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Travel Blog Italy & the Mediterranean

Travel inspiration for Italy and the Mediterranean by artist Sonja, including itineraries, destination guides, and personal stories.

The dome of Florence Cathedral rising between historic buildings

Tuscany Top Five

Renaissance city

Tuscany landmarks

The most beautiful places in Tuscany and why you should visit them.

The Aqua Claudia aqueduct in the Parco degli Acquedotti in Rome under a bright blue sky, with green meadows in the foreground

Parco degli Acquedotti

Ancient Rome

Renaissance era

Discover one of Rome’s best hidden gems, including its highlights and reasons to visit.

House along the Via Appia Antica in Rome, Italy, surrounded by pine trees and stone walls

Walking the Appian Way

Rome landmarks

Ancient Rome

Tips for walking the famous ancient road and insights into its rich historical background.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, a white marble bell tower in Pisa, Italy, visibly leaning to one side against a clear sky

Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa

Medieval Tuscany

Pisa baptistery

Architectural guide to Tuscany’s most iconic square — plus reasons to explore its unique landmarks.

Piazza dei Signori in Verona, Italy, an elegant Renaissance square featuring the Loggia del Consiglio and the statue of Dante in Verona’s old town

Verona Hidden Gems

Roman Verona

Churches of Verona

From Roman architecture to hidden churches and idyllic gardens — these spots invite you to linger.

Baths of Caracalla in Rome, view of the Caldarium, showcasing the monumental brick arches and grand architecture of the ancient Roman bathhouse

Caracalla Baths in Rome

Rome landmarks

Ancient Rome

Highlights and reasons to visit this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rimondi Fountain in Rethymno, Crete, Venetian-style fountain with Corinthian columns and a pointed arch in the old town

Crete Historical Sights

Towns of Crete

Seaside Greece

Uncover charming old towns, relaxed harbours, and fascinating archaeological parks across Crete.

Historic town Lazise on Lake Garda at sunset, street view with city walls and tower

Lake Garda Towns

Garda highlights

UNESCO heritage

Historical insights and architecture tips for the most beautiful towns of Lake Garda.

View of Tuscany’s rolling hills through an open window with wooden shutters

Southern Tuscany Guide

Tuscan countryside

Renaissance era

Discover the dreamy Val d'Orcia, charming hill towns and breathtaking landscapes.

View of the Gulf of Naples from Castel Sant’Elmo, Italy, with the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Vesuvius in the background, a white bell tower in the foreground

Naples Three-Day Itinerary

Naples navigation

Centro Storico

Explore Naples' historic centre and unforgettable day trips to Pompeii and Capri.

Close-up view of Ponte Vecchio’s historic houses in Florence, Italy

Florence Hidden Gems

Florence museums

Hidden Florence

Hidden architecture, artisanal perfumeries and romantic gardens — an art lover’s dream.

Trevi Fountain in Rome at sunset, with golden light reflecting on the sculptures and water

Rome Ten-Day Itinerary

Rome navigation

Centro Storico

Experience Rome in full – from iconic landmarks to unforgettable day trips to Tivoli and Ostia Antica.

About Me

The moment I first stood before the Colosseum in Rome, something changed. Since then, my travels through Italy have found their way into my Mediterranean-inspired art.

Artist Sonja, Mediterranean-inspired painter in Florence, Italy

Continue to my travel sketches & journals

Continue to my travel-inspired paintings

Turning art into travels. Travels into art.

© 2025 Sonja Travel Artist
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