Explore Italy with Anita

A Journey Through Italy: Exploring Culture, Cuisine, and History

Ciao! I’m Anita, an Advisor from Gallivanter Travel Mackay and I recently returned from Italy. From the streets of Rome to the lemon groves of Sorrento, every moment was magical.

Experiencing the trip together as a family, learning about my family heritage, and making lifelong friends made it even more special. Here are some of my favourite moments from our trip. Enjoy!

Exploring the Cities:

I visited Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Florence, and Verona. Each city had its own unique charm. Rome had the best coffee and ancient history. Strolling through the cobblestone streets, surrounded by structures that have stood for thousands of years, was incredible.

Hidden Gems:

One of the most memorable discoveries was in Florence, where I visited the childhood home of Michelangelo. Seeing his first sculpture, completed when he was just 15, was a truly special moment that not many tourists know about.

Cultural Highlights:

A standout cultural experience was attending Easter Mass at the Vatican, presided over by the Pope. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and very special.

Memorable Dining Experiences:

Italian cuisine never disappoints. In Sorrento, I enjoyed Lemon Scaloppine (thin slices of veal in a lemon reduction) and sampled divine Fagottini ripieni di formaggio e pere (dumplings stuffed with cheese and pears on pear jam) in Florence. Of course, you can’t go without Tiramisu!

In Naples, the food was so fresh and delicious. The owner and staff at the restaurant made us feel welcome in their loud and boisterous way, reflecting the warmth of the people in Naples. In Florence, I had the best steak of my life at Taverna dei Servi. (Name of restaurant: Taverna dei Servi. Address: Via dei Servi, 52/red, 50122 Florence)

Sightseeing and Activities:

From the Vatican Museum and The Vatican Gardens in Rome to the iconic David statue in Florence, there were endless must-see attractions. My recommendation is to arrange a private tour to explore beneath the Trevi Fountain. We ventured underground, the more we went down, the louder the sound of water is. You get to view the ruins of the aqueduct that has fed Rome since the ancient times of the Roman Empire (from year 19BC).

To view the fountain, my recommendation is to go early in the morning. We went for a nice walk at 6.30am and there was hardly a soul around, compared to a few hours later where the crowds were insane.

Transportation and Logistics:

If you have never driven in Italy, especially around the built up cities, I would recommend using the train system. Driving can be a very daunting experience, definitely not for the faint hearted.

We drove a little in the open country side but chose to do most of our travel via rail. The rail system in Italy is second to none. Very reliable, fast and easy to navigate. The trains are very clean and the staff are helpful.

Future Recommendations:

Italy caters to all types of travellers, from the simple to the extravagant. My advice is to immerse yourself in the culture, savour the cuisine, and embrace the beauty of the country.

And remember, don’t order a cappuccino after 11 am!