It’s hard to believe we’ve already spent ten years together. A whole decade ago, we exchanged vows surrounded by family and friends and began this adventure side by side. And yet, when I think back to choosing my dress, feeling those butterflies before walking down the aisle, and seeing the way Tony looked at me that day, it feels like yesterday.
Our story began even earlier. We met in 2012 and clicked right away. Our first date at a local pizza shop set the tone: easy, fun, filled with great conversation, and a little friendly competition. Just to be clear, I beat him at darts, no matter what Tony says.
A few years later, Tony swept me off my feet when he flew us to Dana Point, California. After a beautiful walk along the beach, he got down on one knee and asked me to spend forever with him. Later on, he admitted he felt incredibly nervous flying with the engagement ring tucked inside his carry-on backpack. He was worried I’d discover it or, even worse, that it might get lost. Of course, I said yes. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be writing this blog post.
Fast forward to September 2014, our wedding day. We’ve been collecting memories one trip, one laugh, and one shared slice of pizza at a time. One of our first big adventures was our honeymoon in Punta Cana. That all-inclusive getaway was full of sunshine, poolside lounging, and what felt like an endless stream of pizza, especially for Tony, who somehow turned it into a daily vacation ritual.
So, when we started planning our ten-year anniversary, we knew we wanted to do something special. We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate this milestone and eat more pizza than in Italy, the birthplace of pizza.
Italy: A Destination Worth the Decade
Tony actually came up with the idea to go. With Italian roots on his side, the country has always held a special place in his heart. This was his first time visiting Europe and only his second time out of the country. I had been to London and France before, but Italy was uncharted territory for both of us. We wanted to do it right, so we worked with a travel advisor specializing in Italian vacations. She truly listened to our wish list: pasta, pizza, aperitifs, wine, iconic landmarks, and more pasta.
True to myself, I still had to research the most authentic Italian restaurants. To make the experience even more immersive, I even took an online Italian language class through the University of Wisconsin. But before we could dig into our Italian dream, we kicked things off in style.
Flying Delta One: Starting Our Trip in Style
To start our trip in style, Tony, always thoughtful and very persuasive, decided we should splurge a little and book Delta One for our anniversary flight. And let me tell you, it was absolutely worth it.
Since our flight was overnight and landed in Rome at what would have felt like 3 a.m. back home, we knew we had to prioritize sleep. Delta One made the flight feel far more comfortable than we expected. We each had our own flat-bed pod, plus cozy pillows, slippers, socks, a toiletry kit, and a soft blanket. Shortly after settling in, the crew served us a delicious dinner onboard. Even with a loud snorer a few rows ahead, and yes, I wore earplugs, I still slept better on that plane than on any other flight I’ve taken
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We woke up to another meal before landing at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Rome around 10 a.m. local time. While our bodies were telling us it was still the middle of the night, we felt surprisingly refreshed. A big part of that was thanks to the Timeshifter app.
Travel Tip: Use the Timeshifter App
I can’t recommend this app enough for long-haul travelers. It helps shift your circadian rhythm more naturally by suggesting when to sleep, when to seek or avoid light, and even when to time your caffeine. It made a huge difference in how we adjusted to the time change. Thanks to Timeshifter, we were able to hit the ground running in Rome.
Our Italian Adventure Begins: Exploring the Heart of Rome
Once we landed and made our way through customs, a driver was waiting to pick us up. We were so glad to have someone else handle the driving. I don’t love reading directions from the passenger seat back home, let alone in a foreign country! The driver dropped us off at the beautiful Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel. The hotel was just steps from the Pantheon and within a short walk of the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, and other major landmarks.
We walked everywhere, averaging about 25,000 steps a day. As we soaked in the breathtaking views, we snapped tons of photos along the way. We even hiked back from Vatican City, which took about an hour. The Colosseum was, of course, on our must-see list. This place was absolutely fascinating, and our private tour guide was incredible. She brought the history to life in a way that made it all feel even more unforgettable. She painted vivid pictures that made us feel like we’d stepped back in time.
Stirring Up Memories: Pasta-Making in the Eternal City
Being the food lovers we are, we couldn’t pass up the chance to learn how to make fresh pasta from an Italian chef. Guided step by step, we rolled, filled, and shaped everything by hand, completely immersed in the process.
