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📌 GreeceGreece enchants visitors with its deep historical roots and the breathtaking beauty of its islands, scattered li...
07/01/2025

📌 Greece

Greece enchants visitors with its deep historical roots and the breathtaking beauty of its islands, scattered like gems across the shimmering Ionian and Aegean Seas.

Whether you're standing in awe before the Acropolis in Athens or meandering through the charming fishing villages of Mykonos, the country leaves a lasting impression one that draws travelers back time and again.

There's something magical about dining at a traditional seaside taverna, where the aroma of home-cooked dishes mingles with the salty breeze. Curious street cats wander gracefully from the kitchen to your table, adding to the scene’s rustic charm.

Nearby, the former matriarch of the taverna a wise and gentle “yiayia” still watches over the place with quiet pride. Her affectionate calls gather sun-kissed children from the shore to the table, creating moments of warmth and authenticity that define the true Greek spirit.

With a lot to offer and it's our second choice for European vacations, being now part of our tailor-made trips.

Perfect to beat the hot weather and to swim in crystal clear waters. Can't think of anything better at the moment ⛱🤩

📌 Wedding Anniversary in ItalyImagine toasting to your love amidst the rolling hills of Tuscany, sharing a romantic gond...
06/30/2025

📌 Wedding Anniversary in Italy

Imagine toasting to your love amidst the rolling hills of Tuscany, sharing a romantic gondola ride through Venice, or strolling hand in hand along the Amalfi Coast at sunset.

Italy offers the perfect backdrop to celebrate your wedding anniversary in style and romance!

From luxurious vineyard retreats to candlelit dinners overlooking the Colosseum, every corner of Italy whispers romance and charm.

Indulge in Tuscany's tranquility with relish fine wine and authentic cuisine in a countryside villa, or glide through the canals and explore hidden gems together in Venice's timeless romance. Admire the breathtaking beauty of Amalfi Coast with relaxing golden beaches and gorgeous cliff side towns, or simply dive into renaissance art of the vibrant Florence's city life.

With personalized travel itineraries and exclusive anniversary packages, your Italian getaway will be as unique as your love story! 💍🥂

📌 AmalfiAmalfi is a small coastal town in southern Italy, known for its dramatic beauty and deep historical roots. Nestl...
06/26/2025

📌 Amalfi

Amalfi is a small coastal town in southern Italy, known for its dramatic beauty and deep historical roots.

Nestled between steep cliffs and the shimmering waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, it sits at the heart of the Amalfi Coast, a region celebrated for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The town’s narrow winding streets, whitewashed buildings, and colorful tiled domes offer a glimpse into a world where the past and present meet in harmonious balance.

In the early Middle Ages, Amalfi rose to prominence as a powerful maritime republic. It rivaled other seafaring cities like Venice and Genoa, establishing trade routes that reached across the Mediterranean. During its golden age, Amalfi was not only a center of commerce but also a beacon of legal and cultural advancement, most famously for its maritime code, the Tabula Amalphitana, which influenced naval law for centuries.

Walking through it today feels like stepping into a living painting. The town’s centerpiece, the Cathedral of St. Andrew, dominates the main square with its imposing staircase and ornate façade. Inside, the crypt holds the relics of the apostle Andrew, brought from Constantinople in the 13th century. Just steps away, peaceful cloisters and ancient chapels tell stories of centuries past.

Life in here moves at a gentle pace. Locals gather in cafes for espresso or linger in the evening light along the seaside promenade. The scent of lemons large and fragrant, grown on terraced hillsides fills the air, especially in summer. These lemons are the foundation of limoncello, a beloved regional liqueur that captures the essence of the place.

Though small, Amalfi is full of character. Have you ever been? 🌺⛱😎

📌 Florence Central MarketNestled in Florence’s historic San Lorenzo district, the Mercato Centrale di Firenze is a vibra...
06/25/2025

📌 Florence Central Market

Nestled in Florence’s historic San Lorenzo district, the Mercato Centrale di Firenze is a vibrant hub of fresh produce, local delicacies, and authentic Florentine life. Since its opening in 1874, this iconic market has remained a beloved destination where locals shop for their daily essentials.

The market was designed by Giovanni Mengoni, the renowned architect behind Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, near the Duomo. The structure’s elegant combination of cast iron and glass showcases the industrial charm of the 19th century. Interestingly, the building was not only intended for food sales it once played a key role in the trade of materials like metal and glass.

Inside, you’ll find a sensory feast: fresh fish, seasonal vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, handmade pasta, olive oil, truffles, bread, and much more. But Mercato Centrale offers more than just shopping. It’s also a place to savor great food.

In 2014, the market’s upper floor was transformed into a dynamic food court, offering a wide range of cuisine far beyond Tuscan fare. This lively space hosts artisan eateries, wine bars, and tasting rooms, making it an ideal stop for both casual bites and culinary exploration.

As you step outside, the market experience continues. Surrounding stalls brim with souvenirs and Florence’s famous leather goods, making it the perfect place to wrap up your visit.

