Italy, a timeless canvas painted with centuries of artwork, historical past, and unparalleled magnificence, from the cobblestone streets of Rome to the sun-kissed Amalfi Coast, this European gem has captivated the world for millennia; however what does its iconic backdrop maintain for a contemporary, fashionable couple like Tele Lawal and Elado Osuobeni?
Nothing beats a very good Baecation: you and your lover exploring one other nation and making memorable footprints of your love. Companions, Tele Lawal and Elado Osuobeni determined to reward themselves with a visit to Italy as Elado started working planning an attention-grabbing vacation to shock Tele.
My associate and I work laborious to assist one another in our jobs and on our initiatives, so every so often we prefer to reward ourselves. We selected Italy as our vacation spot, and he went about planning the vacation to shock me.
— Tele Lawal
Italy stays one of many world’s most visited journey locations, which explains why many individuals have some data of the nation.
From the Roman Empire and its characters (Julius Caesar, Nero, and so on.) to the Renaissance artists (Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and so on.), and the posh vogue manufacturers (Gucci, Fendi, Prada, and so on.) there’s a lot to like about this fascinating vacation spot.
Be part of us as we delve into Tele & Elado’s enchanting Italian escapade, the place historical past met vogue and love met luxurious:
Rome
Flying into Rome from London on a cool night, the couple stayed at a contemporary condo within the Prati district – a central district throughout the Tiber River and close to the Vatican.
It’s a quiet and sensible neighbourhood with a lot of impartial boutiques and conventional trattorias (casual eating places) – central sufficient to be inside strolling distance of most of Rome’s websites, however residential sufficient to keep away from the standard vacationer areas.
Tele Lawal in graphic full-sleeved maxi with attention-grabbing cut-out element in Rome
Their Roman journey included breakfast at a Ristorante overlooking Bernini’s Fountain of 4 Rivers in Piazza Navona and visits to all the principle vacationer websites together with the Colosseum, the Roman Discussion board, Palatine Hill, the Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain.
Rome isn’t probably the most walkable metropolis, however there are cheap public transport hyperlinks. Elado is into historical past, so it was enjoyable watching him gentle up after we noticed sure websites (just like the spot Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March).
After a day of Roman historical past, it was apparent to Tele & Elado that the subsequent day must be one in all Christian historical past. So, after an early rise, they headed from their condo to Vatican Metropolis.
Vatican Metropolis
To Tele & Elado, the Vatican is probably the most iconic metropolis in Christian historical past after Jerusalem, so visiting was a no brainer for the couple. They stated to BellaNaija Style:
Not many individuals know that Vatican Metropolis is its personal state, and never solely that however that it’s solely contained inside Rome. There is no such thing as a recognisable border separating the Vatican from Rome – the one indication is a thick white line on the bottom.
We walked as much as St. Peter’s Basilica – for lots of of years the biggest church constructing on this planet – weaving between drinks and memento stands. Once we reached one in all many entrances, we have been greeted by tight safety. After having our luggage and our bodies scanned, we entered the principle sq..
Because it turned out, hundreds of different individuals had acquired there earlier than us, so the queue was very lengthy. Our morning prayers will need to have been answered as a result of I managed to talk to a safety guard who helped us to the entrance of the queue.
To our amazement, the Pope himself got here out of one of many doorways and greeted a few of us ready close to the entrance! It was a surreal second and one that we are going to keep in mind for a very long time.
As soon as the Pope left, the entrance doorways of St. Peter’s Basilica opened and we have been allowed in. We have been requested whether or not we wish to keep to have Latin Mass. I might worship with Elado and he might practise his Latin – a beautiful alternative!
After the varied hymns and prayers, we left the Basilica and questioned round Rome for some retail remedy earlier than dinner at Soho Home. That night, we went again to our condo suitably blessed and prepared for the subsequent cease on our Italian tour.
We had one final café breakfast in Rome earlier than packing our luggage and heading to the practice station. As I discussed, the entire journey was a shock for me, so Elado refused to inform me our subsequent vacation spot till I noticed ‘Firenze’ on our practice tickets. Florence all the best way!
Tele Lawal rocking an elegant knit gown within the couple’s Rome condo, Soho Home.
