Feeling restless as you look toward Spring? Travel to a new land, culture, and food as we take you on a journey to Italy! Leave metropolitan Washington, D.C. behind and board a virtual plane to visit the birthplace of the famed Classical Civilization and Italian Renaissance. Tour guides, Michele and Kara, are at your service!

There are three reasons everyone should visit Rome: history, food, and art. For starters, Rome is just one, big archaeological dig. The Colosseum, The Forum, The Baths, The Pantheon, The Largo Argentina, need I go on? As you walk the cobble-stone streets, you are instantly transported back in time, about 2000 years ago when Caesars were still in power.

The Pantheon. Although it can be crowded, the Pantheon is one of the best preserved buildings from ancient Rome. It sneaks up on you as you walk down a little alleyway, and suddenly boom, there it is! It was officially completed under Emperor Hadrian’s reign in c. 125 CE. It is dedicated to Marcus Agrippa, the Roman Empire’s main architect during the Age of Augustus. As its name suggests that the Pantheon is a temple to all gods, but historians are unclear what exact purpose it served. I am so fond of the Pantheon because it is an architectural feat. The domed rotunda was the largest of its kind when it was built. It is made from the specially engineered Roman concrete and coffered on the ceiling to lighten its weight. Its unique oculus lets in light and weather. When seeing the Pantheon for the first time, Michelangelo said it was the design of angels, not of man. Nowadays when visiting, make sure to stop in and pay respects to Renaissance painter Raphael who is buried there.

The Eternal City may seem overwhelming to tackle at first, but never fear, there are sites to see without the obnoxious tourist crowds.

Trastevere. On the other side of the Tiber River lies the quaint town of Trastevere. Here you’ll find a plethora of restaurants where local Romans gather for coffee, aperitivo, dinner, or late night drinks. In Rome, you never have to worry about going hungry. Start your day off with coffee at a local “il bar”. Coffee is a ritual all Italians indulge in several times a day. Pro-tip, milk-heavy drinks, like cappuccinos and caffe lattes, are typically consumed in the morning; whereas espresso is a suitable choice at any hour! Trust me, you won’t even be missing your fancy Starbucks drinks. Around lunch, I recommend getting suppli. Suppli are these incredibly scrumptious deep-fried balls of tomato sauce and cheese-stuffed rice. Local Romans eat them on the go, and it is a magical experience for your taste buds. Best served warm, they burst with flavor as the cheese is gooey and stringy, the tomato sauce is zesty, the rice is perfectly cooked, and the outside crust is crunchy! On several occasions, I have eaten at least six suppli in one sitting, and I highly recommend it! Close out your evening with a traditional Roman pasta for dinner; my personal favorite is spaghetti alla carbonara. As long as it is made with guanciale, eggs, pecorino romano cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper, it is sure to be delicious; I promise you will love it!

Photo by Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash

Villa Borghese. No trip to Rome is ever complete without immersing yourself in art. Rome is home to work by master Baroque sculptor, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Truly a genius, Bernini had the uncanny ability to turn marble into living, breathing flesh. Three of his most famous sculptures, David, Apollo and Daphne, and The Rape of Proserpina, reside in the Museo e Galleria Borghese, housed in the Villa Borghese.

Nestled in the northernmost corner of Rome, the Villa Borghese typically doesn’t receive an exorbitant amount of tourist traffic. If it is a beautiful spring day, I recommend strolling the Villa’s gardens and parks. Maybe sit under one of their many willow trees and read a book? But to ensure you have a great time, rent a rowboat for 20-30 minutes, and row along the lake with some friends. Eventually, make your way to the Galleria Borghese and prepare to have your breath taken away. (Pro-tip: The Gallery only has a limited amount of tickets per day, so be sure to purchase them ahead of time online.) Hands down, my favorite sculpture is Apollo and Daphne.

The myth of Apollo and Daphne can be traced back to ancient Greece, and it was quickly adapted and retold by Roman authors. In short, Apollo arrogantly boasted of a victory to the god Eros; infuriated, Eros fashioned two arrows: one gold-tipped and the other lead-tipped. The gold-tipped arrow pierced the heart of Apollo, which made him fall madly in love with the river nymph, Daphne. Daphne, however, was pierced by the lead-tipped arrow, which created an intense aversion for love in her heart. As Apollo pursued the reluctant Daphne, she prayed to the river god, Peneus, for her safety and protection. Peneus granted her plea, and he transformed her into a laurel tree.

Bernini captures the moment of metamorphosis. Daphne’s right side begins to turn into a tree. Her legs and torso become a rigid, rough trunk, while her arms, fingers, and hair morph into beautifully delicate branches and leaves. Only Bernini can create such diverse textures carved into a single block of marble. Truly, the sculpture is mesmerizing!

Rome has something for everyone! Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten tourist path to get a more intimate look at the city.

You can’t visit Florence without going to the Galleria dell’Accademia and Uffizi Gallery. The Accademia is home to Michelangelo’s famous marble sculpture, David. Before entering the room in which David lies, you turn into a long corridor, facing directly in front of the ominous light that surrounds him, leaving you breathless and captivated by its pure beauty. The Uffizi holds several world renowned pieces, The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, Medusa by Caravaggio, and Venus of Urbino by Titian are only a few examples. (Important to know - Book your tickets in advance! Try to avoid visiting the museums during the weekends, due to that being when it is at its busiest)

Believe it or not, Florence is also known for its nightlife! One of my favorite places to go was the Jazz Club. It is a small, underground bar that has a live jazz band perform every night! You will never be disappointed by neither the music, people or drinks. Mainly locals go here, which is great if you’re really trying to indulge in the Italian culture. If you decide to visit Florence during the warmer months, Santo Spirito is a great way to spend your evening the Italian way. Right over the river holds a piazza filled with outdoor restaurants, bars, and music.

Hungry after a late night out? Unsure on where to go? Look no farther! Head over to Mr.Pizza, it faces the Duomo, so it’s easily found. They will make you a fresh pizza on spot, and they are open until 4AM every day! I can’t tell you how many times I grabbed some Mr.Pizza before heading home after an event filled night.

The most I can say is to simply enjoy every moment you have in Florence. It is a beautiful city, filled with genuine people and indescribable energy. I guarantee you won’t regret your decision!

If Rome is too much hustle and bustle, then I have the perfect place for you! Florence is a city in central Italy, and the capital city of the Tuscany region. Tuscany is known for its beautiful landscapes, great wine, and artistic legacy. Florence is the home of the Italian Renaissance, birthing the legendary artisans we still recognize to this day. Michelangelo, Donatello, Giotto, and Botticelli are all from Florence, as well as their art!

The first stop that most take while visiting Florence is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo! It began to be constructed in 1296, and didn’t finish till 1436; I can only imagine spending 20 years on a piece of art, let alone 200! I had the privilege of studying in Florence for 5 months, so I can tell you that it’s best to visit during the winter months if you want to avoid all of the crowds full of tourists. Keep in mind though, Florence’s rainy month is November.

If the Duomo’s beautiful rooftop views aren’t enough, walk up to the Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte. It is the first church built in Florence, and its views are phenomenal. You get to see all of Florence, as well as the Tuscan mountains in the distance; pictures simply do not do it justice!

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