AN UNFORGETTABLE TRIP TO ITALY
LA DOLCE VITA: PHYLLIS’ ITALIAN ADVENTURE
It’s always been a dream of mine to connect with my family’s roots in Italy. This summer, I was blessed with the opportunity to make this dream come true during an unforgettable trip with my sister, Joy Lacca Gottih, and her daughter, Gianna. From spending days on “Capri Time” and seeing my grandparents’ homeland in Sicily, to an elegant Tuscan excursion with the Bocelli family, this was an adventure that I will forever treasure. The only regret is that I didn’t stay longer!
CAPRI
Day 1: Saturday, July 13
After catching a flight out of Philadelphia International Airport on Friday, July 12, we arrived in Naples the next morning, and a quick hydrofoil ride whisked us away to the Island of Capri. The turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, set against the backdrop of the Bay of Naples, were irresistible. Gianna and I couldn’t wait to dive in—especially with temperatures soaring to 97 degrees, a trend that continued throughout our trip.
There’s a lot of free time on Capri, and locals here live on what they call “Capri Time.” Most people don’t even come outside before 3 in the afternoon because they’ve been up all night enjoying themselves!
Tanya from Barby’s in Ventnor had recommended having dinner at Al Grottino, an intimate trattoria located in Capri’s historic center and just steps from the famous “piazzetta.” Owner GianFranco Arbace and his wife’s specialties were simple, yet so fresh and so delicious.
Day 2: Sunday, July 14
We explored the sea cave known as The Blue Grotto, located on the coast of Capri. A truly majestic place, sunlight filters through an underwater opening and reflects off the seawater beneath, casting an incredible azure blue glow that illuminates the cavern.
Later, we ascended Mount Solaro via funicular to reach Anacapri, where we were greeted with stunning views of the island, dotted with yachts and fragrant lemon trees. Of course, we couldn’t resist sampling the local limoncello, a tangy, sweet delight.
Day 3: Monday, July 15
Capri is a shopper’s paradise, and we had a fabulous time checking out the high-end designer boutiques and local artisan shops. The island’s fashion scene is vibrant and diverse, offering everything from haute couture to handcrafted treasures. It’s been a tradition for my family to buy handmade, custom-fitted sandals at Enzo Costanzo’s shop (Da Costanzo Capri) for many years, so we had to bring Gianna by to get her own pair!
In the evening, we bid farewell to Capri, taking a hydrofoil back to Naples and catching a flight to Catania, Sicily. I was eager to connect with our family’s roots and meet our family still living there.
The island’s fashion scene is vibrant and diverse, offering everything from haute couture to handcrafted treasures.
SICILY
Day 4: Tuesday, July 16
Catania is an ancient city in the shadow of Mt. Etna, where the past and present blend seamlessly. Our three-day immersion in Sicilian culture began in the city’s historical center. The first thing that struck me was the unique architecture—Baroque facades in shades of gray, a result of the volcanic stone used to rebuild the city after the 1693 earthquake.
We stayed a block from Duomo di Catania, a magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral dating back to the 11th century. Its modern façade was designed much later, including its bell tower housing Italy’s third largest bell.
Extraordinary architecture was abundant throughout our Italian sojourn, but Catania’s architectural wonders spoke to me from a deeper place. This is where my grandparents – Josephine and Giovanni Lacca – were from (Etna and Catania).
There was intense activity at Mt. Etna the week and night before we got to Catania, and the volcano was still spewing hot ash and lava, drastically affecting the temperature outside. The streets are lined with festive umbrellas so that people could get away from the oppressive heat. While the town unwinds in the shade by day, it comes alive by night.
Our driver took us to the countryside in Randazzo to meet our cousin, Alfini Tossini, and his family. I’m so glad Gianna not only got to meet them, but also got to experience this contrast between Italy’s city and country living.
Our cousins’ simple way of living is very deceiving. This was a rich life my grandparents, who were farmers, also knew. From fresh fish and cheese, to farm fresh produce, olives, and wine from local grapes, Alfini and his family have everything they need! With Joy as our translator, we had such a great time, enjoying an amazing spread of food, including arancini and cannoli made fresh in their neighborhood, dancing together, and singing along to songs like “Americano,” one of their favorites.
TAOMINA
Day 5: Wednesday, July 17
On Wednesday, our driver took us to Taormina, located high in the cliffs over Sicily’s eastern coast. Nestled high above the calm, blue Mediterranean Sea, with Mt. Etna as a backdrop, like most of Italy, Taormina is a blend of the ancient and the modern. From its stunningly beautiful views, to its white, sandy beaches and ancient streets, it’s a gorgeous, magical place. There’s a reason so many films and TV shows – including “The White Lotus,” shot at the Four Seasons Taormina at San Domenico Palace – have been filmed here.
The annual Taormina Film Festival was in town, adding a buzz to the resort. Celebrating its 70th year, the event featured filmmakers, actors, and fans of cinema from around the world for premieres, screenings and parties.
