Italy Dreams

Category: Uncategorized

  • Kapuhala Sicily Amazes Guests With Tranquility, Sicilian Heritage, and Vegan Meals

    Drinks and a sunset view at Kapuhala Sicily, a resort near Noto. All pictures shared courtesy of Kapuhala Sicily.

    If you’re dreaming of Sicily and want some wellness with your getaway, then look no further than Kapuhala Sicily, located near Noto and Marzamemi in the southeast corner of the Italian island.

    Kapuhala Sicily was created as a sustainable, wellness-focused resort by chef Crystal Lee and her husband, Stefano Passarello, whose father is from the area. Crystal is originally from Hong Kong but trained in Milan to be a chef.

    “We’d been going to Sicily for 20 years and absolutely love it,” Crystal says. “When the resources and land became available, we decided to build something there.”

    Kapuhala Sicily debuted in June 2020, almost a year after the couple opened Kapuhala Koh Samui, an eco-friendly resort in Thailand. They divide their time between the two properties. Kapuhala means “holy tree” in Hawaiian.

    Relax among the vineyards at Kapuhala Sicily.

    “Ahhhhhh”–What to Expect When You Visit Kapuhala Sicily

    If you’re visiting Sicily for Kapuhala Sicily, you’ll make your way through the countryside of the Valle di Noto region–an area Crystal describes as famous for its natural beauty, olive groves, and traditional Sicilian heritage.

    Upon driving up to the resort, you’ll find 60 acres of vineyards, olive groves, and organic gardens–with much of the food served at the resort grown onsite or sourced from local farmers. The owners of Kapuhala Sicily also were able to revitalize 300 trees that would have otherwise been uncultivated.

    Kapuhala Sicily can accommodate up to 30 guests in total in small individual homes and in buildings once used for wine-making; most of the places to stay there can host up to four people at a time. Each unit has a private bathroom, and some units have kitchenettes.

    Kapuhala Sicily focuses on sustainability, wellness, heritage architecture, and plant-based cuisine. It also follows many of the “blue zone” principles for living longer and staying healthy. Sardinia, another island in Italy, happens to be one of the world’s blue zones, and one area of Sicily is considered an emerging blue zone.

    Chef Crystal Lee operates Kapuhala Sicily along with her partner, Stefano Passarello.

    Italy is already famous for its cuisine–it was just recognized by UNESCO this December–yet Kapuhala Resort takes plant-based cuisine to another level. How about spaghetti with Sicilian curry, tenerumi (a summer squash-like vegetable in Sicily) and tomato confit? Si, per favore! With some of the dishes, you may be fooled into thinking you’re eating the traditional meat version, only to realize the vegan option is just as tasty.

    Spaghetti with Sicilan curry served at Kapuhala Sicily resort, located in the southeastern corner of the island.

    In addition to the great food, there’s lots more to enjoy at Kapuhala Sicily, including:

    –Wine tastings

    –A pool

    –A botanic yoga studio

    –Sunset views

    –Nature walks

    –Doing absolutely nothing!

    –Day trips just a short drive away, like Noto (famous for its baroque architecture–see our article here), Marzamemi (a former fishing village that’s popular to visit), and nearby beaches

    Yet there’s nothing wrong with just enjoying your time at Kapuhala.

    “Kapuhala Sicily isn’t just a hotel but a lifestyle-oriented retreat. It’s a place designed for people who value sustainable living, plant-based food, mindful living, nature, and authentic local heritage,” Crystal says.

    It’s also considered a “heritage farmstay” because guests have the chance to connect with the land and rural Sicilian traditions.

    7 Tips to Plan Your Visit to Kapuhala Siciliy

    If you’re hopping on your favorite travel website right now to book your stay at Kapuhala Sicily, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

    —Plan to rent a car while you’re in the area. There’s not much public transportation.

    —Slow wayyyyyyy down. Keep your type A side tucked away in your suitcase while you’re vacationing, both in SIcily in general but also specifically at Kapuhala. “It’s about relaxation, wellness, a connection with nature, and simplicity,” Crystal explains.

    —Stay open to vegan cuisine. You may be surprised by how much you like it!

    —Bring comfortable shoes. It’s hard to get around the countryside in high heels, Crystal says.

    —Plan your local trips to include beach visits, local historical towns and the countryside. Crystal calls this a “balanced Sicily experience.” Staying for a few days in the area gives you a better chance to get to know the resort’s part of Sicily without feeling rushed.

    —Check online to make sure the resort will be open before you book. Like many other accomodations in the area, Kapuhala Sicily is generally open from April to the end of September, which is the main tourism season for Sicily.

    —Staying elsewhere in Sicily but still want to check out Kapuhala? You can visit their restaurant, Vivi Vinu, for an apertivo or dinner.

    Buon viaggio!

  • Find the Sweet Scent of Italy With These Two New Perfumes

    Cortile Dolce and Ferragosto, two perfumes that will transport you to Italy.

    If you’re looking for a permanent vacation to Italy, we’ve got some sweet-smelling suggestions for you.

    Two new perfumes from Jordan Samuel Scent will transport you to Sicily and Capri in Italy without ever leaving your living room sofa.

    The unisex scents are sold by New York City’s Jordan Samuel Pacitti and his eponymous Jordan Samuel Skin. Pacitti, a former professional ballet dancer and esthetician, worked with famous Italian perfumer Luca Maffei to create the scents (more on their collaboration below).

    So, just what do the perfumes smell like? Once we describe them, we’ll have you booking your flight to southern Italy in no time–and spraying on the scents.

    “Our fragrances really are a transportive vacation in a bottle,” Pacitti says.

    Cortile Dolce and Ferragosto

    Cortile Dolce, which means Sweet Courtyard in English, brings together sweet, soft, and citrusy scents that define Sicily–a region that Pacitti has gotten to know through several visits all around the island.

    Cortile Dolce’s scent notes include:

    –Lime leaf (Sicily is famous for its citrus)

    –Jasmine, which fluorishes on the island

    –Cedarwood, a grounding scent you may experience along seaside cliffs

    –A touch of sweetness, which promotional info for Cortile Dolce describes as “a taste of la dolce vita” and “silk-spun notes of almond granita and brioche buns”

    –White amber, which “hints at the spirit of the Italian isle”



    Then, there’s Ferragosto, named for the Italian national holiday on August 15 that leads many Italians to their famous beaches. The fragrance is inspired by the island of Capri near Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

    With Jordan Samuel Scent’s lovely Ferragosto, here’s your scent combination:

    –Fig skin and sap, just like those from the gardens of Villa San Michele in Capri

    –Apricot, famous on the island, and “juicy, sun-drenched, and just shy of too sweet”

    –Cardamom, the famous spice that adds structure to the fragrance without stealing the show

    –Cut grass accord, described as “the hum of heat rising from the terraced hillsides near Chiesa di San Michele with summer, like an anchor clinging to the air”

    –Sandalwood, wrapping it all up in a soft-focus haze

    Jordan Samuel Pacitti and master perfumer Luca Maffei.

    The Scent Story and the Italian Connection

    You can probably feel Pacitti’s passion for Italy just from the descriptions above. Yet what led him on his Italy scent journey?

    Pacitti had aIways been fascinated by fragrances. In his early adulthood, he was a ballet dancer living and traveling around the world for his career. After several years of dancing and putting on and removing makeup for shows, his skin became more sensitive.

