I’m standing on a rooftop near the Spanish Steps, a Negroni in hand, watching the late afternoon light turn St. Peter’s dome a shade of gold I’ve only ever seen in paintings. Rome from above is a different city — quieter, more intimate, with the chaos of the streets replaced by a sea of terracotta rooftops and church domes. The city has over 20 notable rooftop bars and restaurants, many of them seasonal from April through October, and choosing the
From the moment we arrived, Italy felt like a breath of fresh air after a long winter in Boston. This trip, focused on Italy, was inspired by a desire for both stunning scenery and the chance to explore a region rich in history and natural beauty. We decided to spend our time around Lake Como, a destination that promised just that, and it certainly delivered. Springtime Awakening Around the Lake Visiting in early April, we were greeted by the gentle
The Italian Riviera’s Cinque Terre offers an unforgettable hiking experience, weaving through five distinct villages perched precariously along the rugged coastline. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its colorful, terraced buildings that seem to tumble down towards the Ligurian Sea, creating a breathtaking panorama. Planning a visit involves understanding the unique transit options, trail conditions, and the best ways to soak in the essence of this special corner of Italy. From the moment you arrive, the sheer beauty
As a frequent traveler from Boston, I’ve learned that sometimes the most rewarding journeys begin by exploring regions just outside the most famous cities. Italy, with its undeniable draw, is a perfect example. While Rome itself is a marvel, its central location offers a gateway to a diverse array of experiences, from ancient ruins and stunning coastlines to rolling vineyards and charming medieval towns. This past year, I discovered just how much there is to explore within easy reach of
Milan, or Milano as the locals call it, is a city that truly captivates. As the second-largest Italian city, it offers an incredible blend of history, fashion, art, and a food scene that’s second to none in Europe. I recently spent several days exploring its avenues and hidden corners, and I’m excited to share some key insights that will help you make the most of your first visit to this Northern Italian jewel. Getting Your Bearings in Milano Milan is
Stepping onto the ferry, the shimmering expanse of Lake Como unfurled before me like an impossibly blue ribbon. Even the brisk spring air couldn’t entirely shake the feeling of having arrived somewhere truly special. Imagine trading the familiar hum of Boston for the gentle lapping of water against ancient stone, and the constant to-do list for the promise of gelato and breathtaking vistas. This Italian dream is more accessible than you might think. Exploring Lakeside Charm Como The Gathering Place
Milan unfolds as a city of captivating contrasts, where centuries of history blend seamlessly with an undeniable modern energy. From the intricate spires of its magnificent cathedral to the timeless allure of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous fresco, there’s an overwhelming sense of artistry and design that permeates every corner. It’s a place that truly lives up to its reputation as Italy’s fashion capital, but also offers so much more for any curious traveler seeking culture, beauty, and a touch
The Amalfi Coast is a truly extraordinary stretch of Italian coastline, a place where dramatic cliffs meet the sea in a spectacular display of nature’s artistry. This 30-mile expanse on the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, delicious food, and impossibly charming fishing villages. Each town seems to offer its own unique character, yet all share a common thread of spellbinding scenery: towering cliffs, secluded coves, terraced vineyards, fragrant lemon groves, and the deep,
The Amalfi Coast is a place that truly defies belief. When I first saw Positano, with its impossibly colorful houses clinging to the steep hillsides overlooking the shimmering sea, I felt a sense of wonder I hadn’t experienced since childhood. The majolica dome of Santa Maria Assunta, catching the sunlight, made it feel like a scene from a dream. This legendary coastline has inspired myths and captivated visitors for centuries, from tales of Hercules and the nymph Amalfi to its
Florence is a city that truly lives up to its reputation, offering so much more than just its iconic landmarks. While the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and Michelangelo’s David are absolutely must-sees and beautifully concentrated within a short walking distance, the real magic lies in wandering its narrow streets. You’ll discover countless treasures, from culinary delights to artistic marvels and simply wonderful human encounters, all contributing to Florence’s vibrant, living personality. Exploring Florence’s Heart When you first arrive, it’s easy
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On Via della Chiesa 29R in the Oltrarno, Ginevra Gemmi works in the studio where she was born — handcrafting jewelry without moulds or reproductions, in gold, silver, bronze, and natural stones, on a street she grew up on. That kind of continuity isn’t rare in this district. Bottega Conti has been producing traditional paper marbling since 1786. Some furniture restorers on Via Maggio work in the same rooms their grandparents occupied decades earlier. The Oltrarno’s artisan identity didn’t develop to serve tourists — it predates the tourism industry entirely, and that sequence matters for understanding what you’re actually
On Via della Chiesa 29R in the Oltrarno, Ginevra Gemmi works in the studio where she was born — handcrafting jewelry without moulds or reproductions, in gold, silver, bronze, and natural stones, on a street she grew up on. That kind of continuity isn’t rare in this district. Bottega Conti has been producing traditional paper marbling since 1786. Some furniture restorers on Via Maggio work in the same rooms their grandparents occupied decades earlier. The Oltrarno’s artisan identity didn’t develop to serve tourists — it predates the tourism industry entirely, and that sequence matters for understanding what you’re actually
Walk into Cavalli e Nastri on a Tuesday morning in Brera and you’re surrounded by silk Pucci prints from the 1960s and Versace jersey from the 1980s, each piece tagged and documented. This isn’t a thrift store in the conventional sense — it’s a deliberate archive, and the price tags make that obvious. What separates Milan’s vintage scene from most European cities is that access to fashion-industry supply chains is built into the city’s fabric. According to Milan Tourism, fashion houses regularly pass samples and archive pieces to dealers they’ve worked with for years, while wealthy Milanese residents direct
I was driving the SS163 Amalfitana, the road that snakes along the coast between Positano and Amalfi, when I passed a bridge and caught a flash of blue below. I pulled over where I could, walked back, and looked down — a narrow gorge dropped straight into the sea, with a tiny pebble beach at the bottom. That’s how I found Furore’s fjord, a place I’d read about but wasn’t prepared for the scale of it. The SS163 bridge crosses 30 metres above the water — and most people drive right over it without stopping. – thewomtravel.com Emily’s Take
I stood on the pebbles of Fornillo Beach at 5:45 AM, the sun not yet over the cliffs, and watched the water turn from grey to gold. No one else was there except a fisherman checking his boat. That moment alone made the early alarm worth it. Fornillo is Positano’s second beach, reachable by a 300-meter cliffside path, and it’s about 30% less crowded than the main Spiaggia Grande, according to local guides. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy Positano’s coastline without the chaos, this is it. Fornillo Beach sees roughly 30% fewer visitors than Positano’s main
I stepped off the bus onto the SS163 and the first thing I registered was the smell. Not the floral perfume of lemons that hangs over most of the Amalfi Coast. Something saltier. Sharper. Anchovies. Cetara makes no apologies for what it is — a working fishing village where colatura di alici has been pressed from fermented anchovies for centuries. In 2020, that amber liquid earned EU protected designation of origin status, legally tying it to this single stretch of coastline. Colatura di alici di Cetara is the liquid from fermenting salted anchovies in wooden barrels (terzigni), legally protected
