Italy is a country that has something to offer for everyone – from the stunning art and architecture of the cities, to the relaxed way of life and delicious cuisine. In March, I had the pleasure of visiting some of the most beautiful cities in Italy, including Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa and Milan, and each city had its own unique charm.

One of the most memorable experiences of my trip was seeing the ancient buildings and architecture. What sets Italy apart from other countries when it comes to history is how many ancient buildings are still standing. Unlike other places in Europe, such as England and Germany, where many historic buildings were damaged or destroyed during World War II, Italy has managed to preserve much of its heritage. Walking through the streets of Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa and Milan, it felt like I was going back in time. The cobbled streets and ancient buildings were stunning, and I felt completely safe walking through them.

Traveling through Italy felt like going back in time

The Italian culture is also quite unique. The way of life is more relaxed than what you would experience in other countries in Europe. Shops often close early or are closed in the mid-afternoon, and people seem to prioritize family time and their health above other things. This is something I found very refreshing. It was also interesting to see how different parts of Italy had different cultural customs.

Of course, no trip to Italy is complete without trying the food. Italian cuisine is famous around the world, and for good reason. We tried several different dishes during our travels, but our favorite by far was gelato. The taste and creaminess of the gelato was far superior to ice cream, and the pistachio with ricotta cheese flavor was an unexpected delight. We also enjoyed picking up fresh produce from local markets and cooking meals in our Airbnb, as well as drinking fantastic, inexpensive Italian wine.

Using a lot of the travel tips from our free European Travel Guide, traveling within Italy was also a breeze, thanks to the high-speed trains that run throughout the country. We settled in Florence as our home base and took day trips to other cities via train. The trains were very comfortable, efficient, and reasonably priced. It allowed us to relax on the train ahead of visiting new cities and to experience more of the beautiful Italian countryside. It also helped that the high speed trains had a top speed of 186mph, making long journeys far more preferable by train instead of car.

While we visited some of the most well-known cities in Italy, there were still many other places we would have liked to see. Bologna, Sicily, Siena and the Tuscan countryside were on our list of places we didn’t have time for during this trip. We hope to come back to Italy someday and experience more of its beauty.

While we didn’t get a chance to go see any Serie A games in person, this trip gave me the confidence in knowing that it’s so easy to travel from city to city. Several airlines offer direct flights from the United States to Italy every day.

In conclusion, traveling through Italy was a unique experience. The ancient architecture, relaxed way of life, delicious food, and efficient transportation system made for an unforgettable trip. If you’re looking for a country with rich history, stunning art and architecture, and a unique culture, then Italy is definitely worth a visit.