Italy has always held a special place in my heart. I’ve visited countless times, with each trip bringing a unique experience. From driving there from the UK to hopping on a coach as a teenager living in Poland, I’ve seen many sides of this beautiful country. I’ve wandered through the streets of Rome, admired the canals of Venice, and explored smaller coastal towns. One of my favorite memories is camping on the beach during a road trip with my father, which took us from the UK, through France and Switzerland, to Italy and back.

But my trips to Italy have often been more than just ordinary tourist activities. One of the most extraordinary moments of my life took place in St. Peter’s Square, where I attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II. Standing in the heart of Rome, surrounded by thousands, it was a surreal and deeply moving experience. That memory, like so many others in Italy, shows how my visits there have always been about something more personal and unique than simply sightseeing.

This trip, too, was different. Instead of visiting famous landmarks or bustling cities, I set off to visit a friend studying in Trento as part of the Erasmus Programme. Trento, a charming town in Northern Italy, lies in the shadow of the Dolomites and offered the perfect setting to catch up with old friends in a more laid-back way.

I stayed with my friend in her student digs, sharing her flat with one other student girl, and met a few more students who lived nearby. We spent the evenings playing games, swapping stories, and drinking Italian wine. Since we’re both scout leaders, we know the joys of camping and sleeping in strange places with just a sleeping bag, so crashing on the floor felt perfectly natural—part of the adventure.

One of the highlights of my visit was a day trip to Bolzano, a beautiful town with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The alpine scenery, mixed with Italian architecture, created a stunning backdrop.

If you’re planning a visit to Italy, I highly recommend exploring Northern Italy by train. The region is well-connected, with Milan serving as a fantastic hub for flights and rail routes. Whether you’re visiting the larger cities or the smaller gems like Trento and Bolzano, Northern Italy offers a unique charm and a pace that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Feel free to browse through my other posts for more travel tips and photos from my previous adventures in Italy!