The Top 4 Off-the-Beaten Path Destinations in Italy
There are certain monuments that instantly come to mind when you think of a certain country. For the United States, it’s the Statue of Liberty. For France, it’s the Eiffel Tower. And for Italy, it’s the Colosseum.
That’s why, whenever someone travels to Italy, people will instantly assume you’re going to Rome. After Rome, it’s either Venice or Florence, maybe even Naples.
Rome a center of world history; a city filled with areas and artifacts over 2000 years old. Florence was the birthplace of The Renaissance, and Venice, well, Venice is a city quite unlike any other, with its curving canals and gondolas around every corner.
If you’re only going to be in Italy for a week or so, you should definitely head to those cities. Not just because they’re wonderful and unique, but because there have always been rumors of the sites falling into disarray or being purchased by third party companies.
But, if you’re lucky enough to have a bit more time on your hands in Italy, be sure to check out these cities that aren’t usually at the top of tourist destination lists. You might be surprised that they’re just as unique!
read moreFill up in Florence: Food and Wine You NEED to Try in Tuscany
The way to most travelers’ hearts is through their stomachs, and when it comes to Italy, this is one of the world’s most delicious food meccas! But not all Italian food is created equally.
From a mouth watering Florentine steak paired with a fine Chianti wine, to the heavenly bliss that is gelato, Florence offers a wide range of delicious flavors to tempt your taste buds, while providing the ideal base for exploring the greater food bowl that is Tuscany. And if you’re a serious foodie, trust me when I say that you want to spend time in Tuscany!
While Florence is the beating heart of the region, basing yourself here also makes it easy to arrange trips from Florence to Pisa or Florence to Siena to explore the culinary scenes offered by these Tuscan cities.
Hungry? Read on to discover some of the top foods and wines you NEED to try in Florence and greater Tuscany.
read moreWhen in Rome … Iconic Attractions You Absolutely Should Not Miss
We’ve all heard the saying. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” But what exactly do the Romans do?
Most people interpret the phrase to mean seeking out the local experience, but our interpretation is that it means not to leave without having experienced the heart and soul of the city. And while a case can be made for ‘living as a local’, if we’re being really honest, there’s no escaping that Rome is a touristy city.
It’s iconic.
So, in embracing the saying ‘when in Rome’, we have listed some of the biggest attractions in the city; five icons that you can’t return home having missed. These attractions are so central to Rome’s identity that they are often solely attributed as being the beating heart of the city.
read moreCountries That Have Most Influenced Pop Culture
We often talk of the most powerful countries in the world in terms of their military, political or economic might, but some countries are powerful due to their influence over our daily lives.
Whether it’s an influence on food, fashion or entertainment, the following countries have a considerable hold on pop culture; they might not influence the world with their tankers or drones, but they do send cultural waves across the globe.
read moreHidden Secrets of Florence: Things to Do That Most Tourists Don’t Know About!
For a city that receives around 10 million tourists annually, you would think that Florence no longer holds any secrets. But this isn’t actually true.
While it’s no doubt difficult for travelers to find hidden gems that are off the main tourist trail, there are a few places and attractions where you can find a bit of respite from the crowds.
Overcrowding of Florence’s main attractions is not something you can avoid these days, especially during peak season (April to October). Tourist numbers at this time of year can easily outnumber the local resident population.
While the key highlights of Florence are not to be missed, you may wish to explore beyond the guidebooks in order to really dive beneath the surface of what this exceptionally beautiful city has to offer.
So, after an obligatory visit to Galleria dell’Accademia to view Michelangelo’s David, and the fine art of the Uffizi, take some time to blaze your own trail by checking out these often overlooked sights, these secrets of Florence.
read moreDestinations to Visit on the 500th Anniversary of Da Vinci’s Death
Few figures from history are as celebrated as Leonardo da Vinci, and with this year marking the 500th anniversary of his death, the world has been looking back at some of his greatest-ever achievements.
It’s hard to think of an individual who has had such a huge impact and influence on the world in so many ways. Hundreds of years on, he continues to be a reference point in popular culture, known for work such as the famous Mona Lisa, and drawings of early examples of flying machines, cars and artillery.
But, while he remains a key historical figure, where are the best places to visit in order to discover more about the man? Here we offer up a few suggestions for you to consider if you want to sample some da Vinci-themed tourism.
read more5 Things You Didn’t Know About Florence’s Famous Duomo
It’s safe to say that every visitor to Florence will, at some point, stop by the Duomo. The city’s famous cathedral is one of the most iconic buildings in Italy; a 13th century masterpiece that towers over the city, with a Renaissance dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.
This vast Gothic cathedral is the centerpiece of the city, and its pink, white and green marble facade has become synonymous with Florence; as the Colosseum is to Rome, the Duomo is deeply symbolic of the city, and a major part of Florence’s identity.
It’s actually the 4th largest cathedral in the world, and but that may not be the only thing you didn’t know. Despite being one of the most visited sites in the country, the Florence Duomo still manages to keep a few secrets.
In fact, you may be surprised by the things you didn’t know!
read morePlaces to See in West Sicily
Sicily is the largest Italian island separated from the mainland by the Strait of Messina. The stunning island is completely surrounded by the Ionian, Tyrrhenian, and the Mediterranean Seas.
The South Italian Island is a lively intersection of nature’s bounty, rich culture and traditions, and an interesting past. A trip that contains a lavish stay in the villas in Sicily is nothing less than a dream!
West Sicily is dotted with an assortment of towns and beaches, which will leave you fascinated by the sheer beauty. If you are planning a trip in and around West Sicily, make sure to include the following places on your itinerary.
read more12 Things Every Traveler Should Know About Venice
Italy, for tourists, is really three primary “locations” and much variability within each location.
Northern Italy includes Venice, Lake Garda, and the Dolomite Mountains plus the Italian Alps. Central Italy covers Florence and Rome plus the Apennine Mountains. Southern Italy includes Naples and Sicily.
We are presenting a three-part series on Northern Italy. The first installment is about Venice.
read moreThe Best of Italy in a Two Week Itinerary
So you’ve finally decided to cross Italy off your bucket list, now comes the difficulty of actually deciding what kind of experience you want to have!
When it comes to a country like Italy, it’s important to first resign yourself to the fact you won’t be able to see everything in a single trip. You could easily spend two weeks in just about any Italian city alone.
But if you’re looking to take in the highlights, the following is a perfect 2-week itinerary for experiencing the best of Italy. Included are the “Big 3”, being Rome, Florence, and Venice. These cities cater to just about any type of traveller whether you’re a foodie, architecture/art lover, history fanatic, or are simply searching for a little romance.
So without further ado, enjoy this helpful itinerary and “Fai un buon viaggi”!
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