers, and endless alpine […]

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, […]

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 […]

There are many fantastic cable car rides in the Dolomites. Most visitors head straight to Seceda or Marmolada and miss this. Cima Tofana delivers jaw-dropping views with a fraction of the crowds, plus you have the option to add on a very short but thrilling hike. We rode the Freccia nel Cielo cable car to […]

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo trail is one of the most iconic hikes in the Italian Dolomites, featuring a scenic loop trail that circles three dramatic limestone peaks. We’ve hiked Tre Cime on multiple trips to the Dolomites, including peak summer season when parking restrictions were in place. The first time we did this hike, […]

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, […]

Wondering where to stay in the Dolomites? It’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your trip. This region may look small on a map, but winding alpine roads and high mountain passes mean travel times are longer than expected. Stay in the wrong town and you could spend hours driving instead […]

How to travel from Rome to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast can be a little confusing. You can’t simply hop on a train in Rome and ride it all of the way to Sorrento or Positano. In this post, we explain your different options for getting around this region. Rome to Naples By Train Whether […]

Capri’s Blue Grotto is famous for its glowing electric-blue water and tiny cave entrance that visitors must duck through by rowboat. But between the crowds, the cost, and the wait to get inside, many travelers wonder: is the Blue Grotto really worth it? The Blue Grotto is Capri’s most famous attraction. Visitors climb into small […]

A visit to Pompeii is one of Italy’s most fascinating history lessons. Pompeii can be visited as a day trip from Rome, Sorrento, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast. For those in transit between any of these cities, Pompeii makes a nice, quick side trip. Here’s how to do it. Traveling from Rome to Pompeii to […]

Located high above the coastal towns of Positano and Praiano is one of the most beautiful walks in Italy, the Path of the Gods (also called Sentiero degli Dei). This is the most popular hike to do along the Amalfi Coast and it is famous for its jaw-dropping views over Positano and the Sorrento peninsula. […]

Spending three days in Sorrento is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to visit the Amalfi Coast region. Sorrento is a great home base for exploring this part of Italy, as it is well connected to the island of Capri, the Amalfi Coast, and the historic ruins of Pompeii. This Sorrento itinerary is […]

If you are planning a visit to the Amalfi Coast, one of the biggest questions you may have is “what is the best way to get around the Amalfi Coast?” The answer to this question depends on what time of the year you will be here, what do you plan to do on the Amalfi […]

Planning a day trip to Capri from Sorrento, Naples, or Positano? One day in Capri is absolutely enough time to hit the highlights: a boat tour around the island, the Blue Grotto, the Monte Solaro chairlift, and a stroll through Capri town, if you plan your time well and get an early start. We’ve done […]

Dotting the dramatic coastal cliffs of the Amalfi Coast are small, colorful towns that are a delight to explore. Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are some of the most famous, but some of the smaller, less known towns, such as Tramonti and Nerano, are well worth some of your precious time. In this guide, we list […]

Visits to beautiful coastal towns, wine tastings, dinner and drinks with a view, shopping, boat tours, relaxing on the beach…these are all the wonderful experiences that you can have on the Amalfi Coast. If you are planning your Amalfi Coast itinerary, there are multiple ways to do it. For those on a whirlwind tour through […]

Positano is an essential town to visit on the Amalfi Coast. The most popular way to visit Positano is to spend a few hours here, while touring the Amalfi Coast by car, bus, or boat. If you are like us, those few hours may be all you need to fall in love with this town, […]

The island of Capri, Italy is one of the most spectacular places to visit on the Amalfi Coast. The best things to do in Capri include taking a boat tour around the island, visiting the glowing Blue Grotto, riding the chairlift up to Monte Solaro, and exploring the towns of Capri and Anacapri. But the […]

Driving the Amalfi Coast is popular bucket list experience. To drive this winding road, past dramatic coastal cliffs, some of the most beautiful towns in Italy, and famous beaches, it sounds like a wonderful thing to do. But does driving the Amalfi Coast live up to the hype? We drove the entire length of Amalfi […]

Sorrento is one of the best places to stay if you have plans to visit Pompeii, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast. From this town, you can easily get to each of these places, since Sorrento is a hub for public transportation. And with its marinas, beach clubs, shopping streets, and long list of great restaurants, […]

Ravello is a cliffside town on the Amalfi Coast. With its villas, beautiful gardens, and extraordinary views along the coast, Ravello is one of the most enchanting towns to visit on the Amalfi Coast. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Ravello with tips to have the best experience. Best Things […]

When deciding where to stay on the Amalfi Coast, there are a few things you need to consider. The first is location. Do you want to stay in a town that is easy to get to and easy to get around using public transportation, such as Sorrento? Or do you prefer to stay in one […]

Paestum is one of the best places in Italy to see Greek ruins. Home to three ancient Greek temples dating back to 450 BC, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is often an overlooked destination in Italy. The ancient city of Paestum sits just to the south of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast. For those with […]

What do you look for when picking the perfect vacation spot? Beautiful beaches? Charming towns to explore? Shopping? Restaurants with a view? Colorful sunsets? Romance? What if I told you that you could get all of these in one place…the Amalfi Coast. In this article, learn about the best things to do on the Amalfi […]

What is it like to visit Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast in October? We have the answer in this guide. To cut right to the chase, October is a beautiful time to visit the Amalfi Coast. We spent 10 days on the Amalfi Coast in mid to late-October. With warm temperatures and mostly sunny skies […]

If you are researching where to go in Italy, without a doubt, you are finding gorgeous, vibrant photos of the best places to visit in Italy. Would you like to know how to get these same gorgeous views of Italy? In this post, find out how to get a bird’s eye view over Venice, where […]

San Marino is a tiny, independent nation completely surrounded by Italy. It has a spectacular location, nestled in the mountains near the Adriatic Sea. The capital city, also called San Marino, is a maze of hilly, medieval streets, dotted with cafes and small shops. From the guard towers and the piazzas, the views over the […]

Picture this: you’ve decided you’re finally going to do it. You’re going to Europe. The excitement is real. So is the panic when you open Google and realize there are roughly a million opinions on where to go, what to see, and how to do it all in 10 days. We’ve been traveling to Europe […]

Some of the best moments of a European road trip happen spontaneously: a hilltop village you pulled over for on a whim, a coastal viewpoint you would have blown past on a train. Having your own car makes that possible. But before you hit the road, there are a few things about renting a car […]

From the dramatic cliffs of Norway to the jagged peaks of the Dolomites and the volcanic landscapes of Iceland, Europe is packed with some of the most unforgettable hikes in the world. In this guide, we share our favorite hikes in Europe, trails that stand out for their scenery, uniqueness, and overall experience from start […]

It is no secret that Europe is home to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. From grand historic cities and charming fairytale towns to soaring mountain ranges and sun-soaked beaches, there is a seemingly endless list of gorgeous places to explore. Whether you are planning your next trip to Europe, or just trying to […]

Do you want to know how we capture the images that you see on our website? Here is our photography gear guide, with links and explanations of our photography gear and accessories. At the end of this post, we offer tips and tricks on how to take better photographs while traveling. October 2025 Update: We […]

Europe is a joy to explore. With world-class cities, medieval towns, historical sites, the snowcapped Alps, gorgeous beaches, and some of the world’s most delicious food, you have the perfect ingredients for your next vacation. If you want to spend 10 days in Europe, we have ten amazing itineraries to share with you.  In this […]