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Award-winning Our Italian Journey blog about Italy, ouritalianjourney.com
  • HOME
  • Blog
  • Italy
    • Dual Citizenship
    • Explore Northern Regions
    • Explore Central Regions
    • Explore Southern Regions
    • Quiz
    • Places to Stay
    • Tour Guide Recommendations
    • Past Adventures
      • One-Year Adventure
      • 2017 90-Day Adv | Florence
      • 2016 90-Day Adventure | Parma
      • 2012 Amazing Adventure Through Italy
      • 2010 Adventure – Amazing Through Italy
  • Travel
    • General Tips
    • Travel Tips
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Ireland
      • Portugal
  • Food
    • Recipes
    • Restaurant Recommendations
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Interviews: Ilene & Gary
    • People We Like
  • Store
    • Explore Our Collection…
    • Favorite Travel Tools
    • Books
      • Author Bios
      • Color Photos
      • FAQ
      • Media Kit
      • Reviews and Testimonials
  • Contact
Award-winning Our Italian Journey blog about Italy, ouritalianjourney.com
  • HOME
  • Blog
  • Italy
    • Dual Citizenship
    • Explore Northern Regions
    • Explore Central Regions
    • Explore Southern Regions
    • Quiz
    • Places to Stay
    • Tour Guide Recommendations
    • Past Adventures
      • One-Year Adventure
      • 2017 90-Day Adv | Florence
      • 2016 90-Day Adventure | Parma
      • 2012 Amazing Adventure Through Italy
      • 2010 Adventure – Amazing Through Italy
  • Travel
    • General Tips
    • Travel Tips
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Ireland
      • Portugal
  • Food
    • Recipes
    • Restaurant Recommendations
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Interviews: Ilene & Gary
    • People We Like
  • Store
    • Explore Our Collection…
    • Favorite Travel Tools
    • Books
      • Author Bios
      • Color Photos
      • FAQ
      • Media Kit
      • Reviews and Testimonials
  • Contact
We've been featured on BizWeekly.com - ouritalianjourney.com

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Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your very first trip to Italy, our blog is your passport to unlocking the hidden gems, cultural treasures, and unforgettable adventures.

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Lemon ricotta cheesecake is amazing, ouritalianjourney.com
Food Recipes

Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake

This lemon ricotta cheesecake is so good that I make it more often than I probably should! It’s very light and not too lemony (is that a word?) This is a must-try recipe that you won’t be disappointed. Let me know …

Updated on June 8, 2025June 8, 20252 Comments on Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake
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Our tips on Retirement travel and solo travel in Italy - ouritalianjourney.com
General Info Italy Travel

Retirement Travel in Italy: Valuable Budget Tips and Ideas

Thinking of retirement travel? Retirement might be the best time to travel—and there’s no place more rewarding to explore than Italy. With more flexibility in your schedule and a lifetime of experience behind you, you can slow down and truly …

June 5, 2025May 26, 20254 Comments on Retirement Travel in Italy: Valuable Budget Tips and Ideas
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Monteriggioni, a hidden gem in Tuscany - ouritalianjourney.com
Central Italy Italy

Discover Monteriggioni |  Learn More About the Hidden Town

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a medieval postcard, Monteriggioni is one of several places you can do just this. This tiny, perfectly preserved walled village in Tuscany feels like a film set—but it’s real and waiting to be …

May 29, 2025March 23, 20252 Comments on Discover Monteriggioni |  Learn More About the Hidden Town
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What is a Spritz and how is it made? This refreshing cocktail is delicious - ouritalianjourney.com
General Info Italy Recipes

What’s a Spritz? How It’s Made & Why Italians Love It

What is a Spritz? This popular apéritif found in Italy and popular in the Spring and Summer because of its refreshing taste. It is low in alcohol, aromatic with citrus, and slightly bitter. It is easy to make and perfect for …

Updated on May 17, 2025May 17, 202511 Comments on What’s a Spritz? How It’s Made & Why Italians Love It
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Our Best of Italy Two-week itinerary to see the most iconic sites and cities - ouritalianjourney.com
Italy Travel Tips

The Best of Italy Two-Week Trip Itinerary

Are you dreaming of an unforgettable two-week trip to Italy but unsure where to start? Here’s the best of Italy’s two-week trip itinerary for you! We see many questions on social media about arriving in a city, and people ask, …

May 15, 2025March 18, 20254 Comments on The Best of Italy Two-Week Trip Itinerary
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The Vasari Corridor was the Medici family's secret passageway that is now open to the public. - ouritalianjourney.com
Central Italy Italy

