Not your typical Thanksgiving in Italy

November 25-29, 2015-

Jeremy and I planned our first adventure through Explore Europe over our first four day vacation in Germany. The night before Thanksgiving we took a very long overnight bus ride to three amazing cities. We boarded the bus leaving behind the snow and icicles, driving south to the sunshine! 

First stop- PISA. On 26 November 2015, not your typical Thanksgiving day or Thanksgiving meal, instead we ate pizza in Pisa! The leaning tower of Pisa was the highlight and the buildings history surrounding the square was all the town had to offer. The town thrived on the this iconic tourist attractions with booths lined up on the path to and from the buses, public transportation with souvenirs, food, and goods. We still loved this tourist attraction and glad we can check it off our long list of places to go and things to do. 

Second stop- ROME. Amazing city, full of architecture, history, and culture. We had a guided tour of the city in the morning and then free time in the afternoon/ evening. We were able to see much of the city on the guided tour, including the Colosseum need I say more, breathtaking in person. Although, at the time we were there, there was scaffolding and a man claiming to jump taking his life.. only in Rome. The Pantheon with artists and sculptures dating back hundreds of years. The Trevi fountain where we held hands, turned our back on the fountain and threw in a penny over our heads making a wish, hoping it comes true! Our free time was spent exploring the Castel Saint Angelo with panoramic views of Rome and the Bridge of Angels. Definitely worth visiting, especially due to lack of time to stand in line to see the Basilica and Vatican city. Next time for sure. 

Third stop- FLORENCE. My personal favorite, smaller than Rome and more unique, friendly atmosphere. Still hundred year old buildings and history within the walls of the city. We had another guided walking tour in the morning through the city and then free time to explore on our own. We visited the unique bridge with shops over the river. Stumbled upon a wine tasting, costing us nothing but the wine purchased to sample many red and while wines from local vineyards in Italy.