Nothing can compare to my stay in Italy, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. The food, the wine, the art, the architecture, the hillside towns, rich historical sites, incredible food, magnificent countryside, and coastlines made me fall in love with this magnificent country. The list of the best places to visit in Italy is inexhaustible given its vast diversity, which is why it may take more than one Jettly journey to see it all over the years! Here's a list of the places I enjoyed the most during my vacation:
Amalfi Coast
I had the best time touring the Amalfi Coast. It was quite a trek reaching the Amalfi Coast cliffside, but it's definitely worth it. Amalfi Coast has a vast coastline and is home to magnificent seaside towns, each with a unique history. Amalfi and Positano are two of the most popular Italian coastal towns with spectacular hotels and restaurants. While here, I went on hikes, relaxed, and ate to my heart's delight. The Amalfi Coast, located in the Campania region, feels like a little heaven on earth. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site covering over 34 miles of majestic terrain and multi-coloured towns.
Florence
I toured exemplary art museums in Florence, a testament to the fact that it was the Renaissance's birthplace. Florence (Firenze) features sculptures by Giambologna and Michelangelo, canvases by Bronzino and Botticelli, and frescoes by Ghirlandaio and Giotto. There is so much magnificent art and architecture within the city walls. Florence offers more than just monuments and museums.
The town is bursting with contemporary art and an eclectic cultural life that embraces classical music and opera. The city is in close proximity to Tuscan art towns like Sienna, Arezzo, and Lucca. I enjoyed an exquisite restaurant and nightlife; Tuscany is one of Europe's most vibrant and civilized tourist destinations.
Rome
Rome is the capital city of Italy and formerly the capital of the Roman Empire. It's a vast and complex city located in the central region of Lazio. Rome is both historic and modern; it houses the Vatican City and the ancient Roman structures. For more than 2500 years, Rome has endured as a centre for power, culture, and religion. The city has the most ancient attractions, like the Forum of Augustus, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. I had so much to see and do in Rome; it took me over a week to see it all. The ideal time to tour Rome is from October to April; I enjoyed a great stay because the tourist crowds had cleared.
It was great touring Venice, one of Italy's top travel destinations. Located in northeastern Italy, the city is built on a lagoon, surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. It's an archipelago of 118 islands that are connected by numerous bridges and beautiful canals. The popular Grand Canal divides the city into two sections. Its historic architecture and picturesque waterways make Venice one of the most romantic tourist destinations in the world.
It's true, Venice is often crowded and a bit expensive. However, I still recommend it as one of the best places to visit in Italy. One of the most exciting tourist activities I engaged in is taking a gondola ride along the Grand Canal. You also get the option of riding a vaporetti along the smaller and quiet back canals.
Sicily
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. It lies across the southern tip of Italy and often serves as a crossroads due to its location. You will notice that Sicily is very distinct from the rest of Italy in terms of history, cuisine, and culture. I was fascinated by the rich archaeological sites lying scattered across the island. You will enjoy Sicily's rugged beauty, characterized by secluded beaches and rugged cliffs lined by sparkling waters. Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes, towered over everything on the island.
Tuscany
Tuscany is the place to be if you seek a quiet and romantic stay away from large tourist crowds. I enjoyed the spectacular landscapes, complete with secluded villas and castles (Castelli). I enjoyed being in Tuscany, away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities like Rome and Milan. There was no better experience than eating homemade gnocchi and enjoying a glass of wine under the Tuscan sun.
Italy certainly does have so much to offer. Travelling to Italy made me discover, firsthand, that it's indeed a dream destination. I could come up with more than one hundred reasons to visit Italy. This is not a hard list to come up with, given the rich culture, history, cuisine, and tourist attractions I enjoyed.
