Italy 2014
Friendcation
This was the coolest week I ever spent with some of my closest friends. Getting lost in Venice, soaking up the sun in Monterosso al Mare, and juuuust missing the closing time to see the Sistine Chapel (sorry Serena, forever!!!!!!)
Roma
Bring $$$$$ Euros. And lots of them for all the museum fees and food you'll be eating
The capital of Italia, it is well worth the visit due to its rich history and endless historic sites to visit. To truly do the city justice, you need at least two full days to see the important sites, but if you are considering throwing Vatican City in there too (which you should), then three days is what you need. Lines can be quite long, the streets hustle-y and bustle-y in the summer, so be sure to wear thick skin in addition to your sleeveless romper.
​
Worth the time: Sistine Chapel*, Saint Peter's Basilica, Roman Forum, Colosseum, Castel Sant'Angelo, Trevi Fountain, any church you pass, Pantheon (not the Parthenon, as I quickly learned that is not in Italy).
​
Skip it: Spanish Steps. We went thinking it was a "thing". Basically, it is a nice place to sit with the rest of the tourists visiting Italy. I heard that if you actually climb the stairs to the top, it might be pretty? I don't know... we were too tired and had better things to do, like stop for more gelato.
​
​
Monterosso al Mare
Less $$ Euros
Cinque Terre was the more relaxing portion of our trip. It was actually an ingenious idea of our well-traveled friend to pick this area of Italy over the famous Amalfi Coast. It is the up-and-coming version of Amalfi, and to your benefit, if you so choose this option. The five little villages on the coast are connected by train, and each one is beautiful and unique.
​
Monterosso al Mare was my favorite one, due to its popularity (I didn't want to feel like I was on the beach far away from the party!). However, we booked a wine tour in Riomaggiore with the BEST guide / owner Andrea. If I had to choose one thing that I could shamelessly plug on here ... it would be taking this wine tour in Riomaggiore: CLICK HERE
​
This place is breathtaking, peaceful, and one of my many happy places.
A definite homerun.
Venezia
Euros Euros Euros $$$$$ (you are trapped on a beautiful island, and they know it)
Do I even have to say anything?
This place is beyond words. The way that you must walk out of the train station immediately overlooking the busy waterways of the Grand Canal is something truly magical. It also takes a hot second to get used to the idea that there are NO motor vehicles to dodge on the streets. I mean, the first night we saw the aquatic equivalent of a hearse "driving" past. Eye opening.
​
We also took a short trip out to Murano, known for their blown glass. It was picturesque and well worth the trip, as well.
​
Love love love Venice.
Hurry and see it before it's gone!