Our Italian Journey: Living our dream in Italy for one year

by Ilene Modica (Author, Narrator), Gary Modica (Author, Narrator)

Imagine living in Italy for one full year. This was always the dream and promise made to each other.

Ilene and Gary Modica sold almost everything they owned to spend a year in the land of Gary’s Italian grandparents, to walk where they walked, eat what they ate, and live in the shadow of history.

Few places evoke the stirring passions and romance of Italy, where the simple act of sharing a glass of wine, a perfect pizza, and good conversation is an art form. Be prepared to immerse yourself in this beautiful country and live vicariously through the couple's authentic encounters.

You’ll also discover:
How their dream and desire for a genuine experience with a true Italian family came unexpectedly true
How, through this journey, they eat and drink their year through Italy visiting eight regions and forty-six cities, including Sicilia and their new Italian birthplace.

Our Italian Journey is a travel memoir of an adventure that has forever changed the lives of this Arizona couple. Through experiences and humor, they invite you along their spellbinding journey, exploring quaint villages steeped in tradition and local culture. Come take a glimpse of Italy through the eyes of these new Italian citizens and experience firsthand the Italian zest for living “La Dolce Vita,” in this compelling read.

Genres: Italy, Memoir, Travel

Audiobook

Published November 17, 2023

About the author

Author of two memoirs, "Our Italian Journey" and "When Your Heart Finds Its Home."

Join them on this journey to finding and living their dream in Italy. Our first book is now available on Audible - we narrated it!

Both have been awarded Reader Ready Recommended Read Awards.


A new travel guidebook, "Tuscany Treasures- A Journey Through 31 Towns," is a guidebook but not in the traditional sense.

Uncover the hidden gems of Tuscany with this vibrant guidebook. From historic hill towns to coastal villages, discover 31 must-visit destinations with insider tips that include:
• Places to visit/ iconic attractions
• Town highlights
• A sprinkle of history
• Calendar of significant festivals and local traditions
• How to navigate and get there
• Authentic Tuscan cuisine and wine

This guide also includes tips for navigating Tuscany by train, seasonal travel advice, and a separate chapter for food and wine enthusiasts. It is the perfect companion for an unforgettable Tuscan adventure.

Towns come to life through woven personal stories, making this more than just a typical guide. We’ve combined practical knowledge with our love for Tuscany to help you plan a well-informed and deeply memorable trip. This guide is the perfect companion for an unforgettable Tuscan adventure – inviting you to explore Tuscany like a local.

Reviews

[Sandy McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable journey.

Although I have never visited Italy, I was immediately transported there through this wonderful memoir.
Ilene and her husband Gary obtain dual citizenship after a lengthy delay, and spend a year in Italy, living in various towns and cities. They travel by train, bus, bicycle and foot as they explore this wonderful country. I loved their descriptions of the food, the scenery, the people they met, and I spent a considerable amount of time googling some of the places they visited.
A very descriptive tour of Italy and it's neighbours.

[Julie Haigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable.

I've never been to Italy; (except a few hours in Vipiteno; on a day trip to Innsbruck, when on holiday in Austria); but some of my mum's neighbours were Italian. I can remember many gorgeous-tasing foods used to be brought around to our house for us to try. And my mum would be given some recipes, and sometimes go around to their home for a demo. So, when browsing on amazon, and I saw this new memoir pop up, with that amazing cover, and ‘Italian’ in the title-I knew I really wanted to read it. It's beautifully set out, with fancy title fonts, page curl animation, and page numbers. Extra little touches that add to the reading experience.

The book started with a chapter from Gary. It was well-written, easy to read, and engaging. Then Ilene took over. The alternating pattern continued with Gary and Ilene both telling us their story. I liked both sides equally. There are some books, memoir and fiction, where narrators have swapped over, and some I have been more eager for them to stop, and the other to pick up. This is not the case with this book. What a great job they've both done. A very enjoyable trip through Italy with this lovely couple.

This book is a bit different to the usual moving abroad and doing-it-up memoirs. In this one, Ilene and Gary have already visited Italy many times, they know they'd like to buy a home, or second home there. They tour around Italy for a year, getting the feel for where it's just right for them to settle.

