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"To tip or not to tip, that is the question." Italy, as we know, is famous for its delicious cuisine, rich history, and vibrant culture. But when it comes to tipping, well, the rules might diverge quite a bit from those of other countries. The term "mancia" (tip) - from the French "manche," meaning sleeve - refers to the "small gift of money that i...

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Jubilee 2025 is one of the biggest Catholic events on the global calendar next year. With Rome being a bucket-list destination for many Catholics, the Holy Year is set to bring even bigger crowds to both Italy’s capital and Vatican City. Celebrated every 25 years, the jubilee is a tradition in the Catholic Church that sees Catholics give time and d...

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Autumn has arrived, bringing with it the most inviting and colourful season of the year. This is certainly the case in Italy, and during these months, Mother Nature showcases her most enchanting display as the leaves transform into a comforting palette of warm, earthy tones.  To help you make the most of this extraordinary time of natural transform...

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Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world visit Italy’s religious sites. Although one needn’t even be religious to appreciate what Italy’s most beautiful churches offer. So from north to south, from monumental-sized structures to tiny churches, here is my list of favorites. Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi, Assisi, Umbria Since 123...

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Set off on a journey to discover the most colorful villages in Italy. From north to south, between pastel plasters and bright colors that shine in the sun, there are many and all not to be missed. Walking along narrow streets or by the sea, you will encounter different dialects and cultures, historical monuments and fishing villages, crafts and loc...

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And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English. One of the best things about traveling to a new country is learning about new traditions and customs. They can be very different from our own. When visiting a foreign county, it is smart to follow the local social rules and customs of the people who live there. This can make your stay eas...

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When we arrived in Genoa, also called Genova, we discovered much about this destination that many in Italy already know: That it’s a little gritty but highly welcoming, the pasta is as fabulous as any you’ll find in Florence, and it’s not plagued by over-tourism. “It’s off the beaten path. So you see something others have not seen,” said Matteo Del...

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The Savio Valley, located in southern Romagna, stretches from the headwaters of the Savio River near Mount Fumaiolo to the city of Cesena. The stream springs from the slopes of the mountain, which is one of the valley’s main natural attractions. Along the course of the stream are villages such as Bagno di Romagna, known for its thermal baths dating...

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Tree houses, once a dream for many children, are becoming an increasingly popular reality for adults as well. This phenomenon is spreading globally and has also found increasing popularity in Italy, especially in the area of eco-tourism. The possibility of living in direct contact with nature and experiencing a unique living experience, suspended a...

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Nautical tourism already impacts the Italian economy by billions, targeting a large segment of tourists, often high spenders. And it can grow much further. In 2023, more than 3 million people took boating vacations in Italy, spending more than 6 billion euros in the area. The nautical tourist is a special, prized tourist, who brings in an average d...

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