Discovering Italy: Exploring Rome, Florence, and Venice in Spring

Do you have a week to kill and need ideas for a fantastic spring holiday? One of my favorite European suggestions is exploring some of the historic cities that Italy has to offer. Last summer, I spent a few days in Rome, hopped a train to Florence, and then journeyed to Venice.

After arriving in Rome and settling into my hotel, I explored and tried some snacks and wine at a nearby market at Mercato Centrale on foot, and then ventured via bus to walk past the Trevi Fountain. I re-enacted a scene from the Lizzie McGuire movie and tossed a coin in, but alas no Italian popstar appeared to take me on an epic moped ride. I spent the afternoon walking around, enjoying the sunshine and endless gelato.

I then embarked on the evening Vatican Tour. The last tour of the day is significantly less crowded, allowing for a more intimate experience. This tour highlights specific stops, including the iconic Sistine Chapel.

Highlights of the Tour:

• Less Crowded Atmosphere: The evening tour provides a quieter environment to appreciate the art and history.

• Sistine Chapel: A major highlight, known for its stunning ceiling painted by Michelangelo.

• Vatican Museum: Explore the vast collection of statues and artwork housed within the museum.

During these few hours, it's easy to get lost in the beauty and grandeur of the Vatican's treasures.

After the museum, I had dinner at Osteria dell'Angelo, a 10 minute walk from the museum. They offer a fixed price, three course menu at around 30 euros and it's a major steal. The staff was so friendly and they offered me some complimentary things along with the fixed meal (pasta, main course, dessert). I was so full that I partially walked back towards the hotel to work off the food.

The next day, I woke up early and joined a small guided tour via Viator entitled The Original Roman Crypts and Catacombs Tour. We met at the Fontana del Tritone and then, via bus, we explored three separate locations:

• The Catacombs of Rome: We explored the ancient catacombs just outside the city.

• The Capuchin Crypt: We went inside this crypt, which houses the bones of 4,000 Capuchin monks.

• Basilica San Nicola in Carcere: We learned the history of this basilica from beneath the church.

After the tour wrapped, I enjoyed a late lunch nearby at Piazza Barberini. I enjoyed some Fiori di zucca (fried zucchini flowers), pizza crudo e funghi (mozzarella, ham, and mushrooms), and a few fun cocktails (so many spritz options).

After a luxurious afternoon snooze and a quick spritz of perfume, I launched myself into an epic evening of munching and sipping by joining the Rome Trastevere Food Tour. During the tour we raided the oldest wine cellar in town. Devoured street food classics like: Suppli' (the snack that's always ready to roll!), Porchetta (the pork that dreams are made of!), indulged in gelato and became a gelato detective, spotting the real deal from the imposters. We also had a pasta and wine duo that was nothing short of a culinary love story. Our tour guide was a delightful cocktail of humor and insanity, making the adventure even more unforgettable. The group was a fabulous mix of characters from all walks of life, adding to the evening's fantastic atmosphere. Some of us hung out for an extra few hours at a local bar with live music after the tour ended.

My last day in Rome was spent at the Colosseum with exclusive area access. My tour also included the Forum and Palatine Hill, but thanks to traffic and a public transport issue, I missed the beginning. Thankfully the company was able to re-connect me with the group for the main attraction though. The Colosseum is the largest ancient amphitheater ever built, and is still the largest standing amphitheater in the world, despite its age. I've seen it twice now, and both times I thought, no wonder this is considered one of the new 7 wonders of the world.

After spending half a day exploring the Colosseum, I took a train to Florence, which took just over 3 hours and was quite affordable when booked in advance. I checked into a hotel near the Duomo and visited a 'wine window' at Cantina De'Pucci before my dinner reservation. I savored a delicious Steak Florentine and strolled through the streets of Florence before turning in for an early night.

