Tucked between Campania and Puglia in the south of the country, Basilicata is a land of quiet beauty, ancient history, and deep traditions. Once known as Lucania, this rugged region was home to Greek settlers, Roman legions, and later Norman rulers, each leaving their mark on its culture and landscape. Its hilltop towns and centuries-old churches tell stories of resilience and devotion, while the cave dwellings of Matera, inhabited since prehistoric times, stand as a testament to human continuity through the ages.

Overlooking both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas, Basilicata remains one of Italy’s least discovered corners. Life moves at a slower pace here, and the cuisine reflects that: simple, rustic dishes crafted from humble local ingredients, each carrying the flavor of the land and the memory of generations.

This Thanksgiving, we’ve created a special twist on a regional favorite that brings together Italian flavors and a beloved American ingredient: squash. Our Cavatelli alla Zucca, Pancetta e Burrata is comforting, colorful, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Wherever you are in the world, we wish you a Thanksgiving filled with good food, great company, and a touch of Italian warmth!

Cavatelli with Squash, Pancetta & Burrata

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

• 12 oz (350 g) fresh cavatelli pasta
• 1 lb (450 g) butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 3 oz (80 g) pancetta, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 burrata (about 7 oz / 200 g)
• Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Instructions

1. Prepare the squash:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the diced squash and rosemary, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly caramelized. If needed, add a splash of water to help it cook through.

2. Cook the pancetta:

In a separate small pan, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crisp. Set aside, leaving a bit of the rendered fat in the pan.

3. Blend the squash:

Remove the rosemary sprig. Using a blender or immersion blender, purée the squash until smooth, adding a few tablespoons of pasta water for a creamy texture.

4. Cook the pasta:

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatelli until al dente. Drain, reserving some of the cooking water. (If you don’t have cavatelli, a short pasta like rigatoni or penne can be used instead.)

5. Combine everything:

Toss the cavatelli with the pumpkin cream and a splash of the reserved cooking water. Stir in the crispy pancetta.

6. Serve:

Plate the pasta, top each portion with a spoonful of burrata, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano.

In the Italian tradition, meals are meant to be savored slowly, surrounded by family and friends. Pair this dish with a glass of Aglianico del Vulture, one of the region’s most celebrated red wines: robust, warm, and perfectly suited for a Thanksgiving table.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Felice Giorno del Ringraziamento

L'articolo A Southern Italian recipe for your Thanksgiving table proviene da Discover my Italy.

Large wineries may approach the harvest with precision and careful planning, but for countless Italian families, la vendemmia remains an intimate, personal affair. Italian law allows families to produce wine for personal use, making it possible for generations to carry on this treasured tradition. Thanks to this, in regions such as Tuscany, Veneto, or Sicily, the vineyards come alive with grandparents, parents, children, and friends all gathering to hand-pick grapes. Laughter rings through the rows of vines, stories are shared, and a profound connection is felt with the land that has nurtured generations. Harvesting by hand, often with small shears and wicker baskets, ensures only the ripest grapes are selected, honoring both quality and tradition. In some families, children are still invited to stomp the freshly picked grapes with their bare feet. This playful, romanticized image of la vendemmia lingers even today, even though machines now do most of the work.

The day’s labors are rewarded with festive family meals, the highlight of the season. Long tables overflow with pasta, roasted meats, fresh cheeses, and, naturally, bottles of the previous year’s wine. Guests often bring a dish of their own, ensuring that everyone is represented at the table and honored for their contribution. Each dish tells a story of the land and the people who tend it, and every sip of wine is a toast to the hard work, love, and community that make it possible. These gatherings go far beyond food: they are treasured moments for teaching the younger generation the value of patience and effort, and for celebrating the harvest as a shared triumph.

Joining in la vendemmia offers a chance to reconnect with nature in a tangible way. You feel the soil beneath your hands, hear the snip of shears cutting grape clusters, and inhale the earthy aroma of crushed grapes. These experiences immerse you in the heartbeat of the land, and for families and visitors alike, they teach that wine is a story shaped by the soil, the climate, and the hands that nurture the vines.

