Falling in Love with Discovery: My Journey into Tourism, Art and Zest Italy Tours

If someone had told twelve-year-old me that one day I would be working in tourism, surrounded by art, history and people from all over the world, I probably would have smiled and gone back to decorating my bedroom walls.

Not with posters of singers or movie stars, though.

Instead, my room became a rather unusual gallery of masterpieces. After learning about art history in middle school, I started printing and hanging reproductions of the paintings that had captured my imagination the most. While many of my friends had celebrities watching over them from their bedroom walls, I had Caravaggio, Botticelli and Michelangelo. Looking back, perhaps that should have been my first clue that art would always hold a special place in my heart.

Those years also marked the beginning of another passion: discovering the world.

What fascinated me most was not only visiting new places but also meeting the people who lived there. I have always been curious about different cultures, traditions and ways of life. Every conversation with someone from another country felt like opening a window onto a completely new perspective. Diversity, to me, has never been something that separates us; it is something that enriches us.

This curiosity eventually led me to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Sciences at Sapienza University of Rome, which I completed on April 17th, 2026.

One of the aspects I appreciated most about this degree was its multidisciplinary nature. Tourism is much more than travel: it is a meeting point between cultures, economies, histories and people.

Throughout my studies, I explored subjects that ranged from social media marketing and sociology to anthropology, geography, art history, archaeology, economics and law.

At times, the variety of disciplines challenged me. One day I was analyzing consumer behavior and the next I was studying ancient civilizations or legal frameworks. Yet this constant shift taught me something invaluable: adaptability. I learned how to approach different topics with the right mindset, language and perspective, developing a flexibility that has become one of my greatest strengths.

And then, shortly after completing my studies, a new chapter began.

I joined Zest Italy Tours.

Although I have only been part of the team for a short time, the experiences I have already had have been extraordinary. They have reminded me why I chose tourism in the first place and have deepened my appreciation for Italy’s cultural heritage in ways I never expected.

One of the most memorable moments was standing before Caravaggio’s Madonna dei Pellegrini, housed in the Cavalletti Chapel inside the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Rome. I had seen images of the painting before, of course. But seeing a masterpiece in person is an entirely different experience.

There is something almost impossible to describe about Caravaggio’s use of light and shadow. The painting seems alive. The figures emerge from darkness with such intensity that they feel present, almost tangible. As I stood there, I found myself drawn not only to the technical mastery of the work but also to its emotional power. The contrast between light and darkness creates a dialogue that captures the viewer’s attention and refuses to let go.

It is one thing to study a painting in a textbook.

It is another to stand a few feet away from it and feel its presence.

Yet what happened next made the experience even more remarkable.

Through Zest, I had the incredible opportunity to meet the professionals who worked directly on the restoration of this very masterpiece.

As someone who has loved art for as long as I can remember, this felt almost surreal.

Restoration is one of those worlds that many people rarely get the chance to see. We admire artworks in museums, churches and galleries, often forgetting the immense dedication required to preserve them for future generations. Meeting the experts responsible for this delicate work revealed an entirely new dimension of art to me.

Even more exciting was the opportunity to enter their workshop.

Watching restorers at work was fascinating.

Every movement seemed precise, patient and deeply respectful of the artwork before them. The concentration, expertise and care required for each intervention were extraordinary. It felt as though I was witnessing a conversation across centuries, a dialogue between contemporary professionals and the artists who created these masterpieces hundreds of years ago.

For anyone who loves art, it is an unforgettable experience.

But honestly, I believe it would captivate anyone.

There is something universally moving about seeing people dedicate themselves to preserving beauty, history and culture. It is a profession that combines science, craftsmanship, knowledge and passion in a way that is truly unique.

Another experience that left a lasting impression on me was joining our guide Giuliano for a tour through Rome.

I was born and raised in this city. Like many Romans, I sometimes take for granted the extraordinary heritage that surrounds me every day. Yet Rome has a remarkable ability to surprise even those who have known it their entire lives.

During the tour, we explored some of the city’s most iconic sites: the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Gladiator Arena inside the Colosseum, the Orange Garden, the Basilica of Santa Sabina, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

Walking through these places alongside someone capable of bringing their stories to life transformed the experience entirely.

History ceased to be a collection of dates and events. It became a living narrative.

At the Roman Forum, I imagined the bustling heart of an empire that once shaped much of the known world. Standing atop Palatine Hill, I reflected on the countless generations that have looked out over the same landscape. Inside the Colosseum, I found myself picturing the emotions, anticipation and spectacle that once filled the arena.

Then came the quieter moments.

The Orange Garden offered a peaceful pause above the city, while Santa Sabina revealed a side of Rome that many visitors overlook. At the Pantheon, I once again felt that familiar sense of wonder that accompanies true architectural genius. And in Piazza Navona, surrounded by art, movement and life, I was reminded of why Rome continues to enchant millions of people every year.

What struck me most throughout the day was a realization that tourism is not simply about visiting places.

It is about creating connections.

It is about helping people understand the stories behind what they see.

It is about transforming monuments into memories.

This is precisely what I have come to admire about Zest Italy Tours.

From my very first days with the company, I have been welcomed by a team whose professionalism, expertise and passion are evident in everything they do. Every member of the team shares a genuine commitment to creating meaningful experiences for travelers, experiences that go beyond sightseeing and become opportunities for discovery.

Zest does not simply organize tours.

It creates encounters with art, history, culture, traditions and people. Whether it is exploring hidden corners of Rome, discovering the secrets behind a masterpiece or gaining access to experiences that reveal a deeper understanding of Italy, the goal is always the same: helping visitors connect with the authentic soul of this country.

For someone like me, who has always loved learning, exploring and meeting people from different backgrounds, becoming part of this journey is both a privilege and an inspiration.

Only a few months have passed since I joined Zest, yet I have already learned so much.

Most importantly, I have been reminded that curiosity is one of life’s greatest gifts.

It is what led twelve-year-old me to fill a bedroom with art prints.

It is what guided me through my studies.

And it is what continues to inspire me every day as I begin this exciting adventure with Zest Italy Tours.

I cannot wait to discover what comes next.

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