Ally Archer

May 22, 2015

Europe, Italy, Itineraries

4 Amazing Day Trips From Florence, Italy

Ally Archer

May 22, 2015

Europe, Italy, Itineraries

4 Amazing Day Trips From Florence, Italy

Florence is one of the most popular cities in Italy to visit. The small city provides a beautiful and fun way to experience Tuscan city life, as well as being a good base for travels around the country.

To take a break from Florence, explore some areas nearby - there is so much to see in Italy! Here are four amazing day trips from Florence:

Cinque Terre

Translated in English to "five towns," Cinque Terre is that photo you see all over Pinterest of the colorful Italian buildings built into the seaside cliffs. While here, you'll want to devote time to take the trail through all the towns, though if you're more limited on time, head to Monterosso to spend time on the beach.

Need more inspiration? Read Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter, one of my favorite books of all time, which is set in this part of Italy.

Travel duration from Florence: about 2.5-3 hours by train

Siena

Another Tuscan town just south of Florence, Siena will have you seeing another piece of this gorgeous region. Head to Siena on July 2 or August 16 to catch the famous yearly horse race Il Palio, or go any time of year for winding streets, fresh food, and rolling hills in the distance.

Travel duration from Florence: about 1-1.5 hours

Perugia

This town in Umbria, a neighboring region to Florence's Tuscany, provides a fresh perspective to experiencing Italy. For those with a sweet tooth, go to Perugia during October for the annual chocolate festival.

Umbria: Tuscany's Lesser-Known Neighbor

Travel duration from Florence: about 1-1.5 hours

Rome

Take the fast train from Florence down to the Lazio region for grand, spectacular Rome. No trip to Italy is complete without seeing this historical city firsthand. While you can spend a day in Rome hitting the hotspots, you may want to extend your time into a few days or long weekend. There is so much to see and do!

9 Reasons to go to Rome During Your Trip To Italy

Travel duration from Florence: 1.5 hours (fast train) or 3 hours (regular train)

Plan Your Trip to Italy!

Traveling to Italy soon? Be sure to check out my Italy Travel Guide!

More helpful resources for planning your Italy trip:

Ally Archer

May 19, 2015

Europe, Italy

Umbria: Tuscany's Lesser-Known Neighbor

Ally Archer

May 19, 2015

Europe, Italy

Rolling hills, cypress trees, and faded yellow homes with red roofs come to mind when you think of Italy - Tuscany, in particular. Tuscany is home to magnificent cities like Florence, Siena, and Bologna, though there is more to Italy than this particular area. Head out to Perugia in Umbria, Tuscany's regional neighbor, for a similar aesthetic to get away from Tuscany's crowds.

Need convincing? Here are 8 photos to do just that.

Ally Archer

May 17, 2015

Europe, Turkey

Finding Color in Istanbul, Turkey - 15 Stunning Photos

Ally Archer

May 17, 2015

Europe, Turkey

Oftentimes the most exciting part about experiencing a new city is what you visually see - the food, the architecture, how people live. Istanbul was one of the most vividly cultural places I've been to in terms of the experience but also with what I saw through my eyes.

While finding an excellent view of Istanbul is a great way to enjoy a its beauty, there's also beauty in the details.

After browsing these photos I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if you booked the next flight to Turkey.

Ally Archer

May 16, 2015

Europe, Video, Turkey

Where To Find The Best View of Istanbul

Ally Archer

May 16, 2015

Europe, Video, Turkey

When I was living in Italy and working as a tour guide, our trips were around Italy or Western/Central Europe. I loved visiting new countries every weekend and each city we went to holds a special place in my heart.

While I was in that region of the world, however, I wanted to experience something a little different. During a weekend off our regular trips, my friend Mollie and I went to Istanbul for a few days.

The architecture in Istanbul is beyond beautiful, and was a refreshing change of pace after Western Europe's cathedrals and castles (though those are beautiful, too).

The best view of Istanbul? From the Galata Tower.

Definitely head up there when you are in Istanbul!

Ally Archer

May 9, 2015

Europe, Italy

Mediterranean Musts: Elba Island, Italy

Ally Archer

May 9, 2015

Europe, Italy

It's been almost a year since I posted about Elba Island, a small island off Italy's Tuscan coast. I was introduced to the island after only a few days of being in Italy when I studied abroad. After a whirlwind of an opening tour in bustling Rome and our first week of classes in Florence, relaxing beach time was exactly what we needed.

If you're headed to the Mediterranean, I definitely recommend it. We stayed in Cavo, a small town where no one spoke English. It was refreshing after being in Rome where walking through a market means dealing with pushy street salespeople shouting "Hello! I'll give you the best price!"

