Our Experience

Arriving in Venice: A Grand Welcome

After a scenic three-hour train ride, we finally arrived in Venice, Italy. The moment we stepped out of Santa Lucia Station, we were greeted by the stunning Venetian Lagoon and the Grand Canal. Water taxis and the famous vaporetto (water bus) were lined up, ready to transport visitors through the city’s mesmerizing canals.

To make the most of our time, we purchased a two-day vaporetto pass for 35 euros per person, allowing us unlimited rides. This was not only convenient but also cost-effective compared to the pricey water taxis. Cruising through Venice on the vaporetto became one of the highlights of our trip. The slow, scenic journey provided breathtaking views of historic landmarks, picturesque bridges, and charming alleyways.

A Room with a View: Teatro La Fenice

Our Italian bed and breakfast was nothing short of enchanting. The window opened to a view of the iconic Teatro La Fenice, one of the most famous opera houses in Italy. With the canal right below us, we could hear gondoliers singing opera as they passed by—a truly magical experience.

Wandering Through the Streets of Venice

Venice is best explored on foot, and we embraced the city’s labyrinthine streets without a fixed plan. The cobblestone pathways, hidden squares, and charming bridges led us to unexpected delights at every turn. We stopped by the Bridge of Sighs, imagining the emotions of those who crossed it centuries ago.

As we wandered through the maze-like alleys, we stumbled upon the breathtaking Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square). The grand architecture, live Italian music, and aroma of freshly baked bread and pasta created an unforgettable atmosphere.

Piazzo San Marco

Beware of Tourist Scams: The Rose Sellers

While enjoying the beauty of St. Mark’s Square, we encountered persistent rose sellers who aggressively tried to hand us flowers and then demanded payment. Despite our refusals, they attempted to create a scene, making us more cautious. A quick tip for travelers: politely but firmly decline and keep moving to avoid these scams.

Summer Travel Tips: Bring Bug Spray!

Visiting Venice in summer comes with a few downsides. The humid weather and algae-scented canals attract mosquitoes, so carrying bug spray is highly recommended. Despite this, we were fortunate to avoid any major travel mishaps, aside from minor inconveniences.

Beautiful views from the water taxi

A Culinary Adventure: The Food Scene in Venice

Venice is known for its delicious Italian cuisine, but our experience was mixed. Excited to finally enjoy authentic lasagna in Italy, we visited a fancy canal-side restaurant, only to be disappointed—it tasted exactly like canned beefaroni! However, the rest of our meals were delightful, featuring fresh ravioli, flavorful tagliatelle, and classic caprese salads. While the lasagna didn’t meet our expectations, we remain hopeful for a better experience on our next visit.

The Lido in Venice, Italy

Enjoying the Lido

Venice, Italy is known for being hot and humid. So we went off in search of the beach. The last stop on our water ferry happened to be the Lido. The town has super beachy vibes and is really cute. We found a spot where you can pay to rent a beach chair and umbrellas for a few hours at a time. We got our towels and chairs and straight into the water we went! The water is refreshing. Not cold by any means. Perfect for a hot day. There were big blow up slides anchored out in the water. There were a bunch of people out today. We got our chairs pretty early in the day, I would say by 10am, and by noon every chair had been rented out and the water was filled with people. This area had a little beach cafe that sold food and drinks. We had some snacks and a few drinks, and swam for majority of the day. Ahhh..why can’t every day be like this?!

Final Thoughts: Venice, A City Like No Other

Despite minor hiccups, Venice, Italy remains one of the most fascinating destinations we’ve visited. From the historic architecture and romantic gondola rides to the lively squares and delicious cuisine, every moment felt surreal. Given concerns about Venice’s future due to rising water levels, returning to this magical city is high on our priority list.

For those planning a trip, Venice offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we can’t wait to visit again!

Next up..we fly to Greece!..

Buongiorno from Florence, Italy!

Florence—our unexpected gem in Italy. Out of all the places we’ve traveled, this city surprised us the most. We knew little about it before arriving, other than it being the home of Machiavelli. But Florence captivated us from the moment we arrived, revealing its breathtaking architecture, rich history, and extraordinary culinary experiences.

Arrival in Florence: A City Like No Other

Our journey began with a taxi ride to our hotel, an adventure in itself. The narrow, cobblestone streets barely accommodate a single vehicle, yet drivers navigate them as if they were two-lane roads. As we approached the city center, the scenery transformed. Towering Renaissance buildings, historic landmarks, and bustling piazzas created a mesmerizing atmosphere.

Our hotel, nestled in the heart of Florence, provided immediate access to its most iconic sights. Without wasting a moment, we set out to explore. As we turned a corner, the magnificent Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) emerged before us. Words cannot do justice to its grandeur—it is simply breathtaking.

Piazza del Duomo: The Heart of Florence

Needing a moment to soak it all in, we found ourselves at the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by charming cafés and restaurants. A waiter greeted us, and we instinctively took a seat, eager to indulge in an authentic Italian dining experience.

Piazza del Duomo

Pure excitement for this meal

A Culinary Experience to Remember

Our meal at this quaint restaurant was nothing short of perfection. We began with charcoal-cooked cheese served with pears, honey, and walnuts, an exquisite combination of flavors. Paired with a crisp, refreshing Italian wine, it was an experience for the senses.

