Italy in a Week

Italy in a Week

What a whirlwind! One week I was express renewing my passport in Chicago and heading to Montreal with our family of four, and the next our daughter and I were in Italy. It came together quickly and was absolutely perfect.  Read on to learn about our time in Florence, Lucca, and Rome.

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Before we dive into the details, I have to mention that we are so so thankful to our friends for allowing us to tag along on part of their Italian summer! They found and booked many of our activities as well the amazing Airbnb in Lucca! They also suggested using Get Your Guide and Chat GPT. I found both of those sources to be incredibly helpful on the go. I also had purchased Rick Steves ITALY book to get my bearings before our trip. And my Dad thoughtfully sent a map of Florence and a book of Italian phrases for tourists! I also found the Trenitalia app to be helpful for booking our longer distance train tickets.

Italy in a Week: FLORENCE

We stayed in such a lovely, small (6 rooms total) hotel in Florence. The location could not have been more perfect with a wonderful view of the Florence Duomo (officially the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore). There was a small elevator up to the hotel reception, but we were able to walk the 4 (-ish) flights. The hotel also had access to a rooftop that provided beautiful vistas of the Tuscan sunset over Florence. Our room was spacious. The juxtaposition of the ornate, historical room with the modern amenities was something that we both appreciated. Because we visited Florence at the end of June, it was quite hot. Our hotel’s location afforded us the ability to sightsee/shop, hop back to the hotel for a quick cool down/rest, and then back out to do more.

Our daughter and I spend 2 1/2 days in Florence. We joined our friends for several activities that they had set up for all of us and really enjoyed those. 

Upon arrival in Florence, we met our friends for a perfume making class. It was a great hands-on activity and provided a memory-making souvenir as well.

The next day, our daughter and I headed out to see some of the historic sites (with a heavy side of shopping). I had purchase Skip the Line tickets on Get Your Guide for the David the day before. We met at the site designated on our tickets and the man helped us get into the correct line. We did not have to wait long before we were in the Accademia Gallery of Florence. While the tickets ended up being more than if we had waited in line, this was an excellent option given our limited time in Florence as well as the heat wave. 

We stopped at a cafe for lunch, changed so that our shoulders and knees were covered, and then headed over to meet our guide and group for the Florence Duomo tour. Again, the tickets were purchased via Get Your Guide. I really appreciated this guided tour not only for the ability to skip the line but also because it was nice to hear about the history of such a lovely and subtle-y detailed gothic cathedral. The cathedral was named in honor of Santa Maria del Fiore. The Renaissance dome was designed by architect Filippo Brunelleschi.

We were then able to walk to Ponte Vecchio, translated Old Bridge. It was the only bridge in Florence not destroyed during World War II. The famous bridge houses shops (mostly jewelry and some souvenirs) on either side.

We of course also popped into stores such as Brandy Melville (my third one in 2 weeks lol), H&M, Zara, etc. on our walk over. 

I maybe pushed our limits but we walked from there up to Giardino Delle Rose. While the roses seemed to also be melting in the heat, the views did not disappoint. We had the option of walking up to Piazzale Michelangelo for even higher vistas of the city but opted to head back instead. I am guessing that these sites may also be available via a golf cart or bike tour.

We ended the day with dinner and rooftop views.

The next day, we met our friends to check out Marlu. There was already a line. Marlu is an affordable Italian jewelry company founded by three sisters focused on the sentiments jewelry creates versus the preciousness of expensive jewelry. (Later in the day we also stopped in Imagnini to check out their charms. Everyone who wanted a charm bracelet or necklace as a souvenir was able to find one between the two stores.)

 

We then headed over to our cooking class. The restaurant was designed beautifully! And our cooking class was super fun too! We made three kinds of pasta and our chef dressed them all up with three different delicious sauces. It was fun to make and even more fun to eat. I would highly recommend this activity. If ever there was a place to take a cooking class, Italy has to be it!

More shopping, a wine window for the moms, and then we all took the train to Lucca.

