Although I had just gotten back from a 2-month trip in Europe, I still had an itch to go back. My best friend, Sophia, had gone on her first solo trip to France in October. I was so proud of her! I always encourage everyone to take a solo trip. It truly is a great experience learning about yourself and an opportunity for growth. Well, I found a cheap round trip ticket to Rome and I booked my next trip. We spontaneously decided to meet up in Italy as she ended her solo trip. I spent one night in Rome in a hostel. Definitely, a different experience than others, so I am glad I only stayed one night. As I tried not to fall asleep from the jetlag at the hostel’s rooftop, I was reading my travel book and finally it was 3PM. I ran down the stairs, picked up my luggage from storage, and made my way to the Roma Termini Station to catch a train back to the airport.
I decided to not rent a car in the Termini train station because knowing the traffic and narrow streets of Rome, I would be stressed trying to get out of the city, so I rented a car from the airport. This was the first time I had rented a car overseas. I was nervous and did A LOT of research. I was up late at night on my couch reading through Rental Car Company policies and differentiating between deposits and such. It was stressful, but I found the best rental car company that fit my needs and had an automatic car available. I wish I could drive manual, but it just isn’t in the cards right now. Although, I do hope to learn one day because it would benefit me from a financial standpoint if I ever rent a car again in Europe. They’re way cheaper!
As I pulled into the highway, I was on my way to the region of Italy that I had always felt a magical connection to, Tuscany. I had only ever been there once, and it was back when Sophia and I had gone to Europe the first time. We stayed in Florence for about 2-3 days. Florence is beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but I only saw some nice views on the train ride to our next destination. I wanted to drive in Italy, to really feel like a local, but also to take my time and see the rolling hills that I always saw on YouTube videos.
Before I get to the beauty of it all, let me just say that driving in Italy (or Europe for that matter) is very different than driving in the US. First, Highways? Only two lanes, max 4. Second, driving limits are lower for trucks, and the Porsches will force you to go 90 mph for them to drive past you. I was stressed the whole time that I drove in Italy. I liked the flexibility that I had, but not knowing the language or rules of the road can cause some anxiety. Fortunately, I drove pretty well, and got to my first stay in Tuscany in about 3 hours – Montepulciano.
When I decided, I was going to visit Tuscany, I said to myself that I wanted to experience Tuscany for the beauty I admired. After some research, I decided to stay at Borgo Tre Rose It’s a medieval hotel resort set up on a hill, surrounded by a wine estate. Since it took me 3 hours to get there, I had just made sunset. I was so happy because I only booked a 1 night stay there and this was my only chance. The entrance was lined up with the infamous Italian trees that look like tall pinecones. I parked and just really took in the beautiful sunset had given me. The soft colors of the sky with the sun setting behind the rolling hills. I felt like I was dreaming.
I checked in, settled in my rabbit themed room and then was off to dinner downstairs. I told the waiter that I wanted the Pici pasta al ragu, so I asked him to recommend me a wine. He served me a Montepulciano vino nobile. What a delicious pairing! One of the best dinners I’ve had. I went back to my room after dinner to get some much-needed rest. The next day I went down for the breakfast buffet before checkout time. Another delicious set of options! In the morning we got beautiful views of the Tuscan hills in broad daylight, along with a nice view of the pool that I didn’t realize the hotel had too. Unfortunately, because I had to go soon I didn’t have time to dip into the pool.
After breakfast and checkout, I decided to have a mini photoshoot on the grounds of the hotel. I had fun with my tripod, haha!
Pro Tip: If I have already shared this before, oops, but if you’re traveling solo or even with more than just one person, get a tripod for either your phone or your camera. You’ll have more photos than you expected to take.
After the photoshoot, I drove more up north to Milan. I only have ever been to the Milan train station and airport in connections. I have never visited the city and I didn’t have many expectations. I was also here for only one night, but the reason I decided to squeeze this city in my itinerary is because I bought a ticket to see a UEFA Champions game there (Chelsea Vs. AC Milan). I had always wanted to see a soccer match in Europe and the opportunity presented itself! Good game, crazy fans, loud chants, and tons of beer. This is what I expected and was so happy to see. What a great experience!
The next day I drove to the Milan airport to, guess what? Pick up Sophia! We had immediate plans right after. Drove to a scheduled tour at a vineyard in Chianti, as one should while in Tuscany. Learned a lot about how Italian wine is made, and how to distinguish legit Italian wine, Vs. false advertising. We had a photoshoot here as well and well how could you not when you’re surrounded by beautiful views?!
Before it got dark, we drove to Siena, the town where our night stay was. Unfortunately, I put in the wrong address on the GPS so we didn’t get to our B&B until around 9pm. We were starving and almost all restaurants were closed. As we’re walking the streets of Siena, hoping to find food, a woman carrying flowers walks past us and I ask her what we can eat in Italian. I was proud of myself! She understood us and took us to a restaurant that was still open. I don’t know if it was my hunger, but that also was one of the best ragu pasta I had ever had.
The next day before heading off back to Rome, Sophia and I decided to explore Siena. After about 30 minutes wandering around, we thought why hadn’t we stayed there longer? There was so much to see! And so much to shop! I think if I were to go back to Tuscany, I would stay in Siena for a few more days.
And then we were off to Rome!
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