After all our hard work, we relaxed with a glass of wine on a charming terrace. We enjoyed the fruits of our labor: freshly made cavatappi pasta and zucchini ravioli with a delicate mint butter sauce. To finish, we savored the simplest yet most delicious dessert, fresh peaches drizzled with a light sugar and mint glaze. There’s something truly magical about dining in Italy. The scenery is beautiful, and the food lets fresh and simple ingredients shine.
Missing Our Little Ones: Noelle and Lincoln Were Never Far From Our Hearts
We knew we’d miss Noelle and Lincoln while we were away for so many days. So we came up with a fun way to stay connected. Before we left, we hid little surprises for them to find and open each day, creating a countdown calendar to our return. This helped them keep track of how many days were left and gave them a daily reminder that we were thinking about them.
Even an Italian trip had a little Disney magic. Noelle and Lincoln gave us their Donald and Daisy keychains to take along for the ride. We snapped photos of the keychains at landmarks and sent the kids fun updates of Donald and Daisy’s adventures.
Next Stop: Tuscany, Siena & Florence. “Andiamo!”
Our adventure continued with a high-speed train from Rome to Florence, a smooth ride lasting about an hour and a half. When we arrived in the pouring rain, we dashed across the street from the station and warmed up with a quick espresso at the counter. Our driver met us afterward and drove us to the charming Borgo San Felice Resort Relais & Châteaux. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, the hotel offered a picture-perfect setting for this part of our journey. As we drove from Florence through the Tuscan countryside, we were surrounded by postcard-perfect views of cypress trees, rolling hills, and endless beauty.
Our tours of Siena and Florence were truly unforgettable. We were guided by knowledgeable locals who shared rich family stories and the deep histories of their hometowns. With them leading the way, we wandered through charming streets and learned about centuries-old traditions, beautiful architecture, and the vibrant culture that makes each city so special. One of the most awe-inspiring moments was standing before Michelangelo’s stunning sculpture of David. It took our breath away and reminded us of the immense artistic legacy of this region. Their personal insights brought every place to life, making us feel connected not just to the landmarks but to the people and stories behind them.
My Birthday Truffle Hunt in the Heart of Tuscany
Later in the trip, I got to ring in another year in beautiful Italy. Celebrating my birthday there, right in the middle of our anniversary trip, made it even more special. Since the trip also landed on my birthday, which felt very lucky for me, Tony arranged a wonderful truffle hunting experience, followed by a meal prepared using the truffles we found.
We hiked through the rolling hills, guided by a sweet dog who used her keen nose to locate and dig up the precious truffles. The 3-year-old pup earned a treat with each discovery. We even caught her sneaking a taste, which honestly felt understandable because the truffles were incredible.
After the hunt, we were warmly welcomed into an Italian home and seated on the deck overlooking the vast estate. To make the day even more special, I arranged for a local baker to drop off an Italian-themed cake so Noelle and Lincoln could celebrate with me from afar.
And yes, the food in Italy was every bit as amazing as we hoped. I could easily write an entire post just about the meals from this trip.
Our Final Stop: The Timeless Beauty of Venice
From Tuscany, we took another high-speed train to Venice, then boarded a boat to our hotel because Venice truly is a city built on water. The city left us in awe, even as the streets flooded on our rainy arrival day. Instead of sidewalks, small scaffolding walkways stretched between buildings. Many locals waded through the water with bags pulled halfway up their legs to stay dry. With no vehicles in the city, we explored mostly on foot, crossing many of the charming bridges spanning the canals. Of course, we couldn’t miss a romantic gondola ride, gliding quietly through the waterways.
We also met up with a local guide to visit the colorful houses of Burano, stopping along the way to watch glassblowers at work. One of the most surprising and delightful experiences was tasting wine at Venice’s only vineyard. It still feels wild that a vineyard can even exist in a city surrounded by water.
Arrivederci, Italy: Until Next Time…
As our two-week Italian adventure came to an end, we couldn’t help but reflect on all the memories we made. We celebrated ten years of marriage, savored every bite of incredible food, explored breathtaking landscapes, and deepened our connection with each other. Italy gave us beauty, joy, and a bit of magic we’ll carry with us always.
Next time we return, it won’t just be the two of us. We can’t wait to share this beautiful country and its rich culture with Noelle and Lincoln. Get your passports ready, kids. Your adventure is just beginning.
Arrivederci for now, Italy, but not forever. Until next time, you’ll always have a piece of our hearts.
If you enjoyed following along on our Italy anniversary trip, you can also read about one of our favorite family getaways in Arizona.