September 2023
Italy was supposed to be a family reunion—a shared chapter in my round-the-world adventure. But when plans changed and my family couldn’t join me, I found myself embarking on a solo trip across this storied country. What unfolded was an unforgettable experience, rich in beauty, history, flavors, and spontaneity.
Rome: Where Chaos Meets Wonder
My journey began in Rome, a city that greets you with a chaotic heartbeat and breathtaking beauty at every turn. I joined guided tours to explore iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. The Colosseum, built in 80 AD, once held up to 80,000 spectators who came to watch gladiatorial combat, public spectacles, and dramas based on classical mythology. Nearby Palatine Hill, one of the most ancient parts of the city, is where legend says Romulus founded Rome in 753 BC.
I also visited the Vatican Museums, home to centuries of artistic treasures. Standing inside the Sistine Chapel, beneath Michelangelo’s legendary ceiling fresco, and walking into St. Peter’s Basilica—the largest church in the world—was surreal. These masterpieces represent the height of Renaissance art and religious devotion.
Despite the crowds and traffic, Rome had an undeniable charm. Walking over sampietrini (cobblestone pavements), I marveled at ancient ruins appearing around unexpected corners. It was my first time in Italy, and I was immediately enchanted. The food—fresh, simple, and utterly divine—made every meal feel like a celebration of culture and tradition.
Stay: Golden Tulip Rome Piram (Official/Qantas Hotels)
Behind the Wheel: The Thrill of Driving in Italy
With the pulse of Rome still buzzing in my mind, I picked up the keys to an Alfa Romeo Stelvio—sleek, muscular, and unmistakably Italian. It was my chariot for the rest of the journey. But this wasn’t just a drive - it was a plunge into the unknown. For the first time in my life, I was driving on the opposite side of the road—and doing it in a car that felt almost too bold for the narrow, winding streets of Italy.
The Stelvio roared to life as I navigated twisting country roads, hilltop towns, and bustling urban centers. Italian traffic was anything but predictable: scooters whizzed by like dragonflies, lanes seemed more like suggestions, and parking? Let’s just say it became a daily mission. But the payoff was pure freedom—the chance to go off-script and explore hidden corners at my own pace.
There’s something empowering about being behind the wheel in a foreign country, adrenaline humming as you turn the key and take off toward the unknown. The drive wasn’t always easy, but every mile added a sense of adventure and ownership to the trip. I wasn't just visiting Italy—I was conquering it, one curve at a time.
Grosetto: Serenity on the Coast
Leaving the buzz of Rome behind, I drove north to the tranquil coastal town of Grosetto in Tuscany. Tucked away from the usual tourist crowds, it felt like a hidden sanctuary. I stayed at a cozy, family-run cottage where time seemed to slow down. That evening, I lounged by the pool with a gentle breeze on my face, the golden Tuscan sun casting long shadows across the hills. The hush of the countryside, broken only by chirping crickets and rustling leaves, wrapped around me like a warm blanket. It was one of those rare, perfect moments where I could truly exhale and feel completely at peace—with Italy, with the journey, and with myself.
Stay: Agriturismo Sweet Cottage (Official/Qantas Hotels)
Cooking in a Castle: Castello Tricerchi
Next, I joined a cooking class at Castello Tricerchi, a historic 13th-century castle nestled among the Tuscan vineyards near Montalcino. Once home to noble families, it now produces Brunello wine and welcomes travelers seeking authentic experiences. Our kitchen overlooked rows of grapevines, creating a postcard-perfect setting. Together with a group of fellow travelers—and a few bottles of Prosecco—we prepared traditional pasta and tiramisu from scratch. Sharing food that we’d made with our own hands, surrounded by wine and laughter, was one of the most rewarding experiences of the trip.
Experience: Magida Cooking Class (Official)
Siena: A Night of Elegance
That night, I stayed in Siena, a city steeped in medieval charm. Once a powerful city-state, Siena is renowned for its beautifully preserved Gothic architecture and the thrilling Palio horse race. I spent the evening strolling through its historic center—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and indulged in a hearty plate of osso bucco that still lingers in my memory: tender, flavorful, and utterly soul-warming.
