In April 2025, our family of three—my husband, our teenage daughter, and I—set off on a beautiful journey through Italy, a country that holds a special place in our hearts.
It had been 22 years since my husband and I last visited, and returning with our daughter for her very first time made the experience even more meaningful.
From the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites in Cortina, to the dreamy canals of Venice, and finally the timeless wonders of Rome, each destination brought its own charm and adventures.
Traveling with a teenager added a fresh perspective as we rediscovered Italy through her eyes, blending adventure, culture, rich history, nature, and family connection along the way.
Cortina d’Ampezzo & the Dolomites
We rented a car from Venice Mestre station and drove to Cortina d’Ampezzo—a scenic two-hour journey through winding, mountainous roads with breathtaking views at every turn.
Once in Cortina, we spent time strolling around the charming town and soaking in its relaxed alpine atmosphere.
One of our favorite day trips was to the stunning Lake Braies, where calm waters reflected the surrounding peaks like a painting.
We had hoped to hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo, but the road was still closed due to heavy snow at higher elevations. Instead, we took in the spectacular views from the Vista Panoramica, which was still absolutely worth the visit.
We were able to hike Cinque Torri, which offered incredible scenery and a taste of the Dolomites’ rugged beauty and snow capped mountain.
Despite being spring, we were blessed with clear, sunny weather throughout our stay.
It was just a week past ski season, so all the gondolas were closed—but the quietness added a peaceful charm to every quaint village we passed.
This visit left us wanting more, and we’re already dreaming of a return trip to explore the western Dolomites, especially Ortisei and its surrounding valleys.
Venice
We always joke that we needed to visit Venice again—before it sinks!—and this time, it was especially meaningful as it was our daughter’s first time experiencing the magic of this iconic city.
We were once again blessed with beautiful weather for our full day in Venice, which made wandering its narrow streets and endless canals even more enchanting.
We strolled aimlessly, letting ourselves get a little lost, which is the best way to experience Venice’s charm. Every corner felt like a painting—quaint, colorful, and full of character.
The food was a highlight: from Cicchetti to fresh seafood pasta, everything we tried was delicious.
Delicious and colorful Cicchetti.
Fresh seafood and can't beat the beautiful canal view.
We happened to walk past the famous Gelateria Gallonetto without realizing it—until we saw a long line, joined in out of curiosity, and were rewarded with the most amazing pistachio gelato we’ve ever had.
We tried a lot of gelato in both Venice and Rome, but Gallonetto was hands-down the best.
The city was surprisingly walkable, and while we didn’t have time to catch one of the local concerts held in historic churches, we did visit St. Mark’s Square, admired the magnificent Doge’s Palace, walked across the Rialto Bridge, and strolled along the Grand Canal.
If we had more time, we would have loved to visit Murano Island to see the famous glassmaking in action—but that will have to wait for next time.
Rome
The first piece of advice we always hear—and now pass on ourselves—when visiting Rome is: watch out for pickpockets!
With that in mind, we avoided the metro, choosing instead to walk almost everywhere and only used Uber for longer trips, like to Vatican City and the airport.
We stayed in the Monti neighborhood during our time in Rome. It's a charming, local vide, walkable neighborhood tucked between the Colosseum and Roma Termini station, which made getting around incredibly convenient.
This visit to Rome was especially memorable, not only because it was a Jubilee Year, but also due to the emotional timing—we were on the train from Venice to the Eternal City when we learned the sad news of Pope Francis’s passing.
Jubilees Year 2025.
We visited the Colosseum with a general tour and were completely taken in by the sheer scale and history of the place.
As fans of the movie Gladiator, we found ourselves imagining the roar of the crowds and the fierce battles that once took place there.
At night, we returned to take photos of the Colosseum beautifully lit against the sky—absolutely magical.
We also explored the Roman Forum, climbed Palatine Hill, and spent a full day at Vatican City, visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, and the incredible Vatican Museums.
St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Roman Forum.
The Vatican Museum.
Walking through the Holy Door—shoulder to shoulder with a crowd that moved like a can of sardines—was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
We had booked tickets to climb the Dome at St. Peter’s Basilica, but unfortunately it was closed to the public due to the Pope’s passing.
A tip for future visitors: definitely book popular attractions like the Colosseum’s underground or attic tours in advance—they fill up quickly.
Beyond the sights, Rome charmed us with its blend of ancient architecture, lively modern streets, and rich artistic heritage.
And then there was the food: endless gelato, tiramisu, crispy supplì (fried rice ball, a popular street food), thin crust pizza, and of course, all the Roman pasta classics—carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and gricia. We were truly in food heaven.
crispy supplì (fried rice ball, a popular street food).
Endless pasta!
For our daughter, it was an eye-opening, educational trip, full of culture, history, and flavors she won’t soon forget.