Written by Sophie Xie, University of Virginia | ISI Fall 2025

Every one of my weekend trips has started the same way: a nearly overflowing travel backpack, a loose, half-planned itinerary, and the buzz of excitement to explore a new place. This past semester, the short 2-3-day trips to different cities and countries in Italy became one of my favorite parts of studying abroad. From the sun-filled beaches of the Amalfi Coast to the quiet, muddy trails of the Dolomites to Europe’s most iconic capitals packed with tourists, each destination added a new set of memories to my ever-growing camera roll. In this blog, I’m reflecting on the favorite places I got to see and what I learned along the way.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is, in my opinion, an absolute must-visit if you want to experience the best of Southern Italy’s beaches. During our trip, we visited Capri, Sorrento, Positano, and Pompeii. Positano was my favorite, with its vibrant buildings stacked along the hillside and an endless array of lemon-themed treats. I also enjoyed our short stop in Pompeii to visit the archaeological ruins of a city buried in the ash of Mount Vesuvius after its eruption in 79 CE. If I could return, I would add Naples to the itinerary – especially to try their famous pizza.

The Dolomites

Last-minute planning brought me to the Dolomites, the Italian Alps. I’ll be honest – I wasn’t sure where to begin, especially with so little time, but ISI resources and other students’ past trips helped me get started. We stayed in Bolzano, a charming small town full of shops.

One day, we took a bus to Siusi and hiked the famous alpine meadow trail. We saw plenty of horses and cows on our way through the rolling meadows. The next day, we visited Ortisei, the most picturesque village with beautifully decorated buildings, to see the iconic Seceda summit. Unfortunately, it was too foggy to get a clear view when we arrived, but the landscape was still stunning. I’d recommend visiting earlier in the semester during the summer hiking season, before the weather turns cold.

Paris

My weekend in Paris was defined by its art-filled streets, well-dressed people, and regal landmarks. I ate more croissants than I could count while window shopping along avenues lined with perfumeries, vintage shops, and home goods boutiques. I especially loved Le Marais, a fashionable neighborhood known for its galleries and unique shops. My favorite shop was Bobby’s, a vintage clothing store with one-of-a-kind pieces at reasonable prices – we spent a good hour digging through their inventory.

If you want affordable French food, try a bouillon, which is kind of like a trattoria or osteria. The one we visited was traditional and casual, with great food at equally great prices.

Amsterdam

By far one of my favorite cities I visited, Amsterdam was one of those places where you want to slow down, sit outside a café, and enjoy watching the people biking past rows of tulips. The city’s canal structure is unique and captivating, and the canal boat tour we took was a great way to learn more about Dutch history. Some of my recommendations include trying a stroopwafel from the Albert Cuyp Market, sampling a variety of cheeses at the Amsterdam Cheese Museum, and taking a jog or stroll through Vondelpark.

Dublin

The talk about Dublin’s rainy, cloudy weather was no joke – so be sure to pack an umbrella! Highlights from Ireland’s capital included the city’s array of colorful doors, the Christmas lights twinkling above the pubs in the Temple Bar area, and the wool shops filled with hand-knit sheep sweaters. My favorite activity was the Guinness Experience, where we learned about the drink’s history in an interactive museum setting. We also did a guided day trip to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway, which was both entertaining and informative – a definite must-do when in Ireland.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen was a Scandinavian dream, from its sleek modern design to the beautifully colored buildings along Nyhavn. One of my biggest highlights was the variety of famous pastry shops scattered across the city. My favorites were the cardamom croissant from Hart Bakery and the cardamom bun from Juno Bakery – I’ve genuinely never tried anything like them, and I’ll be thinking about them long after leaving Europe. I also enjoyed exploring the city’s botanical and royal parks and browsing Danish design stores.

Vienna

I was only in Vienna for a day, but its grand architecture and clean, symmetrical streets gave me a clear sense of how nice it would be to live there. I really enjoyed visiting the famous Café Central and sipping a cup of classical Viennese coffee. The highlight of my visit was exploring the Christmas Market in Schönbrunn Palace on its opening day, while sipping on a warm apricot punch.

Prague

Prague feels like a town straight out of a fairytale, with its prominent bridges, extravagant castles, and cobblestone streets. I loved exploring the Old Town and following the scent of cookies into cozy gingerbread stores. One of my favorite moments was watching swans drift along the Vltava from the riverbank.

Through my weekends studying abroad and visiting cities I’ve always wanted to see, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of what kind of traveller I am. I will always make sure to see the landmarks and attractions, but I’ve found that the small streets, hidden stores, and humble restaurants make the best experience. My best takeaway is this: go to a city, and walk around. By taking a moment to slow down, you are bound to see something that sparks your interest – even in the most unexpected places.