Whilst none of these have the same wow factor as Rome (I don't think anywhere does) there is still plenty of the laid back, mediteranean vibe and with history and good food to boot. Thanks to google, you can see whether El Greco, Velasquez, or Goya does it for you, then move closer in time for Picasso, Dali and Joan Miro. I never expected to swoon for a country where I knew no one and could not speak the language, but I did.

Villasimius in Sardinia Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe (image courtesy of Wynand van Poortvliet/Unsplash). He found me on Facebook the next day *modern romance* and promptly asked me out on a date to get burgers, while I shockingly was expected something more in the line of Italian food. The Romans go about their day amidst a sea of tourists trying to navigate their way around this big, busy city. The one thing that I found disappointing was that when we requested black pepper, there was no black pepper mill and we were given sachets. I’m totally in love with this stunning country for a lot of different reasons and I have been to Italy uncountable times.Wine lovers must visit the Castello di Baralo located in Barolo town, the famous region that produces the unique and beloved Barolo wine. Located in the Ischia region, at the north end of Naples Gulf, this castle was built in 474 BC and sits on an islet connected to the Island of Ischia by a causeway.

Now, I would like to highlight two very important characteristics that Italian possess that made my journey easier and happier in Italy.

Venice has the picturesque canals; Florence possesses incredible structures dating back centuries; Cinque Terre is home to a collection of the most colourful houses I’ve ever seen. Italians are renowned for their passionate nature and expressive gestures, which make every conversation and interaction an experience in itself. The palaces and castles in Italy deserve a dedicated blog post about them or even a book as there are hundreds of them scattered around the country.

I personally get annoyed when I hear people saying that Sardinian beaches are “like those of the Caribbean” – because having been to the Caribbean myself, I can tell you that they are much much more beautiful, and the transparency of the water can’t be beaten.DH: Choose a region that appeals to you—mountains or seaside, city or hill town—and make yourself at home. Disclosure: Untold Italy assists our readers with carefully chosen product and services recommendations that help make travel easier and more fun. Prior to this Italian trilogy, she authored more than forty trade and textbooks on a variety of topics. People, mostly women, from India, Africa, Singapore, and across the United States and Canada have written to me asking for information and advice about how to date or marry an Italian man. From bread, wine and olive oil to balsamic vinegar and cheese, the quality of Italian foods is admirable.