A Personal Note from Tara
I still can’t believe it actually happened.
This country girl — the one who never imagined her feet would ever touch Italian cobblestone — was suddenly exploring Italy with my Prince by my side.
Italy had always been a dream to me… one of those “maybe one day” hopes you tuck away quietly because life is busy and dreams sometimes feel too big. But there we were — strolling through the winding streets of Venice, watching Murano artists turn sand into shimmering glass, and soaking in the magic that feels too beautiful to put into words.
Florence completely swept me away. I still remember standing in front of sculptures and masterpieces so massive and breathtaking that I couldn’t talk — and that is saying something.
Rome? Goodness… Rome felt like stepping into a living history book. I’m still not over it. Every time I think about the places we stood, the art we saw, the food we devoured (hello gelato!), my heart does this little flip.
And Milan… oh Milan. The Duomo — massive, glowing, and more intricate than anything my eyes have ever taken in — instantly became one of my favorite places on Earth. You know I love stained glass, and that cathedral did not disappoint. We even found the perfect little spot near the castle to grab a Coke and people-watch — one of my favorite memories from the whole trip.
And here’s the thing:
Even after planning Italian adventures for so many of my clients… being there myself changed me. I already have a whole list of what I want to experience again and what I want to explore next:
• the Amalfi Coast (finally!),
• Cinque Terre (yes, that spelling is correct!),
• a real Italian cooking class,
• and next time… I am taking that gondola ride in Venice I missed the first time.
Italy didn’t just impress me.
It stirred me, inspired me, and reminded me how travel can transform us in ways nothing else can.