5 of the Best Places to Visit in Italy

Italy is a fabulous country to visit and there are so many things to do and see there. Here are 5 of the best places to visit in Italy.

1. Venice

The romantic city of Venice is in the northeastern part of Italy and it is known for its canals and mesmerizing bridges. Be sure to take a ride on a gondola and explore the canals at sunset while someone else does the piloting. Venice is also known for its amazing architecture so be sure to check out St Mark’s Basilica and Piazza San Marco. This vibrant city also hosts many world-famous music festivals as well so be sure to catch a concert or two. Purchase some hand blown Venetian glass and watch the artisans work.

2. Puglia

Puglia is a region in southern Italy that forms the heel of the boot-shaped country. It is well known for its pretty hill towns, and its hundreds of miles of Mediterranean coastline. The city of Lecce is known for its baroque architecture and it is often called the “Florence of the South”. Visit the city of Alberobello to see the Trulli buildings with their unique cone-shaped roofs have made this a UNESCO World Heritage site. For an authentic experience, you can stay in a Trulli building in Puglia.

3. Liguria

Liguria is a small crescent-shaped region in northwestern Italy that is known as the Italian Riviera. Genoa is the capital city and this port city has been an important part of maritime trade for hundreds of years. Be sure to visit the old town and see the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and its Romanesque architecture. If you like opera be sure to visit the Teatro Carlo Felice opera house and catch a show. Visit the east coast and see the sights of Cinque Terre, 5 vibrantly colored fishing villages that you can stroll through.

4. Rome

Rome is an ancient city that dates back over two thousand years. Take a stroll through the Colosseum and you can imagine the thriving crowds that once turned up to watch the gladiators of Julius Caesar battle each other. Be sure to check out the stunning Trevi Fountain that was completed in the 18th century. If you want to learn about the history of Rome, going on a guided tour is a great way to get more from your time in Rome. There is also plenty of great shopping and you can pick up many different inexpensive and great quality leather products. Make sure you take a trip to the stunning beaches and get some people watching in. No trip to Rome is complete without visiting the Vatican City and the stunning paintings done by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.

5. Florence

Florence is a fabulous city that is known for its world-famous fashion. The headquarters of Gucci, Emilio Pucci, Cavalli, and Ferragamo are all located here. Via de’ Tornabuoni is a great place to stroll and check out the shops. You can also hire personal shoppers that will allow you to visit stores during non-business hours so you can peruse the fashions to your heart’s content without crowds. Florence is also considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and it has many wondrous sights to visit. Make sure you take time to visit the works of Michelangelo, Donatello, and Leonardo da Vinci. Check out the city break guide here.

Exploring Italy is something that must be on everyone’s bucket list. There are so many things to do and see in this juxtaposition of modernity and history that all visitors will be amazed. The culture, the food, and the beautiful sights will inspire you at every turn. You can load your days with sightseeing or just sit in the sun and reflect over a perfectly created cappuccino and be happy in your that you have chosen Italy as your destination.

Tuscany is a delight for travelers! It is a world awash in color, with bright purple fields of lavender, golden fields of wheat and olives, and lush green expanses all glistening in the light of the sun. Stay in a farmhouse villa with olive groves and vineyards and you can help with the harvest. In the city of Florence, you will find works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Donatella and the Florence Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece by Brunelleschi and Giotto.

Enter the city of Rome and visit the Colosseum and the Forum and you can see where Julius Caesar once worked and played. Explore the Vatican City (a separate country within a city) and see the rich Catholic history and Michelangelo’s murals in the Sistine Chapel. Rome is full of rich historical treasure but it is a wonderfully modern city as well, making it popular with tourists, along with the great holiday deals that sweeten the experience. With beaches that have been voted in the top ten in Europe and fantastic shopping with great bargains on leather there is lots for you to do and see. Be sure to dine on the local food and wine and indulge yourself.

The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline in southern Italy is known for its jaw-dropping panoramic views and its mild temperatures. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that must be explored. If you rent a car you can drive west along the 40 km stretch from Vietri Sul Mare to Positano. You can then rent a boat and tour all of the inlets along this stunning stretch of coast, as well as staying in some fantastic luxury private villas.  Relax in the sun and feast on the fresh seafood and try some Limoncello, a local liqueur made from lemons.  This is the perfect place for a luxury Italian holiday in true style.

Venice is located in northeastern Italy and it is known for its unique canals, bridges, art, and music. Take a romantic gondola ride along the famous Grand Canal and watch the breathtaking sunset. Take time to visit the many world-famous music or art festivals that take place here annually. Make sure you check out the architectural wonders of St Mark’s Basilica and Piazza San Marco. Pick up some of the world-famous Venetian glass before you leave and be sure to eat plenty of the fantastic food and wine that this area is known for.

No trip to Italy is complete without a stop in Milan. This financial hub and fashion capital are known for its shopping and its gourmet dining. It’s important to note that you can also explore Milan on a budget. It is also a host to centuries of art and you must visit Santa Maria Delle Grazie convent where Leonardo da Vinci’s fresco ‘The Last Supper’ resides.