Is Italy as beautiful as everyone says it is? Absolutely, without a doubt. Just over a week ago, I returned from Italy, and the sheer beauty of the country has left me yearning for more. This marked my first trip to Europe, and I highly recommend visiting Italy if you haven't yet. Honestly, I recommend travelling in general – experiencing the world whenever possible. Some of my happiest moments in life occur when I'm travelling, evident in the huge grin captured in my photos. I'm sure many of you can relate.
As I currently sift through the photos from my trip, I reminisce about the fun memories and delectable food I enjoyed. Speaking of food, I indulged more than I care to admit – pizza, pasta (in copious amounts), gelato, arancini, and sandwiches made from Schiacciata, a traditional Tuscan bread. Surprisingly, if I had to pick a favourite, it was the cheese.
Our journey began in Rome, and seeing the Trevi Fountain in person was surreal. It's hard to put into words, but that first glimpse felt like witnessing a masterpiece in hyper-realistic detail — every nuance, every curve, just exquisite. Even in late October, the place was buzzing with tourists, yet I managed to capture a decent shot if I say so myself. Pro-tip: hit up the Trevi fountain at night for crowd-free pictures. Some of the best memories involved lounging in a piazza at night, munching on pizza or gelato, sipping a drink or two, and recounting the day with friends.
While in Florence, I took a pasta-making class and learned to prepare fresh pasta from scratch using a chitarra - a wooden device with strings that magically transform dough into noodles when rolled over with a pin. For fellow leather lovers like myself, Florence is a must - Roberta Firenze was our favourite shop, with classic and modern designs at fair prices. I purchased a gorgeous genuine leather purse and wished I had brought home more. From Florence, I took a day trip to the Chianti region for some world-class wine tastings amidst rolling vineyards and picture-perfect hills. Although I prefer Moscato, I enjoyed sampling Italy's most famous wines.
Our hotel in Venice surprised us with the most stunning view of the Rialto bridge, which I had not expected when requesting a "nice view". The scene was incredibly beautiful during the day but even more breathtaking at night when the bridge was all aglow. Of course, while in Venice, my friends and I couldn't resist a gondola ride, and even spotted one with an accordionist serenading his passengers.
Now, I’m no art buff, but seeing iconic landmarks and artworks up close and personal was mind-blowing. From the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the Sistine Chapel's ceiling and Michelangelo's David – which, by the way, is much larger than expected – each commanded attention. It was a privilege to witness these cultural icons firsthand. I find myself daydreaming about the day I can dive back into the wonders of Italy. Sooner rather than later, I hope. There's still so much more to see. But seriously, go witness its beauty for yourself.
I'm fortunate to have a friend who not only enjoys travel planning but excels at it as well. Without her, this trip might not have left the group chat. Let's face it – the intricacies of travel planning can be overwhelming. While some revel in the thrill of venturing into new territories, the practical aspects of planning can be daunting. If this resonates with you, rest assured that our experienced sales team and journey leaders at Craig Travel are here to guide you. Whether it's joining our Mediterranean Ancient Kingdoms voyage next year or letting our experts assist in planning jcraig [at] craigtravel.com (subject: I%20am%20Interested%20on%20Planning%20My%20Own%20Italian%20Getaway) (your own Italian getaway), you're in capable hands. With them taking care of the details, all that's left for you is to relish the journey.