    After two serious injuries, he realized that it was likely time to bow out of his dancing career and pivot to something new. He had always loved the beauty industry and its associated products, which led him toward skin care. He earned his aesthetic license and starting practicing hands-on within the skincare world.

    Pacitti decided to start his own skincare line, which led to the creation of Jordan Samuel Skin. His cleansers, serums, eye gels, and more often have names that give a nod to his ballet background, such as The Performance Eye Gel and The Matinee Gel Moisturizer.

    Jordan in Capri, which serves as the inspiration for his Ferragosto fragrance.

    That inches us closer to the fragrance and Italy connection.

    “I used to make fragrances myself, but I always wanted to work with a perfumer,” Pacitti tells Italy Dreams. “I knew that in addition to the skincare line, we one day were going to have fragrance or fragrances.”

    Yet after several attempts, it wasn’t happening just yet.

    In 2022, after Pacitti and his partner returned to the U.S. from a trip to Italy, they brought with them several half-ounce fragrance samples that were, incidentally, mostly created by master perfumer Luca Maffei.

    Realizing that Maffei was the common demonitator for the favorite fragrances he had purchased, Pacitti reached out to him online to discuss a potential collaboration. He didn’t hear back.

    Meanwhile, with momentum still behind him, Pacitti worked with other Italian contacts to get his Italian-inspired fragrances off the ground. As an Italian-American himself, Pacitti has fallen hard for the country’s beauty and spirit, leading to many trips there.

    “I wanted the perfumer to add their essence and bring it to life with what I had said,” Pacitti says. He continued to work with his contacts to get the scent combinations just right, although he initially was not in contact with the perfumer.

    As the fragrances continued to evolve, Pacitti eventually realized who was working with his contacts to develop them–Luca Maffei.

    “It was truly a serendipitious-like moment,” Pacitti says. The two are now collaborators and friends.

    Cortile Dolce became available via the Jordan Samuel Skin website in December 2024, and Ferragosto became available in October of this year (2025). The fragrance is available for sale in the U.S.

    Jordan in Lipari, Sicily, Italy.

    A Love for Italy: Pacitti’s Picks

    As evident through this story, Jordan Samuel Skin’s Cortile Dolce and Ferragosto are both a testament to business expansion as well as love letters to Italy–a place he actually had not traveled to prior to 2012.

    “I’ve been all over Asia, to Turkey, Belgium, France, and Denmark, but it was so strange that for being Italian-American and wanting to go to Italy, I just thought, ‘We’ll get there one day.’”

    And that he did. Here’s how he describes the country now:

    “Something that’s always fascinated me with Italy is it’s such a small country, but then from top to bottom, you can experience so many different dialects and types of food cultures and other patterns…It’s just so wildly different and extreme and beautiful. That also is why outside of being personally obsessed with it, I feel like it’s the most beautiful muse because each area tells its own story through food, scent, and the people.“

    With Pacitti’s extensive travels throughout the country, we asked him for a few of his favorite travel locations:

    —Rome, which he calls his “absolute favorite place in the world.” He and his partner have vacationed there but also have worked there for several weeks at a time and know the city well.

    —Sicily, where he had a great time in southeastern Sicily but then later visited Palermo on the west coast and realized that both areas of the island were amazing

    —The Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily, which he visited with his partner and his parents. “We all want to go back,” he says. “It’s clean, beautiful, not busy, and affordable.” Plus, there was some terrific seafood.

    —Torino/Turin, the northern city where his perfumes are manufactured

    Check out Jordan Samuel Skin’s product line here, and check out his fragrance shere.

    Follow Jordan Samuel Skin on Instagram (@jordansamuelskin) or TikTok (@jordansamuelskin).


  • Here’s What to See and Do in Noto, Sicily

    Beautiful Noto, Sicily, Italy, with its Baroque architecture. Picture from Wikimedia Commons.

    Whether you’re lured to Noto, Sicily, Italy, by its Baroque architecture or its famous appearance in season 2 of “White Lotus,” there’s plenty to see and do in this charming town, located in southeastern Sicily.

    In his Sicily travel guidebook, European travel guru Rick Steves says that Noto may well be “Sicily’s most pristine small city.”

    Let’s quickly fill you in on Noto’s history and then guide you to things to see and do.

    Like much of Sicily, Noto’s earlier influences came from a mish-mash of cultures, including the Muslims, Normans, and Romans. If you fast forward a few centuries–specifically to the year 1693–a major earthquake hit and destroyed the city, which at that time was called Netum.

    In the 1700s, the city was rebuilt at a new site a few kilometers away and constructed in Sicilian Baroque style. That paved the way for the beautiful, classic Baroque look that defines Noto today. In fact, the Baroque background led Noto to become recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

    Now, the city is a growing destination for those visiting Sicily, whether they are spending more time in Catania (an hour away by car), Siracuse (Syracuse) or even coming from Palermo a couple of hours away. Noto can make for a beautiful day trip, or you might choose to stay there for a few days to explore and use the town as a “basecamp” to explore nearby cities like Siracusa, Ragusa, and Modica.

    Here’s the scoop on things to see and do in Noto bello.

    Picture shared by Stefania Lampedecchia. (@Slampe78).

    Cattedrale di Noto

    The most iconic sight in Noto is Cattedrale di Noto, often just called the Duomo or Chiesa Madre (Mother Church). The wide staircase outside of the Duomo is great for pictures. Find lots of frescoes and gold carvings on the inside.

    Don’t forget to enjoy lots of food when you’re in Noto or anywhere in Sicily. Picture shared by Stefania Lampedecchia. (@Slampe78).

    Eat

    Sicily is known for an amazing food culture, just like the rest of Italy. So, it’s probably no surprise that one major item on your Noto to-do list is sampling lots of restaurants and types of food.

    As you enjoy the places below, keep in mind that Sicily grows a ton of fresh produce as well as items like almonds. Your next plate may feature tomatoes from nearby Pachino or blood oranges or almonds fresh from Sicilia.

    Here are some specific Noto food recommendations and remember–gelato is calorie-free in Italy :-).

    —Ristorante Manna Noto, featuring Mediterranean food in a modern bistro style. “The dining experience was spectacular, from the service to the dishes,” says Brianna Buffo, who visited Noto in May 2025. She said one person in her group had celiac disease, and the restaurant was very accommodating.

    —Trattoria Fontana d’Ercole, where visitor Azmi Anees had fresh pasta alla norma that featured fried egglant and ricotta.

    —Caffe Sicilia, a well-known pastry shop in the area that’s been featured in an episode of “Chef’s Table” on Netflix. Enjoy almond pastries, cannoli, and much more, yum…

    –If you’re staying local and want a unique experience, Buffo recommends Via Delle Palme, a husband-and-wife chef team that will prepare a meal where you are staying. Buffo says the meal she enjoyed included fresh and seasonally harvested ingredients perfectly paired with wine–and homemade limoncello for the finale. She also said that the chefs, Buccio Cappello and Giuliana Pucci, were “kind, lovely people.”

    The view from Chiesa di Montevergine. Picture shared by Chris Cavanaugh.

