Italy

I love Italy so much that if I ever stumbled upon a charming little apartment, I’d move in without a moment’s hesitation. Each visit has only deepened my love for the country, from the architecture that feels like walking through history, to the warm, lively people, the beautiful sound of the Italian language spoken all around you, and of course, the food that never disappoints. I’ve been lucky enough to explore Rome twice, and each time I’ve uncovered something new, a hidden piazza, a breathtaking ruin, or simply the joy of wandering cobblestone streets with gelato in hand. Sicily was equally unforgettable, especially exploring Palermo and Catania. Hiking Mt. Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, standing on its slopes, breathing in the smoky air, and taking in views that felt almost unreal.

One of the most surprising and wonderful parts of my trip was how I felt while I was there. Since my MS diagnosis I’ve been careful about limiting carbs and sugar because they can sometimes trigger flare ups. In Italy, I enjoyed pizza, pasta, and gelato every single day and felt amazing. I had no flare-ups or spasms, only pure joy. The food simply felt cleaner and fresher, made with high-quality, minimally processed ingredients, and free from the hidden toxins that seem so common in America. It was a beautiful reminder of how food, culture, and daily habits can shape the way we experience travel.

There are still so many Italian cities I want to see, but honestly I would never complain about returning to Rome or Sicily again. Each visit feels both familiar and brand new, and that is what makes Italy so special to me.

📍 Places I Visited – Rome

Colosseum: The iconic ancient amphitheater and a symbol of Rome’s history.
Roman Forum: Walk among the ruins of temples, government buildings, and ancient streets.
Pantheon: A beautifully preserved Roman temple with a stunning domed ceiling.
Trevi Fountain: Toss a coin and make a wish at this famous fountain.
Piazza Navona: A lively square filled with fountains, street artists, and cafes.
Vatican City: Home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.
Spanish Steps: A perfect spot to sit, people-watch, and admire the city.
Castel Sant’Angelo: A historic fortress with panoramic views of Rome.
Trastevere: Wander through this charming neighborhood full of cobblestone streets and local eateries.
Piazza Venezia & Vittoriano Monument: The central square with the massive white monument honoring Italy’s first king.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: One of Rome’s four major basilicas, known for its stunning mosaics.
Bocca della Verità: The famous “Mouth of Truth” where legend says it bites the hand of liars.
Gianicolo Hill: Offers breathtaking panoramic views of Rome and a quieter escape from the crowds.

📍 Places I Visited – Palermo, Sicily

Palermo Cathedral: A stunning mix of architectural styles with a fascinating history spanning centuries.
Teatro Massimo: Italy’s largest opera house, famous for its grand interiors and acoustics.
Quattro Canti: A beautiful square at the intersection of two main streets in the historic center.
Piazza Pretoria: Known for its elaborate fountain filled with intricate statues.
Palazzo dei Normanni & Cappella Palatina: A magnificent palace with a chapel adorned with golden mosaics.
Church of San Cataldo: A unique Norman-Arab church with striking red domes.
Church of Martorana (Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio): Famous for its stunning mosaics and intricate interior.
Church of San Domenico: The burial site of Judge Giovanni Falcone, who was killed by the mob. It’s a solemn place, and it’s worth noting that in Palermo, locals rarely talk openly about the Mafia.

📍 Places I Visited – Catania, Sicily

Piazza del Duomo: The city’s main square, home to the Catania Cathedral and the iconic Elephant Fountain.
Catania Cathedral (Duomo di Sant’Agata): A beautiful cathedral dedicated to the city’s patron saint.
Piazza Università: A lively square surrounded by historic buildings and great cafes.
Via Etnea: The main shopping street that stretches from the city center toward Mt. Etna, lined with boutiques, cafes, and gelaterias.
Teatro Romano: Ancient Roman theater ruins nestled in the heart of the city.
Castello Ursino: A medieval castle housing a museum with art, history, and archaeological exhibits.
Piazza Stesicoro: The square featuring Roman amphitheater ruins and great people-watching spots.
Mt. Etna Hike: Europe’s most active volcano. Hiking its slopes offers surreal views of lava fields, craters, and the surrounding Sicilian landscape.
La Pescheria Market: A lively fish market near Piazza del Duomo where you can experience the city’s food culture firsthand.

