Ciao!
Nice to meet you 👋🏻

I’m Gaia, a designer and true Milanese at heart with a deep love for all things Italian.

Growing up in a family of avid travelers (my first flight was at just 6 months old!) I’ve been lucky enough to explore many incredible destinations. This early start ignited my passion for discovering new places and traveling the world.

I live for planning my next adventure, whether it’s a weekend escape or a longer journey.

So far, I’ve traveled across four continents and visited 22 countries, but to me, there’s no place like Italy (and I’ve explored almost every Italian region!).

Gaia walking in the hills in Tuscany at sunset in front of a row of cypresses
Strolling in Tuscany, Val d’Orcia

My life is split between Milan and the Ligurian coast, where I live with my boyfriend and our dog Balù, you’ll see a lot of pictures of them here ❤️

However, my family roots run deep in Lombardia and Veneto, making me a true expert on these regions.

When I’m not planning trips, you’ll find me with a book in hand, behind a camera lens, or even surfing some waves (yes, you can surf in Italy too!).

Why should you trust me?

I’ve traveled extensively, worked abroad, and even lived in London and Cambridge before returning to my beloved Milan. But no matter where I go, Italy remains my love and home.

Enjoying a beautiful sunset in Umbria with my boyfriend Luca

Over the years, I’ve mastered the art of maximizing holiday time and I have also worked in the travel industry for 4 years.

My passion for planning the perfect getaway, whether it’s a weekend escape or a longer journey, comes from years of balancing a full-time job with travel. Not easy, but absolutely doable.

This blog is my way of helping you fall in love with Italy just as I have, with guides and tips drawn from years of exploration. Here, you’ll find insider advice to make the most of your time off, so you can experience the very best of Italy, even with limited days.

My mission is to make you discover the true essence of Italy, from its famous landmarks to its hidden treasures, and to help you plan the trip of your dreams!

Let’s explore Italy together! 🇮🇹

Me and my dog hiking in the Dolomites in Trentino Alto Adige, standing right in front of massive mountain panorama
Hiking in the Dolomites with my dog Balù

Where have I been in Italy?

This definitely isn’t a complete list (I’m sure I’m forgetting something!), but you’ll forgive me, right? I’ve lived here my whole life, and Italy has a lot to see!

  • Abruzzo
    Pescara, Vasto, Punta Aderci, Costa dei Trabocchi, Rocca Calascio, Avezzano, Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo Lazio e Molise 
  • Basilicata
    Matera, Maratea
  • Campania
    Napoli, Pompei, Salerno, Amalfi, Ravello, Positano, Capri
  • Emilia-Romagna
    Bologna, Ferrara, Parma, Piacenza, Modena 
  • Friuli-Venezia-Giulia
    Trieste
  • Lazio
    Roma
  • Liguria
    La Spezia, Porto Venere, Portofino, Camogli, Recco, Genova, Varazze, Celle Ligure, Savona, Bergeggi, Spotorno (home 🏡), Noli, Varigotti, Finale Ligure, Borgio Verezzi, Pietra Ligure, Andora, Imperia, Bussana Vecchia, Sanremo, Triora, La Spezia, Porto Venere
  • Lombardia
    Milano (home 🏡), Varzi, Voghera, Oltrepò pavese, Pavia, Varese, Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Iseo, Como, Lecco, Monza, Bergamo, Chiavenna, Bormio, Desenzano sul Garda, Sirmione, Borromean Islands
  • Molise
    Termoli 
  • Piemonte
    Torino, Vercelli (part of my family lives here), Cuneo, Asti, Langhe (Alba, La Morra, Cherasco), Oasi Zegna
  • Puglia
    Salento (Lecce, Santa Maria di Leuca, Otranto, Gallipoli)
  • Sardegna
    Cagliari, Porto Pino, Chia, Villasimius
  • Sicilia
  • Toscana
    Firenze, Pisa, Volterra, Siena, Monteriggioni, Val d’Orcia, Viareggio,
  • Trentino-Alto Adige
    Trento, Rovereto (my sister used to live here), Val Badia, Val Gardena, Alpe di Siusi, Lago di Braies, Sellaronda sci
  • Umbria
    Perugia, Assisi, Spello, Gubbio, Lago Trasimeno
  • Valle d’Aosta
    Aosta, Pila, Forte di Bard, Nus, Courmayeur, Pré-Saint-Didier, Gignod, Cogne, Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso
  • Veneto
    Venezia, Verona, Padova, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Misurina, Cortina, Cansiglio, Treviso, Vittorio Veneto, Conegliano, Colline del Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene, Alpago

I’ve only got two regions left before I’ve visited all of Italy:

  • Calabria
  • Marche