Tuscany may be known for its rolling hills, Renaissance art, and medieval towns with iconic landmarks, but your eyes won’t be the alone in thanking you for visiting this splendid region of Italy. Tuscany will easily delight your tastebuds as well since food and drink is a way of life here as opposed to mere sustenance. From its ancient olive groves that produce some of Italy’s finest olive oil to the sun-soaked vineyards that yield world-renowned wines with robust flavours, Tuscany is blessed with a rich culinary heritage. Come with us as we explore the historical roots of Tuscany’s culinary traditions, uncovering its time-honoured cooking methods and notable ingredients sourced from fertile land and bountiful harvests. We’ll also highlight the best food and wine specialties that embody the soul of the region.
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The Tuscan Archipelago, a marvellous expanse of islands set in the crystalline blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea, stands as one of Italy’s most fascinating and historically rich destinations. This group of islands, each with its own identity and uniqueness, offers visitors a wide range of experiences, from the discovery of natural wonders to a deep dive into local history and traditions. There are plenty of opportunities for exploration and outdoor adventure activities such as snorkelling, diving, sailing, kayaking, and hiking. Then there is delicious coastal Tuscan seafood to fuel all your adventures. Or the islands can simply be a place to unwind on pristine beaches, indulge in spa treatments, and take in the natural beauty of the islands.
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When it comes to bucket list destinations, there are many countries you can include – London, Maldives, the Caribbean, Australia and of course Italy!
Italy is flooded with history, known for its delicious cuisine and can be booked as part of an affordable break or ultra-luxury break. You can visit this wonderful country as part of a romantic break away with your loved one, you can bring your children on a family break away to Italy or you can visit with your friends and family – the possibilities are endless.
Whether you are thinking about staying in Italy in the winter or the summer months, you won’t have a bad experience – here are our 3 favorite reasons to visit.
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The Last Supper, or ” Il Cenacolo” in Italian, resides in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church. This internationally renowned mural showcases the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, whose innovative painting techniques and compelling narrative have captivated audiences for centuries.
The Last Supper is not just a painting; it is an experience. The visual narrative, the architectural brilliance of the refectory, and the historical significance of the site all weave together a captivating tale that leaves visitors profoundly moved. Owing to its historical and artistic significance, obtaining tickets to see “The Last Supper” can be a bit challenging.
The number of visitors allowed is limited to less than a thousand per day, with tickets corresponding to a 15-minute slot, allowing a maximum of 18 people per slot. This guide aims to clarify the reservation process, ensuring you secure your desired timeslot to appreciate this masterpiece in 2023.
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Seeing the world means experiencing as much of other cultures as you can. You don’t just want to be a spectator, but to immerse yourself and try to think like a local when you visit new and beautiful places.
Italy is no different.
Italian people are wonderful, friendly and engaging. The scenery is beautiful whether you’re touring vineyards or walking through historic ruins. And then there’s the food! Easily reason to visit Italy in itself, here are the foods you must try the next time you’re traveling through Italy.
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Thinking of a beautiful Mediterranean island for your next holiday? Perhaps one that sits off the toe of Italy? Seductively beautiful and perfectly placed in the heart of the Mediterranean, Sicily should be at the top of your list.
Sicily is the largest of the Italian islands, and has long seduced travelers with its natural wonders and cultural treasures. It boasts wonderful weather, and a diverse range of culinary influences. Natural wonders abound here, and the juxtaposition of sea, volcano and mountain scenery makes a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. The island is full of history, bursting at the seams with ancient artistic and architectural gems. When it comes to ancient Greek architecture, Sicily actually rivals Greece.
There are many incredible reasons to visit Sicily. The following are to name just a few.
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Last year, international travel became much harder. Barred from landing in many countries, you may have found yourself in a situation where you’re stuck inside with nothing to do and had to cancel your long-planned dream vacation. Luckily, there are still places that are waiting patiently for you to come and explore!
