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
One Day in Bologna Food Tour: Taste the City in 24 Hours
Can you REALLY visit Bologna and enjoy a food tour in just one day? Absolutely! If you’re craving authentic Italian food but have limited time, you’re probably concerned about missing the city’s best culinary experiences. I completely understand—I’ve been there. But don’t worry: I’ve crafted this itinerary based on my own incredible one-day experience, ensuring…
Alta Via 1, Day 1: Lago di Braies to Pederü Berggasthaus
I stood at Lago di Braies, ready to embark on Alta Via 1 Day 1, with a full pack, sore ankles from training, and the kind of nervous energy that only a long-distance trail can stir. I signed up for a last-minute 4-day trek with Bookatrekking.com because I wanted to hike the Alta Via 1….
Where to Stay Before & After the Alta Via 1: Guide for Solo Hikers
Planning to hike the Alta Via 1 (AV1) in the Dolomites? As a solo hiker, I know how important it is to feel safe, comfortable, and confident in your logistics, especially on long-distance treks like the AV1. While most people focus on rifugio bookings, knowing where to stay before and after hiking Alta Via 1…
How to Spend Three Days in Verona Solo: Juliet’s Balcony to the Dolomites
After my Verona one-day itinerary gained traction, I knew I had to create a deeper, more immersive guide to spending three days in Verona solo and the region around it. That quick trip just scratched the surface. This three-day plan is for those of you who don’t just want to see Verona—you want to feel…
Tre Cime di Lavaredo: A Solo Female Hikers Guide for 2025
The first time I saw Tre Cime di Lavaredo in person, I stopped in my tracks. These three jagged limestone peaks tower over the Italian Dolomites like something straight out of a fairytale—and I was about to hike around them, solo. This 10 km (6.2 mile) trail is iconic for a reason—it’s dramatic, accessible, and…
Easy Day Hikes in the Dolomites: Val Venegia & Sentiero Marcio
My mother-in-law sent me an article about a forest in the Dolomites where Stradivari sourced wood for his violins. I then found out that there were two iconic trails that were easy day hikes in the Dolomites, and that was all I needed to know! One of which I had already been to! Located in…
Best Tours in Verona: 5 I Recommend to Friends and Family
Curated for Solo Travelers, Couples & First-Time Visitors Planning a trip to Verona and want to skip the guesswork? You’re in the right place. I’ve rounded up the 5 best tours in Verona—not just any random listings, but the ones I recommend to friends and family when they visit. These are tried, tested, and thoughtfully…
One Perfect Day in Soave, Italy: A Slow Travel Guide
I’ve visited Soave several times now, and each trip feels like rediscovering something quietly wonderful. Whether it’s a new view, a hidden alley, or the way the light hits the castle walls, Soave always brings something different, especially when you experience it with someone else. Just 30 minutes from Verona and 40 minutes from Vicenza,…
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
Trying to figure out where to stay in Verona? You’re not alone—this city is so enchanting, even Juliet couldn’t make up her mind on her balcony! But here’s the thing: where you stay in Verona can completely shape your experience. Do you want to be near wine bars and boutique shopping? Prefer a peaceful corner…
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
Looking for the best pasta-making class in Puglia?This is the one I still dream about. La Caseddha Rural Experience isn’t just a cooking class—it’s an invitation. Into a family home. Onto a quiet farm near Ostuni. Into a kitchen where flour dust lingers in the sunlight and stories are passed down with each hand-rolled shape…
How to Take a Day Trip from Venice to Verona (Train, Car & Tours)
Got one extra day in Venice and craving a change of pace? Verona is your move. It’s romantic, walkable, and packed with history—and it’s just over an hour away. But before you start dreaming about Juliet’s Balcony or sipping Valpolicella in the piazza… You need to decide how to get there. This post gives you…
Is One Day in Verona, Italy Enough? Absolutely—Here’s How to Make It Unforgettable
Only have one day in Verona? Don’t stress—I’ve got you. Whether you’re squeezing in a quick escape from Venice or you’ve been dreaming of this romantic city for years, this one-day itinerary will make every minute count. I planned this exact itinerary for a friend visiting Italy for the first time—and she left raving about…
Verona Travel Guide: Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors
I live just 45 minutes from Verona, which means I’ve had the chance to explore this city over and over—and fall in love with it a little more each time. That’s why I put together this ultimate Verona travel guide, packed with essential tips for first-time visitors, solo travelers, and anyone dreaming of Northern Italy….
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) + 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
Real stays. Honest reviews. Cozy corners of the Dolomites you’ll actually want to book. Planning a trip to the Dolomites and feeling completely overwhelmed about where to stay? I get it—I’ve been there, scrolling for hours and wondering:Do I go rustic in a rifugio? Splurge on a spa hotel? Pick a town and hope for…
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…
Best Apps for the Dolomites: 25+ Hiking, Weather & Travel Tools
Can I be honest: navigating the Dolomites isn’t always easy. That’s why I created this blog post, I wanted to bring together not only navigation apps but some of the best dolomite hiking apps for your smartphone. Buses run on regional timetables. Some trails vanish under snow even in June. And don’t even get me…
Your Ultimate Guide to Bolzano and Merano Christmas Markets (2025 Guide)
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
Thinking about renting a car in Italy? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not the first to panic-Google “how to survive driving in Italy.” Whether you’re a first-time tourist, a military spouse PCSing to Vicenza, or a traveler planning that dreamy Dolomites road trip, here’s the truth: driving in Italy can be thrilling, freeing, and yes—frustrating….