rome

My hard-working immigrant parents believed travelling for fun was frivolous, and they encouraged me to focus on my studies. But it’s those studies that fuelled my fascination for ancient architecture …

Here’s how to save, and occasionally splurge, across Italy while still savoring la dolce vita.

In addition to sharing food and cocktails, and serving as my trekking sherpas, my group helped me experience Italy in ways that went far beyond the guidebook.

Buried under the well-trodden cobbled paths lies a Rome rarely explored, from catacombs and subterranean churches to a garden filled with orange trees.

Like in most of the world’s greatest cities, so many incredible sights equals so many tourists. But this Rome guide will help you beat the crowds.