Ciao,

Buon anno! As I write this, it’s the very first morning of 2026, and we’re waking up here in Trieste. Outside, the air has that crisp winter clarity, and the Adriatic is shimmering in its deep January blue. Maria is already suggesting our first walk of the year along the Molo Audace, while I’m lingering over an espresso and enjoying the quiet start to the day.

New Year’s Day always brings a lovely sense of possibility, and I thought it was the perfect moment to share a few special things with you: a look at some of the wonderful day trips you can take from Trieste, a light-hearted guide to the things you should never do in Italy, and finally, a journey south to the mysterious, unforgettable city of Matera.

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Day Trips from Trieste

Living in Trieste, we often discover hidden gems just a short day trip away. From the fairy-tale peace of Lake Bled in Slovenia to the quiet charm of coastal towns like Muggia and Grado. The variety is incredible.

If you are curious to explore by train or car, want to wander off the beaten path, taste wines in the hills near the border, or just stroll a quiet seaside town for lunch and sunshine, this guide will give you plenty of inspiration.

Things Never to Do in Italy

Italy has its own gentle rhythm, and understanding it makes all the difference. Over the years, Maria and I have watched countless travellers get tripped up by things that locals take for granted. Not out of disrespect, of course, but simply because Italy plays by rules that aren’t always written down.

This guide is a friendly little compass. It’s lighthearted, practical, and full of those “I wish I’d known this earlier” tips that help you enjoy Italy the way Italians do.

Click here to read: Things Never to do in Italy

A Journey South — Discovering Matera

If your heart yearns for something ancient, atmospheric, and deeply real, I urge you to consider Matera. Walking through its ancient stone alleys, among dwellings carved into rock, you’ll feel connected to millennia of human history. For us, it is one of the most moving towns we have ever visited anywhere. It felt like being back in the times of the Bible. Today, I'm pleased to be able to share with you a beautiful story, shared with us by one of our followers, that explores Matera today and the amazing history of the place

You can access the story here.

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From Trieste, and from our hearts, we send you the happiest of New Year’s wishes. May 2026 bring you health, joy, and many new journeys.

Un abbraccio grande,
Andrew (with Maria and William)

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