Category Archives: Beyond Rome

Mission Delicious: Big hit with little kids

Mission Delicious: Big hit with little kids

Gibberish chatter, endless energy and unrestrained giggling filled the air as the girls swung out of the revolving hotel door. Grinning ear to ear, these were evident signs that Mission Delicious was a bit hit for these little girls. Thanks to the kind invitation by the Westin Excelsior Rome, I had brought three girls, my twin nieces and their ... Read More »

Grape Harvest at Val delle Rose,Tuscany

Grape Harvest at Val delle Rose,Tuscany

Getting invited to participate in a grape harvest in Tuscany was something I couldn’t refuse. For several years I have expressed my desire to be part of vendemmia and when I received the invitation from Cecchi, a winery which history dates back to 1893, I was beyond excited. Along with a few other fabulous bloggers ... Read More »

24 Hours in the Cinque Terre

I have never been to the Cinque Terre before this trip and have always heard how it’s very similar to the Amalfi Coast. As we are very familiar with the Amalfi Coast, I was keen to visit the Cinque Terre only to see if it is that similar. With plans to stop one night half ... Read More »

Day trip to the stunning town of Civita di Bagnoregio

Day trip to the stunning town of Civita di Bagnoregio

As striking as photos are of Civita di Bagnoregio, they don’t do this place justice. Catching a glimpse of this jaw-dropping town in person is an overwhelming and awe-inspiring moment that is difficult to describe in words. Founded by the Etruscans and dating back 2,500 years ago, Civita di Bagnoregio is today desperately clinging to its ... Read More »

Weekend in Amelia, Umbria

Weekend in Amelia, Umbria

We are fortunate to have awesome friends who often extend an invitation for us to stay at their lovely country house in Amelia. Prior to this, I had never heard of Amelia though I am very familiar with Umbria. However, Amelia had never crossed my mind and I assume that many others would probably not ... Read More »

Hidden Gems in Lazio

Hidden Gems in Lazio

Lately, I’ve had the opportunity to explore more of the Lazio region and while Rome has plenty of amazing gems, the region has stunning places that are absolutely worth a visit. Off the beaten path, you often have these places to yourself. One pleasant Saturday in November, we visited Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola and Villa ... Read More »

A Day in the Lazio Countryside

A Day in the Lazio Countryside

“Are you sure? It’s a 17-km (10.5 miles) walk!” That was the answer I got when I told Luca about the walk at Lake Nemi which is about a 40-minute drive southeast of Rome. To be honest, I didn’t read the details of this guided walk/hike and had my doubts when I heard “17-km”.  However, ... Read More »

Eating Our Way Through Sicily – Awesome Sicilian Food

Eating Our Way Through Sicily – Awesome Sicilian Food

Now back in Rome, I am reminiscing as well as missing the awesome Sicilian food we had while on vacation there.  You are spoilt for choice in Sicily and while we tried to pace ourselves in those two weeks, it was a real challenge. We literally ate our way through Sicily, starting in Palermo where ... Read More »