Last summer, I spent six weeks in Italy. They were experiencing a heatwave that was blowing sands from the Sahara in Africa. It was hot the ENTIRE time I was there – 90+ degrees. I think it rained only twice in six weeks and once it dropped to the mid-70s.

I traveled all over Italy last summer. I started in Rome. Crossed over to Pescara. I had never been to the heel of the boot of Italy so I decided to travel down the Adriatic Coast to Bari, Brindisi, and Lecce.

From Lecce, I thought I would try to escape the everlasting heat and journeyed north to Perugia – which has now become one of my favorite Italian towns. After Perugia, I stopped in Florence and picked up a tour of the Lake District in Milan.

After the tour, I rented a car – that was an experience – and visited Modena, Siena, and ended my vacation in the beautiful town of Pitigliano. A short drive down the Mediterranean Coast brought me back to Rome.

It was busy and beautiful and delicious and fun! I made some new friends and discovered parts of Italy I had never visited before. The next few posts will be a visual tribute to Italy and my tour. Most were posted on Instagram or Facebook so may look familiar.

Please follow me on those two sites if you don’t already. This summer’s trip is already being planned and it’s going to be AMAZING!

Enjoy my trip to Italy. I’d be happy to discuss any portion of the trip if you would like to leave a comment.

Rome

For a large city, Rome is incredible. It manages to be both modern and ancient at the same time. Every corner you turn, you have the opportunity to discover a ruin, a beautiful fountain, or even the Colisseum.

  • I have a balcony at my Rome hotel. Not much to see, but this is what 6 stories over the rooftops looks like in Rome.
  • Random Roman ruins.
  • Obligatory Fontana di Trevi photos. I stayed up top and did not contribute to today’s collection.
  • Then you turn a corner and see this amazing bit of historical architecture!
  • Also obligatory- Spanish Steps.l and charming neighborhood streets. Way more crowded than last time we came.
  • Down the road from the Spanish Steps – hard to believe it is still Rome!
  • Dinner tonight: cheese with arugula and thick warm honey and pizza with tomato sauce, cheese, and prosciutto. Followed by a small gelato on the walk home. 21,000+ steps, so I could splurge a little.
  • Random stunning piazza I discovered while wandering around.
  • Mysterious steps…
  • Roman Forum
Rome

Frascati

I took a 30-minute train ride to Frascati for a pizza making and wine tasting class. It was amazing! Slightly cooler (maybe only 90 degrees) and absolutely stunning. Sampled some local reds and whites, nibbled on delicious appetizers, learned how to make amazingly authentic pizza, tasted wine donuts that are made to dunk in your wine, and met some fun people. A fun and worthwhile experience if you’re ever in the area. Our guide Max was interesting, fun, knowledgeable, and very charming. I can’t say enough nice things about this tour!!!

  • Stunning view from Frascati
  • Apparently, a 3-breasted woman is a symbol of the city.
  • Melon & prosciutto
  • I can’t remember everythign that was in this delicious pasta.
  • Pizza dough recipe.
  • Local Frascati wine – yum!
Frascati

Stay Tuned

Next week, I’ll continue my mostly-visual, Italian travelogue with photos from Pescara, Bari, Brindisi, and Lecce.

Please share your favorite cities in Italy and tell me what’s not to miss in those cities.

Travel is life!