Italy Epic Odyssey  w/ Florence Marathon Race 2025

Flight to Milan: The Journey Begins!

Day 1: Monday - GRR-EWR-MXP

The day is finally here! After months of planning, the adventure from the heart of Michigan to the fashion capital of Italy is officially underway. It's Day 1 of the trip, and it's all about smooth transitions and watching the miles melt away.

Morning: Farewell

Today started in our city, the home base. There’s always a bittersweet feeling when leaving, but the excitement for what lies ahead quickly takes over!

• Home Sweet Home - Mom's Place: A quick stop at Mom’s is essential, of course! A final hug, a promise to call immediately upon landing, and perhaps one last home-brunch. It’s the perfect way to anchor the start of a long journey with love and goodbyes.

• Mom's Place - Airport: The car ride to the Airport is always a flurry of checking and re-checking the passport, ticket, and making sure the international plugs are actually in the carry-on. No turning back now!

Afternoon/Evening: The First Leg

Breeze through security and get ready for the first flight!

• GRR (Grand Rapids, Michigan): The first hop is always the easiest—a short flight connecting us to the major international hub. This leg is all about settling in, grabbing a window seat if possible, and maybe reviewing the Milan itinerary one last time.

Night: The Transatlantic Leap

The connection at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is the critical pivot point of the journey. It's often a late-night affair, grabbing a quick bite and finding the gate for the long haul.

• EWR - MXP (Milan Malpensa, Italy): This is it—the transatlantic flight! Seven or eight hours over the ocean, chasing the sunrise. We'll be crossing several time zones and arrive in Italy on Tuesday morning, ready to kick off the European exploration.

Our flight from New Jersey to Milan was perfectly on time and truly wonderful. Shortly after takeoff, we were treated to a great multi-course meal starting with a lovely appetizer. Since I had some pressing deadlines, I stayed awake to work, and I was impressed by the top-notch in-flight Wi-Fi provided through our subscriber. It was a lifesaver!

I managed to close my eyes for a moment afterward, but I spent most of the flight checking my phone to stay on top of work. Despite the busy schedule, the flight was smooth, and the cabin crew was incredibly attentive. I made sure to stock up on bottled water to keep both my husband and myself hydrated—a crucial part of my marathon training prep as I lock in my nutrition and hydration seven days out from the race.

Day 2: Tuesday - Milan to Florence

Phase 1: Upon landing in Milan, we headed straight to Passport Control and the new EES kiosks. As expected, the lines were quite long due to several arriving international flights. After an hour of processing, we made our way to the regional train for our transfer to Milan Centrale, where we caught our high-speed connection to Florence. 

Phase 2: We arrived at Milano Centrale around 9:45 AM, feeling the exhaustion of a sleepless flight but relieved that our schedule was working perfectly. Landing at 7:00 AM gave us plenty of buffer time before our 12:40 PM departure to Florence.

Though I was craving a classic Italian pastry and espresso, we decided on sandwiches to make sure we were well-fueled for the day. It’s a bit tricky for me anyway, as I have to stick to dairy-free milk! Since the station was bustling and seating was hard to find, my husband settled into a lounge to relax. 

I took the opportunity to wander—the architecture and shops are stunning! I was especially intrigued by the 'Milano Mercato' and the history of the station. I really wish I’d had time to find the historic underground area, but with the clock ticking, I had to keep my exploration short.

Phase 3: As our departure time approached, we headed to the platform, scanned our tickets, and easily found our carriage. We purposely booked Business Class to ensure a quiet, relaxing environment, knowing how exhausted we would be. One of the best perks is the lack of crowds; since seats are assigned and there are fewer Business Class carriages, boarding is much calmer.

Traveling with only backpacks proved to be a smart move, as they fit perfectly in the overhead bins, whereas storage for larger luggage can be limited or maybe depending on a train in this case. During the trip, we were served snacks and drinks—a nice touch that can happen multiple times depending on the route. Most importantly, the seats were incredibly comfortable. While they don’t lay flat, they are perfect for relaxing without falling into a deep sleep and quite; after all, you wouldn't want to miss the stunning Italian countryside! The only downside is that the windows often have reflections or a bit of dust, which makes capturing that perfect photo or video a challenge.

