A Whirlwind Adventure Through Italy

The journey begins: a taste of Paris

June 27th marked the start of my European summer as I left JFK airport with a quick layover in Paris. Naturally, I couldn't resist grabbing some macaroons during my stop. Sweet treats in hand, I eagerly awaited my flight to Milan.

Milan: Fashion, Culture, and a Little Rest

I landed in Milan on June 28th. The first thing we did was explore the city, stumbling upon the stunning Duomo di milano and its nearby shopping plaza filled with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, Dior, and Prada.

Unfortunately, I caught a cold, which confined me to bed for a day. Thanks to a kind pharmacist and some quick-relief medicine, I was up and ready for dinner at a beautiful restaurant in Port Nuova.

June 30th was a highlight as we took a day trip to Lake Como, visiting the charming town of Varenna. The colorful buildings and picturesque views were breathtaking, making it a perfect day of exploration.

Florence: Love at first sight

From Milan, we traveled to Florence, and I fell in love instantly. Our first night was spent wandering around the area of our Airbnb, soaking in the city's beauty. We made a quick "girl dinner" from a local supermarket and explored the city at night. The Duomo at night? Absolutely spectacular.

The next day, we took an early morning trip to spend the day in Venice. Despite some apprehension from social media rumors about Venice sinking, the city was as enchanting as ever. We enjoyed a gondola ride and had a quick bite at Coffee Florian in St. Mark's Square.

Back in Florence, I was on a mission to see the Statue of David. After standing in the scorching sun and wandering the museum, I finally saw it- and it was mesmerizing.

I also met up with a family friend in Piazza Santa Croce, enjoyed aperitivos, and watched the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. The views were stunning, and the atmosphere was electric.

We spent the next day on an all-day tour, starting in Siena and then heading to Tuscany. We visited Casa De Emma vineyard for a delightful food and wine tasting surrounded by beautiful views. We ended the tour in San Gimignano, where I tasted the most delicious truffle.

Rome: A Historical marvel

Our next stop was Rome. The first night, we enjoyed a great dinner with a view that made the experience unforgettable.

We spend the first full day exploring the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna, and the National Roman Museum.

The second day was dedicated to Vatican City. Despite the hassle of getting in, St. Peter's Basilica was awe-inspiring, and I felt a true sense of calm sitting among people in prayer.

Capri: island paradise

From Rome, we traveled to Capri. Besides Florence and Tuscany, Capri was a favorite. The island's steep terrain means you either take a taxi, bus, or walk up many hills to your accommodation. The view, however, was totally worth it.

We spent out days exploring the island by boat and soaking up the sun. Dinner at the lemon- themed Ristorante de Paolina was a highlight, made even more exciting when Kris Jenner walked in!

Sorrento: coastal beauty

Our final stop was Sorrento. While similar to Capri, there was something about Capri I did prefer more. Exploring Sorrento, I found amazing shops, views, and restaurants. An 8-hour boat tour around Sorrento and its surrounding islands, though long, was filled with beautiful views and blue skies.

Homeward bound

The trip was a total of 21 days, and getting back to the US wasn't easy with delays and an unexpected overnight stay in Paris. Despite being ready to go home, I now long to be back in Italy, surrounded by blue skies, clear waters, great food and drinks, amazing art and culture, and the calmness of European streets.

If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend visiting these beautiful locations for an unforgettable experience!