    Wander Around Noto

    Of course, if you’re on vacation in any town in Italy, you’ll do yourself a favor by wandering a bit and soaking up in the atmosphere. Although Noto has gained more tourists in recent years, it doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of a Florence, Rome, or Venice. Take advantage of that calmer feel to check out some of Noto’s top sights, including:

    –Porta Reale, or the Royal Gate

    –Palazzo Nicolaci

    –Street art. “I enjoyed wandering the city streets to look at the art on the stairs by artist Carlo Coniglio and others,” says Chris Cavanaugh, travel expert and founder of the online travel publication Spritzience.com. (Some of the pictures in this article were shared by Cavanaugh.)

    –Corso Vittorio Emanuele

    –Chiesa di Montevergine, where you can hike up a spiral staircase to the top of the bell tower for city views, Cavanaugh says.

    –Shopping! We found these two interesting articles (here and here) with several shopping recommendations in Noto.

    Street art on the stairs in Noto. Image shared by Chris Cavanaugh.

    Infiorata di Noto/Flower Festival

    If you’re in Noto in mid-May, you may be lucky enough to witness its annual flower festival with unique floral mosaics. Called the Infiorata, the festival takes place the third Sunday in May each year.

    “It was a beautiful sight and added another layer of fun and conversation as we strolled the city,” Buffo says.

    Noto Antica

    Check out Noto Antica, or ancient Noto, to see the ruins of the original town demolished by the 1693 earthquake. It’s about 20 minutes away from downtown Noto.

    Look at these cute boxes at Teatro Comunale Tina Di Lorenzo. Picture shared by Chris Cavanaugh.

    Teatro Comunale Tina Di Lorenzo

    Check out Teatro Comunale Tina Di Lorenzo for its marvelous boxes and a painted ceiling to admire, Cavanaugh of Spritzience recommends. The theater seats 308 and is used often for opera, concerts, ballet, and shows.

    Cantina Marilina

    Want to check out a local vineyard and winery? Cantina Marilina is a great, famiy-run option where you can enjoy lunch as well as vino.

    Kapuhala, a farm-based resort near downtown Noto.

    Kapuhala: A Unique Place to Stay

    You’ve got many choices of places to stay if you’re in Noto or southeast Sicily. One place we were told about while researching this article is Kapuhala, a family-run, eco-conscious resort in Noto that has a farm-to-table restaurant, a yoga studio, two vineyards, and olive trees. It’s considered agri-turismo, or a farm stay. It’s close to both Noto and Marzamemi.

    Noto views. Picture from Wikimedia Commons.

    Nearby Places to Visit from Noto

    OK, so you’re on the Noto train with us and ready to visit. Here are some other nearby destinations you may want to check out:

    —Catania, which has lots to see and is home to a major airport (when you fly into Sicily, you’ll fly into Catania on its east coast or Palmero on its west coast)

    —Marzamemi, a small village where you can grab a bite to eat, shop a little, and discover the area’s tuna processing heritage

    —Vendicari Nature Reserve, for peaceful nature, bird watching, and a beach experience (bring your own towels, snacks and other supplies)

    —Modica, a town also known for beautiful Baroque architecture and a chocolate museum (yum)

    —Siracusa/Syracuse, popular for its history and scenery and includes the stunning island of Ortigia

    —Ragusa, with more historical architecture and the Ragusa Archaeological Museum

    Buon viaggio!

  • Here’s Why to Visit Italy in the Winter and Off-Season

    Snowy mountains as seen from Lake Como, Italy, in early March. The winter can be a great time to visit Italy.

    Italy says “Buongiorno!” to about 70 million tourists this year (2025), with most arriving in the summer months. If you’ve been to Florence, Venice, or Rome that time of year, then you know what it feels like to have thousands of new friends who all want to visit the same places as you, right?

    If you’re an astute traveler, you may be asking yourself what it’s like to visit Italy other times of the year, such as in the winter or off-season. The good news: There are some real advantages if you’re willing to brave a little cold.

    Let’s take a look at why you should consider visiting Italy in the winter or off-season months. Then we’ll suggest a few choice destinations for those quieter months.

    Florence’s Duomo/Cathedral looks impressive any time of the year.

    Why to Visit Italy in the Winter or Off-Season

    You’ll have more destinations to yourself

    We’re not saying you’ll be the only tourist there, but most destinations will have fewer people. Enjoy the so-called la dolce vita with fewer visitors! It’ll make it a lot easier to book museums, hotels, etc.

    Enjoy cooler temps

    Let’s face it, Italy can get hot in the summer. Walking around Rome, Sicily, and even Milan in June, July, or August can get uncomfortable. Although many places have air conditioning, it’s not as chilly cold by default as in the U.S. The solution? Bring a coat, scarf, and gloves, and come in the winter!

    Plus, keep in mind that Italy has a diverse climate depending on where you go. For instance, Milan’s temps can average in the 40s (Fahrenheit) in the winter, compared with average temps in the 50s (Fahrenheit) in places like Puglia and Sicily.

    We visited Florence, Milan, and Lake Como in early March and got around most days with the requisite jacket and scarf. One day in Milan even reached near 70 and was sunny.

    A Christmas market in Trento, Italy. Picture from Wikimedia Commons.

    Christmas markets!

    Whether you’re familiar with European Christmas markets from previous in-person visits or just Hallmark movies, this shopping experience is a real pleasure. Find dozens of vendors with hand-crafted Christmas items that are perfect as unique gifts for others or souvenirs for yourself.

    Here are a few Italian areas famous for their Christmas markets, according to the tourism operator Discover Your Italy-FuorITinerario:

    –Trento in north Italy

    –the Dolomites, a chain of mountains in north Italy

    –Florence, which features a German-style market

    –Arezzo in Tuscany, which takes on the feel of a Tyrolean village

    –Rome, where you can find a festive market feel in Piazza Navona

    Artichokes are one vegetable that some Italian residents enjoy more in the winter.

    You can try different types of foods

    It’s no secret that Italy is known for terrific food. With eating in Italy a hyper-local experience, it’s probably also not a surprise that food changes seasonally there based on what’s available at certain times of the year.

    So, the special dishes you may have in the summer could have a completely different feel in the winter or other times off-season. One Rome resident we spoke to sung the praises of artichoke dishes in the winter. Root vegetables like potatoes as well as greens are commonly in season in the winter, and citrus season in Sicily (like blood oranges and regular oranges) goes through the winter and spring–just like here in our home state of Florida.

    The Dolomites in northern Italy welcome visitors in the winter and year-round.

    Pursue winter sports

    If you’re into skiing, snoeshowing, ice skating, or other winter sports, then visiting Italy in the winter is an obvious choice. You’ve got your pick of mountainous destinations (see below). The Winter Olympics held in 2026 in and around Milan and the town of Cortina will further shine a spotlight on Italy as a winter destination.

    You’ll need to find different angles for pictures in the winter and off-season in Italy. This picture, taken in Sicily, is from Wikimedia Commons.

    Get new perspectives for pics

    A view of Italy in the summer, with historic buildings drenched with sun and everything colorful? That’s low-hanging fruit. Yet how do make those same buildings look interesting on a rainy, cold day? If you’re into photography, visiting Italy in the winter can become a fun photographic challenge. If you’re creative enough without using filters on your phone, you can still have blockbuster pics from your trip.

    Bellano, Italy, on Lake Como, in early March.

    6 Places to Visit in Italy in the Winter

    Here are six specific destinations to consider in Italy for the winter or off-season. Don’t be afraid to explore areas outside the typical big-city destinations.

    The Dolomites

    This mountain chain that spans several northern Italian regions can become your winter playground for sports or relaxing by a fire. With its close proximity to Austria, both Italian and German are commonly spoken here.