Next came a Nicoise salad, featuring olive oil-poached tuna that melted in our mouths, perfectly complemented by olives and a hint of lemon. Then arrived the masterpiece: homemade tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce. This dish, simple yet rich, redefined comfort food for us. Every bite was a reminder of why Italian cuisine is celebrated worldwide.

This moment will stay with me forever. When I stop and think about it, I go right back there. I can almost smell it, almost taste it. And then I wake up and cry a little. ‘Tis life.

Machiavelli tomb

Exploring Florence’s Rich History

The next day, we embraced our inner tourists. Our first stop was the Church of Santa Croce, the final resting place of legendary figures such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. The €8 entry fee was well worth it to witness the awe-inspiring architecture and historical significance within.

We then visited the Piazza della Signoria, home to Palazzo Vecchio and a replica of Michelangelo’s David statue. Nearby, the Fountain of Neptune stood as a testament to the city’s artistic heritage. It was the perfect setting to enjoy a scoop of gelato—a must-try in Florence. The gelato shops here are unlike any other, with colorful, towering displays of creamy, flavorful delights.

Leonardo da Vinci Museum: An Interactive Experience

Seeking a deeper connection with Florence’s artistic legacy, we visited the Leonardo da Vinci Museum. The €8 entry fee granted us access to an interactive exhibit showcasing da Vinci’s inventions and artistic brilliance. This hands-on experience made us feel like children again, exploring and learning in a fun and engaging way.

Da Vinci Museum

The best sandwich of my life

Florence’s Hidden Gem: The Best Sandwich in Town

After a day of sightseeing, hunger led us to SandwiChic, a highly recommended local eatery. This small, hipster-style sandwich shop takes pride in using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We indulged in a sandwich featuring thinly sliced meats, artisanal cheeses, and a house-made red bell pepper spread. It was unlike anything we had ever tasted—the perfect balance of flavors and textures. If you visit Florence, this is a culinary experience you cannot miss.

Florence: A City That Stays with You

Our time in Florence felt surreal, like stepping into a Renaissance painting brought to life. The blend of history, art, and cuisine left an indelible mark on us. Departing the city, we knew one thing for certain—we would return.

Next Stop: Cruising the Canals of Venice! Stay tuned for more travel adventures.

Cruise down the canals with us in Venice!..

Buon Pomeriggio from Pisa, Italy!

We arrived in Pisa, Italy after a 4 hour train ride from Rome. The Italian countryside is breathtaking. I was planning on getting in a nap on the ride over, but I couldn’t stop staring out the window. Vineyards and small towns dotted the green hills. Every day has been a dream, and I am not ready to wake up.

We are here for one reason, and that is to see the Leaning Tower! (also known as the Campanile) We made this a few hour pit stop on the way to our next destination. The tower is a 10 minute walk from the train station, so we knew we could see and do all of the things while waiting for our next train. There are a few restaurants as you exit the train station, so this was the perfect opportunity to stop and eat! We had raviolis and a basket of bread. Before we came to Italy, if someone told me a big ol’ plate of raviolis is what was for lunch, I would have laughed and laughed my way out of there. How is someone supposed to function after a heavy meal? But there is something different about it being here. It didn’t make me feel too full and tired. It gave me a little pick me up. The sauce is light, and the fillings are not overflowing like most American raviolis. Portion control is a wonderful thing my friends.

Arrival in Pisa, Italy

Buon Pomeriggio from Pisa!

After a scenic four-hour train journey from Rome, we finally arrived in Pisa, Italy. The breathtaking Italian countryside made the trip unforgettable—rolling green hills, charming villages, and endless vineyards stretched as far as the eye could see. While I had planned to nap, I found myself captivated by the picturesque landscape. Every moment in Italy feels like a dream, and I never want to wake up.

Our visit to Pisa was short but purposeful—our main goal was to see the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa (Campanile). Since the tower is just a 10-minute walk from the train station, we knew we had enough time to explore the highlights before catching our next train.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa: A True Architectural Marvel

A short walk later, we turned the corner, and there it was—the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Seeing it in person, I was surprised by just how much it leans! It truly looks as if it should have toppled over by now.

Visitors have the option to climb the tower, but due to time constraints and the long line, we decided to admire it from the outside. The tower is part of the Piazza del Duomo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also houses:

• Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa) – A stunning Romanesque cathedral with intricate architectural details.
• Pisa Baptistery – A grand, round building known for its impressive acoustics. Best of all, entry is free!
• Campo Santo – A historic cemetery with fascinating medieval frescoes.

The entire area is surrounded by lush green lawns, where many visitors were relaxing, enjoying picnics, or reading books. It was a beautiful sight—people unwinding with food and wine in the middle of the day. This laid-back lifestyle is something I could definitely get used to!

Soaking in the Beauty of Pisa

We spent some time lounging on the grass, staring up at the brilliant blue sky and reflecting on our journey. Traveling through Italy has been nothing short of magical, and at every stop, we’ve found ourselves wishing our loved ones could experience it with us.

As our time in Pisa came to an end, we headed back to the train station, excited for our next adventure. Italy continues to amaze us, and we can’t wait to see what awaits in Florence!

➡️ Join us on our next stop: Exploring the Beauty of Florence!

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

We made our way back to the train station, and patiently awaited our next train. Italy has already been so magical. I can’t wait to see what the rest of it has in store for us.

Come explore Florence with us!..