Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and for good reason. There’s plenty to see and do, whether you’re looking for sandy beaches and a thriving nightlife or if you’re hoping for something a little easier going, Italy’s southern heel is a popular choice.
In fact, there’s so much to see and do in Italy that there’s no way that we could include everything in a single place. With that said, we’re going to give it a try by sharing just a few of our highlights. Let’s get started.
1. Hit the water
Italy’s lakes are some of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and if you’re a fan of spending time on or around the water, you could do much worse than hitting the stunning lakes that Italy has to offer, like the ever-famous Lake Como. Chill out with a walk along the shore or take part in some water sports like jet-skiing or paddle boarding if you’re feeling a little more ambitious. The choice is yours!
2. Take a cruise
Taking an Italy cruise opens up a unique set of opportunities and can take you off the beaten path to see a different side of the country. You can cruise along the Mediterranean or simply travel along the rivers, stopping off in Venice for a gondola ride along the way.
3. Sample the local cuisine
There’s a reason why Italy is famous for its food. If you visit the country without sampling true Italian pasta and pizza, you’re missing out. The only problem is that the food is so good that you’re going to want to stay there. Coffee is an integral part of the culture in Italy, and so is the morning routine of standing at a coffee bar sipping an espresso. Dinner is later than in the United States, and usually is made of multiple “piatti,” or plates, including meat or fish, pasta, and a salad.
4. Take in some history
As the home country of the ancient Roman empire, Italy is full of history as well as being the cultural home of many of the fine arts. That means that there’s plenty for you to see and do if you like to get out and about visiting museums, with Rome and Venice in particular making for popular destinations for cultural attractions like the Vatican Museum or the Grand Canal, respectively.
5. Go to an event
Whether you’re timing your visit to coincide with an opera or whether it’s for a summer festival, going to an event is a good plan if you want to experience a true Italian celebration. Many small cities have religious holidays and events throughout the year. Going to an event can also make your trip more memorable by giving you an authentic cultural experience.
6. Explore the villages
If you want to experience the true essence of Italy and not just the tourist attractions that the travel agencies are there to promote, consider going off the beaten path and exploring some of the little villages and towns. There’s no shortage of quaint little villages out there for you to explore, particularly in regions like Lombardy and Tuscany.
Now that you know what to include on your itinerary if you’re planning a visit to Italy, the next step is for you to get started making bookings and reservations so that you can keep costs down while simultaneously sleeping soundly at night knowing that there’s one less thing for you to worry about. Oh – and you might want to learn a little Italian. Ciao!