italy

Verona, Italy, is a city where history and romance intertwine in the most captivating way. The cobbled streets lead you through time, from ancient Roman ruins like the Arena di Verona, where gladiators once fought, to the legendary balcony of Juliet, which immortalizes Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers.

Venice shimmers like a dream, with its labyrinth of canals reflecting the soft glow of pastel-colored palazzos as gondolas silently glide through the mist. The grand expanse of Piazza San Marco opens like a jewel, where the golden mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica catch the sunlight, casting a heavenly glow over the square. As twilight falls, the waters of the Grand Canal take on hues of gold and indigo, and the city seems to float in an ethereal light, timeless and utterly enchanting.

These mountains aren’t just any mountains—they rise up like jagged giants, each peak more dramatic than the last. The trails took me through alpine meadows that looked like they were plucked straight from a fairytale, with wildflowers waving hello. Around every corner, the views were so epic it felt almost unfair to other places.

Cinque Terre feels like it was designed by a painter who couldn’t decide which color to choose—so they used them all. These five villages, clinging to the rugged cliffs above the Ligurian Sea, are a cascade of pastel houses, narrow alleyways, and steep, winding paths. It’s a place where hiking between towns means weaving through vineyards with jaw-dropping sea views, and every corner looks like a postcard. Cinque Terre is a masterpiece—part nature, part art, and all magic.

Borghetto is like stepping into a living fairy tale—a place where time seems to slow down, and you half expect to see knights on horseback crossing the medieval stone bridge. Nestled along the Mincio River, this tiny village is a hidden gem with watermills that look like they belong in a storybook. The sound of the river is your soundtrack as you wander through its cobblestone streets, surrounded by ancient houses draped in ivy. Borghetto doesn’t need grand attractions—it’s the simplicity, the stillness, and the feeling that you’ve stumbled upon a secret.

The Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona feels like something out of a dream—or maybe a miracle (which is exactly how this sanctuary was born). Perched precariously on the edge of a cliff, 2,500 feet above the valley below, it looks like it’s been carved straight out of the mountain. You don’t just visit this place—you descend to it, walking a steep, winding path that makes you feel like a pilgrim in search of something higher. As you approach, the sanctuary seems to emerge from the rock, blending into its surroundings as though it's always been a part of the landscape.

Trento is where history and modern life shake hands in the most elegant way. Walking through this city feels like flipping through a history book—Roman ruins, medieval castles, and Renaissance frescoes, all sitting comfortably next to bustling piazzas and contemporary cafes. The heart of Trento is its stunning Piazza Duomo, where the colorful facades of old buildings seem to glow under the shadow of the majestic Trento Cathedral.

Tucked between the towering cliffs and the shimmering waters of Lake Garda, this little town is a slice of paradise. The name “Limone” suggests lemons, and you’ll find plenty here—the air carries the sweet scent of lemon groves, and the streets are dotted with bright yellow fruit. But despite the name, it has nothing to do with lemons—it actually comes from the Latin word limen, meaning border.

Mantua feels like you’ve stumbled into the Renaissance and no one bothered to tell you. This city, tucked away in Lombardy, isn’t just rich in history—it’s dripping in it. Once ruled by the powerful Gonzaga family (as to Medici for Florence), Mantua is like a showcase of their legacy: grand palaces, stunning frescoes, and architecture that makes you stop and stare.

The heart of the city is Piazza Sordello, where every building seems to have its own story, from the Palazzo Ducale to the majestic Mantua Cathedral.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of those landmarks that makes you question reality. You see it in pictures, you know it leans, but standing in front of it, you’re still left thinking, “How is this thing not falling over?” The tower’s iconic tilt is almost comical—it feels like a monument with a sense of humor. Built on soft ground, it started leaning before it was even finished, and instead of fixing it, they just... embraced the lean.

Surrounded by the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli, with its pristine cathedral and baptistery, the tower itself feels like the rebellious sibling that refuses to stand up straight.

Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking Lake Maggiore, this ancient monastery looks like it’s clinging to the rock by sheer willpower alone. You approach it either by climbing steep steps from the water or descending from above, and no matter how you arrive, the first sight of it feels like a revelation.

Built in the 12th century by a merchant who survived a shipwreck and vowed to dedicate his life to the Virgin Mary, Santa Caterina del Sasso radiates serenity. Inside, frescoes that have seen centuries pass whisper stories of devotion and survival, while outside, the sweeping views of Lake Maggiore make you feel like you’ve found the edge of the world.