I pressed my eye to the keyhole at the Priory of the Knights of Malta on Aventine Hill and caught my breath. Through that tiny brass circle, framed perfectly by hedges, stood the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica at the end of a long, manicured corridor. It was just me and that view — no crowd, no queue, no one rushing me along. Rome draws millions of visitors annually, yet moments like this one belong almost exclusively to those who
My first solo trip to Florence felt like stepping into a dream. I arrived with a long list of places to eat, given to me by friends and gathered from endless online research. The city was even more beautiful than I imagined, with narrow cobblestone streets and ancient buildings. I was excited to explore and find the best traditional Florentine food. I thought I had the perfect plan to discover those quiet, special spots that no one else knew about.
This autumn, I found myself drawn to Italy, a country that truly shines when the summer crowds dissipate and a softer light bathes its historic cities and rolling landscapes. Traveling during this season offers a sweet spot of pleasant temperatures, fewer queues, and a chance to connect with places on a much deeper level. It’s the perfect time to explore the rich tapestry of experiences Italy offers, from vibrant cities to tranquil mountain retreats and, of course, its renowned culinary
Glamping offers a unique way to connect with nature without sacrificing comfort. It’s about experiencing the outdoors in accommodations that provide the amenities of a hotel, often in unusual settings. Whether you’re seeking adventure, a romantic escape, or a family vacation, glamping provides an inspiring alternative to traditional camping. Discovering Italy’s Glamping Charm While the world of glamping is vast, Italy presents an especially appealing destination for this blended style of travel. Imagine waking up to the rolling hills of
Italy beckons with its iconic cities and sun-drenched landscapes, but sometimes the real magic lies just off the beaten path. While Florence, Rome, and Venice rightfully earn their place on many travel wish lists, I find myself drawn to the less-trodden corners, places that offer a more authentic slice of Italian life. My recent explorations led me to Bologna, a city that has been gaining buzz, and for good reason. It’s a destination that surprised me with its understated charm
My solo springtime escape to Italy was a last-minute decision, a stark contrast to my usual meticulous planning. After a long winter in Boston, the allure of a spontaneous Italian adventure called. While I’d navigated domestic solo trips before, this felt different—a real test of my self-reliance on foreign soil, a chance to push past my inhibitions about language barriers and not knowing anyone. Exploring Liguria’s Coastal Beauty What I discovered is that in Italy, particularly in the regions I
My first trip to Italy felt like stepping into a dream, thanks in large part to the incredible insights and local connections we received. Planning started months in advance for our early October adventure, focusing on Venice, Florence, Siena, and Rome. We aimed for boutique hotels with historical character, offering cozy lounges and comfortable rooms with great views, knowing that exceptional on-site breakfasts would be key since our days were packed with activities and focused on culinary exploration. Exploring Venice’s
Italy has always held a special place in my imagination, conjuring images of ancient ruins, picturesque coastlines, and mouthwatering cuisine. While iconic spots like Rome and Venice are undeniable draws, my recent exploration of southeastern Sicily revealed a different kind of Italian magic. This region, particularly the Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, offers an incredibly authentic experience that felt like stepping back in time, all while being surprisingly accessible for travelers from the US, especially with new nonstop
Navigating Italy can feel like a delightful maze, filled with incredible sights and experiences. But as a traveler, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons. Understanding some of the local nuances and regulations can save you from unexpected fines and allow you to fully enjoy the beauty and culture of Italy. From historic steps to scenic drives, a little awareness goes a long way in making your
High limestone walls and rugged ridges define the Alta Via 2, a challenging multi-day hike in Italy’s Dolomites that truly tests your limits. If the Alta Via 1 is the scenic grand tour, the Alta Via 2 is its wilder, more demanding sibling, spanning 108 miles from Bressanone in South Tyrol all the way to Feltre. This trek takes you through dramatic landscapes of the Puez-Odle, Sella, Marmolada, and Pale di San Martino ranges, requiring serious experience, endurance, and a
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The Sentiero dei Limoni connects Maiori and Minori with roughly 400–800 stone steps, climbing through terraces where the sfusato amalfitano lemon has been grown for centuries. – Amalfi Outdoor Experience I was standing in the main piazza of Minori, coffee in hand, staring up at the hillside behind the Basilica di Santa Trofimena. Terraced rows of green and yellow climbed the slope in tight lines, held up by dry-stone walls that looked older than the church itself. A few minutes earlier I had asked a local shopkeeper about the lemon groves visible from town. She pointed to a narrow
I first heard about Marina del Cantone from a friend who grew up going to the Sorrento coast long before the influencers arrived. She described it as the place her family went when they wanted to escape the crowds, a little fishing village with a pebbled beach and a pasta dish so good it has its own name. I’d been to Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi, and loved them, but I also felt the strain of the crowds. So when I finally made it to Marina del Cantone, I understood exactly what she meant. Marina del Cantone is a refuge
I stood on the pebble beach at Marina del Cantone, squinting at the water. It was a shade of blue so deep and vivid that I thought my eyes were playing tricks. I pulled out my phone, lined up the shot, and watched the screen turn the color into something flat and ordinary. The water in Nerano simply does not photograph correctly. That’s not a complaint — it’s a challenge. Nerano is a tiny fishing village in the municipality of Massa Lubrense, about 70 km from Naples, tucked between the Amalfi Coast and the Sorrento Peninsula. Nerano is a
Cava de’ Tirreni has reinvented itself. It is no longer just a beach destination. It is a place where people come for the art, the history and the peace.” – Pasquale Schiattarella, local tour guide, via The New York Times I stepped out of the car in Cava de’ Tirreni and the first thing I noticed was the air. Cool, clean, carrying pine instead of salt. After days on the Amalfi Coast, where heat bounces off limestone and the sea breeze is a constant companion, the shift felt immediate. This town sits on the steep slopes of the Lattari
I stood on a terrace carved into rock so steep I had to brace myself with one hand. Below me, the Mediterranean glittered. Beside me, vines twisted out of soil that barely looked deep enough for a houseplant. In August 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization added Amalfi’s terraced farming system to its Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems list — recognizing that these stone-walled plots let people grow food on terrain most would call impossible. – lavocedinewyork.com Emily’s Take Yes, the vineyard terraces of Furore are worth a detour — but only if you’re okay with steep roads, manual
I stood at the edge of the path in Bomerano, looking down at the terraced lemon groves and the sea stretching toward Capri, and I finally understood why they call it the Path of the Gods. The Sentiero degli Dei runs 7.8 km from Bomerano (in the municipality of Agerola) to Nocelle, a hamlet above Positano, and it’s the kind of walk that shifts something in you. Most people start from the other end, but the real magic happens when you go this way. The trail runs 7.8 km from Bomerano (Agerola) to Nocelle, mostly downhill, with views of
