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Stay Awhile in Lucca: Exactly What We Needed
Lucca was exactly what we needed. After months of running ourselves ragged with big-city itineraries and epic social gatherings (thanks and Happy Birthday, Linda!), this quiet, walled Tuscan town was the oasis of chill we were craving. Compared to everywhere else we’ve been, Lucca is tiny. Its intact medieval walls circle a historic center with only about 8,000 residents. Sure, there are many more folks outside the walls, but since we rarely venture out, we’ve decided they don’t count. Inside the walls, it’s all cobblestones, charming piazzas, and an irresponsible number of excellent restaurants for a place you can walk across in ten minutes. Truthfully, you could check off most…
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Lucca for a Day or a Month: A Complete Guide
We loved our month-long stay in charming Lucca. To read all about our experience, click here. If you’re planning your own escape to Lucca, whether for a day or a month, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it. Book a walking tour Start with a quick walking tour to get your bearings and a dose of local history. You’ll learn that Lucca is one of only four European cities with fully intact medieval walls. And how it’s the only city in Tuscany that managed to avoid being conquered by the Medicis (those walls did their job as a deterrent). And how the Lucchese used to…
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4 Easy Day Trips from Bologna
Day trips from Bologna are almost too easy. This city makes an ideal base for exploring the treasures of Emilia-Romagna and beyond. During our month-long stay, we took side trips to Modena, Ravenna, Mantova, and Verona. We visited Modena alone three times. Not on purpose, and not our best planning. Each town offers its own distinct charm, history, and incredible food. Read on for the goods. Curious about the full story of our month living and working in Bologna? Start here. Looking for a deep dive into what to see, do, and eat in Bologna itself? Click here. sleek Italian trains First, a word about the trains Italian trains are…
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Stay Awhile in Bologna: Tower Living in the City of Towers
This is the story of our month-long Stay Awhile stay in Bologna. For our guide to all the things to see, do, and especially eat in Bologna, click here. Photo cred to Sheri, who shared this from her Dolomites Backroads trip (note we have definitely accidentally killed a few Italians in our time) Arriving in Italy put a bounce in our step and a “prego!” on our lips. This is a country where everyone is effortlessly stylish, and the scooters are driven like they’re stolen. Where conversations unfold like theater—punctuated by animated hand gestures and words shouted with a passion signaling deep affection or, possibly, intense hatred. Where emotions run…
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Wandering Bologna: A Complete Guide
Bologna: A Complete Guide. Our month in Bologna had as many layers as mamma’s lasagna—and we’re here to share every delicious bite. From iconic towers and bustling markets to scenic side trips. You don’t need a whole month to fall for Bologna. But we won’t lie, having the chance to slowly uncover this city was pretty sweet. Want the full story of our month living and working in Bologna? Start here. Curious about how our journey as Modern Nomads began? Go all the way back to the beginning here. First, a word about the city of Bologna itself. Bologna’s city center has ancient roots. First settled by the Etruscans in…
