My Guide to Italy – The Second Time Around
Ciao! I’m back from an unforgettable three-week adventure in Italy, celebrating my friend’s 50th birthday. And yes, Italy stole my heart all over again!
I’ve had so many friends asking about my trip, so I thought I’d share my experience in this guide.
Exploring Beyond the Usual
Having visited Italy 17 years ago, we decided to skip the major tourist cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence. Instead, we explored Milan, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Sicily (Syracuse, Catania, Taormina), Padova, and Verona—each offering its own unique charm.
Cinque Terre was my absolute favorite! The breathtaking scenery, the sense of adventure, and the friendly international hikers made it an incredible experience.
A special moment? Running into fellow Australians from Langwarrin and Mt Eliza—such a small world!
Unforgettable Highlights
One of the best parts of our trip was a yacht tour from La Spezia. We planned to see Cinque Terre from the water, but rough seas changed our course. Instead, we explored La Spezia’s stunning harbor and swam in the Mediterranean near Portovenere. Bellissimo!
We also embraced the Airbnb lifestyle, booking accommodations just a few days in advance. It gave us flexibility to stay longer in places we loved. I highly recommend it! The app is easy to use, has a translation feature, and prices are in Australian dollars.
The Warmth of Italian Hospitality
Our first stop, Milan, was full of life. We stayed in the old city, where our Airbnb host cooked for us and even hosted a dinner party with friends and neighbors—a true Italian experience!
This trip reminded me how young Australia is compared to Europe. We may not have thousands of years of history, but we do have stunning beaches, open landscapes, and endless coastlines—something truly special.
And yes, as Australians, we were met with smiles and surprise wherever we went. After a 24-hour flight, I’d say they were right—we really were a long way from home!
In hindsight, I would have learnt more Italian, since English was not widely spoken. If you are planning a trip, consider taking some Italian lessons or try learning from one of these books.
I am sure the magic of Italy will call me back to its shores in years to come.
I hope you have enjoyed reading My Guide to Italy – the second time around. Have you been to Italy? What places did you visit? Get in touch and let me know!
