I took a 6-day trip to Italy after dreaming of going my whole life. 6 surprises have stayed with me for years.

In 2022, the author had a dream to visit Italy after years of longing for Italian experiences. She spent six days exploring Venice, Rome, and Milan during her first trip to Italy. The trip was filled with surprising moments that stayed with her for years.

In Venice, the author was awestruck by the city's canals, car-free streets, and the view of the canals from a gondola. She also booked an Airbnb stay at Castello di Roncade, a castle and winery just outside the city. The castle grounds were filled with perfectly placed plants, 100-year-old trees, and weathered sculptures of Venetian soldiers.

In Rome, the author stayed in a unique Airbnb - a liveable art sculpture built from recycled materials on the roof of his host's villa. The sculpture home had quirky design elements in every corner, with sunlight pouring in through the many windows. While exploring the city, the author witnessed street artists painting a church across the street and sculpting dogs from sand.

The author's last stop was Milan, where she stumbled upon the massive brick castle, Castello Sforzesco. She thought the castle looked like it came straight out of a fairy tale, and her chance encounter with the castle made for a special memory. Overall, the author's trip to Italy was filled with unique surprises that made the long-awaited trip everything she hoped for and more.