The next morning, I visited the magnificent Siena Cathedral, or Duomo di Siena. With its striking black-and-white marble façade and intricate interior mosaics, the cathedral is a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic design. Stepping inside, I was in awe of the ornate ceilings, the Piccolomini Library’s vivid frescoes, and the grandeur of the striped columns—it felt like walking into a sacred art gallery. It was a spiritual and artistic highlight that added even more depth to my appreciation of this remarkable city.
Stay: Barriera di San Lorenzo (Official)
Florence: Art, Architecture, and Awe
Florence was next, and it completely stole my heart. The cradle of the Renaissance, this city has shaped Western art and culture for centuries. Standing before the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo, I was captivated by its striking façade and the monumental dome towering above the city skyline. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century, the dome remains the largest brick dome ever constructed — a feat of engineering brilliance that commands admiration even from the outside.
At the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most renowned art museums in the world, I stood face-to-face with Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Piero della Francesca’s romantic Portraits of the Duke and Duchess of Urbino. These works exemplify the grace and intellectual spirit of the Renaissance. By chance, I visited on the first Sunday of the month, which meant free entry—and massive crowds. Still, seeing these masterpieces in person was worth every moment spent in line.
Stay: Mercure Firenze Centro (Official/Qantas Hotels)
Pisa and the Cinque Terre Coast
On my way to La Spezia, I took a detour to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower. Built in the 12th century as a bell tower for the adjacent cathedral, its unintended tilt is the result of unstable foundation soil. The tilt has been partially corrected, but the optical effect in person is far more dramatic than pictures suggest.
From there, I reached the Ligurian coast and explored parts of Cinque Terre. Though I didn’t have time to visit all five villages, I had a stunning lunch at Ristorante Belforte in Vernazza—perched on a cliff, offering panoramic ocean views. The seafood was fresh and flavorful, and I found myself completely relaxed, watching waves crash below. A visit to Riomaggiore added another layer of scenic bliss to the day.
Stay: The Poet Hotel (Official/Qantas Hotels)
Milan and a Swiss Escape
My final stop was Milan, Italy’s fashion and financial capital, known for its blend of modernity and tradition. While there, I joined a tour to Lake Como, famed for its stunning lakefront villas and surrounding Alps. From there, I took a breathtaking ride on the Bernina Express into Switzerland. The train, a UNESCO World Heritage route, climbs into the Alps reaching altitudes of over 2,200 meters, passing glaciers and lakes with picture-perfect views.
I treated myself to some indulgent Läderach chocolates and found myself quietly understanding why the Swiss are among the world’s happiest people. With a slower pace of life and such natural beauty around them, how could they not be?
Stay: ibis Milano Centro (Official/Qantas Hotels)
experience: Swiss Alps Bernina Red Train and St. Moritz Tour from Milan (Viator)
Final Thoughts
Italy, with all its vibrancy and dynamism, has left an indelible mark on my heart. From the bustling streets of Rome to the tranquil corners of Tuscany, every moment felt like a vivid tapestry of history, culture, and discovery. The cities, rich with ancient landmarks and artistic masterpieces, seamlessly blended with the serene beauty of the countryside. I loved every bit of it.
The journey was also a culinary adventure. The food, fresh and full of flavor, became a constant source of joy. I was especially lucky to experience the magic of making my first pasta from scratch in Tuscany—an unforgettable moment of connection to Italy's rich culinary tradition.
But it wasn't just the landmarks or the food that made this trip so special. It was the people I met along the way. Each encounter, whether fleeting or lasting, reminded me of the warmth and kindness that exists in this country. Italy truly showed me that sometimes, the most unexpected journeys can become the most memorable.
Every step of this solo adventure, from Rome to Milan, was a celebration of everything that makes Italy so remarkable. It was a journey full of joy, reflection, and discovery—one that I will treasure for years to come.
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