Erica Firpo

An interview with architect and professor Steven Semes, University of Notre Dame.

Thanks to its labyrinthine streets and impossible canals, Venice is one of the world’s easiest cities in which to get lost. But with a bit of research, it is also the easiest town to understand. Neighborhoods, called sestieri, subdivide the islands into six characteristic areas- Here’s a look at each of these distinct sestieri.

With 118 islands making up the Venetian archipelago, there is far more to see in Venice than St. Mark’s Square. Whether an afternoon or a weekend affair, island hopping is the best way to get to know Venice and its 1,500-year-old culture. Here’s a guide to some of Venice’s most must-see islands.

Gondolas, Markets, Campi and More: Don’t Miss the Top 10 Things to Do in Venice

There is nothing more new than looking at the past, or at least that’s how Rome-based archaeologist Darius Arya thinks. For Darius, Rome is more than ancient history, it’s living history and an ongoing story that Darius takes to the lecture halls, the field, and to the screens- big and small.

Rome’s centro storico is the city’s beating heart, home to historic monuments, trendy boutiques, and stately palaces. But the bustling neighborhood is more than just a tourist hotspot — it’s where Romans live, work, and most importantly, eat.
In the very center of the dynamic district is Regola, a micro-neighborhood whose culinary delights have managed to stay miraculously under-the-radar — until now.

Florence is nothing if not historic. The birthplace of the Renaissance pulls some 10 million visitors each year for its frozen-in-time palaces and legendary attractions, to say nothing of its tourist-friendly Tuscan cuisine and gelato stands. These are the things that also made the city take a hit in recent decades—as the tour groups, buses, and crowds grew, it felt like Florence’s own residents began to disappear. There's a reason, though, that this city has thrived in one way or another sin...

There's never a question of what to do in Florence; rather, it's a question of how much and when. With its varied selection of museums, galleries, boutiques, and storied sites, the Tuscan town has something for everyone, from contemporary art buffs and super foodies to sports fans and serious shoppers. To experience the city to its fullest, you only need to step out into the street. Here, a list of our must-sees to narrow down your itinerary.

2019 is all about your next European adventure — it’s not just where you’re going but what you’re going to do. We’ve got a lineup of incredible events happening in five of the continent’s most dynamic cities.

Travel journo and social media maven American-Italian Erica is one the longest-serving LUXE lovelies, having steered the Rome guide since its launch. A co-founder of private concierge company Unlocked Rome, you'll find Erica’s indispensable tips n’ tricks in the LUXE Rome guide, while here she shares four of her favourite places in the city she calls home. Follow Erica's city jaunts @ericafirpo.

When ancient meets contemporary: a review of Sarah Sze show at Rome's Crypta Balbi.

Rome is where the art is, but these days it’s more than just colossal monuments, dusty archeological sites and beautifully decorated Baroque churches.
Contemporary art is finally making a significant mark on the Eternal City’s landscape. The destination is now replete with an itinerary of museums, galleries, concept spaces and creative hubs. We’ve plotted out five top places that bring this ancient city back to the future.

Milan is one of those cities that takes time to love, and when it finally happens, you fall hard — whether for its fabulous fashion, awe-inspiring architecture or renegade restaurant scene.
This Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star grand dame boasts style, grace and a primo location in the trendy Porta Nuova neighborhood. Here are five more reasons why we can’t get enough of this art deco beauty Excelsior Hotel Gallia.

A charming new hotel in the center of Rome embodies everything that contributing editor Erica Firpo loves about her home town — beauty, discretion, charm, and aesthetics. Review of Rome's newest luxury oasis Hotel Vilon.

While Europe’s first Reserve Roastery from Starbucks adds a new corner to Milan’s coffee landscape, it’s best to remember that Italy’s fashion capital perfected the pastry scene, introduced espresso to the world and invented aperitivo hour long before the Seattle-based shop started whipping up frappuccinos.