explore

May in Matera: Explore Ancient Caves and Rock Churches

As spring in Italy paints the landscape with soft colors, a journey into the ancient soul of the Sassi di Matera beckons families and solo travelers alike. Imagine stepping back thousands of years, not into a museum, but a living, breathing ancient city carved into the very rock of southern Italy. May 2026 promises a particularly sweet spot for this UNESCO World Heritage site, offering milder weather and fewer crowds than the height of summer. Emily’s Take Matera’s Sassi offer

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Explore Naples’ Pompeii Treasures Before They Close

You can’t truly visit the ruins of Pompeii without making time for the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. It holds so many incredible pieces that survived the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, giving you a real sense of the lives lived there before everything changed in A.D. 79. Treasures from the Ashes The museum is housed in the grand Palazzo del Mann, a building with its own history, having served as royal cavalry barracks and later the University of Naples. It’s

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Rome in Winter: Beat Crowds and Explore Inside

Rome in winter might sound chilly, but it’s a magical time to visit, especially if you want to avoid huge crowds and enjoy a more local feel. You can actually explore iconic sites like the Colosseum without feeling overwhelmed, and some of the city’s best experiences are perfectly suited for cooler weather. Embrace the Winter Charm in Rome The colder months in Rome, generally from late November through February, bring a unique atmosphere. While temperatures can dip, especially in the

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Explore Turin’s Museo Egizio: Egypt in Italy

You should definitely consider Turin, Italy, for your next trip. It’s home to the Museo Egizio, a museum with an incredible collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, rivaling some of the best in the world. Flights from major US cities like New York JFK can get you there in under nine hours. Visiting in April 2026, as spring is in full bloom, sounds like a wonderful idea. Discovering Egypt in Italy Turin’s Museo Egizio is more than just a museum; it’s

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Explore Italy’s Sila Forests and Giant Pines

You can find a truly authentic slice of Italy tucked away in the heart of Calabria, in a place called Sila. It’s a vast natural area that manages to blend wild, untamed beauty with surprisingly modern visitor facilities, making it a refreshing destination for those looking to step off the beaten path. Imagine dense pine forests that could make you feel a world away from anywhere, coupled with a rich history stretching back to ancient times. This is the kind

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Explore Rome’s Michelin-Starred Restaurants and Hotels

Rome is truly a city that captures your imagination. But beyond that, the city offers an incredible array of dining and hotel experiences, from new places to old favorites that have stood the test of time. Each part of Rome has its own special feel, whether it’s a quiet, authentic corner or a place full of the kind of glamorous style you see in Italian movies. My visits here, whether with Michael or just exploring on my own, always feel

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Explore Italy’s Lombardy for Day Trips

Milan can certainly feel like the center of the universe sometimes, but venturing just a short distance away opens up a whole new world of charming Italian towns and stunning natural landscapes. For me, it’s always about finding those places that offer a little bit of history, a touch of beauty, and a chance to truly disconnect, even just for a day. I’ve found some fantastic spots not too far from the city that are perfect for a getaway, whether

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Explore Rome’s Filming Locations From “Conclave”

Stepping into Rome felt like walking onto a movie set, which I suppose, for part of it, it was. The recent buzz around the film “Conclave” surprisingly led us to explore its filming locations, and what a vibrant city we discovered. While many films use backlots, this one truly embraced the soul of its setting, shooting almost entirely within Rome and the Vatican City. It’s a place where history whispers from every cobblestone and ancient beauty lies around every corner.

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Explore Enchanting Day Trips from Bologna

Bologna serves as a fantastic launching point for exploring the Emilia-Romagna region and beyond. This ancient university city, with its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere, makes for an ideal basecamp. From historical sites to culinary hotspots, there’s a wealth of experiences waiting just a short journey away. Beyond Bologna City Limits While Bologna itself deserves ample time, venturing out reveals even more of Italy’s magic. Some destinations are best accessed by car, especially if you’re aiming for distant locations like

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Bologna: A Guide to Its Delights

Bologna’s porticoes stretch for roughly 40 kilometres, sheltering walkers from sun and rain since the Middle Ages — a practical system that UNESCO recognised as a World Heritage site in 2021. This city of just under 400,000 in northeastern Italy is home to one of the world’s oldest universities, founded in 1088, and for centuries it has attracted hungry travellers dreaming of lasagna, tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini and mortadella. Beneath the spires of the Due Torri — the Two Towers

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