Italy Tours, Experiences, and Places to Stay | Live in Italy Magazine | Apr:May 2026 Vol 50

From your journey to the place.

Look for the globe icon throughout this issue it’s your key to the full stories online, where we dive deeper into Italy’s regional culture, recipes, and the growing movement toward responsible, experiential travel.

Dear Readers,

As we continue another season of storytelling, I’m reminded that in Italy, every journey begins with place. Whether through a glass of wine, a shared meal, or a quiet moment in a lesser-known town, each experience is shaped by the land, its history, and the people who bring it to life.

This issue builds on that idea through travel—how we move through Italy and how it stays with us. From the northeastern edge near the Slovenian border to the timeless beauty of Gubbio, and from expat journeys to stories rooted in local tradition, each page reflects a deeper connection to the country beyond the familiar.

You’ll find features that highlight sustainability, craftsmanship, and the enduring relationship between land and identity. Whether through regional dishes, cultural traditions like Siena’s Palio, or the places we choose to stay and explore, these stories remind us that Italy is not just a destination—it’s a way of experiencing the world.

Look for the globe icon throughout the issue to explore more online, where each story continues beyond the page.

To our contributors, thank you for your passion and for sharing Italy in ways that feel both timeless and personal.

With warm wishes,

Lisa Morales Editor-in-Chief Live in Italy Magazine

Our Writers:

Sara Bauer

Chiara Borghesi

Natalia Bell

Piera Demartis

Paola Cirino

Lorenzo Diamantini

Lisa Morales

Adriana Suarez

Justin Patulli

Feuza Reis

Valentina Salcedo

Christine Cutler

Sicily’s Cat House

Anacapri: Island Escape

Sara Digiesi: Hospitality Vision

Eating Italy: Emilia Romagna

Vermentino: Taste Sardegna

Stefanie Reilly: Moving to Italy

Il Palio: Siena’s Tradition

Gubbio: Beyond the Walls

Frico: Recipe and History

Crafted

RESPECT – for the land, nature, and life.

Italy, Without the Performance

Audrey & Manlio

Audrey & Manlio

Audrey & Manlio

Traveling as Guests, Not Tourists

In Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy feels different The landscape shifts from alpine peaks to vineyard-covered hills, then to quiet stretches of coastline Influenced by Austria and Slovenia, the region carries a distinct identity that reveals itself through its food, traditions, and people

For Audrey and Manlio of Travels with Audrey, this is the point Their journeys move beyond expectation and into experience, where a shared meal, a local conversation, or a walk through history becomes the highlight

When Audrey and Manlio guide travelers, they are not building itineraries they are sharing their daily life Their connections are personal. A vintner opens his cellar as a friend. A conversation stretches into the evening.

As one traveler shared, “It didn’t feel like following an itinerary. It felt like being invited into someone’s life.”

Their journeys reflect this approach. Small group experiences focus on food and wine, local artisans, and the cultural layers of Friuli Venezia Giulia Days unfold at a natural pace, shaped by conversation, place, and curiosity rather than rigid schedules.

For those looking to go beyond the expected, this is an invitation to experience Italy with depth, access, and a genuine sense of connection.

www.travelswithaudrey.com

Northern Italy

Heritage & Ancestry Homecomings

Private, Custom Guided Journeys

Small Group Cultural Vacations

Taste Trieste from the Inside

In Trieste, the weather can shift in an instant sun one moment, wind the next It’s the perfect excuse to step inside and experience the city through its cafés and osterias

From historic buffets shaped by AustroHungarian influence to nostalgic cafés tucked inside bookshops, each stop reveals a different side of Triestine culture. Along the way, flavors like jota, goulash, and local seafood tell stories of a city defined by its layered identity

Whether you plan ahead or follow instinct, Trieste invites you to slow down, step inside, and discover its rhythm through food.

Where Speed Meets Design

Italy’sAutoHeritage—From MotorValleytoMilan

Italy’s automotive legacy rivals its art and architecture From Emilia-Romagna’s Motor Valley to Turin and Milan, the country offers a curated journey through iconic brands and design history

Highlights include the Museo Ferrari in Maranello and Modena, the Automobili Lamborghini Museum, Maserati’s factory and showroom, and the Museo Ducati each offering a distinct lens into performance, craftsmanship, and innovation

Beyond Motor Valley, Turin and Milan expand the experience The Pininfarina Collection reveals the artistry behind automotive design, while MAUTO and Centro Storico Fiat trace the evolution of Italian mobility

Near Milan, the Museo Alfa Romeo and Autodromo Nazionale Monza bring together history and adrenaline, making this journey as dynamic as the machines it celebrates

