Who doesn’t love Italy? The food alone is a good enough reason to say that Italy is a fantastic choice destination. I mean, pizza and pasta are so much better here than you’ll find elsewhere in the world. The language is so charming that you’ll often find yourself speaking your native tongue in an Italian accent without realising. Italy is a great choice for those wanting to experience another culture, appreciate its art, discover its history and soak up its warm weather all without breaking the bank. If that alone has not convinced you to visit the land that was once the heart of the Roman Empire and modern Vespas then here are 10 reasons to have Italy on your next destination list.
The Colosseum
The most iconic site in all of Italy and one of the new seven wonders of the world. The Colosseum will inspire your inner gladiator once you step into this place. The Eternal City attracts millions of tourists every year and no visit to Italy is complete without a visit to ancient Rome’s most famous site. The Colosseum continues to remind us of one of the world’s most powerful empires.
See Venice in a Gondola
Seeing Venice wouldn’t be right if you wear to just explore on foot. Do it right and in style by drifting the waters of Venice in a gondola. And if you’ve not quite guessed it, a gondola is a traditional, flat-bottomed Venetian rowing boat, well suited to the conditions of the Venetian lagoon. It is typically propelled by a gondolier, who uses a rowing oar. So all that’s expected of you is to sit back, relax and enjoy the moment of Venetian life!
Opera in Verona’s Roman Arena
One of the best-preserved ancient structures of its kind is the Roman amphitheatre in Piazza Bra in Verona. Built-in the first century, it is still in use today and is internationally famous for large-scale opera performances. The walls and stones have seen everything from gladiator games to modern music concerts. It’s one of the best places in the world to see an opera performance and even if opera isn’t necessarily your thing, it’s simply worth visiting to appreciate 2000 years of entertainment.
Roman Forum
You can combine this one when you see the Colosseum as often tourist offices sell excursions combined when visiting the Roman Forum. The best time to visit the Roman Forum is either early morning as it’s less busy, so you’ll have more freedom to explore the Forum and take great pictures without tourists photobombing. You can also visit the grave of Julius Caeser. The grave site actually marks the ruins of the Temple of Caesar, whereas Caesar was cremated and thus has no grave or tomb, but people still leave flowers and notes on the altar.
Florence
As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence deserves to be on everyone’s list to visit at least once. One of the beauties of this city is that it doesn’t feel as if you are in one. The slow paced environment is what makes Florence so much more appreciative. Think of it as a giant sleepy town with amble opportunity to go about the streets at your own pace. Sure. it has it’s busy moments, but by comparison, you’ll find this place calmer. From Florence you are in the perfect location to explore the region with short day trips to the countryside where you can go wine tasting, explore old medieval hilltop towns, rent a vespa or bike and enjoy the green photogenic scenery.
The Vatican City
Not technically in Italy as the Vatican City is the world’s smallest country which was established as an independent state to enable the pope to exercise his universal authority. Because Italy surrounds the “city” and if in Rome, you’ll want to consider adding the Basilica of St. Peter and the Vatican museum to your list. No matter your belief, the impressive architecture, history and symbolism are enough to impress all that visit. The Sistine Chapel will leave you in awe while you gaze up at the ceiling at one of Michelangelo’s most famous works. To book a self-guided tour, look no further than here with Touristation: https://www.touristation.it/tours/tour-classici/vatican-museums-sistine-chapel-skip-the-line
Pose in Front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The leaning tower of Pisa is another iconic site that continues to attract people from all over the world, most of all who are eager to have their own picture taken as if supporting the tower due to its world-famous lean. The stairway is made of almost 300 marble stairs but the view is worth the effort. From the very top of the tower, it’s possible to admire a breathtaking view over the city.
Pompeii
The ghostly ruins of ancient Pompeii make for one of the world’s most engrossing archaeological experiences. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius on August 24, 79 AD caused fragments of ash and other volcanic debris to pour down on Pompeii, quickly covering the city to a depth of more than 9 feet (3 metres). It’s estimated that over 30,000 people died from the eruption. The ruined city is well preserved due to the amount of volcanic ash and speed in which the city succumbed. Pompeii now contains the bodies of more than 100 people preserved as plaster casts.
Lake Como
As the third-largest of Italian lakes, Lake Como became the ideal spot to film one of the locations to represent the planet Naboo in the Star Wars prequels. That aside, Lake Como is beautiful in every sense of the word. Whether you are visiting Lake Como for a day or staying longer, climb aboard a boat, relax and reach one of the towns nearby. Feel free to swim at some of its beaches. The northern and central beaches are best as the water is clearer. For more on the beaches: https://lakecomotravel.com/lake-como-beaches/
Sicily
The biggest island in the Mediterranean Sea is the ideal place if beaches, local food and history sound like a great combination for your next trip. The indigenous Sicanians, about whom little is known, are thought to have occupied the island as far back as 8000 BC, giving Sicily its name. The island is home to some of the world’s best preserved examples of Greek and Roman temples, structures, and art. Furthermore, crystal clear waters for swimming and elegant food for dining make it the perfect destination without breaking the bank.