Phase 4: The train ride took just under two hours, and we pulled into Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station around 2:30 PM. The moment we stepped off the train, the atmosphere of the Renaissance city was unmistakable. Being right in the heart of Florence made everything effortless; our hotel was only a few blocks away, so there was no need for a taxi or transfer.

As we walked the ten minutes to our hotel, I noticed many travelers struggling with heavy suitcases on the cobblestones. While I’m not used to traveling with just a backpack, I came prepared with a small, foldable cart roller so I didn't have to carry the weight on my back. It worked perfectly and made the short walk a breeze!

We were able to check in right away, and we absolutely loved the location! As soon as we check in, I have a routine I always follow: I familiarize myself with the room's location, identify the nearest emergency exit, and double-check that the key card works perfectly and the door locks securely. Hotel amenities are very important to me, so I always make sure to utilize them. If something listed on the website is missing from the room, I don’t hesitate to ask the staff for clarification. One of the highlights here was the breakfast; depending on your booking, it’s either included or available for an extra fee. We also loved that the spa and gym are free to use. The spa it offers a wonderful private experience, though you do need to make a reservation each time. I took advantage of it a few times to help my body recover before and after the marathon. Additionally, they offer both laundry services and self-service facilities, which was perfect for making sure we had fresh clothes for the rest of the trip. 

I cannot recommend this hotel highly enough! In my opinion, it is absolutely top-notch. We had the most incredible experience from start to finish. If you’re planning a trip and considering staying here, feel free to reach out to me—I can personally guarantee you’ll have the best stay in town! 

We stayed incredibly close to both the train station and the Duomo, putting us right in the center of all the main attractions. After a bit of rest, we headed out to explore the neighborhood and find a spot for dinner. We had an incredible experience at this restaurant. The food was absolutely phenomenal! I think because we were so hungry, finding such a perfect meal really hit the spot. It was exactly what we needed. 

Pro tips: I always make a point to avoid 'tourist trap' restaurants, as they are often overpriced and overrated. Instead, our goal is to find small, local spots that offer authentic meals or specialize in a specific dish. A true sign of an authentic restaurant is a rotating daily menu; it shows that the chefs are cooking based on what is fresh and available from local suppliers that morning. To me, that is the heart of real Italian dining! 

To top off the evening, we took advantage of the hotel’s spa—it was pure heaven and exactly what we needed after a long-haul journey. Afterward, we drifted off to sleep, ready for the adventures ahead! 

Day 3: Wednesday - A day in Tuscany

We were up early this morning! Our tour starts at 8:00 AM, but since we slept in just a little, we decided to skip the hotel breakfast. Instead, we grabbed a quick espresso and a cornetto before meeting our guide. I made sure to snag a few granola bars and a bottle of water for my purse to keep us fueled for the long day ahead. We know lunch is included, but I always like to be prepared! We are so ready for our Tuscany Day Tour! 

Here are Tuscany Day Trip Highlights:

The Grand Tuscany Circuit: A Journey from Siena to the Sea

Our day was a perfectly paced exploration of Italy's most storied landscapes, beginning with medieval grandeur and ending with architectural wonders.

• Siena’s Morning Charm: We started our adventure in the golden-hued city of Siena. Our guided walk through the winding contrade led us to the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo—home of the legendary Palio horse race—and the breathtaking Siena Cathedral, where we marveled at the intricate Gothic details before the afternoon crowds arrived. 

• A Rustic Winery Lunch: As the sun climbed, we retreated to a family-run winery in the heart of Chianti. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves, we enjoyed a traditional farmhouse feast. From local cured meats and bruschetta to handmade pasta paired with a tasting of regional wines, it was the ultimate taste of the Tuscan countryside.