Words By: Justin Patulli

Photo : Ducati Media House

Italy on the Move: Coppa Milano-Sanremo

There is something undeniably romantic about vintage cars winding through Italy’s most scenic landscapes The Coppa Milano–Sanremo brings that vision to life, blending history, precision driving, and cultural tradition across Lombardy, Piemonte, and Liguria

From the legendary track at Monza to the coastal finish in Sanremo, the rally unfolds as both competition and celebration. Drivers navigate technical challenges with exact timing, while evenings are marked by shared meals, stories, and classic Italian hospitality

Whether experienced from behind the wheel or from the sidelines, the rally offers a dynamic way to connect with Italy where heritage, design, and landscape meet on the road

Words By: Sara Bauer

The Cat House in Sicily

From a childhood spelling test to a newly purchased home in Salemi, Sicily, this journey feels both personal and transformative. What begins as a story about writing becomes something deeper—a reflection on identity, language, and the courage to begin again.

Now immersed in a writing course with Writing Grove Retreat, the experience creates space to slow down, listen, and reconnect with one’s own voice. Sicily, with its layered history and raw beauty, becomes more than a setting. It becomes part of the process.

Sometimes, the path forward begins by returning to the page.

Words By: Feuza Reis

STEP 1

STEP 2

Like the giveaway post Like the post Like the giveaway post

From Murano to Your Home From Murano to Your Home

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Tag your friends Tag your friends Tag your friends

Where Authentic Island Lfe Unfolds

Anacapri:Capri’sQuietSide

Capri draws visitors with glamour, boutiques, and the famous Piazzetta However, just beyond the crowds, Anacapri offers a quieter and more authentic experience Located in the hills above Marina Grande, the island’s largest town welcomes travelers with cobbled streets, flower-filled balconies, and a slower rhythm of life For centuries, artists and intellectuals chose this side of the island to escape the social scene and embrace a more reflective atmosphere

Anacapri rewards those who explore further. Historic sites like Villa San Michele and Casa Rossa reveal layers of culture and history, while scenic trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints across the Mediterranean. You can swim from rocky coves at Punta Carena or reach the Blue Grotto from a lesser-known access point. Whether by chairlift to Monte Solaro or a quiet walk through its pedestrian lanes, Anacapri invites you to experience Capri from within.

Words By: Paola Cirino

Chat with Sara Chat with Sara Chat with Sara Digiesi Digiesi Digiesi

Sustainability, Leadership, and Italy’s Global Role

In a recent episode of Italy Answered, Sara Digiesi, CEO of BWH Hotels Italy & South-East Europe, shares a forwardlooking vision of hospitality shaped by responsibility and long-term value. Recognized among Italy’s leading women in business, her leadership reflects a model where sustainability, inclusion, and economic growth work together. Through her career, she has helped redefine how hospitality can contribute not only to business success but also to society and the environment.

At the core of this vision is “net positive hospitality,” a philosophy that goes beyond minimizing impact It focuses on giving back more than what is taken From supporting local communities to protecting landscapes and elevating regional identity, the approach reflects a broader shift in how travel experiences are designed and delivered In a country like Italy, where culture and place are deeply connected, this mindset becomes essential to preserving what makes each destination unique

Hosting the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics highlights Italy’s global role in tourism while reinforcing a shared responsibility to protect its identity. Across regions like Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino, hospitality extends beyond hotels to entire communities. This same mindset shapes the idea of conscious luxury, where authenticity, local character, and thoughtful detail define the experience. Rather than standardization, the focus remains on creating places that reflect their surroundings, allowing travelers to connect more deeply with each destination.

Where Tradition, Terroir, and Technique Meet

EatingItaly:TheTasteofEmiliaRomagna

In her “Eating Italy” series, Natalia explores the distinct culinary identity of each region, beginning here with EmiliaRomagna. Known as Italy’s food valley, the region is home to some of the country’s most iconic ingredients, from Parmigiano Reggiano to Prosciutto di Parma. With its rich agricultural landscape and deeprooted traditions, Emilia-Romagna reflects a cuisine shaped by both heritage and place.

Every sip tells stories of wind, sun, and earth, elements that shape the unique character of these grapes and highlight their essence.At the heart of this culinary legacy is tagliatelle al ragù, a dish that captures the essence of Bologna. Made with fresh egg pasta and a slow-cooked meat sauce, it represents a balance of technique and tradition. Through “Eating Italy,” Natalia brings these regional flavors to life, inviting readers to experience Italy not only through travel, but through the act of cooking itself.

Words By: Natalia Bell

Photo : By Author

Vermentino di Gallura DOCG:

Granite, Wind, and Light

Sardinian Elegance Shaped by

“Granite, wind, and light are not just elements of the landscape they define the wine’s identity.”

