The Adventures of Leif Lauderdale: Bellissima

This month I went back to Italy with my family and I had an amazing time. I got to re-visit the old haunts in Rome and see some new ones as well. We arrived in Rome and spent a few extra days before our official tour began and it was like I never left- I now know why the call it the eternal City!

We got to see the Vatican Museums twice, but you can always spend more time there and of course we didn't get to see enough. It was also my first time in St. Peter's Basilica so I got to see a different side of Rome as well as the familiar.

We continued our tour in the south passing through Pompeii and eventually landed in the Isle of Capri, where we spent a few days. That island is magical and I definitely can see why Emperor Tiberius hid himself away there towards the end of his life- its the perfect paradise to retire!

Anacapri

After Capri we passed through the town of Assisi where we viewed the Basilica of St. Francis (one of the best Saints ever) and in Classe we saw the Basilica of St. Apollinare with some great early Christian art.

Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi

Basilica of Saint Apollinaris in Classe

We eventually arrived in Venice, where we were treated to gondolas, champagne, and music while we went through the canals- it was truly magical! I also enjoyed the crafts stores with masks, glass, writing implements, and more.

Then we hopped over to Tuscany and we had a few great meals and visited Florence. My favorite part of Tuscany was the city of Sienna, especially because we arrived on the day of the Palio, the infamous 90 second horse race on the Piazza Del Campo. I also think it would be a great place to learn Italian! I'm already planning my next trip back to Italy.