• The Towers of San Gimignano: Next, we explored the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages." We spent our afternoon wandering through the ancient stone streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site, admiring its skyline of medieval towers and grabbing a cup of coffee and pastries here while the world-famous gelato in the charming Piazza della Cisterna was closed for that day. Darn and we missed it! Hahaha

• The Grand Finale in Pisa: We concluded our journey in the legendary Piazza dei Miracoli. Standing before the Leaning Tower and the stunning white marble Duomo, we took in one of the most iconic sights in the world as the day’s light began to soften—a spectacular end to an unforgettable trip. Before we head back to our bus we finally tracked down some authentic gelato! There’s actually a trick to spotting the real stuff in Italy, so you have to be careful not to get the fake version. Interestingly, the girl serving us was Filipino—I’ve actually run into quite a few Filipinos on this trip, which has been so wonderful to see! 

Note: Taking the best picture with the leaning tower is involve hard work. 😂

Beyond the Lens: A Soulful Journey Through Tuscany

From the historic squares of Siena to the final, iconic views in Pisa, this day tour journey captured the true soul of Tuscany—its history, its flavors, and its timeless beauty. But for us, the experience was defined by more than just the scenery; it was defined by our guide, Alex and his company! It wasn't just him. We had Sergio as our bus driver and another guide specific for Siena.

Alex is a wealth of knowledge, sharing insights far beyond anything we could have imagined. We realized quickly that if you are just wandering these streets alone, you miss so many vital pieces of the story. Alex provided specific, unique details that you simply cannot find on the internet. To truly understand these places, you have to dig deep, and there is no substitute for a person standing right there with you, telling you a story that brings the stones to life.

We never had a moment of boredom. My husband and I were so grateful to embrace every minute of the day. Without a guide like Alex, it’s easy to fall into the trap of just taking pictures to prove you were there. But a photo doesn't do justice to the history; it can't tell you why a place matters.

While we may not remember every single date or name, the feeling of the day is etched in our hearts. We are forever grateful that we chose to be learners instead of just tourists. Because we took the time to process the history, we could actually envision ourselves as part of it. That connection made all the difference, making our time in Tuscany a truly profound experience.

Alex really transformed our trip from a simple sightseeing tour into a deep, emotional connection with Italy's past. 

Before heading back to the hotel, we stopped for a fine Italian dinner—yet another opportunity to sample unique, authentic flavors. We truly can’t say it enough: there is nothing quite like a real Italian lasagna paired with a glass of local wine. It was the perfect, satisfying conclusion to our day. Now, it's time for another good night's rest so we’re ready for our next tour tomorrow!

Day 4: Thursday - The Five Lands or Cinque Terre

We were up with the birds again this morning for a day marathon tour of the "Five Lands" in Cinque Terre. Since we had such a head start to beat the crowds, we had to skip a formal breakfast.

We actually ducked into a McDonald's before we meet our guide just to see if we could find something quick and familiar, but we walked right back out! It was nothing like the American version; the menu was totally unfamiliar. So, we stuck to the local tradition: a Cornetto. I think "Cornetto every day" has officially become our tour motto! Luckily, Italy has about a million flavored options, so I’m not bored yet.

As for the coffee? I played it safe and stuck to water. I’m a bit of a "pain in the butt" with my coffee—I need soy or almond milk and a lot of diluting, otherwise, pure espresso just gives me the shakes. I figured the Italian baristas would think I was crazy if I asked for my specific dairy-free latte, so I skipped the caffeine to keep my stomach happy. Instead, I dropped some Nuun electrolytes into my water bottle. My body definitely thanked me once we started climbing!

Coastal Cliffs & Pastel Villages: Our Dream Day Hiking the Cinque Terre 

Our Guide: The Wonderful Joan

Before we even reached the coast, we knew we were in good hands. Our guide, Joan, was absolutely incredible. Having a guide like Joan made the logistical puzzle of trains and trails feel effortless. She shared so much history and pointed out hidden details we never would have noticed on our own. She kept our energy high and made sure we were always in the right place at the right time to see the best views.

