Welcome, fellow traveller, to the enchanting world of Italy.
If, like me, you love this country and want to plan your dream trip to Italy, then this website is tailor-made for you.
In here, you'll find loads of tips and insider knowledge about Italy that I have gathered over years and years of visiting this country numberless times.
Italy is a country like no other, where you'll find history, romance, culture,
amazingly good food, natural beauty and warm hospitality.
There's nothing I like more than strolling through a picturesque medieval hill town like Assisi or San Gimignano while eating a gelato; or taking in the scenery on coach tours through the famous rolling hills of Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast.
Wherever you are in Italy - be it a city or the countryside or the seaside - you can be sure that your trip will be an unforgettable adventure.
My love for Italy began when, as a child growing up in Malta (a tiny island south of Sicily), I discovered Italian television.
As I tuned in to watch my favourite shows every day, I gradually picked up the Italian language and became more and more fascinated with Italy and all things Italian.
My first ever trip to Italy was a day trip to Venice during Carnival. It was magical and surreal, a kaleidoscope of colours, masks, music and beautiful costumes.
Since then, I’ve visited Italy so many times I’ve lost count.
There are places I revisit time and time again, like Venice, Assisi and Lake Como all of which are up there on my list of “Favourite Places in the World”.
But I also make sure to visit places I haven’t been to before - newly-opened historical or natural sites, towns that I take a note of while travelling by train, places I see on Italian TV, or locations recommended by friendly locals.
Italy has an immensely rich cultural and artistic heritage, and, wherever you go, you're surrounded by art and architecture that is hundreds or thousands of years old.
Whether you're wandering through the iconic landmarks of Rome or getting lost in the canals and streets of Venice, each part of this beautiful country is wonderful and awe-inspiring.
Italy has something for everyone, and you'll enjoy it whatever your age or interests.
Are you a history buff? Well, Italy is like a huge, living museum. Yes, you can take a trip to visit the ruins of Pompeii or pay tickets to enter museums and famous landmarks like the Colosseum. But the truth is that history is everywhere in Italy. All you have to do is walk through the streets of its cities, towns and villages.
If you're more of a nature lover, then you'll love the lakes, mountains and sea of Italy, and the tiny villages and hamlets nestled in the hillsides. You can hike through the trails of the Cinque Terre, or go skiing in the Dolomites or the Alps in winter.
People who love fashion and shopping are also in for a treat. I love browsing through artisan shops and street markets. Whatever your budget, you're sure to find something you like.
And if your trip to Italy includes children, you can have a whale of a time at Italian theme parks such as Etnaland in Sicily or Gardaland in Castelnuovo del Garda. Or you may choose to visit other child-friendly sites such as the world-famous Aquarium in Genoa, which is a personal favourite of mine.
As I mentioned above, my first ever visit to Italy was to see the Carnival in Venice which is absolutely magical.
However, many festivals and local celebrations are held in Italy all year round.
Such as:
Attending any of these events will add another layer to your trip to Italy as you get to connect with locals and enjoy the lively atmosphere even more.
It’s very difficult to run out of things to do in Italy.
After dozens of visits, there are still so many places I haven't been to and many things I haven’t seen or done yet.
And when I revisit old favourites, I still stumble on some peaceful spot by a river, or a quaint shop I overlooked on my previous visits, or some hidden architectural gem not mentioned on travel websites.
Whether you want to immerse yourself in culture, enjoy a romantic getaway, hike through stunning landscapes, have a fun family holiday with great food, or relax with a spritz in a charming piazza, Italy is the place for you.
On this site, I want to share all the things that I love about Italy, offering insights into its many charms, my favourite places, as well as loads of practical information that I have garnered from my own experiences.
Here you will find: