Major cities
Rome
For Rome, ‘a lifetime is not enough’. This old saying is probably true, the ‘Eternal City’ has more ruins, monuments and museums than the average visitor will ever have time to see. The iconic Colosseum, medieval winding streets of Trastevere, ancient Roman Forum and splendid Pantheon are just a very few of all the sights to be seen. This sparkling city really is all it’s cracked up to be and it may be enough to just wander around and soak up the vibrant Roman atmosphere.
Naples
In the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, 136 miles south of Rome, lies the city of Naples. Nestled on the shore of a beautiful blue bay, it has been one of the Mediterranean’s foremost port cities since the 6th century B.C. And it is the place where pizza was invented. Enjoy the frenetic Neapolitan energy and be sure to visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale which houses the collections of the royal Farnese family and priceless mosaics from Pompeii.
Florence
Florence, capital of Tuscany and one time epicenter of the Renaissance, is a fantastically beautiful cultural, artistic and architectural gem. Once home to the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Brunelleschi, the city is lavishly decorated with churches, palaces, galleries, monuments and art treasures like Michelangelo’s 17-foot David. Just walking down the street is like walking through history. Be sure not to miss the Galleria degli Uffizi, which houses Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’ and the Ponte Vecchio, Italy’s most famous bridge.
Milan
Milan is Italy’s capital of fashion and finance and boasts one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, La Scala. Also you can find Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting of the Last Supper here, in the Cenacolo Vinciano. The city’s impressive landmark is the Duomo, with a capacity of 40.000 it is the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. And for some serious shopping, head to the Golden Quad, an area around Villa della Spiga, where all the designer boutiques are located.
Turin
Turin is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city and home to the controversial Holy Shroud. Believers say it was used to wrap the body of Christ, although carbon dating dates the cloth as 13th century. It rests in the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista. Once seat of the Italian royal Savoy family, Turin’s vast palaces will certainly impress you. Like the Palazzo Reale and the Palazzo Madama which dominate the city’s grandest square, the Piazza Castello.
Venice
Explore Venice’s fantastic carousel of endless channels, islands, churches, museums and splendid buildings from a gondola. The most famous sight is the Piazza San Marco, noted for it’s statue of the winged lion of St. Mark. The main ‘street’ of the town is the Grand Canal which is lined with exquisite palaces and spanned by graceful bridges. Board a ‘vaporetto no. 1’ for a tour along the Canal and see sights that will thrill even the most experienced traveler.
Regions
Northern Italy
The North of Italy is the country's most populated and developed region. The landscape is beautiful, from the soaring Dolomite mountains and Italian Alps, and the sparkling Lake Como to one of the country’s most spectacular coastlines: the Cinque Terra. Cities like Turin, Milan, Bologna, Verona and Venice can be found here.
Central Italy
Central Italy’s rolling countryside, gentle valleys and hilltop towns are a favorite for many people who visit the country. Especially Tuscany, with the towns of Pisa and Siena, is breathtaking, but don’t miss the medieval charms of Umbria. The region is also well known for it’s rich history and incredible art as it encompasses cities like Rome and Florence.
Southern Italy
The figurative heel of Italy is the best place to experience ‘la dolce vita’, the sweet life. Although it was long regarded by the North as the poor stepchild it has made a comeback. Bustling Naples, the dramatic ruins of Pompeii, the sheer rock cliffs of the Amalfi Coast and laidback Apulia make this region a great place to explore.
Italian Islands
The Italian Islands include: Sardinia (Sardegna) and Sicily (Sicilia), Capri, Ischia, Elba, Procida, Aeolian Islands, Aegadian Islands, Tremiti and Pantelleria. Sicily is the largest and has been occupied by many invading forces for the past three millennia. From Greek temples and Arab domes to Byzantine mosaics: the island is a mix of many cultures. And it is home to Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna.
Top ten attractions in Italy
- Venice carnival
Theater, dance and acrobatic performances: Venice comes alive during ‘Carnevale’. The traditional masked balls of the festival are known around the world and make for a unique experience. The carnival takes place in February. - The Vatican
This city-state and centre of Christianity near Rome is spectacular. St. Peter’s Cathedral and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel will take your breath away. - Assisi
This walled city with a 14th-century fortress is the birthplace of St. Francis, who’s grand basilica was started in 1228. If you look past the religious pilgrims you will see one of the most enchanting villages in the country. - Pisa
Pisa’s famous Leaning Tower is quite a sight to see as it seems to defy gravity. Apart from the tower Pisa is a pleasant university town with a nice medieval town centre. - Aeolian Islands
These islands are stunning. Formed by a volcanic eruption their landscape is different from Sicily and the mainland. Residents emigrated 100 years ago, but the beaches and geography continue to attract many tourists. - Pompeii
Pompeii was a resort town for wealthy Romans and was buried under ash and mud during the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The ruins are a fascinating insight into how the ancient Romans lived. - The Palio, Siena
Il Palio, a festival dating from the Middle Ages, is held twice yearly on 2 July and 16 August in Siena. It is in honor of the Virgin Mary and involves a series of colorful pageants, a wild horse race around the main square (Il Campo) and lots of eating, drinking and partying in the streets. - The Colosseum, Rome
An icon of Italy, this was the place where gladiators fought and were killed for the entertainment of the Romans. It was completed in 80 AD and still is a beautiful structure. - Scala Santa (Holy Stairs), Rome
These twenty-eight marble stairs were brought to Italy in 326 A.D. and are said to be the steps Christ walked upon on his way to his trial before Pontius Pilate. - The Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence
The Uffizi in Florence is one of the most impressive collections of Renaissance art in the world. See the mastery of Botticelli, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and many other Italian masters firsthand.
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