Italy
Italy at a Glance
Italy has a way of getting under your skin—in the best way. The first time I traveled here solo, I didn’t just fall in love with the views (though yes, they’re unreal). I fell in love with the rhythm of Italian life: long lunches, golden-hour hikes, and strangers who treat you like family.
I’ve explored Italy slowly—especially in the north—by train, on foot, and often with my dogs in tow. From hiking WWI trails in the Dolomites to sipping wine in quiet villages like Soave or Bassano del Grappa, this country is made for thoughtful, immersive travel.
In this Italy travel guide section, you’ll find:
Solo travel tips for Italy
Northern Italy itineraries with a local feel
Hiking guides in the Dolomites and Veneto Prealps
Food & cultural highlights worth slowing down for
If you’re planning a trip to Italy and want more than a checklist, this is where to begin.
Language:
Italian
Currency:
Euro
Best Time to Visit:
Spring, Summer, Fall
Famous Landmarks:
Colosseum in Rome
Verona D’Arena
Dolomites
Venice
Italy Blog Posts
How to Get to Aquila Vaia: Guide to Marco Martalar’s Eagle
Perched above the tranquil Marcesina Plateau in Northern Italy, Aquila Vaia is far more than a sculpture—it’s a profound symbol of rebirth and resilience. Created by renowned artist Marco Martalar, this awe-inspiring wooden eagle was built entirely from storm-felled trees after the devastating 2018 Storm Vaia. At 6 meters tall and 7 meters wide, this…
Where to Stay in Verona: The Ultimate Guide for 2025
You’re here because you’re trying to figure out where to stay in Verona. I get it—this city is so stunning, even Juliet couldn’t decide where to stand on her balcony half the time. With so many incredible neighborhoods, it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, I’ve got you! Let me take the stress out of…
Snowshoeing in the Dolomites: an Epic guided adventure around Cinque Torri
Ever dreamed of exploring snow-covered mountains with breathtaking views at every turn? Snowshoeing in the Dolomites is the perfect way to make that dream a reality. Snowshoeing around the iconic Cinque Torri in the Dolomites is an adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime! At least I will. I had such a blast with my guide,…
Catania, Sicily: Your Epic Four Day Solo Travel Itinerary
I landed in Catania, Sicily in August, and it felt like stepping into an oven—but it ended up being my best trip ever! If you’re looking for a great adventure in southern Italy or looking for ideas in Catania, I’ve got you right here! Catania, the vibrant heart of Sicily’s east coast, offers a mix…
La Caseddha Rural Experience:An Unforgettable Pasta Class in Puglia
Imagine yourself in Puglia, where golden light spills over ancient olive groves as the sun dips toward the horizon. The air is rich with the aroma of hand-rolled pasta and slow-simmered tomato sauce, promising an unforgettable evening ahead. If you’re the kind of traveler who believes the best way to understand a place is through…
How to Take a Day Trip from Venice to Verona (Train, Car & Tours)
Planning a day trip from Venice to Verona? You’ve landed at the right spot! Whether you want to wander through the streets of Shakespeare’s famous love story, marvel at Roman ruins, or sip wine at a charming piazza, Verona makes for a perfect day excursion from Venice. I also think quite a few other cities…
Is One Day Enough for Verona, Italy? Here’s How to Make It Work
Have one day to see the beautiful city of Verona? I get it—you’re crunched for time, but you still want to experience this romantic gem in northern Italy. Maybe you’re staying in Venice and need a break from the crowds, or perhaps Verona has always been on your bucket list. Either way, I’ve got the…
The ULTIMATE First-timers guide to Verona, Italy
Did you know that I live 45 minutes away from Verona? Yup! That’s right, I live so close that I frequent this beautiful city any chance I can get. So I decided to make a guide to Verona for you, but not just any guide. THE ULTIMATE GUIDE! Verona has the vibe of big city…
Top Palladio Landmarks in Vicenza: A UNESCO World Heritage Tour
Vicenza is one of those places that will steal your heart the moment you arrive! But what really makes Vicenza shine? The name Andrea Palladio—he’s the genius behind much of the city’s architectural charm! Palladio, a key Renaissance architect, transformed Vicenza into an architectural marvel, a must-see for all. When we first PCS’d here from…
Solo Hiking the Stunning Alta Via 1 & 2 with Bookatrekking
If you’re dreaming of hiking the Alta Via 1 and 2 in the Dolomites but feel overwhelmed by the logistics, you’re not alone. These epic Italian hiking trails are on many adventurers’ bucket lists, offering breathtaking alpine views and an unforgettable experience. However, organizing the details—especially booking stays at the rifugios (mountain huts)—can be a…
Lago Di Sorapis Hiking Guide: Passo Tre Croci to Sorapis
After seeing photo after photo of the lake’s otherworldly turquoise water framed by jagged Dolomite peaks, I finally set out to find out if Lago Di Sorapis was that blue. What I discovered was a trail that was breathtaking and a little nerve-wracking—one that pushed and rewarded me in equal measure. In this post, I’m…
Rango Christmas Market in Garda-Trentino, Italy
Nestled in the heart of Trentino’s mountainous Bleggio region, Rango is a gem among Italy’s “Borghi più belli” (most beautiful villages). With its cobbled streets, historic courtyards, and centuries-old stone houses, Rango feels like stepping back in time. During the festive season, the village transforms into a Christmas wonderland, hosting the famous Mercantino di Rango…
10+ Best Things to Do in Vicenza, Italy (2025) | Hidden Gems & Insider Tips!
