This is the trip. The one you are always reminiscing about. The stories are endless. Visiting the secret beach and the darkest tunnel of my life. Attending a horse race that dates back centuries. My dad’s crown royal money pouch. The pickpocket who picked the wrong old man. I can’t believe it’s been four years since I visited Italy with my best friend, her family and my parents.
This trip started my love affair with Europe.
Two weeks in Italy Itinerary
I spent half this trip with my best friend and her family and the other half with my parents. The official itinerary was all over the place. Plus, I can’t remember how many nights we stayed where, so this is going to be different than my normal itinerary posts. Per usual, we took trains and buses everywhere.
Florence – Boboli Gardens, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, Florence Duomo – remember to wear shirts with sleeves and skirts or shorts that go to your knees, Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell’Accademia to see David. My parents bought the Firenze card, which granted you entrance into a lot of the tourist stops. They felt like it was a good deal.
Rome – Vespa tour around the city, eating gelato at Giolitti, Trevi Fountain, Vatican and museum tour – took a forbidden selfie with the Michelangelo masterpiece, Spanish steps, Pantheon
Siena – a cute little town in Tuscany. We only spent one day here, but I enjoyed exploring the city and watching the Palio, a centuries old horse race. Duomo di Siena is magnificent. We stumbled upon this restaurant that had a back patio with the most beautiful view. I hate that I didn’t write down the name.
Cinque Terre – We stayed in Manarola. Most people stay in Monterosso, but the iconic picture of Cinque Terre is actually taken in Manarola. We ended up adding an extra day here because it was so relaxing. It was also a nice to take a break from all the museums. The path down by the water was closed, so we walked the upper path between the towns. Dad and I ventured to a “secret” beach where we had to pay this random Italian family money to walk through a tunnel to get back to the train station. Go to Il Porticciolo and get the lobster, homemade orangecello, local wine and tiramisu. I didn’t even normally like tiramisu, but you have to try this one.
Lake Como – Ferry ride, Bellagio. We stayed one night here and it wasn’t my thing. You know you’re in a tourist town when everything is in English.
Milan – Sforza Castle – it event had a moat, Parco Sempione, Milan Duomo. Meh.
Things I would do differently
- Skip Lake Como – it’s just a tourist town.
- Skip Milan – Just a big city and didn’t really enjoy the food
- Go to Venice? I’ve heard lots of mixed reviews, but when we were there we kept meeting Americans that said you have to go to Venice.
- Be a better photographer – I took all my pictures on a Canon Rebel and the white balance was way off. So my Italy trip looks very blue.
- The Vatican and museum tour was cool, but not sure I’d want to do it again. Very crowded
Favorite Parts of the Trip
- Cinque Terre – The place I could visit over and over again.
- Drinking all the Italian wine
- Siena and the Il Palio
This is the life. Wine + Sun.