Italy, Croatia & the Adriatic: The Adventure Begins

In just a few days, I’ll be heading off on an incredible journey through Italy, Croatia, and beyond. The first stop is Rome, where the plan is to dive straight into the heart of the city—exploring the Vatican, climbing to the top of St. Peter’s Dome, walking through the Colosseum, and wandering lively neighborhoods like Trastevere. Of course, no visit to Rome is complete without good food, and I’m especially looking forward to a twilight food tour that will pair history with authentic Roman flavors.

After a few days in the Eternal City, we’ll board a ship in Civitavecchia and set sail along the Mediterranean. Each port promises something different: ferrying along the Amalfi Coast, wandering the streets of Taormina in Sicily, and even relaxing on the beaches of Albania. Further north, the history and charm of Dubrovnik and Split await, with their ancient walls and seaside views.

The trip wraps up in Venice, where the plan is to lose track of time exploring St. Mark’s Basilica, strolling across the Rialto Bridge, and maybe even hopping over to Murano and Burano by vaporetto. Venice feels like the perfect finale—romantic, timeless, and full of moments worth savoring.

With so many cities, coastlines, and cultural experiences packed into one trip, it’s hard not to feel excited. The bags aren’t fully packed yet, but the itinerary is set, and I can’t wait to take it all in. 🌍✈️🍝🍷

Travis Ritch

I am an amateur landscape photographer based out of Northern Utah in Syracuse. I am looking into making this hobby a more serious venture.

https://www.travisritchphotography.com