Venice & the north

The Prosecco Hills: Italy's Oldest Wine Road

Driving the Prosecco Road between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene: the steep DOCG hills, what makes this prosecco different, and how to visit without a car.

Murano and Burano: The Lagoon Islands in a Day

Glass on one island and coloured houses on the next: how long the vaporetto really takes, the glass demonstration sales pitch, and why Burano deserves the larger share of the day.

St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace: Visiting Them Well

The two ticketed buildings on the square: what each ticket includes, the queue and the dress code, the terrace nobody books, and why the palace deserves more time than the basilica.

The Venice Access Fee: What Day Visitors Need to Know

Venice charges day visitors on selected dates: who has to pay, who is exempt, why staying overnight changes your position, and why you must check the current rules yourself.

Venice for the First Time: How the City Actually Works

Arriving, getting around and not spending the whole day in a queue: the vaporetto, the sestieri, when the day-tripper crowd comes and goes, and why staying the night changes everything.

Verona Guide: The Arena, the Balcony and the Stop Nobody Regrets

The best short stop in northern Italy: a Roman arena still used for opera, a compact walkable centre, an honest verdict on the Juliet balcony, and how it fits between Venice and the lakes.

The Dolomites: A Complete First-Timer Guide

A first trip to the Italian Dolomites: the best hikes, Lake Braies, where to base yourself, how to get around, and when to go for hiking, autumn colour or winter snow.