Whether you’re trying to make sure that you can see the most of the country in the time you have, or you want to plan things that are a little more budget-friendly, without those expensive city hotels, a tour across Italy offers endless charms. In particular, so many of the country’s major cities have so much of their own character and hotspots to see, they can easily take up the entire length of your trip alone. However, here, we’re going to take a closer look at some of those hotspots and why you should put a visit to each on your itinerary.
The Eternal City Of Rome
If there’s one place that you have to absolutely ensure that you see, then the allure of Rome simply cannot be overstated. Aside from being one of the most historically important places in the classical world, with wonders like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon standing to this day, it’s a place that lets its history shine out for all to see across the ages. Don’t miss St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, where Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel will leave you breathless. Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, stroll cobblestone alleys in Trastevere, and enjoy carbonara at a local trattoria. You don’t have to be a history buff to get a lot out of a trip to Rome. Foodies and art lovers are guaranteed to have just as great a time.
Explore The Heart Of The Renaissance
The region of Tuscany is one of the country’s most beautiful, by far, but its leading city is the star. Take advantage of luggage storage in Florence, as the city is immensely walkable as soon as you get out of the train station. From there, you can visit the Duomo and climb Brunelleschi’s Dome for panoramic views. Art lovers must see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery and Botticelli’s masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery. A visit to this city can feel like you’re really tapping into the scene that played such a huge role in the birth of the Renaissance, with a creative atmosphere that’s unmatched across perhaps the whole of Europe.
Wind Through The Canals Of Venice
If you want to see places that are truly singular, with no comparison across the world, then Venice is just too strange and beautiful to miss. A city built on a series of canals, many of which can be explored with a gondola ride, or by taking a vaporetto across the Grand Canal, there is nothing like it. Explore St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the famed Bridge of Sighs. Wander through labyrinthine alleys where every turn reveals another picturesque bridge or charming piazza. As steeped in romance and mystery as it is, Venice feels like it came right out of a fantasy novel, and also offers a great chance to explore surrounding islands like Murano and Burano if you have the time.
Take In The Beauty of The Mediterranean
Given how much of it is situated on or right by the coast, much of Italy’s character comes from its connection to the Mediterranean Sea. Perhaps the best region that allows you to explore the beauty it has to offer is the Amalfi Coast. Whether you’re taking a slow, scenic train to appreciate its beauty from a distance or you decide to explore it for yourself, it’s worth at least a look. If you take a car or ferry, you can visit beautiful towns like Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. Lounge on pebbled beaches, sip limoncello, or hike the Path of the Gods for panoramic sea vistas. Take in the true character of coastal life with fresh seafood and local wines in the many eateries or B&Bs you can find along the coast.
Cinque Terre – Picturesque Italian Cliffside Villages
Take In Small Village Charm
The Cinque Terre stands out as an attraction, a little distinct from your usual town or city, because it’s actually a collection of five cliffside villages, known for their distinct charms, colour, and character. Explore Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, each connected by scenic hiking trails or local trains. They offer fantastic natural beauty, such as the Sentiero Azzuro trail, overlooking vineyards and turquoise seas. It’s also home to one of the best sunsets you’re ever likely to lay your eyes upon from Manarola’s harbour. The villages are all car-free, as well, which can make it feel like you’ve truly been transported to another age.
From Rustic Charm To Metropolitan Glamour
If you want a real contrast, then Milan may be the stop worth making on your list. Aside from being a business and political powerhouse, Milan is also a modern cultural hub and one of the fashion capitals of the world. All of this combines to make it feel like a true metropolis. Shop the Quadrilatero della Moda for high-end fashion or visit concept stores in Corso Como. Explore Brera for art and bohemian vibes, and head to Navigli for canalside aperitivo and nightlife. From the Duomo di Milano with its stunning Gothic spires to the Santa Maria delle Grazie, a gallery that houses important works like Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, the city is also difficult to compete with in a purely aesthetic sense.
Set Sail For Sicily
If you’re able to make a little time to get off the Boot itself and explore Italy’s wider wonders, then the largest island of the country, Sicily, stands out as a truly distinct and worthwhile spot to make your stop at. From ancient ruins to volcanic landscapes, it’s an island of myths as grand as its mountains. However, it has a gorgeous living culture, as well. Modernity and history live hand-in-hand in the vibrant street food markets of Ballaro, the Arab-Norman architecture of Palermo and the Greek theatres of Taormina. The island has become a mixing pot of cultural influences, including Italian, Greek, Arabic and Spanish, that can make it feel like a true representation of the Mediterranean as a whole.
Each of the locations above offers more than you can see on a short visit alone, but if you have the opportunity, they’re all certainly worth seeing.
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