An Epic 2 Day Douro Valley Itinerary (By Car, Tour, or Train)

view of the douro valley river and landscape and quintas on a sunny day with the hillside very lush and green

Looking for a getaway to one of Europe’s most gorgeous destinations – and drink some of its best wine to boot?  The Douro Valley is among Portugal’s most beautiful regions, not to mention the oldest regulated and demarcated wine region in the world! The Douro River that gives the region its name rises from natural … Read more

3 Days in Palermo: Itinerary for a Perfect Weekend in Palermo!

Picturesque Palermo, one of my favorite destinations in Sicily, is home to spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, stunning beaches, and mouth-watering food. The vibrant capital of Sicily is famous for many reasons, including the dubious honor of being the most conquered city in the world. This patchwork of ruling powers over the centuries left behind … Read more

12 Crystal-Clear Beaches Near Catania, Sicily

View of Agnone Bagni Beach

Ah, Catania! This gorgeous region of Sicily’s coast is one of the great delights of the Italian island, and that’s saying something. Looking back at my time in Italy, some of the best memories I have are from days spent wandering Catania’s scenic coastline, taking in the gorgeous colors of the Mediterranean, or even just … Read more

The Ultimate 2 Days in Catania Itinerary (2023 Guide)

Captivating Catania is a Sicilian city right at the foot of Mount Etna that deserves more attention than it gets. It’s best known for its gorgeous Baroque architecture, charming historical town, and of course, stunningly gorgeous views of the spectacular (and spectacularly active) volcano. When living in Italy, I made several trips to Sicily, and on one … Read more

9 Dreamiest Italy Road Trip Itineraries: Coasts, Islands, Mountains, & More!

From sparkling turquoise coastlines to rugged alpine peaks, taking a road trip through Italy is one of the greatest joys of traveling in Europe. Taking an Italy road trip to enjoy the Mediterranean country’s spectacular landscapes and charming little towns is certainly worthy of its spot on your bucket list; but where to go? If … Read more

How to See the Statue of David in Florence (Tips + Ticket Info!)

View of the statue of David inside the gallery

Towering stature, symmetrical features, impeccably carved marble: these are the key features of the Statue of David that makes this work of art almost mythical when it comes to art history. A key landmark of Florence, you can’t miss the chance to see Michelangelo’s David when you visit Florence. This guide details exactly how to … Read more

Taormina Itinerary: How to Spend a Perfect Two Days in Taormina (2023 Guide)

At the top of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Taormina is a small but picturesque town on Sicily’s eastern coast.  Home to the spectacular Ancient Greek Theater, gorgeous coastal views, lovely beaches, and the imposing sight of Mount Etna in the background, Taormina is certainly a town worth discovering.   I visited Taormina twice on … Read more