With Telportus, you can now engage in a virtual guided tour. These live experiences are just digital versions of guided tours that you’re used to receiving when you travel, but now they’re happening right in your living room.
You can pose questions to local experts in real-time, pointing out what strikes your curiosity. Check out this video, and below for some of the most epic tours!
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Positano is a magical Amalfi Coast destination that attracts thousands of people each year. This Southern Italian paradise is a popular travel destination for obvious reasons; you’re welcomed with postcard perfect views, vivid blue waters, and lush mountains: it’s a beyond picturesque village!
However, despite being such a popular tourist destination, Positano is quite a small village and knowing how to navigate this unique place is a must. There 10 main things you need to know before visiting Positano to prepare you for this coastal beauty.
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Millions of tourists flock to Central Italy every year to experience Florence’s many iconic landmarks and attractions, but it’s the city’s ideal location which may be its most enticing feature.
Situated in the heart of the Tuscany Region, Florence is the perfect base for exploring the many charming towns that surround the city, as well as major Italian cities beyond.
So, once you’ve had your fill of the Cradle of the Renaissance, discovering the Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell’Accademia, and Florence Cathedral, plan out time for exciting day trips to these unforgettable destinations.
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There are over 1,100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered across the globe, though Italy ranks number one when it comes to countries with the most (technically, it shares this top spot with China, but does hold the record when it comes to cultural sites [50]).
Whether you plan on visiting the historic center of Naples, Florence, Rome, or Siena (all of which are UNESCO sites themselves), there are an impressive 55 Italian UNESCO World Heritage sites.
With 55 sites, there’s definitely a lot to choose from, so we’ve put together a list of the best; our top 10 favorites you should start with. So let’s get started!
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Lying at the foot of the Alps, with a cultural feel that is somewhere inbetween Swiss and Italian, Italy’s second-largest city is a thriving metropolis that combines ancient architecture with modern artistic designs.
While most commonly known as a centre for fashion, finance and art, Milan is an exciting city with plenty of highlights, including great museums, churches, restaurants, and bars; notable attractions include the Duomo di Milano, an impressive Opera House, and a striking castle.
Milan has many identities; this is a city where skyscrapers sit next to historic palaces, and business deals go down by canals designed by Leonardo da Vinci. It is a mecca for designer shopping, a foodie paradise, and an open air museum of Italian design throughout the ages.
Milan is a diverse and varied city, but regardless of your reason for visiting, there are several tips you need to know before you arrive.
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There are certain monuments that instantly come to mind when you think of a certain country. For the United States, it’s the Statue of Liberty. For France, it’s the Eiffel Tower. And for Italy, it’s the Colosseum.
That’s why, whenever someone travels to Italy, people will instantly assume you’re going to Rome. After Rome, it’s either Venice or Florence, maybe even Naples.
Rome a center of world history; a city filled with areas and artifacts over 2000 years old. Florence was the birthplace of The Renaissance, and Venice, well, Venice is a city quite unlike any other, with its curving canals and gondolas around every corner.
If you’re only going to be in Italy for a week or so, you should definitely head to those cities. Not just because they’re wonderful and unique, but because there have always been rumors of the sites falling into disarray or being purchased by third party companies.
But, if you’re lucky enough to have a bit more time on your hands in Italy, be sure to check out these cities that aren’t usually at the top of tourist destination lists. You might be surprised that they’re just as unique!
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The way to most travelers’ hearts is through their stomachs, and when it comes to Italy, this is one of the world’s most delicious food meccas! But not all Italian food is created equally.
From a mouth watering Florentine steak paired with a fine Chianti wine, to the heavenly bliss that is gelato, Florence offers a wide range of delicious flavors to tempt your taste buds, while providing the ideal base for exploring the greater food bowl that is Tuscany. And if you’re a serious foodie, trust me when I say that you want to spend time in Tuscany!
