The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a symbol of Italy, as well recognized as the Colosseum in Rome. I'd been to the latter on my first backpacking trip to Italy twenty years ago, so after attending the 2018 Adventure Travel World Summit in Montecatini Terme, I spent my last day in Tuscany visiting Pisa. The train ride took a little over an hour. I was able to get off at the Pisa … [Read more...] about Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa
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Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide for Backpackers
'Tis the season for holiday shopping. I've been wanting to put together a gift guide for backpackers based on my favorite travel brands and products for years. Whether you're shopping for a family member, partner, friend, or even yourself, I hope you'll find something new and useful. Travel Tech Apple AirPods Apple wasn't the first to make wireless Bluetooth … [Read more...] about Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide for Backpackers
Chianti Wine Tour: Origins of an Italian Wine in Tuscany
Chianti, one of Italy's best-known wines, was born out of central Tuscany. Following my week of walking on the Via Francigena, I had the opportunity to spend a day on a Chianti wine tour learning about the origins of this famous wine. The tour departed the town of Montecatini Terme, where I was staying, by bus on a Monday morning in October for the one hour and … [Read more...] about Chianti Wine Tour: Origins of an Italian Wine in Tuscany
Via Francigena: The Ultimate Walking Tour in Tuscany
My return to Florence after 20 years allowed me to revisit one of Italy's most beautiful cities. However, it was only a prelude to the main event: a one-week walking tour in Tuscany along the Via Francigena. The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route that runs from Canterbury, England through France, Switzerland, and Italy. The journey ends in Rome. Tuscany is home … [Read more...] about Via Francigena: The Ultimate Walking Tour in Tuscany
Revisiting Florence: Highlights from a Return Trip 20 Years Later
Twenty years ago this past July, I arrived in Florence by train with three of my best friends from college. We were 21-year-old fresh-faced backpackers, a fairly clueless, but innocent group of American guys bumbling our way across the European continent. It was in Florence, about 10 days into our two-month backpacking trip, that it became clear we had different … [Read more...] about Revisiting Florence: Highlights from a Return Trip 20 Years Later