Perhaps most touching is how la vendemmia preserves a sense of heritage. Children absorb lessons about care, patience, and community simply by participating in the harvest. These customs are passed down through generations, ensuring that the essence of Italian winemaking (and the warmth of family gatherings) endures. Visitors lucky enough to join in are welcomed into this tradition, gaining a rare glimpse of a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Once the grapes are gathered, the journey from vine to wine begins. The grapes are crushed and destemmed to release their juice, known as the must, which is then left to ferment in tanks where yeast transforms the sugars into alcohol. Depending on the style of wine, it may age in oak barrels or be blended with other varieties. Some regions employ the appassimento (withering) method, drying grapes to intensify flavors, resulting in rich, complex wines like Amarone della Valpolicella.

In spring, the celebration continues with the release of vino novello, or new wine. Light, fruity, and ready to enjoy shortly after fermentation, vino novello offers a fresh taste of the previous year’s harvest. Its debut is often celebrated with tastings and communal festivities, echoing the joy of the harvest itself.

For travelers to Italy, witnessing la vendemmia is a wonderful way to feel the country’s culture come alive. Across the hills and villages, you can see families gathering in their vineyards, hear the laughter that carries through the rows of vines, and sense the deep connection between people and the land. Even as an observer, the atmosphere of the harvest season is contagious, filled with joy, tradition, and gratitude.

L'articolo Step Into Italy’s Vineyards: A Hands-On Grape Harvest Experience proviene da Discover my Italy.

In late 2023, UNESCO officially inscribed “the practice of Italian opera singing” on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The news was celebrated in grand style with a gala concert at the Verona Arena in June 2024, attended by Italy’s top political leaders and broadcast across Europe. For opera lovers, this recognition seemed natural: after all, Italy has given the world Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, and so many others.

Yet the listing’s wording reveals something intriguing. UNESCO did not recognize “Italian opera” as a genre, but rather “the practice of opera singing in Italy.” This may sound like a small distinction, but it raises fascinating questions. What exactly does “Italian opera singing” mean? Is it a fixed style tied to the Italian language and tradition, or is it a living, evolving art form shaped by singers, teachers, and audiences around the world?

Opera as we know it began in Italy at the start of the seventeenth century, in the courts and salons of Florence and Mantua, with works like L’Orfeo by Monteverdi. Over the next two centuries, a network of opera houses flourished across the peninsula, spreading into every major city and many smaller towns. This growth led to the emergence of Italy’s unique and closely clustered tradition of teatri all’italiana, theaters featuring multiple tiers of boxes and a characteristic horseshoe-shaped design. Many of these historic venues, from grand houses like La Scala in Milan to jewel-box theaters in provincial towns, still operate today, offering an unparalleled connection to the genre’s past.

By the 19th century, Italian opera had become an international phenomenon. The golden age of belcanto, with Bellini, Donizetti, and Rossini, was followed by Verdi’s dramas of national pride and Puccini’s lush, modern romances. These works traveled quickly across Europe and to the Americas, often premiering abroad and performed by singers from around the world. Even so, Italian opera singing retained its connection to Italy’s language, its theaters, and its teaching traditions, passed orally from maestro to student in conservatories and academies.

Today, scholars and professionals in Italy still debate how to define this tradition. Some emphasize a vocal style rooted in the musicality of the Italian language and in expressive, physical stagecraft. Others see it as a broad, evolving practice that has absorbed influences from many cultures over centuries. And the repertoire itself defies easy categorization: Mozart’s Italian-language operas were composed in Austria, and Maria Callas, one of the most famous “Italian” opera singers, was born in New York to Greek parents.

