Ciao Bella! It’s time to head to Italia!
You’ve finally earned your vacation days. It’s time to bust out the champagne and jump on a jet to Italy! In this trip guide, prepare to dine at the most delectable places, explore a few historical sites and make unforgettable memories!
First stop — the Amalfi Coast. Prepare to be hypnotized by the cascading cliffs, pastel homes and turquoise water. You’ll want to Instagram every second of your trip, but make sure to take in the view first. Your best travel option is to join a bus tour. This way, you’ll be able to relax as you meander up and down the winding, rocky roads.
With each mile up to cliff, the road will get steeper and narrower, yet the bus will continue to go faster. Our recommendation — don’t look down! After the bus stops, slip off your sneakers and slide into a swimsuit because you’re going cliff diving. Be careful, some cliffs are as high as 50 feet tall!
Three, two, one — jump! Once you hit the ocean water, it will feel like landing in a hot tub, instantly relaxing your muscles. Since the adrenaline rush will have your neurons firing, you should be amped up enough to swim to the mountain’s naturally-carved caves.
When on the hunt for a cave, make sure to venture out only when the tide isn’t strong; you don’t want to risk getting caught inside a cave and having to swim out. After all, risking death before experiencing all that Italy has to offer is certainly not ideal.
After a long day, it’s time to rest up at the Santa Caterina Hotel. Order room service and watch the sunset from the balcony with a bottle of Merlot — you’ll be able to see all the sites you visited during the day, now blanketed in a burning orange-pink glow.
Buongiorno! That’s the only Italian you’ll need to know on this beautiful morning. Now that you’ve fed your wild side, it’s time to stimulate your mind and fly into the heart of Roma. Try to catch the earliest flight so that you’re able to enjoy the entire city by day. Once you land, you must hit La Bruschetta and pig out on gnocchi, pizza and a house red wine.
Meet up with a tour guide at the Trevi Fountain. Board a bus and head to a classic Roman church. As you walk into the cathedral, the Neoclassical art will pull you out of the present and transport you into the past. Check out the semi-precious stones set into the floor! When heading down a flight of stairs, the stone-cold walls will show scenes of people who lived right where you now stand. Don’t be spooked when you feel a whisper of cold air. As much as you might believe in the supernatural, there are no ghosts here — or are there?
Now that you’ve had your fill of renaissance education, it’s time to get to know Rome’s nightlife. Check out Shari Vari and get ready to dance the night away! Enjoy a shot of Limoncello — one of Italy’s most renowned drinks. But don’t stay out too late, there is still plenty to see tomorrow.
As you awaken to faint Italian chatter and the aroma of espresso, your stomach will begin to growl. Stroll over to brunch on a terrace overlooking Rome. While enjoying a flakey pastry, get ready to take a trip to Venice — it’s gondola time.
In Venice, rent a gondola and glide through the mysterious, romantic canals. Let the sounds of the street music mingle with your emotions and live out the most fabulous scene in your own personal movie.
As you continue to explore Venice, put on your fanciest clothes and spend a few hours at Saint Mark’s Florence Opera. The songs will calm you so much that you won’t be able to help falling into a deep sleep at the Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia. Once your head hits the refreshing jelly-foam pillow, slide into the silky sheets, close your eyes and hold onto that melody as it takes you into a deep sleep.
Unfortunately, your trip has come to a close. Heading back home to the U.S. will be hard. Although Italy’s beauty and magic will forever hold a place in your heart, there are still many more places to see. Hold on for the ride — we’ve only just begun!
words & photo_madelyn werder