In the 50s and 60s the Via Veneto was the most fashionable – and scandalous – street in Rome. The haunt of Hollywood stars and the setting for Fellini’s classic film La Dolce Vita, the street has the biggest concentration of luxury hotels in Rome and a prime location between the Piazza Barberini and the […]
Things to do in Italy
Italy, the wonderful boot-shaped country that steps into the Mediterranean like a cat-walking fashion model. This popular European destination makes great travel destination, and is one of my go-to holiday spots. In fact, there are so many great things to do in Italy it's hard to get my husband to go anywhere else. Bella Italia offers terrific food, sultry hot springs, fashion, history, art, architecture and more. The cities in Italy are fascinating, the countryside is enticing, and the hill towns are made for strolling around in.
There are so many different sides to Italy it could be a disco ball (when it's not busy being a fashion model) - a sultry disco ball with palm trees and ancient columns, of course. For some top Italy travel ideas read on.
If you're searching around for things to do in Italy you'll be spoiled for choice. Here are a few travel ideas:
- Visit romantic Venice to imagine the decadent days of yore when Casanova wined, dined and bedded the cream of aristocratic womanhood. Of course he also got thrown into jail in Venice, so you can visit Piombi Prison while you're at it. Here's more about What to do in Venice.
- Head to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance to let the dark history of the Medici family come alive. While you're there don't miss seeing The Birth of Venus, the famous masterpiece by Sandro Botticelli at the Uffizi Gallery.
- Don't just stick to the main cities. One of the best things to do in Italy is to get out into the country and visit smaller centres. If you love art, take a train to Padua to see the Giotto frescoes. Or spa in the town of Abano, only 45 minutes from Venice.
- Hike in the Dolomites.
- Spend a day in Milan, this northern Italian city may surprise you.
- For one of the best 'Italy travel' moments, sip a rich Brunello red wine in the hill town of Montalcino in Tuscany.
- Soak in the sultry hot springs pools of Terme di Saturnia.
- Most importantly, go to Rome to toss a coin in Trevi Fountain, so that you're guaranteed to return.
What you need to watch out for regarding Italy travel
- Crowds
- Pickpockets
- If you rent a car, watch out for speeding tickets. My husband still won't confess how many he got.
- If you want to visit the top museums and galleries or other tourist attractions book ahead. Or miss seeing the Last Supper in Milan like we did.
My final and most important piece of advice when it comes to travel in Italy:
- Don't do them all. There are a million things to do in Italy, but don't get so caught up in seeing the sights you forget to relax, breathe and experience la dolce vita, otherwise known as the sweet life.
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