For travelers, this lack of a single definition is not a drawback, but an open door. It means that every performance in Italy offers a different window into the tradition, shaped by the voices, languages, and interpretations of the artists on stage. In Milan, an evening at La Scala might bring Verdi’s La Traviata to life with a cast assembled from across the globe, each singer adding their own color to the music. In Naples, home to the 18th-century Neapolitan School that shaped composers like Pergolesi and Cimarosa, a rising local soprano might bring fresh energy to Puccini’s heroines. And in Venice, historic theaters such as Teatro La Fenice still offer the thrill of hearing music in the very spaces where operas by Rossini, Bellini and Verdi once had their first performances.

he UNESCO recognition will help protect and promote opera singing in Italy, but it also highlights the importance of experiencing it in person. Seeing and hearing Italian opera where it has been nurtured for centuries, while knowing that its history is complex, fluid, and open to interpretation, adds a new depth to the experience.

L'articolo UNESCO Honors Opera Singing in Italy proviene da Discover my Italy.

Enjoy his take!

by Siel Agugliaro

Growing up in Lunigiana, a beautiful corner of northern Tuscany that leans into Liguria and its Riviera, pesto was much more than a sauce. It was the taste of home, a flavor that carried the scent of our gardens, the golden stillness of a summer afternoon, and the warmth of sharing a hearty meal on a crisp winter evening. Later, when my family moved to Lake Maggiore in my late childhood, the memory of that flavor traveled with me. Yet, as I explored other parts of Italy (and, later, of the world!), I discovered that pesto wears many faces.

The question is: which one is the real deal?

For me, the answer will always be Genoa pesto, also known as pesto genovese. This is the pesto I grew up with, the one that still makes me pause and close my eyes at the first bite. It carries the prestigious DOP label (Denominazione di Origine Protetta), which means that both its ingredients and its preparation are protected by law. The recipe is a beautiful balance of freshly picked Ligurian basil, fragrant garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano and pecorino cheese, the best extra virgin olive oil, delicate pine nuts, and a pinch of coarse sea salt. Traditionally, everything is crushed slowly in a marble mortar with a pestle, a process that coaxes out the essential oils of the basil and blends all the elements into a creamy, fragrant sauce. Purists may say this is the only true way to make pesto, but most Italians, including many in Liguria, use a blender instead: it is faster and still produces a sauce that is fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious.

The history of pesto stretches far back, though not in the form we know today. Many believe it evolved from agliata, a medieval Ligurian sauce of crushed garlic and walnuts used to preserve food and add flavor to simple meals. The modern basil-based recipe only began to emerge in the 1860s, when fresh herbs and imported pine nuts became more widely available, and Genoa’s merchants brought home influences from abroad. Over time, it became the proud culinary emblem of Liguria, recognized around the world for its fresh, green brilliance.

In my family, pesto is the star of trofie al pesto, the hand-rolled Ligurian pasta often served with tender green beans and chunks of potato. It was also a constant in our minestrone, or vegetable soup, made even richer by the addition of large pieces of Parmigiano crust that softened slowly as the soup simmered. These recipes were less about following strict rules and more about celebrating the joy of eating together, perhaps at the end of a long working day.

Of course, pesto in Italy does not end here. In Modena, for example, there is a pesto that surprises first-time tasters: instead of basil as its main ingredient, it uses lardo, cured pork fat, to create a spread that is savory, rich, and deeply rooted in Emilia’s culinary traditions. Then there is the Sicilian version from Trapani, where ripe tomatoes and almonds join basil, garlic, and olive oil to produce a vibrant sauce that tastes of sun-warmed orchards and Mediterranean breezes. These variations are delicious in their own right, each reflecting the character of its region and the ingenuity of local cooks.

Still, for me, the real pesto will always be the one from Liguria. It is a heritage, a craft, and a connection to the land where I grew up.

L'articolo Pesto: The flavor of home proviene da Discover my Italy.

This tradition has its roots intertwined with the weekly ritual of attending Mass. For centuries, families have gathered after church, stepping out of their homes dressed in their best clothes, as Sunday was traditionally the day people were seen in public, a time to greet neighbors, catch up with friends, and be part of the community.

