Villa del Balbianello: The Complete Visitor’s Guide to Lake Como’s Most Romantic Villa
A complete guide to Villa del Balbianello: tickets, opening days, how to arrive by boat, the walking path, and the best light.
Turin Chocolate Guide: Gianduiotto & the Best Sweets to Buy & Bring Home
Turin is Italy’s chocolate capital. Gianduiotto, gianduja cream, the historic shops worth visiting, and what travels home well.
Turin’s Historic Cafés: A Coffee Lover’s Guide to Italy’s Most Elegant Café City
A coffee lover’s guide to Turin’s historic cafes: which ones to choose, what to order, and how to pace a cafe crawl over a day.
Santa Maria Novella Florence: Enchanting Products at the World’s Oldest Pharmacy
What is actually worth buying at Santa Maria Novella in Florence, the world’s oldest pharmacy, and what is cheaper to order at home.
Boboli Garden Florence: 4 Must-See Spots with Stunning Tuscan Views
Four spots inside Florence’s Boboli Gardens with the best Tuscan views, and when to arrive to beat the heat and the crowds.
Best London Souvenirs: Charming Photogenic Picks from Harrods, Fortnum Mason, the V&A
The prettiest, most giftable London souvenirs from Harrods, Fortnum and Mason, and the V and A, with notes on what is worth the price.
The Costume Museum at Pitti Palace in Florence: A Hidden Gem for Fashion Lovers
The Costume Museum inside Pitti Palace is Florence’s quietest hidden gem. What is on show, tickets, and how to fit it into a day.
Italian Souvenirs to Buy at EATALY in Florence
Reasonably priced Italian souvenirs worth buying at EATALY in Florence, from pantry gifts to sweets that travel home well.
Cafe Gilli Florence: A Visit to One of Italy’s Most Historic Cafes
Cafe Gilli is one of Florence’s most historic cafes. What to order, what it costs, and why I went back nearly every single day.
Visiting Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) — Afternoon Tea & Gift Shop: Part 2
Afternoon tea and the gift shop at Highclere Castle: what it costs, what is worth buying, and how the Downton Abbey visit felt.