Things to Do
Memorable activities, attractions and experiences, with practical tips for planning your own visit.
Orvieto: Thunderstorms, Underground Caves and One Ridiculously Beautiful Cathedral
A torrential downpour wasn’t enough to ruin our day in Orvieto. We headed beneath the Umbrian hill town to explore 2,500 years of underground tunnels, Etruscan wells, pigeon caves and an ancient olive mill before emerging to one of the most spectacular cathedral façades in Italy.
Certaldo – A Medieval Hill Town in Tuscany
A day trip from Florence brought us to Certaldo Alto, a remarkably quiet medieval Tuscan hill town filled with brick streets, centuries-old frescoes, Boccaccio history, olive groves and some seriously good views.
Milan – Food, Stay, and Sights
We spent a few days wandering around Milan beyond the Duomo, taking in everything from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and medieval city gates to Milano Centrale, Milanese food and the fashion district. Milan turned out to be a lot more than just fashion and a very large cathedral.
Milan Duomo
Nearly 600 years in the making, Milan’s Duomo is far more than a Gothic cathedral. From its Candoglia marble and 52 monumental columns to zodiac markings, sacred numerology, hidden relics, soaring spires and painted 3D ceiling details, the cathedral is filled with layers of history, symbolism and architectural illusion.
Alps
Our Alps adventure – 3 days boiled down to 1 post. Swiss food, wine, Italian food, wine, and multiple train rides through some of the most beautiful countryside we’ve seen yet.
