Italy with Love: A Mother-Daughter Getaway to Rome, Florence & Venice

Rome: History, gelato, and La Dolce Vita

• Trevi Fountain: This was our first stop in Rome after long, tiring international flights, and the moment we stood in front of it, we knew we had done it right! The vibes around that place will make up your journey. Toss in a coin and make a wish together

• Colosseum and Roman Forum: We all have seen pictures of these on the internet, however seeing it in front of you is a different experience altogether. Walk hand-in-hand through history (you can almost feel it!) and marvel at the empire’s grand ruins.

• Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: it’s a once-in-a-lifetime cultural, artistic, and spiritual experience and Michelangelo’s ceiling is one of the most iconic images in Western art. As we walked through galleries filled with priceless works of art and talked about their stories and tales, we created mesmerized memories.

Florence: Art, views, and Tuscan charm

• Duomo and climb to the Dome: Breathtaking views and a shared sense of accomplishment after a long and somewhat tough walk. When we reached the top, we felt we should have extended our trip so we could spend more time enjoying the view at different times of the day and evening.

• Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David: Art that stirs conversation and awe.

• Walk through the city center and along the river: You could spend days walking around. Enjoy looking at well-dressed Italians, as well as visitors from different places in the world Enjoy drinks at roadside cafes and of course, buy gifts either from expensive branded shops or from roadside souvenir shops

Venice: Water, glass, and magic

• St. Mark’s Square and Basilica: Walking around this area is magical. We have crossed this area many times during our visit and were delighted every time.

• Vaporetto Cruise: Venetian water bus, essentially a public transport boat that functions like a bus in Venice. It’s not only an affordable way to navigate the city’s canals to explore various locations. It’s a unique experience altogether to see how these operations are so well-planned to enable tourists to enjoy their vacation comfortably.

• Murano and Burano: Explore the islands together—lace, glass, and bright colors make for perfect photo ops. The boat journey from the main island was so exciting!

• Della Palma, Rome: Ice cream parlor with sidewalk terrace—please do not leave Rome without tasting their tiramisu ice cream,

• TIAN CI CHONG QING FARM HOTPOT, Rome: We had to try Asian food while in Rome and we found this place—awesome food and really really spicy!

• Shake Cafe, Florence: A kind of fancy cafe, very attractive for young adults (my daughter was so excited). It has delicious, fresh, and good quality food and drinks with a diverse range—good for brunch.

• La Borsa, Florence: Small and cozy with friendly staff that makes you feel at home. They are famous for their wonderful sandwiches.

• Ristorante Pizzeria Canto De' Nelli, Florence: This is where we had one of our dinners. It offers a memorable dining experience—delicious food, a great ambiance, and service that makes you feel special.

• Trattoria Ai Cacciatori, Venice: Venetian cuisine with a modern spin at an easygoing trattoria overlooking an expansive waterway, with great views of San Marco and Venice. We spent a long time having dinner here, enjoying the view and awesome seafood.