Vermentino di Gallura DOCG expresses Sardegna through its landscape Granite soils, constant sea breezes, and intense Mediterranean light shape a wine defined by clarity, salinity, and balance Aromas of citrus, Mediterranean herbs, and subtle florals lead to a structured yet precise palate, where freshness and mineral tension coexist It remains one of Italy’s most distinctive white wines, rooted in place and guided by tradition

Words By: Piera Demartis

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CHAT WITH AN EXPAT

RESPECT

– for the land, nature, and life.

Stefanie Reilly’s Journey from Australia to Italy

Moving Solo at 40

Italian-Australian communications professional Stefanie Reilly made the bold decision to move to Italy solo at 40, following a long-standing connection to her heritage What began as a personal journey quickly evolved into something more, leading her to build a life in Puglia and co-found To Italy and Back, a relocation service supporting others navigating citizenship and the realities of starting over abroad

Her experience reflects both the emotional and practical sides of relocation from bureaucracy and language to building community from scratch Through her story, she encourages others to trust their instincts, embrace uncertainty, and create their own timeline when considering a move to Italy

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The Art of Nonna’s Recipes

Readabout Natalia’s experience.

Palio di Siena

In Tuscany, traditions are not performed they are lived.

In Siena, the Palio is more than a race. It is a reflection of identity, belonging, and history passed down through generations

Each summer, the city’s Contrade come together in a celebration shaped by loyalty and rivalry. Drums echo through the streets. Colors fill Piazza del Campo. The energy is unmistakable.

To witness the Palio is to feel Siena at its most authentic where past and present meet in a moment of intensity, pride, and collective memory.

Words By: Chiara Borghesi

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Gubbio: Beyond the Walls

In the green heart of Umbria, Gubbio feels untouched by time. Stone streets rise as they always have, while traditions remain deeply rooted in daily life. From the dramatic Gola del Bottaccione where geological history reshaped our understanding of the planet—to quiet walks along the Roman aqueduct, Gubbio reveals itself slowly.

Beyond the historic center, the experience becomes more intimate. Local cuisine, like the friccò served at Osteria del Bottaccione, reflects a culture shaped by patience and simplicity. Here, travel is not about checking off landmarks, but about discovering a rhythm that still belongs to the land.

Words By: Lorenzo Diamantini

RECIPE

More than a recipe, friccò reflects the rhythm of life in Gubbio Built on simple ingredients and time-honored techniques, it is a dish shaped by patience, seasonality, and memory. Often enjoyed slowly and shared at the table, it captures the essence of Umbrian cooking where flavor develops quietly and meaning deepens with time

WHAT TO SHOP

• Free-range chicken, cut into pieces

• Peeled tomatoes

• Garlic cloves

• Guanciale or pancetta

• Anchovy fillets

• Juniper berries

• Fresh rosemary and sage

• Capers

• Dry white wine

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and black pepper

Where Craft Meets Heritage

ContemporaryRoots:Tuscia

In Tuscia, just north of Rome, craftsmanship is deeply tied to place With Contemporary Roots, nine artisans bring their work into dialogue with the Renaissance beauty of Villa Lante and Palazzo Farnese Ceramics, wood, textiles, and design pieces are set within historic spaces, creating a layered experience where past and present exist side by side

Beyond the exhibition, Tuscia reveals a quieter side of Italy. This lesser-known region invites a slower pace, where materials, tradition, and landscape shape each creation. For travelers seeking a more meaningful connection, it offers an opportunity to experience Italy through its makers, not just its monuments.

Words By: Lisa Morales

How we discover Italy matters as much as where we go.

Through Italy On Our Radar, we share curated news and noteworthy openings shaping the travel landscape.

With Top 8, Adriana brings forward small businesses and local voices from our Instagram community, offering a more personal way to explore Italy.

Our News section keeps readers informed with timely updates—from new routes to evolving destinations—connecting inspiration with planning.

www liveintitalymag com

comingsoon comingsoon comingsoon

Stories to watch, shaped by Italy.

Coming soon, our editorial coverage continues with three perspectives on Italy today From Verona, our report on Vinitaly 2026 explores the evolving landscape of Italian wine In Miami, we sit down with La Gioia director Nicolangelo Gelormini at the Miami Film Festival, reflecting on storytelling and contemporary Italian cinema From Milan, our Salone del Mobile.Milano 2026 report examines design through the lens of innovation, materiality, and modern living

Looking ahead, our upcoming Heritage edition will explore the connection between Italy and those who carry its influence across borders. Through stories of individuals and businesses rooted in Italian identity, the issue will continue our focus on sense of place where heritage is not only preserved, but lived through work, craft, and everyday life.

We welcome future partnerships with brands and businesses that share this connection to Italy and its enduring sense of place.