Postcard from Italy: 8 Ways to Experience the European Country

This was my third trip to Italy, but finally at an age when I can appreciate the sights, the food, and most importantly, the wine. My boyfriend and I started in Florence, soaking up the panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo, seeing the statue of David in the Galleria dell’Accademia, and wandering the streets, usually with gelato.

We saved the middle of our trip for total R&R, which meant heading south to the cliffside village of Positano on the Amalfi Coast. The views are worth the train, ferry, and boat to get there. Pro tip: Pack light, as Positano has stairs everywhere. Instead of splurging on beach chair rentals, rent a boat for a different view of the city—it’s breathtaking. The vine-covered shopping path just off the beach sells local artists’ work, perfect for gifts.

Postcard from Italy: 8 Ways to Experience the European Country

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At the tail end of our trip before flying out of Rome, we had to see the icons—hello, Colosseum!— and we stayed at the dreamy Hotel Campo de’ Fiori near my favorite restaurant, Osteria da Fortunata. You can watch pasta being hand-made right in front of you. Get their ravioli; if we had another day, we would’ve gone back there a third time.

Postcard from Italy: 8 Ways to Experience the European Country