DOLOMITES RELOADED
We visited the Dolomites for the first time in 2024. We returned in 2025, almost exactly one year after our first trip. We drove the hundreds of kilometers in bright sunshine, but as we got closer, gray clouds greeted us and it began to rain for days on end. The weather limited our options. We did manage to see Lago di Braies and Prato Piazza.
A WEEKEND IN THE DOLOMITES
Thanks to March 15, we had a long weekend and travelled to the Dolomites. After digging through countless useful (and useless) descriptions and reviews, we decided that Cortina d’Ampezzo was the ideal starting point for “Essence of the Dolomites” tour. Finally we booked a house in San Vito di Cadore, a town located just 10 minutes from Cortina.
VERONA
The first stop on our two-week vacation was Verona. When we put together our itinerary, we were expecting that “WOW” feeling in Florence. Instead, Verona stole our hearts and became one of our favorite Italian cities so far. The fast-paced and hectic life in Verona slowed down for a moment, leaving only positive memories in its trail. Memories, desires, and dreams merged into one, just like in Fellini’s films.
FLORENCE
The first stop on our two-week vacation was Verona. Next came Florence. Florence is one of Italy’s most significant cities and the capital of Tuscany. Ruled by the Medici family for many centuries, the city boasts a long list of “titles”: for a time. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Italy; it is home to countless historical and artistic landmarks; it is known as the “cradle of the Renaissance,” and its historic center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
PISA
Pisa is located in Tuscany, on the banks of the Arno River. Construction of the Pisa Cathedral also began in 1064. The cathedral, the Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, and the cemetery are all located in a large green area known as Piazza del Duomo or “Piazza dei Miracoli.”
SAN MARINO
We spent the last few days of our two-week vacation in the San Marino neighborhood. San Marino’s status is quite interesting. It’s Italian, yet not Italian. It’s surrounded by Italy, and in the event of an external threat, it’s Italy’s “duty” to defend the microstate, yet it’s independent. Otherwise, it’s an enclave of Italy. It is one of the smallest states and was, for a long time, the world’s smallest republic.
ROME
Just as "Game of Thrones" has transformed life in Belfast and Northern Ireland, the success of the movie *Angels & Demons* led to a drastic change in Rome. The city, which had already been a popular destination, was flooded with tourists following in the footsteps of Robert Langdon. The day after we arrived, we, too, set out on our own “investigation,” and our first stop was the Castel Sant’Angelo.
VACATION IN SARDINIA
Our first island-hopping vacation was in Corsica. Since it went so well, we decided to look for a slightly more exotic destination again instead of the classic Croatia. We chose Sardinia.
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