Tyler in Tuscany

I'm going to let Kori do Venice and Florence justice, but, in short, both were stunning. Venice's yearly Biennale di Venezia had some of the most incredible modern art I've ever seen. The passing ferrymen, singing their songs and calling out to the passing tourists, was perhaps one of the most enchanting things I've seen in some time. Despite it's inherent, staggering beauty, Venice is also quite possibly one of the most densely packed tourist spots I've seen on this entire trip, and also maybe the most expensive. But hey, it's a city built on water so I'll give them a break.

Florence, the so-called "Cradle of the Renaissance," had treasures of antiquity and works of heartbreaking genius. Michelangelo's David was here, amongst many other works by the giants of the Renaissance: Leonardo, Donatello, and the rest of the Ninja Turtles--er, I mean masters. My favorite spot, however, was the Boboli Gardens: a sprawling display of ancient opulence mixed with natural landscaping wonders. Statues, fountains, and hedgemazes galore!

But it wasn't until I took the bus out to Tavarnelle val di Pesa, a quaint medieval village in the heart of Tuscany's Chianti region -- or, more broadly, "wine country" -- did I enounter what I believe to be the true heart of Italy's magic. Here you have bucolic orchards bursting with hues of goldenrod and green, here you have olive trees and grape vines and sunflower patches in every direction. This was truly a place that will stick with me forever.