    Lake Como

    This famous destination in north Italy, just an hour by train from Milan, will lead you with charm through towns like Bellano and Bellagio. Hop on a train to traverse between towns. The ferry on the lake operates year-round although it’s on a reduced schedule in the winter. Find out more about day tripping around Lake Como with our articles here and here.

    Florence

    For the heart of Renaissance art and culture, you can’t go wrong with Florence. Find Christmas markets if you visit around the holidays, or find fewer crowds if you visit in the months thereafter. You’ve probably read enough about Florence elsewhere, so we’ll just share our article about eating in Florence, here.

    You also can find Christmas markets in Rome, Venice, and Naples. Naples is well-known for its living nativity scenes, or presepi.

    Sicily’s Mount Etna in the winter.

    Sicily

    Sicilia in the winter? It’s definitely worth considering! Bigger cities like Palermo and Catania may have enough going on to keep you busy, but smaller resort towns like Cefalu may be pretty dead, according to the blog Adventurous Kate. Still, if you want some Sicilian culture and quieter views and don’t mind some potentially rainy weather, you still could have a great trip. Some people even go skiing on Mount Etna. Plus, you’ll find several winter festivals as well as Christmas markets.

    Cortona

    The town of Cortona in Tuscany (not to be confused with Cortina, the site of the Olympics) has medieval charm and wonderful artisan markets around Christmas, according to Discover Your Italy. You can even find a Floating Christmas Tree. “This area is perfect for travelers seeking a quieter, heartfelt experience rich in culture and tradition,” Discover Your Italy reports.

    Beautiful Bormio, Italy. Picture from Wikimedia Commons.

    Bormio and Vatellina

    Yet another recommendation from Discover Your Italy, find skiing and spas in the Alps-based towns of Bormio and Vatellina in Lombardy in north Italy. The towns combine famous ski slopes with Roman-era stone pools, hydrotherapy, salt rooms, and a UNESCO railway that takes you from Tirano into Switzerland.

    Buon viaggio!

  • 11 Fun Facts About Milan, Italy

    The Galleria Mall in Milan.

    If you’re planning to visit Italy, will you spend some time in Milan? This cosmopolitan city often gets overlooked for Florence, Rome, Venice, and other destinations.

    Yet don’t rule out Milano just yet. This city of 1.3 million people (more than 3 million if you include the full surrounding area) has plenty of history and can serve as a great place to stay if you plan day trips to other destinations in northern Italy.

    The Milan Duomo/Cathedral is never too far away from your Milan view.

    To help gear you up for Milano, here are 11 fun facts about the city.

    –Milan will host the 2026 Winter Olympics. The games are formally called the 2026 Olympic Winter Games Milano-Cortina and will be held from Feb. 6 to 22, 2026. However, only a few of the activities will actually take part in Milan. Many of the sports will take place mountainous areas a couple of hours away from Milan, in northeast Italy.

    —Milan is the second-largest city in Italy, second only to Rome. Rome has 2.7 million people within the city itself and more than 4 million people if you include surrounding areas.

    —Milano is the capital city of Lombardy, which is one of Italy’s 20 regions (similar to states in the U.S.).

    Souvenirs for sale in Milan.

    —Looking for some nearby day trips? Milan is only an hour by train from the famous Lake Como (read our article here for a guide on day tripping around the lake). It’s also under an hour from the charming city of Brescia as well as Verona (yes, as in Romeo and Juliet) and Bergamo.

    —“The Last Supper” painting by Leonardo DaVinci is in Milan, located at the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. It’s highly recommended to book in advance to see the popular artwork.

    Inside Milan’s Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II.

    —If you like shopping, then you’ll be impressed to know that the oldest mall in Europe and perhaps the most continuously active mall in the world is Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It was designed in 1861, but it took 12 years to finish building it. You’ll find very cool architecture and some expensive shops and restaurants.

    —Want good luck? Here’s something to try when you’re at the Galleria. The mall has several mosaics on the floor, in honor of Italian nobility. One of the mosaics has a bull–and legend has it that if you spin around three times on the bull’s–hmmm, cojones–it will bring you good luck. We passed on that opportunity when we were in Milan, but maybe you’ll want to try it! If anything, it’s fun to watch tourists give it a whirl.

    Pasta dish made in Milan, but risotto is actually Milan’s specialty.

    —Of course the Milanese (as people from Milan are called) enjoy pasta like all good Italians, but they also are known for some non-pasta dishes. These include risotto alla milanese (a rice dish with saffron) and ossobucco (braised veal shank with bone and marrow), among other classics.

    The Milan Duomo/Milan Cathedral on a busy day.

    —The Milan Duomo (Cathedral), a central part of the city and its tourism, is the fifth largest Christian church in the world. It’s also said to have the most statues of any Christian church–3,400 in total, along with 135 gargoyles (that’s a lot of gargoyles!). It was built in 1386 and took a whopping five centuries to complete, with some final touches on its facade in the 1960s.

    Sforzesco Castle in Milan.

    —Did you know that Milan has a castle? It’s called Sforzesco Castle, or Castello Sforzesco, that was constructed in the 15th century. The castle has several art collections, including antique art and musical instruments. On a recent Milan visit, we didn’t make it to the inside but we were able to walk around the exterior along with many other people who were strolling around the city that day.

    Fashion is never far away when you’re in Milan. Note the fashion ads behind the pastries for sale inside one of Milan’s train stations.

    —Milan is considered the Fashion Capital of the World, but do you know which fashion businesses are located there? They include the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Prada, Valentino, and Versace. Some of the major Italian fashion brands are now owned by global conglomerates, but they still have headquarters in Milan.

    Buon viaggio/happy travels, and enjoy your trip to Milan!

    Milan at night.

  • Here’s What It’s Like to Bike Nearly 1,000 Miles Through Italy

    Viewing Italy’s scenery by bike, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa.

    Imagine gliding your way through Italy’s smaller, quieter towns by bike, avoiding the hustle and bustle of packed cities. You get to enjoy fresh air, bellissimi panorami (beautiful views), and local cuisine.

    That’s exactly what two residents of northern Italy did in summer 2025. Read on to find out what type of planning this special trip took, what were some of the highlights, and how seeing Italy by bike made them appreciate their country even more.

    Fabio B. (left) and Ernesto G. (right) of northern Italy, on their summer 2025 bike ride through Italy.

    Ernesto G. and Fabio B., both of Brescia, Italy, are long-time bikers. After taking a successful long-distance bike trip in 2023 (843 miles/1,357 kilometers and 16,000 meters of elevation) throughout Italia, they enjoyed it so much that they set their sights on a new trip that covered 976 miles/1,571 kilometers and 18,000 meters of elevation.

    These guys aren’t just weekend warriors. They brought athleticism to their trips, with Ernesto swimming competitively in the past and also doing trail running, ski mountaineering, and climbing as well as other long-distance bike trips in the past.

    “Cycling is my favorite exercise,” Ernesto says. “I have a strong desire to explore new places, and doing it by bike makes me feel alive and happy.”

    That sense of wanderlust is also what led him to pursue the recent long distance bike trips through his home country. He says he loves geography and wants to get to know as many places as possible.

    An early morning view during a bike ride through Italy.

