Listen to “284. From Dream to Reality: A Solo Adventure in the Heart of Italy” on Spreaker.
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A lifelong dream to visit Italy finally came true for an Aussie solo traveler last year – and she loved it so much, she returned for more. This time, her journey took an unforgettable turn on a group tour to Umbria, where a visit to Spello’s famous flower festival led to a dreamlike, once-in-a-lifetime experience she never saw coming.
Summary
In this episode, solo traveler Rebel shares her love for exploring Italy both on her own and as a guest on our Untold Italy small group tours. Since she was young, Rebel had dreamt of visiting Italy but of doing it on her own terms. With her family growing up, she was able to take the opportunity to visit last year and only fell deeper in love, returning again this summer. Her latest adventure took her to the charming town of Spello in Umbria for its famous flower festival – an experience that turned out to be far more magical than she imagined. Rebel’s story is a reminder of the beauty that awaits when you follow curiosity and say yes to the unexpected.
What you'll learn in this episode
- Rebel grew up surrounded by Italian culture in Melbourne, which sparked a lifelong fascination with Italy and its way of life
- She longed for authentic Italian family experiences that went beyond sightseeing – moments filled with tradition, warmth, and connection
- With her children grown and more time to herself, she finally felt the freedom to embark on her first solo journey to Italy
- Her past travel had mostly been work-related or with family, and never quite aligned with the immersive Italian adventure she envisioned
- She chose to travel alone to avoid guilt or compromise, determined to experience Italy entirely on her own terms
- Rebel threw herself into planning, using travel guides, spreadsheets, and long sessions with travel podcasts to map out her dream trip
- She discovered the Untold Italy podcast, which became a major influence on her itinerary, helping her balance iconic sites with lesser-known towns
- Inspired by the podcast, she confidently booked accommodations, planned train travel, and followed tips that helped her navigate Italy smoothly as a first-time solo traveler
- Despite early nerves, Rebel found navigating Italy on her own empowering, thanks to helpful locals and smart safety strategies
- Although hesitant at first, she decided to join a small group tour in Piedmont – drawn by the promise of authentic experiences and downtime
- One of the most emotional highlights came in Umbria, where a lifelong dream to witness the Flower Festival turned into a hands-on, behind-the-scenes experience with a local team
- She was deeply moved by the sense of community and belonging, as she worked side by side with locals creating intricate floral art overnight
- The group tour offered a perfect mix of structure and freedom, where she quickly bonded with fellow travelers over shared interests and easy camaraderie
- As someone with celiac disease, Rebel was amazed by how well Italy caters to gluten-free travelers, from safe restaurant practices to hands-on cooking classes with traditional dishes
- She left Italy filled with gratitude – not just for the places she saw, but for the kindness of the people, the joy of shared experiences, and the fulfillment of a long-held dream
Timeline Overview
- 03:50 Rebel finally embarked on her solo adventure last year – with slow travel plans through Italy
- 07:20 She had hesitations about joining a tour group, but she enjoyed it so much, she signed up for the next year
- 12:15 Listening to podcasts for travel ideas, she shaped her itinerary differently – making things slower and honing in on areas
- 19:03 Feelings of safety and troublesome trip mistakes
- 20:39 Rebel's dream of visiting the Umbrian flower festival is made possible
- 29:09 An unexpected twist means Rebel is more welcomed and involved in the festival than she'd expected
- 40:24 Untold Italy's group tours' thoughtful itineraries and food accommodations
- 43:26 Italy's unexpectedly fantastic gluten-free options
- 47:09 The surprise joys Rebel got from her group tour experiences
About our guest – Rebel Nelson
Rebel is a mother of three boys from Melbourne with a passion for Italy, nurtured by her upbringing among Italian neighbors. She has a strong desire for independence and exploration, taking solo trips to Italy. Her love for Italy started in her neighborhood and grew with her travel adventures in the country, especially in less touristic areas. Her participation in Italian cultural events like the Flower Festival highlights her enthusiasm for authentic experiences.
Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned
Places
- Bolzano – city in South Tyrol, near the border with Austria and the capital of Alto Adige
- Weingut Dona winery – the winery where Rebel stayed, having heard about it on