villa

Ravello’s Second Garden Gets a Fraction of Villa Rufolo’s Visitors

I was standing on the Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone, looking out over the Mediterranean, and I could not understand why almost no one else was there. Below me, the coastline stretched toward Positano in a soft haze. Roman-style statues lined the balcony, their stone faces turned toward the same view I was staring at. It felt like a secret, even though it is one of the most famous viewpoints on the Amalfi Coast. Richard Wagner visited Villa Rufolo

Positano’s Hotel Villa Franca Offers Stunning Views

Positano demands attention the moment you arrive. Perched dramatically on the Amalfi Coast, this steep hillside town cascades towards the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. It’s a place defined by its verticality: homes painted in shades of peach, lemon, and rose tumble down cliffs, punctuated by ceramic domes and vibrant bougainvillea. The experience of reaching the main town is a rite of passage, involving a climb up hundreds of steps from the harbor. The sheer scale of Positano’s cliffs is

Hadrian’s Villa: A Roman Emperor’s Grand Estate Near Rome

The legacy of Emperor Hadrian extends far beyond Rome, with his monumental constructions scattering across the ancient empire. Exploring these sites offers a unique journey through history, revealing the breadth of Roman influence and the vision of one of its most prolific builders. Emily’s Take Hadrian’s impact is visible everywhere, from grand villas to fortified walls, showing a consistent, thoughtful approach to building and empire. Hadrian’s Footprints Across the Empire When you think of Roman emperors, Hadrian is often at

Pompeii’s House of the Faun: A Roman Villa Glimpse

Pompeii is an ancient city that captivates millions each year, and it’s easy to see why. Frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, this UNESCO World Heritage site near Naples offers an unparalleled look into Roman daily life. From grand public spaces to private homes, you can walk streets that were once alive with commerce and culture, giving you a tangible connection to the past. Stepping Through Porta Marina As you arrive, Porta Marina is

See Italy’s Lake Maggiore by Boat and Villa

White peacocks roam the terraced gardens of Isola Bella, and from the deck of a lake ferry, their cries carry across the water. That’s the kind of detail that sticks with you on Lake Maggiore — a lake that doesn’t try to out-shout its famous neighbor, Como, but quietly offers something just as good, often for less. Lake Maggiore is Italy’s second-largest lake after Lake Garda, spanning Lombardy, Piedmont, and the Swiss canton of Ticino. – winalist.com I’ve spent plenty

Mandarin Oriental Lake Como: Luxury Villa Meets Italian Lake Bliss

Your Lake Como journey begins with a serene arrival at the Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como, a luxurious embrace on the water’s edge. This grand estate, a restored 19th-century villa in the village of Blevio, offers a distinct sense of history and unparalleled lakeside views. It’s a place where you can truly embrace the Italian concept of “dolce far niente,” the sweetness of doing nothing, but with an air of refined elegance. Discovering Lake Como Splendor The Mandarin Oriental Lago

Villa Cimbrone’s Infinity Terrace: A Cliffside Wonder

On a recent trip, I discovered Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, Italy, and it quickly became a highlight. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Infinity Terrace, offering a view that stops you in your tracks. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to pull out your camera, but also just want to stand and soak it all in. If you’re planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast, this is a destination that truly lives up to the

Villa del Balbianello: See Star Wars and Bond Film Sets

When I first saw that three-arched loggia wrapped in ivy on screen, I figured it had to be a movie set built from scratch. Turns out it’s real — and it’s one of the most-booked spots on Lake Como for good reason. Two major film productions — Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale — used the same terrace, loggia, and gardens, and neither filmed a single scene inside the villa. – villadelbalbianellotours.com Emily’s Take

Villa Cimbrone: Italy’s Infinity Terrace Views

You will find Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, Italy, a stunning place on the Amalfi Coast that feels like stepping back in time. It’s a historic estate with gardens that are truly special, offering amazing views of the sea and the coastline. Lots of American travelers are finding their way here for the incredible scenery and a touch of luxury. I discovered this place while looking for a peaceful spot to visit in April 2026, and it did not disappoint. The

Villa Cimbrone: The Terrace of Infinity’s Magic

I stood on the Terrazza dell’Infinito at Villa Cimbrone, and for a full minute, I forgot to breathe. The stone balustrade, lined with classical marble busts, drops away into a 1,200-foot plunge straight to the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is the kind of view that makes you put your camera down and just stare. Gore Vidal called it the most beautiful in the world, and I am not about to argue with a man who lived on the Amalfi Coast for