While Florence is the beating heart of the region, basing yourself here also makes it easy to arrange trips from Florence to Pisa or Florence to Siena to explore the culinary scenes offered by these Tuscan cities.
Hungry? Read on to discover some of the top foods and wines you NEED to try in Florence and greater Tuscany.
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We’ve all heard the saying. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” But what exactly do the Romans do?
Most people interpret the phrase to mean seeking out the local experience, but our interpretation is that it means not to leave without having experienced the heart and soul of the city. And while a case can be made for ‘living as a local’, if we’re being really honest, there’s no escaping that Rome is a touristy city.
It’s iconic.
So, in embracing the saying ‘when in Rome’, we have listed some of the biggest attractions in the city; five icons that you can’t return home having missed. These attractions are so central to Rome’s identity that they are often solely attributed as being the beating heart of the city.
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We often talk of the most powerful countries in the world in terms of their military, political or economic might, but some countries are powerful due to their influence over our daily lives.
Whether it’s an influence on food, fashion or entertainment, the following countries have a considerable hold on pop culture; they might not influence the world with their tankers or drones, but they do send cultural waves across the globe.
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For a city that receives around 10 million tourists annually, you would think that Florence no longer holds any secrets. But this isn’t actually true.
While it’s no doubt difficult for travelers to find hidden gems that are off the main tourist trail, there are a few places and attractions where you can find a bit of respite from the crowds.
Overcrowding of Florence’s main attractions is not something you can avoid these days, especially during peak season (April to October). Tourist numbers at this time of year can easily outnumber the local resident population.
While the key highlights of Florence are not to be missed, you may wish to explore beyond the guidebooks in order to really dive beneath the surface of what this exceptionally beautiful city has to offer.
So, after an obligatory visit to Galleria dell’Accademia to view Michelangelo’s David, and the fine art of the Uffizi, take some time to blaze your own trail by checking out these often overlooked sights, these secrets of Florence.
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Few figures from history are as celebrated as Leonardo da Vinci, and with this year marking the 500th anniversary of his death, the world has been looking back at some of his greatest-ever achievements.
It’s hard to think of an individual who has had such a huge impact and influence on the world in so many ways. Hundreds of years on, he continues to be a reference point in popular culture, known for work such as the famous Mona Lisa, and drawings of early examples of flying machines, cars and artillery.
But, while he remains a key historical figure, where are the best places to visit in order to discover more about the man? Here we offer up a few suggestions for you to consider if you want to sample some da Vinci-themed tourism.
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It’s safe to say that every visitor to Florence will, at some point, stop by the Duomo. The city’s famous cathedral is one of the most iconic buildings in Italy; a 13th century masterpiece that towers over the city, with a Renaissance dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.
This vast Gothic cathedral is the centerpiece of the city, and its pink, white and green marble facade has become synonymous with Florence; as the Colosseum is to Rome, the Duomo is deeply symbolic of the city, and a major part of Florence’s identity.
It’s actually the 4th largest cathedral in the world, and but that may not be the only thing you didn’t know. Despite being one of the most visited sites in the country, the Florence Duomo still manages to keep a few secrets.
In fact, you may be surprised by the things you didn’t know!
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Sicily is the largest Italian island separated from the mainland by the Strait of Messina. The stunning island is completely surrounded by the Ionian, Tyrrhenian, and the Mediterranean Seas.
The South Italian Island is a lively intersection of nature’s bounty, rich culture and traditions, and an interesting past. A trip that contains a lavish stay in the villas in Sicily is nothing less than a dream!
West Sicily is dotted with an assortment of towns and beaches, which will leave you fascinated by the sheer beauty. If you are planning a trip in and around West Sicily, make sure to include the following places on your itinerary.
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Italy, for tourists, is really three primary “locations” and much variability within each location.
Northern Italy includes Venice, Lake Garda, and the Dolomite Mountains plus the Italian Alps. Central Italy covers Florence and Rome plus the Apennine Mountains. Southern Italy includes Naples and Sicily.
