palace

Verona: Stay in a Historic Palace or Boutique Hotel

Verona, a city in Italy’s Veneto region, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and culinary delights, making it an ideal destination for a city break or as part of a broader Italian itinerary. The city is famously known as the setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” with Juliet’s House and its iconic balcony drawing visitors. Beyond its literary connections, Verona shines with its vibrant festival scene, particularly its renowned opera performances. Emily’s Take Verona truly surprised me with its

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Turin’s Royal Palace Has Gardens Like Versailles

Turin, Italy, offers a refined urban experience with a distinct French influence, a legacy of its history as the capital of the Duchy of Savoy and the first capital of unified Italy. The city’s architecture, from royal palaces to grand cafés, reflects this heritage. Turin is the birthplace of vermouth, a fortified wine flavoured with aromatic herbs. You can sense this elegant blend of Italian and French elements in its cultural offerings and culinary traditions. The region surrounding Turin is

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Florence’s Renaissance Palace Becomes IL Tornabuoni Hotel

I stepped out of the Florence train station, pulled my rolling bag over the cobblestones, and within ten minutes I was standing in front of a 13th-century palace that now operates as a hotel. The Palazzo Minerbetti, which once hosted Grand Duke Cosimo de’ Medici III, has been transformed into IL Tornabuoni Hotel, a member of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. It sits on Via de’ Tornabuoni, Florence’s equivalent of Rodeo Drive, and it’s the kind of place that makes

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Turin’s Royal Palace Offers Versailles-Like Gardens

Turin, or Torino as it’s known locally, feels like a whispered secret among Italy’s more famous cities. It offers a refined elegance, a touch of French sophistication mixed with Italian warmth, making it a truly special place to visit. Imagine strolling through grand piazzas and discovering historic cafés, all without the overwhelming crowds. I’ve always been drawn to its unique blend of royal history and contemporary cool. Exploring Royal Turin Turin’s past as the first capital of a unified Italy

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Ravello’s Pink Palace Offers Joyous Color

Life along Italy’s Amalfi Coast unfolds at a wonderfully unhurried pace, inviting long, leisurely meals, refreshing dips in the sea, and evening drinks with incredible views. The landscape is dramatic, with steep cliffs dotted with colorful villages like Positano, known for its winding streets, and Ravello, famous for its sweeping vistas. This region has inspired artists for years, and you can feel that old-world elegance in the air, almost expecting to see a classic movie star strolling by. You’ll find

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