Italy is not just one culture but a mix of many cultures built around ancient Mediterranean civilizations, and influences from across the Alps, rendering a history so deep and complex. Rome’s influence on our world is unending. There are a variety of climates and topographies – from the Dolomites and Alps in the north, the fertile plain of the Po and rich hills of Emilia Romagna (think Parmesan cheese and ham), the islands of Venice, the Apennine spine reaching down the peninsula, the green hills of Tuscany and Umbria, the bay of Naples and lemon-treed terraces of Amalfi, and the volcanos of Sicily and Aeolian islands.
This guide is a work-in-progress representing our time and travel in Italy going back to 1978 (LDS mission 1978-80), including our frequent stays as expats with our children, and our 2 years living in Rome 2021-23. Most of the photos are mine (except where noted). A labor of love and sweet memories, we hope this guide can be a source of inspiration for future journeys to be added upon.