We are presenting a three-part series on Northern Italy. The first installment is about Venice.
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So you’ve finally decided to cross Italy off your bucket list, now comes the difficulty of actually deciding what kind of experience you want to have!
When it comes to a country like Italy, it’s important to first resign yourself to the fact you won’t be able to see everything in a single trip. You could easily spend two weeks in just about any Italian city alone.
But if you’re looking to take in the highlights, the following is a perfect 2-week itinerary for experiencing the best of Italy. Included are the “Big 3”, being Rome, Florence, and Venice. These cities cater to just about any type of traveller whether you’re a foodie, architecture/art lover, history fanatic, or are simply searching for a little romance.
So without further ado, enjoy this helpful itinerary and “Fai un buon viaggi”!
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After all the wedding stress is over and done with, most couples want some time to relax and celebrate the start of their marriage, hopefully over a romantic honeymoon.
Taking the time for a honeymoon is one of the best ways to let your hair down and spend some much need quality time with your new partner. But before you jet off into the sunset to make unforgettable memories with your soul mate, you have to decide on the best destination.
Perhaps you’ve always known where you want to go on your honeymoon, but if you’re someone who has no idea at all, we’ve chatted to Jessica from JJ’s House, for her picks on romantic honeymoon destinations you’re sure to love, no matter what season or time of year.
These are some of the most beautiful and picturesque places in the world. If you’re already married, why not plan an anniversary trip, or even a second honeymoon!
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World famous as the birthplace of the original pizza pie, and known for having the best pizza, pasta, and coffee in Italy, travelers to Naples are often lead by their appetite.
Though unlike the Italian dream destinations of Venice, Florence, and Rome, Naples doesn’t often rank as a tourist favorite. And perhaps it’s because the area doesn’t market itself well, or because there’s a certain gruffness to this urban sprawl.
Many people’s first impressions of Naples is one of grunge and grime, but for travelers willing to look past a rough exterior, the city is an unlikely masterpiece of breathtaking frescoes, strong tradition, and invaluable artistic, cultural and historic heritage. And, sitting within view of the mighty Vesuvius, the seaside offers one hell of a panoramic view.
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Discovering Italy is a unique experience, and whether you plan on visiting iconic cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence, or smaller towns by the lakes and the mountains, the list of attractions and things to see is truly endless.
But beyond its most famous sights, Italy is a patchwork of charming small towns. And this is an incredible opportunity to witness a more traditional side to an otherwise modern country, and experience some of its richest culture.
Situated 66km northwest of Vercelli in northern Piedmont, Varallo is a small mountain town set in a wild, remote region known for adventure sports; black skiing, rafting, canyoning, and fishing.
Famous for its pilgrimage site, the Sacro Monte, and the Sesia river which heads spectacularly north to the foot of the Monte Rosa (the second highest mountain in the Alps), there are plenty of incredible opportunities for sightseeing in this charming town on the Italian Alps.
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Palermo has a rich history as being the most conquered city in the world; the regional capital of Sicily has seen close to 15 ruling bodies throughout its history, including: Phoenicians, Arabs, Aragons, Romans and Spaniards (just to name a few).
This diverse cultural experience is what draws so many tourists to this part of Sicily year after year. In Old Town alone, you will find hundreds of historical relics, structures and traditions, all part of a cultural diversity that the city retains.
A good example of this is the bustling street markets that first emerged during Arab rule, thousands of years ago. While these street markets are often in the dilapidated and neglected areas of town, there are four that are very important for anyone traveling to Palermo to see in person.
The following are reasons to explore the historic street markets of Palermo. These are Vucciria, Capo, Borgo Vecchio and Ballaro.
Read MoreAbout Me
I am Megan Jerrard, professional travel blogger/journalist with a focus on adventure, discovery, immersion and inspiring you to explore!
