BIG GIRL TIME

Italy had been on my bucket list for years, but nothing could have prepared me for what it actually felt like to step off the plane and find myself surrounded by thousands of years of history, incredible food, beautiful churches, and some of the most unforgettable views I’ve ever seen.

I spent my time between Rome and Assisi as part of a Franciscan leadership pilgrimage, which gave me the opportunity to experience Italy from a spiritual, tourist, and cultural perspective. While there were plenty of planned activities, I also spent my free time exploring some of Rome’s most famous landmarks, trying local foods, and wandering through streets that seemed to hold history around every corner.

If you’re planning your first trip to Italy, here are my must-sees, must-tries, and tips for making the most of your visit.

Must-See Attractions

St. Peter’s Basilica

If you only visit one church while in Rome, make it St. Peter’s Basilica. Photos simply do not do it justice. The scale of the building, the artwork, the architecture, and the history are overwhelming in the best possible way. Standing inside one of the most important churches in the world was one of those moments where I had to stop and remind myself that I was actually there. (I cried many times)

The Colosseum

The Colosseum is one of those landmarks that somehow manages to exceed expectations. You can see photos online for years, but seeing it rise above the city in person is something entirely different. Walking around the ancient structure and imagining the history that took place there was one of the most surreal experiences of my trip.

Trevi Fountain

Yes, it’s crowded. Yes, it’s worth it.

The Trevi Fountain was one of my favorite stops in Rome. The detail in the sculptures is incredible, and seeing the water sparkle against the white stone felt almost unreal. Somehow it actually felt peaceful once there.

The Pantheon

One of the most impressive buildings I visited in Rome was the Pantheon. The fact that a structure built nearly 2,000 years ago still stands today is remarkable. The massive dome and open oculus are architectural achievements that continue to amaze visitors centuries later.

St. John Lateran

While St. Peter’s gets much of the attention, St. John Lateran was one of the most beautiful and meaningful churches I visited. As the official cathedral of Rome, it carries incredible significance and features stunning artwork, statues, and architecture that often get overlooked by travelers focused on more famous attractions.

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

This basilica was one of the hidden gems of my trip. The peaceful atmosphere, stunning mosaics, and beautiful grounds made it one of my favorite church visits in Italy. It felt less crowded than some of Rome’s larger attractions, allowing more time to appreciate its beauty. This was my second favorite stop after St. Peters!

La Foresta

One of the most memorable experiences of the trip was visiting La Foresta. Unlike some of the larger tourist destinations, La Foresta offered a deeper look into Franciscan history and spirituality. The tour and discussion gave our group the opportunity to reflect on leadership, service, and faith in a setting surrounded by beautiful Italian countryside.

Things You Have to Eat and Drink

Carbonara

When in Rome, order the carbonara.

Real Roman carbonara is simple, rich, and unlike anything you’ll find back home. It quickly became one of my favorite meals of the entire trip.

White Pizza with Mushrooms

One of my favorite discoveries was white pizza with just mushrooms. Without the traditional tomato sauce, the flavors of the cheese, olive oil, and mushrooms really shine. It’s simple, but absolutely delicious.

Affogato

If you’ve never had an affogato, add it to your list immediately. A scoop of gelato topped with a shot of hot espresso creates the perfect combination of dessert and coffee.

Passion Fruit Spritz

A refreshing twist on the classic Italian spritz, the passion fruit version became one of my favorite drinks during the trip. Light, fruity, and perfect for warm afternoons spent exploring.

Wine Tasting

Italy and wine simply belong together. Whether you’re an experienced wine drinker or just curious to try something new, taking part in a wine tasting is one of the best ways to experience local culture.

Best Time to Visit Italy

After visiting in May, I honestly can’t recommend it enough.

The weather was warm and sunny throughout the trip, with virtually no rain during my stay. Temperatures were hot enough to enjoy outdoor dining and sightseeing without reaching the extreme heat that many travelers experience during the peak summer months.

May also offered the perfect balance between comfortable weather and beautiful scenery, making it an ideal time to explore both cities and countryside locations.

Final Thoughts

Italy exceeded every expectation I had. Between exploring ancient landmarks, visiting breathtaking churches, experiencing Franciscan history in places like Assisi and La Foresta, and eating some of the best food I’ve ever had, it became one of the most meaningful trips I’ve taken.

Whether you’re traveling for faith, history, food, culture, or simply the adventure of experiencing somewhere new, Italy offers something unforgettable around every corner.

And if you’re wondering whether it’s worth the trip, my answer is simple: start planning.