1. Manarola: Views and Fuel

Our first stop was Manarola, and it felt like walking into a painting. We spent our time wandering the narrow carruggi (alleys) and heading to the famous viewpoint across the harbor.

Before we started the most physically demanding part of the day, we stopped for lunch right here in Manarola. We knew we needed the energy, so we fueled up on some local specialties while overlooking the sea. There’s nothing quite like eating fresh pasta while staring at those iconic pastel houses stacked on the cliffs. It was the perfect "calm before the stairs!"

2. The Main Event: Hiking to Vernazza

With lunch finished and my Nuun electrolytes ready to go, we tackled the "Main Event": a guided hike along the Sentiero Azzurro (the Blue Path). You can choose whether you hike or take the train so we can meet up in the other side of town village. My hubby choose to take the train and I did the hike.

This hike took us from the hills above the coast all the way into the next village. It wasn't just a walk; it was a workout! We climbed steep stone stairs and wound through ancient terraced vineyards where local farmers still harvest grapes by hand. Reaching the summit and looking down at the coastline stretching toward the horizon was breathtaking—and then, finally, we saw it: Vernazza appearing below us like a hidden gem. Beatiful and you can't miss it!!

3. Vernazza: The Reward

Ending the hike by descending into Vernazza was the best feeling. This village feels the most "regal," with its fortified tower and bustling harbor. We explored the charming square and watched the green-and-white fishing boats bobbing in the surf. After that hike, sitting by the water felt like pure luxury and savoring the most delicious gelato in town.

4. The Cinque Terre Express & Il Gigante

To see the rest of the coast, we hopped on the Cinque Terre Express. It’s a dedicated train line that tunnels directly through the cliffs. The efficiency is wild—one minute you’re in the darkness of a tunnel, and the next, you pop out into a sun-drenched station overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean.

We ended our village-hopping in Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the towns. Beyond the sprawling sandy beaches, we walked up to see the famous Il Gigante. This massive statue of the Roman God of the Sea is carved right into the rock, and seeing it in person is such a powerful experience.

5. A Magical Finale at Salita Castello, Roimaggiore

As the day began to fade, we took one last short train ride to catch the sunset at Salita Castello. "Magical" doesn't even begin to describe it. I couldn't stop taking pictures and videos; the light hitting the water was so perfect I didn't want to leave. Witnessing the beauty of God’s creation in a place like this felt so real and profound. 

6. A Salty Snack and the Road Home

Before we hopped on our very last train, we knew we couldn’t leave without a true taste of the coast. We grabbed a cone of the local fried seafood, and wow—it was incredible! Crispy, fresh, and salty, it was the absolute perfect way to end our time in the villages. 

Once we reached the city of La Spezia, our amazing guide Joan didn't stop the adventure there. She gave us a wonderful mini-tour of the city, sharing its history as we walked toward our bus. It was the perfect wind-down before the drive back to Florence. It was a perfect day!

Final Thoughts: A Dream Come True

Stepping onto the soil of Cinque Terre was a literal dream come true—honestly, it was the loveliest day of my life! Even though we were exhausted by the time we headed back to Florence, my heart was so full.

Italy, you’ve captured my heart. Between the Cornetto breakfasts, the challenging hikes, and the expert guidance from Joan, it was a logistical masterpiece. I’m already starting a new bucket list because I know I’ll be back to stay in these pastel villages for much longer next time! I may need Joan to be my best friend! :)

Day 5: Friday - Reading the Walls: Why an Expert Guide is the Only Way to See Florence

You can buy a guidebook, download an app, or follow a map, but Florence doesn’t reveal her secrets that easily. On our recent walking tour—a route that took us from the Uffizi to the Accademia—we realized that the "real" Florence is written in a secret code on the walls of the city. Without our guide to translate, we would have been walking past masterpieces without even knowing it.

The Power of the Uffizi (From the Outside In)

Our journey began outside the Uffizi Gallery. Most people only think about what’s inside, but our guide had us look up at the architecture itself. Designed by Giorgio Vasari, the Uffizi (which literally translates to "Offices") was built as a giant "U-shape" to show off the Medici family's total control.

