Lugging my complete collection of Shakespeare book across campus to my weekly class is still one of my fondest college memories. The book weighed a ton, both literally and figuratively. I would hang on every word my professor said, and there are notes in the book which I still have many years later. It was…
Italy
What to Do in Lucca, Italy: A Local’s Guide
Everyone grows up reading or hearing fairytales; tales of towns surrounded by Medieval walls. What happens inside and outside of these walls is always a fascinating adventure. My visit to Lucca, Italy, proved that fairytales are real, and that mysterious walled towns still exist. No visit to Tuscany should be complete without a visit to…
Florence in Two Days: A Pocket Travel Guide to Florence, Italy
Rich with history and artistic treasures, Tuscany’s capital Florence is a city that inspires every visitor in a unique way. Florence was at the top of my list during a month-long tour of Italy. With very little time to explore, my first visit would simply serve to whet my appetite for the next. I uncovered a…
A Luxury Stay at Hotel de Russie, Rome
There’s a reason why millions of people visit Rome every single day, the allure to experience this culturally rich, effortlessly fashionable city is an undeniable force. My first visit was quick, incredibly special and one that I will never forget and I could not possibly have stayed in a more perfect choice from all the five star…
Monaci delle Terre Nere: A Boutique Mount Etna Hotel in Sicily
I found myself in the gorgeous green gardens of a beautiful Etna hotel on the island of Sicily, just shortly after spending time in Corsica, and the contrast was absolutely delicious; literally and figuratively. Not only did Sicily represent the beginning of a month-long (first time) exploration of Italy for me, but I’m part Sicilian…
Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, A Luxury Cave Hotel in Matera, Italy
My first day in Matera, Italy, I wandered the narrow cobbled streets in awe. Awe of the in-tact history, the charm, the quiet, the unspoiled town, and the authentic Italian moments I witnessed on the streets. I felt at ease, welcomed into the past with an invitation to get lost here. It came as no…
Eat, Play, Love: The Ultimate European Honeymoon
Just over three months ago, I married my best friend. We had the party of a lifetime and yes it was, like everyone says it will be, one of the best days of your life. After the busy lead up to a wedding, all the planning and emotional energy that is invested, you are well…
Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice, Italy
The Hilton Molino Stucky makes an eye-catching first impression. Cruising into the hotel on Venice’s Giudecca Canal, the converted 19th century flour mill shrinks everything else around it. It is a grand, and iconic building that has been carefully renovated to deliver 5-star luxury right on Venice’s front door step, or wharf as it were. By Skye Gilkeson Back in 1895, 1500 people…
Ca’Sagredo Hotel, Venice
Staying in a 15th Century Palace on the Grand Canal in Venice was a dream come true. Ca’Sagredo Hotel offers more than just a 5-star experience, it gives guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in a lasting piece of history. Part museum, part hotel, part art gallery, Ca’Sagredo transports you back in time. Skye Gilkeson The Ca’Sagredo Hotel…
The Incredible Hotel Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano in Badia, Italy
Negotiating the narrow bends of the Dolomite mountains for the first time was a hairy, yet moving experience. The sheer scale and incredible natural beauty of the landscape make an unforgettable impact. Hotel Rosa Alpina sits in the heart of the iconic mountain range in the historic town of San Cassiano in Badia and it was our…
Sicily Day Trip: Mount Etna, Off-Roading and Lots of Delicious Wine
We took things slow, ate really good food, and drank a lot of great local wine on our honeymoon in Taormina. While there are so many things to do in Taormina Italy itself, you should definitely have a few mini adventures along the way too. One Taormina must-do is a Sicily day trip to Mount…
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Taormina, Sicily
Sicily has long been on my destination wish list. Despite having explored Italy many times, I’d always put it off until the next trip as it was farther south than other hero cities like Bologna, Florence or Rome. But, I finally made it to Taormina and it was just as gorgeous as I had always…