I recently returned from the most wonderful trip to Europe with my husband Sean. We flew to Switzerland, then made our way to Italy, and finished in Ireland, where he is from. After exploring Florence in all its culture and beauty, we drove four hours to Sextantio (Santo Stefano di Sessanio), a centuries-old mountain town nestled in the Abruzzo region of Italy. The town, perched high in the Apennine Mountains, was nearly lost after an earthquake destroyed much of it centuries ago. Fortunately, it was meticulously restored to its original 13th-century state and now operates as a medieval hotel village. Staying here feels like stepping back in time—rustic stone walls, ancient wooden doors, and candle-lit interiors offer an authentic, yet luxurious, medieval experience. If you're looking for a Game of Thrones-style escape, this is it.

Just down the hill from the main village sits a barn and paddock with dozens of horses. With soap-making classes, wine tastings, and castle tours, this little town has a lot to offer! But with only two nights, I knew I couldn’t leave without horseback riding in the Italian mountains.

Angelica, the lovely owner of the barn, was our guide for the day. She named the barn "The Dream" after her own horse, and the entire experience truly lived up to the name. We savored every minute of walking, trotting, and galloping through the fields on this windy, picturesque Italian day. The panoramic mountain views were simply breathtaking, and it was an adventure I will never forget.