The challenge I've given myself has lead me to another spectacular adventure.

My holiday this year was to see Italian cities whilst ticking six places off my list. Ingenious I feel. My friend Lucy joined me on this trip as neither of us had been to Italy before.

Our first stop was Verona. I think I could quickly run out of adjectives for just how beautiful this city is.

When we arrived, we wandered the stunning streets and the shopping area, and found our way to the famous Guilette of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

It is tradition to touch Guilette's boob on her bronzed statue and it's said it aids fertility. The statue is surrounded by locks that lovers have placed on the gates and then the walls around it are covered in the 'graffiti' so much so people have started putting plasters on the wall just so they can have their name in such a romantic setting. Pen in hand and we managed to find a small place for our own names...lucky for love apparently.

The main square in Verona holds the spectacular Arena, which hosts opera and shows pretty much year round, weather permitting. There are no microphones it's just the acoustic quality of this spectacular building which allows the viewers the intimate performances.

We of course had to part take in such an event and had tickets for Aida, an Egyptian based opera. Let's just say although the setting was incredible but opera certainly hasn't struck a cord with either of us.

The next day, we had our first go on the Italian transport system and we are now dab hands. We walked into the centre to soak up the atmosphere, and every wander we took brought us back to Guilette. So we thought we would pay homage to her and visit her tomb. Rather disappointed with it actually and it was our longest walk of the day. Quiet places don't do well with our childish giggles. Anyway that night, our last in Verona we treated ourselves to dinner opposite the Arena. Dinner with a view. It was much enjoyed. Our first stop had not disappointed!

Next we took the train to Venice. I had booked a hostel only eight minutes walk from station so easy peasy or so we thought.

Those eight minutes turned into 40 as we lugged our cases over bridges and canals and pondered the map. Thankfully a kind Italian took pity on us and pointed us in the right direction. It was actually in an ideal location - easy when you know where it is. The ordeal certainly hadn't dampened our experience and we fell in love with the place straight away.

After a quick change we ventured on the water bus to the Rialto bridge area and pondered about there. We ended up on the famous gondolas taking in the sights of San Marco square and the surrounding waterways. It was an experience that couldn't have been overlooked. We weren't gazing into each other's eyes but marvelling at the buildings and canals as we passed.

It didn't feel romantic at all but perhaps given different company you'd be swooning as the dude sings to you on the plush gondola!

We stayed in this area and had dinner beside the famous Rialto bridge and had our first lesson in Italian enunciation. The waiter was very thorough in his teaching as he kept asking us to repeat and repeat. We are now excellent in pronouncing at least six Italian words!

The next day we found an idyllic spot in the sun underneath the glass bridge and watched Venice go by. It was spectacular seeing all the boats at work on the Grand Canal.

We walked about with contentment as we were confident in getting our way back to hostel. After a lovely dinner we wandered back and found a nearby bar, drinks with snacks, can't beat it, although Lucy tried a Spritz Aperol, the local drink- she was displeased to say the least!

Anyway it was a lovely way to end our couple of days in the surreal and intricate place that is Venice.

Two down in my Italian adventure. Beautiful Verona and unique Venice, 20 and 21 on my list!