So… You’re booked and ready to travel… are you thinking, “Should I rent a car?” Read on and perhaps we can help you decide whether you should. My purpose in this post is to help you decide whether or not …
The Best 3-Day Detailed Itinerary for Rome
Is it possible to find a great 3-day day itinerary for Rome? – you betcha! There are tons of things to see and do in Rome but, you can see the top sites if you plan your time well. As …
Isola d’Elba Restaurant Recommendations
Here are our Isola d’Elba restaurants that you will enjoy! This is the sister venue of Vinarkia in Lucca. Rebecca and Nicola did an outstanding job on this beautiful bar. Sit on the deck and watch the boats pull into …
Santa Zita: Her Special Story In Lucca
Santa Zita, who was born in the town of Monsagrati in 1218, died in Lucca in 1278. She is a religious figure dearest to the people of Lucca. But why? Let me share her special story. During the week of …
Bronze Pig Fountain, Florence, Italy
The Bronze Pig | Florence, Italy The Bronze Pig Fountain or Il Porcellino, as the Italians call him, means “the little pig.” He is located to the side of the Mercato Nuovo in Florence, Italy. You’ve probably walked past …
Complete Itinerary for an Awesome Week in Florence
This post is more than just a suggestive travel itinerary in Florence. To experience this city to its fullest – you only need to step out into the street. And while you’re walking, watch for the wine windows! As one …
Rental Ban Changes the Florence Historic Center
Florence has announced a rental ban on new short-term rentals such as Airbnb’s in the Renaissance historic center. Were you aware? This crackdown is an attempt to make more homes available for locals. Rental Ban in Florence As one of …
Forte dei Marmi in Tuscany: Lavish, Glamorous, and Enticing
Forte dei Marmi is a seaside town in Italy known for its beaches and high-end shopping. Recently, I had the opportunity with two different adventures to discover the shopping component, as well as, the lovely beach. The town has a …
The Island of Elba: Our First Adventure to Tuscany’s Treasure
I wasn’t sure what to expect when disembarking the ferry on Isola d’Elba in June. What I am sure about is Napoleon would never recognize it today. Definitely more congested than when the emperor was exiled to the island in …
Lucca Comic & Games 2022 | Big Invasion
The Lucca Comic & Games event takes place every year between the end of October and the beginning of November. Lucca’s event It is the second largest of its kind with Tokoyo, the event is called “Comiket” being number one. …
Leaning Tower of Pisa: The Amazing Climb
The Leaning Tower of Pisa The Leaning Tower of Pisa is iconic and easily recognizable when in this town, or even just passing on the train or roadway. All the times we’ve visited the Field of Dreams as it’s called, …
Puccini is Found Everywhere in Lucca
It’s July and the beginning of the 2022 Puccini Festival in Italy! Opera Gary and I have had the pleasure of attending several operas in Italy, but all of them have been by composer Giuseppe Verdi. To date, we’ve seen …