LUCCA

Lucca was such a pleasant surprise! We had a wonderful weekend spending time in this charming city with our friends in their stunning Airbnb. There was still plenty of shopping with a lot of local fare and tourist shops sprinkled in too. The crowds were considerably less, giving us space and time to really settle in and enjoy the town. 

Part of travel is seeing all of historic sites and part of it is just enjoying the atmosphere and taking in how other people live. We quickly found our favorite breakfast spot. A quaint cafe with outside seating on one of squares within walking distance of our place. We ate there 2 out of the 3 mornings we were there (and would have visited one last time on the final morning if we didn’t have a train to catch). The moms also got to have an afternoon affogato on both afternoons and they were just what we needed!

Lucca is a walled city in the Tuscany region. The Renaissance walls built in the 16th and 17th century are well-preserved and offer spacious, tree-lined pathways for biking and strolling. There are a couple of restaurants on the wall as well that are the perfect stop for afternoon gelato and/or a glass of Prosecco.

There were a couple of Italian leather shops in Lucca that offered handmade items that could be monogrammed. This made for the perfect, personalized gifts to bring home. I don’t have photos but there is also a colosseum still in tact and repurposed in Lucca. It encloses several restaurants and merchants selling jewelry, art, and leather goods. It is definitely worth a visit.

Lucca was also close to Pisa. An approximate 20-minute train ride will take you to the iconic leaning tower. You can purchase tickets to climb the stone and marble stairs to the top where the bell sits and views await. This sightseeing trip can be a great half day excursion from Lucca.

Rome

Our daughter and I left Lucca mid morning and headed via train to Rome. I booked a private golf cart tour for the afternoon. We had an early flight the next morning and had a room booked at The Hilton Rome Airport hotel (which is a super convenient 10-minute, covered walk from the airport). Wanting to not waste a second of our last day in Italy, we thought that this would be a great way to see the sights of Rome within our limited time line. And it was!

Our tour guide was amazing! She texted before our tour and I was able to keep her updated on our train delays, etc. Giulia picked us up right from the train station and we were off.

We were able to see where Pope Francis is buried. He chose Basilica of Saint Mary Major over the usual preference of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City due to his devotion to the icon of the Virgin Mary within it.

Then off to the Colosseum! I was surprised to learn that the Colosseum was stripped of its marble in the 6th century as the entertainment venue was no longer in use. The marble went to new construction throughout the city.

We then drove to the Roman Forum. It felt surreal to be surrounded by so much ancient history in the midst of modern times! The Roman Forum was developed in the 7th century B.C. and held social, political, and religious events.

Next on the docket was St. Peter’s Square, a Piazza in in Vatican City. There was what felt like a spiritual mist when we visited, adding to the already reverent feeling. St. Peter’s Square was designed by  Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century and is the central assembly spot for events within Vatican City.

It was so intriguing to see so many iconic Roman relics amongst a bustling city. The Pantheon was once a Roman temple and currently serves as a basilica, allowing for over 2,000 years of ongoing worship.

Our next stop was the most special place for me to visit. When my parents visited Rome 45 years ago, my pregnant mother threw three coins into Trevi Fountain and wished for a daughter. It was so meaningful that I was able to visit this location with my own daughter. (The only thing that would have made it even better is if my mom had been there too!)

Our final landmark visit was the Spanish Steps. This famous stairway connects the Piazza di Spagna at the bottom with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top.

We ended the tour with views of Rome from a city park. There really isn’t anything like a European park in summertime!

Then it was back to the train station complete with a cancelled airport train, bus to the hotel, and early morning rise to head home.

Happy Italian Summer!

Here are some links to have your own Italian summer 🙂 I didn’t include a packing list because to be honest I wasn’t that happy with my packing. If I were to do it over again, I would have purchased this dress (that I now own and love) before the trip and also anything and everything linen. I was also happy with my sneakers. My daughter’s purse and my own purse were quick purchases for the trip and worked really well too.