Italy and Vatican - 2017

We visited Italy in March, a perfect time to explore with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds ahead of the busy summer tourist season. In Rome, we spent the Ides of March witnessing a dramatic re-creation of Julius Caesar’s assassination—a powerful and immersive historical experience. We toured the Vatican, marveled at the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, walked among the ruins of ancient aqueducts, stood...

a sunny, bright Roman morning, we stepped into the mighty Colosseum, earbuds in for our self-guided audio tour, joining a flow of tourists that was just right—not crowded, but lively. The morning light bathed the ancient stone in golden warmth as we climbed the well-worn stairways, guided by narrations of emperors, engineers, and entertainers. The tour painted a vivid picture of the construction marvel that this...

We walked Rome the way we love to travel—on foot, eyes wide open, no set schedule. Starting at the Colosseum, we marveled at its scale, then wandered through time along the Via dei Fori Imperiali. Ancient stones beneath our feet, the history of empires rising around us. The Pantheon came into view, an architectural wonder even after two thousand years. It was a clear, sunny day—not too crowded—and as we...

While visiting Rome, we had the joy of meeting up with our dear friend Bill, who happened to be in the city at the same time. Together, we arranged a private morning tour of the Vatican—just the four of us—which offered a peaceful and personal experience through one of the world’s most iconic and spiritually resonant places. Our journey began in the Vatican Museums, where we walked through grand galleries...

We once sat on the Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy, soaking in the atmosphere, watching people pass by, and enjoying the chill, timeless vibe. It was a perfect spot to relax and take in the city. Today, however, police strictly enforce a rule prohibiting sitting on or around the steps, and what was once a welcoming experience has reportedly become more rigid and uninviting.

We visited the Trevi Fountain more than once during our time in Rome—and it’s the kind of place that calls you back. The first time, we walked there on a warm afternoon, winding through narrow cobbled streets until we suddenly stumbled into a tight, crowded piazza—and there it was. The Trevi Fountain, grand and theatrical, seemed almost out of place, tucked into a surprisingly small square and surrounded by...

We had pre-purchased the Florence Pass, which let us bypass the long line snaking outside the Galleria dell’Accademia. Stepping through the entrance, we were immediately surrounded by classical statues in the first gallery—silent, graceful, almost alive in their stillness. As we moved into the second hall, something shifted. The unfinished sculptures lining the corridor—the Prisoners, Michelangelo’s raw and...

Richard and I walked hand in hand through the cobbled streets of Florence, hearts full after watching a documentary on Leonardo da Vinci—his flying machines, sketched dreams, and the quiet intimacy shared with the young man often by his side. We were struck not only by his brilliance but by the unspoken tenderness threaded through his life. It compelled us to visit the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum, where...

We had timed tickets for 1 PM the next day—part of the Florence Pass we booked ahead of time, which made things easy. The weather was warm and humid, and as we stood at the base of the Duomo, looking up at Brunelleschi’s incredible dome, we knew we were about to climb into history—literally. The climb is person to person, no passing, and once you’re in, you’re committed. The stone staircases spiral...

Florence is a city that lives and breathes art, history, and romance. From the grandeur of Renaissance masterpieces to the charm of cobblestone streets, every corner seemed to whisper stories of the past. As we explored its galleries, piazzas, and cathedrals, we felt immersed in a living museum. After a delicious dinner of Tuscan cuisine, we strolled through the lively streets and treated ourselves to a gelato—a...

Visiting the Uffizi Gallery is like stepping directly into the heart of the Italian Renaissance. One of the world’s most celebrated art museums, the Uffizi is home to masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Caravaggio, and countless others who helped shape the course of Western art. As we wandered through the ornate corridors of this 16th-century palace, originally designed by Giorgio Vasari...

We took the high-speed train from Florence to Venice, watching the Tuscan countryside blur by through the windows. Arrival was immediate magic—the Venice train station opens directly onto the Grand Canal. From there, we activated our Venice Pass and boarded a water taxi, gliding through the canals toward our stop. We disembarked and walked across a few quiet canals to our hotel, tucked between waterways like...