Italy is one of the great countries on the planet. Wandering it is the best way to experience it. Go ahead, just land somewhere and take off with your backpack on foot, or by train...or Alfa Romeo.

Apprehensive about driving on Italian toll roads called autostrade? Here's a video to show you how to get a ticket to ride: Driving the Italian Autostrade. Or, see a list of all our vids: James Martin Italian Travel Videos.

What's it like to take that very short trip to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower? I mean, you just have to see that architectural embarrassment, don't you? Well, our video and map shows the short way, but you're missing a very nice Tuscan city, ya know.

We've had fun with our new and pocketable Sony HDR-TG1 4MP High Definition Handycam Camcorder here in Italy. We used it in an exploration of the loud cannon shots we've been hearing day and night in our little village. See: Cannons and Corn.

Love Italian food, Italian Blogs and renting Italian villas? Well, you can join me over at the Tuscany Now Blog. Unlike the Wandering Italy Blog, I'm hoping that you'll join the conversation by leaving a comment. Let's determing what to talk about together.

What do small village Italians do for the fourth of July? Well, sure, they eat. But do they talk with their hands like everybody says? We've just finished a short "video" called It's all in the Hands. Anthropology and wine, your best travel combo.

It struck me recently that we folks over here think of Italians as crazy drivers. We have television commercials enticing us to buy even more gasoline than we do which mention the crazy drivers of Italy. So contributor Sally-Joy Robertson has written a little primer on how Italians might achieve Road Redemption American Style: How to Drive in America. Over the years, we expect this to become the numero uno reference on driving in America.

And if you are thinking about doing Italy a favor and letting them make fun of your driving, you might want to take a look at our brand new, interactive, Autostrada Map. Get some idea of how the system operates, plus where Italy's toll roads will take you and how far it is until you get there, or check out other Maps of Italy.

Of course, you can get around by Low Cost Airlines in Italy as well. Our list and transportation toolbox can help you get around Italy in the Air.

One of Wandering Italy's major themes is Italy's hidden treasures (you should go, really!) In the north, a great place to go (even with the kids) is the rock art laden Valcamonica. And then there's our new photo gallery and travel information for another off-the-beaten track destination in Italy, Pontremoli.

Climate is important for the traveler to Italy, especially if you're contemplating a trip in the "off" season. We've begun assembling some historic weather data for Italy's top tourist hot spots. Check out: Italy's Climate and Weather for a clickable map leading to lots of information on surviving the weather chalenges you'll come across during the year.

The Wandering Italy Store is open! find recommended travel guides, maps, and other favorite travel stuff.

Wandering Italy - The Blog

Wandering Italy - Travel Information

Trekking opportunities

Truffle festivals

Cinque Terre Hiking Guide

Signs in Italy - Click to Enlarge
Elvis in Genoa	To be Wed in Livorno	No Guerra - Si Vino Livorno