Can you imagine living in Italy for one full year? This was the dream. That was the promise.

After a rollercoaster ride of three years to obtain Italian citizenship, Ilene and Gary achieved their goal. During 2019, they packed up, leaving family and friends to live this dream in Italy.

This is their travel memoir and personal adventure, which has changed their lives forever. In Our Italian Journey, you will discover and share their desire for a genuine Italian experience with a family and how this dream came true. Enjoy their stories and witty insights about new Italian friendships, reconnecting with old friends, meeting up with subscribers to their blog, and the countless experiences through the various towns they stayed in and explored.

In Our Italian Journey, Ilene and Gary provide you with an entertaining look at life in Italy. A journey with a bit of history, tradition, and culture that is written from their hearts. Experience and appreciate Italy’s charm and appeal while joining in the laughter as they also divulge the trials and tribulations they encountered along the way. Through this journey, they eat and drink their year through Italy, visiting eight regions and 46 cities, including Sicily and Licodia Eubea, their new Italian birthplace. They obtained their Italian birth and marriage certificates during their adventure in Sicily.

Their debut, writing this book together as their journey unfolded in 2019, was a step outside of their comfort zone and a new venture for them. Ilene and Gary invite you to take a glimpse of Italy through the eyes of locals and their pride as new Italian citizens.
Our Italian Journey would make a great “Italy Read” before an upcoming visit to Italy or for someone who enjoys Italian culture and would like to experience it firsthand with this couple.

Set off on a captivating journey through Tuscany with "Your Personal Guide to 31 Tuscan Towns - With a Twist."

This isn't just a guidebook; it's your passport to experience the soul of Italy. Discover each town's charm through iconic sights, historical narratives, and heartfelt personal stories that illuminate the essence of Tuscan life. With recommendations on where to enjoy authentic cuisine and sample the finest wines, you'll savor every bite and sip.

We've highlighted lively festivals in each town to serene seasonal experiences. This guide helps you navigate the region with ease, complete with practical tips for getting around by train. Prepare to wander medieval streets, indulge in local delicacies, and create unforgettable memories as you explore Tuscany like a true insider.

Andiamo—your adventure begins now!

When Your Heart Finds Its Home by Ilene and Gary Modica is more than a travel memoir—it’s an invitation to live, breathe, and feel Italy through the eyes of two passionate travelers who found themselves enchanted by its landscapes, people, and culture.

Picking up where Our Italian Journey left off, this book takes you deeper into the heart of Tuscany and beyond. It can also stand on its own, so even if you haven’t read the first book, you’ll still enjoy a complete journey into the beauty, charm, and soul of Italy. Ilene and Gary share their adventures in charming villages, bustling towns, and hidden corners that many travelers miss, all while reflecting on the transformative experience of embracing a new life in a foreign country.

Through vivid descriptions, heartfelt storytelling, and a touch of humor, the Modicas capture the warmth of local communities, the richness of Italian traditions, and the simple pleasures of daily life—from sharing meals with friends to wandering through sunlit piazzas. Readers will feel as if they are strolling alongside them, discovering the beauty and soul of Italy one town at a time.

More than just a travelogue, When Your Heart Finds Its Home is a story of self-discovery, connection, and the courage to follow your dreams. It’s a celebration of slowing down, savoring life, and finding a place that feels truly like home. Perfect for lovers of travel, culture, and heartfelt memoirs, this book will transport you straight to the rolling hills, historic streets, and vibrant communities of Italy.