Expat Travel Mom

After exploring Slovenia, it was time to drive back through Italy, towards Milan, where we would be flying out of the next day. So, bags packed, kids packed, and ready for another long haul, we were off. I've gotta say, the kids have rocked this trip and I couldn't be more proud of them.

Palmanova

Our first stop was Palmanova, and the only reason we stopped was because of the freeway sign I sawy showing it's unique outline! Coolest shaped sleepy town ever, with a very interesting story (Google it!). Palmanova is a star-shaped fortress town, and driving in through one of its old gated walls feels like stepping into something out of a history book. Quiet, strange, and completely worth the stop. There was no one here, so the kids got lots of energy out walking, running, climbing...just enjoying the place. 

Verona

Next, we drove to Verona, I've always wanted to come here, and since I have Letters to Juliet on repeat, my girls did too! It was what I expected, and what I wanted, so I'm perfectly content. I didn't realize what the city would actually look like, so that was fun to explore and put all the pieces together. Casa di Giulietta, Juliet's House, was do different in my mind. The balcony, the courtyard walls covered in notes left by visitors, it's exactly the kind of romantic literary stop I couldn't skip, even on a family road trip.

Then on to the Verona Arena, the old city walls, more gelato, and a very unexpected knight statue guarding the square. Fair Verona, our last stop on the road trip. 

Trieste

Ok, so we technically visited Trieste when we were in the Slovenia part of this road trip (dipping over after the Lipica Stud Farm), but since it was in Italy, and this is still the same trip, I thought I'd sneak it in here. My husband wanted to come to Trieste to see the Miramare Castle, as he had a great grandmother Trieste. I didn't know what to expect, and went into it as, another stop and we're so tired, but we were all pleasantly surprised. It was another great place to enjoy both the indoors and outdoors, with beauty, history and releases of energy for the kids. I'd now put it on my list as an absolute come visit!

Our sixth Airbnb of this trip, back in Milan, at the end of a long day of driving, and a massive amount of miles earned. Six for six Airbnbs were fantastic, this one included: a real find for a family of five, and honestly the only option that worked for us in the city. Ciao, Italy!