The Vasari Corridor: The Medici’s Secret Passageway Now Open

For centuries, the Vasari Corridor was one of Florence’s best-kept secrets. The corridor is hidden… yet, it’s in plain sight. It runs above the busy streets and the crowded Ponte Vecchio. Giorgio Vasari built it in 1565 for the Medici …

May 8, 2025March 16, 20252 Comments on The Vasari Corridor: The Medici’s Secret Passageway Now Open
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when in Rome, here are 17 top must-see sites.
Central Italy Italy

17 Amazing Sites to Check Out When in Rome

17 Amazing Rome Sites Rome is a city that never runs out of surprises. Sure, the Colosseum, Vatican, and Trevi Fountain are must-sees, but there’s so much more beyond the usual tourist circuit. Our list of the top 17 sites …

Updated on April 27, 2025April 27, 20255 Comments on 17 Amazing Sites to Check Out When in Rome
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Do you know why and how you pay Italy's tourist tax?
General Info General Tips Italy

Italy’s Tourist Tax: What You Need to Know in 2025

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, be prepared for an extra charge on your accommodation bill—the tourist tax “imposta di soggiorno”. This fee, applied in many cities and towns, helps fund services and infrastructure that benefit locals and visitors. …

Updated on May 23, 2025April 24, 20252 Comments on Italy’s Tourist Tax: What You Need to Know in 2025
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Transportation in Italy, we have a guide to all, ouritalianjourney.com
Italy Travel Travel Tips

Transportation in Italy: How to Get Around

Transportation in Italy is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your trip. How will you navigate this beautiful country? With various options available, choosing the one that best suits your itinerary, travel style, and budget is …

April 17, 2025January 26, 20252 Comments on Transportation in Italy: How to Get Around
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Italian citizenship law 2025 changes - ouritalianjourney.com
Dual Citizenship Italy

NEW Law Changes for Italian Citizenship: Decree-Law No. 36/2025

HOT TOPIC: Italian Citizenship Law 2025 Changes If you’ve been dreaming of reconnecting with your Italian roots through citizenship, you’re not alone. But big changes just arrived. On March 28th, 2025, the Italian government approved the Decree-Law No. 36/2025, introducing …

April 10, 2025April 6, 20252 Comments on NEW Law Changes for Italian Citizenship: Decree-Law No. 36/2025
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What to know about "SSSS" printed on your boarding pass - ouritalianjourney.com
Travel Travel Tips

Decoding “SSSS” on Your Boarding Pass | How to Handle

If you’ve ever noticed “SSSS” on your boarding pass, you might be in for a bit of a delay at security. This unique code stands for “Secondary Security Screening Selection,” meaning you’ve been chosen for additional security checks before your …

April 3, 2025March 24, 20254 Comments on Decoding “SSSS” on Your Boarding Pass | How to Handle
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Understanding the bathrooms in Italy - ouritalianjourney.com
General Info Italy

Bathrooms in Italy- Guiding Your Way to Their Quirkiness

Bathrooms in Italy are a fascinating blend of practicality and quirkiness. While our previous post tackled the essentials, like bidets and public bathroom costs, there’s still much more to discover and explain. Let’s dive into some unique aspects and surprising …

Updated on March 27, 2025March 27, 20258 Comments on Bathrooms in Italy- Guiding Your Way to Their Quirkiness
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Book and blog awards for Ilene and Gary Modica, Our Italian Journey
2025 Reader Ready Top Pick
2021-2024 Best Couples Travel Blog-USA
2024 Reader Ready Recommended Read
2022 Reader Ready Recommended Read
Top 5 Italy Travel Blogs
Top 10 Italy Travel Blogs
Liebster Nomination 2018

Books by Ilene and Gary Modica. Our Italian Journey - ouritalianjourney.com
Ilene and Gary Modica, Our Italian Journey

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Our Italian Journey is now an audiobook, narrated by the authors themselves.

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Archives

Towns visited in Italy: 129
Regions visited in Italy: 16/20
Countries: 9

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Dawn’s Video Review

  • book review for "When Your Heart Finds Its Home" by Ilene and Gary Modica Click to view review

Grazie Mille!

Our first book, “Our Italian Journey,” was written during our year in Italy experiencing the seducing charm of the country. We share a vivid picture of life in Italy in our first-ever book. Let us be your guide to the most beautiful places in Italy. Available on Amazon.

Now this well-received book is an audiobook narrated by us. Please use our referral link for the US to get Audible.

Did you know we now live in Lucca? How we got here is the subject of our second book, “When Your Heart Finds Its Home,” also available on Amazon.

“Tuscany Treasures- A Journey Through 31 Towns” is a guidebook, but not in the traditional sense. Amazon.

Now on Audible!

  • Our Italian Journey is now an audiobook available on Audible Link for USA Audible

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