Type “mosaic” into a search bar and Ravenna practically claims the top spot — and after seeing it in person, we get it. Wow. Those tile artists from centuries ago clearly skipped the “less is more” memo. Gold, color, detail everywhere — and somehow it all works. Ravenna alone would have been worth the entire tour. After an enlightening walk-through (it helps tremendously to know what you’re actually looking at), we did what any good travelers do: found a fantastic Italian lunch and continued our cultural research. (Photos B) Later that day we arrived in Montefalco — and suddenly we were living inside a postcard labeled “ITALY.” Our villa had the full package: sweeping grounds, charming rooms, and hosts who made us feel instantly at home. And just out the back door? A tiny, hilltop town — truly postage-stamp sized — with winding lanes, cheerful shopkeepers, and restaurateurs very committed to making sure we never left hungry. Rustic, relaxed, and ridiculously charming. This was the Italy we came for.