In Italy, Sunday lunch is not just a meal, it’s an event. Families gather, often in the home of i nonni, the oldest matriarch or patriarch, where the table has seen decades of meals, conversations, and clinking glasses. Guests never arrive empty-handed. It’s common (expected, even) for someone to bring a tray of pasticcini, or pastries, from the local pastry shop, neatly wrapped into colorful paper and tied with string. Others might contribute a bottle of wine, a homemade dessert or preserve, or even fresh bread wrapped in a cotton cloth. The act of bringing something is part of the unspoken language of care and community.

Lunch begins slowly, often well past noon, and unfolds over the course of several hours. There is no rush. Time is stretched and savored like strands of fresh tagliatelle. It begins with antipasti, perhaps slices of prosciutto, olives, or crostini, then a primo piatto, or first course, such as handmade ravioli, risotto, or pasta al forno (oven-baked pasta). The secondo follows, often a roast or stew, something that has simmered patiently all morning, accompanied by seasonal vegetables. In many families, the same dishes are lovingly prepared every Sunday, recipes passed down and repeated like a comforting ritual that links past and present.

At this point, belts are loosened and chairs reclined. Fruit and nuts may appear, followed by dessert: those little pasticcini arranged on porcelain plates (or, more often, straight out of the tray!) Then comes a strong espresso served in tiny cups. If you’re lucky, someone brings out a bottle of limoncello, grappa, or amaro for a proper digestivo.

But the food is only half the story. The heart of Sunday lunch is togetherness. It’s where stories are retold, arguments gently reignited from the week before, and generations reconnect. Children learn family recipes not from cookbooks, but from watching nonna’s hands at work. Laughter and loud voices are welcome. Interruptions are part of the rhythm. And when lunch finally ends (sometimes by late afternoon) there’s a deep sense of satisfaction, not just from the richness of the meal, but from the ritual itself.

Even today, when work and modern life threaten to chip away at tradition, Sunday lunch endures. It may be simpler now, with fewer courses or store-bought pasta, but the essence remains. Some families now gather in trattorias or countryside agriturismi (farm-to-table restaurants) to keep the custom alive. Others adapt by inviting friends in place of family, or swapping roles in the kitchen. What matters is the pause: the commitment to share time, conversation, and good food.

So if you ever find yourself in Italy on a Sunday, and someone invites you to lunch, say yes. You won’t just be eating. You’ll be stepping into a centuries-old dance of hospitality, heritage, and love.

L'articolo Sunday lunch in Italy: Where tradition meets togetherness proviene da Discover my Italy.

A medieval minute-and-a-half you’ll never forget! July 2 and August 16, annually.

Every year since 1652, a wildly dramatic, vividly costumed and dazzlingly brief horse race takes place around Siena’s bowl-shaped Piazza del Campo, or town square. Though the race itself lasts only a heart-stopping 90 seconds—three flat-out laps around the Campo— it’s the centerpiece of a several-day citywide festival dear to the hearts and souls of all 17 of Siena’s contrade, of neighborhoods.

The contrade function much like tribes in many indigenous cultures, wards in New Orleans, or even Philadelphia’s Mummer’s clubs, as a lifelong badge of cultural identity and pride. Today, Siena’s Palio draws hundreds of spectators to this pristinely preserved medieval Tuscan city, but for residents, participants and their families, it’s an authentic and deeply meaningful local tradition with roots reaching back to the 13th century. For generations, its festive dinners, religious rituals and ornate costumes and protocols have encouraged a sense of civic pride, feisty neighborhood rivalries, daredevil athleticism — and plenty of race-day betting.

That’s what makes horse races… especially this one.

A few facts about what makes this horse race unique: first; it’s ridden bareback, second; the jockeys hired by the contrade only learn which horse they’ll be riding via a lottery the night before the race, and third; only ten of the city’s seventeen contrade will get to participate in each Palio (the seven who did not participate in the last race and three chosen at random).

But most memorably, in the Palio, the horse who crosses the finish line first wins the race – with or without its rider. In other words, it’s intense — the purpose-built racetrack of sand, volcanic tuff and dirt packed over the ancient cobblestone road and the mattresses piled against the piazza walls are not here for decoration. There are yet more fascinating specifics, but in the all or nothing true spirit of the Palio, the contrade whose horse comes in second is, quite simply, the loser.

