La Dolce Vita

It’s no secret that Italy is my favourite country. I first fell in love with her 15 years ago on a long weekend in Rome. So, when I started planning my Summer holiday this year, there was absolutely no need for me to spin my Eichholtz globe to see where my finger landed… I would return to my spiritual home of Italia!

What is it that I love so much about this beautiful country? Well, as a history lover I adore discovering all the exquisite historical buildings and monuments. At school I was fascinated by Ancient Rome, and now that I’m (just a little) older and (a lot) wiser, I can’t help but wonder just how much of a kinky lot those Romans were!! 😉 It goes without saying for me that I LOVE the Italian food, but also the passion of the Italians – how they gesticulate and shout so beautifully! Then there is of course the clothes, including my forever growing collection of Casadei signature blade heels. Indeed, what’s not to love about Italy?!

From Verona Airport I took the scenic route to my hotel, so I could take in the shore of Lake Garda. As we approached Sirmione with it’s medieval castle in the distance I was reminded why this country had captured my heart all those years ago. I was staying in a boutique hotel overlooking the lake with a stunning thermal spa suite which I couldn’t wait to try. As my first evening in Sirmione drew in and the golden light faded, off I went to explore the historic centre of this gorgeous town which looked even more captivating in twilight.

One thing I aim to do on my vacations is to treat myself to a reservation at a Michelin star restaurant, so I booked the La Speranzina Restaurant & Relais. On arrival I was given a private tour by the sommelier of their wine cellar which is famous for being one of the most impressive cellars in all Lombardy. It didn’t take me long to spot my favourite pink fizz I wanted to order! As the sun set I dined al fresco on a tasting menu of local produce that included Mazara Red Prawn and Moroni Fish from the Ligurian Sea. It was the perfect feast to fuel me for an early start the following morning, as my driver was to take me to Verona for a day of sightseeing.

I have another passion for those of you who don’t know me properly yet: I just LOVE vintage cars. I regularly attend race meetings at Donington not too far from my home. So while enjoying my beloved Italia, I timed the final day of my holiday to coincide with the finish of Mille Miglia. This historic race was established in 1927 and this year’s race finished in Salò not too far from where I was staying. The race is reserved to cars built between 1927 and 1957. Let me tell you, the thrill of cheering on from the sidelines some of Europe’s greatest vintage Ferraris, Bugattis, Aston Martins and Porsches as they raced to the finish line did not disappoint Diana Hart 😉

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La Vita è Bella
Diana
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