Rose Schrock

10 Days. 7 Cities. Endless Memories. 

In June 2019, my daughter and I traveled with our local high school’s travel club on an EF Tour of Italy. The fifteen of us from Eureka, IL plus others across the country started in Verona and made our way down to Capri. While there was a lot jam packed in a short amount of time, we were able to see so many amazing places that I can’t wait to revisit someday or send someone else to. 

Day 1 was our travel day which was seamless. I’m always grateful for an uneventful travel day! Day 2 we traveled to Verona to visit Juliet’s balcony and enjoy some lunch and wine from a local street cafe. One thing I loved to do during my freetime on this trip was enjoy a glass of wine and treat outside a cafe and just take in all of the sights. It’s always nice to have that time to reflect on the trip and where you are. Day 3 we visited Venice and boy did it live up to its expectations! I’d love to go back some day. We explored St. Mark’s Square & Basilica, the Duke’s Palace, and ended the visit with a gondola ride on the canal – a must do for anyone visiting Venice! Days 4 and 5 were spent in Florence. I could have spent an entire week alone exploring this city, there’s so much to see and do. The main attractions we were able to squeeze in during our little time there were the Duomo, Medici Chapels, Santa Croce Church, and the Boblio Gardens which have the most amazing view overlooking the city. It’s a trek to get there but I would recommend it to anyone traveling to Florence. Days 6 and 7 were spent in Rome. Another jam packed two days in a wonderful city! We were able to visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Holy Stairs, St. John’s Basilica, Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Bridge of Angels, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. Wow, that’s a lot!! Mark my words, I will go back someday so I can spend more time at these historical places. The last two days we traveled to southern Italy and if you’re looking for more of a relaxing destination with amazing views, this spot is for you. We first stopped at Pompeii to see the excavated ruins from the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. A very somber place but I’d highly recommend anyone visit especially for those interested in history. Then we traveled down to Sorrento and explored the shops, beach, and restaurants. We were even able to see the exit of a wedding from the local church – absolutely beautiful! Day 9 we took a boat over to the island of Capri and took in the most breathtaking views. I know I keep saying how everywhere there were amazing views but Capri was on a whole new level. The cliffs, the water, the greenery, it was all a great capture of God’s work. Our 10th and final day was spent traveling home which was again uneventful. We had such a fun, jam packed time with the high school students and other chaperones. I can’t wait to plan my own trip back…who am I kidding. I’ll be back multiple times!