CATANIA
Day 6: Thursday, July 18
During our last day in Sicily, we stumbled upon one of the most gorgeous weddings I’ve ever seen. The entire wedding party was dressed so elegantly, we thought they may have been royalty. We also explored the bustling markets of Catania via trolley tour. The markets are the heart of the city, giving us another intimate glimpse of its people and their way of life.
Alongside the different markets scattered throughout the winding neighborhoods, there are also several historic ones. Dotted with sun umbrellas and canopies so people could get some relief from the heat – and lots of cafes – the markets are tightly packed with locals and visitors. From vendors selling fresh fruit, pistachios, vegetables, cheeses, meats, and the catch of the day (at the famous Piscaria market), to shops selling designer shoes, clothing, and just about anything else, Sicilian culture is on full display here.
The markets are the heart of the city, giving us another intimate glimpse of its people and their way of life.
Generations of families have set up shop in these stalls, plazas, and narrow streets. You can hear the tradition in each seller’s voice, screaming out to passersby and encouraging them to make a purchase. Walking around the markets was making us hungry, so we enjoyed some of the legendary street food!
That evening we departed Sicily on a flight to Tuscany, arriving in Florence late at night for a good night’s sleep.
Day 7: Friday, July 19
In the morning our driver took us to our seaside Tuscan destination—the Grand Hotel Royal Viareggio—where we met our friends for a 5-star Michelin breakfast. These next few days would be like living in a dream!
After spending the day poolside—all Gianna wanted to do was sit out by the pool!—we departed our hotel for an evening that would kick off an elegant weekend of star-studded and music-filled fundraising events for the Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF). The Foundation supports and promotes humanitarian efforts around the globe, from education and community development to basic necessities and research. Past events have drawn everybody from HM Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan and Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, to Sophia Loren, George & Amal Clooney, John Legend, and many others.
During our last day in Sicily, we stumbled upon one of the most gorgeous weddings I’ve ever seen. The entire wedding party was dressed so elegantly, we thought they may have been royalty. We also explored the bustling markets of Catania via trolley tour. The markets are the heart of the city, giving us another intimate glimpse of its people and their way of life.
We began our first unforgettable night in the quiet hills of Lajatico, the hometown of singer Andrea Bocelli, with an evening reception on the Terrace at Teatro del Silenzio, followed by a gala dinner under the Tuscan sky at the picturesque Tenuta Poggioncin estate. The warmth of the Bocelli family made us feel like old friends.
Following dinner, we moved to our VIP seats for a concert celebrating Andrea Bocelli’s 30-year career. The show’s superstar lineup featured Shania Twain, Sofia Vergara, David Foster, Katharine McPhee, Eros Ramazzotti, and more.
ALPEMARE BEACH CLUB
Day 8: Saturday, July 20
Following a relaxing day at the spa, where we had luxurious massages, we then joined Veronica Bocelli’s mother, Elena, for an intimate aperitivo and cocktail party at the hotel, accompanied by music from Cecille, Veronica Bocelli’s cousin.
That evening we experienced the beauty of Alpemare, the Bocelli family's luxurious beach resort in Forte dei Marmi, nestled along the coast of Versilia. Under the Tuscan moon, with breathtaking views of the Apuan Alps —and chandeliers hanging from giant giraffe figurines—family and friends of the Bocellis gathered for a special welcome party at Nobu, which is the on-site restaurant at the resort. We mingled with royalty and celebrities from around the world. It was a treat running into Carson Kressley, who we’ll see again in September as the host of the Miss’d America Pageant in Atlantic City!
Afterward, my friends from Italy and I felt like dancing, so we headed to the nightclub at Twiga. The Dom flowed, and we danced into the wee hours of the morning.
FORTE DEI MARMI
Day 9: Sunday, July 21
This was a very special day for Gianna, as her grandmother from Morocco and aunt took a four-hour train ride from Rome to meet up with us in Tuscany. Seeing her relatives from across the world meant a lot to Gianna, and it was extraordinary to catch up and spend time with them.
On our last night in Italy, we were invited to an evening in the opulent setting of Forte dei Marmi, Andrea Bocelli’s private villa along the picturesque coast. We joined the Bocelli family and a select group of guests and celebrities (with many of the performers from Friday’s concert, including Shania Twain, Sofia Vergara, David Foster, and Katharine McPhee) for an exclusive fundraising event that included an exquisite gourmet dinner, live musical performances by Maestro Bocelli and special guests, and more mingling with the stars!
What a way to end a trip of a lifetime.
Life is lived so passionately in Italy. I feel blessed that I was able to see my grandparents’ homeland for myself, and that Gianna had this amazing opportunity as well! Grazie mille to the Bocellis for being wonderful hosts, to AJ Mattia for arranging the Tuscany excursion, and to Joy for being our translator during an adventure that truly filled my soul!
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