Italy

Pompeii and its inhabitants were buried after the catastrophic volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.  It is now a vast archaeological site with excavated houses, streets, and artifacts that visitors can roam and explore. There are 2 main entrances to Pompeii:  Porta Marina (main entrance...

The Pantheon is one of the best preserved buildings from ancient Rome famous for its large circular domed cella.  Since the Renaissance, there have been several important burials here, including Raphael the famous painter. Many relics and priceless pieces of art are on display to visitors.  The P...

No trip to Italy is complete without exploring the heart of ancient Rome.  The ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill contain many of the most important structures and buildings of the ancient city. For centuries, the forum was the center for day to day life.  There were important government ...

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is renown worldwide for its almost four-degree tilt, the result of being built with an unstable foundation. This is perfect stop on your Italian vacation, with lots of great shops and restaurants (I had the best pizza of my life in a restaurant with a view of the tower!)...

While planning a trip to Fusine Lakes, that you can find HERE, add to your journey a walk through this wonderful hidden path.Following the road that leads to Fusine in Valromana, you will find the indications to Boscoverde, a small hamlet close to Tarvisio. Here you can easily park your car at th...

Colorful lights aluminate the path as it winds its way through the cave to a viewing platform next to the waterfall. The waterfall is so high that you can't see the top from this view point. There is another viewing platform 40 meters above this one. To get to the upper platform go back out of th...

Begin your boat tour at the Venecian Lagoon just next to St. Mark's Square.  The boat will take you to the three islands of Venice, each unique in its own way.  Murano is world famous for its glass-blowing. Upon arrival to the island, you will get to watch a live demonstration of the glass blowin...

Much like the city of Pompeii, Herculaneum was devastated by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The site is located to the West of the Volcano in the modern town of Ercolano. Easily reachable by car or a short walk from the train station. Prior to the eruption of Mt Vesuvius, Herculaneum was...

Tours are offered in English or Italian, and a wine tasting is included. You can chose between 3 or 5 wines, and for an additional fee they offer local salami and cheese to accompany your tasting. Overall the price is very affordable considering you get to experience the whole process and have a ...

This is one of the best preserved structures of its kind. Originally used for gladiatorial battles, jousts, and circuses, the arena is still in use today but hosts slightly different events. There are mainly operas and concerts held here now, but in 2026 there will be a Winter Olympics closing ce...

As always, when visiting these places come with respect, and Leave No Trace. If you have a car this adventure is about an hour outside of Rome. However, if you are visiting Rome and do not have a car; you can take a train from Termini to Pomezia. Starting the walk North of the train station towar...

The Dolomites in this area are absolutely stunning, and you can pair these massive mountains well in pictures with small towns like Auronzo, Reane, and Misurina. It may be a bit cold, but going in October or later will allow you to see the mountains with some snow sprinkled among the peaks. If y...

This beautiful lake and small town are tucked away in the Dolomite Mountains. It is the largest lake in Cadore, and also was the last outdoor location ever used for an Olympic speed skating event. There is ample parking alongside the lake along with a dock where you can set up your tripod. On a c...

Walking through Boboli was a meditative experience for me. I left more tranquil and contemplative than when I came in. By no means was I in a bad mood before, but it was only a matter of time before my walk intoxicated me with the glow that only comes from quality time in nature. It took over 400...