All Around Italy

There aren’t many towns in Northern Italy that hold more charm than the small city of Mantua, Mantova in Italian, one of Lombardy’s hidden gems. Overlooked by most tourists en route from Milan to Venice, Mantua charms its visitors with …

When most think about Sicily, they think of ancient Greek ruins by the bluest of seas; they think of the temples in Agrigento or of the chaotic street markets in Palermo. Yet, there is a quieter side to Sicily: the …

There are many reasons to visit the beautiful and lively city of Bologna: it is considered to be one of Italy’s most pleasant towns to live in, its people are friendly and filled with contagious joie-de-vivre and the city center, …

These are the first few words of a popular Italian nursery rhyme about the Befana, the old woman who delivers gifts to children around Italy on the night between the 5th and the 6th of January.   Old and wrinkly, …

What are you going to do today?” asked Sabrina, the owner of Ripa Medici, the adorable two-room B&B I was staying at for a week in Orvieto.     Technically in Umbria but off to the side a bit, wedged …

Last year I saw a picture on Tumblr of beautiful ruins of a church, now open to the sky.  The columns of the nave were huge stone pillars, majestic and mystical. I was instantly enchanted (and immediately began planning my …

In a few days towns all over Italy will start celebrating Carnevale, a festive and somewhat chaotic holiday popular in most Catholic countries. The festivity takes place every year in the winter, sometimes in February, sometimes in March, right before Lent. …

Smaller than nearby Lake Maggiore, lesser known than uber-famous Lake Como, Lake Orta is as charming as his bigger brothers and retains a much intimate, more romantic atmosphere. Located in the northern part of Piedmont, Lake Orta sits at the …

Imagine a town that is big enough to be exciting, yet small enough to feel cozy. Imagine friendly locals, children playing in the narrow streets, and the sweet smell of freshly baked brioches wafting through your window in the morning. …

Ancient walls, Renaissance culture galore and a local cuisine that is literally mouth-watering: Urbino, a small Medieval town in the Marche region, is a lovely spot for a day trip or, even better, for a weekend getaway.   Halfway between …