Today we landed in the magical city of Venice! There’s truly no better way to begin an Italian adventure than by taking a boat taxi from the airport directly to our hotel. Gliding across the lagoon with the city rising up before us is always a breathtaking way to start the journey. This evening, our group gathered for a welcome toast and our first dinner together. We dined at a quaint, family-owned restaurant that has become a tradition for us on this tour. Tonight, we were treated to a delicious four-course meal, showcasing the warmth and hospitality of true Italian[…]
Tag: Italian Wine
Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
I began the day early, eager to experience Bologna before it fully woke up. The morning light slipped through the endless porticoes, illuminating cobblestone streets and quiet corners. I ducked into Caffè Terzi near Via Oberdan for a perfect espresso and a warm, flaky cornetto. The atmosphere was calm—just me, the barista, and the gentle clink of ceramic cups. Wandering into Piazza Maggiore, I found myself in the city’s beating heart. The massive Basilica di San Petronio stood solemn and powerful, its unfinished facade somehow adding to its charm. Inside, I paused at the famous meridian line running across the[…]
Italian Indulgence: A Day in Bologna, Modena and La Croce
From June 20th. The tour became very busy so I have been a little delayed in my posting. The journaling continued but I enjoyed my evenings with my friends and my family were in town on the tour. Please pardon the delay in posts. Morning: Bologna to Modena – Cheese Dreams Begin We left Bologna early this morning with the golden light just brushing the rooftops, heading toward Modena. The drive itself was scenic — fields dotted with hay bales, and those romantic rows of poplars swaying in the breeze. Our destination? A Parmigiano Reggiano factory just outside the city.[…]
Day in Asolo & the Prosecco Hills: Following in the Footsteps of Genius
This morning began with a gentle awakening in the hilltop village of Asolo, often dubbed “The Pearl of the Province of Treviso.” And after today, I can see why so many artists, poets, and dreamers have been drawn to this serene perch above the Veneto plains. We met our Tour Manager for a leisurely orientation walk, winding through Asolo’s cobbled streets and sun-dappled piazzas. There’s a quiet magic here—breezes that carry whispers of history, stone buildings that seem to lean in close to share secrets. As we wandered, we learned of Ernest Hemingway, who sought refuge here; Robert Browning, who[…]
Treviso, Verona & Venice
The day began with a peaceful walking tour of Treviso, affectionately known as the “Venice on the Mainland.” As we wandered its quiet streets, we admired gothic-style windows, delicate marble latticework, and the gentle flow of the Sile and Botteniga rivers—elements that echoed the elegance of its island cousin, Venice. Following the guided tour, we had time to explore Treviso at our own pace. I browsed through the lively weekly market full of colorful vegetables and housewares, then wandered along the Canale dei Buranelli. Nearby, the centuries-old pescheria—Treviso’s fish market—offered a vivid glimpse of local life. For lunch, I sampled[…]
A Day in a Postcard: My Journey Through Cinque Terre and Tuscany
Cinque Terre coastal villages and San Gimignano day trip This morning, I woke up to the kind of anticipation that only travel can bring—the promise of something breathtaking just around the corner. Today was about Cinque Terre and the Tuscan hills, two names that had danced in my imagination for years. I was finally about to live the postcard. We began our adventure by weaving our way through the hills, eventually arriving at the rugged coast where the Cinque Terre National Park clings dramatically to the cliffs. From the moment I saw the first village perched above the Mediterranean, I[…]
From Coastal Magic to Tuscan Flavor
Today felt like I stepped straight into a postcard. We spent the day exploring the enchanting Cinque Terre, a cluster of storybook villages tucked between the mountains and the sea. Nearly impossible to reach by car, we glided along the rails and cruised by boat, weaving past dramatic cliffs, terraced vineyards, and panoramic views that barely seemed real. With a local guide leading the way, we wandered through narrow alleyways lined with colorful homes and listened to fascinating stories about the region’s past. Each village felt like its own little world—quiet, charming, and completely unforgettable. It’s no wonder this area[…]
Day 5 & 6 Day in Pisa: Marble Marvels, Leaning Legends, and Tuscan Tables
This morning began with a golden Sunrise Over the Piazza dei Miracoli, the warm Tuscan light casting long shadows across one of Italy’s most iconic squares. The air was crisp, the sky cloudless—perfect for wandering among centuries-old wonders. I set off, camera in hand (and pink bunny in tow—Rosie’s travel gift to me, always perched proudly on my shoulder or peeking from my backpack). We started by Capturing the Icon: Leaning Tower of Pisa—a moment that never feels cliché, no matter how many times you’ve seen it in photos. The tower’s tilt still feels delightfully improbable, like a marble trick[…]
Two Paths, One Incredible Day in Tuscany – Montecatini Terme
Some of us opted to stay close to our Tuscan home base and dive into the elegant charm of Montecatini Terme, a town famed for its healing waters and Belle Époque style. With our guide leading the way, we wandered the streets on a half-day walking tour, learning about Montecatini’s rise as a 19th-century wellness destination. The highlight? A visit to the historic Tettuccio Spa, a masterpiece of architecture and serenity. Built in the late 1700s and frequented by royalty, writers, and composers, the spa still flows with mineral-rich waters that are said to aid digestion and overall health. Whether[…]
A Hidden Gem in Tuscany: Exploring Lucca
After a warm Tuscan sunrise and a hearty Italian breakfast, we set off on a day that felt like walking through the pages of a Renaissance novel. First stop? Lucca – Tuscany’s best-kept secret and a city that knows how to charm without trying too hard. Walking Lucca’s perfectly preserved Renaissance walls, we were surrounded by panoramic views and a calm energy unlike any other city in Italy. The Romanesque churches stand like time capsules, quietly guarding centuries of stories. We strolled the medieval streets, flanked by towers and lined with shops, trattorias, and timeless beauty. There was time to[…]