We stayed in a gorgeous Airbnb for our 3 nights in Como. I think the pictures say it all. Our host, Jennifer from J&Co Homes was very professional. She and her husband manage several properties around Como. I loved this place so much that I thought we wanted out of the States for a bit, this could be our happy place!!!

While strolling around the charming streets of Bologna, you never have to worry about going hungry, as this vibrant city is a culinary paradise filled with an abundance of markets and eateries that cater to every taste and preference. The aroma of freshly prepared dishes wafts through the air, inviting you to explore the numerous tratorrias, osterias, enotecas, restaurants, and pizza shops that dot the landscape. We were traveling in mid September and the smell of fresh truffles was prevalent...

Just outside Milan's historical center lies the Sforza Castle, a magnificent 15th-century structure erected on the remnants of an earlier medieval fortress, commissioned by Francesco Sforza, the city's ruler at the time. Throughout the centuries, the Castle saw various rulers, both local and foreign, such as Emperor Charles V and Napoleon Bonaparte, who governed Milan before the Unification of Italy. Following World War II, the Castle became home to the Modern Art Gallery, where visitors can...

We started our tour at the Teatro Anatomico in Bologna, a remarkable venue steeped in history and significance. The university itself dates back to the 11th century, making it one of the oldest universities in the world, a prestigious institution that has attracted scholars and medical students from throughout Europe for centuries. This illustrious history is reflected in the grandeur of the Teatro Anatomico, which was constructed in the 17th century as a place for public dissections and...

We again booked this experience with ToursByLocals and our guide was Sara F. She was absolutely lovely. What a pleasant way to spend a day driving around the countryside and hearing more about her life in Italy and studying in France.  We spend the extra money for private guides because it is an opportunity to hear firsthand from them what life is like where they are living, which is hard to do when you are walking about a city with your own guidebook. I understand that the expense might not...

Padua is a delightful ancient city rich in culture, art, and history, making it a nice destination for travelers especially after the hordes of tourists in Venice.. Among the numerous attractions this fascinating city offers, two key highlights stand out, drawing visitors worldwide: the Scrovegni Chapel, famous for its stunning frescoes by the renowned artist Giotto, and the carefully maintained Botanical Gardens, cherished by nature lovers and scholars alike. The first stop, however, is the...

When we planned this trip to Italy, we focused on the north, as we have visited Rome, Florence, Amalfi and Sicily in the past. Specifically, we wanted to check out the Dolomites and selected Backroads to take us through them. Backroads has many tour options that are either single activity or multi-activity. We chose to do a hiking tour, but they also have other multi-activity tours that include biking and kayaking. We were extremely happy with choosing Backroads as the tour was well planned...

Local cuisine features Northern Italian specialties, including fresh lake fish, polenta, risotto, and an array of classic pasta dishes. Dining in Como often comes with breathtaking views of the lake. I like to decide on restaurants using multiple sources to book ahead of our trip. I have found that often the concierge at our hotels will have some great recommendations, but on this trip, we were staying in Airbnb's, so while we did not have the benefit of a concierge, our hosts often still had...

After leaving the Teatro Anatomico, we found ourselves standing before one of the iconic medieval towers that dot the skyline of this historic city. Bologna, known for its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels, boasts numerous towers that were built during the Middle Ages, serving various purposes from defense to demonstrating wealth and power. As we gazed up at one of the towers which are scattered around Bologna, our wonderful and informative guide Elena S. from ToursByLocals...

We could not visit Bologna and not take at least one cooking class and there was no question in my mind that it would be making pasta. We found a chef named Leonardo Iacono through the daughter of a friend who spent a semester in college abroad in Bologna and in her free time, he taught her how to make pasta. Leonardo and I first communicated through WhatsApp, and he acknowledged that he did not speak much English, but that turned out not to be a problem as he was able to clearly communicate...

