Stories related to Italy :

We dug deeper into five of our favorite historic show-stoppers. Each holds a place in history and legend. And each has an epic story to tell. All you have to do is listen.

April Fools’ Day has its share of origin stories. Trouble is, no one knows which is true and which are, well, malarkey. Here’s one that we like: For centuries, the ancient Roman Empire ran on the Julian calendar, named for Julius Caesar. Back then, New Year’s Day was recognized as April 1. In 1592, Pope... Read more »

Check out VBT trip leader Andrea’s recipe for green lasagna below, and join him on our Italy: The Dolomites, Bolzano to Lake Garda and Italy: Valleys of the Dolomites tours to sample other local favorites! Lasagna may be the first food that comes to mind when you think of Italy, but the dish is actually most strongly associated... Read more »

Years with VBT: 14 Hometown: Bologna Favorite food: Mom’s lasagna   When Andrea talks about Italy, his enthusiasm is contagious.

Renaissance masterpieces, Roman ruins, a world-renowned cuisine and diverse landscapes from the soaring Dolomites to the glittering coast of Sicily—it’s impossible to sum up the attractions that make Italy such an iconic travel destination. But the only way to get a true taste of la dolce vita is by bike….which region will you choose? Ready... Read more »

Sicily is a traveler’s dream: sun-soaked beaches and sleepy fishing villages; baroque cities brimming with culture; art, architecture, and history around every corner; and some of the best food Italy has to offer. VBT’s bike tour in Sicily is a perennial guest favorite, and with good reason. But the Italian island has also faced some... Read more »

Your morning cup of joe may look a little different when you’re enjoying it in a foreign country. Check out some of our favorite ways to drink coffee on our VBT adventures. And make sure you take some time for a coffee break during your travels—you may just discover your new favorite beverage!    ... Read more »

Inside the life of a biking, skiing, climbing, kitesurfing, wine-drinking, pasta-loving VBT trip leader. Elena isn’t in a rush. She sits inside her summer home—a Volkswagen California camper van—on the beach in Tuscany as she prepares to go kitesurfing. Wearing blue jeans and a faded green T-shirt, she radiates positivity as she puts a pair... Read more »

Where will your well-earned vacation take you this summer? Will it be the vistas of the American west, or perhaps the ancient and austere ruins in Italy and throughout Europe? Road trips and flights to amazing destinations are both great choices, but they require different kinds of preparation. The Friendly Skies: Have Fun Flying Taking... Read more »

There are dozens of reasons for taking a biking tour of Europe, but art lovers will be especially thrilled by what some of our vacations afford them: a chance to view the homes of some of the world’s most renowned artists and see settings that inspired their masterpieces. France, Spain, and Italy stand out as... Read more »