Italy Holidays

Italy is one of those rare destinations that captures your heart from the very first visit. Whether it’s the aroma of freshly brewed espresso drifting through a quiet piazza, the sound of church bells echoing across ancient cities or the sight of dramatic mountains meeting sparkling lakes and coastlines, Italy is a country that invites you to slow down and enjoy every moment.

For me, Italy has become one of my absolute favourite countries. I love everything about it—the incredible food, world-famous pizza and pasta, excellent coffee, breathtaking scenery and, above all, the warmth and friendliness of the Italian people. Every visit has left me wanting to return and discover somewhere new.

My Italian adventures began in Rome, a city where thousands of years of history sit comfortably alongside bustling cafés and vibrant neighbourhoods. On that same trip I also visited Naples, and it completely won me over. It’s energetic, authentic and full of character, with some of the best street food I’ve ever tasted. I’ve since returned and loved it just as much the second time around. Sitting in a local café with an espresso before enjoying freshly made pizza is, for me, one of the true Italian experiences.

Italy continued to surprise me during my first journey through the Balkans, which ended with visits to Venice and Salerno. Venice is unlike anywhere else in the world. Its maze of narrow streets, hidden canals and quiet squares are made for wandering without a map. On my second visit, I discovered a wonderful little neighbourhood café just around the corner from where I was staying, and it quickly became part of my daily routine. I also explored several of the lagoon islands by water taxi—something I would highly recommend, as each island has its own unique character and offers a different perspective of Venice.

Further south, Salerno provided another unforgettable experience. Set beside the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, it combines an attractive waterfront with authentic Italian life and serves as an excellent gateway to the spectacular Amalfi Coast. It’s one of those places that deserves far more attention than it often receives.

One of my favourite Italian journeys took me to Lake Como, where I spent several days exploring the lakeside towns by ferry. Beginning in Como itself, I travelled from village to village, spending time exploring each before boarding the next ferry. My journey ended in Colico, where I stayed overlooking the lake. Waking up to those magnificent mountain views and ending the trip with a scenic train journey back to Milan—complete with one last visit to a local coffee shop before my flight home—was the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable holiday.

Yet despite visiting Italy several times, I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface. Southern Italy remains high on my travel wish list, with destinations such as Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria and Sicily promising even more authentic experiences, spectacular scenery and exceptional food waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re planning a romantic city break, a food and wine adventure, a scenic rail journey, a lakes and mountains escape or a tailor-made itinerary combining several regions, Italy offers experiences that stay with you long after you’ve returned home. At Discover the Frog, I can help you plan a holiday that goes Beyond the Ordinary, uncovering not only Italy’s famous highlights but also those quieter places, hidden cafés and unforgettable local experiences that make every trip truly special.