*Disclaimer: this is a sponsored post, but all thoughts, opinions and potential plans are my own.*
I’m not entirely sure how, but I’ve now been to Europe four times and have been living here almost a year, and still haven’t made it to Italy. I feel like if I’m going to travel Italy, I need to do it right, you know? Plus, every time I start thinking about a destination in Italy, I can’t seem to pick. Ideally, I’d like to go on a road trip; I’m thinking two weeks should do the trick! *This is me putting this road trip into the universe in hopes of it happening.* Here’s my ideal game plan.
Naples
I think I’d want to start my trip in the south, starting in Naples. Looks like I’m going to have to visit the Italian islands another time! I’ve had several friends visit Naples and tell me how lovely it was, and I’ve always wanted to see Pompei, so if I’m going to travel Italy, Naples is a must. Plus, the pizza! Neopolitan pizza – with just tomatoes, cheese and basil – is one of my favorite types of pizza.
Positano
Realistically Positano and the Amalfi coast are south of Naples, but since it’s logistically easier to fly into Naples and start there, I’d drive down to the Amalfi coast. I also feel like after touristing around, this would be a good time to relax and enjoy the beach, right? Actually, I’d end up doing several hikes, so I’d end up deserving the beach time!
Rome
I don’t feel like you can travel Italy without going to Rome, right? Maybe because I was raised Catholic and the Vatican seems like such an important place? Or maybe because Europe basically used to be the Holy Roman Empire and it seems like it’s the root of everything. And the Colosseum. And the piazzas. Ok so there also ruins and catacombs. Definitely not cutting out Rome.
Florence
Next up I’d head north, to Tuscany. I think this would probably be my favorite part, because Under the Tuscan Sun is one of my favorite movies. I mean, I definitely wanted to become successful and move to the Italian countryside at one point in my life! From what I’ve read, it sounds like having a home base in Florence and driving around on day trips is the best option. Arezzo, Siena and Pisa would all be on the list. Not sure how I’d work all the wine in with the driving, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.
Cinque Terre
Thanks to Instagram, I now have an urge to visit Cinque Terre. If you would’ve asked me two years ago, I didn’t know what it was at all! People seem to really enjoy cliff diving there, which is not my thing, but I’d definitely enjoy swimming and those ocean views! There’s also a train you can use to village hop, since Cinque Terre is a collection of villages, so I’d try that as well!
Venice
My last stop would be Venice, because I just know I’d be completely wiped out by this point! Fortunately, everything I’ve heard from friends and family tells me Venice is a good place to take it slow. So I’d book one of these small boutique hotels in Venice and just mosey. I’d eat delicious seafood, read books and probably get a brain freeze a day from gelato. When in Italy, right?
Ok so reading back through this post definitely feels like my idea to travel Italy has me packing way too much in, but all my travel plans start that way, you know? A girl can dream!
Have you been to any of these places? What would you recommend?
