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IMG_5155nnn — Group outside the arena in Verona

Italy 2025 was an exploration of new places and favourite destinations

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May 10, 2025

Our 12-day tour to Italy was a trip of discovery into new and exciting new destinations as well as a chance to get re-acquainted with some all-time favourite place.

Twenty-three of us gathered in Milan for the start of the adventure. This was a chance to discover new parts of the city such as Navigli and Brera as well as for some people to go see Leonard’s magnificent Last Supper for the first time as well as walk the roof of the city’s spectacular cathedral and wander into the stunning interior or the famous Galleria.

From Milan, we went to Como and then by ferry to Bellagio. On the way, I couldn’t resist the urge to show my group the wonderful Bosco Verticale, the forest high-rise where all the balconies are filled with trees and shrubs to create a sensational tower of green.

ln Bellagio, we shopped and ate and drank wine before walking into the lovely calm garden of Villa Melzi.

Back in Milan, we did more shopping and eating in restaurants and bars and many went to the wonderful Eataly store to buy souvenirs for family and friends.

From Milan, we next went to Verona where we toured all the sights, including the famous arena and Juliet balcony. We also went to the lovely Giusti garden, a formal, renaissance-style garden on the other side of the river. Verona was a delight and not as crowded as Milan but still very vibrant and dynamic.

From Verona, we went to Lake Garda to the lovely town of Sermione and then on a boat ride around the peninsula before popping into Desenzano for lunch and then on to the quirky Andre Heller garden.

From Verona, we moved down to Mantua where we walked the city’s lovely piazzas and had a spot of lunch before continuing on to Parma where we toured the town and settled into our hotel before going out into the town for a fun night,

In Parma, did a ham and cheese tasting and visited Bologna where we walked the lovely porticos and main piazza before sampling some of the best food in Italy.

The next day, we visited two relatively remote but beautiful villages, Bobbio and Castell’Arquato.

From Parma, we went south to Genoa where we again started with a tour of the city, seeing all the main sights as well as visiting one of the most spectacular viewing points.

Our plans to visit Cinque Terre were foiled by bad weather which made it impossible for our boat to sail, so instead we spent a very pleasant time in Levanto and Rapallo, two very quiet and picturesque towns with lovely back streets full of architectural treats and friendly shops and restaurants.

In Genoa, we enjoyed walking the labyrinth of back streets with its myriad of artistic shops as well as the magnificent portico that runs the length of Via Settembre XX. We also visited the lovely fisherman’s village of Boccadasse where we enjoyed the picturesque setting with its lovely stoney beach and painted houses. From Boccadasse, we went back into Genoa to tour the superb Palazzo Nicolosio Lomellino and garden. This garden is basically on the roof. We had to walk from the courtyard with its massive sculptural decoration and climb a few dozen spiral stairs to reach the roof gardrem, full of orange trees and agapanthus. It was a special, quiet moment in the midst of the bustling city.

As always, there were moments of magical serendipity – unexpected encounters and moments of delight that can only happen when you least expect it and when your heart is open to something new and exciting. These are stories only the group knows and will tell to family and friends.