Among the destinations we cover, Italy occupies a special place. It’s the place we live in, it’s one of the most popular European countries, and it’s stunning!
Here we will tell you all about Italian culture, traditions, gastronomy and whatever made the country a top holiday destination for so many years, but we will also give you essential tips for travelling to Italy and detailed guides to cities and regions.
Planning a trip to Italy your own is totally possible. With a widespread railway network, international and domestic flights, urban and extra-urban buses, great hotels, and a huge choice of restaurants not only in big cities but also small towns, you can organize a perfect Italian holiday for you and your family.
If, on the other hand, you prefer to enjoy a relaxing holiday without the hassle of taking care of the logistics, check out G Adventures tours.
Their 14-day Iconic Italy tour will take you to explore the country’s ancient history, its Renaissance past as well as its natural beauty. The itinerary includes stops in Italy’s most popular destinations impossible to miss if it’s your first trip, such as Florence, Venice, Rome, and Pompeii.
Click here for more details and to see their current offers
Their Ultimate Italy trip, too, lasts two weeks, and you will visit the Cinque Terre, the Como Lake, the beautiful Tuscany region not only in Florence but also Pisa, Siena and its famous countryside, and obviously Rome. This tour misses Venice, so if it’s not your first time in Italy, it’s great as you’ll see new places.
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If you don’t have so much time and can travel for a week, their Highlights of Italy tour is a crash course of all things Italian or at least the most important ones. You will see legendary masterpieces like Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper in Milan, Piazza San Marco in Venice, the Leaning Tower in Pisa, Rome’s Pantheon and the Vatican City.
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Athletes and outdoors fans will love G Adventures’ tours to Mont Blanc. Their 8-day Mont Blanc Explorer tour between Italy and Switzerland requires some fitness skills as you will be hiking at pretty high altitude, rafting, and engaging in other optional activities. Most of all, you will be enjoying the beautiful views of places such as Chamonix and Courmayeur.
Click here for more details and to see their current offers.
On a similar note, by booking G Adventures’ 10-day Trekking Mont Blanc tour you will be up for a more challenging trip. You will spend your holiday trekking the Alps in France, Italy, and Switzerland enjoying memorable views of glaciers, deep valleys, and the Mont Blanc.
Click here for more details and to see their current offers
If there was one way to describe Catania, it wouldn’t be too far from sensory overloaded. Coming from Agrigento, I considered myself already well into the Sicilian mode to soon found out that our next stop was just in for new surprises and revelations. Noisy, smelly and proudly displaying a seductive state of decay, Catania, even though …
After what you study in school, you would think the world has caught up with the evolution. Well, I’m here to tell you that this is not always true. Seriously, after reading about bleeding stones, unexplained facts, globalization-challenging villages, wild horse races and the Atlantis connection, where do you think the place I’m going to …
I can’t remember how many times I’ve been to Sedilo, one of Sardinia’s prettiest villages. Impossible to count them, really. It’s the village where my mom was born, where my grandparents grew up, met, got married, and lived until their sixth child when they migrated to France. After more than twenty years of living beyond …
Many people gape at Rome’s monuments, their authenticity makes it incredibly easy to picture toga-clad muscular men busy organizing naval battles at the Colosseum, but how many have wondered how all this started? To make sure Rome’s foundation sounded as grand as its present and future, historians, writers, and poets back in the BCs produced …
There are two ways to get under the skin of a place: interact with its natives and unearth its traditions. How to achieve both is pretty straightforward: by trying the local food. And wine, that is. Thankfully, sampling Sardinian wine is quite a pleasant way to do that. Traveling the world made me somehow discover …
The smartest thing the Catholic religion could possibly think of has been to incorporate pagan rituals into its own ceremonies. Banning ancestral cults altogether might have provoked too many protests and caused general unrest, so why not take the lead? This is how many ancient festivals in Sardinia, especially the ones locals have always organized …
