Recently updated on January 17th, 2020 at 11:03 pm
I don’t know about you, but Italy has always been top of my bucket list for travel so we thought this week we’d take a look at what you just have to do while you’re there:
1. Venice
Now you couldn’t possibly visit Italy without making a trip to Venice – arguably Italy’s most romantic city. Make sure you wander through the hidden ghetto, try and spot the leaning bell towers above you and take a trip over to the island of Burano to try the seafood.
2. Colosseum in Rome
One of the most iconic of Italian sights, the Colosseum and surrounding ruins are a stark reminder of the Roman history of the city. Built for 50,000 spectators, the huge stadium saw games lasting up to 100 days and which sometimes featured naval battles by flooding the stage. Of course, you can’t enter into the games now, but you can go to Gladiator School to learn the basics of sword fighting.
3. Vatican City
Actually, this isn’t in Italy at all – Vatican City is the world’s smallest country and the heart centre of the Catholic Church. It even has its own postal system. Hidden away in the Vatican Museum is the Bramante staircase, built to allow Pope Julius II to enter his private residence without leaving his carriage in his heavy robes. It’s a particularly unusual design consisting of a double helix, meaning that people go up on one side, and down on the other, never meeting on the way.
4. Florence
If you love art, then head straight for Florence – you’ll find nearly a third of the world’s art treasures, most notably, Michelangelo’s David. As the origin of Pinocchio, you’ll also spot little wooden puppets all over this beautiful city. Make sure you take a walk across the Ponte Vecchio – famous for the shops on both sides of the bridge.
5. Pisa
How could you possibly leave Italy without the classic photo holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa? It’s now slightly curving from various efforts to keep it standing, but it’s currently stable.
6. Pompeii
Get a unique glimpse into Roman Italy – Pompeii is amazingly preserved following the eruption of nearby Vesuvius, buried for almost 2,000 years before being discovered. Here you can really see how the Romans lived – it was actually a popular holiday destination for the rich all that time ago.
7. Italian lakes
Travel north, and as you creep into the Alps, the backdrop completely changes and you’ll come across the numerous lakes among the mountain scenery, including Lake Como, Garda, Orta and Maggiore. It’s a great place to sit back, relax and watch the world go by.
8. Cinque Terre
Truly a feast for the eyes, Cinque Terre in the Liguria region is 5 towns in one, famous for the colourful villas perched on the cliffs down towards the ocean. The views are stunning and the bays charming.
9. Capri
Just down the coast, you’ll find another foodie destination (the origin of the the Caprese salad of tomato, mozzarella and basil), the island of Capri off Sorrento is holiday destination to the stars (so is teeming with designer stores), as well as a location used in films, including Ocean’s Twelve. You’ll also find an amazing blue grotto hidden along the coastline – you have to duck on the boat to get in, but the glow inside is unearthly.
10. Italian food
OK – so it’s not technically a sight, but it’s still not to be missed. The food is one of the main draws of going to Italy with everyone desperate to try authentic thin crust pizza and mouth-watering pasta. And if that’s the reason you’re travelling, you have to stop in Bologna – the home of Bolognaise sauce, Parma for their local ham, and there’s all the olive oil, wine, and gelato to consider – it’s foodie heaven. Why not try making some of these delicious treats for yourself?
11. Verona
Verona is an instant hit with anyone who admires Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Here you’ll discover a house owned by the Capello family (could that have inspired Capulet?) with a balcony that’s said to have been Juliet’s. Inside, there’s a museum with a statue of Juliet – rubbing it is thought to be lucky!
We wouldn’t dare suggest that this is all there is to Italy. Is it tempting you to take a trip there? Check out Trafalgar’s Italy trips.
Find out more about Italy’s hidden treasures here.