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10 Must-Try Dishes in Piedmont + Wine and Cheese Guide
Piedmont became my second home, when I moved here a few years ago. Living here, I quickly realized that food in Italy isn’t just about eating, but about ingredients, patience, and a deep respect for tradition. If Tuscany is all about rustic simplicity and sun-drenched flavors, Piedmont offers a different but equally captivating culinary experience. Nestled in the northwest of Italy, Piedmont is a region where food and wine are elevated to an art form. It’s the land of truffles, rich pastas, slow-cooked meats, exceptional rice dishes and one of the best wines in the world. You can taste the refined influence of the Savoy court. If you’re planning a…
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Best Time to Visit Tuscany: A Month-by-Month Guide for Every Traveler
When is the Best time to visit Tuscany? Tuscany is the kind of place that feels timeless no matter when you visit. Rolling vineyards, golden fields, medieval towns, and that warm Italian sun. It is a dream destination all year round. But each season in Tuscany brings something different, and the best time to go depends on what you want to experience. Are you after quiet countryside escapes, wine festivals, or sun-drenched summer days? This guide will help you choose the perfect time to visit! Spring (March – May): Tuscany in Bloom Why visit in spring? The Tuscan countryside is at its most photogenic in spring, with green hills, wildflowers,…
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The Ultimate Self-Catering Holiday Guide: Packing, Planning & Tips for a Perfect Trip
A self-service holiday offers a unique blend of independence, comfort, and adventure. Unlike a hotel stay, where everything is provided, a self-catering trip requires careful planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. After spending an unforgettable week at Romitorio di Serelle in Tuscany, we’ve gathered essential insights into what to pack, what to expect, and how to make the most of this type of holiday. Why Choose a Self-Service Holiday? Self-service accommodations provide a home-away-from-home experience. Whether you’re staying in a countryside villa, a seaside cottage, or a city apartment, you’ll enjoy: Planning Your Self-Service Holiday: Key Considerations 1. Choosing the Right Accommodation Not all self-catering accommodations are the…
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Florence ZTL Guide: How to Drive, Park & Avoid Costly Fines
Florence’s historic center is one of the most pedestrian-friendly places in Italy, largely thanks to the Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL), or Limited Traffic Zone. If you’re planning to visit Florence by car, it’s essential to understand the ZTL rules to avoid fines, which can arrive months after your trip! This guide will explain what the ZTL is, how it works, when it is active, and how to legally enter if necessary. What is the ZTL in Florence? (And Why You Should Care!) The ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) is a restricted traffic zone in the historic center where only residents, taxis, buses, emergency vehicles, and authorized cars can enter…
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10 Things to do in Tallinn in Winter
With a baby on the way, we wanted to take one last trip, just the two of us. We had a long debate on where to go and in the end, Tallinn’s snowy charm won us over, and looking back, we couldn’t imagine a better choice. Tallinn in winter is straight out of a fairy tale. The snow-covered Old Town, warm candle-lit cafés, the smell of mulled wine on the Christmas market in the air… just like stepping into a medieval winter wonderland, but with a cool, modern twist. Beyond history, Tallinn is also one of Europe’s most innovative cities, often called the digital capital thanks to its cutting-edge tech scene,…
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The perfect Day-trip to Helsinki
About Helsinki is a young city by European standards, but what it lacks in medieval history, it makes up for with stunning design, a deep connection to nature, and an easygoing vibe. Founded in 1550 on the Gulf of Finland, it remained a small coastal town for centuries before becoming Finland’s capital in 1812. What makes Helsinki unique is how effortlessly new and old coexist. Unlike its medieval neighbors like Tallinn or Stockholm, Helsinki’s charm isn’t in ancient castles or cobblestone streets but in its neoclassical elegance, modernist architecture, and laid-back atmosphere. Senate Square, with its grand buildings inspired by St. Petersburg, tells the story of its Russian past, while…
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10 Must-try Dishes in Tallinn + food guide
For me, traveling isn’t just about sights, it’s especially about the food. There’s something magical about sitting down to a meal in a new city and tasting flavors that tell the story of a place. That’s exactly what happened in Tallinn. Sure, the city’s medieval walls, snow-dusted rooftops, and cozy streets are unforgettable, but the food? That’s what truly stayed with me. Tallinn’s cuisine tells a story, one shaped by Nordic influences, Baltic roots, and a dash of Russian flair. It is hearty and comforting, perfect for cold winter days, yet surprisingly fresh and vibrant, thanks to Estonia’s focus on seasonal, local ingredients. What I loved most is how Estonians…
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3 Perfect Days in Tallinn + Itinerary
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3 Perfect Days in Tallinn + Itinerary
Since we are expecting a baby, we wanted to take one last trip with just the two of us. We were torn between enjoying the pleasant weather of southern Europe’s coastal areas or embracing a winter getaway in the north. In the end, we chose Tallinn for its snowy charm, and we could not be happier with our decision. About Tallinn is over 800 years old, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the most underrated and charming cities I have ever visited. It is a city of contrasts, in the best possible way. Its medieval Old Town, with winding cobblestone streets, towering…
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10 Must-try Dishes in Tallinn + food guide
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10 Typical Dishes in Tuscany to try + amazing wine
As someone who loves cooking, eating, and traveling, Italy feels like a second home for my taste buds, and Tuscany holds a special place in my heart. Each region of Italy boasts its own unique colors and flavors, and Tuscany is no exception There’s something magical about this region. It’s not just the sun-drenched hills, the medieval villages, or the Renaissance art that seems to pour from every corner, it’s the food. Tuscan cuisine has a way of pulling you into its story, with dishes that feel like they’ve been kissed by the land itself. Here, the cuisine reflects its roots in peasant traditions, transforming humble, rustic ingredients into culinary…
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Romitorio Di Serelle – A Detailed Review
“Romitorio” comes from the word “romito,” meaning hermit—a person devoted to meditation and prayer. In Tuscany, these peaceful retreats also served as resting spots for pilgrims and offered a quiet connection to the region’s nature. Unlike modern accommodations, a romitorio is often set in a tranquil, and scenic location, that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle. We chose this place as our base in Tuscany because it was perfect for us. Two grown-up couples looking for something peaceful, full of history, and with the kind of quality that made it feel like home. And it had wonderful reviews! History and Cultural Context of the Romitorio Historically, a romitorio…