    Of course, planning a bike trip that would take Ernesto and Fabio from the town of Bagnolo Mella near their hometown of Brescia all the way to Lecce in south Italy is not something they could just wake up and do spontaneously. Ernesto says that trip planning involved the use of Google Maps, Google Street View, Basecamp, and various other online tools to create a route. Using those apps, he could target roads that are better and safer for bikers.

    The pair planned in advance to leave nothing to chance and to enjoy overnight stays with showers and comfortable beds. “Cycle tourism is also practiced by those who don’t plan anything in advance, sleeping in tents without a daily destination but only a route to follow,” he says. That wasn’t their plan, but it may work for others. “You have to experience cycle tourism according to your own personality,” he says.

    In his newest trip, he and Fabio wanted to go straight toward south Italy and reach some specific destinations, including new cities, mountains, and valleys they did not visit before. Most of the time they planned to avoid big cities, although they weren’t completely off the planning table.

    Starting the Trip

    The trip took about two weeks, with an average of 104 kilometers/65 miles each day. Although they initially biked longer distances, they eventually reduced that amount due to elevation gains.

    The bike ride took them through towns that were charming and quaint like much of Italy, but much less crowded.

    Enjoying the scenery, usually at a relaxed pace, was a highlight of the bike ride.

    “We stopped to enjoy the views many times to photograph landscapes and towns,” Ernesto says.

    Since the trip was during the summer, the heat was a challenge. Sometimes the temperature would reach the mid-30s Celsius or near 100 Fahrenheit. They would often leave their overnight stay in the wee hours of the morning to get ahead of the heat. “There was a strong heat in Italy during those days, but luckily it was too hot just the first day and on the coast,” he says.

    On the type of route they followed, encounters with stray dogs also were a potential threat. However, they only saw them in two or three places.

    The bike trip took Ernesto and Fabio through some famous Italian destinations, including Pisa with its Leaning Tower of Pisa; Matera, known as the oldest city in Italy; and Alberobello, which has a series of homes called trulli, with domed roofs that date back to the mid-14th century. Both Matera and Alberobello are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

    When the tiring but exhilarating trip was over, Fabio and Ernesto returned home by train.

    A nighttime view of Matera, Italy’s oldest city.

    Reflecting on the Journey

    One surprising point for Ernesto was the diversity of dialects he found in their home country. “I was impressed at how dialects drastically change in just a few kilometers,” he says.

    Although Italian is the main language of Italy, the country actually has several dozen recognized languages and dialects. Ask any Italian you meet, and they most likely know both Italian and another language or dialect (or at least a few words of it) they’ve used in their hometown and with family members.

    There were also several towns among their favorites:

    —Berceto, in the Emilia Romagna region, located in the Apennine Mountains. “It’s a little old town in the mountains with beautiful views and fresh, clean air,” Ernesto says.

    —Castiglione della Pescaia, in the region of Tuscany on the coast. The town has a medieval castle to visit, narrow streets, and sea views.

    —Lecce in the Puglia region, with its Baroque style, Roman Amphitheater, Cathedral, Bell Tower, and more. “All places definitely worth a visit,” Ernesto says.

    —Pitigliano in the Tuscany region. This medieval-style town was built on volcanic tuff and has well-kept alleys and squares as well as a Roman aqueduct fountain.

    —Barrea in the Abruzzo region, located on Lake Barrea. “Its mountains, old town, castle, and narrow streets make it a must-see,” Ernesto says

    More long-distance bike trips are slated for the future, Ernesto says. The next trip is planned for Italy’s Dolomites region in north Italy, with future trips in south Italy, including the regions of Campania, Calabria, and Sicily.

    “Traveling by bike makes me feel so good,” he says. “It gives me freedom. I think I’ll always travel by bike because I’m basically an explorer.”

    Advice for Future Bikers

    If you are thinking of a long-distance bike trip in Italy or elsewhere, Ernesto shares some advice:

    1. Start with shorter trips to get used to the pace of longer distance rides.
    2. Train for at least five to six months before your departure.
    3. Learn how to create routes and not just blindly rely on navigation apps. “Study maps and check roads on Google Street View,” he advises.
    4. Pack lightly.
    5. Invest in a good navigation advice; one pick he likes is the Garmin Edge 1040, which is a GPS created for biking.
    The trulli, famous dwellings in Alberobello.

  • 12 Facts About Italian Food in Italy That May Surprise You

    An amazing pesto pasta dish in Florence, Italy.

    Many people outside of Italy looooovvvveee Italian food, including here at Italy Dreams. Our favorite food was pizza growing up–OK, so maybe it was Pizza Hut pizza, which would make real Italians shudder (hey, we were in the D.C. suburbs, not New York or New Jersey!). And pasta and risotto dishes are a regular part of the meal rotation at Casa di Italy Dreams.

    In any case, traveling to Italy is eye-opening when it comes to Italian food, as you start to learn what cibo Italiano (Italian food) actually is versus Italian-American food.

    We gleaned many of these tips during a 2025 visit to Italy, while others were discovered online. And we’d be happy to continue the food conversation in the future.

    You’re welcome for the yummy food pictures throughout. 🙂

    Mercato Centrale (Central Market) in Florence, Italy.

    The Big Picture

    1. Italian food differs drastically by region.

    When we say “Italian food,” we’re making a huge generalization. That’s because Italian food can differ drastically by region. Italy has 20 different regions, each with its own distinct food, wine, cheese, bread and desserts. Heck, food can sometimes even differ by town. Pizza and pasta may be popular throughout the country, but there are even variations there. Risotto, for example, is an Arborio rice-based dish popular in northern Italy. Couscous is famous in the island region of Sicily (see tip 12).

    We’ve found the book “Rick Steves Italy for Food Lovers,” by Rick Steves and Fred Plotkin, to be particularly useful in understanding different regional foods. You’ll discover where cannoli originally are from (Sicily), where cinghiale (wild boar) is most common (Tuscany), and lots more.

    2. Eating local is a way of life.

    In the U.S., we like to tout that we’re eating local if we’re eating a dish with produce grown within our state or region. In Italy, eating local takes on a whole different meaning. The whole meal may come from the town where you’re eating the meal. The person preparing the meal may have even picked the produce or helped raise the chickens. It’s no wonder that Italian cuisine is known to be so yummy, with such fresh and in-season ingredients.

    A crossaint and an espresso is a typical Italian breakfast option.

    Eating Breakfast/Colazione

    3. Breakfast is light.

    Let’s face it, Italians as a whole stay slim for all the food that they eat. One secret may be that they keep their breakfast, or colazione, light. Un cornetto e un espresso–or a crossiant and an espresso–is a common Italian breakfast. Some may add yogurt or fruit as well.

    4. A latte will get you milk, not coffee.

    The word latte means milk in Italian. For Starbucks fans like us, latte means something different, right? It’s what you order when you want a coffee-and-milk combo. So, don’t walk into an Italian food establishment or bar and ask for a latte unless you want just milk. And you may want to study other phrases for ordering coffee, as saying the wrong phrase could lead you to an alcohol-infused drink (which, hey, you may still enjoy).

    Breakfast pastries at a shop in one of Milan’s train stations.

    5. Italians don’t nurse a coffee all day.

    Like many Americans, we at Italy Dreams find it comforting to nurse our coffee for awhile, like it’s a baby that needs affection. Italians–not so much. Those espressos are small and meant to be consumed rapidly. Keep in mind that they also pack a caffeine punch. So, what they lose in “coffee nursing” time, they still make up for with a caffeine jolt.

