Tag: Italy
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The Unexpected Magic of Livorno: Tuscany’s Most Overlooked City
Most people arrive in Livorno with one plan. Leave. Cruise passengers pile onto coaches towards Florence and Pisa almost immediately, treating Livorno as little more than a transport hub. After spending time there ourselves, that honestly feels like a mistake. Livorno has character. Real character. It feels lived-in, creative and proudly coastal in a way that some polished Italian destinations no longer do. It is scruffier around the edges than Florence, certainly less conventionally beautiful than Siena, but there is…
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The Complete Honest Guide to Civitavecchia for Cruise Travellers
Most people know Civitavecchia for one thing. It is the port of Rome. The place cruise ships dock before thousands of people immediately disappear towards the Colosseum, Vatican and Trevi Fountain. After spending a day there ourselves, we can understand why. That is not to say Civitavecchia is bad. In fact, it is surprisingly pleasant in places. Relaxed, walkable and easy enough for a slow wander in the sunshine. But it also feels very much like somewhere you pass through…
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A Day Trip to Burano and Murano: Exploring Venice’s Vibrant Islands
If you’re visiting Venice, taking a day trip to the nearby islands of Burano and Murano is a must. Each island has its own charm and history, offering a more peaceful, colorful escape from the bustling city center. On our trip, we dedicated a day to exploring both islands, each distinct and captivating in its own way. We started with Murano, known for its long-standing glass-making tradition, and then headed to Burano, famous for its vibrant houses and lacemaking. Here’s…
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3 Days in Florence: Your Ultimate Guide to the Cradle of the Renaissance
Florence is a city that feels like stepping into a living, breathing museum—its cobbled streets lined with Renaissance masterpieces, its historic buildings housing treasures that span centuries. We were fortunate enough to spend three full days exploring Florence, and although we saw an awful lot, it still felt like we only scratched the surface of this captivating city. From iconic landmarks to lesser-known spots, Florence has a way of making every moment feel like a discovery. This was the second…
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Venice in 3 Days: Iconic Sights and Local Secrets
There are few places in the world as unique and enchanting as Venice. After 10 days of traveling across Italy, we spent three unforgettable nights in this romantic city, which was every bit as magical as we’d imagined, even if a bit soggy at times. From our stunning canalside balcony at My Rialto Palace to the peaceful respite at Ca Tessera Venice Airport, Venice offered the perfect blend of exploration, culture, and relaxation. Where We Stayed: My Rialto Palace and…
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One Day in Verona: Romance, History, and Hidden Gems
Verona wasn’t originally high on our list – we were basically looking for somewhere to spend a day between Bologna and Venice as part of our 10 night Italian train trip. But, after spending a day here, we wished we had more time. It’s a city that blends ancient history with charming streets, offering everything from Roman ruins to scenic hilltop views and fantastic food (Amarone Risotto!). Though often overshadowed by Venice or Milan, Verona has a lot to offer—so…
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Pisa Unveiled: Secrets, Sights, and So Much More Than the Tower
Pisa might be most famous for its Leaning Tower, but it’s far more than just a one-sight city. During our short visit, we found a vibrant and historic place with much more to offer than we’d expected. Our short but sweet visit, following a flight from Manchester, provided us with an unforgettable glimpse into the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. While we didn’t have much time to explore, there’s plenty to share from our whirlwind trip. Where…
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Florence Hotel: Casual Rinascimento Firenze
We had a fantastic stay at the Casual Rinascimento Firenze. The location is really hard to beat—it’s just a short walk to both the main square and the Uffizi, so you’re right in the heart of Florence but still tucked away in a quieter spot. It made sightseeing so easy, and it was great to be able to pop back to the hotel in minutes whenever we needed a break. The area around Casual Rinascimento Firenze felt really safe, even…
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Bologna’s Sanctuary San Luca: Is It Worth It?
If you’re wandering the streets of Bologna, you may notice the Sanctuary of St. Luke (Santuario di San Luca) sitting majestically atop the hill. With its stunning views, rich history, and the grand Portico di San Luca, the sanctuary is more than just a religious site—it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Bologna. Our visit to San Luca was a surprisingly worthwhile experience, which showed us more of the city and rewarded us with some great views! If you’re planning a…
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Basilica of San Petronio – Massive Masterpiece in Bologna
When you step into Bologna’s vibrant Piazza Maggiore, the towering Basilica of San Petronio immediately demands your attention. Its massive scale and intricate design make it one of the most impressive churches in Italy, apparently among the ten largest in the world and largest brick gothic church (however, we felt it feels smaller and less imposing than the Duomo in Florence!). But San Petronio isn’t just about its size—it’s a treasure trove of history, art, and unique features that make…
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Bologna: Discover Italy’s Beautiful, Delectable City For The Soul
Bologna—often overshadowed by the likes of Rome and Florence—turned out to be a truly delightful surprise during our recent Italian road trip. Nestled in the heart of Italy, Bologna feels like a city that hasn’t been overly polished for tourists. It has a welcoming, authentic charm, with layers of history, art, and food that completely captivated us during our short stay. Where We Stayed: Urbanicooh Azzoguidi – Torre Asinelli View We couldn’t have asked for a better location than the…
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Ultimate 10-Night Italy Train Tour: Unforgettable Adventure
Italy, with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious cuisine, has always been on our travel bucket list. Our 10-night adventure took us from Pisa to Florence, Bologna, Verona, and Venice, with each city offering a unique blend of culture, architecture, and food. While the weather didn’t always cooperate (we got rained on quite a bit in Venice!), it didn’t stop us from enjoying every moment. Here’s a brief recap of our unforgettable Italian trip, including travel tips, city highlights,…
