What a lovely unforgettable year, filled with breathtaking landscapes, exhilarating hikes, and deeply immersive cultural experiences. From the sun-drenched shores of Sicily to the rugged beauty of the Dolomites, our travels spanned some of Italy’s most spectacular and hidden corners. Here’s a recap of some of the incredible journeys we shared this year:
Eastern Sicily
We began in Sicily, where we delved into the island’s vibrant history, stunning coastal landscapes, and ancient ruins. From the Baroque charm of Ragusa Ibla to the ancient ruins of Siracusa and the coastal beauty of Ortigia, we explored Sicily’s cultural highlights. We ventured inland to the Pantalica Gorge and the hilltop town of Palazzolo Akreide, before discovering the dramatic landscapes around Mount Etna. Our final stop was the stunning town of Taormina, with its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and ancient Greek theater. After a week of unforgettable experiences, we said arrivederci to Sicily, already looking forward to the next adventure.
Along the Adriatic Coast
Our next trip took us to the pristine Dalmatian coastline of Croatia, where we explored its medieval towns, beautiful islands and stunning beaches. Our Croatian adventure began in the charming city of Trieste, Italy, before crossing the border into Croatia. We drove along the picturesque coastline, stopping to explore the medieval town of Rovinj, with its cobbled streets and vibrant harbor. From there, we took a ferry to Cres Island, where we reveled in the island’s untouched landscapes and tranquil beauty. One of the highlights was a thrilling boat trip to the neighboring island of Pag, where we discovered hidden beaches and local flavors. We then traveled south to Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage town with a labyrinth of narrow streets and Venetian architecture. Croatia’s unspoiled natural beauty, combined with its rich cultural history, made this a truly unforgettable chapter in our travels.
Exploring the Val d’Orcia
In the heart of Tuscany, we ventured into the stunning Val d’Orcia, renowned for its iconic landscapes of rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and medieval villages. Based in the charming town of Bagno Vignoni, we explored the surrounding hills on several beautiful hikes. The trails led us through vineyards, olive groves, and ancient forests.
One of the highlights was hiking up Monte Amiata, the highest peak in southern Tuscany. Throughout our stay, Tania and Simone prepared exquisite picnic lunches, making each stop along the trails a true culinary delight. Fresh cheeses, cured meats, local breads, and fruit paired with a glass of Tuscan wine made for memorable mid-hike breaks, adding a delicious touch to our outdoor adventures.
Florence & Dolomiti
We enjoyed a private family adventure through Italy which combined cultural exploration, scenic hikes, and moments of pure relaxation. In Florence, we stayed steps from the Duomo, visiting Michelangelo’s David, exploring the charming streets, and enjoying Tuscan dishes. A day trip to Pisa and Lucca, and a fun lunch and cooking lesson with Anna and Alba at our home in the countryside.We then transferred up to the Dolomites, where we embraced the natural beauty with hikes through the Armentara Fields and a visit to the stunning Rifugio Lagazuoi where Scarlett and I had a great snowball fight!
Gran Paradiso
Next, we ventured into the spectacular Valle d’Aosta region in the Italian Alps. This UNESCO-listed park, known for its untouched wilderness, offered us incredible views of towering peaks, verdant meadows, and pristine alpine lakes.
Our adventure began with scenic hikes around Gran Paradiso National Park, where we were surrounded by towering peaks, alpine lakes, and charming stone villages. After a night in the high Alps at the beautiful Rifugio Arbolle, we descended to the picturesque town of Champoluc, where we spent several memorable nights at the Hotellerie de Mascognaz. A hidden gem with cozy rooms and spectacular mountain views. The final leg took us to Cervinia, at the foot of the legendary Matterhorn, where we completed our journey with a spectacular hike to Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi. With majestic landscapes, peaceful trails, and cozy alpine huts, this was a trip that truly captured the essence of the Italian Alps!
Fly Fishing and Hiking the Dolomiti Mountains
For those seeking the serenity of the Italian Alps, our fly fishing trip through the Val d’Isarco and Val di Fiemme was a highlight. The crystal-clear rivers winding through these picturesque valleys provided the perfect setting for peaceful days on the water, casting lines and reflecting on the beauty of nature. With stunning mountain views and the gentle rhythm of the water, this was an experience that allowed us to slow down and appreciate the landscape at a different pace.
Hiking the Dolomiti Mountains
Our recent Dolomiti trips offered two unforgettable experiences in Italy’s stunning mountain range. The September journey was a hut-to-hut hiking adventure, traversing iconic routes like Alta Via 1 and staying in alpine refuges. Along the way, we immersed ourselves in the region’s Ladin culture, with cooking lessons and local wines, culminating in a visit to Pacherhof Winery and a final hike in the breathtaking Val di Funes!
In October, we shifted focus to a more relaxed pace, with easy walks and an emphasis on food, culture, and wine. Highlights included scenic hikes from to Rifugio Lagazuoi, exploring San Cassiano and Ortisei, and enjoying traditional Ladin cooking lesson and wine tastings. Our tour also featured a visit to Novacella Abbey and a final farewell dinner in Bressanone at our favorite Hotel Elephant. Both trips combined the Dolomites’ natural beauty, rich culture, and exceptional gastronomy, making for an unforgettable experience.
Along the Amalfi Coast
Our final trip of the season was a magical journey along the Amalfi Coast, filled with idyllic weather, delicious food, stunning hikes, and great company.
We explored the ancient Greek ruins of Paestum, hiked the beautiful Licosa coastline, and visited Vietri, famous for its vibrant ceramics. In Ravello, we soaked in the spectacular views and stunning gardens, while Amalfi’s rich history of paper-making and limoncello production delighted us.
A highlight was hiking the “Path of the Gods,” offering sweeping views of the coast, before transferring to Vico Equense. Along the way, we stopped to visit the fascinating Roman villa in Positano, where we marveled at colorful frescoes and ancient ruins. Our time in Vico Equense also included a pizza-making lesson and a provolone cheese-making experience, where we learned the art of crafting these local specialties. With amazing landscapes, delightful food, and wonderful company, it was the perfect way to end our season. Arrivederci, bella Napoli!
As we look back on a year of incredible adventures, we’re already planning our next journeys. Whether you joined us for one of these adventures or are looking to join us in 2025, we hope you’ll continue to be part of these unforgettable experiences. Thank you for sharing this lovely year with us. Here’s to many more journeys together!
Buon Anno!