Italy is one of the most beautiful, diverse, and enlightening countries in the world. So rich with an abundance of history and culture, Italy offers so much to see and do while in this enchanting country. Whether this is your first trip to Italy or your tenth, you will always leave with something special in your heart.
Rome
Also known as the ‘Eternal City’, Rome boasts some of the most stunning and beautiful architecture, art, culture and history in the world. Once in Rome there are many things to see and do. The Vatican, which is the home to the Pope, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel is a must on your to do list. Also enjoy the greatest architectural inheritance of Ancient Rome has to offer, The Colosseum. But of all Ancient Rome’s great buildings only the Pantheon, remains intact to its fullest form. Along with all these wonderful sites, there are still many more attractions tourist can visit. Rome has a numerous amount of Museums, churches, art galleries and catacombs that you may find very interesting.
Tuscany
The heart of Italy resides in Tuscany. The landscapes and scenery are beautiful and magnificent, and are alone worth the visit. Coastal pine woods stretch out behind a coastline made of long beaches broken by jagged rocks; ancient Roman roads framed by elegant needle cedars wind along the rolling hills. Ancient Etruscan sites abound among charming scenery changing colors with the seasons. Also making this a must tourist destination is the glorious art and sculpture that flourishes from the legacy of various artists from all over Italy. Developed from the second Renaissance, Tuscany boasts some of the most heart-warming and perfect art you will ever set your eyes on. Also know for its wonderful vineyards, the Italian made Chianti wine has caught the attention of wine lover’s worldwide. The Chianti hills feature long rows of vines alternated with olive groves and rugged oak woods. Tuscany is also an ideal destination for lovers of good food thanks to its wholesome cuisine. Every center can boast its own specialty. To enjoy yourself better, there are tours of wineries, rustic farmhouses, cooking courses and folk events and festivals of medieval origin.
Florence
The capital of Tuscany, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Florence, known for its one of a kind culture and history, has some of the most wonderful art and architecture you will ever see. Through Florence’s unrivaled artists, do we really know the renaissance and it’s culture. Witness the beauty of Michelangelo’s world known David, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, and or Brunelleschi’s dome on the Duomo. There are also a number of museums, art galleries and basilica’s that display the treasures of Florence like no other country has. The backdrop to its wealth of artistic and architectural heritage are elegant and refined streets and squares that give them impression of being on a medieval or renaissance stage set. This is equally true of Siena with its famous Piazza del Campo set within a ring of gothic palaces, Pisa, with its Piazza dei Miracoli in which rises the renowned Leaning Tower; Lucca with its still intact medieval village structure; Arezzo with its beautiful frescos; Grosseto its old center surrounded by the Medici walls and many other Tuscan cities and towns.
Venice
For however long you stay in Italy, Venice will be for sure one of the highlights of your trip. One of the world’s most enchanting and beautiful cities, Venice only gets better with age. The special thing about this city is the only way you can get around is by foot or through canals filled with water; there are no cars in Venice. While you are here, visit St. Marks Square, which includes the St. Mark’s Basilica and other magnificent areas to be discovered. The Canal Grande is also not to be missed, which is considered to be the “main street” of the city. Its uniqueness and picturesque scenery makes it an unforgettable highlight of you trip. Throughout the city, there are many museums and galleries where tourists can go see the beauty and exquisite Gothic architecture at it best.
Naples
With its sunny climate, various historic and artistic sights, sociable people, and outstanding natural scenery, Naples has been a favorite destination in Italy for visitors. While you are there check out the National Archaeological Museum, which houses one of the world’s greatest collections of Roman and Greek antiquities. Other notable destinations to visit while in Naples would be the Piazza del Plebiscito, Angevin castle, and Santa Chivara.
The Amalfi Coast
Just south of Naples, the Amalfi coastline is undoubtedly is one of the most beautiful and stunning in the world. With its picturesque and spectacular landscape and scenery, this mountainous coastline is a must see for all tourists going to Italy. Tourists can experience the beauty of the coast by taking part in scenic walks or driving tours. Here you can enjoy the pace of Italian life, savour a delicious meal and take part in the beauty that this wonderful place has to offer. Other destinations to visit are the Duomo, the Cathedral or the civic museum.
Capri
Known for its beauty and wonder, The Isle of Capri fascinates all tourists who travel there. There is not a lot of history here, but the principle tourist attraction is the island itself. One of the loveliest destinations in Italy, its romantic atmosphere and magnificent surroundings will capture a place in your heart forever. It’s views; the rocky shores, the beautiful landscape and its scenic charm are what Capri is known for. Some other highlights of the isle are, the Marina Piccola, the Marina Grande, and the Blue Grotto in Anacapri.
Cinque Terre
An area suspended between sea and land, hanging from sheer cliffs surrounded by hills and vineyards. It is five seaside villages made up of colorful houses and vineyards that cling to steep terraces. The Sentiero Azzurro cliffside hiking trail links the villages and offers sweeping sea vistas.
Sicily
Even though it is part of Italy, Sicily is a land unto itself. Their customs and traditions are their own and are what distinguish them from the rest of Italy. This land is full of archaeological heritage and culture for tourists to explore, that you would not get bored. There are also an abundant of sensual sights and experiences that one can see and feel, ranging from the many vineyards and fragrant citrus groves, to masses of blooming almond and cherry trees in February and the aromatic Marsala wine. The style of the city is also phenomenal, with places like Greek temples, ancient theatres and complex city architecture. While you visit Sicily make sure you make it out to Taormina, Italy’s most beautiful town full of shops and restaurants which is also close to nearby beaches. Others major attractions you may want to check out are, Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples, Selinunte and its archaeological garden or Palermo, Sicily’s capital.