For me, markets like this are the true soul of a city alive with history, flavor, and culture 😎🤩

📌 Palio di SienaThe Palio di Siena is one of Tuscany’s most iconic and eagerly anticipated summer events a vivid celebra...
06/24/2025

📌 Palio di Siena

The Palio di Siena is one of Tuscany’s most iconic and eagerly anticipated summer events a vivid celebration of tradition, passion, and local pride.

Held twice a year in Siena’s stunning Piazza del Campo, a unique shell-shaped medieval square, the Palio is far more than a simple horse race. It’s a fierce, emotional contest that has both united and divided the city’s neighborhoods known as contrade since 1633.

Siena is home to 17 contrade, each with its own name, colors, and emblem: Caterpillar, Dragon, Eagle, Forest, Giraffe, Goose, Owl, Panther, Porcupine, Ram, She-Wolf, Seashell, Snail, Tortoise, Tower, Unicorn, and Wave.

As you explore the city’s narrow, winding streets, you’ll quickly see where you are each district proudly displays its identity through flags, symbols, and vivid decorations.

But these contrade are more than geographical zones; they are deeply rooted communities. Residents are intensely loyal to their contrada, engaging in traditions and celebrations all year long.

Each has a museum showcasing its victories, a church where the horses are blessed, and a unique fountain where some even baptize newborns welcoming them into a lifelong bond with their district.

Whether you're a horse enthusiast or a cultural traveler, the Palio offers an unforgettable experience a living piece of history charged with spirit, spectacle, and centuries-old rivalry.

Taking place each summer in July and August, it’s a must-see event that brings Siena’s rich history, pageantry, and passion to life. 🏇🏻🇮🇹🍂

📌 PalermoIt is probably the most underrated city in Italy, not sure why! Palermo is rich in culture and addictive in eye...
06/23/2025

📌 Palermo

It is probably the most underrated city in Italy, not sure why! Palermo is rich in culture and addictive in eyesight due to its architecture. The city honors who is willing to know it.

Thin side streets emerge into crumbling squares lined with palazzi, and terracotta-toned landmark buildings enhance Palermo’s low-rise skyline.

Cultures from the Middle East, Europe and Africa have influenced everything; from food passing by architecture and finalizing in dialect. One glimpse reveals the architectural layers of who came and conquered: Phoenicians, Normans, Turks, Egyptians, Arabs and Spaniards. All of life is here, in Italy’s most ethnically diverse city!

Did you know Palermo is among the cities with the largest number of UNESCO sites?

😎👏

📌 TaorminaDramatically perched on a mountainside, Taormina is one of Sicily’s most coveted summer getaways, drawing in a...
06/20/2025

📌 Taormina

Dramatically perched on a mountainside, Taormina is one of Sicily’s most coveted summer getaways, drawing in affluent travelers and seekers of the Sicilian dolce vita.

Taormina’s storied past is one of intrigue and transformation. In 358 BC, the indigenous Siculians living on Mount Ta**us welcomed refugees from the fallen Greek colony of Naxos. Together, they founded Tauromènion, a settlement shaped in the Greek tradition, complete with an agora, an acropolis, and a grand Ancient Theatre. Over time, the city fell under the rule of Dionysius II, became part of the Hellenistic Kingdom of Sicily, and was later annexed by the Romans.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Taormina emerged as the capital of Byzantine Sicily. It was later conquered, razed, and rebuilt under Arab rule during the Emirate of Sicily. In 1079, Norman ruler Roger I captured the city, ushering in a new era.

Under Norman rule, Taormina thrived. However, its fortunes declined during Spanish and French domination. In more recent times, the city has experienced a renaissance, regaining its former allure as a premier tourist destination.

At the heart of Taormina lies Corso Umberto, a lively thoroughfare where the city’s charm truly comes alive. For first-time visitors, a walk along this vibrant street is a must. Meander through quaint boutiques and narrow alleyways until you reach Palazzo Corvaja, a historic building now home to the Museum of Taormina Arts and Traditions.

Between sips of granita or spoonfuls of creamy gelato, make time to visit Villa Comunale. Originally a 19th-century private garden built by English noblewoman Lady Florence Trevelyan, this serene retreat is famed for its whimsical “Victorian follies” fantastical structures blending Romantic, Gothic, and Oriental styles, reflecting Lady Florence’s distinctive artistic vision.

🌺🇮🇹✨

06/19/2025

📌 The Moka Pot

The Moka pot (or la moka, macchinetta) is a true symbol of Italian home coffee culture!

It was invented in 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti and has since become a fixture in nearly every Italian kitchen. The design is elegant in its simplicity and uses steam pressure to brew strong, rich coffee that resembles espresso.

It is made of three parts: the bottom chamber, where you pour in water; the metal filter basket, which holds ground coffee; and the top chamber, where the brewed coffee collects. When placed on the stovetop, the water heats up, creating pressure that pushes the water through the coffee grounds and into the top section of the pot creating a dark, aromatic brew with a strong flavor.

Moka pot coffee is deeply woven into the Italian daily routine. Many Italians begin their mornings with it, and the comforting sound of coffee brewing in the background is part of the ritual. There’s even a saying: “la moka fa compagnia” the moka pot keeps you company.

