Home to the greatest classical art, most sought-after fashions and globally adored food, Italy is a dream destination. Boasting never ending ancient ruins, gothic structures, Byzantine temples and medieval castles, Italy pays homage to significant historic periods such as the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. Featuring some of the most romantic cities on earth including Rome, Florence and Venice as well as Tuscan vineyards, snow-capped Alps and mediterranean beaches, Italy has it all.
Italy’s capital, Rome, offers a wealth of history. Admire St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s miraculous Sistine Chapel or cross the Tiber River to the Forum and Circus Maximus, where chariot races once roared. Here find the mighty Colosseum where you can relive the stories of the gladiators!
Beyond Rome, Italy has a plethora of diverse towns and cities, all with unique attractions. Be enamored by Alberobello and its strange white dry-stone trulli structures with conical roofs or try the medieval city of Siena. Also stop at sun drenched Sorrento, where you can saunter through Piazza Tasso and Corso Italia with its glamorous boutiques and cafés.
In magical Venice, savor the sights and sounds of St. Mark’s Square before floating under the Bridge of Sighs and past Doge’s Palace on a cruise along the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge. Over Rialto, visit the lively fish market, which has existed for centuries and perfectly fits the intense rustic charm of the ‘sinking’ city of Venice.
Pisa is just as incredible as you’d imagine; the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles will beat any photos you may have seen. For more Italian history, the excavations of Pompei, which was petrified by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, will keep you busy all day. Also visit Assisi for its basilicas with their Giotto frescoes, and in pretty Florence explore the Duomo, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery, Signoria Square and the statue of David.
Beyond Italy’s prosperous realms of history and art, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the great outdoors too. The grand Abruzzi Mountains, Brenta Canal lined with Palladian villas and the rolling hills of Umbria will all leave you spellbound as will the Adriatic coast, Gulf of Salerno and the Apennines which are staggering in beauty.
Visit the exotic Isle of Capri for the dramatic Faraglioni Rocks, as well as the quaint village of Anacapri and busy Capri Town, where the rich and famous sip cappuccinos. Tuscany is the king of Italy for food and wine though, especially in the charming town of Greve where you can taste a plethora of excellent Chiantis and browse the finest food shops in Europe. Sit back and relax in rural Tuscany where you can really appreciate Italy’s sensuous surroundings.