“The Waiter Isn’t Angry…He’s Just Being Italian.”—Italy Tips From Our Resident Expert, Claudia

Where in Italy did you grow up, and what was it like?

I grew up in the Marche region—a beautiful area on the eastern coast of central Italy, facing the Adriatic Sea. It’s a hidden gem, often overshadowed by more famous Italian regions, but surely no less charming than them.

My favorite thing about life in Italy is the tranquility and the beauty of the area where I grew up. What made it special was the balance. You could live in the quiet of the rolling green hills, which burst into bloom with sunflowers during the summer, and still be just a short drive from the Adriatic Sea on one side and the Apennine mountains on the other. I loved that you could hike in the morning and swim in the afternoon. There’s a real sense of tranquility there—life moves slower, but it’s never boring.

My ideal day started with a typical Italian breakfast with my girlfriends at the square of the old town. A typical Italian breakfast, of course, means cappuccino and cornetto, for those wondering! After some morning laughs, we’d head to the village market, looking for the deal of the week, and finish by the fresh fish corner, getting inspired for lunch. Then, I’d go home, prepare a beautiful spaghetti alle vongole (savoring every bite, because yes, it's my favorite dish), and then get ready for some beach time. Sunbathing and relaxing until aperitivo time, a spritz, some music, and ending the day “dove ci porta il cuore”—wherever the heart takes us!

So yeah, my favorite thing about life in Italy was living in a place that felt peaceful, beautiful, and real. Le Marche is still a bit of a secret, but to me, it will always feel like home.

Do you have any recommendations for someone visiting Italy for the first time?

Talk to people! Chat with taxi drivers, shopkeepers, waiters (if they are not too busy). Ask them for local recommendations, tips of what you should see during your free time, and what is their favorite restaurant in the city. Italians are very proud of their treasures, and they’ll light up when they see a visitor genuinely curious about their country and everyday life beyond the typical tourist stops. Tip: learn a couple of sentences in Italian, they’ll be very impressed.

Trust your Tour Director and local guides on what to do in your free time. They will be the ones with the most updated information on where to go, where not to go, what to try, what not to try. Locals will know what activities feel more authentic than others as well as what areas you should visit and what you should leave for next time.

Embrace the differences. For some, pasta al dente might feel too firm, but that’s how Italians enjoy it. Avoid tourist trap restaurants that adjust their dishes to suit tourists' tastes—that's not the real deal! Stay away from restaurants that serve chicken parm, pineapple pizza, or fettuccine alfredo. Also, it's normal to wait a bit before your food arrives.

Don’t be alarmed if you hear Italians speaking loudly or passionately. It might sound like a heated argument, but it’s usually just a lively conversation about dinner plans or soccer. Italians express themselves with a lot of emotion, gestures, and flair. So no, the waiter isn’t angry…he’s just being Italian.

What hidden gems would you share with a friend visiting Italy? These could be on an Ultimate Break trip, before, or after.

Did you know that the portici of Bologna are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and that Bologna is home to the longest portico in the world? The Portico di San Luca is not just a beautiful walk, stretches nearly 4 kilometers, leading you from the city center all the way up to the San Luca Sanctuary on the hilltop. It’s a peaceful, scenic walk where you can enjoy the changing views of the city and surrounding countryside as you make your way up. When you reach the church, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Bologna and beyond.

Beautiful vineyards nestled in scenic hills overlooking the sea, charming old towns brimming with history, 180 km of diverse beaches—spacious, sandy stretches with all the comforts, alongside secluded coves surrounded by cliffs, fresh fish, and warm-hearted people. I’m not talking about Tuscany, but rather Le Marche, my region—a true hidden gem!

I’ve always had a thing for local markets; to me, they’re where a city truly reveals its soul. One of my absolute favorites is Catania’s historic Piscaria Market, tucked just behind Piazza Duomo. With the salty scent of the sea in the air, it’s a dream for foodies like me. You’ll find sizzling Sicilian street food, platters of incredibly fresh fish served on the spot, and, of course, a crisp glass of white wine to go with it. It’s loud, vibrant, and full of character—stepping into the Piscaria feels like diving straight into the heart of Sicilian life. It’s more than a market, it’s a full cultural experience.

Why is group travel the best way to explore Italy?

Because to truly experience local life, you need someone who knows the destination inside and out. Your Tour Director, who supports you throughout the journey, along with the local guides you'll meet along the way, will bring extra depth and meaning to your experience. Sharing these moments with other group members creates a strong bond. It's amazing how you can start a tour on your own and end it with lifelong friendships. And let’s be honest, everything is more fun when it’s shared!

What advice would you give to women who are hesitant about traveling solo?

We’ve got you! As someone working in Operations, I can tell you firsthand how thoroughly everything is planned and organized for you. At EF, safety is always the top priority when it comes to our activities. Once you're on the trip, your amazing and experienced local Tour Director will be there every step of the way to support you. It’ll feel like being part of a little travel family, surrounded by other solo travelers who likely had the same hesitations before they left. You don’t have to worry about a thing, we handle the logistics. All you need to do is relax, have fun, and enjoy the adventure!

You plan and create on-tour experiences in Italy, how do you specially design them for 18–35-year-old travelers?

Both with new optionals and new guided city tours, the idea was to create something that feels real, fun, and full of personality, just like our travelers. TikTok and Instagram definitely gave me some inspiration, but what really guided me was my passion for my country and putting myself in the shoes of our travelers. I asked myself: If I were showing my young friends around, where would I take them? What would I want them to see and feel? That’s how the tours took shape. We made sure to include local markets, because they’re vibrant, authentic, and full of life. We added Instagrammable spots, because let’s be honest, the feed needs content! And of course, we made room for places where Italian Gen Z actually hangs out, like the Oltrarno district in Florence.