    We hear that Italians drink beer when they have pizza–but this combo of pizza and vino was still a delight.

    Pizza & Pasta

    6. Italians eat a lot of pasta.

    This fact may not be too surprising. After all, pasta is perhaps Italy’s best-known food. However, did you know that the average Italian eats 50 pounds of pasta (23 kilograms) a year? That compares to 20 pounds a year in the U.S. on average per person–which is still a heck of a lot of pasta.

    The cool thing is that Italians have so many different ways to prepare pasta–and so many different types. Just go to a supermarket or other market of choice while you’re there to see what we mean.

    7. Italians like their pasta al dente–and they eat it with a fork.

    Al dente means “to the tooth.” The end result is pasta that’s still a little firm when eaten. Overcooked pasta is not common. And don’t cut your pasta with a fork and knife! They will use a fork to eat their pasta, thankyouverymuch.

    One quick kind-of-related story: We once taught English to a group of Italians here in the U.S. and mentioned that we put olive oil in the water as we cooked pasta. The look of horror on their faces could have stopped a ghost. We learned that day that salt goes in the water to cook pasta, and the olive oil goes on the pasta afterwards.

    8. Don’t look for pepperoni pizza or Hawaiian pizza in Italy.

    Italians in Italy aren’t seeking out pineapple on their pizza. They also aren’t fans of pepperoni pizza like we are here in the U.S. However, you can get peperoni pizza (notice only one “p”), which will get you a pizza with bell peppers. You also can get pizza diavola, or Devil’s Pizza, which uses spicy salami that resembles pepperoni as we know it.

    9. You’re not at Olive Garden anymore, Toto, so there’s no dipping bread in oil and vinegar.

    You may get bread with your Italian meal, but Italians commonly use it to dip into the sauce and oil leftover from the pasta or other dish they’ve eaten. This practice is called fare la scarpetta, which means to make a little shoe. Cute.

    There’s not usually garlic bread either. Sorry.

    A pasta dish in Florence, Italy.

    10. You also won’t find spaghetti with meatballs.

    However, you can order meatballs as a separate dish called polpette.

    Gelato outside Santa Maria Novella in Florence. Yummm……

    Miscellaneous

    11. Gelato isn’t the same as ice cream.

    There’s a lot of gelato around Italy, and for good reason. It’s soooooo good. But it’s not the same as ice cream. Gelato is actually made with more milk than regular ice cream and doesn’t include eggs. It’s also denser. Make sure to look for gelato that has more natural colors versus bright colors (which could mean that the gelato was dyed).

    12. There’s a Couscous Fest in Italy that you might want to attend.

    When you think of couscous, you think of the Middle East, right? Yet couscous is actually a specialty in Sicily (among its many food specialties). There’s a Cous Cous Fest each year in Palermo, Sicily, each year attracting more than 200,000 visitors. It also brings in musical guests and has become a huge celebration.

    Hungry yet?

    Gelato as seen in a shop in Florence, Italy.

  • Here Are 5 Places Where Italians Go on Vacation in Italy

    Beautiful Matera in the Basilicata region of south Italy. It’s one of the oldest continuously occupied cities of the world.

    Did you know that 70% of tourists to Italy go to just 1% of the country–namely, Florence, Rome, and Venice? Of course, these cities have a wealth of history, food, and culture (we even shared some foodie facts from our Florence visit in this post).

    Yet let’s face it, getting stuck in the heat and crowds is NOT fun.

    So, in the spirit of Italy Dreams’ mission, we share here five destinations in Italy that are popular among Italians themselves. That’s not to say you won’t find other U.S., British, or other foreign tourists in these beautiful places–but there will be far fewer compared to places like Florence, Rome and Venice.

    Andiamo! Let’s go!

    A nighttime view of the historic town of Matera, Italy.

    Matera

    If you like history, the town of Matera will take you in the way back machine–as in waaaaaayyyyy back. It’s the oldest city in Europe, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas of the world–we’re talking history that goes back to 7500 B.C. The 2004 movie “The Passion of the Christ” used Matera as a backdrop.

    This history and the city’s unique look naturally drives visitors to this Southern Italian town, located in the region of Basilicata. Matera is about 2 hours from Naples, depending on how you get there.

    Here are just some of the things that native Italian visitors do in Matera–and that you can do, too:

    —Visit the Sassi di Matera, or stones of Matera, which are declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is an ancient settlement area with alleyways, caves (providing great views of the town itself), gardens, and tunnels.

    —Check out The Bread Museum (I Segreti del Pane di Matera). Discover what makes bread from Matera so special and how it ties into the area’s history. It will make you hungry–good thing you’re in Italy!

    —Get a stunning view of Matera’s caves from the Pascoli Square Belvedere (Pascoli Square Belvedere). Named for the 19th-century Matera poet Giuseppe Pascoli, you’ll find a balcony that provides a lovely view of the Matero Cathedral, Civita Caves, and part of the stone districts of Matera.

    A beautiful beach in Sardinia, Italy.

    Sardinia

    We’re sure you’ve heard of Sicily, but have you heard of Sardinia? Think of this island region of Italy as Sicily’s wilder sister. It’s located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of the French island of Corsica and west of Italy’s mainland.

    Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, second only to Sicily, and has a population of 1.7 million. That may sound like a lot, but it’s actually one of the most sparsely populated regions of Italy.

    Life’s just a little different in Sardinia, Italy.

    So, just what can you do in Sardinia? Here’s the scoop:

    —Eat a lot of Pecorino cheese. Despite its many kilometers/miles of coastline, Sardinia is actually better known for sheep farming than it is for fishing. All of that sheep farming leads to a lot of Pecorino cheese, made from sheep. Other foods you might enjoy in Sardinia include malloreddus, a type of Sardinian gnocchi; pane carasau, a crispy bread; and seadas, a fried pastry with cheese and honey.

    —Go to the beach. With about 1,200 miles (yes!) of coastline, Sardinia is a natural choice if you consider yourself a beachgoer. Spiaggia di Maria Pia (hailed as a family-friendly choice), Golfo di Orosei (with gorgeous coves), and Spiaggia della Pelosa are just a few possible choices.

    —Take a wine tasting tour in Sardinia. After all, wine is just one factor in what makes Sardinia one of the Blue Zone areas of the world–areas with longer longevity and good health. In Sardinia, that’s due to a healthy diet, physical activity that’s a part of daily life, social connections, and of course, some vino.

    A stunning beach on Isola d’Elba/Elba Island.

    Isola d’Elba

    This beautiful-sounding name translates to Elba Island in English. It’s located off the coast of the Tuscany region, which is already well-known for wine, Florence, and Pisa. Visitors typically get there by taking a ferry from the town of Piombino (about an hour, depending on where you’re going on the island).

    Isola d’Elba is a great choice if you want a quiet destination with history, says Alessandro N. of Brescia, Italy, who was there earlier this year (he also provided the island photos with this article and the photos of Sardinia). He says the mix of history along with natural landscape made it a laidback destination.

    The town of Portoferraio on Isola d’Elba.

    Here are some other things you can do in Isola d’Elba:

    —Follow Napoleon’s footsteps on the island. Napoleon was exiled to Isola d’Elba for 9 months in 1814, but he left a big mark on the island. Visit the Mercy and Napoleon Relics Museum and the Villa Dei Mulini, for instance–the latter of which was his primary residence while spending time there.

