For many of us, thinking of a trip to Italy—or anywhere in Europe for that matter—brings to mind excellent food and wine, immersive culture, and maybe a chance for bike rides and hikes on winding mountain trails or along village streets.

Perhaps, like me, you were holding out hope for Europe to reopen soon but now you find yourself in need of summer plans, like, yesterday?

If so, you’ll appreciate this week’s post. I took a slight detour away from my