If you’re looking to escape the daily hustle and bustle of life and explore an entirely new country, see world-famous art, drive through scenic countryside, go wine tasting, and simply relish la dolce vita, Italy is the place for you.
Pallavi Nopany, artistic director at a graphic design studio called Pack of 2, visited Italy on an impulsive getaway in August, this year. She tells us that “Italy is the perfect destination to leave your husbands behind and go on an all girls trip. It offers everything a woman wants to do at leisure – shopping, lazily drinking wine by the piazza, be teleported to another era in time in the museums, or indulge and feast on art and artistic details that surrounds one while in Italy”
She explains why her Italian getaway was a dream come true:
How long was the trip?
10 amazing days, from August 21 to 31.
Which places did you visit in Italy?
My sister and I visited Rome, Florence and Venice.
WHAT ARE ITEMS YOU MUST CARRY WITH YOU FOR THE JOURNEY?
Pack light, don’t carry a suitcase larger than a medium size as in the train journeys, the overhead compartments can only fit that size (and there is no other place to put bags).
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE FROM YOUR TRIP?
The sunset tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine hill was simply magical. Our tour guide was a small, super-enthusiastic lady and how brilliantly she told the stories. She had this little book which had OHP sheets to overlay what the architecture used to be, on top of the ruins as you see them today.
Stories of Caesar’s Palace, the Vestal Virgins, the ingenious architecture, the lavish lifestyle, the gladiators, the story of Romulus and Remus, the churches built over temples, the gardens, fountains etc, was a kaleidoscope of information, and a little like doing an art history course at the speed of light.
what is the one thing you must do in Rome?
The art in the Vatican Museums is mesmerizing, the grandeur, the architecture and the stories transport you to another era. Being able to see and touch and be present in remnants of that era – you have for those few hours, slipped on a cloak and been teleported to another dimension.
In Florence, don’t miss the Uffizi Gallery.
they say “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” did you?
What was your first impression of Florence?
We were already very impressed with the Roman sights, but arriving in Florence made us forget about Rome. A city prettier than Rome, it gives one the feeling of going back in time.
A walking city, the European historical capital of fashion, full of gelaterias, paticcerias, and osterias.
Did you venture OFF-THE-BEATEN-TRAIL during your trip?
A day trip on a Vespa from Florence, this was my initiation into the vineyards, the cellars, and the blazing Tuscan sun. The journey itself is interesting, riding through rolling hills, and tasting the sweet berry like grapes which makes the delicious Chianti Wine was a lovely experience.
What advice would you give for those interested in visiting Italy?
Be careful about money, you tend to get shortchanged (taxi guys will hand you fake notes, random currency). Don’t use big bills, (100 Euro), change them into small notes, otherwise you will get cheated.
History and culture, wine, fresh pasta and gelato, the scenic Tuscan countryside and the spectacular art in the Sistine Chapel.
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