Come with me to Italy …

Let me share my first trip across the pond and take you along to Italy. This fall, I joined a thoughtfully planned 10-day tour that began in Milan and wound its way south to Rome. While the grand cities impressed me with their architecture and energy, it was the small towns that truly captured my heart.

We arrived in Milan during Fashion Week, and the city pulsed with life. Hustle and bustle best describe it. We caught glimpses of fashion runways, photo shoots and models striving to make their mark. The Gucci and Louis Vuitton storefronts felt reminiscent of New York’s high-end shopping districts. The Galleria was especially striking—its grand square looked like something straight out of a movie, pigeons and all.

We also received a quick lesson on gelato. First, if it looks too fancy, it’s probably not authentic. Real gelato is flatter, not puffed up, and there is a distinct difference in taste. Second, Italians take their gelato very seriously—and it’s considered appropriate at any time of day.

One of my favorite stops was Bellagio, a quaint village on Lake Como that looks exactly like the Italy you see in films. Cobblestone streets, historic buildings and breathtaking views made it unforgettable. We discovered a family-owned restaurant called La Lanterna, filled with artistic charm. The owner, an artist, flattens wine bottles and paints Italian street scenes on them—perfect souvenirs. There I enjoyed the best lasagna and gelato I’ve ever had.

Traveling south, we added an extra stop in Parma, home of “the Parmesan cheese.” As the cheese master proudly explained, they still use medieval techniques perfected over centuries. Each wheel is carefully tested and aged for a year before earning the official stamp. Remarkably, only about 2 percent are rejected. We enjoyed a light lunch of sampled prosciutto and cheeses before continuing on to Viareggio, where we stayed at the elegant Grand Hotel Royal, built in the 1880s. We could now say we had dipped our toes into the Mediterranean Sea—this stretch being part of the Ligurian Sea.

From La Spezia, we boarded the Lord B at Porto Venere to visit Cinque Terre. A ferry is required to reach these villages, and the ride itself was spectacular: lighthouses, castles, dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear turquoise water. We visited three of the five historic villages, known for their colorful buildings. They reminded me of Rainbow Row in Charleston—except much older and perched on steep cliffs.

Our first stop was Riomaggiore, famous for its limoncello. Brightly painted buildings added to the charm, but good walking shoes are essential—there are no elevators and plenty of stairs. At the top sits a small, ornate historic church well worth the climb. Next was Monterosso al Mare, flatter and more beach-oriented, with fewer shops and wonderful local restaurants perfect for soaking in the atmosphere. In Vernazza, we painted along the waterfront. It was a quick study, but one I’ll finish in oils back home. Those who know me know this is my jam—I returned with plenty of inspiration and subject matter you may see this year.

Our next stop was Lucca, best described as a maze. We quickly became street-smart after getting lost more than once. While many people spoke English, some did not, so Google Translate became our go-to tool for asking questions and finding our way.

In Tuscany, we visited a church established in the year 972. That was the moment I truly realized how young American history is by comparison. We also toured a vineyard and enjoyed an Italian cooking lesson. A day trip to Florence included a guided walk with a local expert, which helped us maximize our time. The bridges were fascinating, and at the Uffizi Gallery I stood before an original work by Michelangelo.

Then came Siena—yes, the earthy color “sienna” comes from here. This historic city is filled with beautiful churches and buildings, and the famous Campo, used for horse racing, sits at its center. I was especially fascinated by the ancient doors throughout the city. Anyone who loves architecture would enjoy Siena.

Our final stop was Rome. We toured the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel—words fail to describe the masterpieces there. The brilliance of the artists, especially considering the era in which they worked, left me in awe. We even saw the Pope. While I am not Catholic, some in our group were, which made the moment especially meaningful. We also visited the Catacombs of St. Sebastian, an ancient burial site outside Rome, and walked along the Appian Way, the same ancient road once traveled by Peter and Paul.

This truly was a trip of a lifetime. I gained a deep appreciation for history and made friends from around the world. I am grateful to my South Carolina friend, Camellia, who organized such a well-planned journey and whose knowledge of the language and country enriched the experience. Life keeps us busy, but take the time to plan a good trip—go explore and appreciate God’s creation.