Ciao!
When you think of Love–amore–what country comes to mind? For me, it's Italy!
My 2024 travels took me all over the world–to Panama, Honduras, Mexico, Belize, Alaska and Poland. I also discovered fun adventures in places like Herndon, Virginia, where I met my great-granddaughter Elizabeth Rose, and in Glen Arbor, Mich., where I watched amazing sunsets and decided that the beauty of Lake Michigan rivals the Caribbean.
None, however, could rival the best journey of this year: 18 days in Italy, the country of amore. From north to south, each region has something unique and beautiful to offer.
Talk about Loving Local, that's exactly what we did in Italy: Explored, tasted and loved the local specialties.
Our trip was planned as a yoga retreat in the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy, but one cannot go all the way to Europe and only stay one week. With two of my fellow yogis, we added on time to the beginning and end of the retreat to extend the trip by almost two remarkable weeks.
After flying into Milan, our first stop was north to Comune di Perledo, on the east shore of Lake Como. There are a number of small Comunes (municipalities) bordering one another throughout Italy. We learned very quickly that the best and only way to tour Italy is to pack light and use a small suitcase.
The roads are cobblestone and sidewalks are very narrow, but the views are spectacular with stunning landscapes. The town churches are breathtaking, like the Church of San Martino, the main church of Perledo. Impressive architecture sits on a hillside overlooking a commanding view of Lake Como, with a tall bell tower and a stone terrace in front. Close by, we found the Lake Bakery in Comune di Varenna with freshly baked croissants, cannoli, focaccia and other heavenly delights.
The pistachio cannoli stole the show, as did the views of Varenna from the local ferry as we traveled to Bellagio!
Our yoga retreat week began with a walking tour of the spacious piazzas and the mesmerizing palaces located in Turin, the capital city of Torino. There is such a rich history in Italy, as Turin is known as the hidden jewel on the banks of the Po River. We strolled the city from square to square, admiring sites such as the Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Piazzo Castello, the Royal Palace and Piazzo San Carlo, with the regal monuments dedicated to past historic heroes.
Locals set the pace here, not tourists. There are so many quaint cafes to leisurely spend time sipping drinks and eating tasty delights.
In town we were treated to an exclusive tour of Croci Bruno Cioccolato, a chocolate shop established in 1930 and currently run by the founder’s grandsons Guido and Luca Croci. Their goal is to preserve Turin’s traditional techniques and recipes but also to introduce new tastes and flavors.
Needless to say, we were in chocolate heaven. While Guido spoke no English, you really do not need a translation to understand superb, scrumptious, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate.
The highlight of our trip was arriving at our countryside villa, Casa Gallo, in the gorgeous, vineyard-stricken Monteu Roero. The villa has 10 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, chef’s kitchen, plus yoga shala, swimming pool, outdoor pizza oven and the most spectacular views of the Piedmont countryside.
From our villa we took side trips to Alba, Canale, and Bra as well as an e-bike ride through the local hills and vineyards including Cascina Lanzarotti, founded in 1883 and run by the Ferrero family for four generations. What an amazing experience sampling their exquisite wines and luscious peaches.
A week of exploring the Piedmont region, plus twice-a-day yoga led by Amy Satterfield, owner of Explore Yoga, would be a wonderful way to end the adventure. But wait, there’s more to see and do in Italy! A train from Turin to Florence took us to a 12th Century medieval tower in the heart of town, only 120 steps up to our room, and oh, what a view!
Firenze (Florence) is the cradle of the Renaissance. The sites were simply breathtaking from the majesty of the Duomo (cathedral) to Michelangelo’s statue of David and everything in between.
We were in awe as we crossed the Ponte Vecchio arch bridge to begin our daily explorations. Strolls took us over each bridge delighting in the shops and restaurants along the way.
If you go: Italy truly is the country of amore and I highly recommend a trip to my favorite vacation spot in the world. A must-see is the Piazzale Michelangelo, the most famous viewpoint in Florence. The view is truly amazing, a 360-degree view of the Tuscan capital, including the Duomo, famous arch bridges and surrounding hills. It’s a very steep climb, but you'll be left with an image of Florence you'll never forget. And, after the long walk, you'll have plenty of room to eat scrumptious gelato every day.
Arrivederci!
But wait, there’s more to see in Italy! A train from Turin to Florence took us to a 12th Century medieval tower in the heart of town, only 120 steps up to our room, and oh, what a view!