In our trifecta of food production tour, the third stop was a family owned balsamic vinegar "winery". We got to see how balsamic vinegar is produced and that was a much more enjoyable experience to see and smell than the hanging hams of Parma. We visited a place that has been producing vinegar by he same family for many generations called Boni. To begin the process of making balsamic vinegar, the first step is to press white Trebbiano di Castelvetro grapes. The resulting liquid (called the...

We had just finished hiking in the Dolomites for five days and chose a pitstop in Padua for a couple of nights to see some of the notable sites and more importantly, to do laundry. Instead of staying at a hotel and getting charged outrageous fees to get our stuff cleaned, I decided we should check out an Airbnb instead, with laundry machine!! If you're new to using Airbnbs, check out my travel tips on choosing accommodations in my Bologna Accommodation post. In Padua, I opted for a home by...

The Pinacoteca di Brera is not only the main public gallery for paintings in Milan, Italy, but it also stands as a pivotal institution in the realm of art and culture within the city and beyond. Established in the late 18th century, the gallery houses an impressive and extensive collection that includes some of the most significant works of Italian art spanning from the 13th to the 20th century. The Pinacoteca di Brera's collection features a diverse array of paintings that reflect the...

Visiting St. Mark's Basilica in Venice is an absolute must-see for anyone who finds themselves exploring the enchanting city of Venice. This architectural masterpiece, with its intricate designs and rich history, offers a glimpse into the opulent past of the Venetian Republic. As I stood before its magnificent façade, I was particularly struck by the striking similarities it shares with the grand mosques of Istanbul, many of which were formerly cathedrals during the time of the Byzantine...

Travel in Italy is not without its challenges, or it would not be Italy. The day we were planning to go from Milan to Como, there was a train strike. We hired a car which of course was much more expensive than our train tickets, but it was comfortable and actually worked out well because it was a rainy day and it would have been challenging to drag our suitcases to and from the train station or secure a taxi or taxis given that we were four people with luggage. The regional train company sent...

We understood that visiting Milan meant we had to see da Vinci's Last Supper. Securing tickets for this requires some timing and patience. Tickets are released approximately 4 weeks before your intended visit date. They can be purchased directly from the Cenacolo Vinciano museum, but getting in the queue is essential. Tickets are released at noon in Italy, which is 3AM in California where we live, so I had to wake up in the middle of the night to make the purchase. You can buy up to 5 tickets...

First stop was the Duomo of Milan, which is renowned for being the third largest in Europe, following the illustrious St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The Duomo of Milan tells a story of faith and art spanning over six centuries. Construction work on the Duomo of Milan probably began in 1386 and ended in 1965.  In October 1387 the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo was founded at the instigation of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Lord of Milan, with the aim of...

Next up in our food adventure was a trip to see how prosciutto and other cured meats are prepared. In all fairness, this is not for the squeamish, as it is a bit morose to see thousands of pig hinds and thighs on racks and the hanging from hooks in the factory. I love prosciutto, but even for this retired surgeon, I had moments of vegetarianism thoughts. In medieval times, the legendary salt-cured hams of the Italian peninsula—such as the sweetly bold Prosciutto di Parma in Emilia-Romagna and...

We usually travel just as a couple and stay in chic, smaller boutique hotels that offer a unique charm and personalized service. These accommodations often provide a more intimate experience, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the local culture and enjoy the finer details of our surroundings. However, for this particular trip, we were excited to be traveling with friends, which opened up a new realm of possibilities for our accommodation choices. This time, we decided to explore the world of...

The Scovengi Chapel is a stunning architectural gem located in Padua, Italy. This remarkable structure was completed by the renowned Italian painter Giotto di Bondone in the early 14th century, specifically around 1305. Giotto's work within the chapel is considered a pivotal moment in the history of Western art, marking a significant departure from the Byzantine style that dominated the preceding centuries. The chapel was commissioned by Enrico Scrovegni, a wealthy local merchant, as a means...