To get the best flavor, use freshly ground coffee and filtered water. Also, never wash the pot with soap just rinse it with hot water and dry it well. Over time, the pot develops a natural seasoning that adds depth to the coffee’s taste. If it’s a new pot, don’t be surprised if the first few brews taste a little metallic that will fade quickly with use.

The Moka pot may seem simple, but it’s a beloved part of Italian coffee culture that’s stood the test of time. Whether you're in a bustling Milan apartment or a countryside kitchen in Sicily, the familiar burble of a moka on the stove is a cherished sound.

☕🇮🇹🤤

📌 Belmond Hotel CiprianiWith all the elegance of a private club, this fabled hotel is the perfect base for discerning tr...
06/18/2025

📌 Belmond Hotel Cipriani

With all the elegance of a private club, this fabled hotel is the perfect base for discerning travellers.

It's situated at the end of the Giudecca Island and is set in beautiful gardens, but is only a 5-minute boat ride from St. Mark's. The hotel's windows overlook the Basin of St. Mark's, Palladio's church of St. Giorgio Maggiore and the distant islands of the lagoon.

Offers 98 superbly-appointed rooms and Suites, exquisitely decorated with magnificent views over the open lagoon or the hotel's gardens. The sumptuous Palladio Suite boasts a 180-degree view over the Venetian lagoon through floor to ceiling windows, an outdoor heated plunge pool with a Jacuzzi-type whirlpool bath and its own private boat dock.

The separate Palazzo Vendramin is a 15th century building linked to the hotel through an ancient courtyard and a flowered passageway. It offers 15 rooms and Suites with butler service where privacy is complete and the view of historic Venice across the water is unparalleled.

The perfect romantic getaway while in Venice! 🥂🥰

📌Murano and Burano in a Half Day Boat TourYou will meet your friendly local guide in central Venice before setting off o...
06/17/2025

📌Murano and Burano in a Half Day Boat Tour

You will meet your friendly local guide in central Venice before setting off on a private speedboat to explore the picturesque nearby islands.

Your first stop is Murano, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of glass-making. Here, you'll witness a live glassblowing demonstration, where artisans use ancient techniques some dating back to Ancient Rome to create stunning works of art in a dazzling array of shapes, colors, and designs.

Next, you'll visit the vibrant island of Burano, famous for its colorful houses and intricate lace-making traditions. You'll enjoy an exclusive demonstration of this delicate craft, once controlled by wealthy Venetian merchants but now sustained by skilled artisans who have turned it into a thriving business. Though the island’s population is declining and lace is less in demand than in past centuries, dedicated craftswomen continue to practice this time-honored tradition with needle and thread.

During this half-day tour, you’ll also have free time to wander and explore these charming islands at your own pace before returning to central Venice.

When in Venice, this is definitely a must do tour! 😎⛵

📌 Rialto MarketThe Rialto Market in Venice, Italy, is a vibrant and historic destination, celebrated for its rich past a...
06/16/2025

📌 Rialto Market

The Rialto Market in Venice, Italy, is a vibrant and historic destination, celebrated for its rich past and lively atmosphere.

Situated near the iconic Rialto Bridge, the market has been a bustling center of trade and culture since the 11th century. Once a hub for merchants trading spices, silk, and precious metals, it remains one of Venice’s oldest and most cherished institutions.

Today, is best known for its fresh produce and seafood. The renowned fish market draws locals and chefs alike with its impressive variety of freshly caught seafood. Alongside it is the Erberia, a colorful section bursting with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and fragrant local herbs.

Gothic-style arches and columns lend the market a unique charm, while the surrounding area is dotted with quaint shops offering artisanal goods, souvenirs, and Venetian specialties. Nearby restaurants often feature dishes made from ingredients sourced directly from the market.

The market is typically open from morning until early afternoon, and visiting early is recommended to truly experience its energetic vibe.

Whether you’re shopping for local delicacies or immersing yourself in authentic Venetian culture, the Rialto Market offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the city.

🏪🐠🥕

📌 OtrantoOtranto captivates at first sight. Perched on a rocky promontory above the Adriatic, it dazzles with the sea’s ...
06/13/2025

📌 Otranto

Otranto captivates at first sight. Perched on a rocky promontory above the Adriatic, it dazzles with the sea’s brilliant hues and a history steeped in legend and resilience.

According to myth, it was here at Porto Badisco that Aeneas landed after fleeing the fall of Troy. Today, UNESCO honors Otranto as a cultural heritage site and a "messenger of peace," recognizing its enduring legacy.

Yet, among its many stories, one looms above the rest as is the city of the 800 Martyrs. In 1480, during a brutal siege by the Turks, hundreds of townspeople were executed on Minerva Hill for refusing to abandon their Christian faith.

Their remains now lie in the Martyrs' Chapel of the Cathedral, built at the behest of Ferdinand I of Naples. Seven large cases contain the bones of the fallen, and behind the altar rests the very stone believed to have been the site of their ex*****on.

But the sea has brought more than tragedy. It has long been a lifeline for Otranto carrying trade, culture, ideas, and inspiration. This profound connection to the water has shaped the town’s identity, giving it the unique spirit it holds today.

🌺🏖💛

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