More than any other time of the year, the beginning of a new one makes us think about our goals, dreams, things we can do to make it the best year ever!

Sometimes all it takes is a conversation, words read, a photo or a long awaited dream to inspire a person to take action. It can even be an impulsive action, something completely spontaneous. Believe me, there’s a lot to be said for being spontaneous. I love spontaneity!

Life should be an adventure. Live it bravely, excitingly, imaginatively. Create opportunities, continue to grow and travel!

As promised in last week’s newsletter, here is my list of places that I have written about during the last two years, all places that I have spent considerable time in and not fleetingly passed through. It is by no means exhaustive, having now travelled 15 of Italy’s 20 regions. So much more to write about! Go to ‘Search’ on ciaoitaly.tours and type in any of the newsletters listed below.

PLACES

Rome - secrets from a local (5/12/23)

Amalfi Coast experiences (12/12/23)

That Sicily feeling (19/12/23)

A story about Matera (2/1/24)

Under the Tuscan sun (9/1/24)

Naples - a city that will surprise you (16/1/24)

Insider guide to the Cinque Terre (23/1/24)

Florence - birthplace of the Renaissance (6/2/24)

Aeolian Islands - a dreamy archipelago (20/2/24)

Puglia - the land of 50 million olive trees (5/3/24)

Rome attractions - without crowds (19/3/24)

Small Italian towns you must see (26/3/24)

Dreaming of Lake Como (9/4/24)

Venice - tips from a local (23/4/24)

Ravishing Bologna - Italy’s most delicious city (14/5/24)

Life in Lucca - the most beautiful walled town (4/6/24)

Procida - slow travel at its best (11/6/24)

Romantic Verona - where love is all around (18/6/24)

Rome - a lifetime is not enough (25/6/24)

Italy (and Rome) as an Italian (2/7/24)

The Dolomites - beyond all expectations (9/7/24)

Discovering the northern end of Lake Garda (16/7/24)

Rome’s Jewish quarter (23/7/24)

Stunning walks in Italy - five of the best (20/8/24)

A tiny village frozen in time - another Italian gem (27/8/24)

Hidden wonders of Rome you don’t want to miss - part 1 (2/9/25)

Hidden wonders of Rome you don’t want to miss - part 2 (9/9/25)

Burano and Murano - keepers of timeless craftmanship (17/9/24)

The seductive power of Ravello (24/9/24)

Three perfect day trips from Rome (8/10/24)

When in Rome . . . know your fountains (15/10/24)

Why I love an Italian village (29/10/24)

Spectacular Sicily - expect the unexpected (12/11/24)

Make the 2025 Jubilee your unforgettable Rome adventure (24/12/24)

Exploring Milan (14/1/25)

Six things you never knew about Puglia - the heel of the boot (28/1/25)

Living in the shadows of active volcanoes - where are they? (18/2/25)

The smallest country in the world - in the heart of Rome (25/2/25)

Secret places - this is one you may never have heard of (11/3/25)

The Italian Riviera’s painted houses - the true meaning (25/3/25)

The essence of Capri - away from the glitz and glamour (22/4/25)

Discover Genova - La Superba (29/4/25)

Camogli - a gorgeous seaside town in the Italian Riviera (13/5/25)

Pompeii - the most living of dead cities (27/5/25)

Montepulciano - “The King of every wine” (3/6/25)

An indulgent Tuscan day (8/7/25)

Cultural quirks of Sicily (14/7/25)

Oh, the places you’ll go! (5/8/25)

Three unusual places steeped in history (12/8/25)

The two cities of Rome - one visible, one buried (7/10/25)

Discover Prati - one of Rome’s best kept secrets (21/10/25)

The fairytale town of Alberobello (28/10/25)

Reinvented Bari - capital of “the land of the two seas” (18/11/25)

Ancient Matera - an enthralling story (16/12/25)

It’s true! Everywhere in Italy is worth spending time because it’s all irresistible. For a review on all of the tours this year, the newsletter titled ‘Highlights of 2025’ (4/11/25) gives a brief overview of what you can expect from each itinerary, as they are all so different.

The biggest thank you to everyone who travelled with me this year because you were all amazing.

HAPPY NEW YEAR and may 2026 be your best year EVER!!

Ci vediamo la prossima settimana.

Deb