Keeping pace with history.

Initially (that is, back in the 13th century), the race was dedicated to Maria de Assunto. It was restricted to members of the nobility who charged at breakneck (sometimes literally) speed through the city’s tangle of narrow, hilly streets and alleyways. By the 16th century, the Palio had evolved to include the contrade and a growing roster of contests, processions and events. By 1652, it was relocated to the Campo. By 1656, the July race now honored the Madonna of Provenzano (a prized statue of the Virgin Mary), and an August Palio, following the Feast of the Assumption, was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. By 1774, both races were officially listed in the town archives.

Pounding hoofbeats, beating hearts.

Standing within the Campo, which is free, you’ll get the full, unforgettable experience: rhythmic drums, vibrant costumes, brilliant banners. A wagon carrying the hand-painted banner (the actual Palio), to be awarded to the winning contrade. And of course, pounding hoofbeats. For communal safety, guards will lock spectators into the Campo as the processions begin, until the instant the race ends and the energy level* explodes. It’s a long, but remarkable day.

It’s also possible to reserve paid seats on the bleachers erected in the Campo, or to rent a space with a view of the action. Discover my Italy has helped many Custom Tour clients to attend while in Tuscany, but it does require ample advance planning

If you love horse racing, pageantry or the adventure of stepping back into another era, the Palio is indelible — there really is nothing else like it in this world.

L'articolo Palio di Siena: the Ultimate Horse Race proviene da Discover my Italy.

It’s a city of rhythm and resonance, and nowhere is that more true than in the legacy of its most beloved son: Giacomo Puccini.

Born here in 1858, Puccini’s spirit still flows through Lucca like a soft aria on the breeze. Maybe that’s why the city feels more soulful than most. You don’t just see Lucca: you hear it, feel it, and breathe it in.

Here’s why it continues to hold our hearts.

THE MUSIC OF PUCCINI: Lucca’s Beating Heart

Puccini’s connection to Lucca is more than historical: it’s emotional. Walk through Piazza Cittadella, and you’ll see him immortalized in bronze, cigarette in hand, seated just steps from where he was born. His childhood home is now the Puccini Museum, where visitors can see the piano on which he composed Turandot, as well as personal letters and photographs that speak of a life forever rooted in Lucca.

But Puccini is not just remembered: he’s heard. Whether it’s the Puccini e la sua Lucca Festival, offering nightly concerts in the city’s baroque churches, or the sound of Nessun dorma drifting from an open window, the city continues to live and breathe his music.

And just 25 minutes away, in Torre del Lago, Puccini’s life story reaches its emotional peak. This is where he composed many of his operas, overlooking the serene waters of Lake Massaciuccoli. Each summer, his works return home in the Festival Pucciniano, an open-air opera series set right on the lake’s edge, within view of his villa and final resting place. It’s hard to imagine a more poetic tribute, or a more unforgettable evening under the stars.

THE WALLS: A City Inside a Park

Lucca is famously wrapped in a perfect circle of Renaissance walls, built in the 16th and 17th centuries. But unlike other fortified cities, these walls (le mura, as Luccans call them) were never breached, and never dismantled. Instead, they’ve been transformed into a 4.2-kilometer parkway above the city, shaded by horse chestnut and plane trees.

Locals treat it as a leafy loop around the city, perfect for a stroll, a good book, or a bike ride. Renting a bike and cruising the walls is one of the most fun and easy ways to take in Lucca: it’s smooth, breezy, and offers a gently elevated view of the city below. From the top, the city’s red-tiled rooftops unfold in every direction, with the Tuscan hills in the distance. It’s the best place to begin your visit, and to return to again and again.

GUINIGI TOWER: A View Touched by Trees

Lucca has its fair share of towers, but none quite as memorable as the Guinigi Tower.

From the street, it looks like your typical medieval structure: tall, narrow, slightly leaning. But look up and you’ll spot something surprising: a cluster of oak trees growing at the very top.