Florence
The 1h 30m practice journey from Rome to Florence was stunning. Italy’s high-speed trains are comfy and sometimes depart and arrive on time. Upon arrival in Florence, the couple have been greeted by a torrential rain tagged “showers of blessing” by Tele who liked their momentary residence in Florence finest.
The condo was my favorite of the entire ones we rented in Italy. All of them have been trendy and spacious, however this one had a sure allure that I can’t fairly describe.
Too drained to do something, Tele and Elado determined to skip sightseeing for a quiet dinner. Spoiled for selection from the lengthy checklist of conventional Florentine restaurant suggestions from their lodge’s host and numerous pals, that they had some steak and headed again to the condo to relaxation.
The following day, after a café breakfast, the couple headed to the Uffizi Gallery to see a number of the most iconic items of artwork assembled in Italy. They spent the morning strolling via the gallery and soaking within the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli.
The day was packed so, Tele beneficial that
Should you ever wish to go to, be certain that to arrange your self – there’s far an excessive amount of to see in someday!
Whereas ready to see the Medici Venus sculpture, the trendy couple have been approached by two American photographers who requested them to mannequin for a “Love in Florence“ shoot they have been planning.
Tele donned an iconic little black gown with a flattering sweetheart neckline and tulle particulars for the picture shoot. She paired the gown with a lightweight coat, off-white sneakers and a petals-detailed purse in related colors that coordinated properly with Elado’s beautiful blazer, pants, and shirt. Take a look at their pictures under:
Love in Florence
It was such a enjoyable time and the 4 of us had dinner and gelato afterwards!
The remainder of our keep in Florence was marked by journeys to the well-known Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral), Pitti Palace (the grand palace the place the outdated rulers of Florence – the Medici household – lived and dominated), Boboli Gardens, and Giotto’s Campanile (a big bell tower by the cathedral).
Florence is a really walkable metropolis – each main vacationer web site is inside 20 minutes of the centre – however be certain that to be careful for vehicles because the roads are very slender.
Journey Tip from Tele
After dinner and late-night gelato, we went again to our condo to relaxation for the subsequent day. However nothing might have ready me for the subsequent shock!
Tuscan Countryside
Within the morning, I used to be informed that we had a shock exercise. Elado was on his cellphone organising it for many of the morning and he refused to inform me the place we have been going.
We went to the city corridor and waited till a girl pulled up in a black van. She didn’t realize it was meant to be a shock as a result of she immediately requested whether or not we have been there for the horse driving and wine tasting tour. Superb!
They drove for half an hour out of Florence via the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside to a big wine property, referred to as Torre a Cona.
Tele Lawal & Elado Osuobeni coordinating in neutrals for an elegant minimalist informal couple lewk in Tuscan Countryside
The internet hosting household was form sufficient to present Tele and Elado a personal tour on horseback.
After giving us our helmets, we adopted them for 2 hours on our horses. Mine was hungry and unruly, Elado’s was sturdy and calm – I don’t wish to say they matched our personalities!
Upon return to the principle home, they dismounted and headed inside the place a desk of bread, cheese and wine was already ready.
We tasted 4 totally different wines, all produced on the property and so they defined the historical past and mechanics of the wine manufacturing. It was beautiful to see how a lot effort and care went into every bottle.
They jumped into the van at sundown and returned to Florence to relaxation earlier than heading to their last cease.
After a very good night time’s sleep, we packed our luggage and ordered a taxi to the practice station. As soon as once more, Elado refused to inform me our vacation spot till I noticed “Venezia” gentle up on the practice’s data board. We have been on our option to the Floating Metropolis!
Venice
Upon arrival in Venice, Tele & Elado observed one thing that reminded them of residence (Nigeria): mosquito netting on all home windows. Venetian rivers and humid climate are excellent for mosquitos.
There have been indicators warning us of dengue fever, so we made positive to guard ourselves on the journey. Venice was our shortest keep in Italy, however a beautiful one.
It’s a contact of blue for the day. Companions, Tele Lawal & Elado Osuobeni look superb at lunch in Venice
We noticed the varied vacationer websites (Rialto Bridge, The Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace), and feasted on conventional Venetian dishes (a lot of seafood pastas). We even managed to see a Nigerian artwork exhibition – Naija no dey carry final!
