Amidst the Coronavirus and everything that is happening all over the world, I am sharing this post. I was not going to post it (it’s been sitting on my drafts folder for quite some time) but I felt compelled to share it as I absolutely fell in love with Italy when my husband and I visited back in September. My prayers go out to everyone affected by this virus all over the world and especially to Italy. It was the one magical place my husband and I have come to love. Italy, our prayers are with you.
September 2019
My husband and I recently returned from our trip to Italy where we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary (who’d of thought 25 years could go so fast). It was the absolute most perfect trip. I’ve gathered some photos of our trip and have posted them on my Instagram. So if you would like to see more, you can scoot on over and take a look.
– ROME –
Where we Stayed?
When we got to Rome, we had our driver pick us up at the air port and take us to our Hotel. We stayed at Hotel Brittania on Via Napoli. The hotel was conveniently located within a walking distance to all the major attractions. This was great because we were able to get to places without having to take buses or taxis especially with it being our first time there. I must say that I was impressed with the hotel. Each room is provided with a mobile phone for its guests and you can take it with you throughout the day while you’re off venturing. You are able to make local calls on the mobile phone and it is also equipped with GPS and a google translation app (which was really helpful).
Walking through the streets of Rome was so wonderful. Everywhere you turn there’s something that draws your eye. Everyone we came across was so friendly and helpful. There were many people that spoke English so asking for directions was much easier than what we thought it would be.
Fontana di Trevi
Colloseum – Rome
One thing’s for sure, sneakers or comfortable sandals are a MUST when walking the streets of Rome. I was so happy to have packed up my sneakers. In preparation for our trip, my husband and I packed up insulated water bottles. Never had we been so thankful to have had those water bottles with us. They really came in handy as the weather was hot! (even in September). Refilling was a breeze as you can fill up your water bottles from any water fountain (Nasone). This will save you money. While in the Colloseum, they’ll charge you 5 euros for just one water bottle.
Largo di Torre Argentina
Pantheon
– FLORENCE –
After a few days in Rome, we headed to Florence via train. It was about an hour and a half. We stayed at the Croce di Malta Hotel. It was a beautiful hotel situated close to the terminus railway station (Stazione di Santa Maria Novella) in Florence.
Rooftop night view – Croce di Malta
Leaning tower of Pisa
Piazza del Campo – Siena
Walking the streets in Siena
St. Gimignano
– VENICE –
Our final destination was Venice. Where we stayed at Hotel Bonvecchiatti. It was just a few steps away from the St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco).
St. Mark’s Square
What can I say about Venice other than it’s an interesting place. When they say just get lost in Venice, there’s no avoiding it. You will get lost. Everywhere you turn there’s a bridge. Venice is beautiful and unlike any other place. There’s no motor bikes, scooters or cars on the entire island. Traveling from one island to another is easy thanks to the water bus service (vaporetto). One single ticket will run you €7:50 and allows up to 75 minutes on water network from time of ticket validation. We were able to visit the islands of Burano and Murano during our short stay in Venice.
Burano
Burano
They should have named Burano the “colorful Island”. Each house is painted in such a vibrant color. I had a hard time picking a favorite.
I hope you got some insight and inspiration from this post. For me, celebrating my 25th wedding anniversary in Italy was just what I wanted and it exceeded my expectations. Surely everyone has something they’d recommend you do or see on your visit. I say just have fun picking things that you know you will enjoy doing and you won’t regret it. With so much to do in Italy, the options are endless. You will not be disappointed. The atmosphere was relaxing and I found the people to be hospitable and pleasant. So go ahead…, add it to your bucket list and have fun!
Thanks so much for stopping by and having a read. Don’t forget to visit often. Until then, take care!
Adios,
Banessa
