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Laurel Wreaths in Italy: What They Really Mean

Walk through any Italian university town in spring or autumn, and you’ll spot them immediately — young people in suits and dresses, proudly wearing laurel wreaths on their heads. Some look serious, others laugh with prosecco in hand. The vibe is unmistakable: it’s graduation season.

Soap Box Rally in Bergamo: Wooden Cars and High-Speed Fun

Every spring, Bergamo comes alive with the Soap Box Rally – a race featuring handmade wooden vehicles. They don’t have motors – this isn’t a Tesla – but they still race downhill at impressive speeds. It’s fun, it’s quirky, and it draws thousands of people. If you’re around in May, it’s worth checking out.

Threads of Time: Inside Italy’s Most Surprising Textile Museum

Just 20 minutes by train from Florence, Prato delivers a surprise: the Textile Museum — a former factory filled with shimmering velvet, brocade, buttons, lace, and dresses that look like they stepped out of a dream — or a very fashionable time machine.

Certosa di Pavia: A Monastery That Still Breathes Near Milan

Just 25 km from Milan lies a place where time slows down and whispers echo through cloisters. Certosa di Pavia isn’t just a historical monument — it’s a living monastery, where seven monks still follow a rhythm of silence and prayer. If you’re craving a peaceful escape with depth, this half-day trip is a gem.

Why Are There So Many Tobacco Shops in Italy?

In Italy, small shops with a Tabaccheria or Tabacchi sign are everywhere. Even if you don’t smoke (like me), they might become your best ally during your trip. Need a bus ticket, a phone top-up, or a stamp for your postcard? These little stores can help.

One Hour on the Duomo Rooftop: More Than Just the Best Views in Milan

It might have been the element of surprise. I climbed to the Duomo rooftop in Milan, expecting a quick photo stop. Instead, I found one of the most iconic viewpoints in the city — a marble terrace high above the skyline, like a piazza in the sky, surrounded by spires and sweeping views. It was love at first sight.

Trip to Rome in One Day: Learn From My Mistakes

Fresh from a one-day trip to Rome, my first visit to this fantastic city, I'm excited to share my experiences and reflections on what I managed to do in a day and where I went wrong.

A Week in Ferrara: The Best City You Weren’t Planning to Visit

Ferrara doesn’t make top-ten lists or Instagram feeds — and thank God for that. It’s one of those rare places where life feels balanced: beautiful but not theatrical, historic but not frozen, interesting without trying too hard.

Venice Carnival Survival Guide (From Someone Who Actually Went)

I’d had the Venice Carnival on my bucket list for years—turns out, about five million people make that dream come true every year. The crowds? Manageable. The prices? Not that scary. The masks? Optional. Turns out, the real surprise was how easy (and fun) it all actually was.