La Dolce Vita: Why Italy Will Always Have My Heart

Florence, Italy

There is a question I hear from clients all the time: “What is your favorite destination to Plan?” And without hesitation my answer is always the same – Italy. 
 
It is not just because of the ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, world-class cuisine, and warm welcoming people. It is because every trip to Italy can be entirely unique, shaped around the traveler’s passions, pace, and dreams. 
 
A Country for Every Traveler 
 
For the history lover - Rome is an open-air museum where every cobblestone has a story. Whether you are standing in the Colosseum or wandering the Roman Forum, or watching the sunset from the Spanish Steps, you can feel the heartbeat of centuries past. The Pantheon is a wonder with its well-preserved architecture and giant dome; you turn every corner and watch history unfold before you. It is easy to make the short trip to Pompeii and see a snapshot of Roman Life frozen in time when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, covering the town in volcanic ash. 
 
For the romantic – Although it can be argued that anywhere in Italy can be romantic, Venice is a living watercolor. You can glide down the canals at dusk and explore hidden piazzas, after the tourists have left for the day and listen to the church bells echo across the water. It is a city that teaches you to slow down and just enjoy life. 
 
For the foodie – Bologna, Florence, and Naples will steal your heart one bite at a time. Hand-rolled pasta, fresh buffalo mozzarella, wood-fired pizza, and velvety gelato – it’s impossible to leave hungry. I love arranging private and group cooking classes or food tours, so my clients get to experience food the way the locals do, shopping at local markets to get the freshest produce. 
 
 For the dreamer – The Amalfi Coast clings to the cliffs, the lemon groves scent the air, and the pastel villages spill toward the turquoise seas, Capri, Positano, Ravello – each is like stepping into a postcard. 
 
For the adventurer – The Dolomites offer alpine hikes, ski slopes, and mountain lodges with some of the best wood fired pizza and hot chocolate. Fun fact: my first trip to Italy was on a ski trip, as a poor student, France and Switzerland were too expensive, but Italy was in my budget, and both the skiing and Apre-ski were amazing! Another beautiful hike is Cinque Terre, where you can spend a day hiking between the famous villages. If that is too active, you can always take the train or a boat to further explore. 
 
The Joy of Planning Italy 
What I adore about planning Italian getaways is how personal they become. One client might want a week of wine tasting in Tuscany, while another dreams of island-hopping off the coast of Sicily. Some prefer a fast-paced grand tour of the highlights, others want a slow, relaxing stay in a countryside villa. 
 
My role is to take all those dreams – the must-sees, and the hidden gems, the once-in-a-lifetime moments – and weave them into a seamless journey. From private drivers along winding Amalfi roads to VIP early entry into St Peter’s and the Sistine Chapel and skip-the-line museum entry in Florence, I make sure my clients experience Italy in a way that feels effortless and unforgettable. It’s nice to plan Italy using tried and true suppliers who I know will look after my clients well and will make sure they have an amazing time. 
 
Why Italy Stays with You
There is something about Italy that lingers long after you return home. Maybe it’s the memory of a sunset over the Arno in Florence, or the taste of a perfect espresso in a Roman café. Maybe it’s the warmth of a shopkeeper who insisted you try “just one more” biscotti. 
Whatever it is, Italy isn’t just a destination. It’s a feeling. I will never grow tired of helping travelers discover. 
 
Thinking of Italy? 
Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, there’s always more to see, taste, and fall in love with. I can help you plan an Italian adventure that’s crafted around your version of la dolce vita – because in Italy every journey is a masterpiece.