Discovering Italy’s Delights: Q&A with Rach from the Very Hungry Nomads

Italy is an incredible travel destination. There’s no doubt about it. The country has it all: scenery, history, culture and, of course, drool-worthy cuisine! No one knows this better than Rach from the Very Hungry Nomads. Rach joined our Italian Delights tour in September 2022. 

Over 12 days, she was able to discover the delights of Italy with a fabulous tour group and expert Expat Explore tour leader Marty – who just happens to be the other half of the Very Hungry Nomads team! Take a look below for Rach’s review of the Italian Delights tour and find out more about her love of food and passion for travel. 

Firstly, who are the Very Hungry Nomads? 

Very Hungry Nomads is a travel website that follows the adventures of Rach and Marty, two women, on a journey to visit every country in the world. Rach is from Australia and Marty is from Slovakia. At the time of writing, the two women have travelled to 190/195 countries; so they are getting close to completing this life-long goal! The website features travel tips, advice, and practical knowledge for travelling anywhere in the world. 

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Italian Delights tour Q&A with Rach from Very Hungry Nomads

Why did you choose to visit Italy?

Italy is up there in my favourite top 10 countries in the world. I’m a self-declared food traveller, so I’ll make any excuse to return to Italy and indulge in fantastic food and wine. I’ve visited Italy many times, but usually just the major cities. However, there were a few destinations on this itinerary that I have always wanted to see. With the high prices of independent travel in Italy and many European destinations this year, it seemed much better to join a tour and go and visit the places on my bucket list.

What were your favourite destinations on the Italian Delights tour, and why?

I loved the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and the Isle of Capri for the landscape and beauty. However, the cities of Lucca, Siena and San Gimignano were highlights for me too. Lucca is a beautiful city in the evening, with nice vibes and great restaurants. I loved the focus on Tuscan food and produce in Siena and San Gimignano. The truffles, pecorino cheese, prosciutto ham and wine are high quality. 

How did you feel about this Italian itinerary?

The itinerary is fantastic, but it’s certainly busy! If you’re hoping to sign up for all the optional activities, be prepared for lots of walking. There are many stairs and elevations to reach impressive churches and viewpoints in some cities, so it’s something to keep in mind. On most days, my step count was between 12,000 – 20,000. I love all the walking, though, because I need to walk off all the food I taste along the way. Of course, you have the choice not to join some options, which would give you some free time or an opportunity to rest if you need.

Which optional excursions were your favourite on the Italian Delights tour and why?

I loved the Venice by Night excursion. It was perfect as we took the tour just before sunset. It was sensational when the colours changed against the backdrop of one of the most magical cities in the world.

The Tuscan Meal in Florence was great too! Excellent food, great wine and a stunning city!

In your experience, what were the top included experiences on the tour?

The Rome Walking Tour and the Pompeii Guided Tours were excellent.

Did you enjoy meeting the other travellers on this tour, and do you have any tips for making friends while on a group tour?

Yes! That was one of the best parts. We had a fantastic group. My tip is to eat dinner with different group members each night; it helps. And make good use of the bus seat rotation, and meet new faces every day.

Any funny stories from the tour that you’d like to share?

Someone told us that you could find ‘penis-shaped pasta’ in Italy, and one of the guys on our tour loved this novelty. He searched for it, asking at every shop in every city. We finally found it in San Marino and gifted it to him. Now you know where to find it too 😉

Do you have any travel tips for people visiting Italy in the near future?

1. Don’t miss visiting the Vatican Museums – they’re incredible.
2. Taste and eat everything! Ask the waitress what she recommends for lunch; she knows what’s fresh.
3. Italians make phenomenal pastries and coffee. Try a ‘cornetto con crema’ (croissant filled with fresh custard)
4. Learn the essential Italian words; the Italians will appreciate your effort.

Now for the food…

What was the best foodie destination on the tour?

Everywhere in the Tuscany region. The city of Lucca for ‘Tordelli’ pasta (similar to ravioli), and the Sorrento region has some delicious food too. 

Could you list your top three Italian dishes eaten on this trip?

1. Slow-cooked pork with delicious sauce, fried potatoes and salad – an included group dinner at our hotel restaurant at Paratico, a small city we stayed overnight in the Italian Lakes. 
2. Tuscan Feast in Florence – includes Florentine steak, fresh pasta with truffle, mushroom risotto, tiramisu, wine and other delicious food. (This is one of the optional activities available on the Italian Delights tour).
3. Spaghetti alla Vongole (Spaghetti with Clams) on Burano Island, Venice.

Favourite meal from around the world?

Crispy Pork with Morning Glory over steamed rice OR Pad See Ew noodles – Thailand

More on travel and all its wonders

Why are you passionate about travelling?

I’ve always been curious to learn about new cultures, traditions, history, and cuisine. It fascinates me to see how other people live around the world. I honestly believe that travel is the best education you can ever have. 

In what ways would you say travel changes people?

It changes the way your brain works. Travelling and living abroad constantly exposes your brain to new sights, smells, tastes, languages and ever-changing situations. You learn how to adapt to any situation; it’s a valuable skill. 

After you’ve experienced extraordinary highs during your travels and, at the same time, witnessed extreme poverty and hardship and met people who are just trying to survive each day as it comes, it hits home. That changes you. It teaches you to show understanding, compassion, patience and respect for everything and everyone in life. 

What would you say to someone who’s never travelled before?

I believe in this quote, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”. So, if you want to travel but are unsure how to start, these are my suggestions:

• Join a group tour – You’ll meet other like-minded travellers, make new friends, and your guide can take care of all the logistics (as this can be overwhelming for many).  
• Some countries or continents are more suited to beginner travellers because English is spoken, getting around is easy, it’s affordable, and culture shock isn’t something you’re likely to feel. 
• Destinations I’d recommend for new travellers are Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, or Bali), Central America or Europe.

What is the best destination you’ve travelled to so far?

There are many ‘bests’; it’s difficult to answer. I like countries where the street food is fantastic. I LOVE Thailand for this reason and a hundred others. Mexico is a destination where I love the food, the colours, the beaches and the fiestas! Italy is always a good idea, and Ethiopia is awesome. 

What destinations are next on your bucket list?

I’ve only got eyes on the final five countries, and I hope to visit Eritrea next, my last country in Africa. And then it’s over to the Pacific. So my final four countries are Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Samoa. 

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Keen on an Italian adventure of your own? Take a look at our range of Italy tours! Better yet, keep an eye on our Black Friday sale for incredible travel deals to our most popular destinations, including Italy and much more!  

Keep up with Rach and Marty’s adventures in real-time on Very Hungry Nomads’ Facebook page as well as on Instagram and Twitter which are updated regularly when they travel to new places. We can’t wait to see you tick off those last five countries and achieve that lifelong goal!