My first trip to Italy was to Venice years ago. It was the first trip I took abroad with my husband. We had only been together a few months. Venice is a busy place in the day, full of hustle and bustle, however at night it is different. After a busy day sightseeing we went back to our hotel, which was situated on a canal not far from St Mark's Square.
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As we finished getting ready to go out for dinner, we went to the little balcony outside. It started raining heavily but we were sheltered in our little cove. All the locals and tourists ran inside, leaving the streets empty. Venice in the rain is so lovely, and as we looked out we felt we were the only couple in the world. We fell in love there and then.
A few years later we visited a little town called Limone in Lake Garda. We were immediately taken by the scenic beauty of the azure lakes and the lush green mountains. An unforgettable place for a walking holiday, we explored the area with great enthusiasm.
Credit Inntravel
My last trip to Italy was last year when I visited Rome with my husband. Rome is full of tourists, yes it's obvious I know, but you can still find a quiet moment in a little cafe. We found a very stylish bar one night and sat with Bellinis in hand chatting about what we would see in this historic city. The wonders of the Colluseum, the majesty that is the Vatican and the beauty of the Trevi fountain were captured by my camera. Our love for Italy was cemented even further.
Italy is a country to be savoured and adored. To be explored slowly, delightfully, in awe and amazement and, as always, at your own place.
Photo my own
Italy is a country to be savoured and adored. To be explored slowly, delightfully, in awe and amazement and, as always, at your own place.
If you visit, take the time to chat to the locals, drink the wine, and eat the delicious cuisine, whether that's a simple pizza or more elaborate pasta or meat dish. Take the time to sit in a little square and watch the world go by with a cup of Italian coffee. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history, and when you have had enough, visit those little boutiques and buy yourself a stylish treat. Take the time to hire a bike and explore the countryside or go on a walking holiday into the mountains. Take the time to fall in love... with Italy.
This Valentine's day we will be recreating the romance of Venice at home. My husband will cook his infamous Spaghetti Carbonara, we will be eating the best Italian chocolates and drinking the sparkliest Prosecco and dreaming, dreaming of our return to Italy in the near future. I've always wanted to go to stunning Sorrento and visit historic Pompeii so this is next on my wish list.
Inntravel the slow holiday people love Italy as much as I do. Their company is based on the ethos of holidays that delight and inspire you. Holidays that are enjoyed at a slow pace of life. Holidays that immerse you in the culture. Holidays that create lasting memories.
Inntravel are giving my readers today the chance to win some vouchers for a delicious Italian meal at Carluccios. If you would like to enter then pop over to my competition here.
Tell me have you ever been to Italy or would like to go? Do you like Italian food? Have you ever had a romantic holiday in Italy?
Italy is one of my favourite countries and every time I go I come back saying I must learn Italian. I'm lucky enough to live just less than an hour's drive from the border so we often pop over for lunch and once went for breakfast! Naples and Sardinia are currently top of my list, but there are so many places I still haven't been to and will never stop exploring this fabulous country.
ReplyDeleteYou are very lucky living so close Phoebe. It sounds like you have a glamorous lifestyle popping over to Italy for breakfast.
DeleteI have been to Italy quite a few times and it is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Now you have me planning another one.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your planning :)
DeleteMy dad thought it was a good idea to drive to italy when I was 17. Two days in the car isn't fun but when we got there it was worth it. One of my favourite holidays to date!
ReplyDeleteGosh being stuck in a car for two days wouldn't be my idea of heaven but as you say it was worth it all when you got there.
DeleteThe first time I saw Italy, I tore through all that beautiful country on a steamy coach, being teased crazy by the scenery. The next time, I'm planning to cycle, so I can stop off at every single, beautiful villagio!
ReplyDeleteYou sound like you have a real passion for the country!
DeleteI have never been to Italy, but really hope to go and this post makes me want to even more
ReplyDeleteHope you get the chance to go one day Jen.
DeleteAbsolutely love Italy and the food! One of our first holidays together was also to Venice, it was so beautiful wandering off the beaten track and exploring. We had torrential rain and the duckboards had to come out as everywhere was flooded. It was very memorable and one day we'll go back.
ReplyDeleteI think cities like Rome and Venice are so much nicer if you can explore off the beaten track.
DeleteThe hubby and I went to Rome a few years back and it's just wonderful
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it, the history is amazing.
DeleteI have never been to Italy but would love to go!
ReplyDeleteYou really have to go one day Kara.
DeleteI have absolutely always wanted to go to Venice, I am secretly hoping my boyfriend will take me one day!
ReplyDeleteI hope you do get the chance to go, it is lovely but stay over if you can as it is so much nicer at night.
DeletePeter is an eighth Italian - his grandmother was Eugenie Mortola , his great grandfather was a sea captain who came to Cardiff in Victorian times - Cardiff has a long history of connection with the Italians hence the no of Icecream parlours . They came from Camogli near Genoa where The Pink Panther was filmed , one day we will go and trace our distant family -,I've been to several parts and a few years ago Peter and I did the Grand Tour - if it's Monday it must be Venice .... Needless to say I love it there
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story Chris, and no wonder you love Italy! We have the Sidoli's ice cream parlours in my little town. Italian ice cream is delicious.
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