12 Days Unveiling Italy's Best-Kept Secrets

To overcome the jet lag after our tiring 10-hour flight, we treated ourselves to a delightful meal at Ristorante Florida, well-known for its breathtaking views and exceptional cuisine. Our cultural journey continued with a visit to the iconic landmarks of Venice, the Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's Basilica. These majestic structures left us in awe of the city's rich history. As the day drew to a close, we couldn't resist trying a local delicacy, a gelato from the renowned SU OS. It was the perfect way to end our day in Venice, as we savored the sweet and creamy flavors while soaking in the enchanting atmosphere of this magnificent city.

Day 1: Embarking on a Venetian Voyage

Our journey began in the enchanting city of Venice, a city known for its intricate network of canals and stunning architecture. Armed with the Venice Public Transport Pass (ACTV), we navigated the city with ease. Our base, Hotel Bartolomeo, was ideally situated near the iconic Rialto Bridge and just a 5-minute walk from St. Mark's Square, the heart of Venice.

Day 2: Journey to the Dolomites

An early start at Farini Venezia fueled us with delicious croissants and coffee before we set off to the breathtaking Dolomites. Our first destination was Giau Pass, a high mountain pass that connects Cortina d'Ampezzo with Colle Santa Lucia and Selva di Cadore. The drive is curvy but offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. We had lunch at a quaint restaurant near the pass and took a leisurely stroll around the lush green fields, soaking in the natural beauty of the area.

Our stay at Lüch de Crusteles, a delightful family-run guesthouse in the Dolomites, was truly memorable. From the moment we arrived, the warmth and hospitality of the family made us feel instantly at ease. They went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and happiness during our stay. The mother's thoughtful gesture of decorating our room and surprising us with a mouthwatering homemade cake was a delightful personal touch that made us feel truly special. Each day, we were greeted with genuine smiles and helpful suggestions for exploring the breathtaking surroundings. It was evident that the family took great pride in their guesthouse and took every opportunity to make us feel like a part of their extended family. Our experience at Lüch de Crusteles surpassed all expectations, leaving us with cherished memories of our time in the Dolomites.

Day 3: A Visit to Lago di Braies

We woke up early with the goal of reaching Lago di Braies, a breathtaking mountain lake nestled in the heart of the Dolomites. Upon arrival, we were instantly captivated by its stunning beauty. The lake boasted a mesmerizing shade of blue that was truly unparalleled. The waters were so clear that we could see the vibrant hues of pebbles and rocks at the bottom. As we gazed across the lake, we were enchanted by the majestic mountains that surrounded it, creating a truly picturesque scene. We couldn't resist the allure of the serene waters, so we decided to rent a rowboat and explore the lake at our own pace. It was a tranquil experience, immersing ourselves in the serenity and tranquility of this magical place. Lago di Braies is undoubtedly one of the most exquisite lakes we have encountered in all of Italy.

Day 4: Lake Como and Lake Garda

Our journey for the day was supposed to be Lake Como, however, we decided to make a detour and stop at Lake Garda on the way. With its breathtaking landscape, Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and truly a sight to behold. During our visit, we had the pleasure of dining at the renowned restaurant Al Vecchio Fontec, where we savored the delectable Melanzane alla Parmigiana. If you ever get the chance, do not miss out on this culinary delight. Additionally, driving around Lake Garda is an absolute treat for the eyes, as the route is often hailed as one of the most stunning roads in the world.

We were thrilled when we finally reached Lake Como, known worldwide for its opulent villas and breathtaking landscapes. Our accommodation, Cà Piodèe, was perched atop a majestic mountain, offering us unparalleled vistas of the glistening lake. While Lake Como didn't fully meet our lofty expectations, the hotel's prime position more than compensated for it.

Day 5: Exploring Como

Como is renowned for its rich historical architecture, stunning parks, and lively markets. We had the opportunity to visit some enchanting antique jewelry shops and indulge in the delightful ambiance of the local cafes. However, the highlight of our day was returning to our hotel for a relaxing evening. As we gazed out at the breathtaking views, we couldn't help but feel grateful for the beauty surrounding us. To top it all off, we savored a scrumptious meal, accompanied by the iconic Italian dessert, tiramisu. It was the perfect end to a memorable day in Como.

