Cesca Rampley

Culture vulture from London with a passion for all things foodie. I’ve lived abroad for almost 10 years, floating from one magical place to another. I studied literature at university in the eclectic city of Brighton, and since then, I’ve been hooked on keeping up with what to do, see, and, of course, eat. I’m a firm believer in appreciating and learning from local cultures, travelling responsibly, and giving new things a go with an open mind and a healthy dose of curiosity. I try to share useful tips, local insights and a bit of honest know-how, so you can make the most of wherever you find yourself.

Non-touristy things to do in Verona: quirks and quiet corners

Verona is in northern Italy’s Veneto region, with the Adige River flowing right through its centre. While it's often linked to Shakespeare’s famous couple, the city's character is really shaped by its grand Roman amphitheatre and winding medieval lanes.

Living in Verona: a real-life love story

Everyone knows Verona as the stage for Shakespeare's most famous love story, but there's so much more to the city than balconies. You’ll find its real heart in the gorgeous medieval streets and the incredible Roman Arena.

Living on the Amalfi Coast: an honest look at daily life

The picture-postcard image of the Amalfi Coast is one of the world's most recognisable. Pastel-coloured villages clinging dramatically to cliffs that plunge into the glittering Tyrrhenian Sea.

Things to do in Amalfi Coast: beyond the postcards

The Almalfi Coast is a dramatic meeting of mountains and sea along the Sorrentine Peninsula, where towns painted in terracotta and pink tumble down steep cliffsides to the water's edge.

Italy's September festivals: food, folk and harvest

There's a bit of magic in the air once the August crowds have thinned out and the intense summer heat begins to soften. Italy seems to take a collective, relaxed breath, making it a pretty special time to visit.

A taste of Piedmont: best sights, food, and wine

Piedmont is a fascinating corner of Italy, a place where grand, elegant cities sit against a backdrop of snow-dusted alpine peaks. But deciding what to see in Piedmont is about more than just ticking off the sights.

Living in Piedmont: where Alpine views meet vineyard valleys

Piedmont sits in Italy's northwest corner, sharing a border with France and Switzerland under the watchful gaze of the Alps. Its Italian name, Piemonte, translates to 'foot of the mountain', a fitting description for a region of grand landscapes and sophisticated cities.

Things to do in Turin: palaces, chocolate & Alpine views

Sat in the northwest of Italy with the Alps providing a magnificent backdrop, Turin is a city of elegant architecture and grand squares. As the first-ever capital of a unified Italy, its royal past is evident in the palaces and wide, arcaded streets.

Living in Turin: life between the Alps and the arcades

The capital of the Piedmont region is a place of understated elegance, a city of royal palaces and grand arcades that also served as the engine room of Italy's industrial heyday.

What to see on Lake Orta, Italy: villages, itinerary and walks

Things to do on Lake Orta: swapping crowds for Piedmont's quiet spot

When it comes to visiting Italy's lakes, most people head straight for Como or Garda. But there's a quieter and arguably even more magical spot: Lake Orta. Tucked away in Piedmont, it's a pre-alpine lake with a serene atmosphere and a collection of sleepy, olde-worlde villages.