The Uffizi Gallery Museum is famous worldwide for its outstanding collections of ancient sculptures and paintings. Did you know, the Uffizi is home to some of the most important works of the Renaissance? These include masterpieces by Giotto, Filippo Lippi, …
Top 12 Important Things Before Traveling Overseas
Important Things Before Traveling & Travel Tips We have put together what we feel are the top 12 important things to do before traveling overseas. There are many lists out there for travel suggestions; things to do before and what …
Relaunching the Beautiful Carmine, Lucca
The Mercato del Carmine The Mercato del Carmine, once the church of Santa Maria del Carmine, is a historic building located in the center of Lucca. Its raw beauty captured me from the moment I walked into the cold, empty space. I …
Get Lost in the Boboli Gardens | Florence
Boboli Gardens The Boboli Gardens were designed by Niccolo Tribolo who died one year after starting the gardens. Bartolommeo Ammanati, Bernardo Buontalenti, and Giorgio Vasari completed the gardens according to plan. The name came from the hill, Boboli, in which …
Lights & Holiday Spirit in Italy
Christmas lights always signify to me the beginning of the holiday season. They are beautifully strung around trees and even up the trunk of palm trees back in the States. But there is something special about lights in Italy. Each …
Devil’s Bridge | Interesting Tuscan Legends
Devil’s Bridge (Ponte del Diavolo) |Borgo a Mozzano Recently, Gary and I explored the Devil’s Bridge or Ponte del Diavolo – the main attraction in the town of Borgo a Mozzano. A quick 20-minute train trip from Lucca along with …
The Walls “Le Mura” Make Lucca Special
“Le Mura” The first thing you see as you near the city center in Lucca is the outer wall or Le Mura. Whether you arrive by train, bus, or car it is there right in front of you. To enter …
Visit The Bargello National Museum | Florence
The Bargello National Museum The Bargello Museum is located in the Palazzo del Bargello and is one of the oldest buildings in Florence dating back to 1255. Initially, the building was the headquarters of the Captain of the People, Capitano del Popolo, and later …
The Field of Miracles in Pisa | Wonder of the World
The Field of Miracles in Pisa, Italy The Field of Miracles is the most popular attraction in Pisa and one of the most famous places in the world. This walled 8.87-hectare area (22 acres) consists of The Leaning Tower, the …
Going to the Cinema | First Time in Italy
Our first time at the cinema in Italy! What a treat it was to experience going to the movies in Lucca! When I saw a notification in one of our Facebook groups that “No Time to Die” was being shown …
Tempranillo Wine Festival – Dinner in a Vineyard!
The tempranillo grape is a lesser-known grape in all the grapes found in Spain. It is also an important grape for Spanish winemakers as creates an integral part of some of the most popular blends. But why am I talking …
Cathedral San Martino | Something Special in Lucca
San Martino We’ve visited San Martino several times, but each time Gary and I notice more and more. Isn’t that the way it usually happens? The first time you go into a museum or church, you usually pick up the …