Ever been to a place so magical that you wonder how it’s still a well-kept secret? That’s Vicenza for you. Nestled between Venice and Verona, this Renaissance wonderland is where jaw-dropping Palladian architecture meets vibrant Italian culture, without the overwhelming tourist crowds. If you love history, stunning piazzas, incredible food, and discovering places before they…
Where to Stay in the Dolomites: Hotels I Loved as a Solo Traveler
Planning a trip to the Dolomites and overwhelmed by where to stay? I’ve been there—scrolling through endless listings and asking myself, Should I book a fancy spa hotel? Go rustic in a rifugio? Or just Airbnb it and hope for the best? In this guide, I’ve handpicked and reviewed the best hotels in the Dolomites…
Sentiero Dei Grandi Alberi:”Trail of big trees” Hike Near Vicenza, Italy
If you are looking for a hike near Vicenza that offers stunning views, look no further than Sentiero Grandi Alberi! This hike will leave you in awe in any season and it’s a bit milder than the Strada Delle 52 Galleries. I first discovered this hike after scouring Google Maps for nearby hikes that offered…
Prosecco Hills by E-Bike an Epic One Day Itinerary
Italy has some of the most fertile grounds for wine production. You can find several different varieties in Italy and one of them happens to be Prosecco. There happens to be a whole area of northern Italy devoted to growing this particular grape, known as the Prosecco hills. Lucky for me, it’s a short drive…
The Only Hiking Apps You Need for the Dolomites (2025 Update)
The Dolomites are one of my favorite places in Italy. Living in Vicenza, I’m lucky to be just 2.5 hours away from some of the region’s most breathtaking spots. As I explore these trails, I often rely on some of the best Dolomite hiking apps to guide my adventures. I’ve snowshoed through Cinque Torri, climbed…
Your Ultimate Guide to Bolzano and Merano Christmas Markets
Christmas Markets in Italy? You betcha! Bolzano and Merano Christmas Markets were two of the first markets I went to when I moved back to Europe from South Korea last year. Firstly, these Christmas Markets completely enchanted me and I know you will be enchanted as well. Initially, I didn’t expect Italy to have many Christmas Markets but…
Driving in Italy: 5+ Important tips You Should Know
After living in Italy for some time, I have noticed that there is an apprehension when it comes to driving in Italy. Tourists and servicemembers are all feeling the same way, it’s the roundabouts and the images that are conjured up down south. Cars everywhere. While time has been spent living in Poland and Korea,…
Hikes Near Cortina d’Ampezzo: 5 of the Best Scenic Trails
Looking for breathtaking hikes near Cortina d’Ampezzo that won’t be packed with tourists? Whether you’re visiting in the heart of summer or catching the golden glow of autumn, there are still peaceful trails where you can enjoy the Dolomites without the crowds. In this guide, I’m sharing five lesser-known hikes close to Cortina d’Ampezzo that…
The Ultimate Venice Food Tour: Rialto Market, Spritz, and Secret Bites
Venice is full of surprises, but if there’s one thing that truly opened my eyes to the city’s heart, it was this amazing Venice Food Tour, where I had the chance to taste my way through the venetian lagoon I joined Devour’s Tastes and Traditions of Venice Food Tour, and let me tell you—it changed…
A First Timers Guide to the Dolomites: How To Plan your Trip, Where to Stay
There are links to other blogs that focus on hikes and the goal of this first-timer’s guide to the Dolomites is to get you situated and set up for success. If you enjoy this First-timer’s guide to the Dolomites for first-timers, let me know by buying me a coffee or friending me on instagram! That’s…
Strada delle 52 Galleries Hike: Complete 2025 Trail Guide
Tucked into the rugged cliffs of Monte Pasubio in Northern Italy lies one of the most unforgettable hikes in Europe—the Strada delle 52 Gallerie. Originally built by Italian soldiers during World War I to safely move troops and supplies, this awe-inspiring trail winds through 52 hand-carved tunnels that snake their way up the mountain. Today,…
Burano in a Day: A Local’s Tour of Colorful Houses, Lace Traditions, and Hidden Gems
Burano is one of the most colorful islands in the Venetian Lagoon—and honestly, it might just be the most captivating. Known for its vivid, rainbow-painted houses, centuries-old lace-making tradition, and sweet, buttery Bussolà cookies, Burano isn’t just photogenic—it’s packed with charm, history, and authentic local life. If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through streets that…
Befana: Unveiling an Exciting Tradition of Epiphany in Italy
Italy, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage has a unique way of celebrating Epiphany that captivates hearts young and old. At the heart of this tradition is the mystical figure of Befana, a beloved character with a story that weaves together folklore, festivity, and a touch of enchantment. Befana Origin and Legend I…