This is my fourth Christmas abroad since leaving Canada in 2022. I never imagined I would be travelling this long. The journey has been everything I had hoped and more. Today I am wishing you a Happy Christmas 2025 and hoping your day is filled with joy and cheer. Solo Travel Almost all of my …
This is what I am most eager to learn about and explore while visiting this medieval city. In an area where wine has been produced for centuries, the history and culture surrounding it are both mysterious and intriguing. The best Montepulciano wine tasting & cellars are nothing short of amazing and can be budget friendly. …
It has been quite a feat to get here without a vehicle. Cars, trains, buses and bag drags, missing a stop and other small anxiety inducing issues have arisen. Alas, I made it, to my new home for the next little while. Here are my first impressions of Montepulciano Italy. Old There are two parts …
Its that time again, time for me to move on to my next destination. But not before I share some ideas with future visitors to this amazing Tuscan city. It’s been such a joy to live here for a short while and definitely a place I plan to return to one day. Here are 5 …
A market fiend, I will find at least one in every destination I travel to. Most are humble affairs but always alluring. Fresh produce, local goods, wonderful cultural experiences. None however, have been quite so grandiose as this one. Shopping at the best antique market in Lucca Italy is an experience of beauty and nostalgia. …
Most of us have heard of the iconic leaning tower, but what about everything else? There is a sizeable city here, but I rarely hear of anyone talking about it. What I do hear from time to time, a sentiment that comes across my social media, is that its ‘underrated’. Is the City of Pisa …
An advantage of staying in Lucca is the proximity to other places near the coast in Tuscany. One such holds an iconic tourist attraction that I never believed I would visit in my lifetime. I have seen photos of it in the encyclopedias I studied as a child and now I get to witness the …
Two things’ visitors to Lucca can see for a small fee are these. Both are located inside the historical core and only a six-minute walk apart. One is a palace that is partially open to the public, and the gardens are accessible too. The other, the only remaining medieval family tower, of the 250 that …
As soon as I stumbled onto the knowledge that there were ancient ruins buried under a church, I was hooked. Having no idea what to expect, I entered the largest church in the city, paid my €10 to see all four sites and was met with awe. The archaeological complex of the Lucca Cathedral is …
One of the reasons for basing myself at Lucca is its proximity to the Tuscan coastline. When one thinks of Tuscany, rolling green hills and vineyards come to mind. But there is a huge coastal community here too. For a mere €3.90 train ride, I took a day trip to the big beautiful beach at …
One thing that makes Lucca such a unique and special place to visit are the old walls that surround the historical centre. There are actually three layers, some now almost invisible, and others perfectly intact. The enchanting ancient walls of Lucca Tuscany are a feature of importance and beauty. Brief History The historical city of …
After one short train ride, I have changed destinations and now find myself in another area of Tuscany. Wanting to explore smaller cities, this one also has the advantage of being near the coast. I see day trips in my future. Here are my first impressions of Lucca Italy. Walkable What a well laid out …
Its that time, the end of my visit to this extraordinary city in Tuscany. What a magical place. I have barely scratched the surface and know I will return over and over, there is that much to experience. Here are 5 free things to do in Florence Italy that I hope you will find as …
One very special aspect to travel is trying local food. Italian cuisine is known around the world, almost everywhere one travels they can find some form of pizza or pasta. But to be in Italy and tasting the real deal? How blessed am I. Oh to eat amazing food in Florence Italy is indeed a …
Something I enjoy doing in each destination that has an historical core, is wander aimlessly. To have no time constraints or specific goal in mind, simply to explore and discover. Get lost with me in Florence Italy and let’s see what we can uncover. Duomo The place to begin this adventure for me is the …
The autumn is generally not the time of year for flowers, but that doesn’t mean visits to the gardens in any destination should be skipped. I have three specifically that I wish to pass along, for they are each divine in their own special way. How lucky, I found these beautiful gardens in Florence. Boboli …
I try and visit at least one cemetery in each new destination I visit. I find them peaceful, for the most part, full of art, architecture and beauty. They are free to enter and offer a glimpse into a culture that is unique and historical. I found two incredible cemeteries in Florence you must see …
Readers will know by now how much I adore a good market. It doesn’t really matter what kind; however, I do have preferences and favourites. I was able to visit several during my visit, and aim to give you an idea of where to go and what to see. The best markets in Florence, lets …
The largest museum in Florence is the historical home of the Medici family. It actually contains seven separate museums and over 500 pieces of Renaissance art in one of them alone. I aim to provide some insight as to the contents of each place, so you can plan your visit accordingly. What to see in …
Always on the hunt for the more unusual things to see or do at a new destination, I found an absolute gem. I was not prepared for the sheer volume of displays nor their quality. What I saw, will stay with me for years, incredibly interesting and fascinating beyond belief. Inside the stunning La Specola …