Our Italian Adventure: Lessons, Laughter, and La Dolce Vita

Feb 5

Our Italian adventure began with a long travel day from Oregon, taking us through two stops before an overnight flight to Zurich. with a long travel day from Oregon, taking us through two stops before an overnight flight to Zurich. This is where I learned Lesson #1: DO NOT PUSH YOURSELF TO EXPLORE ON A LONG LAYOVER. Don’t get me wrong—I love a good stopover. But there's a big difference between a stopover and a layover. A stopover lets you relax and take your time, while a layover feels rushed, especially when battling jet lag.

Day 1: A Taste of Zurich
Arriving in Zurich early in the morning, we stored our luggage at the airport and hopped on a train to explore the city. It was easy to navigate from the airport to the city, but we quickly realized Switzerland is expensive. Like, $7 for a coffee expensive. Jake was definitely grumpy—long travel day, no sleep, and here I was, dragging him through a rainy city to chase my dream of Swiss chocolate and fondue.

After wandering around soaked and exhausted, we found a tourist-trap restaurant (unknowingly, of course). Determined to check off my fondue bucket list, we ordered an outrageously overpriced pot of fondue and some escargot (which, frankly, tasted like it had been marinated in wheatgrass). Trying to convince myself it was worth it, Jake took one bite, looked at me, and asked, "What?" That was my breaking point. I sighed, "I don’t even really like fondue." Cue the burst of laughter that turned this ordeal into one of our favorite travel stories—the kind that gets funnier every time we tell it.

Despite the misadventures, we marveled at Zurich’s blend of modern and historic architecture. After an unexpected comedy sketch of trying to find a bathroom (seriously, why is that so hard?), we eventually made our way back to the airport… after getting on the wrong train. Thankfully, some kind locals helped us out, and we caught our flight to Venice. A scenic water taxi ride later, we arrived at Ca’ Amadi Hotel, nestled in the heart of Venice’s Cannaregio district.

Day 2: Discovering Venice
Adjusting to the time difference, we spent the day wandering Venice's narrow canals and cobblestone streets. We picked up SIM cards from TIM for easy navigation and ended the day with a delightful dinner at Osteria Del Lovo. Fun fact: we discovered the best tiramisu of the entire trip right near our hotel—it was SO good! Venice is everything you imagine it to be: authentically magical, charming without feeling cheesy. We loved getting lost in its labyrinth of streets and canals.

Day 3: Food & Culture in Venice
We met up with friends, Mark and Sho, exploring cathedrals and cute shops before joining a small group food and walking tour. The tour took us through bustling markets and hidden gems, offering authentic Venetian flavors and cultural tidbits. It was fun meeting people from around the world and trying foods we never would’ve found on our own.

Day 4: Venice to Rome
We hopped on the Frecciarossa high-speed train to Rome. After checking into Hotel Labelle (a charming, tiny, three-story walk-up), we strolled past the iconic Trevi Fountain en route to a street food tour at Campo de' Fiori. Rome felt vibrant, alive, and rich with culture. Some people say it’s gritty, but I loved its raw energy.

Day 5: The History of Rome
We started with the "10 Wonders of Rome" walking tour, exploring historical landmarks near our hotel. The afternoon was dedicated to exploring the Colosseum and Roman Forum on our own, where ancient history came alive amid the ruins. Having visited Egypt, I loved seeing Roman structures influenced by Egyptian and Greek styles, while also appreciating uniquely Roman innovations.

Day 6: Vatican City
At St. Peter’s Basilica, Jake and I were both overwhelmed with emotion—it’s that breathtaking. The grandeur, the sacred atmosphere, the choir singing… it felt holy, beautiful, and deeply moving. We spent the evening walking around the city and finding a cute cafe in Piazza Navona, and soaked up the uniquely Italian experience, with live musicians in the square and a glass of wine!

Day 7: Road Trip to Ravello
We took a train to Naples, picked up our rental car, and embarked on a coastal road trip to Ravello. Cue our rental car fiasco. Picture this: narrow roads, confusing signs, and a wrong turn down a path clearly meant for pedestrians or motorcycles. The car got stuck, and Jake and Mark had to reverse it uphill without destroying the clutch. Enter our hero: a random Italian man on a Vespa, who expertly backed our car out (scraping it and burning the clutch in the process). Let’s just say I was VERY glad I got the extra car insurance.

Day 8: Amalfi Coast by Sea
We drove along the stunning Amalfi Coast, stopping at a deli with a view for lunch and finding a hidden cove to relax. Driving here is not for the faint of heart—the roads are winding, and parking is scarce. We ended the day with dinner in Positano, soaking in the vibrant evening markets and coastal charm.

Day 9: Capri Misadventures & Cooking Class
We tried to rent a boat to Capri, but the rough water forced us onto a packed ferry. The ride was bumpy, and when we arrived, we felt seasick and cranky. Determined to find a secluded beach, Jake and I wandered through quaint neighborhoods, got lost, got grumpy, and eventually had to rush back to catch the ferry. The evening was redeemed by an amazing cooking class in Vico Equense, where we learned to make traditional Italian dishes.

Day 10: Relaxing in Minori
We checked into Villa Isabella in Minori, intending to hike the Path of the Gods. But honestly? We opted for a lazy beach day, devouring pizza and shopping for local jewelry. By now, we’d learned an important lesson: Italian breakfasts are basically dessert. Craving something savory, we began our daily quest for eggs and hearty fare, often with mixed results.

Day 11: Naples & Pompeii
We toured Pompeii with an archaeologist, soaking up the fascinating history. Back in Naples, I realized I'd accidentally booked our hotel for the wrong month. Oops! After a brief panic (and some running around to find a new hotel), we lucked out with a place that had an incredible terrace view. We ended our night with deep-fried pizza… because when in Naples.

Day 12: Homeward Bound
Our journey home included an unexpected overnight in New York due to a flight cancellation. Surprisingly, we loved the break, realizing we enjoy splitting up long travel days. Note to self: plan more stopovers in NYC!

Travel Tips:

Water Taxi in Venice: Book in advance with Bucintoro Viaggi.
SIM Cards: TIM offers reliable coverage; consider digital SIMs too.
Train Travel: Frecciarossa trains are fast and efficient.
Road Trips: The Amalfi Coast is stunning but challenging to drive. The blogs are not being dramatic! Definitely get the full car insurance with no deductible, because I guarantee someone will dent your car because people park right next to you.
Travel Insurance: Worth every penny for peace of mind.

Italy’s charm lies in its diverse experiences—from navigating Venice's canals to savoring coastal cuisine. This trip wasn’t just a vacation; it was a journey through time, culture, and personal growth. We can’t wait to return with Kiah, especially to explore Florence and Sicily, which are next on our list!