What to see in Orvieto, Umbria
February 01, 2010If you’re wondering what to see in Orvieto, I will challenge you: just try to drive by it. You won’t be able to. My first visit to Orvieto happened when I was driving through Umbria on my way to somewhere…
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Amateur Traveler Podcast: The Life of an Adventure Travel Tour Guide
January 31, 2010The most fun I've ever had while also getting paid was probably when I led week-long cycling tours in Italy, but it was also the most work of any job I've ever had. I've since noticed that lots of people…
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Five Italian words with unsatisfying English equivalents
January 28, 2010If I’m speaking English with someone who I know speaks or understands Italian, I tend to inject the words below into conversation rather than use the English approximation. The Italian version is just better! Have a look at the…
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What to do in Italy on Sundays
January 21, 2010When we create custom itineraries at Italy Beyond the Obvious, we always include the day of the week – not just the date – during the planning process. The main reason for this is that Sundays (and sometimes Mondays) require a…
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Off the Beaten Track in Tuscany: the Abbey of San Galgano
January 18, 2010The atmospheric Abbey of San Galgano is about half an hour from Siena and a little over an hour from Florence, but if you’re looking for a Tuscan stop with very few foreign tourists, this is it. Take a photo of…
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Where to run, bike, or roller blade in Milan
January 11, 2010Business travelers ask me all the time where they can run in Milan. I’m not a runner (though I wish I were – it’s so convenient for travel!) but I do pack my rollerblades in my suitcase sometimes. …
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The best outlet malls in Italy
January 04, 2010It’s January, and the sales have started across Italy. If you’re okay with crowds, the January and July sale periods in Italy are a fantastic time to shop. (Last time I went during the January sales I actually witnessed a fist fight…
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A Sicily itinerary: What to see and do
December 28, 2009In August I did a podcast with the Amateur Traveler about what to see on the Italian island of Sicily. Here’s the summary of our discussion. Sicily could be described as: Italy, compact and concentrate. The tourist infrastructure is…
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The best skiing in Italy
December 14, 2009Ask virtually any serious Italian skier where the best place to ski in Italy is and they won’t blink before recommending Cortina D’Ampezzo. With jaw-dropping views and 12 ski areas, there are 750 miles of downhill runs, 73 miles of…
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