Italia. Un paese ricco di buon vino, pelle baciata dal sole e amore. 

Italy. A country rich with good wine, sun-kissed skin, and love.

When most people think of European holidays, two countries typically come to mind first: France and Italy. I have been fortunate to visit both of them – as well as thirteen other EU countries – and am happy to confirm that Italy really is worth all of the hype. 

Rome’s Colosseum truly is as grand as everyone says. Venice really is as magical as all of the photographs on pinterest. And the pasta is to die for. 

As much as I love every country I have traveled to, Italy will always hold a special spot in my heart. 

If you have not been to Italy (yet!) or have and are simply feeling nostalgic, here are 20 photos to feed your wanderlust and inspire your next trip!

Verona

If you’ve seen the movie Letter’s To Juliet, Verona is where Sophie visits Juliet’s wall. The wall and statue of Juliet themselves are honestly way too touristic that I wouldn’t recommend visiting Verona just to see them. However, I certainly wouldn’t advice you to pass up staying in Verona either. 

Verona is such a charming city in northern Italy’s Veneto region. A quieter part of Italy (when compared to Rome) and well worth a visit. Like Rome, it too has its own Colosseum – and you can see operas there! My mother and I went to see one at night which was incredible.

Verona also has some of the most beautiful vineyards. These photos were taken at the gorgeous vineyard we enjoyed staying at – the Hotel Villa Giona. 

Rome

Aside from the Colosseum – and falling in love with lemon gelato that I ate virtually every few hours 😋 – some other marvels I fell in love with in Rome were the Roman Forum, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. 

The photographs below are of (and around) the Roman Pantheon. As much as I loved the Colosseum, the Pantheon was my favorite place in Roma. First created during the reign of Augustus and then later rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian, it is one of the most impressive temples ever created. It is also a place I feel so lucky for how I got to experience.

The Pantheon sits on the south side of the Piazza della Rotonda. And I was lucky to stay at one of the few hotel rooms that had a balcony overlooking the temple! Getting a room here is incredibly difficult; they are booked up for months in advance and the balcony rooms are nearly impossible to secure. My mother is very persistent though. 😉

The hotel we secured our room at is the Hotel Albergo del Senato. Being able to relax on a balcony overlooking the Pantheon in the early hours, when the sky was seemingly alighted in fiery rays of red and orange, made it feel as though the Pantheon belonged to us. A memory I will never forget.

Also, I’m sorry I do not have a better picture from this hotel! I visited years ago and somehow lost all of my camera shots from here (these are from a 2013 cell phone – we’ve come a long ways 😜).

Florence

If you are like me and love Renaissance art, then Florence – the capitol city of Tuscany – is a must-visit as well. First, because this is where the Statue of David is hidden away – if there is one statue you see in Italy, it should be that one. And two, because there are so many other breathtaking works of art – sculptures and architecture alike. Filippo Brunelleschi’s Duomo is certainly one of the most beautiful cathedrals ever built in the 15th century.

Vatican City

As much as I love the art of Florence and think the Statue of David is the most important statue to see in Italy, overall, The Vatican had more art that I love. Plus, the Statue of David is on display in a tiny, insignificant looking museum. Whereas Michaelangelo’s statue of Moses is at home in The Vatican, a place of absolute grandeur. Not to mention, one of the most impressive paintings I have ever seen, The Creation of Adam, is here as well.

Florence is lucky that they have the Statue of David. Because if it was also in The Vatican, I really do not think there would be any use in their museums trying to compete for attention with the Vatican. Still go to Florence, though 😉 Brunelleschi’s Duomo is certainly worth it.

Venice

I’m sure you did not need me to tell you the location of these photos – ah, Venice. So beautiful everyone writes about you.

One of my favorite days in Venice was when I modeled this gorgeous gold gown. I’ve had fun modeling in different countries (like Japan!), but this was definitely one of my favorite photo shoots. You can see all of those pictures here! 💕

No matter where you travel in Italy, you really cannot go wrong. Italy is always a good idea.

What is your favorite country you have traveled to? Or, if you have not traveled outside of your own country, what are your favorite places to explore in your country? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you ♥️

XO,

Mikéla

P.S.

If you enjoyed this post, linked below are three more I know you will enjoy.

Especially this one on Slovenia! As much as I love Italy, popular locations like Venice can become packed with tourists in the summer. Which is why I always recommend adding Slovenia onto your travel itinerary. 

Generally overlooked, this little country provides all of the coveted Mediterranean swimming, without the crowds. Plus, it’s capitol Ljubljana is just a 2 hr and 45 min drive from Venice. And if these two reasons weren’t enough, well, here are 20 photos to inspire you to visit Slovenia.