Travel Guide: Italy and Sicily

Italy is a land of rich history, art, and cuisine, with cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice showcasing ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, and romantic canals.

Italy pulled me in with its promise of history, art, and irresistible cuisine, and from the moment I set foot in Rome, I felt wrapped in the heart of ancient grandeur. Walking through the Colosseum and Roman Forum, I was struck by the sheer scale and preservation of these relics. By the time I fell in love again with the Trevi Fountain, I understood the magic of Rome—it’s a city where the past lives in the present, and each monument is a reminder of an empire’s lasting legacy.

From Rome, I took a train to Florence, a city that felt like a Renaissance masterpiece come to life. Florence’s terra-cotta rooftops were incredible, with the Arno River winding through it all. Florence has an intimacy that invites exploration; each narrow street and piazza seemed to hold a sculpture, a fresco, or an inviting café just waiting to be discovered.

After mainland Italy, I flew to Sicily, arriving first in Palermo, a city that pulses with a different, more vibrant energy. The mix of Greek, Roman, and Arab influences was everywhere—from the mosaic-filled Palermo Cathedral to the lively Vucciria Market, where locals bargain for fresh fish, spices, and sweets. Palermo has a unique Sicilian soul, both bustling and old-world, with its tangled streets and Baroque churches filled with stories of conquest and resilience.

Taormina, a cliffside town that felt like stepping into a postcard. Taormina’s charming, winding streets were dotted with cafes, boutiques, and lemon trees, creating an atmosphere of Mediterranean elegance.

I also explored Cefalù, a coastal town that felt refreshingly relaxed. With its sandy beach, medieval architecture, and rugged cliffs, Cefalù was the perfect place to unwind, letting the sea air and warm sun work their magic.

Finally, I returned to the mainland for one last stop in Venice, a city like no other. Arriving by boat, I found myself entranced by canals lined with pastel-colored palazzos and gondolas gliding through the water. In Piazza San Marco, the golden mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica sparkled under the sun, and the labyrinthine streets beckoned me to get delightfully lost. Venice felt like a world suspended in time, and I couldn’t help but marvel at its beauty, both delicate and enduring.

Visiting Italy and Sicily were more than a journey—they were an experience in history, art, and culture, where each city offered a unique window into a past that’s always present.

Stay

Experiences

Eat