Between getting stuck in an elevator alone for 20 minutes alone and getting sick on the 10 hour plane ride home, the food and sights seen definitely made up for it. And, I learned a new favorite Italian word: “coccinella,” meaning “ladybug.” How fun is that to say?

Rome

Flying through the night, my class landed in Rome in the early morning and had all day to sight see. Our tour guide, Giordano, met us and started the day taking us to a less-touristy part of the city called Trastevere. This colorful, funky area took us to cobblestone streets and cute alleyways. From there we visited the Pantheon, Raphael’s grave, and the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi in the Piazza Navona. I definitely recommend the gelato shops located in the Piazza Navona. We went there quite a bit over the days we spent in Rome. You can never get enough.

Day three in Rome consisted of the tourist sites. We began the day walking around the Roman Forum, taking endless photographs of the ruins, old temples, palace, the town square, and even where Julius Caesar was cremated. Then, we went to the Vatican where we shuffled through to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel– where the beautiful work of Michelangelo came about. Renaissance art has always interested me in my studies and seeing this in person truly brought it to life for me.

We ended the day stopping by the Colosseum and making a wish at the Trevi Fountain. I’ve always seen these places in pictures, but, let me tell you, they are massive in person.

And, word of advice, visit the Colosseum both at day and night.

Capri & Sorrento

We swam in the Mediterranean Sea, need I say more? The views were beautiful, especially from above in the town of Capri. We finished the day in Sorrento, visiting small shops and watching an amazing sunset. And, let me tell you, everything was either lemon-scented or lemon-patterned in this town.

Pompeii & Assisi

The rocky ruins scattered the whole town of Pompeii and, as a history lover, I enjoyed the guided tour that told the tale of the “olden times.” From pastry shops to old houses, Pompeii has such history in its remains that I think everyone would appreciate.

In Assisi, we visited the Basilica of San Francesco, a beautiful basilica atop a grand hill. Stone buildings lined the streets and the people of the town itself were very friendly. I bought some really tasty olive oil from a small shop here– definitely want more.

Florence

From the Uffizi Gallery to the statue of David, Florence is filled with art and history. This is definitely a must-see city with so many places and museums to see. It is such an experience!

Lucca

This small, quaint town was perfect for a chill day. We biked throughout the city and ate margherita pizza in the town square– fun fact: the same square where Arie and Lauren from The Bachelor went on a date!

Venice

Finishing off the trip, the “city on water” was the final stop on our tour of Italy. We went on a gondola ride on the Grand Canal and listened to fellow gondoliers sing– yup! Just like the movies!

Here, we also toured St. Mark’s Basilica where gold ceilings lined the place and stood tall and grand in the plaza.

Altogether, this trip was one for the books. I would definitely go back as there is so much to do and see– and, not to mention, eat!