It’s easy to be seduced by Sardinia’s irregular beauty. The island’s rugged mountains framed by sandy beaches and crystal clear waters make for a pristine landscape one can hardly forget. Most villages proudly boast a great resilience against the waves of globalization, and although some traditions do struggle to survive, locals are very jealous of …
I have already written about Orgosolo stunning street art and about its antimilitarist spirit. Orgosolo, however, is not only politics. This obstreperous town of inland Sardinia’s region known as Barbagia is home to an exclusive form of ancient silk art. Different from how they make silk in China, this is another way of producing and …
“Does anybody live here in Pratobello?” Smirk. “Who would want to live here?!” A shepherd from Orgosolo was guarding his sheep grazing early morning and didn’t seem to appreciate our question, and due to Orgosolo’s reputation, we opted not to insist. At first sight, from the road, that small cluster of wrecked buildings gives for …
Recently, I was invited by Context Travel to a cultural walk led by Dr. Francesca Barberini through the magnificence of Princess Isabelle’s Apartment in Palazzo Colonna, 66 Piazza SS. Apostoli, just beside Piazza Venezia, in Rome’s city center. As soon as I arrived, something looked familiar. True, I had lived in Rome for seven years, …
The cross-cultural reality of Italian and German traditions, Bolzano is a fascinating city that perfectly blends nature, history, and culture. One of the cities to visit in Trentino Alto Adige, it makes for a great travel destination in both summer and winter. From museums and historic sites to outdoor recreation opportunities, there’s something for everyone …
Read our full guide to the best things to do in Florence, what are the best restaurants in Tuscany’s capital, when is the best time to visit Florence and what are the best hotels to make your Florence trip planning easy and smooth.
Find out what to do in 4 days in Rome, what are the main landmarks you can’t miss even in a short time and how to make a perfect Rome itinerary.
Everything you need to know to plan a perfect day trip from Florence to Pisa. How to get to Pisa, what to see and where to eat in the Tuscan city.
Travelling to Florence is always overwhelming. The city might not be huge, but from the first moments wandering around its cobbled alleys and historical buildings, it’s immediately clear that its moniker of the cradle of the Renaissance wasn’t given by accident. However, if you are treating yourself with a longer stay in Tuscany, you can …
When I wrote the post on Pinuccio Sciola’s singing stones, I received many messages from readers asking me to post a video to give an idea of what kind of sound we think the dead matter was releasing. Pretty understandable as you don’t see many people making music out of seemingly silent rocks. So I …
One of the best things I suggest doing in Sardinia is visiting the open-air lab-museum of the late sculptor Pinuccio Sciola. I was lucky enough to meet him and interview him. “What is the first word that comes to your mind when you think of a stone?” Asked Pinuccio Sciola as he welcomed me to …
One of the best day trips from Rome is to Veio, the last Etruscan city that surrendered to the new conquerors’ fury, Rome’s “last big enemy”. It is such a shame that the civilization prior to the Romans in Central Italy has been wiped out by the mighty new dynasties of divine origins, and their …
All you need to know about hiking the gorge of Su Gorroppu in Sardinia, one of Italy’s and Europe’s deepest canyons. Read about my own experience and my tips.
When I first wrote about Sardinia’s mysteries, I focused on popular tales, legends and unexplained facts that from time to time still happen. This second chapter is devoted to some studies that academics, journalists, and researchers are carrying out on the island’s most ancient history trying to answer the long-standing question: Is Sardinia Atlantis? Traveling …
Visit Su Gologone in Sardinia, a wonderful natural spring that has been declared a protected natural park. Find out how to get there, how to visit, where to eat and where to stay.
Discovering the tales and unexplained facts that populate mysterious Sardinia culture and its society rich in traditions.
The ultimate and most complete guide to the best things to do in Rome. Find out what to do in Rome for every type of holiday and traveller.
Find out the best places where to eat in Rome to taste traditional Roman food, the best pizza in Rome, street food eateries and more. Trendy and authentic restaurants for a perfect Roman meal.