The following morning greeted me with gloomy weather, yet it didn't deter me from relishing my Chianti Region Half-Day Wine Tour. Our first destination was Poggio Amorelli, where we received a wine guide and pen to rank our favorites, along with some charcuterie to savor. This winery boasted a cozy interior and was nestled in the heart of Chianti Classico. Our second stop was at Poggio Ai Laghi, a larger-scale winery that featured a unique tasting game. Our guide tested our wine knowledge, and for each correct answer, we received a bonus pour. They also offered international shipping for those who found a few favorites but lacked luggage space.

When our bus arrived back in Florence post wine tour, I grabbed a quick lunch and then walked through the rain to the Accademia Gallery for my timed entrance. The Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze, or "Gallery of the Academy of Florence", is an art museum in Florence, Italy. It is best known as the home of Michelangelo's sculpture David. It also has other sculptures by Michelangelo and a large collection of paintings by Florentine artists, mostly from the period 1300–1600.

After enjoying a rainy afternoon at the museum, I grabbed a quick pizza, changed outfits for an evening out and joined a Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl In Florence. The group was small, but fun, beginning in a park by the Aldo river. We went to several different bars, a wine window, had a few fun photo opportunities, and it was a good way as a solo female traveler to feel safe in a group, yet still get to explore some nightlife. I made a few new friends from my group (a lovely Dutch couple along with some fellow Americans) and we had post tour kebabs.

For my last day in Florence, I spent the morning at the Uffizi Gallery, a prominent art museum located adjacent to the Piazza della Signoria in the Historic Centre of Florence. I then enjoyed a fresh focaccia sandwich at the All’Antico Vinaio, and did some shopping as I walked back to the hotel to grab my bags. The hotel helped me get a cab to the train station, and I was off to my final Italian destination, Venice.

I took a water taxi from the train station to my hotel, checked in, and then walked to Ristorante Pizzeria Da Alvise for dinner with a view. I enjoyed a Hugo Spritz (one of my favorites), calamari, and a delicious seafood pasta in white sauce.

For my first full day in Venice, I started with an Eat Like a Local: Food Tasting & Walking Tour. The tour began with coffee and pastries, continuing on to a wine bar with "cicchetti," traditional snacks or side dishes similar to Spanish tapas. We also got to try local cured meats, cocktails, gelato, several desserts, and fresh fish, as we ventured through 8 different stops. The tour was in English and included a few different historical tidbits about the city along the way.

I took advantage of a small afternoon break with some shopping and a nap, and I walked to an early dinner and enjoyed more fresh seafood and wine. Then I went on a hour and a half Ghost Tour to Rialto and San Marco Square. The tour was a lot of walking, but it featured some unique stories of the city along with some humor from an experienced local guide. After the tour, on my way back to the hotel, I grabbed some desserts and more gelato. I think I ate gelato every other day on this trip.

On my final day in Italy, I embarked on the "Legendary Venice St. Mark's Terrace & Doge's Skip the Line" tour. We started at Doge's Palace, a historic building originally constructed in 810 and rebuilt in 1340, which housed government offices, a jail, and served as the Doge of Venice's residence. Next, we visited St. Mark's Basilica, the cathedral of the Patriarchate of Venice since 1807, dedicated to Saint Mark the Evangelist. Inside, we admired various artworks, including the four gilded bronze horses taken from Constantinople after the Fourth Crusade. Our tour concluded on the terrace, offering a stunning view of the square below.

After our tour ended, I journeyed to a nearby eatery for my final Italian meal. Then I decided to treat myself to a private gondola ride. It was a little chaotic finding a decent one near my hotel that was not a scam, but when I did, it was worth the wait. I got some excellent photos of the canal, and my guide was very kind and knowledgeable. After we finished up, I checked out from my hotel, grabbed my bags, and took a water taxi and bus towards the airport.

Sure, there were a few stressful moments that come with solo travel, but nothing too crazy. I think Italy is an awesome spot to hang out in the spring. The weather's great, the food and drinks are tasty, and if you go during the off-season, it's pretty budget-friendly. This three city tour that I did is just one of the many combinations or you could pick one city to focus on. Italy is very easy to navigate, and offers a lot of tour opportunities, day trips, etc. I think it's a perfect place whether you travel solo or in a group!