Let’s be honest— what to do with luggage storage when traveling is a big thing. A big headache! Lugging bags around after you’ve checked out of a hotel or while you wait for a train is one of the fastest …
A Day in Siena | 6 Things To Do
A Day in Siena, Italy Spend a day in Siena to experience this compact town. We enjoyed a full day in Siena back in 2012 and then during our 90-day stay in Florence in 2017, we decided to spend several nights …
Luminara of San Ranieri in Pisa: A Complete Guide
The Luminara of San Ranieri Festival in Pisa is an event like few others. Every June 16th at dusk, Pisa dims the lights and lets the candles take over. More than 70,000 of them, to be exact. Carefully placed along …
Italy Train Strike Refund: Here’s What You Need to Know
Is there such a thing as a train strike refund? If you travel to Italy often enough—or even just once—you’ll likely run into the infamous Italian rail strike. It’s a thing. And while they’re usually announced in advance, they can …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …