Trafalgar's Great Italian Cities - August 2019
Italy had been on my travel wish list for years, so when the opportunity came up for my sister and I to experience it together, it felt too good to pass up. I’m usually the travel planner in my household, with multiple tabs open in my brain at any given time, so although I wasn’t entirely sure how I’d go on an escorted coach tour, the idea of not having to think for anyone else for a week or so was highly appealing.
After a few days in England with my sister, we flew to Rome and found ourselves eating our first Italian pizza only a stone’s throw from the Colosseum. Not a bad way to begin. After a lively group dinner on our first night, we woke the next morning ready for a full day of sightseeing.
Early access to Vatican City meant fewer crowds to begin with, although that didn’t last long. I still managed to join the merry queue for a much-needed espresso, because some priorities remain non-negotiable. Wandering through the Vatican Museums felt like stepping into a giant treasure chest, but the real highlight was the Sistine Chapel. Standing beneath Michelangelo’s ceiling brought back memories of high school history and art lessons, and it really is one of those places that makes you stop and stare. Just don’t try to take photos — the guards are watching, and they are not shy about letting you know.
St. Peter’s Basilica was immense, but captivating. Our guide was so passionate about the place the Vatican still holds in daily Roman life and his explanations were detailed and very moving. We also took the Vatican train out to Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence. With its manicured gardens, beautiful views and charming town square, it wasn’t difficult to see why it has been a favoured retreat for centuries. It was also a lovely spot for a little shopping and, naturally, gelato.
Back in Rome, we spent time taking in views of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. While we didn’t venture inside on this trip, seeing these iconic landmarks in person was still special. It did, however, mean that a return visit to Rome was immediately added to my ever-growing bucket list.
The next day I couldn’t resist adding the optional excursion to Pompeii into my itinerary. In the August heat, with Mount Vesuvius shimmering in the distance, it was both mesmerising and sobering to walk through streets preserved for almost 2,000 years. Homes, shops and even cart tracks in the stone roads remain, offering an incredible glimpse into everyday Roman life before everything changed so suddenly. The story is tragic, but the site itself is extraordinary, and I was so glad I went.
Leaving Rome, we travelled through Umbria to Assisi, where we wandered the tiny laneways, found a local café, and enjoyed fresh focaccia and coffee before visiting the Basilica of St. Francis. It was peaceful and beautiful, with quiet spaces to sit, ponder and pray.
From there, the scenery shifted into the rolling hills of Tuscany — and yes, it really does look like the movies. Cypress trees, old roads, hilltop towns and vineyards seemed to appear around every corner. That evening we found a cosy, very popular local restaurant where we were greeted with prosecco at the door, which immediately made my sister’s night!
We spent a beautiful morning wandering the side streets of San Gimignano – a medieval hill town Tuscany. Known for its towering stone houses and preserved medieval layout; it offers tasteful tourist shopping, bakeries, gelateria and spectacular views over the surrounding countryside
Florence itself is best explored on foot. We wandered through its grand squares, admired the Duomo, watched artists at work, crossed the Ponte Vecchio and soaked up the atmosphere of a city that feels both elegant and lived-in. On our 2nd evening, we were taken for an impromptu drive up to Piazzale Michelangelo, where the city lights spread out below us. It was a beautiful way to see Florence from another angle.
After Florence, we headed to Pisa for the obligatory Leaning Tower photos. Some were more successful than others. Beyond the tower, the Square of Miracles was stunning, and quite a welcome relief from the crowds. That evening, dinner at Villa Macchiarelli was a highlight: a beautiful courtyard, flowering bougainvillea, Tuscan countryside, fabulous entertainment and a very lively coach ride back to the hotel. I had the entertainment playlist lodged in my head for days!
Travelling north through the Apennines, we stopped in Bologna, with its medieval streets, leaning towers and food-filled laneways. The fresh fruit and vegetable stalls added so much colour and it felt like a lovely glimpse of local life away from the bigger tourist crowds.
Then came Venice.
Arriving there felt like entering another world. No roads, no traffic, just canals, boats, bridges and, admittedly, a great deal of people. Over the next few days, we explored Venice in just about every possible way. Gondola rides, private motor boats and walking into the lesser known laneways and squares to get a glimpse of local life. St. Mark’s Square was buzzing with the summer crowds sipping expensive cappuccinos and Peach Bellinis, with pigeons pecking in front of them and gondolas bobbing about in the background.
We visited a traditional glassblowing workshop, which was fascinating to watch, and later spent time on Burano, one of my favourite stops. With its brightly coloured houses, quiet canals and lace-making traditions, it felt cheerful, relaxed and almost too pretty to be real. We had great fun trying to find houses to match our outfits, which created much hilarity (although I am certain the locals don’t feel the same way), before a lovely dinner at a local trattoria.
As the trip came to an end, I found myself thinking back over everything we had experienced, and at such a brilliant pace. There was really time to get settled and enjoy each city without rushing. Italy gave me everything I had hoped for and more, and I knew I would be back.
And yes, I probably ate far too much gelato and enjoyed far too much red wine — but that’s a problem for another day.