The Cinque Terre, tucked into Italy's northwestern coastline, once stood as a string of five isolated fishing villages. Eventually, visitors got wind of this gem along the Italian Riviera, transforming it into a top tourist destination. 

Fortunately, the five points on the Cinque Terre have retained all their beauty and charm over the years. The only hard part about visiting is picking a village — if they're all so delightful, where should you stay? You can't go wrong, but each village has something unique to offer. Read on to find out which one will suit your trip best.

Cinque Terre is a place unlike any other. Situated along the Italian Riviera, it offers adorable seaside villages, stunningly colourful architecture, and unmatched views of the Mediterranean Sea. You could easily spend a lifetime here exploring, getting to know the local culture, and, of course, trying the delicious food! But if you’re a little more limited on time, and want to make the most of your trip, here are some suggestions for the top things to do on a journey through Cinque Terre!

Not long ago, Bryan and his sister Celeste returned home from an Acanela Expedition to Cinque Terre. Together, they took cooking classes, swam in the Mediterranean, went cliff-jumping, and got to know a beautiful part of the world. The two siblings loved exploring Cinque Terre with Acanela, and Bryan told us that he would go back to Italy in a heartbeat. Here’s the full account of the trip — as told by Bryan.

Traveling to Italy is a culturally immersive experience. Everywhere you turn, your eyes feast on magnificent architecture, you can hear the beautiful language, and your mouth waters with every bite of pappardelle. While you could spend your days soaking up the Italian sun and licking gelato, you may crave a more local experience. After you’ve toured the Colosseum and visited a vineyard, you can (and should!) connect with artisans and learn from their expertise.

Cinque Terre was all that Donna Baird-Horne and her husband dreamed of — and maybe even a little more. Between the cooking classes, train journeys, hikes, and wine tastings, their couples trip was an unforgettable adventure. Donna recently sent us an email saying how much she loved the trip, and we thought we’d share it with you, too.

Summertime often evokes images of frosty glasses full of ice-cold lemonade, scrumptious ice cream cones, and lazy days on a sandy beach with a great novel in hand. For most people, the lengthening days bring with them a much-anticipated break from school or a slower work schedule. It is no wonder that this season has become readily associated with vacation time! The lingering twilight, warm sunshine, and slower pace of life make the summer one of the best times of the year to adventure with those you love. Perhaps you hope to jet off on a romantic getaway to a faraway island, or maybe you want to simply seek respite from the heat in the coolness of the mountains; either way, summer is the perfect time to explore the world. So, whether you are planning to visit the other side of the globe or just the other side of the country, here are some of my top vacation destinations to get you started thinking about your next summertime trip!

Jetting off to the Italian peninsula is every traveler’s dream. Experiences such as relaxing in a Venetian gondola, sipping fine wine in Tuscany, and tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain can all be categorized as “bucket list.” For art lovers, though, Italy holds a special place in their tourism fantasies. It seems as though every city is bursting with artistic history and talent. Each area of Italy tells a different story, so planning travel to Italy can be daunting.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) lists Cinque Terre as one of 845 culturally significant sites in the world. With its natural and manmade beauty working together to create breathtaking views over the course of 7.5-miles, it is no wonder why this part of Italy is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the region and country.

Planning a trip to the beautiful country of Italy? Need suggestions on the best boutique hotels? Well you have come to the right place! Featured boutique hotels will be in Venice, Florence, Bologna, and Umbria. Boutique are small hotels with anywhere from 10 to 100 rooms. Most have unique settings with individualized and upscale accommodations. Each boutique hotel offers a distinctive experience filled with history!

Packing for a trip can be so stressful! You can make list after list and still forget something. We are here to help with 10 packing essentials to make your trip to Italy comfortable.  Italy has seasons so make sure you know the season you are packing for. These ten essential are for all seasons of travel and any region of Italy you will explore.

Italy is always a great idea, and the Cinque Terre is sure to steal your heart.  The Italian Riviera will enchant you with her brightly colored cliffside houses that cascade down to the Ligurian Sea, walking paths with soaring views, otherworldly sunsets, and delectable cuisine.  While we believe that anytime is a good time to visit Italy, certain times of the year will be more rewarding and memorable based on your travel style, and the type of trip you are seeking.

When you think of Italy, what springs to mind? Rome, home to one of the current Seven Wonders of The World, The Colosseum. Venice, with its Plaza de San Marco, infamous canals and gondolas. Milan, the fashion capital. Pompeii, the roman city preserved by a volcanic explosion. Each of these destinations are without doubt breathtaking, but with this reputation comes an abundance of tourists. Here’s our list of hidden gems in Italy where you’ll avoid the crowds!

Nothing brings people together quite like food. It’s at the heart of so many cultures, and learning about the local cuisine is the perfect way to immerse yourself in a new environment. There are countless destinations across the globe that offer mouthwatering dishes and rich culinary diversity, but some countries reign supreme. Keep reading for the top culinary destinations around the world!

What is the best time to travel to Italy? No matter the season, Italy’s winding streets, colorful villages, delectable cuisine (hello to all the carbs and cannolis), and romantic atmosphere are charming and intoxicating at any time of the year. Yet, depending on the type of trip that you are planning (and on your budget!), certain times of the year are actually better than others to travel to this famously beautiful destination.

Italy is known for many things—rich culture, breathtaking views, and above all else, mouthwatering cuisine. Italy’s cuisine is like nothing else, from traditional Italian food to more recent classics. The country’s regional diversity means there’s an endless variety of delicious specialties to indulge in. Although many dishes were originated in specific towns, it’s easy to find different takes across the country. Any selection you make is guaranteed to please your taste buds, but with so many options it can be hard to choose. Keep reading for our list of the best food in Italy!

It’s no secret that planning a wedding can quickly become overwhelming. Every decision feels more important than the last, from choosing the venue to the guest list to the flowers. But when you’re caught in the frenzy of planning, it’s important not to forget about what comes after the ceremony—the honeymoon. This decision making process is one you should cherish, as it’s where you’ll spend your first days as husband and wife. It’s your own personal paradise to unwind and soak it all in after the stress and craziness of wedding planning. It’s also the perfect opportunity to check off a bucket list vacation spot. For some, it may be hard to know where to start, but keep reading to find out our top destinations for honeymooners!   

The Italian Riviera has become one of the most sought-after travel destinations—with good reason. Famous for its pastel houses sitting atop steep cliffs overlooking sparkling turquoise waters, its dramatic scenery makes it one of the most picturesque places in the world. From Cinque Terre to Portofino to Santa Margherita, there’s no end to this region’s captivating allure. Keep reading to learn just why you’ll fall in love with the enchanting Italian Riviera!

In 1972, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization—UNESCO for short—created a program to protect culturally and historically significant sites across the globe. Today there are over 1,000 World Heritage Sites, from ancient ruins to natural wonders, and the possibilities for your next adventure are endless. Keep reading for the top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit in 2018!