Italy is one of the gems of tourism in Europe, and it has a huge variety of different places that you can visit during a trip to the country. With a history that stretches for thousands of years, and a vibrant culture, there is no doubt that a trip to Italy can be one of the most enjoyable journeys for individuals and families. There are plenty of different options for travel in Italy, and while you can plan your own itinerary, it can be worth considering taking a small group tour to Italy, as the knowledge of a local guide can really help your trip to come to life. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Italy.
Venice
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, the city of Venice is spread over a series of islands, with the canals that criss cross the city providing a wonderful method of transport around the city. While hiring a gondolier to allow you to see the sights from the water can prove to be quite expensive, there are plenty of boat trips that you can take that won’t break the bank.
Vatican City
One of the most popular options for tours in Italy is a tour of the Vatican and its galleries, and there is no doubt that the art collection in the galleries is one of the most impressive anywhere in the world. The heart of the Catholic religion, the Vatican is visited by people from across the world, both Christian and those who want to appreciate the art, while the regular blessings by the Pope in St Peter’s Square are also worth seeing.
Florence
The beautiful city of Florence is another of the places that are worth exploring in Italy, and if art is your thing then the Pitti Palace is now a superb museum to explore. Although it was once a formidable city state that ruled its own affairs, but today as a part of modern Italy it is a thriving cultural and culinary destination.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda is one of the most scenic locations in Europe, and enjoys a spectacular series of small towns and villages along the shore of the lake that are ideal for exploring. The lake is the largest in Italy, and whether you drive around the area or take a bus trip, you will see that the scenery is truly stunning. It is also worth taking time to explore the historic fortifications at Sirmione on the shore of the lake.
The Sights Of The Roman Empire In Rome
The historic capital of the Roman Empire once ruled most of Europe and the known world at the time, and the signs of this great empire lie alongside the modern capital of Italy. Among the best sights worth seeing in Rome are the Colosseum and the Pantheon, while the city is also home to some excellent museums looking at this era in history too.
The Leaning Tower Of Pisa
This iconic building is one of the best known attractions in the country, and while it was originally built as a bell tower, it actually started to lean almost as soon as it was built. Since being completed, the soft ground has continued to give beneath the tower, and today the lean of the tower is around four meters.
Pompeii
The town of Pompeii was a thriving place in the first century AD, but the eruption from the nearby volcano covered the town in a thick layer of ash. This ash preserved the city, giving modern historians a treasure trove of insights into life during this period of history, and today it is a wonderful place to explore.
Amalfi Coast
Another of the scenic regions of the country, the Amalfi Coast is famous for its picture postcard towns and the steep cliffs along the route. It is a stunning road to drive, but because of the amazing scenery it can also get very busy, particularly during the summer months, so taking a coach is also a popular option here.
Cinque Terre
The five villages on the Italian Riviera are famous all over the world for their beauty. There is a hiking path that goes between all five of the towns and is very easy to do over a couple easy hiking days. For me, hiking in Cinque Terre is one of the highlights of any outdoor experiences in Italy.
The Alps
Marking the border between France and Italy, the Alps mountain range has some of the most impressive mountain scenery in Europe. It is also home to several mountaineering and outdoor sports destinations, which is great for those looking for a more active holiday or break in Europe. The crowning glory of the Alps is Mont Blanc, which does mark the border between Italy and France.
Villa Borghese
During the heyday of the Vatican, the Pope controlled a huge amount of wealth, and he decided to build a grand villa for his nephew in Rome. Villa Borghese is the result, and today it is home to some of the most impressive artworks in Europe, with masterpieces from Bernini, Titian and Raphael among the highlights in the important in his career.