The end of August was the perfect time for a summer road trip to Italy. Our destination was Rosolina Mare, a small seaside resort on the Adriatic. While we were there, we planned to visit Venice, Padua, Chioggia, and Verona. The drive itself turned out to be quite an attraction. Our first long stop was in Vienna. The Austrian capital gave us a moment to rest after many hours of driving and was a perfect break before heading further into southern Europe.
After leaving Vienna, the real automotive surprise began. The Austrian and Italian highways seemed endless. Back then, when highways in Poland were few and far between, driving on wide, perfectly smooth roads made a huge impression. The continuous overpasses, viaducts, and flawlessly maintained asphalt really showed what modern road infrastructure looks like. The tunnels were especially exciting. There were so many of them that after a while, you just stopped counting. Exiting one often meant immediately entering the next. At times, it felt like we only saw the mountains on information signs, because most of the route went right under them.
Vacation in Rosolina Mare
Once we reached Rosolina Mare, the real vacation began. A wide sandy beach, the warm Adriatic, palm trees, and that distinct Italian vibe made the hours of driving quickly fade into memory. There was plenty of sunbathing, strolling down the promenade, and sampling Italian gelato, which—as tradition dictates—tasted much better than anywhere else.
Exploring Venice and Padua
The biggest attraction, of course, was Venice. The vaporetto ride, St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the countless canals made it feel like the whole city was one giant movie set. Every little bridge led to another charming alley, and the camera was snapping away almost non-stop.
The next stop was Padua, which delighted us with the monumental Basilica of St. Anthony and its elegant squares. It was quieter than Venice, which meant we could soak up the city’s atmosphere at our own pace and admire its monuments without rushing.
Little Venice and Verona
Chioggia, often called “Little Venice,” turned out to be a great discovery. The canals, small bridges, and colorful buildings created a similar vibe, but without the massive crowds of tourists. A walk around the town was one of those moments that stick in your memory for a long time.
We also couldn’t miss Verona—the city of Romeo and Juliet. The medieval streets, the impressive Arena, and Juliet’s famous balcony were absolute must-sees. Even people with zero interest in literature quickly succumbed to the charm of this city.
