A trip to Italy! It is one of the most popular travel destinations due to the beauteous places, history, and great food. It all begins with planning the trip – duration, point of entry and exit, the best places to visit and experience. Apply for the Italian visa online. Keep checking the updates of the Italian Government and the tourism department and soon it will be time for your departure to Italy.
While travelling and exploring Italy, it is best to concentrate on two or three places and visit all the attractions in each of these. Avoid trying to squeeze in as many places as possible or you will be spending too much time travelling from one place to another. Also, it is better to purchase entry tickets online to avoid standing in long lines. Given below are some of the most popular places. and it is best to pick and choose what you wish to experience the most.
Experience Rome: Rome must be experienced leisurely as there are so many places to explore. The Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Borghese Art Gallery, the Vatican etc. are all unmissable and a must in your itinerary. Stroll through the Colosseum and marvel at this large, ancient amphitheatre, which is still the largest standing amphitheatre of the world. Go to the underground and upper level of the Colosseum. Visit the Roman Forum, a complex of temples, Government buildings and marketplaces of ancient Rome, then Palatine Hill next to the Roman Forum. Stroll through the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. Once the largest dome in the world, the Pantheon is beautiful inside with Italian marble and the light streaming in through the circular window, the oculus. Take a break strolling through the Piazza Navona and relax at one of the numerous cafes. The Vatican City must be visited early in the morning or late afternoons to avoid the long lines. The Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, the most renowned works of the Renaissance, are worth visiting.
Ride a Gondola in Venice: Venice, built on 100 small islands, has a series of waterways and canals instead of roads. This city has a rich heritage of history and art. Admire the architecture of the various historic buildings like the St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. The Doge’s Palace is a Gothic architecture masterpiece, where you can see the works of great artists like Titan, Veronese etc. The Bridge of Sighs, connecting the old prison in the Doge’s Palace to the new prison across the river, is a tourist landmark made of white limestone. Music and dance lovers have plenty of opportunities to indulge in their passion and can enjoy live performances. For the Art lovers, Ca’ d’ Oro, the home to the Franchetti collection of Renaissance art, is a must visit. Do not forget to taste the best vines of Venice.
Get Captivated by the Art Galleries in Florence: The capital city of the Tuscany region, Florence is called the cradle of the Renaissance and is one of the most beautiful cities. With numerous museums and art galleries like the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Pitti, one can enjoy the masterpieces of Leonardo Da Vinci, Botticelli, Giovanni, and others. Visit the Duomo Cathedral and admire the marble panels on the exterior of the basilica and the gravity defying dome. Walk through the Bobboli gardens and the artisan’s studios and workshops at Oltrarno. Once you have done all that, then visit the leaning tower of Pisa to wander around the square of miracles. Make a daytrip to Siena or Lucca or San Gimignano and enjoy these small, picturesque, and historic places. Tour a vineyard in Chianti and go wine tasting.
Shop at Milan, the Home of Fashion and Design: The home of Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Verdi, Toscanini and Caruso, Milan in Northern Italy is a leading fashion capital. The museums and art galleries have some of the most important collections in the world. Visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, the most important of Milan’s art galleries, which also contains the works of Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci. See the “Last Supper”, the mural at the Renaissance Church. Explore the Piazza Del Duomo, with the city’s largest Gothic cathedral with 135 spires and countless statues. Then go shopping at one of the world’s oldest malls, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Or go bargain shopping at the Sunday market in Brera District. Another place to visit is the Leonardo Da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology, where the designs of Da Vinci are shown as 3D depictions. You can even watch a live opera at the Teatro alla Scala.
Swim in the Warm Waters of the Mediterranean in Sicily: This gorgeous island, with its diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, has an eclectic past. With warm, beautiful beaches, charming villages, architectural sites and ruins, Sicily offers a variety of sightseeing and activities. The capital city of Palermo is known as the capital of culture of Italy. Walk around its famous markets and piazzas to admire the statues. Enjoy the delicious cuisine and the fresh seafood. Explore the picturesque villages and the Aeolian Islands, which is UNESCO listed. The ruins of the ancient theatre at Taormina and the spectacular views from there will enchant you. Also hike up to the still active Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe, or ride a cable car to enjoy the view. Explore the Valley of Temples in one of Sicily’s oldest towns and marvel at the Temple of Concordia. If you still have time, visit the Zingaro National Reserve.
The lazy evenings with dinner at one of the numerous eateries accompanied by good wine, bring the busy, eventful days to a beautiful conclusion. There are so many places to explore, galleries and museums to visit, that you feel you need more time in Italy.
Enjoy your Italian visit and return with beautiful memories of splendid views, world famous cuisine, and the historic sites and ruins. Keep yourself safe by following all the safety protocols.
