Venture into a land where history lives in perfect harmony with the present, a country that has a proud heritage and heart-warming people – travel to Italy for an unforgettable experience. Italy is famous the world over for breath-taking monuments, delectable food, and exquisite yet emotional art (and Ferrari). An Italy itinerary planner is hard to compile when there is a host of attractions to see and places to visit. Here is a list of top things to do in Italy that will help with your Italy trip planner.
1. Journey Back in Time:
Italy has a rich history – from the great Roman Empire to the Renaissance. Spread all over the country are ancient relics and exceptional monuments that are the remnants of a glorious past. Take a tour across the country visiting the age-old churches of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Duomo of Florence. Other places of interest include the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the ruins of Pompeii and the Roman Forum.
Underrated places:
Pompeii’s lesser-known neighbour, Herculaneum also fell under the volcanic ashes of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Named after the Greek God Heracles, for centuries this city remained preserved but unknown to the modern world. The excavations have revealed a spectacular city, skeletons of its inhabitants, mosaic art, and a number of ancient fresco paintings.
The sunken city of Baia was once famous for its medicinal hot springs and was a popular vacation spot for the emperors of the old. But it fell into ruin by the 1500s and was submerged in water. Today, it is an underwater archaeological site and makes a unique experience.
2. Binge on Food:
Of course, one of the things Italy is famous for is food. Italian cuisine dates back centuries and evolved only to taste better than before. When in Rome, indulge in Italy’s staple food – pasta. Spaghetti Bolognese,Fettuccine Alfredo and Penne Carbonara are some of the more famous pastas to try.Drive to Naples, the birth place of pizza, and try a slice of authentic Margherita. Another classic dish from Naples is thelasagne. Walk along the streets of Milan and you can find quaint cafes that serve delicious gelato and refreshing espresso. Meat-lovers must try the traditional Milanese specialty, Ossobuco. And not to forget Prosciutto, which isa crowd favourite.
More Dishes to Try:
Aside from pasta, pizza and gelato, Italy offers many more mouth-watering dishes. If you have a sweet tooth, you must try tiramisu, torrone and panna cotta. Ribollitais the perfect comfort food, especially during winters. Cacciuccois a sea-food lover’s delight! Finish off your culinary journey with a glass of fine wine from the vineyards of Italy’s countryside.
3. Watch Football
Much like most of Europe, football is Italy’s passion. It is often said that the shape of the country itself looks like a foot kicking a ball! Italy boasts of many legends in the sport over the years like Paolo Rossi, Luigi Riva and Fabio Cannavaro.
The LegaNazionaleProfessionistiSerie A is one of the biggest championships in the world with talented teams like AC Milan and Juventus. Catch a game at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza which is Italy’s biggest football stadium. Or wear the A. C. Roma colours and cheer for them on their home ground, StadioOlimpico, in Rome. Whether or not you are a fan of the game, the excitement in the stadium is infectious and it is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
An Alternative: The Italian’s passion for football runs deep. If you’re not a fan of big crowds, you can catch smaller, unofficial games between friends in the parks and recreational facilities. Take a brave step and ask if you can join in on the fun!
4. Go on an Adventure
For those who like the outdoors, Italy has a unique diversity in weather and terrain – from the pleasant beaches to volcano-spewing mountains. Go on a hike on the Cinque Terre trail which goes through 5 picturesque villages with the view of the sea. Swim in the blue waters of the Mediterranean at the Amalfi coast. One can also take a boat ride to the island of Capri and walk through its lush gardens and pristine beaches. While in Capri, a visit to the caverns of GrottaAzura is a must.
Try Something Different: Take a walk through the Frasassi Cave, where silence is profound. This unique beauty of nature is an incredible Krast cave system well decorated with stalactites and stalagmites.
From caves to mountains – another exciting activity is a hike on Mount Vesuvius. This volcanic peak can be accessed only by foot and one can walk to the crater where it used to erupt!
Come winter, another popular outdoor activity is skiing in Cortina D’Ampezzo. Often considered the crown jewel of the Italian mountain side, Cortina is famous world over for winter sports.
5. Or just relax
Your Italy travel planner must include a few days to relax. One must visit the famous Via Montenapoleone which houses some of the largest luxury fashion brands of Italy like Gucci and Giorgio Armani. Stroll through the whimsical town of Trulli di Alberobello with a cone of delicious gelato. The beaches of Sardinia are some of the cleanest and prettiest in Italy, and are perfect to spend a day building sand castles.
Under the Starry Skies: A popular activity, especially among couples, is a gondola ride through the canals of Venice. The sunset and the silhouette of the St. Mark’s Basilica is said to be a sight to behold!
