Bari Pearlman is a student at the University of Nebraska and is an ISA Featured Blogger. She is currently studying abroad with ISA in Rome, Italy.

Easily the best thing that you can do when you visit Venice is take a gondola ride. It’s the best way to maneuver through the canals and experience all of the history that surrounds you. It’s worth the money and doesn’t need to be romantic!

Venice looks like it’s straight out of a travel guide. It’s so beautiful that you constantly have to keep pinching yourself to make sure that it’s real and that you’re really there.

While Romeo and Juliet might not be real, it’s still a popular tourist attraction in Verona. Visit Juliet’s balcony and write a letter to her asking for love advice. You might just get something back!

Milan is one of the world’s fashion capitals, but take a break from the intense shopping and visit the Milan Cathedral.

Okay let’s be honest, who hasn’t had a dream of riding a Vespa Scooter? Even if you don’t want to brave the streets and drive them, they’re still fun to look at!

Florence is known for art, but it’s also known for the amazing leather markets. Make sure to leave room in your suitcase for all of the leather shoes, jackets, wallets, and purses that you bring back. Don’t forget to barter!

When walking through Florence, it’s hard to not feel like you’re in a movie. From the cobblestone streets to the high windows and beautiful balconies, it’s not hard to see why Florence is such a popular tourist destination.

The whole country of Italy is known for it’s art work. When visiting, make sure to check out all of the different museums ranging from modern art to baroque to renaissance.

What they don’t tell you in the guide books is about the cat sanctuaries. In the areas surrounding some of the archeological ditches, people have come together to create homes for the homeless cats in the areas. Tourists and citizens are able to go, hang out, and play with the cats all day!

Even if you’re not Jewish, the Jewish Quarter should still make your itinerary list. Besides the history that resides in this section of the city, the Jewish Quarter is also home to some amazing kosher restaurants.

While the locals might not like the Altare della Patria due to the history surrounding it, it’s still a cool place to visit. Besides paying to walk to the top for a view of the skyline, you can see the tomb honoring the unknown soldier who lost his life in World War I, too.

Obviously the Colosseum is on everyone’s bucket list when coming to Italy. Try to visit early or before closing, to beat the tourist rush!
The world awaits…discover it.