My Biggest Takeaway After Three Months in Italy

As the owner of a travel agency, I’ve been to Italy many times. So many times I’m not sure I can count. But I just spent three months living there, and I came back ready to take your Italian adventures to the next level.

My main takeaway was that I would really like to get you off-the-beaten path on your next trip. Most of my clients want to go to Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast, which is fine. Those are beautiful places and if you do want to go, I have some great suggestions about when to go to avoid crowds or how to have a great experience, even in high season.

But I hope you will also consider some other places. And no I’m not referring to Milan, Lake Como, or Tuscany. I’m talking about places you have never heard of.

I spent three months exploring villages, towns, and cities that are not on your radar. I can guarantee that if you venture beyond the usual suspects, you will find:

• Authentic Italy

• Much better food

• Fewer crowds

• Beautiful architecture

• Lower prices

• Charming squares

• Gorgeous art

I stood alone in a museum in front of a Da Vinci painting. Not just alone in front of the painting. I was the only one in the entire room. I had this experience over and over again all over the country.

I ate the best Italian food of my life in towns you’ve never heard of. For a fraction of the cost of a meal out where I live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

I would love to share this with you. 

Contact me to help curate your next trip to Italy for a magical experience!

—Daria Dimitroff, July 2026

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Contact me to customize your next trip. My specialities are bespoke vacations, group trips, and exclusive cruise experiences.

You can reach me at daria@journeysofalifetime.biz or 415-939-5773 or schedule a call here.