Italy - So much to see!

What a great Country Italy is, so much to see; History, Mountains, Lakes, Countryside, Beaches the list goes on……In a short space of time, I’ll do my best to pick the best places to visit and explore. I’m sure I’m going to miss some people’s favorites and if I do, please reach out and kick me!

Let’s start the journey in the North, then head South.

Venice

When in Venice, obviously a must is a Gondola ride, and there are plenty to go around, lining the water’s edge. It is the perfect romantic tour to see the streets of Venice a different way. Comfortable shoes are a must as the streets are quite uneven and be wary of pickpockets through the dense streets. 

Don’t get pulled into the first restaurant on the water that opens their arms to you, we found that the most authentic food was within the streets, closer to the locals. You’ll find that most restaurants offer course meals along with their regular menu. 

The water taxi is the quickest way through Venice and were great for taking those picturesque photos. We enjoyed walking around Venice more as we could wander at our own pace from each area and check out the more local restaurants and cafes. 

Mestre which is the city that neighbors Venice to the west, is a short bus ride or car ride away, and it has its own charm too. Great authentic food and a way to see how the locals live. We frequented a cafe across the street from our hotel for a morning espresso. It seemed like the cafe had a revolving door as customers would come in for their espresso and then continue their morning routine. 

 

Lake Como

My favorite place in Italy, having been there many times either on family vacation or business trips. Highly recommend. Como is the largest City on the South West corner of the lake, where I’ve had a number of clients stay at the Sheraton https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/milsc-sheraton-lake-como-hotel and loved it. Personally, Cernobbio just a one stop ferry ride from Como, is my favorite. Depending on budget, you could either stay at the family owned Hotel San Giuseppe http://www.albergosangiuseppe.it/ENGindex.html a short walk to the Lake or Hotel Miralago http://www.hotelmiralago.it/ basically on the Lake. You can explore Lake Como using the ferry.

 

Milan

Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time in Milan and I’m not it’s biggest fan. It’s kind of dirty and Industrial. If you are a shopping buff or interested in soccer, they have 2 teams AC Milan & Inter, then spend a night or two there and convince me that I’m wrong. I don’t think that I am!

 

Cinque Terre

If you like history and rugged but beautiful coastline, Cinque Terre, is a place to visit. A collection of 5 fishing villages. I’d suggest keeping it to a day visit and move on with your tour.

 

Tuscany

Any wine and food junkies out there? If yes, then Tuscany is a must. Tour a vineyard or learn how to cook “real” Italian food. Use Villa Pitiana as a base to tour the region. https://www.villapitiana.com/. If you’re a Hannibal Lector fan, then the Chianti area is a must see.

Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region and another option to use as a base. A hotel suggestion would be De La Ville https://www.hoteldelaville.it/en/home.html with a couple of tours worth mentioning – Florence City Tour by Bus & Accademia plus Excursion to Pisa with the Leaning Tower skip the line Tour. Apparently, this year they have managed to stop the Tower from leaning any further.

 

Rome

Public Service Announcement - When in Rome, be aware that public transport stops at 11pm! Rome is a densely populated city with the new world intertwined with the ruins of the old world. There is history at every corner. 

The Colosseum is jaw-dropping and a must-see, though be aware of the last-entry time, as it will depend on the time of year. Even at night the colosseum is a wonder to see, lit up from inside, allowing light to pour through for that perfect picture  

The Vatican is an extremely popular place to be. The lines seemed never-ending and would highly recommend buying “skip the line passes”. St Peters square is the perfect place for pictures, especially a panoramic one. 

 

Amalfi Coast

Where should you stay, what a dilemma! Sorrento is a common place to stay and the start of the Amalfi Coast. Hotel Central - https://hotelcentralsorrento.it/ - would be a good suggestion to stay, allowing you to take tour of Capri & Anacapri, visiting the Blue Grotto on the way. Don’t forget, only 20 mins away is the ancient Roman City of Pompeii, destroyed by the volcanic ash of Mt Vesuvius.

An alternative to Sorrento is Positano, a small pebble beach town with steep streets that’s home to some great restaurants. You could also stay on the Island of Capri at Gatto Bianco Hotel & Spa https://www.gattobianco-capri.com/en/index.

 

I’d like to Thank Daniel, my eldest son, for his contribution on Venice & Rome. Grazie Mille!