My love of languages and travel go hand in hand. During my studies I spent a year in Pisa, which came with the opportunity to immerse myself in Italian culture and travel as much as I could. I later moved to Milan, where I worked as a translator for six years. Italy is well and truly under my skin. I continue to be amazed by the varied landscape, the significant differences you experience culturally from region to region and the immense beauty of the place.
As an enthusiastic cook and, above all, an enthusiastic eater, I love to try out local dishes and attempt to recreate them at home. For culinary tourism, Italy has competition in Greece, where there's nothing better than dining in seaside tavernas or gorging on gyros. After viewing Greece as a strictly summer destination, I had my eyes opened recently when visiting the mainland and being amazed by the range of experiences — from hiking in olive groves to visiting archaeological sites, and even skiing.
My parents certainly inspired my love of travel as they enjoyed taking us further afield to witness different ways of life and experience natural wonders. It is now the thing that excites me the most and I am very happy to be sharing this passion with others.

Start planning your trip to Europe with Rachel
-
01993 838 92501993 838 900
- Make an enquiry
Q&A with Rachel

What’s the best local dish you’ve tasted?
I love pasta in all forms but Bucatini all’Amatriciana has to be my favourite. You could describe it as carbonara’s tomatoey cousin, being made with crispy guanciale, tomato sauce and pecorino romano. It's one of the four typical Roman pasta dishes, the others being gricia (pecorino and guanciale), cacio e pepe (pecorino and pepper) and the world famous carbonara (egg yolk, guanciale and pecorino). I try to order amatriciana in any trattoria in Rome, but a particular standout would be at Armando al Pantheon.

What’s your most vivid travel moment?
Arriving in Rome in winter we were immediately whisked off on a Vespa tour of the city. The sun was setting, golden hour was upon us, and it felt like we’d been transported into a movie scene. I had visited Rome several times before, but there was something truly special about seeing these world famous landmarks from what felt like a local’s perspective. It was the perfect introduction to the eternal city.

Which book, film or artwork captures Italy the most?
I recently read 'My Brilliant Friend' by Elena Ferrante. It's set in 1950s Naples and vividly recreates the environment and society that the protagonists grow up in. It's an exploration of the importance of friendship and hope amidst difficult societal conditions. When I went to Naples recently, it was amazing to walk where the characters walked and vividly picture the scenes, imagining what life once was there and how much the area has changed.