Quick tip: Cavo and other towns on the northern part of the island have rocky beaches, whereas the southern part of the island has sandy beaches. Keep this in mind if you plan on laying out on the beach.

You may also like...

Mediterranean Musts: 17 Reasons Why You Should Visit Italy's Amalfi Coast

Mediterranean Musts: 12 Reasons Why You Should Visit The French Riviera

Ally Archer

May 5, 2015

Europe, Italy

16 Italian Experiences You Need To Have In Italy

Ally Archer

May 5, 2015

Europe, Italy

1. Eat gelato on the triangle bridge in Florence

There's something magical about enjoying your gelato while you lean up against the bridge over the Arno River.

2. Drink wine at Piazza Miniato while you watch the sun set

Take it a step above Piazzale Michaelangelo - literally - in front of the church that sits higher on the hill.

3. Marvel at the famous duomo in each of these cities: Florence, Milan, Siena

4. Hike Mt. Vesuvius and visit the ruins of Pompeii

History class just got much more exciting, now that you're seeing it in person.

5. Eat Italian food...obviously

But this list wouldn't be complete without it. Carbs don't totally count when you're in Italy. ;)

6. Take a train or bus through the Tuscan countryside

Get lost in your thoughts as you stare out the window.

7. Visit the Colosseum in Rome

Perhaps the most iconic structure in Italy, the Colosseum is among many famous, ancient, historical sites that you cannot miss while in the Eternal City.

8. Go on an early morning run along the Tiber River in Rome

Take in the popular sights as the town wakes up: Vatican City, Castelo d'Saint Angelo, and maybe even head over to the Roman Forum and Pantheon. It beats the stagnant view out the gym window on the treadmill back home.

9. Head down to Sicily for a more unique feel for Italy

10. Set sail for the sea and dock at beautiful Italian islands

Elba, Capri, and Sardinia are a few of many Mediterranean musts.

11. Visit Venice during Carnivale (February)

This festival is sure to be worth the trip!

12. Go to Lake Como, a lake in Northern Italy near the Swiss border

Not just because George Clooney has a house there.

13. Taste a massive variety of gelato flavors at the Florence Gelato Festival (June)

Everything from red wine gelato to sushi-flavored is served, including original favorites such as ciocolatto, straciatella, and fragola.

14. For another festival to satisfy your sweet tooth, head to Perugia for the annual Chocolate Festival (October)

If they still play that dreaded "Cioooo--cooo---latte!" theme song on repeat...so help me God...

15. Go wine tasting in Tuscany

Where better to sample wine than in Italy's finest wine region?!

16. Have warm, fresh pastries from a Secret Bakery in Florence

Because Nutella croissants just taste way better at 2 am.

Ally Archer

April 27, 2015

Europe, France

Mediterranean Musts: 12 Reasons Why You Should Visit The French Riviera

Ally Archer

April 27, 2015

Europe, France

The French Riviera is a summer hotspot for many reasons but is often overshadowed by its more well-known sister, Paris. If you're headed to Europe this spring or summer, you definitely need to look into the French Riviera. Nice, Cannes, Monaco, and St. Tropez are calling your name.

12 Reasons Why You Should Visit The French Riviera

1. Located on the southeast coast of France near the Italian border, you'll find this incredibly beautiful coastal region.

2. The architecture is quintessential European with bright colors and a seaside flair.

3. Yes, a regular ol' building is that pretty. Let's take a closer look:

4. The rich and famous are notorious for spending summers here (it is home to the Cannes Film Festival and the Grand Prix, after all), and you can bet they'll be spending time on the water.

5. Yachts fill the marina.

6. Hmm, do you think any of these boats belong to celebrities?

7. When in France, you must try some fresh treats from the bakery.

8. Enjoy some macarons on a leisurely stroll, and while you do, stop and smell the roses - or some of these gorgeous pink flowers.

9. While in the area, cross borders to a whole new country - Monaco.

Monaco is a tiny city-state country with its own royal government, run for centuries by the Grimaldi family. (Yes, that's same royal family that inspired Blair's prince in Gossip Girl).

10. Monaco is home to the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo, known for its presence in James Bond movies.

11. It's also home to views like this.

12. By now, you must be convinced.

The French Riviera is the place to be during a summer on the Mediterranean.

You may also like...

Mediterranean Musts: 17 Reasons Why You Should Visit Italy's Amalfi Coast

Mediterranean Musts: Elba Island, Italy

Hello & welcome to go seek explore!

Hi! I'm Ally.

I help people find creative ways to travel and work abroad.

Through Go Seek Explore I aim to inspire you to take the travel leap - and to continue exploring new destinations.

After working in 25 of the 29 countries I've traveled to, I've held various travel jobs before building a career where I can work online from anywhere, living what I call a "work + travel lifestyle."

Learn more >>>