We spent a week exploring Venice, Rome, and Florence in March 2018—romantic canals, ancient history, Renaissance masterpieces, and good food.

Venice: Gondolas, Glass-Making, and High Water

We took a water taxi from Marco Polo Airport straight to Hotel Locanda Vivaldi, just five minutes from St. Mark's Square. The hotel's rooftop terrace had sweeping views across the lagoon—we could see the basin stretching out with boats dotting the water.

First night we did a gondola ride with live musicians. The gondolas gathered around a barge with the musicians, and we floated together down the Grand Canal before slipping into the quieter, darker interior canals.

The next morning, acqua alta hit. High tide flooded parts of Venice, turning St. Mark's Square into a shallow lake. But life didn't stop. Locals pulled on rubber boots, the city quickly set up raised walkways, and everyone carried on like it was just another day.

Our walking tour went ahead despite the water. Inside St. Mark's Basilica, the golden Byzantine mosaics gleamed—centuries of intricate work covering every surface. Our guide led us through less-touristy paths to Santa Maria Formosa and Marco Polo's house, explaining how Venice became one of Europe's richest powers through the spice trade with the East. At the Rialto market, fishmongers displayed the day's catch from the lagoon. Walking through flooded streets with our guide made the whole experience even more memorable.

The next day, we took a water taxi to Murano to watch master glass-makers at work. They heated glass until it glowed orange, then shaped it with breath and tools into delicate forms—making something incredibly difficult look effortless. We had lunch on the island at a small trattoria before heading back.

That evening, we climbed to the rooftop bar at our hotel for sunset. For dinner, we found a tucked-away Italian restaurant just behind our hotel—the kind of authentic spot where locals eat.

Rome: Ancient Ruins and Perfect Pasta

We took the train to Rome and checked into Hotel dei Borgognoni, less than five minutes from the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. The 19th-century building had a quiet internal courtyard. Plus, having a grocery store right next door made grabbing snacks and drinks super convenient.

Walking Where Gladiators Fought

The Colosseum tour was a highlight. We entered through the Gladiator's Gate—the same entrance warriors used 2,000 years ago—and walked directly onto the arena floor. Standing where gladiators actually fought was pretty cool. We also explored the Roman Forum's ruins and climbed Palatine Hill, where emperors lived. Our guide shared interesting stories about political intrigue and what daily life was like in ancient Rome.

A Day Trip to the Renaissance

We caught a morning train to Florence. After lunch, our private walking tour took us through the historic center. The Duomo's terracotta dome is huge and hard to miss. Inside the Accademia Gallery, Michelangelo's David is impressive—17 feet of marble with incredible detail. Our guide walked us through narrow medieval streets, sharing stories about the Medici family who funded much of the Renaissance, and pointing out hidden courtyards and artisan workshops we wouldn't have found on our own. We also walked down to the Arno River and checked out the area around the water.

Vatican Art and History

The Vatican tour got us into the museums before the general public arrived. The Sistine Chapel ceiling was incredible—Michelangelo's frescoes covered every inch. We also saw Raphael's Rooms and St. Peter's Basilica, including La Pietà. Our guide explained the history and pointed out details we would've missed on our own.

Our last day was free to wander. We visited Trevi Fountain, ate at a tiny trattoria by our hotel, and just soaked up Rome's history.

Why Italy Should Be on Your List

The food lives up to the hype, and history surrounds you at every turn. Venice's labyrinth of canals feels like stepping into another era. Rome's ancient ruins remind you that empires rise and fall, but great art endures. Florence packs an incredible amount of Renaissance masterpieces into one walkable city. Give yourself time to wander without a plan.

Flooded Streets, Gladiator Gates, and Renaissance Magic: Our Week in Italy