Standing in the long courtyard, our guide pointed out the niches filled with statues of great Florentine men. She explained how the building was designed to connect the seat of government to the Medici palace via a secret overhead corridor. Seeing the Uffizi from the outside first gave us the political context we needed—it wasn't just an art gallery; it was a fortress of power.

Entering the "Open-Air Gallery": Piazza della Signoria

As we moved from the Uffizi into the Piazza della Signoria, the scale of the city’s history really hit us. Our guide explained that if the Duomo is the soul of Florence, this piazza is its heart.

• The Palazzo Vecchio: We stood before the fortress-like town hall, where our guide pointed out the various coats of arms painted under the arches, each representing a different phase of the Florentine Republic.

• The Loggia dei Lanzi: This wide-arched gallery on the edge of the square is home to incredible statues like Perseus with the Head of Medusa. Without a guide, it’s just a beautiful porch; with her, it became a story of political warnings and artistic rivalry.

• The Neptune Fountain: We learned the local nicknames for the giant marble fountain and the drama surrounding its creation.

A Masterclass in the "Hidden" City

Leaving the grand piazzas behind, we dove into the narrow, medieval veins of the city. This is where having a guide became truly essential. She pointed out "minor" details that carry the weight of centuries:

• The Iron Hooks & Rings: We saw heavy iron hardware bolted into the stone palazzos. These were the "parking spots" and utility kits of the Renaissance—used for tethering horses, bracing massive torches, or hanging the heavy banners that once filled the streets with color.

• The Hand Door Knockers: She showed us the distinctive hand-shaped knockers, explaining how they served as symbols of protection and specific social status for the families living within.

• The Flags and Brackets: We learned to spot the flag-holders on building corners, which tell the story of the city’s fierce neighborhood pride and the historic processions that still march these streets today.

The Reveal: The Duomo, Campanile, and Baptistery

The highlight of the walk was the "approach." Our guide didn't just walk us to the Piazza del Duomo; she led us through specific narrow passages so that the Cathedral would appear suddenly, in all its green, white, and pink marble glory.

• The Duomo: She broke down the "impossible" engineering of the dome, explaining how the city risked everything on a design they weren't even sure could be built.

• Giotto’s Campanile: We looked closely at the Bell Tower, learning how its geometry was designed to create a sense of perfect harmony. It wasn't just a tower; it was a vertical declaration of Florence's wealth.

• The Baptistery: Standing before the Gates of Paradise, our guide decoded the bronze panels, explaining why this octagonal building remained the spiritual heart of Florence for a thousand years.

The Grand Finale: Meeting the "Recycled" Giant

The ultimate payoff was the Galleria dell'Accademia. Because we had a guide, we skipped the hours-long line and headed straight for the "Hall of Prisoners." Here, our guide shared the most incredible story: David was actually a "recycled" masterpiece.

She told us how the massive block of marble had been abandoned for 25 years because other artists thought it was too flawed and narrow. Michelangelo, only 26 years old at the time, saw the figure trapped inside and promised he could set it free.

As we stood under the rotunda, she pointed out things we never would have noticed on our own:

• The Psychological Moment: Unlike other statues of David, this one doesn't show the fight with Goliath. Our guide had us look at his brow—he is caught in the moment of deciding to fight. It’s a masterpiece of mental tension.

• The "Imperfect" Proportions: She explained that David’s right hand and head are actually oversized. Why? Because he was originally meant to stand high up on the roof of the Duomo! Michelangelo skewed the proportions so he would look perfect from the ground.

• The Battle Scars: She even pointed out where his arm had been shattered by a chair thrown out of a window during a riot in 1527, and how it was later meticulously repaired.

The Verdict: Don't Just Walk—Observe

If we had done this on our own, we would have seen some pretty buildings and a big statue. Instead, our guide gave us the "eyes" to see how the city works. From the exterior of the Uffizi to the hidden hooks on the walls and the "giant" secret of the Accademia, every stone has a story. You just need someone to tell it to you.