Hardly in need of any introduction, the Amphitheatrum Flavium, better known as Colosseum, is one of Rome’s most visited and photographed landmarks. One of those Rome must-sees no guidebooks would ever dare to forget. It must be its look, its majesty, its ancient wisdom overlooking whimsical modernity, what has been attracting thousands of people every day …
Essential tips for planning a trip to Italy to leave out last-minute surprises. From what to pack to where to eat, to how to get around, here is a perfect Italy trip planner.
Italy is one of the most popular travel destinations the world over, but how well do you actually know it? As a real insider (born, bred and currently resident!), let me tell you a couple of things you should know before you travel to Italy and plan your 10-day or two-week itinerary. Even though millions …
Find the best day trip from Florence to explore more of the beautiful Tuscany region. Medieval towns, thermal baths and cities like Pisa and Siena are only some of the the places to visit from Florence.
Are you staying only 1 day in Milan? Check out our perfect Milan one-day itinerary to enjoy the top landmarks of the city and save time.
What to eat in Italy? Find out what is the top traditional Italian food and where to find it. Discover some of the most famous Italian dishes to order.
You’ve been planning a 2 week Italy itinerary for a while and still feel in a stalemate? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The country is so packed with things to do, wonderful places to visit, and great food to try that anyone traveling to Italy for the first time is bound to feel overwhelmed. Fret …
Orgosolo is a small, apparently sleepy, town of central-eastern Sardinia located in the Barbagia region of the Nuoro province. It’s very well-known both on the island and in the rest of the country for its stormy past. This was, in fact, the place where misunderstandings would be solved with blood feuds involving entire families for …
Whichever region you are going to visit, chances are you will want to find the best souvenirs to buy in Italy whether it’s as a gift or for yourself to keep living your Italian vacation and dream. Jewelry? Food? Fashion? If you are looking for the perfect Italy souvenirs, don’t look further, you have landed …
S’Ardia, the wild horse race in Sedilo that takes places every 6th and 7th of July, never fails to attract thousands of visitors from Sardinia, Italy, and Europe. Sedilo, a quiet village of some 2000 people in Oristano province in central Sardinia, holds every year one of the island’s most reckless festivals. While I’m not …
One of the top landmarks to visit in Rome to better delve into ancient imperial history is the Baths of Caracalla. Also known as Thermae of Caracalla, these Roman baths were built by the will of emperor Caracalla to show off in architecture, style, and luxury. The Baths of Caracalla a must-see Rome attraction Despite being …
Unspoiled crystal waters, a lovely sidewalk for morning or evening jogging and gorgeous sunsets are the main ingredients of a holiday in S’Archittu.
Italy. A country that is stereotyped by pizza, pasta and the Mario brothers. Yet, this boot-shaped piece of land in the Mediterranean has so much more to offer than these stereotypes would allow. Whether it is the alpine experiences of northern Italy, the rolling hills of Tuscany, the crowded city of Rome or the unique …
Are you planning to see Venice Carnival? Read about its history, what to do, the main events of Carnevale di Venezia and tips for a perfect trip.
The Sartiglia of Oristano is the most colourful Carnival in Sardinia, Italy. Find out what to do and how to enjoy this ancient festival.
Discover the magical ritual of the Mamuthones of Mamoiada as they appear for Carnival in Sardinia and dancing around fire for Saint Anthony.
Discover the most beautiful Sardinia towns and add rare and precious stops to your holiday. Visit traditional villages in Sardinia and snap gorgeous pictures!
What to see in Rome in a day? We put together four different itineraries of things to do in 1 day in Rome if you are in Italy and don’t have more time to see the capital.
Find the best underground tours of Rome to explore the city beneath. Visit the Colosseum underground, Rome catacombs, crypts and more of Rome underground.
Superga Basilica is one of the most popular day trips from Turin. Find out how to get there and what to see in this beautiful church of the Italian Savoy royal family.