🏨 Where I Stayed

Rome: The K Boutique Hotel – 4.9/5 ⭐️
- Literally in the heart of everything, the hotel made it effortless to explore the city on foot. Breakfast was excellent, and one of my favorite details was finding a Baci chocolate on the pillow each time the room was cleaned. On my most recent visit, however, the hotel was closed, though I am not sure whether it was because of Covid or renovations.
Rome: Airbnb – 3.5/5 ⭐️
- If all you need is a place to sleep, this might be fine. The studio is quite small, and I would not recommend it for more than two people. The location is excellent, but I wasn’t prepared to carry my luggage up a narrow staircase to the second floor.
Palermo: Airbnb – 4.5/5 ⭐️
- The apartment is incredibly spacious and comfortable, and its location right in the heart of the city made it easy to walk everywhere and soak in the local atmosphere. Right across the street, there’s an incredible perfume shop called FLAIR, where they use essential oils to create beautiful replicas of well-known fragrances.
Catania: Airbnb – 5/5 ⭐️
- Another incredibly spacious apartment. We didn’t discover the elevator until the day before we left, so we ended up carrying our luggage up several flights of stairs. Still, once inside, it was absolutely worth all those steps. The space was stunning, right in the heart of the city, and even came with a thoughtful touch of a welcome Italian fruit cake.

🍝🍰 From Scratch in Sicily: Pasta and Tiramisu Adventures

After spending the day exploring the beauty of Palermo, we decided to dive even deeper into the culture by scheduling a pasta-making and tiramisu class. The experience was both eye-opening and delicious. We quickly learned just how much time and effort goes into making fresh pasta from scratch, from the kneading to the rolling to the shaping, and it gave us a whole new appreciation for every plate of pasta we had eaten in Italy. The tiramisu lesson was just as memorable. To our surprise, we discovered that traditional tiramisu in Italy does not contain alcohol the way it often does in America. Our host laughed and said, “Americans ruin everything,” which instantly became one of those funny little moments we’ll never forget. The class was filled with laughter, flour-covered hands, and plenty of tasting along the way. At the end of the night, we sat down with our host and her family to share the meal we had prepared together, which made the experience feel even more authentic and heartwarming. It was the perfect way to connect with Italian traditions while making memories that felt just as rich as the food itself.

✨ Tip for Travelers: If you have the chance, book a cooking class while in Sicily. It’s a wonderful way to learn local traditions, bond with locals, and enjoy a meal you’ll always remember.

🇮🇹 Travel Tips

Wear Comfortable Shoes: Italy is best explored on foot. Cobblestone streets are beautiful but can be tough, so a good pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. I swear by my Vans and wear them for nearly all of my traveling and walking adventures.
Bring a Good Camera or Use Your Phone Well: Every corner of Italy is picture perfect. Make sure you have a way to capture it all, whether with a camera or a phone with plenty of storage.
Come with an Appetite: Food is at the heart of Italian culture. Say yes to pizza, pasta, gelato, and local specialties in every region. Each city has its own flavors, and trying them is part of the adventure.
Learn a Few Italian Phrases: Simple words like “grazie” for thank you, “per favore” for please, and “ciao” for hello or goodbye can go a long way. Locals will always appreciate the effort.
Stay in the City Center if Possible: Booking accommodation in the heart of the city saves time on transportation and makes it easier to see the sights. With all the streets and sights to explore, we didn’t even mind walking over an hour from our hotel to the Vatican.
Respect the Culture: When visiting churches or religious sites, modest clothing is important. Covering shoulders and knees is a sign of respect and often a requirement for entry.
Keep Some Cash Handy: While most places accept cards, small shops and markets may prefer cash. Having euros in your pocket is always useful.
Remember “downtown” / siesta: In many towns, shops and restaurants close for a few hours in the afternoon. Plan your day with this in mind so you are not caught by surprise.
Slow Down and Enjoy the Pace: Italians know how to savor life. Meals are meant to be enjoyed slowly, and conversations are part of the experience. Take your time and soak it all in.

Traveling through Italy is not just about checking sights off a list. It is about experiencing the culture, the people, and the everyday moments that make the country unforgettable.