CityLove: Free Things to do in Florence

Florence is no doubt one of Italy’s most beautiful places. The capital of the Tuscan region, this city is the birthplace of the Reinassance and boasts stunning works of art and breathtaking architecture. But, after factoring in the cost of a Florence hotel, sipping delicious wine from the region and indulging in some of Italy’sContinue reading “CityLove: Free Things to do in Florence”

#CityLove: Offbeat Attractions in Florence

With roots tied deeply to the Renaissance, Florence, Italy has it all: churches, markets, wine, Italian food … but there is so much more than meets the eye. After you’ve booked your Florence hotel and start the trip planning, (which needs to include spots like the Uffizi Museum and Duomo, for starters), be sure to expand your list. WhileContinue reading “#CityLove: Offbeat Attractions in Florence”

Discovering Ferrari and Pavarotti Land

The birthplace of Lambrusco. Of Ferrari. Of Pavarotti. Of balsamic vinegar. Of magical sunsets dipping down behind ancient walls. This is Emilia Romagna, a stunning region in Italy where charm, history and modern-day life all merge together to create a place that is eponymous with what they imagine the country to offer.

Life in the Ferrari Fast Lane

I climb into the cherry road cockpit of the Ferrari, nervous. “I haven’t been behind the wheel of a car in months,” I explain to my instructor, clad in a jumpsuit the same bright red color as the car, the Ferrari emblem on his chest. He smiles and then leans over the car, showing meContinue reading “Life in the Ferrari Fast Lane”

21 photos from Italy’s Cinque Terre region

Oh, Cinque Terre. With its emerald green tree-topped hills, brightly colored homes crawling up to the sky, steep drops of gray cliffs and a pounding (at times) blue Ligurian Sea, this gorgeous slice of Italian seaside is one of the most renowned — and recognized — places in the world.

History and charm: Riomaggiore’s Alla Marina

We stand outside the cafe, a gorgeous stone terrace with little tables, overlooking the tranquil blue water of the Ligurian Sea (a far cry from the tumultuous experience the day before when attempting to take Cinque Terre’s water ferry). Mom and I stand waiting, our suitcases at our sides, when the owner of Alla MarinaContinue reading “History and charm: Riomaggiore’s Alla Marina”

Hiking in Cinque Terre

Perhaps the one thing Cinque Terre is most known for — other than the pesto, glorious wines and tiny towns — are the paths tying the five Italian villages together. Varying in difficulty and length,  visitors come from the world over, clad in their best gear to experience these world-renowned trails and relish the spectacularContinue reading “Hiking in Cinque Terre”

Photos of Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy is quite a photographers dream. With the sparkling lagoons, tiny car-free lanes, buildings in a state of beautiful erosion, colors, lights, the historic landmarks and buildings … it is hard not to simply see Venice through the lens of a camera versus simply experiencing the UNESCO World Heritage site. Of course, during myContinue reading “Photos of Venice, Italy”

Exploring the Venice beach

Venice, with it small canals, lagoons and tiny islands, is lacking one major thing: a beach. Or, so I used to think. More than a decade after my first visit to this photogenic city, I have one goal in the quick visit this time around with my momma: Visit the Venice beach I had heardContinue reading “Exploring the Venice beach”

Things to do in Venice: Alone in St. Marks Basilica Tour

The thick doors of St. Mark’s Basilica close behind us, shutting us off to the whir and clamor of the throngs of people in Venice and we step into the entryway of the historical and iconic St. Mark’s. Located in Piazzo San Marco and connected to the Doge’s Palace, in the most recognizable city in the worldContinue reading “Things to do in Venice: Alone in St. Marks Basilica Tour”