Italy is a dream destination for many travelers, and for good reason. This blog post takes you through a delightful journey across three of Italy’s most iconic locations: Venice, Florence, and Tuscany. Each city offers its own unique charm, culinary delights, and unforgettable experiences. Join us as we explore the best of what these beautiful places have to offer.
Our Arrival in Italy, Venice
Our first stop in Italy is Venice. After flying from Madrid to Milan, we hopped on a train to Venice. It was much more affordable to fly into Milan than directly into Venice, and the train ride was easy to navigate. We booked business class tickets for the train, which were worth every euro spent. The spacious seating made the trip comfortable and enjoyable.
We arrived in the late afternoon feeling quite tired, so we decided to head out for an early dinner. To our delight, the food we had on our first night was some of the best we experienced in Venice. I opted for a spicy arrabiata sauce that was absolutely delicious.
The next day, we set out on a mission for pizza and coffee. One thing to know about Italy is that pizzas aren’t usually pre-sliced, so we had to cut our own. As we walked around, we stumbled upon a cafe that had just taken a pizza out of the oven—an unexpected but delightful 10 A.M. pizza snack! The pizza was so good that I found myself saying it was one of the best meals throughout the entire trip.
After pizza, it was time for gelato. We visited one of my top three gelato spots in Venice. While this place had fewer flavors, the ones they offered were incredibly fresh, earning high praise from various travel guides. It’s a must-visit for any gelato lover.
Exploring Venice: A Food Lover’s Paradise
Traveling in Italy often raises the question of how to afford such a trip. One clever tip we implemented was to book our hotel room while we were hungry, ensuring we would enjoy our meals to the fullest. The first morning, I was on a hunt for coffee and stumbled across a charming bar/cafe that had just taken fresh pizza out of the oven. We couldn’t resist and ended up having pizza for breakfast!
As we wandered through the city, we made it a point to try as many gelato spots as possible. There were three gelato places that truly stood out to us, and one of them became a favorite. The gelato was fresh and came highly recommended by various travel guides.
Day Two: More Culinary Adventures
Day two started with a craving for pastries and coffee. We found a quaint cafe where I indulged in a Nutella croissant that was simply delightful. Afterward, we decided to keep the food tour going with more pizza, which was surprisingly affordable at just four euros per slice.
As we explored, we discovered a fruit stand and picked up some fresh figs and peaches that were juicy and delicious. With pizza and fresh fruit fueling us, we continued our journey through the beautiful streets of Venice.
Getting Lost in Venice
One of the best activities in Venice is simply getting lost. The city is filled with stunning architecture and charming canals that are best appreciated when wandering without a plan. Of course, we made time to visit some historical sites, but the spontaneity of our exploration was what made it truly enjoyable.
We also indulged in traditional Aperol spritzes, which were served with olives. The unique flavor combination was surprisingly enjoyable. We continued our culinary journey, sampling more pasta and pizza, each meal better than the last.
From Venice to Florence
As our time in Venice came to an end, we boarded a train to Florence. Our hotel was affordable and surprisingly included free breakfast, which was a pleasant surprise. I reminisced about my previous study abroad experience in Florence and was excited to revisit some of my favorite spots.
One of the cafes I loved while studying there was a great place to grab a fresh salad, providing a nice break from the pasta and pizza we had been enjoying. We also made it a point to visit Spreno, a gelato shop that was hands down the best I had ever tasted.
The Joy of Italian Cuisine
Traveling and indulging in local cuisine is one of the greatest joys of visiting Italy. I found myself comfortable eating what I wanted, free from guilt, and fully enjoying the local flavors. One evening, craving sushi, we discovered an all-you-can-eat sushi spot that didn’t disappoint.
As we explored the sights of Florence, including sampling sandwiches from a renowned shop, I was reminded of how essential it is to embrace local cuisines and flavors. Each meal was a highlight, and I was thrilled to try different combinations of meats and cheeses.
Tuscany: A Culinary and Scenic Escape
After Florence, we drove to Tuscany, where we experienced a homemade meal filled with fresh vegetables. The wholesome meal was exactly what we needed after all the indulgence. I also tried cacio e pepe, a creamy pasta dish that was simply exquisite.
In Tuscany, we spent our days exploring the stunning landscapes, enjoying homemade meals, and indulging in local wines. This region is known for its breathtaking views and rich culinary traditions, making it a perfect destination for food lovers.
Final Thoughts
Traveling through Venice, Florence, and Tuscany was an unforgettable experience filled with culinary delights and beautiful sights. Each city offered its own unique flavor, and I left with a newfound appreciation for Italian cuisine. Whether you’re wandering the canals of Venice or savoring a gelato in Florence, Italy is truly a feast for the senses.
What are your favorite Italian dishes? Let us know in the comments!