Their first port of call is Rome. They spend a few months here, then they go on to stay in so many other places, such as: Sicily, Florence, Venice, Modena, Bologna, Tuscany, Sorrento, Naples, Umbria, Verona, Lake Como etc., and you feel you’re travelling along with them. They travel all over, and discuss various contenders for where they would want to live. They see the sights, sample the restaurants, go to a few operas, and have a wonderful time there. It’s hard being away from family, and friends, though.

Some Black & White photos are included within the narrative. I personally would have liked colour photos in the book- or mostly colour. I know this wouldn't make a difference for kindle e-ink readers-and is expensive to produce, but, for example, the beautiful flower picture would look so much more stunning in vibrant colour. Maybe there will be more pictures to see on their website and blog, so I’ll be taking a look there.

A really nice read, very enjoyable.

[Tammy Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to stay in a cave hotel like the Modica’s. What an adventure I had! I didn’t just listen to the book Ilene and Gary Modica read; I felt as if I were there with them in Italy. The wine, food, and tours were delightful. My favorite adventure was taking a boat into a cave with them, as we had to lie down to avoid hitting our heads. A girl can dream, can’t she? Who knows? Maybe the Modica’s will invite me on their next trip. They love making lifelong friends, and I’m rarely mean, so I think we’ll get along. But seriously, if you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Italy, you will pack your bags before you finish this book. It’s that good—especially the audiobook.

[Sylvia Valevicius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feeling a bit guilty not getting a review written sooner, but the pandemic turned everything upside down! I had been studying Italian for 6 months on an app; I had fantasies of travelling to Italy. Then I was thrilled to discover this book ( full of maps) by such a happy, adventurous couple - grown-ups!

Just want to say thank you to them for writing this book. Vicariously, I enjoyed their experiences - the places they stayed, the food and drinks they had inspired me! They include a great family background story. Their book is a great manual, reference for whatever miracles the future may hold. Wishing them the best, always! 5 star!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading their book. The words made me feel like we were back there. We have been to several of the same places and the descriptions were spot on. Traveling for a year is a dream for many and they did it. Great job! thanks for the travel escape during this time.

[Brigid Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

In pursuit of their dream of spending a year travelling through Italy, the authors describe the letting go of their home of 27 years, as well as most of their worldly possessions. A lengthier and more frustrating process of acquiring Italian citizenship spanned three long years.
Although they aimed to spend quality time based in several locations including Puglia, Florence, the Amalfi coast, Umbria and Verona, their pilgrimage to Gary's grandfather Sebastiano Modica's home town in Sicily, called Licodia Eubea is one of the highlights of their trip. Indeed, Gary is now the only Italian citizen in his family, and the emotion surrounding this milestone comes through in his writing.
I have enjoyed holidays in a number of the places they visited, but it did not lessen the enjoyment I derived from this delightful travel memoir. The couple include lots of travel tips, great places to eat, prices of train journeys, and other cultural activities...
"Our Italian Journey" is a great resource for would be travelers to Italy. I know I shall dip into it again and again.

[Andlandm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poorly written travelogue, lacked sufficient description/information. The seldom identified restaurants/hotels, and continually mentioned their blog. The idea of the year and the execution was what kept us reading.

[Deacon Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’ve traveled extensively to and throughout Italy and strongly desire to retire there if we can get it to work out. But, we’ve never spent an entire year there! This book, by the awesome Ilene and Gary Modica, enables you to travel right along with them through the twists and turns of traveling throughout Italy. I love how they make it clear that delays, cancellations, changes of plans, and disappointments are just a part of exploring this beautiful, special, lovely, wonderful, and amazing (I believe I hit the top five adjectives used in the book) culture, country, and her incredible people! It’s “the Italian way” so just get over yourself, get used to it, look for the silver lining in all experiences, and stop trying to insist upon the American (or any other country) experience, culture, and way of life. This all comes through loud and clear in the kindest, most instructive, gentle, and helpful way in the Modicas’ book. I tried my best to finish the book before heading to Lucca for our own month plus long adventure in Lucca, but planning and packing got in the way. I finished most of it on our flight (see pictures) and the last part after we arrived and got settled in our leased apartment in the famous Anfiteatro from where I am currently writing this review. Since I already know “the rest of the story,” I simply cannot wait to start reading their second book, “When Your Heart Finds Its Home,” that is presently lying next to me! Be sure to get it too. We can’t wait to meet this wonderful, inspiring, encouraging, and already very helpful couple while we are here in Lucca. Our daughter Victoria auditioned for and was accepted into the Opera Lucca program for more than a month, so we hope to have ample time to learn much more from our new, incredible friends!