All you need to know before visiting Florence Cathedral: how to book, what to see, what to expect. Plus some pretty interesting facts on Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, dome and bell tower.
Discover the best Bicerin drink in Turin, how this iconic delicacy was invented and how one of Italy’s best bars still carries on the tradition.
One of the highlights of any trip to Liguria is to take the Cinque Terre hiking trail to explore the five villages dramatically perched on steep cliffs along the region’s coastline. Coming from the scenic Roman coastal town of Levanto, the Cinque Terre hiking tours take you to Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and …
When he was accepted at the Varignano, the famous diving training school of the Italian Navy in Le Grazie along La Spezia coastline, Domenico Cubeddu couldn’t even swim. Hailing from a small mountain village in central Sardinia, in 1954, when Italy was emerging from the debris of WWII, he was dreaming to join the Navy …
From reckless horse races to local food festivals to hiking UNESCO sites, many are the experiences you can’t leave Italy without.
In Rome shops displaying the latest fashion trends, the smell of fresh bread and ragù and loud car horns make clear to tourists that they are not only visiting the Italian capital, but they are also experiencing it. Because walking in Rome is an all-encompassing experience in itself and a great destination to honeymoon in …
For years Italy has been one of the most popular travel destinations for tourists from the world over. Culture, beauty, food, history, this small European country has it all and the reasons to visit Italy are endless. Thanks to its huge cultural heritage, the places to visit in Italy can keep you busy for a lifetime. …
They wandered to and fro, accordingly, and lost themselves among the strange, precipitate passages, which, in Perugia, are called streets, Some of them are like caverns, being arched all over, and plunging down abruptly towards an unknown darkness; which, when you have fathomed its depths, admits you to a daylight that you scarcely hoped to …
Home to Pino Sciola’s sounding stones and great honey, San Sperate, near Cagliari, is one of the places you should visit when planning a holiday in Sardinia. What would happen if bees went extinct? From BBC to Business Insider, we’ve been warned many times about the catastrophic consequences of bee extinction. After reading and listening …
Seneghe, according to the local mythology, is the town that engenders crazy people. It boasts a beautiful mountain, natural spring water, mouthwatering local cuisine and fertile lands. Yet, it generates crazy people. If you are planning a holiday in Sardinia, Seneghe is definitely worth it. But you will need to rent a car in Sardinia as …
With the extraordinary Jubilee, or Holy Year of Mercy, announced by Pope Francis and starting December 8th, from the very moment all sacred doors around the city will be open, Rome will be in the spotlight even more than usual, which is already quite a lot. While I sure am pretty confident getting around the Italian capital, …
Are you thinking about spending a holiday in this beautiful Italian island? Here are some of the things to know before you travel to Sardinia. #1 It’s a desert island. Or is it? #2 Get ready to gain weight #3 If you are offered rotten cheese, don’t take it as an insult #4 Do we speak Italian or Spanish? #5 Are you ready to travel in time?
