Italy 2024
The DuMont’s Celebrate Elle’s Graduation
Contents
Lake Como
Cinque Terre
Florence
Milan
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Lake Como
Ciao, Italy
After enjoying first class to Italy, we began our trip with a close call shortly after landing in Milan. Mom and I managed to communicate with our non-English-speaking driver, who kindly pulled over when we felt unwell. Despite this rocky start, we both were present and excited for our boat ride on Lake Como, kicking off our 12-day adventure!
On our boat ride, our tour guide showed us famous estates along the water. One estate was owned by the Rockefeller Family and another was the filming location of Star Wars and James Bond movies.
Bellagio, Lake Como
Home Away From Home
We were delighted to arrive at our charming three-floor apartment-style Airbnb, complete with a rooftop balcony and hot tub. While exploring Bellagio and two other nearby towns around the lake, we relished the stunning views. Each evening, we enjoyed sipping wine by the lake before heading to bed.
Giardini di Villa Melzi
A famous villa was just a short distance from our apartment, allowing our entire family to appreciate its unique architecture and scenic views.
Menaggio, Lake Como
Our “Self-Guided” Tour
Mom, Dad, and I embarked on our own walking tour, discovering beautiful homes nestled in the hilly landscape. We visited several churches, observing that each town in these cities boasted at least three places of worship.
Varenna, Lake Como
Our Tour With Locals
The whole family set out on the ferry to our day in Varenna. We enjoyed a delightful city tour, visiting the Castello di Vezio, a picturesque waterfall, and several historic churches dating back to the 1300s. We also savored a delicious charcuterie lunch with a stunning view.
Cinque Terre
Onto the Next
Our next stop was the coast, where we visited Cinque Terre. Unfortunately, our driver failed to pick us up from Bellagio, forcing us to carry all our luggage on a long hike to the train station. After missing a train and enduring a long, emotional day, we finally settled into our beautiful hotel. We rated our hotel experience a perfect 10/10, thanks to the lovely staff and exquisite food. The following day was spent exploring the charming coastal towns.
Florence
Arrival in a New City
We had a much smoother travel day as we took the train back to Florence, Italy. Our Airbnb was exquisite and minimalist, perfectly located near the cathedral and central square. During our time in Florence, we enjoyed a walking tour, took a day trip to Siena and a winery, and indulged in lots of delicious food and the many wine windows!
Florence
Art & Walking Tour
Florence
Pasta Making Class
Florence
Day Trip to Siena
Florence
Fattoria San Donato Winery
Florence
Food and more food!
Milan
Our Last Day
By day 11, the whole family could feel the muscle ache from the exploring we had done over the past week. Mom and Dad went on a walking tour of Milan and saw the famous painting, The Last Supper. Kat and I took some time to shop! We enjoyed our final dinner at a charming little restaurant right by the Duomo. Our hotel in Milan was beautiful, featuring a gym, a rooftop patio with views of the Duomo, and complimentary robes and slippers.
Kat
Despite a rocky start with an illness, Kat was feeling better by day four, bringing more laughter to each day. She made sure to visit every gelato shop she could find!
Elle
Elle collected every beautiful moment in photographs and made it a priority to pet every dog she could (even if she had to use awkward gestures to combat language barriers).
Mom
Mom found the tastiest restaurants and bakeries and mapped out fun activities ensuring the family wouldn’t miss out on anything Italy had to offer!
Dad
Dad led the family on many travel days, spreading his contagious laughter and genuine happiness to everyone. He also made sure to always carry Elle’s water bottle (much appreciated)
A note to the family...
First of all, Italy was a dream. I truly had the best time I've had in a long while. Mom, I am so thankful for you and for planning this amazing experience, ensuring we got the most out of our trip. You were a constant source of comfort, from the two weeks prior when you helped me pack, to our flight home, where your positive spirits kept me going despite my exhaustion. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful photographer in you!
Dad, it's been a while since we've had this much time together, and it was incredibly refreshing. I look up to you so much and cherish the insightful conversations and laughs we shared. Your support means the world to me, and I appreciate how you’ve worked to understand and support me better.
Kat, even though we don't communicate much when you're away, when we're together, everything feels natural. We easily bond, sharing details and stories. I admire your calm and rational demeanor. Being with you reminds me, as you say, “it could be worse, but it could also be better.” I love your perspective on life and the world and enjoy seeing how much you've grown. Thank you for being my partner on this trip and for making me laugh.
I couldn't have asked for better companions to experience Italy with. You all are so special to me, and I am incredibly grateful for the time and memories we've shared. I love you all!
Elle DuMont
DuMont Family in Italy
May 2024
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