Leslie Livingston 
The UNESCO-listed Norman Palace, Palazzo dei Normanni, is the top historic attraction in Palermo Sicily. It houses the Palatine Chapel, an extraordinary space filled with glittering Byzantine style mosaics. French author Guy de Maupassant once described the chapel as “the finest religious jewel dreamed up by the human mind.” The royal palace was the seat of the … Read more
Monreale Cathedral is the world’s most famous Norman cathedral and Sicily’s most beautiful church. It’s a jaw dropping architectural marvel slathered from floor to ceiling with glittering Byzantine mosaics. It reflects the glory of the Middle Ages. Built between 1174-89, a young William II founded the cathedral to show off his power. He dedicated Monreale … Read more
Thinking of booking the Rick Steves Sicily tour? I just went on the 11 day October tour and I’m here to give you a review and the full scoop on what to expect. Rick Steves is America’s leading authority on travel in Europe. His company has been organizing tours for over 30 years. Rick’s ethos … Read more
Trapani is a sunwashed seaside town in western Sicily that I think is a bit underrated. If you have 2 days in Trapani, here is the best itinerary to have the perfect visit. Trapani is an ancient town. The Elymians founded it in the 11th century B.C. Like much of Sicily, it was subsequently ruled … Read more
Looking to visit some UNESCO World Heritage sites in Europe? In this post, I cover 50+ of the top sites you should visit. These UNESCO sites are among the most famous landmarks, monuments, and attractions in Europe. From towering castles to opulent palaces, these European landmarks are among the best things to do and see … Read more
Chic, compact, and colorful – that’s the city on the cliff for you – Taormina! There is no shortage of things to do in Taormina, making it the perfect day trip or weekend getaway. Here is the perfect one day in Taormina itinerary to make the most of your visit. The “Pearl of the Ionian Sea,” … Read more
Here’s my guide to visiting the UNESCO-listed Villa Romana del Casale in Sicily. It’s an incredibly mosaicked country villa built by Roman aristocrats in the 4th century. Tucked away in a remote area of central Sicily, it’s a bit of a hidden gem. Nonetheless, it was one of my very favorite stops on a recent … Read more
Syracuse is a wondrous ancient city in southeast Sicily. There is no shortage of things to do in Syracuse, making it the perfect place to spend 2 days. Founded by the Greeks in 734 B.C., Syracuse has breathtaking architecture and archaeological sites that span centuries. At the the city’s zenith, it rivaled Athens in power … Read more
Here’s my guide to the 23 most beautiful and important churches in Italy. St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City When it comes to art and architecture, Italy is a powerhouse. Italy is home to some of the world’s most beautiful churches from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. They contain some the most important … Read more
Here’s my guide to visiting the majestic Valley of the Temples in Agrigento Sicily, with must know tips for visiting. The Valley of the Temples is the world’s largest archaeological site and Sicily’s star attraction. Lying on the island’s southern coast, the complex is chock full of spectacular Greek ruins. In 1997, the Valley of … Read more