Terra Brown

What better way to celebrate turning 50 than exploring Italy and the Mediterranean with my best friend?

After two years of planning, our families were excited to see our 19-day itinerary come to life. Traversing through Italy’s most beautiful cities, enjoying delicious food and drinks, taking in breathtaking sights, and a 7-day Mediterranean cruise. 

We started our journey on the charming glass-making island of Murano. I recommend a visit to Murano to anyone visiting Venice. Staying here let us explore at a slower pace and skip the heavier Venice crowds, yet we were close enough for a full day in Venice—a must-see city of romance and history!

Exploring the city through the canals, gliding along on a gondola ride, and marveling at St. Mark’s Basilica were some of the special moments that set the stage for a memorable birthday trip. 

For our families, Bologna and Florence held unique appeals. Bologna was the perfect high school graduation gift for my son, a car enthusiast. Touring the Lamborghini Factory, the Ferrari Museum, and ending with a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder drive through the countryside made this stop unforgettable for him.

Meanwhile, my best friend’s family soaked up Florence, her “must-visit” destination, to explore its wine windows, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Accademia—authentic experiences she’d been dreaming of. 

Meeting up in Siena was like walking back in time. This Tuscan medieval walled city filled with deep traditions, is famous for the Palio horse race, its Contrada neighborhoods, and historic charm. After years of fascination with this unique city, exploring it together made it feel like the trip was meant to be. It quickly topped my list of favorite places in Italy. 

The Mediterranean cruise was the relaxing yet adventurous break we needed, with its blend of multiple destinations and the convenience of unpacking only once.

Our itinerary took us to Naples for a taste of ancient Pompeii, Barcelona for La Sagrada Familia and bustling markets, Palma de Mallorca with its beaches and Drach caves, and La Spezia, the gateway to the enchanting Cinque Terre.

We savored every excursion, from the many historical sites to the vibrant beaches and blue water of the Mediterranean. 

Returning to Italy after the cruise, we were eager to explore Rome’s timeless appeal. The Colosseum, Pantheon, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain invited us to walk through history. Rome was an ideal mix of gelato stops, ancient wonders, and bustling piazzas that make it easy to see why it’s a bucket-list city. 

To end our trip on a beautiful note, we headed to Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples with dramatic cliffside views and sunsets that felt like the perfect end to our adventure. Known for its relaxed pace, fresh seafood, and incredible scenery, Sorrento gave us the chance to unwind and reflect on the memories we’d made. 

Our adventure wouldn’t have been complete without experiencing Italy’s varied transportation—from vaporettos in Murano and Venice, trains to ocean cruise liners, and even gondolas.

As a Travel Advisor, it was a thrill to experience each new way of getting around and gain insights for future clients who dream of exploring Italy. 

If you’re considering a celebration or milestone trip or just want to dive into the best of Italy and the Mediterranean, our journey could be the inspiration you’re looking for. Celebrating, exploring, and indulging in Italy’s charm created memories we’ll treasure forever.