[Margie Miklas · Rating 5 out of 5]

YOU HAD ME ON PAGE ONE!

The engaging travel memoir, “Our Italian Journey,” grabbed my attention from the start, and I immediately felt as if co-authors, Ilene and Gary Modica, were talking to me in my living room.

By the third chapter I had tears in my eyes, as I identified with Ilene’s emotions of joy. Writing from their hearts, Ilene and Gary reveal truths about themselves as they share their story detailing the struggles to obtain Italian citizenship and their experiences living a year in Italy. Their genuine love for each other shines throughout the pages, and their passion for Italy is unmistakable. I particularly was intrigued as they described attending an opera in Verona and the Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo.

Entertaining and informative, “Our Italian Journey” details numerous encounters as the authors travel throughout the country, and the stories triggered my own memories, especially driving the winding roads in Sicily. An unexpected and special treat were the black-and-white photos inside the book.

Having been a frequent traveler to this beautiful country, I realize that vacationing in Italy is far different from living in the country. I appreciate their humorous descriptions of the often-frustrating procedures involved in accomplishing what Americans view as simple tasks.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever visited Italy, wants to visit, or has Italian roots. I guarantee you will enjoy the talented storytelling of Ilene and Gary. A wealth of information, a great read, and thoroughly entertaining. Brava!

[bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Italian Journey is way more than a travel vlog—think of it as your ultimate survival guide for Italy, without the risk of jet lag or awkward hand gestures. My wife and I were prepping for our Italian adventure, armed with the usual Rick Steves gospel, when fate (and a mutual friend) handed us Ilene and Gary’s book.

This book? A treasure chest of street-smart tips—from riding trains like a pro (no accidental naps) to ordering house wine without causing a diplomatic incident. Sure, we still fumbled a bit on arrival—because when donning tourist hats, mistakes are fashion—but this book saved us from some serious facepalms.

It tours you through Italy’s highlights, the good, the bad, and the "oops, what just happened?" But honestly, we only met the 'good'—Italy’s so charming even the bad parts blush.

Dreaming of packing up and moving abroad? Scared stiff? Our Italian Journey takes the leap for you, offering all the thrill and none of the chaos, letting you live the wild expat life from your couch’s comfy kingdom.

Snag this book—not just for the solid survival tips but for the rollercoaster tale of a year in Italy, flowing smoother than a Vespa on a cobblestone street. And count me in for whatever Ilene and Gary publish next—if it’s about Italy, it’s a must-read!

[Linda Hawkswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delightful Travel Memoir

I love Italy and have been on various occasions so, for me, this was a delight to receive and read. Ilene and Gary take it in turns to relate their story, picking up where the other left off, I enjoyed it immensely.

After a long three-year ordeal, they obtain their dual citizenship and are in pursuit of their lifelong dream, spending a year travelling through Italy.

Having previously visited Italy many ties they decide to make Rome their first base where they spend a few months before staying in other places like Sicily, Venice, Tuscany, Naples, Sorrento. Travelling all over and trying to decide the best place to buy their Italian home. Part of their pilgrimage includes going to Gary's grandfather's home town Licodia Eubea in Sicily. Gary is now the only Italian citizen in his family, the emotions of this milestone show in his writing and is very moving. Throughout they describe the wonderful sights which bring back happy memories, not forgetting the delightful Italian food.

Their passion for each other and their beloved Italy shines throughout the book. I highly recommend reading this.

