With over 27 years in the travel industry and stamps from all seven continents in her passport, Senior Travel Counsellor Ned Ambrus brings a world of experience to every itinerary she creates.
From trekking through Patagonia to soaking in the surreal landscapes of Antarctica, Ned has explored 69 countries (and counting), always chasing the next unforgettable experience. Her recent journey to Italy combined her passion for history, culture, and food, making it a perfect destination to share with fellow travellers.
In this blog, Ned reflects on her time in Italy and offers a glimpse into what makes this country such a rewarding place to explore.
What inspired you to visit Italy, and what were you most looking forward to experiencing?
I’ve traveled to Italy twice before, but really wanted to see it again and in detail, as it’s such a popular destination; the more I know, the better I can help plan my clients’ vacations. And I was fortunate enough to have a great family friend join me, so not only did I see things again, I got to see things through the eyes of a first timer, which added depth to our adventure and more feedback.
Which cities or regions did you visit?
Venice, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Maiori, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, Positano! Say that 3 times and not get dizzy! Not only did I say it, but I also traveled to these cities in my whirlwind tour of Italy last month and had a spectacular time.
2025 is the Jubilee year, making Italy a busy destination, but that just added to the excitement of it all.
What was a standout experience or activity from your trip?
I loved my time in each destination, and trying to pick a favourite is difficult; so instead, I decided to mention some of the highlights of each destination.
Venice
I love the canals and gondolas in Venice, the curvy streets and the ability to feel so lost, but really nothing is far away. Going to the island of Burano was a real highlight, and well worth the visit to see all the amazing blown glass talent, and the ferry was an enjoyable ride and not very long.
Bologna
We had a pasta cooking class here, and that was a lot of fun learning how to make it, and how important the rolling is in getting the right texture and consistency. Didn’t matter to us; we ate our noodles, and they were great (in our minds, at least!)
Florence
The art, art, art! The amazing Duomo, David, all the galleries and people watching in the squares were fabulous. The leather products are outstanding, and the food is divine! My “WOW” moment was having a “Wine in a Window” where you go up to a small hole in a wall, ring a bell and order a wine or limoncello beverage and pay and sit outside watching the world go by. So much fun!
Pisa
Florence is a great place to do a 1/2 day trip to Pisa to the “Field of Dreams,” which the iconic Leaning Tower is but one part of. It also contains the Baptistery, Duomo and Camposanta, which, between them, make up a stunning collection of architectural delights.
Rome
The city where it all began. Where do I start? The Coliseum, the Forum, the Pantheon, the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel. The list goes on and on. The food, the architecture, the culture, the shopping, the people watching. So many good things to see/do in Rome. One of my highlights was going back to the Capuchin Crypt and seeing the rooms decorated with the former Monks and family members tastefully and with respect. It’s now a museum with an audio headset explaining the history and stories that made this place possible.
Naples
We did a lovely city tour and saw the pedestrian streets that were so wonderfully decorated and all the quaint shops and restaurants. We had a coffee and a pastry in a local store that made my mouth water, it was so delicious! And then, of course, we all had Neapolitan pizza – did I mention mouth-watering? The afternoon hike to Mt. Vesuvius did not let us down with the amazing sites at the top, despite the high winds; it was a lovely, quick hike up.
TIP: Make sure you get to the washroom before you get to the hike, as there are no facilities available and it’s about a 45-minute drive each way to get to the base of the hike.
Pompeii
Most people know the story of how this well-established town was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius some 2000 years ago. Excavation and archaeologists have been unburying this town and continue to do so today. It’s in amazing condition, the artifacts, the houses, the brothels, the kitchens, all of it so well preserved like they were just there yesterday. Spectacular site and well worth the visit!
The Amalfi Coast in general
When we got to the Amalfi Coast, I had my quintessential Italy moment. This is what I had been looking for: the rolling hills, the beautiful landscapes, the lemon trees, the jaw-dropping coastline. *This* is what I was waiting for, and it did not disappoint.
Sorrento
Lemon Groves. Limoncello, lemon candies, lemon everything! We got to have a local living moment where we met the family of a small lemon farm, and they showed us the full process from start to finish. Did you know they get 2 harvests a year from the trees, and having samples of all they offered was so delicious. I may have left with Limonchello, lemon-infused olive oil (just small bottles). We had a free day to go to the Isle of Capri, known for the blue grotto, but unfortunately, the ferries were shut down for the day due to high winds and rough waters. Oh well, another reason to go back!
Minori
I have to admit this was probably my favourite place. The crowds were quiet and it was on the Tyrrhenian Sea, so I just had to dip my toes (ok up to my knees and my dress got wet but who cares!) since I was there. Beautiful coastline, wonderful shops, gorgeous black volcanic beach on the back side (paid entrance) and some historical sites to walk around and enjoy.
Because we were there over Easter, we also got to enjoy seeing how Italy celebrates this holiday; we saw parades on Good Friday, Saturday and Easter Sunday, very sombering but so fascinating.
Do you have any tips for first-time travelers to Italy?
Italy is a very popular destination, and for a great reason; there literally is something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are a couple of tips:
When you go to a restaurant in a group of any size, they won’t separate the bills, so you have to do the math and pay with cash. Also, water is automatically brought to the table and billed for it, plus there is a $2 Euro charge for sitting at the table. Expect to pay $3-$4 euros on top of your bill at every meal.
The old story of sitting down to enjoy your coffee costs twice as much is true, but you pick and choose where you do so. I did it at St. Mark’s Square in Venice and just enjoyed the views, the people watching, the pigeon’s and enjoyed my coffee. Made it worth the $10 Euro charge to hang out for a while and enjoy.
Whether you’re dreaming of Italy or planning a once-in-a-lifetime adventure elsewhere, Ned’s deep knowledge and genuine love for travel make her an incredible resource. Her firsthand experience and personalized approach can help turn your travel goals into reality. Ready to start planning? Connect with Ned today and let her craft your next unforgettable journey.
READY TO EXPLORE ITALY?
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