    —Take a bike ride, buy yourself some bread and fresh fruit, and check out a few of the seaside towns. This lovely-sounding plan is recommended by the website Italy Segreta (Italy Secret), in its article “A Local’s Guide to Elba Island.” You may want to check out their site for a few more tips.

    San Vito Lo Capo in Sicily, Italy (picture used from Wikimedia Commons).

    San Vito Lo Capo

    Sicily has many idyllic beach areas, but one local favorite is San Vito Lo Capo. Located about 2 hours from Palermo, San Vito Lo Capo features stunning beaches and lots of nature. We read that it gets busy in the summer, so we’re not billing it as a complete escape from tourism (including in August, when many Italians take off for a few weeks). However, a little bit of crowding may be worth the visit.

    A chess match in San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily (picture taken from Wikimedia Commons).

    Here are just some of the things you can do in San Vito Lo Capo in Sicily:

    —Take part in all types of water activities, like boating, snorkeling, or, of course, just lounging on the beach.

    —Indulge in typical Sicilian dishes. One cool thing about Sicily is that it blends together different cultural influences from around the world. This is especially clear in its food, where you can enjoy dishes like couscous, tuna, and caldo freddo (a type of Sicilian ice cream) during your visit.

    —Visit the San Vito Sanctuary, a monument and symbol of the town The site WeArePalermo provides more background about the sanctuary’s history–and a well-written, amusing guide to San Vito Lo Capo.

    Seaside views at San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy.

    San Benedetto del Tronto

    If you want a mix of seaside views, seaside cuisine, and an artsy feel, your next destination should be the underrated San Benedetto del Tronto, located in the Italian region of Marche on the country’s eastern coast.

    Find this and other sculptures and artwork in San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy.

    Here are a few things to do when you’re in SBT:

    —Visit the Museum of Art on the Sea (Museo del Mare), an open-air museum on the pier with sculptures and paintings. Take pics, and talk with your travel partners about which artworks are your faves.

    —Explore the boardwalk by foot or bike. It’s nearly 6 kilometers (nearly 3.7 miles), so you’ll have plenty to see and do.

    —Enjoy a meal! San Benedetto del Tronto has some great seafood, according to Verena, a resident of Val Badia, Italy. She was in SBT recently and recommends the Brodetto alla sambenedettese, a type of fish stew that’s typical of the region. (Verena also provided the photos we’re sharing of San Benedetto del Tronto).

    For any of these places, do your homework in advance. These towns and regions may not be bombarded with tourists like the big cities, but they can still get busy, especially in the summer. Check online for best times to visit and any other tips.

    Buon viaggio!

  • 8 Tips to Be a Respectful Tourist in Italy and the Rest of Europe

    Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery in Florence is one of the most popular art sights in Italy. It also may be where you see visitors become disrespectful tourists. Our article shares how you can be respecful when visiting Italy.

    It hit us when we were at the Accademia Gallery in Florence, viewing the famous 500-year-old David sculpture by Michelangelo.

    There was a throng of people around the sculpture, and several of them were taking selfies. Now, all of us (or most of us) do selfies from time to time. Yet there was a casualness to their attitude, as if they were taking a picture of themselves outside their hometown donut shop before continuing on with their day. They would take their selfie and be on their way to the next priceless art piece in the museum, with little thought or care to the history or detail of this famous piece of art.

    It’s partly that attitude–a seeming lack of respect–that’s led several cities in Italy and around Europe to revolt against overtourism in recent years. In June 2025, locals in Italy, Portugal, and Spain targeted tourists with water guns to bring attention to their large numbers. Protesters in Venice spoke out against overtourism and the lavish wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Tourists bombarded the small town of Sirmione along Lake Garda in north Italy in May 2025, with videos of that overtourism going viral.

    A whopping 70% of tourists to Italy visit only 1% of the country–namely, Rome, Florence, and Venice.

    With that background in mind, let’s break down what you can do to be a more respectful tourist in Italy. The locals will say grazie!

    Tourists make their way through the hilly streets of Bellagio on Lake Como, in north Italy.

    8 Tips to Be a More Respectful Tourist in Italy and Europe

    1. Learn a little Italian. Italians are tickled when you try to speak a little Italian, even it’s as simple as buongiorno, ciao, or grazie. (Pasta seems to be part of the universal language, hahaha.) Even if they speak English back to you, which definitely might happen, speaking a few words of Italian shows that you are making an effort to be respectful of the country’s culture.
    2. Think historically. Italy is not Disney World or Epcot. The history in Italy, just like in many parts of Europe, is very real and delicate. As you walk on the cobblestone streets (hopefully in comfortable shoes) or tour through old buildings or churches, aim to preserve that history by keeping your hands to yourself, throwing away garbage in garbage cans, and following any other rules shared by signs or tour guides.
    Small groups of tourists seen outside Santa Maria Novella Church in Florence.

    3. Watch what you wear. Many churches in Italy will want your shoulders and knees to be covered upon entering. Plus, some will enforce no sandals. Tour leader Renata De Masi of Tuscany observes that many young people don’t dress appropriately when touring around Italy’s more delicate sites. Solutions: Even in Italy’s hot summer, always have a sweater with you to cover up when needed. Wear closed-toed shoes, or at least have a pair with you for days that you’re visiting churches.

    4. DON’T take a selfie. “Italy has an immense artistic heritage,” De Masi says. “There are several occasions when taking a selfie has cost the integrity of artworks and museum displays.” This doesn’t mean you can’t ever take a selfie in Italy. Just be mindful in historical areas of any rules that limit selfies and/or flash photography.

    A busy street in Milan.

    5. Stay out of the way of locals. If you’re from a big city, have you ever had your commute hampered by tourists? Maybe you’re driving through your city and there are tourists in the middle of the road trying to capture that perfect view. Or, they’re standing in the middle of the sidewalk to figure out where the ice cream shop is while you’re scurrying to work? We’ve all been there, and it’s the same in Europe’s big cities. Take up your tourist space when needed, but be super mindful of locals who are living their lives and don’t have the same leisure time that you do while traveling through their country.

    6. Go beyond the big cities. We can’t emphasize this tip enough. As we’ve learned more about Italy’s 20 regions, we’ve seen the allure that each area holds. And yet–we hear again and again about Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. Don’t get us wrong, those are all wonderful places to visit. Yet we also know Italian people visiting out-of-the-way locations in their country and encountering few to zero tourists while there. Have you thought about spending time in the region of Umbria? Or Sardinia? Le Marche? Abruzzo? They all have wonderful things to see. Our next article will cover several places where Italians like to visit in their own country–and they will be less tourist-focused then the other well-known destinations. Make sure to subscribeto our blog to check out that article, so you can plan your next less hectic trip to Italia.

    Tourists inside the Accademia Gallery in Florence. Note that these were crowds in early March–not the summer, when tourism is especially crowded.

    7. Watch your manners–and your volume. We often hear that Europeans are more polite than Americans. Whether or not that’s always true, we can tell you that using please/per favore, thank you/grazie, and good morning/buongiorno can go a long way toward creating goodwill. While you’re at it, watch your volume when you’re speaking in public. Speaking at a softer volume will help you blend in better.

