Why-2

Why I Love Italy: Food, History and Culture

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Last week I talked about why I love Crete to give some insight into why I chose it as one of SGA’s vacations. So I thought this week I would tell you why I love Italy. Out of all the places I’ve visited in the world, Italy is the country I’ve explored the most. It’s a beautiful place enriched with history and culture, and I am very excited about our Italy LGBTQ Adventure from August 7 to 16, 2026.

The Food

I think most people can agree that one of the best things about Italy is the food. Italian cuisine is loved across the world. Whether it’s pizza or pasta, there’s nothing like sharing an authentic Italian meal with family and friends. It’s the kind of food that is meant to be shared and enjoyed together.
As an implanted New Yorker, my love for a New York slice is undeniable, but I have to admit that a classic Italian slice is where it’s at. In New York, pizza is often eaten on the go, but in Italy it’s more of a meal where you sit down and savor every bite. The crust can be so thin that sometimes you even eat it with a fork and knife.
And the pasta! From carbonara to classic spaghetti with meat sauce, Italians can take the simplest ingredients and turn them into a masterpiece. There’s nothing better than a family run restaurant like Sabatino in Florence, where they offer simple dishes that somehow taste better than anything you can get in the United States.
There are hidden gems all over the cities of Italy, and I hope you will join us and discover the incredible flavors this country has to offer.

The History

The history in Italy is hard to match. Every country has something unique to offer, but few have preserved and protected their history the way Italy has. Around almost every corner in Rome you will find something from the past. It is truly an honor to stand in front of sites that have been around for hundreds of years.
I am sure I have said this many times before, but one of my favorite places in the world is the Colosseum. Even before I visited it, I loved it. When I am in Rome, I will sometimes just walk over to it, stand there for a while, and then head back to my hotel. There is something so special about standing in front of a building that is over a thousand years old. It really makes you think about how short our time here is.
That is how I feel about the history in all the Italian cities we will visit. Rome, Pisa, Siena, Florence, and Venice have all preserved pieces of the past that you simply do not find in many other places across the globe. I always feel lucky when I get to stand among that history.

The Art

Art is everywhere in Italy. From some of the most famous pieces we learn about in school, like David, to the more modern street art you see while walking around, creativity surrounds you in these cities.
On SGA’s Italy tour you will see the beautiful ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, the halls of the Accademia Gallery where David lives in Florence, and the walls of Doge’s Palace in Venice. You will be completely surrounded by art. Whether you consider yourself an art lover or not, it is hard not to marvel at these incredible creations.
Many of these works are things we have seen in books or on posters, but there is something very special about seeing them in person. You do not always realize the scale of what these artists created or the years it took to complete their work. When you are standing right in front of these pieces, you gain a whole new appreciation that is hard to explain. The only real way to understand it is to experience it for yourself.

The People

The people of Italy are something else. They are kind, passionate, and genuine. Italians are proud of their culture and they want to share it with you.
When they make their food, it is done with love. Of course, like anywhere in the world, you may come across places that are focused on making a quick buck from tourists. But for the most part, it is easy to find restaurants that are not just machines. You will find family businesses that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Another thing I appreciate is how knowledgeable the tour guides are. One of the things I love about the tours I have taken, and will be sharing on our Italy Adventure, is that the guides truly know their history. They study for this, take exams, and are certified by the country. Not just anyone can become a tour guide in Italy. You have to be passionate and knowledgeable about the places you are showing people.
Overall, I have found Italians to be incredibly welcoming to visitors. I cannot say that about everywhere I have traveled. Over the years I have made friends with many Italians, and when I visit them, they make me feel like part of their family. Honestly, they made me feel that way from the very first time I visited.
And that is what I really love about Italy. The sense of family, the passion for life, and the respect they show to the people they welcome into it.

Come Experience Italy With Me

Italy is a place that continues to pull me back year after year. It is the food shared around a table, the history that surrounds you, the art that takes your breath away, and the people who welcome you like family. Every time I visit I discover something new, and that is exactly why I wanted Italy to be one of the first trips offered through Sober Gay Adventures.
In August 2026 we will explore Rome, Florence, and Venice together while experiencing the culture, history, and beauty that make Italy so special. If Italy has always been on your bucket list, or if you have been before and want to experience it in a new way with an incredible group of people, I would love for you to join us.
And if you have been to Italy before, I would love to hear about your experience. Leave a comment below and tell me what you loved most about it.

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