Italy

When in Rome, Eat Like the Romans

Published on 4 December, 2013

We’ve all heard the saying, “When in Rome do as the Romans do.” But considering the amazing Italian cuisine available there, it could be said that, “When in Rome, gain 10 pounds.” I did a touristy trip to Rome back in 2010 as part of my round-the-world adventure (if you want to travel back into my archives, here’s the post… Read more →

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When in Rome, Eat like the Romans. Many people don't realise that Italian Cuisine varies dramatically by region. Here's what to eat when you visit Rome.... Read more →

Tavarnelle val di Pesa: A Place Worth Leaving Florence For

Published on 1 December, 2013

My trip to Florence was fundamentally flawed. It was July and on a whim I’d decided to re-route my ticket from Asia to spend a month in Italy. And, as habit would have it, I didn’t have a single plan to my name. For a style of travel that is theoretically carefree, it can come with an awful lot of… Read more →

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Cooking classes: €25, free wine tasting in Chianti, vineyards, sunflower fields and prices that put Florence to shame - introducing Tavarnelle val di Pesa.... Read more →

How to Get to Urbino

Published on 28 November, 2013

“How do you get to Urbino?” It was a good question that came from a good friend when I declared I was off to explore a new part of Italy (new to me, I’m pretty sure Urbino has been on the Italian map for quite some time). I can plan a trip to Rome with my eyes closed (turn of phrase… Read more →

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Part of Urbino's charm is that it doesn't have an airport or train station. But it's still easy to reach. Here's how to get to Urbino, Italy.... Read more →

A Taste of Urbino: Discovering Passatelli and Crescia

Published on 24 November, 2013

I love eating. On a good day, I can manage six meals – and I’m not talking about six small meals, either. In fact, if I could drop everything and eat professionally, I happily would…I’d perhaps need to work on my cutlery ability because, despite more than 30 years of practice with knives, forks and spoons, I have the eating… Read more →

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Forming part of Central Italy, Urbino possesses a prime food location. Passatelli and crescia were my two greatest food discoveries in the city.... Read more →

Urbino: Italy’s Best Kept Secret

Published on 19 November, 2013

Looking for one of the best secret places in Italy? Meet Urbino… Italy is one of those countries that keeps pulling me back. So much so that I’m starting to lose track of the number of times I’ve visited. My love affair with this elongated part of Europe started over a decade ago with a trip to Tuscany and I’ve… Read more →

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Urbino is a walled city in Le Marche defined by it rolling, green patchwork of land and red-tiled roofs. It's also one of the best secret places in Italy.... Read more →

Around The World in 1,095 days: Watch 3 Years of Travel in 3 Minutes

Published on 20 September, 2013

On 20th September 2010 I set off on an around the world trip that I thought would last a year. As my career break came to an end, I knew that I couldn’t go back – not because I’d done anything illegal (that I’d been caught for), but because wanderlust has taken root so deep that continuing seemed the only… Read more →

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Ever wondered what an around the world trip looks like? My 1 year trip turned into a 3 year extravaganza. Here's 3 years of travel captured in 3 minutes.... Read more →

Is Naples Safe? – The Answer From Someone Who Has Been

Published on 5 September, 2013

Beyond stupid in Naples yet strangely safe It was 3 a.m. and I was wandering the streets of Naples, lost, alone, under the influence of alcohol and with little choice but to check my location on my iPhone. I was breaking every rule on my travel safety list and a few besides. I was stupid beyond belief and yet I… Read more →

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The promise of the world's best pizza and some of Italy's best architecture, but is Naples Safe? As a solo female traveller I felt as safe as in any city.... Read more →

Is it Worth Getting the Firenze Card?

Published on 5 August, 2013

UPDATE JUNE 2015: I recently returned to Florence, armed with another Firenze Card and I’ve updated this post accordingly: I’ve updated the comparison prices and I’ve updated the details on how easy it is to get into each sight. I haven’t, however, deleted the old information (from 2013) so you can see the difference in the card in two years –… Read more →

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Updated June 2015: The Firenze Card (Florence, Italy) visit the major museums in 72 hours for €72. Find out if it is it worth getting the Firenze Card.... Read more →

10 Best Sights in Florence (And 10 Alternatives)

Published on 26 July, 2013

It’s very easy to stand in the heart of Italy’s most famous Renaissance city and wonder where to start your exploration and the idea of picking the best 10 sights in Florence can be as daunting as the sightseeing itself. Having just visited for the third time, here’s my suggested top 10. For those who have a bit more time… Read more →

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Florence can be confusing for first time visitors. Here are my 10 best sights in Florence together with related sights if you have more time or interest.... Read more →

One Day in Lucca: What to See and Do in the Home of Puccini

Published on 18 July, 2013

If you’re planning a trip to Tuscany, then you should spend one day in Lucca. A small city that sits just north of Pisa (and is incredibly easy to reach by train), Lucca lacks the crowds that throng the leaning tower, the coach and cruise loads that plague Florence, and offers an all-round gentler pace for enjoying Tuscan life. The… Read more →

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If you're planning a trip to Tuscany, then you should spend one day in Lucca, home of famous Italian opera star, Puccini. Here's what to do in Lucca.... Read more →