18th August 2024
A weekend taste of la dolce vita
Summer in Manchester has its charms. Few things compare to soaking up the outdoor entertainment at Castlefield Bowl, or enjoying a blissful, twilight canal walk. And while we have the weather, the only way to dine is al fresco. (We’re spoilt for choice from restaurant terraces to lazy picnics in one of Manchester’s beautiful city parks.)
But as much as I love everything Manchester has to offer, a summer break in another city or country is welcome. And one of my favourite European getaways is Italy—a country I absolutely adore.
My love for Italy? Oh, it’s ancient
My first Italian experience was a long summer weekend in Rome—over a decade ago.
I was whisked away for a romantic 3-night escape in Italy’s intriguing and infamous capital. I was wined and dined, and escorted to the city’s most notable tourist attractions. I was immediately and hopelessly mesmerised by the beauty and the fire of the Italian people. They have that enviable way of mixing passion with a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle and outlook. How do they manage to be both things at once?
I fell in love with Italy on the strength of one long weekend. And I knew beyond a doubt, I’d take any opportunity to return and deepen our acquaintance.
Planning my summer holiday this year, there was no need to spin my Eichholtz globe to see where my finger landed. I knew I’d be flying straight into the arms of my beloved Italia.
The land for which my life yearns
‘Yearns’, that’s a strong word isn’t it? But it’s the right word to describe my love and longing for this beautiful country.
When I’m apart from Italy, I dream about it. And most days, something seemingly routine triggers the memory of a moment, a place, or a feeling that I enjoyed on Italy’s sun-soaked shores. Hmmm … that sounds so vague. So, let’s imagine that we’re visiting together and you want to know how to get my heart racing while we’re there.
Plates and places
A bad meal in Italy is as rare as hen’s teeth. But some dishes and dining experiences are a world apart. Bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak) served at Buca Lapi is one of these. Founded in 1880, Buca Lapi is the oldest restaurant in Florence and its fame attracts chefs who know how to cook this dish perfectly.
Another favourite? Any freshwater fish dish served at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, overlooking Lake Como. Even writing about this is making my mouth water.
People watching
People watching in Italy is pure street theatre. It’s unlike anywhere else in the world. I’m awestruck by the Italian art of expressing themselves with their entire being, while maintaining that laid-back, cool Mediterranean air.
The stunning clothes
Have you even been to Italy if you haven’t taken a moment to appreciate the fashion?
My favourite shopping districts are The Brera district in Milan, famed for its cobbled streets and vintage stores, and The Mall Firenze—a designer outlet that’s just outside Florence. Both are responsible for my growing collection of Casadei signature blade heels.
Choosing my favourite label is harder, but if pushed, I’d say my favourite Italian fashion houses are Gucci and Dolce&Gabbana.
The art and architecture
We have our share of history in the UK, but as someone who adores discovering exquisite historical buildings and monuments, I can honestly say that not much that compares to Michelangelo’s work in the Sistine Chapel. And there’s nothing on our shores that comes close to The Basilica of San Clemente. (And I really mean nothing.)
You’ll find the basilica just off the tourist track in Rome. From the outside, it’s a typically ornate Italian church, but descend beneath the present building and you’ll find a 4th-century chapel containing some of the world’s finest medieval frescos, dating from the 8th to the 11th century. Go down again, and you’ll find the remains of a 1st-century temple dedicated to the god Mithras—revered by his followers as a sun god, slayer of bulls and a cattle thief.
The finer details of my 2024 Italian holiday
I decided to split my four-day trip into two, spending the first half of my holiday in the beautiful port town of Sirmione, in Northern Italy.
Arriving at Verona Airport, I took the scenic route to my hotel, purely to admire the aquamarine waters and shoreline of Lake Garda. As we drove, I felt my ambition and desire to explore every inch of the beautiful landscape growing. And a glimpse of Sirmione’s famed medieval castle reminded me exactly why this country had captured my heart all those years ago.
To set the mood for this Italian adventure, I’d booked a room in a boutique hotel overlooking the lake.
The view was striking. But my suite, complete with a thermal spa, was the added dolce to my vita. I couldn’t wait to try it out. (Knowing that once I’d climbed in, I’d need some convincing to get out again.)
Playing the local tourist
As the golden light faded and my first evening in Sirmione drew in, I took myself off to explore the historic centre of this gorgeous town. And discovered that Sirmione is even more captivating in twilight. While I did my best to embrace the late-night Italian lifestyle, I knew I wanted to be fresh for a full day of exploring.
I began day two with a visit to Scaligero Castle—an exceptional example of a 14th-century fortress, considered to be one of the oldest fortified ports in Europe.
I admired the beautiful courtyards and visited the museum, which was full of Roman artefacts. But the sheer power of the place impressed me the most. I drank in the beautiful views of the town and the lake, visible from the top of its towers. (Only a mere 146 steps to see it.)
Dining like an empress
I’ve made a commitment. On every vacation, I’m going to treat myself to a Michelin-star restaurant.
For this trip, I booked a table at the La Speranzina Restaurant & Relais—a relaxed, romantic inn of a restaurant that uses the sheer beauty of the Garda Lake landscape to its advantage.
On arrival, the sommelier gave me a private tour of the wine cellar. It’s famous for being one of the most impressive cellars in all of Lombardy. I could see why. There was an exquisite wine to suit every palate, and I was pleased to see that they even had my favourite pink fizz. (Which of course I ordered immediately.)
The perfect weather was set to stay warm and comfortable late into the evening, so I decided to dine al fresco on the terrace.
I watched the sun set over the lake, feasting on a tasting menu of local produce that included Mazara Red Prawn and Moroni Fish from the Ligurian Sea. It was the perfect delectable fuel for my early start the following morning. My driver was taking me to Verona for a day of sightseeing.
Racing in fair Verona
Shakespeare may have set Verona as a battleground for warring families and forbidden love, but this wasn’t how I experienced the city. Although my trip was full of love and passion… For vintage cars.
If you’re still getting to know me, then let me share a little something: I’m a great admirer of vintage cars.
Donington Park isn’t far from my Manchester home and I regularly attend race meetings. I appreciate the care and attention that’s needed to maintain a beautiful, classic racing car.
When I discovered that the final day of my holiday coincided with the finish of the Mille Miglia, I knew exactly where I’d be and what I’d be doing.
Established in 1927, the 2024 edition of this historic race finished in Salò, close to where I was staying. The Mille Miglia is reserved for cars built between 1927 and 1957. And let me tell you, the thrill of cheering on some of Europe’s greatest vintage Ferraris, Bugattis, Aston Martins and Porsches as they roared past to the finish line did not disappoint. The rumble and roar of those finely-tuned classic engines isn’t something I’ll ever forget.
Returning to reality
I’m never ready to leave Italy. I have to drag myself away, such is the pull and love I have for this country. So I’ve made an executive decision to help me manage the sadness I feel when I leave. And the decision is this.
I’m making my trips to Italy inevitable and committing to visiting its shores every year.
On each visit, I’ll explore a new area. Where will I be next?
Well, to find out you’ll have to join my Inner Circle—my free, regular email that’s filled with behind-the-scenes content and deeper revelations about my travels and adventures.
