Italy is one of the most incredible countries in the world. Yup, I said it. I could go back again and again and would need to force myself to see new places so I don’t continually visit the same cities and towns I’ve already fallen in love with.
Here are some reasons to visit Italy this year:
Wandering through Venice
I don’t care what anyone says- Venice really is that incredible. We stayed in a monastery which had been converted into a cool hostel and absolutely loved it. I want to go back for at least a few more days, and buy more Venetian glass, deliberate over pretty, and enjoy some of the best gelato I’ve ever had.
While you can definitely ride in a gondola here, you’ll get a similar experience simply taking the water taxi whenever you want to get out and about.
Roaming in Rome
The day I stood in the Colosseum was one of those ‘pinch me, am I really here?’ experiences. Rome gets a bad rap, but I loved it- from its overcrowded tourist sites to the tiny streets with sidewalk cafes. Take long, boozy lunches, throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, and be sure to spend a few days longer than you think you’ll need.
Don’t forget to visit the Pantheon which was once a Roman temple. Today, it’s a church which you can visit for free and photograph its perfect proportions. The Piazza della Rotonda surrounds the Pantheon, and it’s the perfect place for a meal or cup of coffee.
Exploring Florence
I got sick in Florence, and I still loved it, which shows you how great it is. This is the place to buy art and hand-painted stationery. Be sure to head up the hill at sunset for a gorgeous view of the city, and check out the markets for Italian leather.
Check out the Loggia dei Lanzi which you’llfind in the Piazza della Signoria. This is a free, open-air museum which was originally designed by Orcagna in the 14th century.
When you get tired of exploring, head towards the Fountan of Neptune wehre there are plenty of excellent cafes to rest your feet and people watch.
Road tripping in the countryside
There are few places as suited for a road trip as Italy. Rent a car in Italy, and you’ll be able to take your time in the places you love and skip the places you’re not that interested in. Experiencing Italy by car allows you to pull over and take photos whenever you’d like, and listen to locals when they tell you about that cute town a few miles away.
Vatican City
There are few places with as much historical and religious significance as Vatican City. You can spend hours wandering through here, but don’t forget to visit the Sistine Chapel if you get a chance. Do yourself a favor and buy your tickets online. Remember: No photos in the chapel.
One of the best places to visit is the St Peter’s Basilica which was built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Here, you’ll see work by famous arches, including Michelangelo’s Pieta whicih he sculpted at just 24 years old.
Sicily
Sicily is often overlooked in favor of places like Rome and Venice. But this is an incredible place to see Roman mosaics, Norman churches, Greek temples, and Baroque towns. Life is more relaxed here, and you’ll enjoy some of the best food you’ve ever had. Be sure to visit the Monreale Duomo which you’ll find right outside of Palermo. Take your camera so you can capture the incredible mosaics and ceilings.
