From Italy to the Alps: How I Fell in Love with Switzerland

I was born in Rome, Italy (yes, the eternal city - how could anyone not love it?). But funny enough, there’s one country that stole my heart even more: Switzerland, the place I now get to call home.

A Journey of Discovery

How did that happen? Well, it’s been quite the journey! I grew up in a diplomatic family, moving from country to country. I learned to adapt and soak up each culture along the way. Later, I became a lawyer in the U.S. - yep, long hours, desk job, the whole package.

Then my two beautiful kids came along, and suddenly my world shifted. I started walking more, getting outside, craving a healthier balance. It hit me one day: why was I spending 10 hours a day chained to a desk when life outside felt so much richer?

Fast forward a little and you’d find me in Miami Beach, teaching yoga and diving into the world of energy and spirituality. A far cry from lawyering, right? But that chapter helped me reconnect with nature, movement, and the joy of simply being.

The Move to Switzerland

Then came 2019 - and a move to Switzerland. I started exploring the country little by little, one trail at a time. And wow! The landscapes blew me away, of course, but so did the traditions, the stories, and the warmth of the people. I was hooked!

I began leading yoga & hiking retreats in the Swiss Alps, blending adventure with grounding practices. Guests always left smiling, with full hearts and beautiful memories - and I realized mine was full too. That’s when I knew I’d found something special.

Creating Unique Experiences

From there, things just snowballed. I created a niche for myself in travel - combining sightseeing, hiking, and off-the-beaten-path adventures into experiences that are fun, active, and unexpected. The idea for Zurich Urban Hikes came naturally. After all, I walk everywhere (seriously, my step count never drops below 20,000 a day). Why not turn city walks into mini-hikes?

It started simple, but over time - with lots of feedback from guests - the trails evolved. Some even grew into themed adventures (like my Chocolate Hike: The Sweet One 🍫). And yes, more and more people proudly join “Team Stairs” instead of taking the elevator!

What Makes These Tours Special?

What makes these tours different? They’re not about trudging through endless churches or memorizing dates you’ll forget tomorrow. They’re about moving, laughing, discovering secret corners, catching surprise views of iconic landmarks, and hearing the stories that bring Zurich to life. And as a bonus - you’ll rack up your daily steps without even noticing.

Another thing I really love about these tours is how completely sustainable they are. They run on nothing but good old human energy - which feels amazing when you think about our footprint. Even when we hop on public transport, most of it in Switzerland is powered by clean hydroelectric energy. Pretty cool, right?

The Joy of Movement

In short, movement really is the best medicine for the body, and adventure keeps us young at heart! That's why turning city streets into our very own trails is so rewarding.

At the end of the day, I’m a people person. I love connecting with travelers, sharing my passion, and creating moments that make Switzerland unforgettable.

So, I hope to welcome you here soon. Until then - keep moving, keep exploring, and keep that curiosity alive.

See you in Zürich,

Giada