Finding the Universe
Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor
We spent four nights in Naples, the birthplace of pizza. Whether it's worth visiting, where to stay, which pizza queues to join, and how to spend 2 days. Read More...
We've been visiting the Amalfi Coast since 1995. How many days you really need, where to base yourself, and a day by day plan that works without a car. Read More...
I've based myself in Manarola over several visits to Cinque Terre. Here's the 2-day itinerary I'd give a first-timer, the real trail status, and where to stay. Read More...
I've explored the Veneto for 30 years. Here's how to plan a day in Vicenza: which Palladio ticket to buy, the Villa Rotonda catch, and a walking route. Read More...
We've spent days in Padua, as a day trip and staying over. Here's how to plan one perfect day: booking the Scrovegni Chapel, the best sights, trains and costs. Read More...
I got married in Venice and have used it as a base for years. Here are my 9 best day trips, from Verona to the Dolomites, with real train times and tips. Read More...
We bought the Omnia and Roma Pass in Rome ourselves. Here's which Rome pass is actually worth it, with real break-even maths for every kind of trip. Read More...
We keep going back to Florence. Here's our two-day itinerary, with the David, the Duomo, and exactly which tickets to pre-book and which ones to skip. Read More...
Our 2-day Verona itinerary: the Arena (with summer-opera notes), Juliet's House, Giardino Giusti, San Zeno, plus the timings that make a weekend work Read More...
I got married in St. Mark's Square and have visited Venice countless times. Here's my 2-day Venice itinerary, with the islands and where to eat Read More...
After several visits to Pompeii, here's how to plan your trip in 2026: tickets, timed entry, what to see, and combining with Vesuvius and Herculaneum. Read More...
A guide to the best food tours in Rome as well as the best cooking classes in Rome, all based on our personal experiences in the Eternal City Read More...
We've visited the Vatican many times over 30 years, including VIP tours. Here's everything you need to know: tickets, tours, highlights, tips and more. Read More...
A detailed guide to spending 2 days in Milan. What to see and do, where to stay, how to get around and how to save money in Milan! Read More...
Is the Vatican Key Masters Tour worth it? Our review of unlocking the Sistine Chapel before dawn, what it costs in 2026, and who it's really worth it for. Read More...
Our 10 day Italy itinerary from 30+ years of trips. Rome, Florence, an overnight in Cinque Terre, and Venice. Trains only, real hotels we've stayed at. Read More...
A tested 2 week Europe itinerary covering London, Paris, Barcelona, Venice and Rome, with personal hotel picks, tour recommendations and money-saving tips. Read More...
After many Colosseum visits, here's exactly which ticket to buy, when to go, whether a tour is worth it, and what to do when everything's already sold out. Read More...
We've visited Rome many times. Here's our one-day itinerary covering the Colosseum, Vatican, Pantheon, and Trevi, plus a walking map and where to eat. Read More...
After many visits to Rome, here's my 2-day itinerary covering the Colosseum, Vatican, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain, with a walking map and where to eat. Read More...
After years of visits and a lot of gelato, here are our 14 favourite gelaterias in Rome, organised by neighbourhood so you always know where to go. Read More...
We've visited Rome since 1995. Here's our day-by-day 3 day itinerary with a map, named restaurant picks, pass break-even maths and exactly what to pre-book. Read More...
What it's like to ride the modern day luxury Venice Simplon Orient Express train on the classic journey from London to Venice? This post tells you everything! Read More...
Full review of our tour experience with Context Travel in Florence as we toured the palace and the gardens of the Medici Dukes, home to a fabulous art collection Read More...
How to spend two days in Florence and Tuscany and see all the highlights of the city and the surrounds, including the Florence Duomo, the statue of David, Siena, San Gimigimano and the vineyards! Read More...
A review of a walking tour in Rome with Context Travel, featuring political intrigue, power and popes! Read More...
How to squeeze all the highlights of Rome into a Two Day trip, including visiting the Colosseum, Vatican City, Roman Forum and more! Read More...
Impressions of Le Marche: A Wandering Photo Essay Read More...
Sirmione: An Essential Lake Garda Experience Read More...
We've visited Milan many times over the years. Here are our favourite things to do, from the Last Supper to aperitivo on the Navigli canals, plus a walking itinerary for your first day. Read More...
Wanders through Bologna Read More...
Thoughts on a trip to L'Aquila, the city which has been devastated by earthquakes 11 times in 800 years. Read More...
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Everything you want to know about exploring the Molise region by train! Read More...
Italy's Venice - one of the worlds most amazing cities. This guide tells you everything you need to know to plan the perfect one day in Venice Read More...
Comparison of five European cities including Paris, Rome, Venice, London and Berlin Read More...
Travel tips for Rome, including the highlights of the Coliseum, Vatican, Appian Way, Baths of Caracalla, Catacombs, Pantheon Read More...
