10 Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting the Colosseum [2026]

10 Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting the Colosseum [2026]

While Rome is filled with wonderful squares, fountains, and awe-inspiring ancient ruins, nothing will capture your interest like the Colosseum! The nearly 2,000-year-old amphitheater is the symbol of the Eternal City and a must-see on any Rome itinerary — whether you have one day, 3 days, or a full week! But visiting the Colosseum comes…

7 Marvelous Things to Do in Messina, Sicily

7 Marvelous Things to Do in Messina, Sicily

Messina sits almost at the northeastern tip of Sicily, just across the strait from Reggio Calabria, the southernmost city in mainland Italy. Despite its prime location, Messina is often overlooked by travelers compared to flight hub cities like Palermo and Catania, it is still a rather popular stop for cruise ships due to its port,…

Taormina Itinerary: Make the Most of Two Days in Taormina

Taormina Itinerary: Make the Most of Two Days in Taormina

At the top of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Taormina is a small but picturesque town on Sicily’s eastern coast.  Home to a 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 exploring.   I visited Taormina twice on…

I Visited Pompeii Without a Guide. Was It a Mistake?

I Visited Pompeii Without a Guide. Was It a Mistake?

I won’t bury the lede here: I didn’t hate visiting Pompeii without a guide. How could you? It’s one of the best-preserved, vastest archaeological sites in the world. But also, I wouldn’t do it that way again. While I have to admit that Naples is probably my least favorite city in Italy, I’ll happily give…

9 Things to Do in Ragusa, Sicily: A Baroque Gem

9 Things to Do in Ragusa, Sicily: A Baroque Gem

Picture a gorgeous hilltop city tucked between the smaller foothills, standing out against the Sicilian landscape. A Goldilocks destination of sorts: close to busier, popular tourist spots on the island like Siracusa and Catania — and yet nice and, dare I say it, even quiet… by Sicilian standards. For those reasons (and more), I visited…

The Ultimate 2 Days in Catania Itinerary for First-Timers

The Ultimate 2 Days in Catania Itinerary for First-Timers

Catania is a captivating Sicilian city right at the foot of Mount Etna, deserving of more attention than it gets. While it’s best known for its gorgeous Baroque architecture and charming historical town, Catania also has stunningly gorgeous views of the spectacular (and spectacularly active) volcano. When living in Italy, I made several trips to Sicily, and…

Varenna Travel Guide: 7 Best Things to Do in One of Como’s Best Towns

Varenna Travel Guide: 7 Best Things to Do in One of Como’s Best Towns

Varenna, once a humble fishing village, has done quite an about-face. Once merely a humble fishing village, it’s transformed into a captivating destination along the shores of Lake Como, a favorite spot for both the ultra-wealthy (hello, George Clooney) and visitors seeking a peaceful Italian getaway. Surrounded by the breathtaking Alps, Varenna’s villas, colorful lakeside…