Lisa | Italy travel expert and resident

I’m Lisa, an Italy travel expert with over 10 years of experience living and exploring the country I now call home.

From my base in Italy, I provide first-hand insights and itineraries that help you go beyond the typical tourist path.

While I started my journey as a ‘flashpacker’, seeking a balance between adventure and comfort, my decade of residency has allowed me to go much deeper.

My goal is to help you navigate this beautiful country with the confidence of a local, ensuring your Italian experience is as seamless as it is authentic.

The turning point: a solo Sunday in Cannaregio

My journey as an Italy specialist didn’t begin with a glamorous boat ride in Capri or a sunset spritz in Portofino. It started with a falling out with a friend and a completely unplanned solo trip to Venice.

At the time, I was unsure and honestly a little overwhelmed. I spent my first hours wandering aimlessly through the busy Venetian streets and ticking off the main tourist sights until my hunger finally won.

Famished, I came across a quiet, yet inviting, bacaro, in the Cannaregio area, which I was initially hesitant to enter. I was shy, spoke no Italian and I was alone.

But the moment the barista greeted me with a warm smile and a friendly ‘ciao!’ everything changed.

Over a plate of my first-ever cicchetti (Venetian-style tapas) and a glass of Prosecco that cost less than a soda, something clicked.

I realized that Italy wasn't just a destination to be ticked off a list. It was a feeling and a way of life that I wanted to experience more of.

From Tourist to resident

That afternoon in Venice sparked a passion for uncovering the ‘real’ Italy, the one that the locals enjoy.

Fast forward to today, and I have spent over 10 years turning that initial curiosity into a life here.

I call Italy home, splitting my time between the north and Sicily.

Living here has has allowed me to master the nuances of local travel. That way, I can help you find those same ‘click’ moments without the initial hesitation I felt in Venice.

Behind the name

Following the Rivera is about following my journeys. 'Rivera' is my family name, so everything I write and publish is based on my personal travels and experiences.

As a long-time resident, I take pride in ensuring that every recommendation is rooted in real-life local knowledge.

Explore my guides

Ready to start planning your trip to Italy?

Dive into my Italy travel index for a look at my destination guides or browse my detailed Italy itineraries. If you’re heading south, sign up today to grab a copy of my Free Sicily eBook.

Why you can trust these guides

Every Italy guide, tip and itinerary you find here is built on my 10+ years of traveling and living in Italy. I believe travel planning should be personal, which is why I never use AI to write my guides.

I rely on my own notes and photos to ensure that when you follow my advice, you’re getting the real story and not a computer-generated summary.

Get in touch

Whether you have a question about a train route or need advice on a Sicilian itinerary, my inbox is always open.

I’m available for destination campaigns and editorial partnerships that align with authentic, expert travel. Please reach out to hello@followingtherivera.com for my media kit.

All content on Following the Rivera is personally researched and written by myself, Lisa, based on 10+ years of traveling and residing in Italy.