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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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Visit the leather school when in Florence, Italy - ouritalianjourney.com
Central Italy General Info Italy

Not To Be Missed: Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School) Florence

Florence, where art and craftsmanship merge seamlessly, is home to one of its most remarkable treasures—the Scuola del Cuoio. Nestled within the historic Monastery of Santa Croce, this iconic leather school offers a window into the past. Visiting here is …

Updated on March 17, 2025March 17, 20250 Comment on Not To Be Missed: Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School) Florence
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Use money belts for traveling - ouritalianjourney.com
Travel Travel Tips

Being Travel Savvy- Do Money Belts Keep Valuables Safe?

Peace of mind is a crucial ingredient for a fantastic trip to Italy- or any location. While you’re busy soaking up new cultures and creating lasting memories, the last thing you want to worry about is the safety of your …

Updated on March 24, 2025March 13, 20256 Comments on Being Travel Savvy- Do Money Belts Keep Valuables Safe?
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Montepulciano in Tuscany. A great day trip when in Italy. ouritlianjourney.com
Central Italy Italy

Montepulciano | Amazing Town in Tuscany Worth Visiting

Approaching Montepulciano is like watching a postcard come to life. As the rolling Tuscan hills give way to a skyline crowned with medieval towers and rooftops, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of anticipation. For us, Montepulciano is more …

March 4, 2025March 4, 20252 Comments on Montepulciano | Amazing Town in Tuscany Worth Visiting
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Italy versus USA when it comes to food. Interesting facts that might surprise you. ouritalianjourney.com
Food Italy

Eating in Italy Versus USA: Why do I Feel Better?

Itay versus USA is today’s topic. Many travelers return from Italy and talk about how good they felt after every meal, even while indulging in pasta, bread, and desserts daily. In fact, our youngest daughter, who’s lactose intolerant, has issues …

Updated on March 27, 2025February 27, 20250 Comment on Eating in Italy Versus USA: Why do I Feel Better?
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Tabaccherias are an important part of every day life in Italy - ouritalianjourney.com
General Info Italy

Do You Know Why Tabaccherias Are Essential In Italy?

Tabaccherias in Italy are like stepping into a slice of Italian culture. These humble establishments, known as tabacchi, are more than just places to buy cigarettes. They are hubs of convenience and tradition, offering a mix of products and services …

Updated on March 13, 2025February 20, 20258 Comments on Do You Know Why Tabaccherias Are Essential In Italy?
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We advise The 8 Best winter activities in Italy, ouritalianjourney.com
Italy

The Best Winter Activities to Experience in Italy

It’s a season of magic and wonder with winter activities in Italy. From snow-covered Alps to festive markets, explore Italy’s ultimate winter wonderland during the “off-season.” Visiting Italy during the winter has many advantages, such as smaller crowds, budget-friendly prices, …

February 13, 2025December 26, 20244 Comments on The Best Winter Activities to Experience in Italy
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Carnavale in Viareggio is a must-see event in February/March. We have the information you need to visit - ouritalianjourney.com
General Info

Carnivale in Viareggio: Fun and Amazing Artistic Expression

Nestled along Tuscany’s Versilia coastline, Viareggio is a vibrant seaside town known for its stunning beaches, Art Nouveau architecture, and, most famously, its extravagant Carnivale celebrations. Every February, this picturesque town transforms into a sea of color, creativity, and festivities, …

February 6, 2025January 19, 20254 Comments on Carnivale in Viareggio: Fun and Amazing Artistic Expression
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Interesting and fun facts quiz about Italy. - ouritalianjourney.com
Italy Quiz

14 Random Interesting and Fun Facts about Italy Quiz

Here is our interesting and fun facts quiz that will get you thinking. We enjoy the comments when we publish these quizzes and enjoy knowing how you scored. I think some of these are pretty difficult – but we shall …

Updated on January 30, 2025January 30, 20252 Comments on 14 Random Interesting and Fun Facts about Italy Quiz
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what to wear when packing for the seasons in Italy. ouritalianjourney.com
Italy Travel Tips

What to Wear: The Ultimate Italian Packing Guide by Season

Wondering what to wear and pack for your next trip to Italy? Italy’s charm isn’t just in its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, or mouthwatering cuisine—it’s also in how Italians seem to effortlessly exude style. Packing for a trip to Italy …

Updated on March 24, 2025January 23, 20254 Comments on What to Wear: The Ultimate Italian Packing Guide by Season
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The incredible town of Assisi - ouritalianjourney.com
Central Italy Italy

Assisi, Italy | Enjoy the Beauty, Magic & History

Assisi is a hill town and comune located in the Province of Perugia in the Umbria region in central Italy. You can see exactly where it is located by clicking here  This special town was the birthplace of one of …

Updated on January 14, 2025January 14, 20255 Comments on Assisi, Italy | Enjoy the Beauty, Magic & History
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Milan's new outdoor smoking ban, do you know the restrictions? ouritalianjourney.com
General Info Italy Northern Italy Travel Tips

Will Milan’s New Outdoor Smoking Ban Work?

Headline: Milan’s new outdoor smoking ban begins January 1st, 2025. City authorities say the goal is to improve air quality and clamp down on secondhand smoke. We’ve seen Italy try to impose things before… such as the day tax for …

January 9, 2025December 29, 20242 Comments on Will Milan’s New Outdoor Smoking Ban Work?
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Stunning San Miniato - ouritalianjourney.com
Central Italy General Info Italy

San Miniato Church | Highest Point in Florence, Italy

  San Miniato Church San Miniato Church is decorated with green and white marble in geometric patterns. These patterns are similar to the facades of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce. A 12th-century mosaic decorates the facade over a central …

Updated on January 2, 2025January 2, 202518 Comments on San Miniato Church | Highest Point in Florence, Italy
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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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