In the summer of 2022, I quit my stressful teaching job, turned 40, and thought now what? I finally had the time to do what I always wanted to do . . . go to Italy. I took a look and the price for flights wasn’t too bad. My husband has celiac so Italy wasn’t really a place he wanted to go. I thought maybe a tour! Then I stumbled upon the Rick Steves Tour for the Heart of Italy in 9 Days Tour. It seemed perfect. Very reasonable and so I was like, let’s go!
My husband encouraged me to do it, even my 8 year-old child wanted me to go! Then I saw that for my budget, I would be sharing a room. I thought, “That seems risky! What if they snore? What if they’re annoying?” So I decided not to go. After a week, I was talking with a close friend and she pointed out, you're friendly and people who are going on this tour will probably be like-minded. You need to do this trip! I rushed home, thought I was absolutely crazy, but I booked the trip. I am glad I did! It was an experience I will remember for life, and my roommate ended up being absolutely amazing! I went out of my comfort zone and experienced amazing sites, gorgeous views, wonderful people, and the best food ever. Below, I have shared why I loved my tour, packing tips, my wonderful guide, and my favorite foods and sites from my tour! I've also written about my memorable adventures to Rome, Volterra, Cinque Terre, and Florence on the following pages. There were some unique experiences as well that I enjoyed. |
Why I loved my Rick Steves Tour
Anna, our amazing guide!
My wonderful buddy!
Creating my painting with the talented Caterina Balletti!
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Guide- I had an amazing guide, Anna, who always had great advice, humor, and knowledge.
Local guides- Amazing local tour guides on our museum and city tours who were passionate, knowledgeable, and savvy. Whispers- The headphone speaker system made traveling through cities and even the subway easy. As we walked, we were told jokes, tips, or historical information. I often thought, “Wow, if I was doing this alone, I would have never learned about this!” I also found myself laughing hysterically only to look up and see someone staring at me with a concerned look on their face. Buddy system- We were given a buddy at the beginning to keep track of everyone. What a quick and easy way to make new friends and keep it organized! Skipped long lines- Being on the tour gave us perks and we went to places at good times that weren’t too busy. Traveled and ate like a local- We were always eating at the best local restaurants! Taught how to use local transportation. We even practiced ahead of time so we all felt comfortable and confident on our travels. Unique experiences! We were given some amazing opportunities to see artists and visit private tastings. Free time planned. Even though we had a lot of things planned, which was amazing, I enjoyed the time we were given to explore on our own! Wonderful fellow travelers on tour. The group was small enough that I got to know everyone! |
Ilaria, our local guide in Rome.
Taking in the fresh fruit.
Ashley, my roommate! We celebrated her birthday on the last day!
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My Packing List
I traveled in mid-October and it was unusually warm so I did not use my cardigans very much. I appreciated the neck pillow, water bottle, and Ziploc bags the most.
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MUST HAVES (in Backpack)
SUITCASE
I had to carry our suitcase everywhere! It had to be easy and light. I brought along the 20 inch bag from Cool Life Luggage three piece set so it fit with me on the plane and everywhere else I went! I chose a bright color so it was easy to spot. It was the best purchase ever for International traveling! |
HELPFUL ITEMS
PACKING CUBES
In my opinion, packing cubes are the only way to go! They are helpful, saves room, and keeps clothes organized! |
SUITCASE ITEMS
Clothes- I chose brown, gray, black, and burgundy as my colors so everything went together.
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Our Tour Guide: Anna Piperato
Anna on left Ilaria on the right (Our Rome tour guide)
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Anna is thoughtful, happy, funny, informative and very kind. She has lived in Italy for many years and knows her way around the country magically. She was so organized and helpful whenever we needed it.
We were always in good hands with Anna. She made sure we memorized the room number in Italian in order to get our key each day at our hotel (keys would stay at the hotel each time we left). She always prepared us for what was to come next and made sure we understood the schedule. I was blown away by her passionate love for art and history. We were always learning something exciting from her. Anna would make sure we knew the proper way to do or say things especially while we were on our own. Before we went to the Italian road stop, which is nothing like the American road stops, she told us how we pay first and then order our espresso or fresh juice! Anna was always telling us tips and tricks and recommending amazing foods or places to go. When we were on day 5 she recommended we have our clothes washed by the hotel in Monterosso. It was well worth the money because I didn’t have to waste my time washing clothes. Anna made my tour such a lovely experience and she was the best guide ever. |
My Favorite Foods in Italy
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My Favorite Sites in Italy
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