One week in Italy – a mum and daughter story

EL’s Lara Sage recounts her summer trip to Italy with 16-year-old daughter Scarlett.

I had an ambitious plan to show my daughter Italy within one week. We would dress for the occasion and stay in beautiful places. We’d connect by fast train to see the landmarks of Rome, Venice, Verona and Milan.

Along the journey, we spotted other pairs doing something similar in their various stages of life – from an elegant and youthful mother with her obliging young daughter dressed in matching couture, to the fearless teenager in jeans, the word ROMA emblazoned across her t-shirt, heading off for some shopping with her flustered mother in tow.

It was a privilege to share a brief glimpse of these culturally rich and mesmerising cities with Scarlett. We really got a taste of Italy – including, of course, a literal taste of scrumptious gelato and pizzas! We also had a peek into centuries of art, history and architecture.

Staying in some superbly located accommodation allowed us to dash back outside to see just “one more thing” or linger longer somewhere interesting.

I’ll never forget this trip with all its marvels: A leaning bell tower in the courtyard adjacent to our apartment, endless ceiling paintings, ancient roads beneath our feet, countless steps, fountains and archaeological ruins. We took in the preserved palaces, chariot circuses, amphitheatres and arenas of Rome; the marble, sculptures and wells of Venice, along with the famous Bridge of Sighs; the coloured shutters of Verona; and the stoic yet elegant old buildings of Milan.

Not that I want to sugar-coat our trip – there was the endless detour we had to walk due to my poor sense of direction, and the time we overheated following my insistence on catching an open-air bus in the height of summer!

In the searing heat of Europe, we also discovered that mother-daughter opinions will sometimes differ – as will our sense of direction! But I reminded my independent teenager that parents still want to cherish, adore, enrich and share experiences. And Italy proved a fabulous place for this.

Where we stayed

The original “Grand Tour” reached its peak in the 19th century, when it became a trend to set out to discover the art and culture of the most important European cities, including those in Italy, staying along the way in elegant hotels.

In the early 20th century, many of the hotels that are now part of Starhotels Collezione, became social gatherings loved by artists and writers, who stayed there for extended periods and left their mark.

With this in mind, luxury hotel chain Starhotels has reinterpreted the Grand Tour in a contemporary way, creating an itinerary that includes a stay of at least two nights in two Starhotels Collezione destinations, chosen from a selection of fascinating historical residences set in antique palazzos.

To make the itinerary more memorable, craft experiences are available on request. These immersive visits to extraordinary artisan workshops allow guests to witness and take part in the crafting process of master artisans. Experiences include everything from a Venetian mask workshop to discovering the art of mosaics in Florence.

Hotel d’Inghilterra Roma

Opened in the 1840s as a guesthouse for artists and intellectuals embarking on the Grand Tour, this hotel quickly became a favourite among young British aristocrats – hence the Italian word for “England” appearing in its name. Its reputation grew as the list of prestigious guests expanded. Visitors over the years have included Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Omar Sharif and Gore Vidal.

This historic five-star hotel with an impressive legacy has recently been refurbished to showcase its eclectic interiors and innate elegance – the restyling project included restoration of the historic façade, while a new spa and rooftop cocktail bar have also opened. Hotel d’Inghilterra benefits from an enviable location in the historical centre of the Eternal City. It’s situated near Via Borgognona, in the fashion district, and is a short stroll from Piazza di Spagna with the legendary Spanish Steps. The Colosseum, the Pantheon and the mesmerising Roman Forum are all within walking distance; or, for a leisurely stroll, head towards the lush, enchanting environs of Villa Borghese.

Rosa Grand Milano

This style icon of Italy’s fashion and design capital stands in the true heart of the city, overlooking the historical Piazza Fontana and behind the imposing Duomo cathedral, whose colours it recalls with a façade of white marble and pink granite. The fashion district is just a stone’s throw away, and some of the city’s great art collections are literally around the corner, as is the Galleria with its elegant boutiques, cafés and the Teatro della Scala, the world’s most famous opera house. The Milan Stock Exchange, the city’s beating financial heart, is also quite near, making the Rosa Grand an ideal contemporary destination for business or leisure. It’s also well connected by subway, tram and taxi – the perfect starting point for discovering the best of cosmopolitan Milan.

A word from Scarlett

A week to see Italy! My mother offered me an opportunity to see the historical sites of Rome, Venice, Verona and Milan, and as a teenager, it was an opportunity snatched up with much enthusiasm. We dressed as if we were being filmed for a movie, destined to find our own Italian love stories. We strolled down the cobbled streets of Rome, browsing shops and stopping in restaurants with the most unique décor. The weather was scorching but a bus tour of the city was still manageable, since it brought us to spectacular buildings and structures. Surviving the heat also granted us the necessary reward of a delicious gelato!

After two days in Rome, we hopped on a train to Venice. Italy truly has beautiful landscapes worth seeing, in addition to the cities that are so well known. Jeff Bezos’s wedding brought some spirited yet peaceful protests to the train station for us to witness – a little reminder that Venice is, in fact, not a fairy tale land, but instead a city with authentic people.

Walking tours through hidden streets and gondola rides down the canals are a must in these cities, as there are so many hidden gems that only the locals can show you. Our stay in Venice ended with a dinner on the main canal during sunset. Once our time was up, we took the next train to Milan, stopping in Verona for the day. Verona was filled with lively locals, magnificent views and, of course, Juliet’s famous balcony.

In our final stop, Milan, the Duomo towered over us as we arrived at our hotel. We finished our trip with a sundowner in a charming area then went to our hotel room and dreamed of all the things we’d seen.

This trip was a marvellous way to see another piece of the world, even if in a fleeting time frame. I’m so incredibly grateful to have gotten a taste of Italy and most definitely will be returning as there’s still so much more to see.

Italy FAQs!

Rome: Is the Trevi Fountain too busy to visit?

You can expect crowds almost any hour in summertime; however, our late-night visit (after dinner) was definitely quieter, and it also made the illuminated waters look calm, cool and luminescent. The fountain is close to the equally famous Spanish Steps and the shopping street Via dei Condotti, which has awe-inspiring window displays.

Venice: Is it worth seeing the Doge’s Palace?

Definitely – it’s incredible! The façade is a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture, while other elements reflect a blend of Gothic, Byzantine and Moorish styles. You can hurry through in an hour, or take your time with the informative detailed audio tour.

Verona: What’s good to visit beyond the famous balcony?

A meander along the river is cooling and scenic, to the Funicular ride which offers lofty views over the city and river. Visit the impressive amphitheatre, too – if you time it right, you can catch evening concerts.

Milan: Should I climb to the roof of the Duomo?

Definitely! You’ll walk on the roof tiles, see the city from above, and get close to the 3,400 gargoyles and sculptures (the most of any building in the world). They adorn the pink-grey Candoglia marble of the facade, terraces and spires, creating a “stone forest” effect.

Find out more about Starhotels properties at grandtour.starhotels.com.

This article first appeared in The January 2026 Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest issue or an annual subscription or read the digital version free now.

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