No matter where you visit in Italy, the feeling of romance and historic presences are a constant. But, deciding on where you want to go in Italy is dictated by what you desire to see and do.

Below are highlights of some of Italy’s most visited cities and quaint countryside regions to give you a better understanding about what some of the destinations in Italy have to offer:

The Cities

Florence

Florence, Italy

The combined vision of religious landmarks, Italian architecture, and earthy aromas give Florence, Italy, its captivating medieval aura. As you walk along the cobblestone-lined, narrow streets past quaint cafés and bustling outdoor markets, you can’t help but feel envious of the lifestyle these Italians lead. The art, history, and cultural presence reflected in every element of Florence are what give this city its reputation as being one of Italy’s most renowned destinations.

The Duomo

A day in Florence:

Begin your morning with a delightful cup of steaming espresso and a chocolate croissant at one of Florence’s charming cafés. Afterwards visit the Galleria dell’Accademia to witness one of Michelangelo’s most renowned masterpieces, David, as well as significant pieces that date all the way back to the fourteenth century.

After an enriching experience at the Galleria dell’Accademia, stroll through the quaint streets and enter bustling markets filled with brightly colored pashmina scarves, handcrafted jewelry, local artwork, and clothing. Continuing through the streets, absorb  the rich aroma of Italian leather before entering a store filled with leather-bound notebooks, authentic leather gloves, purses, wallets, shoes, jackets, and messenger bags.

It’s not long before you are captivated by a new aroma, fresh pizza and panini. Indulge your palette before moving to the world-famous religious site: the Duomo. With a remarkable Renaissance dome, breathtaking stained-glass windows, gothic interior, and regal statues, this astonishing Roman Catholic cathedral is arguably Florence’s most profound works of art.

Your day ends at the Mercato Centrale where you delight in the sight of fresh cheeses, cured meats, butcher stands, and baskets of handmade pasta.

Rome

Rome, Italy

Quite possibly the most famous city in Italy, Rome is known for its rich history and landmarks, world-renowned art scene, astonishing fashion and shopping, and savory cuisine. Alive with the spirits of past artisan masters such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci and past religious icons such as Pope John Paul II and St. Peter the apostle, Rome’s significant figures demand the attention of all travelers who visit.

The colosseum

A day in Rome:

You awake to the exciting sounds of Roman city life bustling outside of your lavish, renaissance-inspired hotel room. After enjoying a cup of Italian espresso, head to the famous St. Peter’s Basilica where you’ll be able to view 140 statues of Saints that were sculpted in the 1600s, as well as observe tombs of past Popes, including St. Peter and Pope John Paul II.

Afterwards, travel to the nearby Vatican Museums where you’ll venture past some of the world’s most magnificent works of art including 18^th- and 19^th-century ceramics, tapestries, religious art, ancient maps and more. Some museum areas you may choose to visit include the Upper Galleries, which includes The Biga Room, Galleries of the Candelabra, tapestries, and maps–Sala delle Dame, Chapel of Nicholas V, Sistine Rooms, and much more.

Now, it’s time to enter one of the world’s most sacred territories and famous works of art: the Sistine Chapel. As you enter this holy realm, witness some of Michelangelo’s most profound ceiling frescos including his nine stories of Genesis. The walls also contain magnificent frescos reflecting scenes from the Old Testament and the New Testament, as well as the portraits of the Popes.

After an exciting and jaw-dropping day at St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, enjoy a delightful dinner at a charming bistro where you’ll delight in some of Rome’s most delectable cuisines and bold wines.

As you retire to the comfort of your luxurious suite, anticipate tomorrow’s exciting activities, which include the cascading Spanish Steps, the regal Coliseum, and the astounding Pantheon.

The Countryside

Cinque Terre

Image of Manarola, Cinque Terre taken from http://www.lecinqueterre.org/eng/

Cinque Terre, meaning five lands, is an area comprised of five neighboring villages that are all nestled along the romantic Italian Riviera. The combined beauty of the dramatic cliffs, brightly colored homes and cottages, and winding paths that intertwine these five villages create the quaint and majestic ambiance that Cinque Terre is so famous for.

Image of Vernazza, Cinque Terre taken from http://www.lecinqueterre.org/eng/

A day in Cinque Terre:

After visiting one of Italy’s ancient cities, enjoy a soothing train ride to the quaint Italian countryside, Cinque Terre. As you exit the train, stop into one of Cinque Terre’s intimate cafés for a quick bite before exploring the quiet Italian village life of the region.

Once you’ve ventured along the winding hiking paths of the Mediterranean coastline Cinque Terre sits along, strap on your bathing suit for a relaxing afternoon on one of Cinque Terre’s sandy beaches. Or, sit atop a giant rock on the water’s edge as you sketch the brightly colored cottages staggered along the cliffs.

As the evening sets in, enjoy a scrumptious meal at a private outdoor table with a bottle of house wine and the soft sounds of the ocean before retreating to your lavish villa for a good night’s rest.

Tuscan Countryside

Nothing is more soothing and culturally enriching than the Tuscan countryside. Lined with towering Italian cypress trees, bright sunflowers, and impeccably manicured lawns, the Tuscan countryside is nothing short of divine. Whether you want to experience long bike rides, a stroll through picturesque piazzas, or wine and cheese tasting tours, the Tuscan countryside is a destination for total relaxation and personal enlightenment.

A day in the Tuscan Countryside:

After awaking in your private Tuscan villa that overlooks the sprawling countryside, delight in a warm cup of cappuccino and a fresh cup of fruit.

Begin your day exploring local piazzas surrounded by local leather shops, gelato stands, art boutiques, and perfume shops before embarking on your private wine- and cheese-tasting tour.

As you visit some of Tuscany’s most renowned vineyards, you’ll explore ancient wine cellars and taste some of the world’s finest wines. Afterwards, indulge your palette with a visit to a cheese- and cured-meats farm where you’ll learn about the meat- and cheese-making process and take your first bite of pecorino cheese topped with warm honey.

Your day ends at a rustic Tuscan village dinner table where you’ll delight in traditional Italian farm cuisine and wines purchased from the vineyards you visited earlier in the day.

Would you prefer to visit the cities of Italy or the countryside of Italy? Perhaps both? Let us know in our comments section.

{ 2 comments }