Day 6: On to Milan and Florence

We had to bid farewell to the stunning landscapes of Lake Como and made our way to Milan, where we handed over our rental car. Continuing our journey, we hopped on a train to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. With some spare time before our hotel check-in, we decided to explore the breathtaking Florence Cathedral, also known as Duomo di Firenze, and indulged in a bit of window shopping. Florence is renowned for its high-end boutiques, and to our pleasant surprise, we managed to snag a designer bag at a bargain price, saving a whopping $1000 compared to Dubai's exorbitant rates. However, finding affordable accommodation in Florence can prove to be quite a challenge, so thorough research is crucial. Unfortunately, the hotel we stayed at in the city center was a letdown, despite its prime location.

Day 7: Unleashing Artistic Passions in Florence

Florence, known as a paradise for art lovers, provided a perfect destination for Day 7 of our journey. Our focus was on exploring the city's iconic museums, beginning with the Accademia Gallery. It was a privilege to witness Michelangelo's David, a masterpiece that never fails to amaze every visitor. The next stop was the Leonardo's Interactive Museum, an enchanting place that truly brought the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci to life through its interactive exhibits. The day ended at the Uffizi Gallery, a true treasure trove of Renaissance art. There, we were captivated by the stunning works of Botticelli, Da Vinci, and Raphael. Florence's art scene is truly extraordinary, and these museums showcased the city's rich artistic heritage.

Day 8: Florence's Rooftop Wonders and Culinary Delights

We had an incredible rooftop adventure in Florence, where we got to experience a bird's-eye view of the city. One of the highlights was seeing a magnificent replica of Michelangelo's David, which was truly stunning. The panoramic views from the rooftop were absolutely breathtaking, allowing us to fully appreciate the beauty and charm of Florence. After our rooftop adventure, we spent the rest of the day indulging in the culinary delights that the city has to offer. We savored traditional Tuscan dishes, which were bursting with flavor and made with fresh, local ingredients. And of course, we couldn't resist trying the famous gelatos of Florence. Creamy, flavorful, and utterly delicious, they were the perfect way to end a perfect day in this enchanting city.

Day 9: Exploring the Tuscan Countryside

We had an incredible adventure in Tuscany, starting with renting a car from Tuscany. Our first destination was the charming town of Greve in Chianti, where we were treated to the most delightful local wine and cuisine. The picturesque countryside with its rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves provided a breathtaking backdrop for our exploration. Continuing our journey, we made our way to Siena, a historic city renowned for its medieval architecture and the famous Palio horse race. One of the highlights of our trip was dining at Oro di Siena, a family-run restaurant that not only served delicious food but also provided warm and inviting hospitality. We had an unforgettable experience immersing ourselves in the beauty and culture of Tuscany.

Day 10-12: The Eternal City of Rome

Our journey came to a close in Rome, the eternal city known for its extraordinary past and remarkable cultural heritage. During our stay, we immersed ourselves in the enchanting atmosphere of this bustling metropolis, marveling at its iconic landmarks. We threw coins into the Trevi Fountain, awestruck by its beauty and the legend that promises a return to Rome. The Colosseum stood before us as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Rome, while the Pantheon enthralled us with its remarkable architecture and historical significance. One of the highlights of our trip was a guided tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, where we were captivated by the vast art collections and the breathtaking ceiling adorned by the masterful brushstrokes of Michelangelo. Rome truly left an indelible mark on our hearts, and we yearn to return and uncover more of the wonders that this incredible country has to offer.

As our 12-day journey through Italy came to a close, we couldn't help but reflect on the incredible experiences we had. This trip was more than just a vacation; it was an exploration of Italy's rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and culinary delights. We were amazed by the love and passion with which the Italians cook and serve their food. Each destination offered its own unique charm, from the ancient cities with their cobblestone streets to the mouthwatering flavors of traditional cuisine and the awe-inspiring masterpieces of the Renaissance. We will forever cherish the memories we made on this adventure. We hope that our travel blog has inspired you to embark on your own Italian journey. Italy is a country that will capture your heart and leave you longing for more. Until our next adventure, arrivederci!