Yes, actual trees!

Planted centuries ago by the Guinigi family to symbolize renewal and rebirth, this rooftop garden is one of Lucca’s quirkiest and most beloved landmarks. Climbing the 230 steps to the top is no small effort, but the reward is worth it. You’ll have a panoramic view of the city and surrounding hills, filtered through the leaves of ancient holm oaks. It’s a view that stays with you.

PIAZZA DELL’ANFITEATRO: History in a Perfect Curve

Lucca’s historic center is full of beauty, but nothing captures the city’s quiet grace quite like the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.

Built over the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, the square preserves the shape of the ancient structure. The buildings arc around in an unbroken oval, enclosing a piazza filled with sunlight and conversation. Whether you’re sipping an espresso, sketching in a notebook, or simply watching life unfold, it’s a place that encourages you to pause.

It feels less like a public square and more like the heart of a community. And, somehow, the heart of Lucca itself.Lucca doesn’t overwhelm. It draws you in. It asks you to slow down, listen more closely, and notice what’s quietly extraordinary.

And with every tower climbed, wall walked, and Puccini note heard, you realize that this is a city with a soul.

That’s why we love Lucca so much.

L'articolo Why We Love Lucca So Much proviene da Discover my Italy.

Make these delicious puffs filled with sweetened ricotta at Easter time and watch the smiles on your guests’ and family’s face. It’s well worth the time! They’re simple to make and guaranteed to become a favorite dessert – even if it’s not Easter! This recipe makes about 25–30 ravioli, depending on the size of your glass or cutter.

Pro tip: The key to success is to carefully press the air out of each ravioli as you pinch it securely shut.

Ingredients

For frying:

• Sunflower oil (about 4–5 cups or enough for deep frying in a medium pot)

For the dough:

• 1½ lbs (about 5½ cups) sifted white cake flour
• 3 large eggs (plus 1 extra for the egg wash)
• 150 grams (10½ tbsp) butter, unsalted or lightly salted
• 80 grams (3 tbsp) dry active yeast
• Warm water (about ¾ cup, added gradually)

For the filling:

• 1 lb fresh ricotta (cow or sheep, ideally from a cheese shop)
• 1¼ cups granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Pinch of ground black pepper

Let’s Cook!

1. Make the dough

• In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center.
• Beat 3 eggs and slowly pour them into the well, mixing with a fork or your hands until mostly combined.
• Melt the butter and let it cool slightly.
• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water, then stir it into the melted butter.
• Add the butter-yeast mixture to the flour and eggs.
• Knead the dough until smooth and elastic (about 8–10 minutes).
• Form into a ball, cover with a warm, dry kitchen towel, and let rise for 1½ hours.

2. Make the filling

• While the dough rises, whisk the ricotta until smooth.
• Add sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. Mix well.
• Cover and let rest in a cool, dry place (not the fridge).

3. Shape the ravioli

• Once the dough has doubled in size, divide it into smaller portions.
• Roll each piece into a thin sheet (about 1/8 inch thick).
• Use a small water glass or round cutter (about 3 inches wide) to cut circles from the dough.
• Place 1 heaping teaspoon of ricotta filling in the center of each circle.
• Beat the remaining egg and brush the edges of each circle with egg wash.
• Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press gently to push out any air, then seal the edges tightly with your fingers or a fork.

4. Fry and finish

• In a medium pot or deep pan, heat sunflower oil over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
• Test the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough — if it floats and bubbles, it’s ready.
• Fry 3–4 ravioli at a time, until golden brown and crispy (about 1–2 minutes per side).
• Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

5. The final touch

• While still slightly warm, dust the ravioli with powdered sugar.
• Serve fresh or keep at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Prepare for many happy smiles!

L'articolo Ravioli Dolce, an Easter Delight proviene da Discover my Italy.

Italy’s famed Northern Lakes Region boasts three different, yet clearly related favorites: Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, and Lake Garda. Nestled beneath the Alps, all three are treasures of Italy’s landscape and history. Equally revered for stunning vistas, crystalline waters, and scenic towns, each lake has a distinct character and ambiance, offering something wonderful for every type of traveler. For a look at what makes each lake so delightfully itself, read on!

