Today felt like one of those days where I had to pinch myself just to make sure it was real. We started off in the Romagna countryside, where the land rolls gently like waves. It’s calm, quiet, and green — but by mid-morning we were winding our way up to San Marino, the tiny republic perched high on Mount Titano. Hard to believe this is the fifth-smallest country in the world, because standing at the top, it feels endless. From there, the Adriatic sparkled in the distance, and all around were hills layered like patchwork. San Marino’s old town looks[…]
Month: October 2025
Day 5: Romagna Countryside – Borgo Conde Wine Resort , Forli
Day five in Italy gave our group the rare treat of choice—something we all dream about on vacation: a day tailored to your own pace. The morning began gently at our wine resort hotel, sunlight streaming over the terracotta rooftops and vineyards, painting the villa in warm golden hues. Breakfast was a cheerful affair, and Jimmy joined us with a big grin, tucking into fresh pastries and Italian coffee as laughter filled the terrace. Some of us opted to remain in this peaceful paradise. The spa beckoned with an indulgent organic, wine-infused mud treatment that left skin glowing and spirits[…]
Day 4: Venice ➝ Po River Sailing ➝ Romagna Countryside
This morning we waved arrivederci to Venice, taking one last ride through the canals before heading out into the countryside. The city slowly faded behind us as we made our way toward the Romagna region, a land famous for its love of food, wine, and good living. Our journey took us into the Po Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the landscape feels timeless. We boarded a pontoon boat and glided across the wetlands, the same waters that once sheltered ancient Romans as they fled barbarian invasions. The scenery was peaceful and wide, dotted with small fishing huts and[…]
Day 3 – Venice: Gondola Boatyard, Ride & Classical Concert
Venice is a city unlike any other, and today it felt like we peeled back another layer of its magic. By now, we’ve traveled on four different kinds of boats in just three days—a true Venetian initiation! Yesterday we explored the Po River Delta with our wonderful guide Sara and Captain Sandro, and it was so good to see them again. That nature tour was such a unique experience, far from the usual tourist trail, and it gave us a glimpse into an important part of Italy that so many people overlook. But today was all about one of Venice’s[…]
Venice, Piazza, Music – Day 2
Now that we’re all well-rested, the adventure officially begins! Venice, with its 117 tiny islands, 150 winding canals, and 400 charming bridges (thank you, UNESCO), is ready to show us its magic—and we are so ready for it! Our day kicked off with a proper dose of Venetian charm. Imagine this: me, Chuck, riding the waves like a pro…or at least trying to. Don’t just take my word for it—check out the action in this video. Spoiler alert: Venice has waves, and yes, I survived! As we wandered through Venice, we caught a glimpse of a man quietly sitting on[…]