Italy Archives - Sophisticated Travel

Rise in Solo Travel Among Americans

"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond Solo travel is no longer just about backpacking through Southeast Asia or hunting Instagram-worthy shots. A powerful shift is underway—Americans aged 45 and older are increasingly embracing independent travel, redefining what it means to explore the world. Why Solo Travel Is Surging Among Americans Over 45 Timing & Financial FreedomWith kids grown and careers peaking or winding down, many in their midlife years find themselves with time—and the disposable income—to travel. A steady paycheck or retirement savings offer both the flexibility and resources to plan trips without having to juggle family schedules. ......

By Brian Raymond|2025-06-17T14:11:06-04:00June 18th, 2025|

Matera, Italy: Ancient City of Cave Dwellings and Cultural Revival

"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond Nestled in the rugged landscape of Basilicata, Matera emerges as a testament to human resilience and ingenuity, captivating travelers with its ancient cave dwellings and rich cultural heritage. Known as "la Città Sotterranea" (the Subterranean City), Matera's labyrinthine streets and dwellings carved into the soft tufa rock have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status and international acclaim. This narrative-style exploration unveils the allure of Matera, inviting you to delve into its history, experience its unique atmosphere, and uncover its hidden treasures. History and Cultural Significance Matera's history stretches back millennia, with evidence ......

By Brian Raymond|2025-06-03T12:01:03-04:00June 5th, 2025|

Heirlooms of the Adriatic: Restored Palazzos and Olive Groves in Puglia

"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond The moment your rental car’s tires crunch over the sun-baked gravel road, you know you have arrived somewhere timeless. Olive trees, centuries old, stand guard like sentinels across rolling hills that glow gold in the afternoon light. Beneath their knotted boughs, ancient palazzos—once hidden gems of noble families—have been lovingly restored into intimate inns. Here in Puglia, Italy’s sun-kissed heel, history isn’t confined to dusty textbooks; it lives and breathes in every stone, every harvest basket, every family kitchen. For the discerning traveler seeking fresh stories and new experiences, Puglia’s heirlooms beckon ......

By Brian Raymond|2025-05-28T11:51:07-04:00May 29th, 2025|

Vatican Jubilee 2025 – What You Need to Know

"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond Pilgrims of Hope: A Guide to the Vatican Jubilee 2025 The Vatican Jubilee 2025, also known as the Ordinary Jubilee, has officially begun, marking a momentous occasion for Catholics and travelers from around the globe. Celebrating the 2,025th anniversary of the Incarnation of Christ, this Holy Year—lasting from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026—offers a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal, cultural exploration, and historical appreciation. What is the Vatican Jubilee? The Jubilee is a centuries-old tradition in the Catholic Church, initiated by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300. Ordinarily held every 25 ......

By Brian Raymond|2025-01-21T13:47:24-05:00January 21st, 2025|

20 unusual things to see and do in Rome!

Rome, the Eternal City, is renowned for its ancient history, breathtaking architecture, and iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican City. While these attractions are undoubtedly remarkable, the city has much more to offer than meets the eye. ……

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:35:04-05:00May 11th, 2023|

Discover the Timeless Beauty of the Trevi Fountain in Rome

Trevi Fountain is an iconic landmark in Rome and one of the most famous fountains in the world. It is a beautiful, monumental fountain located in the heart of the city and is a must-see for tourists who visit Rome. The Trevi Fountain is the largest baroque fountain in Rome, standing at 26.3 meters high (86.3 feet) and 49.15 meters wide (161 feet). ……

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:35:12-05:00February 11th, 2023|

Venice bans large cruise ships sailing through the city

After years of protests and discussion, the Italian government has issued its bans on cruise ships sailing through Venice’s Giudecca Canal. These ships dwarf the ancient city and create waves that erode underwater walls & undermine the supports holding up the city. Cruise ships have long been sailing through Venice on the Giudecca Canal passing St Marks Square and several historic cathedrals. Ban on most cruise ships starts August 1 Starting August 1, 2021, cruise ships will be banned from using the Guidecca Canal. Instead they will traverse a southern lagoon and dock near the mainland at the port ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:40:53-05:00July 21st, 2021|

The haunting ruins of Pompeii

During an Azamara Cruise we had a port stop in Sorrento, Italy, and while Sorrento is a charming old city perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, we wanted to visit the once thriving ancient city of Pompeii. As you’ll soon learn, it is a visit that everyone should take. Steep cliffs in Sorrento, Italy I should note that the drive from Sorrento to Pompeii is not for the faint of heart. The road hugs the mountain cliffs with steep vertical drops. We had expected Pompeii to be a lot like many ruins we have seen before - ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:37:26-05:00December 8th, 2019|

Venice redirects large cruise ships

What it means for you Italian officials announced this week that they will start redirecting large cruise ships away from the historic center of the city. These ships will no longer be able to cruise through the Giudecca Canal. As you can see from the picture above, these huge ships are so massive they obliterate the view of this charming city. Locals worry that the wake caused by these massive ships undermines the wooden poles which hold up this city. Others are concerned about the overcrowding these ships bring to Venice. Regardless of your position on these issues, the ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:38:06-05:00August 10th, 2019|