    8. Read up on local transportation rules. This may be a way that we tourists aren’t intentionally disrespectful, just uninformed. Yet knowing some local transportation rules can help make your time in Italy more efficient and easier. Here are a few tips shared by De Masi:

    a. Avoid a fine on public transportation by validating your paper ticket. This is something that many tourists don’t know so they don’t do it. Here’s a quick video to show you how to validate your train ticket.

    b. Consider using contactless payment methods for public transportation when available.

    c. If you plan to drive in Italy, make sure to get an International Driving Permit in advance of your trip. It’s required. Ifdriving, do some research on local traffic signs as they won’t always translate easily in English. For instance, “ZTL” indicates areas with limited traffic and usually are in city centers. This may limit these areas to only authorities or delivery drivers. Cities will track cars entering these areas by using camera technology and issue heavy fines to offenders.

    d. Know that tourist buses may not be allowed to park near historic destinations. If you’re on a tourist bus, you may need to walk 10 or 15 minutes to where you’re going. Wear good shoes, have water, and be ready to walk!

    The view along a Florence street.

      Want more info on how to be a respectful tourist in Italy? There are several videos on YouTube that you may find helpful. When in doubt, ask your local hotel representatives or tour guides for help. Buon viaggio!

    1. Here’s Your Day Trip Plan From Milan to Lake Como, Italy

      Bellano, Italy, on Lake Como on a Sunday morning, before the crowds came in.

      If you’re visiting Milan, Italy, and want to take a day trip to Lake Como–home to George and Amal Clooney and gorgeous lake views–we’ve got good news for you. Many of the lake towns are just over an hour away by train.

      Surprisingly, the cosmopolitan feel of Milan quickly fades away via train as you reach mountain views. You even start imagining yourself just hopping over the border to Switzerland for some Toblerone chocolate. In fact, the train ride from Lake Como to Lugano, Switzerland, is just 40 minutes.

      Yet for the purposes of our journey, we’re going to stay in Italy and tell you how you can reach three towns surrounding Lake Como for an enjoyable day trip. This is a trip we at Italy Dreams did in early 2025. For context, I’m a female solo traveler but I find it easier to use “we” when writing.

      Cool buildings in Bellagio on Lake Como in Italy.

      Here’s our first set of tips to help you plan:

      —Pick two to three cities around Como that you want to visit for the day. Our itinerary takes you through Bellano, Bellagio, and Varenna in that order, but there are many other towns you can visit, including the town of Como. Bellano seemed to be a good starting point. There are countless online articles online and guidebooks (we always find Rick Steves‘ information helpful) to help you choose destinations.

      —Buy your train ticket online in advance on a site like Italia Rail. If you’re looking to visit more than one town in a day, it’s helpful to plan in advance what time you want to leave Milan and reach your first lake destination. You’ll also want to keep in mind the time it’ll take you to get from where you’re staying to the train station. There are a handful of different train stations in Milan that will take you to Lake Como, so make sure you show up at the right station.

      —Pay attention to the train station signage. It will tell you what time the train is leaving and what platform to use. Note: Many Italian trains require you to validate your ticket while at the station, but we didn’t have to do this with our ticket for some reason. If in doubt, ask at the train station before you board the train.

      A Vespa spotted in Bellano, Italy.

      Things to Do in Bello Bellano

      We arrived in bello Bellano (population: 3,400) on a quiet, cool Sunday morning around 9 a.m. Not quite sure where to go, we followed a few other people getting off the train who appeared to be walking toward the lake. There was a small farmers market with a mix of food products and crafts, and it was the perfect place to take those photos and videos that make you say, “Look, I’m at Lake Como!” You could see how busy the area might get in the summer.

      This view of Orrido di Bellano reminded us of Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia.

      As it was still a little early for shops to be open, we headed toward a gorge called Orrido di Bellano. If you’ve ever been to Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia, it’ll remind you of that. It’s a natural gorge created a whopping 15 million years ago that’s led to the formation of gorges, ravines, and caves. It’s not something you’re expecting to see on your Lake Como visit but it’s definitely a beautiful sight.

      Some tips to visit Orrido di Bellano:

      —Wear good walking shoes. It’s very hilly and you’ll find yourself going over some pedestrian bridges.

      —Take lots of pictures but hold on to your camera or phone tightly. You don’t want it to fall in the gorge!

      Churchgoers on Sunday morning in Bellano, Italy.

      It took us 30 to 45 minutes to make our way through Orrido di Bellano, after which we stumbled upon a church with a Sunday service. We entered quietly (or so we hope!) to listen to some of the service in Italian. It was interesting to see people dressed in winter casual clothing, many still wearing their jackets. There were other tourists like us there toward the back.

      We tried our best in Bellagio to get pics without too many tourists.

      Taking the Ferry to Bello Bellagio

      If you look at Lake Como on a map (it looks like a thin person with long legs running), then you can imagine why taking a ferry is an easier way to get to some destinations compared with driving or even a train. With Bellagio across the water from Bellano, it made sense to hop on the popular ferry, which would be about a 30 minute ride.

      Depending on where you’re visiting around Lake Como, you may also find yourself hopping on the train again but just for a few minutes’ ride to your next destination. Again, do your research on a short train ride versus the ferry and which works best.

      If you can, buy your ferry ticket in advance because otherwise you may find yourself waiting in a potentially long line–and you might even miss the ferry that you want to take. For reasons we can’t recall, we couldn’t buy our ticket online that day and waited in a line.

      At this point in our trip–it was about 11 am–we could feel the crowds. Don’t get us wrong, it was still a beautiful view along the ferry ride, breathing in fresh air and taking pictures (again, hold on tight to your phone!). Yet as the crowd descended on historical, tiny Bellagio, it began to feel like too many people. Overtourism is a real thing in many European destinations, so try to visit at the beginning or end of the day when there are fewer people.

      Lunch in Bellagio was molto buono–and very cheesy!

      Even with the crowds, there was still the charm of Bellagio’s shops, architecture, and scenic vistas. It would have been amazing to spend the night there and see the town first thing in the morning (#futuregoals). We ate lunch at the waterfront restaurant Bar Pasticcheria Rossi–charcuterie board and a rose vino, perfect for Sunday afternoon. After that, it was a stroll by the water and waiting again for the ferry.

      Oh, the places you can go in Lake Como. Note that “Stazione” on the sign means train station.

      Vrooming to Varenna

      The next destination was Varenna, a few minutes away and another popular small town. When you get off the ferry, you’ll likely make your way to the right and walk a few minutes to the congregation of shops right on the water. Again, we could feel the crowds and found the best way to cope was enjoying some gelato by the water from Riva Gelateria…because what would a visit to Lake Como be without gelato?!

      If we were in the mood to check out Every.Shop.in.Town, we could have broadened the time we spent in Bellagio and Varenna–but this was the day before we’d return to the U.S. and we had pretty much gotten the souvenirs we wanted. So, well-fed, we made our way to the train station around 4 p.m. to take a 5 p.m. train back to Milano’s Centrale Train Station.

      Don’t turn down the chance to have gelato when you’re in Italy–this one was enjoyed in Varenna.

      We weren’t the only ones with that idea. As it got closer to 5 p.m., there were many people waiting. The train itself was standing room only (and we were one of the standing ones, as other people had clearly boarded in other Como towns). There’s probably no good way to get around the packed train. If you’re going to pack a lot into your day trip, just know in advance that others will have the same idea. Still, getting to the Como area as early as you can is never a bad move.

      We definitely would do another day trip to Como if we weren’t able to spend the night there. We would likely venture to try other towns around the lake, like the actual town of Como. A trip back to Orrido di Bellano would always be welcome!