On our one free day off from classes, I traveled with my peers by train to Venice. It was definitely my favorite part of the trip, as I was mesmerized by the beautiful sights this city had to offer.

While I knew in advance that the city was surrounded by and built atop water, I was absolutely stunned by seeing this in person. I loved the bridges and cobblestone pathways which lined the river.

Our day started by getting off the train and checking into our hotel. It was not ready for us when we initially arrived, so we walked around the city and began doing some shopping. I picked up fresh pasta to take home to my family, which I am very excited to prepare along with side dishes after having the cooking class with Chef Marcello yesterday.

After shopping, we later went together on a gondola ride around the city. This gave us the best, most incredible view of the city from the water. It was perfect because we went in the early evening just as the sun was slowly beginning to set, making for some pretty incredible pictures.

Finally, we got dinner and gelato! The restaurant at which we ate provided outdoor seating right next to the river, a divine view after enjoying the gondola ride. I ate the most delicious ravioli, and after dinner and gelato we made our way to the Rialto Bridge. By this point, it was nearly 9:30pm, and so the city and shops were all lit up and shined so brightly. This too made for amazing pictures.

Overall, Venezia was definitely my favorite part of the trip so far. I wish I could have stayed for more than one day, as I’m sure that, like Rome and Florence, there is so much history and culture this city has to offer. I hope to return to Venice someday!