Montalcino
While you’re in the Siena area, you’ll want to make a side trip to Montalcino. Montalcino is a walled hilltop town in Tuscany that has wonderful views of the surrounding valleys.
Located 27 miles south of Siena, Montalcino is where …
Why You Can’t Trust Travel Guidebooks
If you just read reviews of Antica Torre hotel in the Italy travel guidebooks, you’d be forgiven for thinking it would make a great place to stay in Siena, Italy.
For example, both the Frommer’s guidebook and the EyeWitness Guide …
Ristorante Nello La Taverna in Siena, Italy
Looking for a Tuscan cafe that serves vegetarian food in Siena, Italy? I’ve got a great suggestion for you.
Nello La Taverna
Nello La Taverna is sometimes referred to as La Taverna di Nello. This is a Tuscan restaurant that …
Where to Eat in Tuscany: Insider Tips
Looking for restaurant recommendations for the hilltowns of Tuscany? I’ve gleaned some insider tips from Ferenc Mate’s delightful memoir A Vineyard in Tuscany.
Mate loves food and wine with a passion. While renovating his dream house in Tuscany and …
Pienza: A Beautiful Little Renaissance Town in Tuscany
Pienza is a beautiful little Renaissance town in Tuscany with a fascinating history. It’s located between Montepulciano and Montalcino, and is less than an hour’s drive or bus ride from Siena.
As a perfectly preserved Renaissance town and …
Day 1: Nanaimo to Venice
It’s a long way from Nanaimo to Venice, and I wanted to make the journey as fast as possible. Alas, my chauffeurs had a different idea.
I really should be grateful to them for hauling me out of bed at …
Buy Multiday Pass for Water Bus in Venice
Another Italy travel tip is to purchase a multiday pass for the vaporetto (water bus) in Venice. It’s a great deal that many tourists aren’t aware of or aren’t confident enough to use. Buying a pass allows you to get …
Venice: Vaporetto Tour on Grand Canal
One of my favorite Venice things to do is a vaporetto (water bus) tour on the Grand Canal.
On Day 2, before we went out to dinner, we spent a couple of hours doing just that. A Grand Canal vaporetto …
Venice: Things to Do
My number one tip for Venice things to do? Walk. Take a break from maps, guidebooks and lineups, and simply wander the streets.
Leave your list of “must see” buildings behind in the hotel. If you happen …
Traghetti: Budget Alternative to Gondola Rides in Venice
If you want to experience riding in a traditional Venetian gondola, but you don’t want to pay the 100+ euros that a private gondola ride costs, try a traghetto ride. A traghetto is a public transport gondola that takes you …