[Linda Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I learned that Ilene was from neighboring North Massapequa, and was also an Italophile, I had to contact her and order this book. In this time of non-travel, this is the perfect armchair companion. But it would serve as a wonderful guide if you were to bring it to Italy and follow in Ilene and Gary's footsteps when you're able. From the process of getting dual citizenship (which I am doing now, and believe me, it's not easy!) to finding Gary's family's village, to visiting such wonderful places throughout the country . . . this is a story for anybody who want to learn about what it's really like to travel and live in Italy. Train adventures, local markets, big cities, small cities, coastal cities -- it's all here. Congratulations on translating your experiences into an entertaining and lovely book. I hope the sequel tells all about where you finally settle and what the experience is like. Brava!

[Cristina B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Italian Journey by Gary and Ilene Blessing Modica is a delightful book of uprooting after 27 years, downsizing worldly possessions, and exchanging those for a wealth of experiences in the bargain.

Having lived for four years at the foothills of the Dolomites and then in Liguria, I was eager to open the pages of this book that would take me to parts unknown (to me!): Puglia, the Amalfi coast, Sicily, Umbria and Verona. I felt validated in how Gary and Ilene traversed through some of the same Italian bureaucratic labyrinths that we endured. One of the best ways to sink into another culture is to surrender to the clock and calendar of the place; the other way is to make friends along the way. Our Italian Journey is a beautiful travel memoir, pilgrimage, and a tremendous vacation for armchair travelers!

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the 1st book written by Ilene and Gary Modica discussing their travels through Italy while they were looking for a place to make a permanent residence. It is heartwarming and entertaining. The best part of this book comes after the fact. They now live in Lucca. Ilene and Gary have an active blog, which is fun to follow. They also welcome visitors. We recently met with them and they were warm and friendly -like visiting old friends in Italy! They gave us all the tips about where to dine with the locals, tricks on the train, neighborhood information and more! They really made us feel at home in Lucca! My suggestion is read the books, follow the blog, and get over to Italy where you will be enchanted! Many thanks to Ilene and Gary for making us feel at home❤️

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of a man's journey to fulfill a dream - to become an Italian citizen like his grandfather, and to be able to live for extended periods in his adopted homeland. It's also the story of his wife's dream to accompany him, and to learn to speak fluent Italian. Both Ilene and Gary write alternate chapters, and I enjoyed reading each person's experiences. The book starts with the extended visa journey, which took a long time! We then follow the couple through a year in Italy, traveling to different places as they decide where they would like to buy a second home. I enjoyed the descriptions of the places they visited, and look forward to finding out what happens next.

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to the Intro you immediately know that this story is going to be fun, amusing & so interesting. It’s a very detailed account of Ilene & Gary’s longed-for year in Italy. There are so many sights to see, & food & wine to savour. It’s a delight to join them on their journey. I enjoyed listening to the audio & following the train rides on Google maps, especially the excursions ‘elsewhere’!
Great ‘armchair travelling’! What an amazing time they had, with many wonderful experiences shared with new & old friends wherever they went. Onto Book 2
Thank you WLM & the authors for a complementary audio. I am writing an honest, voluntary review.

[Roxy Loyst]

Wonderful book and well written. Love the humour in it as well. You made me feel like I was actually there and your friends had become my friends. Is that weird...maybe. I feel like when I finally get to travel to Italy it will be comfortable to me as from your book I will recognize some of the towns and restaurants and events. Writing it by both of you was brilliant. Most of all I love your relationship with each other and how you can travel so well together. You are each others best friend. I encourage everyone to read this book. Thank you for the great read.
Roxanne
Ontario, Canada

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!
I landed in Rome on Thanksgiving 2021 and returned Jan 2022.
So I could really relate to the time of year in the book and I've been really missing Italy right now.
It was nice to hear the voices of Ilene and Gary. I also enjoyed hearing emotions and excitement shared during all of your adventures.
I was in Lucca just one night and really regret not spending more time there.
Looking forward to it on my next visit, in the meantime I hope to learn more via
the next book!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful book!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished our Italian journey and thoroughly enjoyed it. I felt that I was walking in their shoes though out Italy. I’ve been to Italy several times but did not visit some of the towns in the book. This provided me an opportunity to learn more about other towns in different regions. Visiting Italy long term has been on my radar lately so this book pinpointed some areas the authors found welcoming and top contenders. Waiting for their second book.

