Introduction to Italy The tenth-largest country in Europe; Italy reaches into the central Mediterranean and includes the islands Sardinia and Sicily. Before Italy became a nation-state in 1861, the country was divided into city-states. Those political divisions may no longer exist but they are still present culturally. One will find a long-standing rivalry between Florence and Siena, for ... Read Full Article
Seeking Sanctuary on Borgo Santissimi Apostoli, Florence
It’s late spring, unseasonably hot, and I’m amidst the clamoring crowds walking toward Ponte Vecchio on via Por Santa Maria. It’s dusk, and for some reason the sun seems to strike more intensly upon setting in the western sky. I need a refuge. Instead of following the map-wielding, chatty crowds, I take a right on Borgo Santissimi Apostoli for sanctuary. It’s dark and quiet—and, best of all, ... Read Full Article
Viareggio, Italy—A Cooling Escape from Florence
It is July and you are staying in Florence for a week. You rush from museum to cool museum to escape the suffocating heat. The open piazzas are the worst. By 2pm you give up and retreat to your air-conditioned hotel room, where you settle in with a book and occasionally look out the window at the bright blue sky, wondering why this is a vacation. You could spend the dog days of summer like this ... Read Full Article
Musings on Via dei Cimatori in Florence
It is just before noon on a bright and clear Wednesday afternoon, and I am on the hunt for a new street. Crossing Piazza della Repubblica with five potentials scrawled on an index card, I suddenly realize I need lunch—and fast. I have only so much time so I need a spot quick and delicious. I know just the place: the panino/wine bar in the wall, I Fratellini (38/r), on via dei Cimatori. I stand ... Read Full Article
Eze—The Peak of the Cote d’ Azur
Nice may have its boardwalk along the deep blue sea and Monaco its glitzy casinos, but in between, perched high on a rocky outcrop, is the ancient village Èze. No place along the Cote d' Azur can match the views from this enchanting site over the sea. To get there from Nice, simply take bus #112 from Gare Routiere, the central bus station. For the price of 1 euro, this journey takes you along a ... Read Full Article
Frugal Guide to Fantastic Nice, France
The moment you step onto the Promenade des Anglais and witness the vista of aquamarine sea, white foam, striped umbrellas, and the surrounding leafy green hills, you will immediately understand the appeal Nice has had for centuries. Yes, there are the charming, winding narrow streets of the Old Town and the boutiques, the daily markets, and patisserie—but the view from the boardwalk of Nice is a ... Read Full Article
A Peek into Florence’s Backstreet Humanity
It is a very ordinary street in Florence, via Sant’Agostino. Some may say it’s dirty, or even unpleasant. Graffiti is scrawled on nearly every wall, outdated posters look like they’ve been scratched at, and the stones on the street could use some repair. Cars and bikes roar past on their way from via Romana to via de’ Serragli as if they can’t get through fast enough. And people on the sidewalks ... Read Full Article
Day Trips to the Mountains of Trento, Italy
Whether it’s skiing on Monte Bondone in January or swimming in the aquamarine lakes of Monte Terlago in June—there are countless ways to take in the majestic wonder of the mountains near Trento in Northern Italy. If you’re staying down in the city center, consider the following day trips up to these breathtaking sights. Here is a short activity guide, arranged by season, for your trip to ... Read Full Article
Visit the Sights in Trento, Italy
While many travelers to Italy are very happy to stroll the streets of Florence, get lost in the maze of Venice, or tour the ruins in Rome, those who want to explore a beautiful, lesser-traveled region of Italy would do well to visit Trento. Nestled in the Adige river valley and surrounded by the Dolomite mountain range in the lower Alps, this city offers visitors a fascinating mix of Italian and ... Read Full Article
Christmas Markets in Florence
As the skies darken in Italy in the first week of December, the holiday lights of Florence sparkle up the night. Draped over the city streets like curtains of candlelight, the lights create a strangely intimate impression. Every year, a large Christmas tree reigns in the center of town at the Piazza della Repubblica, and churches proudly display their presepio, or nativity scene. During the ... Read Full Article