If you’ve been following my Instagram gallery, you might know that I just got back from a blissful two-week holiday in my hometown Sardinia, which, to brag just a little, happens to be my hometown. This has obviously led me to write extensively about it, with a soft spot for the lesser-known places, customs and …
It was only a coincidence that we happened in Agrigento minutes before the parade for the saint patron Calogero started, but even if we were there in a different time than mid-June, I’m ready to bet that the spirituality that permeated the air would have been just about as thick and inescapable. The balconies framing the …
Many are the things you can’t afford to miss if you go to Sicily for the first time, and one of these certainly is Agrigento Valle dei Templi, in English, Valley of the Temples. Declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, whether you are a history buff, a photography lover or simply a passionate traveler, the …
Confession time: in all my wanderings, the country I have probably explored less is my own, Italy. This is why when I received a wedding invitation from a friend of mine from Sicily I grabbed my Marco Polo Sicily Guidebook, packed my new swimwear and summer dresses and got ready in a heartbeat to enjoy …
It was the year 1516, to be precise March 29th, when the Senate of the Serenissima Maritime Republic of Venice declared official the institution of the city’s Jewish Quarter, known also as Venice Ghetto, Europe’s first neighbourhood of its kind. This is how I roughly translate the Renaissance Italian words issued by former Venetian rulers …
Now in July, just for a little summer break from Rome’s hustle and bustle, I came up with the bright idea to spend a long weekend in Sardinia to enjoy some good sun and beach time. Or so I thought. From last Thursday, day of my arrival, right until Monday, when I came back to Rome, …
It’s that time of the year again. Sun, warm weather, summer vacations approaching, yet you haven’t decided where to spend your annual leave. One of the most popular tourist destinations, you might as well join the crowd and travel to Italy. However, if you do wish to travel to Italy but are allergic to big …
A photo-reportage from a typical Sardinian village, Ghilarza, which happens to be also Antonio Gramsci’s and my hometown. Stone walls, a persistent nature, colourful flowers and churches are possibly the main characters of most villages in the big Italian island of Sardinia. Being a small town surrounded by a huge countryside, houses in Ghilarza are …
Curious about Carnival in Italy? Find your favourite celebrations for the famous Italian Carnevale between thrilling equestrian vaulting, ancient rituals and allegoric masquerades.
Touristy yet traditional, Trastevere is one of the most famous areas of Rome. Even though most tourists like to linger here from morning to evening, the younger through the night, it may come as a surprise to learn that with so many hidden spots, there is much to discover about secret Trastevere. Who has been …
So you are planning a 2-week Italy itinerary and spending some 4 days in Rome. So huge and eternal that picking what not to miss in your first trip is overwhelming. Yet, there are some places that you will visit even if you don’t plan it. The Spanish Steps is one of these landmarks. Central, …
Living in Rome has the great benefit of giving me the chance to explore every single corner of such a culturally rich city. When I was traveling constantly and leading a pretty nomadic life I thought I needed to stop somewhere for a while to have more time to regularly update my website. As it …
After my 3-day stroll in Liguria to visit the Cinque Terre, and on my way back I stopped in the region’s capital, Genoa, for a day. I got so swept away by work and travel that somehow my words and photos on this vibrant Italian city were postponed indefinitely, until now, that after Thailand and …
On the day I arrived in Liguria, just before walking to La Francesca village resort, I decided to spend some hours and my first lunch of the region in Levanto, small medieval town a little more than an hour train from Genoa. Although it was cloudy and rainy, the city looked lovely already at a …
During my stay in Liguria, for two nights I stayed at La Francesca, a resort village with its own story and personality. “Francesca” in Italian is a given name for women, so my first thought was that the village was named after a woman, maybe the wife of who built it. Definitely wrong guess. Although …
Devoting an entire day to Viterbo, Italy, beautiful and mysterious city about 80 km from Rome is an experience everyone traveling to the capital should make at least once. Steeped in history and folktales, Viterbo is the City of Popes. Hardly one of those cities you stumble on naturally, for Viterbo you need a proper plan, …
I get it, you are visiting Italy’s capital and all you want is Roman dishes and Italian cuisine. However, what’s vibrant in the city’s culinary scene is a greatly diverse offer. Mandaloun Lebanese restaurant in Rome is one of my picks usually when I want some foreign flavours. My experience at Mandaloun Lebanese restaurant in …
I used to live about 40 minutes drive from Oristano, the town in central Sardinia where they run the Sartiglia equestrian carousel, and I’ve gone past the imposing statue of Eleonora d’Arborea, dominating the square named after her, probably a million times. Woman, mother, daughter, ruler, strategist, Eleonora d’Arborea is a figure of inestimable value …
Would you ever think there was a place inhabited by fairies and giants? I mean for real, not in children stories? If you’ve been following my blog for a while, and have read a post or two about Sardinia, you might have already noticed that the island has its more than fair share of oddities. …