Nestled on the east coast of the Adriatic between the sea and Slovenia, Trieste is an interesting town that entices travelers with rich history, grand architecture, delicious food, and a vibrant cultural scene. Often overshadowed by its more famous Italian neighbors, Trieste offers a unique blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences from its diverse past, making it an off-the-beaten-path destination. From exploring its elegant Piazzas, to its grand palaces and castles, old Roman ruins, and fresh local cuisine, Trieste promises an unforgettable experience. This post covers the best things to see and do in Trieste Italy. Best Things To See & Do In Trieste Have Coffee At Piazza Unita…

Hiking the world’s most active volcano, Stromboli, which erupts about every 20-minutes, is one of the more exhilarating and unforgettable hiking adventures I’ve experienced. Not only for the excitement of being able to look down into a live volcano, but also become of the amazing views. You must be accompanied by a guide to hike to the peak. Also, depending on volcanic activity, sometimes you can not hike all the way to the peak. Please check with local guides for current conditions. Where Are The Aeolian Islands? The Aeolian islands are a group of volcanic islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea, north of Sicily. These UNESCO listed islands include; Lipari, the…

Pompeii is one of my all-time favorite places. It’s a very sophisticated, 1st century Greco-Roman city preserved for 1,500 years under a thick layer of volcanic ash and rock. It’s one of the world’s top archeological sites. But this ancient city is large, 2 miles (3 km) in circumference, so it’s best to have a plan in advance. I’ve listed the highlights; the best things to see and do while visiting Pompeii, to help plan your trip. The fateful, 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius left us with an amazing view of history, what life was like here almost 2,000 years ago. Pompeii was frozen in time, with bread still…

Rome, one of the world’s top travel destinations, is amazing, with its priceless ancient attractions and archeological treasures, Roman empire history, art, architecture, and world-renowned food, there’s so much to see and do. From the iconic Colosseum, to the ruins of the ancient Roman Forum, the wonders of Vatican city, and more, the Eternal City is an open-air museum. This post covers the highlights of the top things to see and do in Rome. Top Things To See And Do In Rome The following are the top things to see and do in Rome. The Colosseum At the top of the list is the iconic Colosseum. Built in the 1st…

Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, was one of the most powerful maritime republics from the 11th to 18th century and one of the wealthiest cities in the world. The aristocracy here, newly created by lucrative maritime activities, built streets and plazas, lined with beautiful medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture. Leaving a legacy that allows us to glimpse into lives lived long ago. This multi-cultural port town is not a popular tourist attraction, but its authenticity and unique sites make it worthwhile. It offers a lively port area, one of the busiest in the world, ornate palaces, guilded baroque churches, and one of the largest medieval centers in Europe.…

Bologna, the culinary capital of Italy, is located between two of Italy’s most visited cities, Florence and Venice, making it a perfect escape when too many tourists become too much. Although the highlight of Bologna is its mouthwatering Italian food specialites, this city also offers miles of colonnaded porticos, or arcades, charming traditional Italian squares, and some history that I bet you didn’t know. This post covers the top things to do in Bologna. Aptly nicknamed ”La Dotta, La Grassa E La Rossa”, which means “the educated, the fat, and the red”, this city has its own unique charms. “La Dotta”, or ”the educated”, honors the University of Bologna, the…

Cinque Terre, which means five lands in Italian, lies on the northwestern coast of Italy, south of Genoa, and offers breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea, outstanding Italian cuisine, and great hiking. There are five charming cliff-side villages: Riomagggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. About Cinque Terre Cinque Terre is stunning, with each village perched on steep, rugged cliffs, offering panoramic views of the coast. The quaint, colorful houses stacked on the hill sides are quite picturesque, as well as the winding cobblestoned street filled with charming shops and traditional Italian food, gelato, wine, and more. No wonder this is such a popular summer destination! The five villages…

Dubbed the “sixth” Cinque Terre village, Portovenere, about 30 minutes south, overlooks the Gulf of La Spezia, which is also sometimes called the Gulf of Poets. With charming blocks of pastel tenement houses staggered on the Ligurian coast, beautiful vistas, historic churches, an 11th century castle, and restaurants with incredible cuisine and very fresh seafood, Portovenere, Italy is a great escape from the crowds in Cinque Terre, or a perfect add on, and offers interesting sites and things to do. Top Things To do In Portovenere, Italy The name Portovenere comes from the Temple of Venus, or Venere Ericina, which once sat where Chiesa di San Pietro sits today. Legend…