Italy, a country rich with art, culture, and history is a dream destination for travelers. A couple years ago, I had the privilege of going on a 15-day adventure through some of Italy’s most iconic cities and scenic coastlines with my mom. My grandparents are from Italy, so this trip was special to me in more ways than one because I got to see where my family came from. And if you enjoy traveling, Italy is always a bucket list item, right? Each destination offered unique experiences that left a mark on my heart.

Milan – Our adventure began in Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, where sleek modern looks seamlessly blend with timeless elegance. We marveled at the intricate Gothic architecture of the Duomo di Milano while having dinner overlooking the city center. Wandering through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Venice – We took a day excursion over to Venice – A city unlike any other. Where canals and historic palaces create an atmosphere of timeless romance. Even though the rain never let up, we set off on a gondola ride along the Grand Canal, admiring the architecture of all the buildings we floated by and the marvels of St. Mark’s Square. One of my favorite memories? Listening to the gondolier sing “I’m singing in the rain” as we floated down the canal.

Hotel:

c-Hotels hotel Atlantic

https://c-hotels-atlantic-milan.h-rez.com/

Our excursion to Venice:

Zani Viaggi Fit

https://www.zaniviaggi.com/tour-type/day_trip_from_milan/

 

Florence – Next, we made our way to Florence, where art and culture flourish at every turn. We stood in awe before Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery, explored the vast collections of the Uffizi Gallery, and climbed to the top of the iconic Duomo for panoramic views of the city. In between visits to historic landmarks like the Ponte Vecchio and the Palazzo Pitti, we sampled decadent gelato and dined on traditional Tuscan cuisine in cozy trattorias.

Hotel:

Hotel Orafi

https://www.hoteldegliorafi.it

Caf Tour & Trave

https://www.caftours.com

Tour:

This isn’t the exact link but this was the itinerary we followed:

Segway Firenze – Easy Entrance Palazzo, Vecchio Underground Museum and Tower Tour

https://www.viator.com/tours/Florence/Palazzo-Vecchio-Tour-with-Visits-to-the-Arnolfo-Tower-and-Underground-Level/d519-3092P44

 

Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast – Leaving the art-filled streets of Florence behind, we headed south to the sun-drenched shores of Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. We explored the charming streets of Sorrento, with its lemon groves (so many lemons!) and beautiful views of the Bay of Naples. We went sightseeing around Sorrento before venturing along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. We visited the pastel-hued villages of Positano and Amalfi. The tiny shops that offered up delicious scents of mouth-watering pastries. Each day brought new adventures and vistas that left us awe inspired.

Hotel:

This was by far my favorite hotel of the trip. The staff was beyond welcoming and helped us plan daily activities when our planned ones got cancelled.

Grand Hotel La Favorita

https://www.hotellafavorita.com/en

Rome – Our journey concluded in Rome, the eternal city, where ancient history and modern life blend. We explored the iconic landmarks of the Colosseum and the Pantheon – marveling at how old these landmarks where. We wandered through the streets, eating mouthwatering pasta dishes and pizza. We even tossed coins into the Trevi Fountain to ensure our return to this magnificent city.

Hotel:

This hotel was very modernized. I wish we would have stayed at something more boutique like but was still nice.

Grand Hotel Palatino

https://www.hotelpalatinoroma.com

Tours:

Context Travel

Sightseeing & Activities Context: Private Walking Tour: Vatican Tour

https://www.contexttravel.com

Segway Firenze

Sightseeing & Activities: Skip the line easy entrance Colosseum and Vittoriano

This isn’t the exact link but this was the itinerary we followed:

Colosseum Tours

 

As our 15-day adventure through Italy came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel an extreme sense of gratitude for the memories we had created and the experiences we had shared. Each destination offered its own unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Italy had captured my heart in more ways than I could have imagined, leaving me eager to return (I did and I’ll write about that soon too!) and explore even more of its wonders in the future.

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