Jillian Emory
She/HerBased in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
English, Italian
Jillian Emory
Ask me about
My Story
After my first trip to Italy at the age of 16 with my high school class, I came to understand how life-changing travel can be, and it’s my goal to help others have similar experiences! While I’m happy to share my knowledge across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, my expertise really lies in all things Italy—from city adventures to relaxing beach getaways. My passion for Italy has been cultivated over 20+ years of learning the language, studying abroad, and working in the country, and I’m excited to share that passion with you.
Travel Style
I focus on Italy so that I can give you the same travel experience I would give myself. My recommendations and itineraries are based off of years of personal experience on the ground, as well as things I’ve learned from others along the way. I especially value must-see sightseeing, food and wine experiences, and comfortable accommodations.
Travel ideas (2)

Top Spots for Pasta all’Amatriciana in Rome
Like many others, Rome was the first city in Italy I ever visited, and it’s only become sweeter to me in every visit since that first one over fifteen years ago. I’ll never get over the juxtaposition of stepping out of the modern subway system to face the ancient Roman Colosseum head-on. But what I love even more than Rome’s old-meets-new vibe is its pastas—four of them in particular that the city is known for. This guide is a love letter to my favorite one, pasta all’amatriciana, a sauce made with tomatoes, guanciale, and pecorino cheese.

Top Spots for Pasta all’Amatriciana in Rome
Like many others, Rome was the first city in Italy I ever visited, and it’s only become sweeter to me in every visit since that first one over fifteen years ago. I’ll never get over the juxtaposition of stepping out of the modern subway system to face the ancient Roman Colosseum head-on. But what I love even more than Rome’s old-meets-new vibe is its pastas—four of them in particular that the city is known for. This guide is a love letter to my favorite one, pasta all’amatriciana, a sauce made with tomatoes, guanciale, and pecorino cheese.

4 Days for First-Timers in Florence, Italy: Art, History, Wine & More
Florence is my favorite city in Italy and reminds me of all the things I love most about my home city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—it’s small enough to see in just a few days on foot, full of historic monuments and moments that set the foundation for the rest of the country, and home to an amazing food scene. The city’s magic can be felt in all corners, but perhaps most strongly while overlooking the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio at sunset with a gelato in hand. As the city where my husband proposed, Florence will always hold a special place in my heart.

4 Days for First-Timers in Florence, Italy: Art, History, Wine & More
Florence is my favorite city in Italy and reminds me of all the things I love most about my home city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—it’s small enough to see in just a few days on foot, full of historic monuments and moments that set the foundation for the rest of the country, and home to an amazing food scene. The city’s magic can be felt in all corners, but perhaps most strongly while overlooking the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio at sunset with a gelato in hand. As the city where my husband proposed, Florence will always hold a special place in my heart.

Top Spots for Pasta all’Amatriciana in Rome
Like many others, Rome was the first city in Italy I ever visited, and it’s only become sweeter to me in every visit since that first one over fifteen years ago. I’ll never get over the juxtaposition of stepping out of the modern subway system to face the ancient Roman Colosseum head-on. But what I love even more than Rome’s old-meets-new vibe is its pastas—four of them in particular that the city is known for. This guide is a love letter to my favorite one, pasta all’amatriciana, a sauce made with tomatoes, guanciale, and pecorino cheese.

Top Spots for Pasta all’Amatriciana in Rome
Like many others, Rome was the first city in Italy I ever visited, and it’s only become sweeter to me in every visit since that first one over fifteen years ago. I’ll never get over the juxtaposition of stepping out of the modern subway system to face the ancient Roman Colosseum head-on. But what I love even more than Rome’s old-meets-new vibe is its pastas—four of them in particular that the city is known for. This guide is a love letter to my favorite one, pasta all’amatriciana, a sauce made with tomatoes, guanciale, and pecorino cheese.

4 Days for First-Timers in Florence, Italy: Art, History, Wine & More
Florence is my favorite city in Italy and reminds me of all the things I love most about my home city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—it’s small enough to see in just a few days on foot, full of historic monuments and moments that set the foundation for the rest of the country, and home to an amazing food scene. The city’s magic can be felt in all corners, but perhaps most strongly while overlooking the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio at sunset with a gelato in hand. As the city where my husband proposed, Florence will always hold a special place in my heart.

4 Days for First-Timers in Florence, Italy: Art, History, Wine & More
Florence is my favorite city in Italy and reminds me of all the things I love most about my home city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—it’s small enough to see in just a few days on foot, full of historic monuments and moments that set the foundation for the rest of the country, and home to an amazing food scene. The city’s magic can be felt in all corners, but perhaps most strongly while overlooking the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio at sunset with a gelato in hand. As the city where my husband proposed, Florence will always hold a special place in my heart.
