Italy Easter Break 2026

For Easter break, we spent five days in Italy.

We started in Verona—a five-hour drive just south of the mountains. Known for Romeo and Juliet, the city was crowded, but we still made our way through highlights like Piazza Bra, Piazza delle Erbe, and the Roman Arena. The next day, we visited Lake Garda, stopping in Sirmione to see Castello Scaligero. Despite the crowds, we enjoyed the view of the castle against the mountain backdrop.

After two nights, we headed to Venice. We dropped the car at Tronchetto and took the Vaporetto through the canals to our Air B&B. From there, we explored on foot—narrow streets, small bridges, gondolas passing below, and open plazas lined with beautiful buildings. It’s the kind of place where you sit for a while with a Negroni or Aperol Spritz and just take it in. Restaurant recommendations from friends turned out to be spot on. One early morning, before the crowds, we walked to the Piazza San Marco and later took a gondola ride through the city. That afternoon, we visited Murano, watched glassmaking demonstrations, and walked along the main strip.

From Venice, we drove toward Trieste, stopping along the way in the Collio wine region at Castello di Spessa. Between the views and the wine, it was an easy place to linger. After a tasting, lunch, and picking up a few bottles, we continued on, making one more stop at Miramare Castle overlooking the Gulf of Trieste. Built for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian—later Emperor of Mexico—it was a place I had wanted to see after reading The Last Emperor of Mexico. It lived up to it.

We spent our final night in Trieste, visiting a few sites including the Castle of San Giusto. The castle sits on the hill above the city and brings together much of its history. Walking through it, you pass medieval walls, later additions, and even Roman ruins built into the site. The views over the rooftops and the Adriatic made the climb worth it, and it was a great place to wander for a bit.

It was a fantastic trip—not just for the places and food, but for the time together as a family. Lots of exploring, plenty of laughs, and conversations that made it all stick.

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