[Kathleen Van Lierop · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a truly wonderful journey! The authors took us - readers - to Italy.
It was very nice reading and following their adventures and I hope another
book will follow soon!

I certainly will recommend this book to people who like to read wonderful
travel memoirs.

Without no doubt, I give Italian Journey a 5 star rating!

I received a free copy (I'm sorry it took so long for this review) via the
loveliest group on Facebook: We Love Memoirs!

[Sharon Hayhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Italy, you will definitely love this book. Ilene and Gary share the writing, in this story of finding their own special town in Italy, so you get both of their perspective's on the towns that they visit throughout Italy. I loved getting a personal snapshot of each place they visited while trying to decide where they would like to purchase a place of their own. Thoroughly recommend this book, and I have already downloaded the next book.

[Vivienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm just a sucker for these kind of books! Even though there's nothing here of great literary merit, even though I often found Ilene somewhat irritating as a result of what felt to me to be her rather staid and sometimes intolerant views, just the idea of travelling through Italy for year, often visiting places I've enjoyed myself, is enough for me to have enjoyed this book and want to go on to read the sequel! If it's about travelling in Italy, I'm very likely to enjoy it! ****

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed your book—how great to be able to get your citizenship and even though you only spent a year there I know you will spend much more time there. My sister and I stayed in Trastevere and I went to work for a couple weeks in Sicily but I would have loved to spend 90 days with a rental car touring Italy—flying the countryside looked beautiful and how great you met several Americans and you were able to point them in great directions.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful! I loved reading all the places Gary and Ilene visited in Italy and also loved comparing our visits to many of the same towns and regions. It’s my favorite place to go! Being Italian myself it is a beautiful country where my Mom was born and I so loved listening to her talk about it!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! After getting their long awaited Italian citizenship Gary and Ilene take us on a wonderful tour of Italy visiting well known cities and not so well known towns. You really feel like you are there with them because of their very descriptive style of writing. Visiting Lake Como has always been on my bucket list, now I really, really want to go!

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book and the Blog. By reading this book I felt like I was right there with Ilene and Gary. Great Descriptions of the places they visited. I also encourage people to follow their Blog. Very Heartwarming and definetely makes me want to make a trip back to Italy in the near future!

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and educational

My wife and I love Italy and are thinking having a 2nd home there. The book was not only an entertaining read, but also helped provide helpful information. A journey well worth exploring.

[Mark Hinshaw]

It seems that every other American who visits Italy as a tourist returns “transformed” and feels that they must share their experiences with the world. This gushing used to be done in the form of turgid novels. Now it happens via turgid blogs. A couple spends a year traipsing all over the country, skimming the surface of some cities and towns, and then relates every moment of every day, at length, as if it were a revelation.
This book reads like a personal diary, without any sharp-penned editorial scrutiny -- not unlike a lengthy research paper released without peer review. There are some good stories within it, but they are buried inside overly long, tedious prose, broken occasionally by an uncaptioned photo. This is most definitely NOT a book about discovering Italian culture, which varies greatly by region. Rather, it’s a travelogue about being tourists for twelve months.
As a tourist, there is no need to learn how to fix a washing machine, get a loan from a bank, pass a driving test, or get along with neighbors. Basking in charming lodgings and eating yummy food every day offer few real life lessons. Finally, knowing that one is going to be in another country for a year and not bothering to learn basic language skills is flat-out presumptuous.
There are many good books about spending time in Italy. Unfortunately, this is not one of them.

[Good Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do not recommend. This author is so desperate and unpopular that she had to post her book as an "ad" in between the books of other authors who are popular.

[Sandy Frykholm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read, following Ilene and Gary as they travel through several regions of Italy, making friends and trying to decide what part of Italy would make a good 'home base' for them.