What is Mortadella? A Tale of Counterfeits, Pop Culture & One Delicious Snack

Food vendor slicing mortadella in Bologna, Italy, on a food tour

There are some Italian meats that need almost no introduction (lookin’ at you, prosciutto), but there’s so much more variety available for an antipasto plate in Italy and elsewhere—and not even prosciutto has a backstory that includes both Sofia Loren and a catchy 1970s US television jingle. That colorful tale belongs only to mortadella, the […]

Ready to Enjoy Summer in Boston? Don’t Miss These 9 Cool Things to Do!

a tall building with reflective windows is framed by a white archway with green leaves wrapped around it

Locals and visitors alike can attest to one thing: summer in Boston is unbeatable. The water, the food, the beaches, the views, the lively ambiance, the smiles on everyone throughout the city– there is truly nothing like it! When visiting Boston this summer, make sure you have the absolute best time by following our guide […]

The Fascinating Story of Tuscan Bread (And Why It’s Salt-Free)

Unsalted Tuscan bread from Pistoia

When you first start to nibble on Tuscan bread in Florence, you’ll probably notice it tastes a little… Odd. You may not know what it is, but there’s definitely something different about this bread. The answer is that there’s an ingredient missing in Tuscan bread – salt. At its simplest, bread consists of four ingredients […]

Boston on a Budget: The Best Free Things to See and Do in Boston

Boats floating in the water of Boston Harbor with the skyline in the background

Want to experience Boston affordably? We feel you. Looking for the best free things to see and do in the city? We got you. Thankfully, not all great adventures have to cost big bucks. Boston has plenty of wallet-friendly things to do and places to explore, especially during warmer months. Boston is known for its […]

An Art Historian’s Guide to the Best Art Museums in Rome

Statue the Rape of Persephone by Bernini.

It could take a lifetime to visit all of the art museums in Rome. In fact, the Italian capital has hundreds of museums, from those owned by the State, those managed by the city, those still belonging to noble families of Rome, and then of course the Vatican. The art you can admire in Rome […]

7 Key Things to Know Before Visiting San Sebastian

Pintxos on a plate

With its stunning landscapes and world-class cuisine, San Sebastian is a must on anyone’s Spain itinerary. However, as with any new place, there are a few things to keep in mind before you go. San Sebastian is full of pleasant surprises, and a brief introduction to the local culture will help your trip go much […]

The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter

There are plenty of great options for luggage storage in Barcelona, including several in the central Gothic Quarter.

The Gothic Quarter is jam-packed with fascinating history and hidden gems. Discover it for yourself on this self-guided walking tour of Barcelona! Barcelona is the perfect city to explore on foot; even a short stroll can take you through six centuries of architecture. That said, you’ll get the most bang for your buck in the […]

Rome in a Day: Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of Rome

Colosseum and Roman Forum in the daytime with trees and plants

Rome is a city with thousands of years of history, all layered together and visible in its stunning monuments, buildings and neighborhoods. The historic center in particular is full of things to do and see, and luckily they’re all within walking distance of one another. And even if you’ve only got one free day to […]

Our Favorite Things To Do In Seville In March

One of our favorite things to do in Seville in March is to simply get lost in the gorgeous old Jewish quarter, also known as the Santa Cruz neighborhood.

This blog post was originally posted on February 24, 2016 and was updated on February 4, 2020. After a long winter, Seville truly begins to come alive in the spring as temperatures rise and the scent of orange blossom wafts through the streets. All things considered, March is one of the best times of year […]

Food with Memory: A Jewish Culinary Feast at Toldot Barcelona

Sharing a traditional Jewish meal

Monica and Eva tell stories through their food.  Monica grew up in a Syrian-Jewish family in Mexico. Eva was born in Australia into a Jewish family with Irish and Polish background. Together they are the heart and soul of Toldot Barcelona, an institution that promotes Jewish heritage through food.  Through Toldot, Monica and Eva offer […]