1. Lake Maggiore: A Serene Beauty

Location: Stretching between Italy and Switzerland, Lake Maggiore unites the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy.

Atmosphere: With its calm, blue waters and slower-paced atmosphere, Lake Maggiore harks back to simpler times. It’s less crowded and more laid back than its higher profile neighbors, making it a peaceful haven of tranquility.

What to see:

The Borromean Islands: A scattering of diverse islands dotting the lake, they feature extravagant palaces, lush botanical gardens, or rustic fishing villages. Isola Bella, with its lavish Baroque palace and terraced gardens, feels like waking up in a fairy tale.

Stresa: For centuries, this picturesque town has been a favorite haven for writers, poets, and artists. Its cobbled streets, Art Nouveau villas, and lakeside promenades alternate between rustic authenticity and classic elegance.

Mount Mottarone: For lovers of a panoramic view, take the cable car to the top of the mountain, where vistas of the Alps, multiple lakes, and even the distant Po Valley will take your breath away.

Who will love this best? 

Seekers of abundant natural beauty, old-world grace and low-key serenity. Ideal for a romantic escape or a soulful solo journey.

2. Lake Como: Breathtaking Looks, Glamorous Style

Location: Nestled in the Lombardy region, Lake Como is framed by the incomparably dramatic peaks of the Alps.

Atmosphere: With a well-deserved reputation for luxury and sophistication, Lake Como is the ultimate destination for those who love elegance and romance. It’s where celebrities hide away in luxury villas, and the scenery is as stylish as the visitors.

What to see:

Bellagio: Often dubbed the “Pearl of the Lake,” Bellagio offers a perfect mix of high-end boutiques, exquisite gardens, and fine dining, all with stunning views of the lake’s bifurcation.

Varenna: A quieter but equally enchanting town, where you can wander narrow lanes, visit the historic Villa Monastero, or enjoy a lakeside aperitivo as the sun sets.

Villa Carlotta: In Tremezzo, this 18th-century villa is famous for its stunning gardens filled with azaleas, rhododendrons, and sculptures.

Who will love this best? 

Lovers of luxury, couples seeking a refined, upscale escape or celebrating a milestone occasion, anyone craving a taste of old-school Italian glamour.

3. Lake Garda: Lively, Sporty, Good with the Kids

Location: Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda sprawls between the regions of Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige.

Atmosphere: Diverse, vibrant and naturally beautiful, Lake Garda offers pleasures and challenges for adventurous explorers, history buffs and lovers of good food and wine. It’s a lively playground for sporty travelers and a welcoming destination for families.

What to see:

Sirmione: A picture-perfect town at the Lake’s southern tip, known for its thermal springs, the Grotte di Catullo Roman ruins, and the imposing Scaliger Castle, emerging theatrically from the water.

Malcesine and Monte Baldo: To enjoy outdoor pursuits like hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding (and stunning views) take the cable car up Monte Baldo.

Wine Country: Lake Garda’s southern shores lined by vineyards that produce the region’s celebrated Bardolino and Lugana wines. Don’t miss a wine tasting tour for a delicious exploration of the region’s best.

Who will love this best? 

Adventure seekers and sporty families who enjoy balancing water sports and challenging hikes up gorgeous mountain trails with a generous supply of good food and creature comforts.

Which lake or (lakes) sounds like your next adventure?

Whether you’re drawn to Lake Maggiore’s quiet, poetic shores, Lake Como’s chic sophistication, or Lake Garda’s healthy, energetic vibe, each lake embodies one of Italy’s unique varieties of beauty. From serene gardens and luxurious villas to medieval castles and adrenaline-pumping challenges, each of the Northern Lakes guarantees an experience that captivates the senses and inspires the soul. The best news? There’s no wrong choice!

L'articolo Why you’ll love Italy’s Northern Lakes proviene da Discover my Italy.

If any country knows how to do romance, it’s Italy.

