Italy Through My Lens: A Family Road Trip Filled with Beauty & Inspiration
Last April, I finally saw Italy with my own eyes—and through my camera. But when I got back, life swept me up in chaos: work, buying a new home, mum duties. For so long, I’ve wanted to share this beautiful experience with you. So here it is.
We took a family trip, flying from Heathrow to Rome before setting off on a road trip through some of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever seen.
First, Val d'Orcia, where we stayed in Cinigiano, a charming little town surrounded by rolling Tuscan hills. From there, we explored nearby villages, but the one that truly stole my heart was Pienza—a picture-perfect gem with golden-hued buildings, cosy artisan shops, and views so stunning they stop you in your tracks. We wandered through streets filled with handmade crafts, perfumes, antiques, and art. And, of course, we indulged in the most delicious gelato and cheese—this region is famous for its Pecorino di Pienza, and trust me, it lived up to the hype! We loved it so much that later in our trip, we decided to return for another day.
From there, we drove to Siena and Chianti, staying just outside Siena’s historic walls in a lovely Airbnb, which made it easy to stroll into the city. Siena feels like stepping back in time, with its Piazza del Campo, an enormous shell-shaped square surrounded by medieval buildings, and the stunning Torre del Mangia, where you can climb up for panoramic views. Every corner of this city is full of history, charm, and intricate details that make you stop and take it all in.
We extended our stay in Siena—partly because my dad needed a break, partly because my partner welcomed the rest before tackling our next stop: Florence. Driving a van in Florence? Let’s just say it made me appreciate how spacious British roads are! But the struggle was worth it. We had the most incredible pasta in a tiny local restaurant recommended by a kind stranger, just near the Uffizi Gallery. Florence’s energy, art, and beauty are something else.
Next, we made our way to Lake Garda, where we stayed for a few days. Along the way, we made a special stop in Montichiari to visit the Santuario Diocesano Rosa Mistica, a place with a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. The views of the lake were absolutely stunning—I only wished it had been warmer so I could have gone for a swim. Instead, I settled for dipping my toes in the water while watching my son splash at the shore… until his lips turned purple!
Before reaching our final destination, we made a last-minute stop at Vidracco, a small municipality home to Damanhur, a spiritual and ecological community my husband had followed for years. Seeing it in person was special for him, but for me, the entire area was a dream—the landscapes, the architecture, the peaceful energy. If I could go back, I would in a heartbeat.
Our last stop was Bergamo, though we arrived late at night. This city is built in layers, with tiny, winding roads and a layout that allows you to see almost everything from above. The Città Alta, the upper town, is filled with charming streets, historic buildings, and a lively atmosphere. At night, the city glows with warm, beautiful lights that make it feel magical—romantic, even.
And just like that, our trip came to an end.
I can’t put into words how much Italy stole my heart.
Before this trip, I never fully understood when people said they "fell in love" with a place. But now, I do. If you ever have the chance to visit, don’t hesitate. And if you need tips, I’d love to share!
Yetzirah xx
