Italy, 1 April 2024

Italy is one of those places that sweeps you off your feet — with its food, its history, and its chaotic charm. Our recent trip took us through five iconic cities: Naples, Rome, Florence, Bologna, and finally, Venice each with its own rhythm, its own flavour, and its own set of surprises.

Naples – Grit, Charm & Pizza Perfection

We kicked things off in Naples, and it greeted us with a kind of rugged authenticity that instantly made sense. The streets were raw, loud, and full of life. It’s not polished, and that’s exactly what makes it so unforgettable. The highlight? The pizza, of course. Soft, charred, and bursting with flavour — Naples truly lives up to the hype as the birthplace of pizza. Every slice felt like a small celebration.

Rome – Chaos and Grandeur

Next stop: Rome — and wow, it was busy. The city pulsed with energy, crowds, and history at every corner. But despite the hustle, it delivered. All the top sights were open, from the Colosseum to the Vatican, and standing in front of the Trevi Fountain or the Pantheon was as magical as you’d hope. It’s a city that feels like a living museum — loud, alive, and larger than life.

Florence – Beauty in Every Corner

Then came Florence, and with it, a complete change of pace. Picturesque is the only word that fits. Every street looked like a painting, every piazza like a postcard. The Duomo, the art, the Arno at sunset — it was calm, romantic, and impossibly beautiful. Florence was the kind of place that invites you to slow down, breathe in the Renaissance, and fall in love with Italy all over again.

Bologna – Food Heaven (with a Side of Crowds)

Bologna was all about food — rich, bold, comforting. From tagliatelle al ragù to mortadella-filled sandwiches, every meal felt like a masterpiece. But it came with a caveat: it was crowded. Really crowded. The streets were packed, and at times it felt hard to relax. Still, the flavour of Bologna is something we’ll crave long after the trip.

Venice – Romance, Rain, and... a Rat

We saved the most romantic city for last: Venice. And fittingly, we celebrated our anniversary there — surrounded by canals, candlelight, and the haunting echoes of a Vivaldi concert that seemed to swirl through the rainy night.

Yes — it rained the entire time we were there, but somehow that made Venice feel even more like a dream. The reflections in the puddles, the mist clinging to the buildings, the quiet gondolas gliding by in the drizzle — it was melancholic and magical.

But, in true travel fashion, not everything was perfect. At one point, I stepped on a rat, and let’s just say... that was a memory I won’t be romanticising. It was unexpected, upsetting, and deeply Venice-in-the-rain-core.

On the brighter side, the Venetian glass was absolutely impeccable. The craftsmanship was next-level — delicate, vibrant, and a work of art in itself.