Author Archives: Natalie

A Guide to Parma, Italy

Updated: October 2023 Located in northern Italy in the foodie-rich region of Emilia-Romagna, Parma is a wonderful destination for those who appreciate art, architecture and Italian food. The city is probably most famous for Parma ham (prosciutto) and sits at the gateway to the area which produces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and balsamic vinegar. In addition to […]

How to Buy Vatican Tickets to Skip the Line

skip the line st peter's

Regardless of your faith, you really do need to visit the Vatican at least once. The museums are filled with treasures that stretch from ancient times to modern masterpieces. But one way to ruin a beautiful experience is to waste it by waiting in line, and that is exactly what might happen if show up at […]

Tazza d’Oro Coffee Near the Pantheon

coffee granita in front of the pantheon in Rome

Updated: April 2024 Tazza d’Oro near the Pantheon has always had a special place in my coffee-loving heart. In addition to the incredible location, the old school coffee bar makes a mean granita di caffe.  Tazza d’Oro (Golden Cup) opened in a building next to the Pantheon in 1946. More than a simple coffee bar, […]

How to Get Pompeii Tickets (and Skip the Line)

Updated October 2023 I have been to Pompeii several times, and I always manage to forget how large it is. Once you step inside, you realize that it really is the ruins of an entire ancient city. With Vesuvius looming in the background (now heavily monitored by scientists), you can imagine the level of eruption […]