Italy has always been a place I could only imagine visiting. The country’s timeless beauty, culinary treasures, and fashion influence make it a dream destination. Looking forward to your Italian trip? Read about my opportunity to explore Bologna, Florence, and Rome. Dine at local restaurants. Spend the day enjoying the Tuscany wine region. Learn about the Renaissance or shop at the fashion capital of the world. Fashion and culture blend with unique artistry everywhere.
Prepared Packing
Overpacking became an issue as I stayed longer. Therefore, my suitcase became stuffed with new purchases on the way home. Be prepared with what you pack. Most importantly, feel comfortable setting the tone in Europe while dressing to impress. Light and bright colors are popular for Italians, with most women dressed in pants or long, flowing dresses. These styles help them stay cool under the Mediterranean sun.
Plan for lots of walking and sweating if you’re visiting during the hot season. Sneakers were essential for sightseeing, and I wore them daily. Secondly, sunglasses are a non-negotiable, both for fashion and survival. Thankfully, the city’s buildings block most of the direct heat and light from the sun.
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Stay Hydrated and Beat the Heat
Italy’s infamous heat waves are not for the weak. Being from South Carolina, this heat was different. Bologna records some of the highest heat-related deaths in Europe. Direct sunlight with a high UV index makes you feel like you are melting. Mornings and evenings were for exploration, so, afternoons called for resetting and dining.
Being in extreme heat and off my regular routine, naturally makes me dehydrated. Keeping a water bottle with me wasn’t just practical; it became part of the experience. Disposable water bottles are sustainably designed, preventing the cap from being lost or polluting the streets.
Different places outside offer public fountains, but establishments don’t give free water with meals. A cafe charged me a small fee for an ice water. Train station bathrooms even required payment, reminding me of the minor differences in American culture.
Wine and Dine
Above all, the most exciting part of visiting Italy, personally, was the food, particularly trying authentic pasta. Tortellini in crema di parmigiano from Le Moline Osteria was my favorite dish from the trip. Before arriving, I knew the pasta dish Bolognese originated in Bologna. Lasagna Bolognese is more traditional and redefined my opinions on the meal. Three simple ingredients make up Ragù alla Bolognese: egg pasta (tagliatelle), ground pork, and tomato.
Learning how to make Bolognese sauce and crafting an Aperol spritz created memories that tasted as good as they felt. Aperol spritz is a bright orange, popular drink that pairs fantastically with almost any meal. Take an authentic Italian cooking class to learn the basics of pasta making. End your meal with the perfect dessert, my personal choice, a dark chocolate gelato or tiramisu. The smooth texture of gelato originated in Florence, with shops found on almost every corner throughout Italy.
Bologna
You fell in love with an emo girl in Bologna, because the medieval era had a significant impact on the city today. As a result, the university and Gothic cathedrals were built during this time period. The University of Bologna is the oldest established institution in Europe. Bologna greeted me with a city of red roofs, porticoes, and thriving student life. My sister is spending a year studying at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University, which is why we were visiting. The medieval charm and back-to-school energy complimented each other well.
Travelers can find porticoes placed across the country which offer shade from the heat. In Bologna, they lead to the entrance of a church overlooking the city at Santuario della Beata Vergine di San Luca. Visitors are allowed inside with appropriate clothing or coverings. The climb took about an hour and was brutal. However, reaching the top with the view was worth each step.
Bologna’s very own leaning tower, the Torre Garisenda, was also built in the Middle Ages. The “Two Towers” is closed for construction due to the hazardous leaning. Piazza Maggiore was lively. The film festival, Under the Stars of Cinema 2025 (Sotto le stelle del Cinema 2025), had production and seating in front of centuries-old architecture. The Statue of Neptune’s astonishing fountain dominates the square. Shop Versace, Louis Vuitton, Moncler, and other luxury European designers close by at Galleria Cavour. The luxury shopping experience serves as inspiration or relaxation.
Roaming Rome
Utilizing the train system made traveling to Rome easy with everything I expected and more. The breathtaking, historic city seemed to unfold layer by layer with plenty of masterpieces. The Trevi Fountain sculptures were incredible and at the center of a busy plaza.
View the 2,500-year-old ruins of an empire that once ruled the world. Pass different statues honoring Roman emperors on the way to the Colosseum. The Gladiator movie couldn’t prepare me for the massive arches that framed the once lively battle arena, with roaring crowds.
Religion plays a vital role throughout Italy, a value I appreciate. A marvelous statement of faith was the Saint Peter’s Basilica. Also, enjoy history and scenic views in another plaza at St. Peter’s Square. In Rome, I refilled my water bottle numerous times with cold water from public fountains placed near the museums.
Sightseeing and Crowds
Meanwhile, Vatican City was another must-see and a world of its own. Walk through the Vatican Museums filled with extraordinary artwork. Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling painting was astonishing and basically the finale. No pictures are allowed, so soak in every detail in the moment.
The crowds were intense at every location, but I managed to capture quiet moments. There are ample opportunities to capture an Instagram highlight or solo shot with a centered photo. Rome cannot be rushed. Each museum requires a full day of learning and enjoying the experience.
Trip to Florence, Firenze
Next, visit Florence, the heart of the Renaissance, essentially birthed enlightened thinkers after the Middle Ages. History paves all Italian streets. Learn more about the high Renaissance thinkers at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, on Via dei Servi 66. Mosaics in the Baptistry of San Giovanni stunningly sparkled with colors that seemed impossible for their age. Michelangelo’s statue of David seemed unreal and was the highlight of the Galleria dell’Accademia. Tip: The best shopping for pure leather and gold for Italy happens in Florence.
A wine tasting was mandatory visiting the Tuscany region where culinary arts shine. The tasting offered samples of red, white, and rosé wines, paired with cured meats, bread, and other light snacks. My travel partner chose to try three different red wines, while I tried one of each.
Shop High-End Fashion in Milan
Milan is more known for fashion than wining and dining. One of the most intricate cathedrals, Duomo di Milano, stood tall and stretched towards the sky. The world of luxury shopping is just steps away at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Designer boutiques line the streets at Via Montenapoleone. Milan isn’t just a city, but an attitude.
Vogue Italia headquarters at Piazza Cadorna. All activities are glamorous, as locals move effortlessly in perfectly tailored outfits. Milan Fashion Week 2025 is celebrating 50 years of the late Giorgio Armani from September 23 to 29. Armani, the revolutionary designer, passed away at the age of 91 on September 4. For anyone passionate about style, Milan is non-negotiable.
Timeless Travel
Sightseeing, cuisine, and shopping made Italy an unforgettable trip. The fashion, the history, and the people were all truly serene. Every city carried its own personality, which told a story of a country that mastered the art of living. Italy showed me extravagant luxury with experiences that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Copy my itinerary and plan your trip to Italy. Pack lightly, dress thoughtfully, leaving room for shopping and adventure. Be open and prepared for any unexpected shifts in your plans. Sit down for a late dinner while sipping an Aperol spritz, and watch the world pass by, feeling content. Italy isn’t just a trip, it’s a lesson in how to live beautifully. I’m already planning my next trip back! Care to join me?