Nonetheless, for the couple, the spotlight of Venice was a visit via the varied canals on a conventional gondola. In keeping with Tele:
It took us lots of time to resolve on which gondola to decide on as a result of I wished the proper setting. I lastly discovered one which appeared to name out to me in one of many small aspect canals.
Our information informed us he was a fourth-generation gondolier – a household vocation began by his great-grandfather. He stated the cushions have been handmade by his grandmother and had been of sentimental worth to him – no marvel I might really feel the love once I first noticed the gondola!
As we have been gliding via the varied canals, he informed us about Venice’s historical past and the that means behind each nice constructing.
Interested by the historical past of Italy generally (and Venice particularly) made me realise that Italy isn’t a traditional nation – it’s an amalgamation of assorted city-states and kingdoms with their very own histories who got here collectively simply over 100 years in the past to kind one thing better than their particular person elements.
It gave us hope that Nigeria might be one thing better than its particular person elements too.
After a beautiful time in Venice (topped off with superb smoothies) we headed to our condo to relaxation and put together for our flight again to London the subsequent day.
Extra Italian Vacationer Suggestions from Tele & Elado
When to go to
For Nigerians who don’t just like the chilly, summer time from April to September would be the finest time. Nonetheless, that is peak vacationer season, so be warned that in every single place will likely be busy. It should even be much more costly. Out-of-season instances (October to March) will likely be cooler however much less busy and cheaper.
The place to remain
This may rely in your style. For lodge lovers, there are a lot of to select from throughout the three cities we visited. Rome, Florence and Venice are costly cities as they’re international vacationer locations, so don’t anticipate prime quality at low cost costs – you get what you pay for!
We used Airbnb to seek out high-quality flats in every metropolis. Rome and Florence have been a lot simpler than Venice, although. The Floating Metropolis has fewer lodging choices (particularly if you would like trendy inside design).
The best way to transfer round
Florence and Venice have been very walkable cities, so should you don’t thoughts getting some train, you’ll be wonderful in these. In any other case, Florence has taxis that may usher you across the numerous websites, and Venice has river taxis that may do the identical.
Rome is bigger and fewer walkable (until you’re match), so strive the varied public transport choices – metro, buses, trams and concrete rail. If not, good outdated taxis will take you to the historic websites.
How a lot must you finances?
It will depend upon whether or not you’re going to 1 metropolis, two, three or extra. For Airbnb lodging, you possibly can anticipate something from $200 to $500 per night time for a small condo. A finances lodge comes with setbacks wherever from $200 to $400 per night time, whereas $900+ per night time for a luxurious lodge.
If you wish to eat on a finances, strive the trattorias and osterias in every metropolis (extra casual than eating places). These will typically be $30+ for a meal for 2. Luxurious eating places will value $200+ for a meal for 2.
What to eat
You will get traditional Italian dishes like pizzas and spaghetti Bolognese in each metropolis. Nonetheless, it’s usually good to strive conventional dishes in every metropolis.
- Rome is thought for artichokes, pecorino (a kind of cheese), zucchini pasta, and skinny, crisp pizzas.
- Florence is thought for its thick steaks (Bistecca alla Fiorentina), Ribollita soup (white beans and vegetable soup), and tripe sauce (shaki in tomato sauce).
- Venice is by the ocean and is thought for its numerous seafood pasta dishes and seafood pizzas – together with a cuttlefish risotto (rice dish) dyed with black ink from the cuttlefish.
Why go to?
There’s something for everybody in Italy:
- Should you’re all in favour of historical past and tradition, the museums, palaces and ruins will fulfill you.
- Should you’re all in favour of meals, Italians have lots of of tasty conventional and regional dishes that can have you ever spoilt for selection.
- Should you’re all in favour of buying, you’ll depart Italy with sufficient garments to final you a lifetime (or not less than a number of weeks)!
All in all, Italy is a world vacationer vacation spot for a motive. There are various cities with totally different cultures and histories that can maintain you coming again repeatedly. We’re already planning our subsequent journey!
Would you go to Italy quickly?
