What to see in Turin is a difficult decision with so many epic sites in this robust, historic, and friendly Italian city. And, although typically underrated as a tourist’s destination of what to see on a whirlwind trip through Italy, it’s undeniably one of the country’s finest cities. Filled with old world architecture, history, and […]
Strolling the streets and passageways of our favorite hill towns of Tuscany gives one the sense of historic wonder and present-day commercialism at the same time. It is an astounding feeling to realize that you are standing on cobblestone streets that were chiseled out and carefully placed by workers centuries ago while peering in windows […]
On a recent trip to one of the top travel destinations in the world, Italy, Ron and I finally realized one of my dreams, hiking in Cinque Terre. We spent three days on Italy’s Ligurian coastline in Cinque Terre National Park. I share our adventure in the following article as a guest writer for one of our […]
What is it about Florence (or Firenze) and the Italian Renaissance that keeps calling us back? Even when our travel agenda is not targeted on Italy, we still make it back to that country because we look forward to going to Florence. Getting off the train at the Santa Maria Novella train station, we felt […]
Italy’s Cinque Terre on it’s Ligurian coast has been on our travel radar for several years. Touted as having spectacular beaches and challenging hiking trails, we decided we really should see it for ourselves. This spring when we were in Turin (an overlooked but phenomenal city at the base of the Italian Alps), we hopped a […]
On our recent trip to Italy, we had the good fortune of touring several towns on a tour through Tuscany with Walks of Italy. Upon our return, Shelli penned the following article, which was published 11/15/2017 at My Itchy Travel Feet. Here is an excerpt: “Learning about secret tunnels in the heart of Florence . […]
Several years ago, Shelli and I became acquainted with Walks of Italy, one of the premier tour companies available today. We have toured with them many times throughout Europe, and have always found them to be professional, knowledgeable, and fun. Last year, Loredana from Walks introduced us to the Pineli family, and Fontanaro Organic Farms, in […]
Umbria: A Family Escape in the Heart of Italy If you’ve ever wanted to discover the heart and soul of Italy outside of its splendid cities, a family escape in Umbria is for you. Like its more famous neighbor, Tuscany, this agricultural region of central Italy is also dotted with Etruscan ruins, iconic hillside villages, […]
Shelli and I just returned from a wonderful trip to Paris and the Umbria and Tuscany areas of Italy. We slow cooked at Il Fontanaro, and had a wonderful Tuscany Tour with Walks of Italy. Mark Twain said: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely…” We […]
What do drinking games, dancing young people, and Pope Francis have in common? The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy. When we visit Rome our go to hotel is the Mecenata Palace Hotel which is located atop Esquiline Hill. The hotel is directly across the street from the Basilica, and our requested room […]
Venice is one unique city. Busy canals filled with gondolas and water taxis. The Byzantine design adds mystique to this affluent and prestigious community. St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice is, by far, one of the most revered buildings in the city. This elegant structure symbolizes Venetian wealth, prestige, and power, and continues to be a […]
Throughout the ages man has run into barriers and overcome them. Whether we walk, ride a bike, drive a car, bus, or motorcycle, water is a barrier that impedes our progress. Jesus may have walked on it, and Moses spread it, but most of us need a way to cross over it. I can’t tell […]
The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy. However, if you want to do more than just scratch the surface, take a few thousand pictures, and be completely overwhelmed at the sight of so many famous masterpieces, consider scheduling a guided Vatican Tour. WHY HIRE […]
Ever since I watched one of Rick Steve’s programs on Italy and he talked about climbing the dome in Florence, Italy, I decided it was something that I wanted to do. Before his program, I didn’t even know that it was something that people could do. While in Florence, I got the chance. Florence has the […]
I’ve always heard that travel expands our horizons. I believe that’s true. Travel makes us appreciate what we have. It allows us to learn about traditions and lifestyles different from our own. We get to see spectacular landscapes, historical landmarks, and inspiring architectures that we’ve only read about. But, as soon as you get off […]
Everyone should have the opportunity to visit Switzerland at least once while traveling the Alps! It’s sure to be one of the best experiences of a lifetime! My family and I had our first opportunity to hike, climb, explore, and take in the spectacular beauty of the Swiss Alps. This was one of the places I’ve […]