If you haven’t made a Valentines Day plan, and you’re feeling wildly spontaneous, here are some of my most beloved places to celebrate your love. Or maybe you’ll be inspired for next year!

1: Ravello

There’s a reason we named our small group tour of the Amalfi Coast “Romantic Amalfi Coast”. The light, the beaches, the palaces, the views of the Mediterranean Sea all along the coast road, and the scores of charming seaside towns and villages nestled into the mountains soaring up behind the cliffs… including the exquisite, poetic Ravello. Perched high atop a winding, fairy-tale road, this tiny, perfect town founded in the sixth century offers elegant restaurants, luxurious hotels, upscale rental apartments, and some of the most breathtaking vistas in the region.

A wander through the lush, terraced gardens of the Villa Rufolo and a view of the sunset from its promontory may be the most romantic moment of your year. Don’t forget the limoncello and gourmet picnic, obtained at the smallest cheese shop you may ever visit.

2: Punta San Vigilio, Lake Garda

Lake Garda may be the Italian Lakes Region’s largest lake. But Punta San Vigilio, located on its eastern shore, is one of its most intimate treasures – especially for a romantic occasion. Picture a small, cypress-forested peninsula extending into the crystalline water. Near its edge, you’ll find a stone inn dating from the 16th century, with a miniature harbor barely wide enough for a half dozen boats. What you won’t find is many other guests, because with only seven guest rooms, this indulgent establishment caters to travelers seeking the rare luxury of an elegant, yet quiet hideaway in a secluded parklike setting. A legendary destination for a few days of pure romance.

3: Paraggi/Santa Margherita/ Portofino

The words “Italian Riviera” conjure images of sun, sea, sky and several stylish, popular seaside resort towns. But, if your goal is a romantic retreat, the Bay of Paraggi, a petite cove between Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure, is the ideal destination. For one thing, it has an exquisite beach with clear, calm water made for snorkeling, and a beachfront walkway made for strolling. For another, there’s the Eight Hotel, a newly updated, well-appointed hotel featuring its own private beach. Everything about its subtle, contemporary decor, its restaurant highlighting Italian and regional seafood dishes, and its multiple welcoming spots from which to enjoy an aperitivo within sight of the bay’s sparkling turquoise water suggests amore.

4: The Dolomites

Ready for a break from cities and pavement? A few days in Northern Italy’s incomparable Dolomites will restore your love of natural beauty — and your love. Amongst the iconic sites in the South Tyrol: The fabled Three Peaks of Lavaredo (Le Tre Cime di Lavaredo) will take your breath away, even without climbing them. There’s a wonderful walk at ground level, too, if you’re more into scenery than heights. The Alpe di Siusi is a vast high mountain meadow bordered by noble Alpine peaks.

Winters here are a paradise for cross country skiers and trekkers with cozy, welcoming huts for warming up. It’s also ideal for spring/summer treks, bike tours, picnics (with love poems). And finally, a few days of marveling at the emerald Lago di Braies, (Lake Braies) will cleanse the cold damp winter from your soul; or next winter’s cold… Walk the paths around the lake, row a traditional wooden boat across it, or simply enjoy the scenery. Then, if you love a fine hotel, return to the nearby Hotel Lago di Braies for some world-class cocooning, and organic local cuisine.

5: Venice, Dorsoduro

If there’s an ultimate location for a romantic Valentines Day (or any other occasion), it’s Venice, especially the Dorsoduro section. Wake up in a gorgeous room in the Ca Maria Adele hotel, (often called the most romantic hotel in the world), and linger over a delectable breakfast in bed. You might start your day a few steps from the hotel, visiting Peggy Guggenheim’s intimate villa bursting with one of the world’s most glorious collections of modern art, spend the afternoon sightseeing, then book a gondola to arrive in Giudecca in time for a sunset “spritz” cocktail by the water. If fortune smiles, and your gondolier has a beautiful singing voice… this could become an annual tradition!

L'articolo Giovanna’s 5 dreamiest Valentine’s getaways proviene da Discover my Italy.