Top 5 Places to Visit in Italy

Whether you're a history buff that likes to step feet on solid ground and place hands on rich architecture that embodies a large amount of history, or a heart throbber for romance and beauty, or you like to taste and sip the finer things in life, and enjoy taking in the sights of classical art. Italy has you covered. So let's journey through the top 5 places to visit while here in Italy.

The Grand Tour of Italy

1. Rome

Also known as "Eternal City" offers a mixture of history, food, culture, and art. From the iconic Colosseum where gladiators fought, to the Capitoline Museum which is one of the oldest public museum in the world. Rome is also home to the St. Peters Basilica, the Sistine Chapel located in Vatican City.

Attractions:

The Colosseum

Vatican City

Appian Way (via Appian Antica)

The Capitoline Museum, etc..

Restaurants:

La Pergola- Cuisine: Italian/ Mediterranean

Pizzarium- Cuisine: Pizza

Pierluigi- Cuisine: Seafood/ Italian

Roscioli- Cuisine: Roman/ Italian

Activities:

Attend a opera at Teatro dell' Opera di Roma,

For some of the best sunset views visit Pincio Hill or Gianicolo Hill

Take a stroll around the Trastevere neighborhood, etc...

2. Florence

Often called the "Cradle of the Renaissance" is considered to be one of Italy's most culturally rich cities. The capital of the Tuscany region, Florence is filled with lots of history and art. Florence also has a rich food and wine scene that's sure to satisfy your tastebuds. Whereas, Florence is home to some of the best gelato and located near the Chianti wine region.

Attractions:

The Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)

Ponte Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio, etc...

Restaurants:

II Latini- Cuisine: Tuscan/ Family Style

Trattoria Sabatino- Cuisine: Traditional Tuscan

Procacci- Cuisine: Tuscan/ Truffle Specialties

La Giostra- Cuisine: Tuscan/ Fine Dining

Activities:

Hike or bus up to Piazzale Michelangelo to view Florence skyline

Attend a wine tasting tour

Visit the Central Market (Mercado Centrale)

Take a relaxing walk through the Boboli Gardens while admiring Renaissance sculptures, etc...

3. Venice

Considered to be one of the most magical and unique city's of Italy. Known as the "Floating City" being built on water. Venice has 170 canals that run through the lagoon city, making boats the primary way of getting around the city. So when you arrive be sure to cruise to the Rialto Bridge.

Attraction:

Rialto Bridge (most famous bridge in Venice)

The Jewish Ghetto (established in 1516)

Doge's Palace (kinda like the White House of Venice), etc...

Restaurants:

Osteria Alle Testiere- Cuisine: Seafood

Ristorante Glam- Cuisine: Fine Dining/ Modern Italian

Antiche Carampane- Cuisine: Venetian Traditional

Al Covo- Cuisine: Venetian/ Mediterranean

Activities:

Climb or take an elevator up to St. Mark's Campanile (Bell Tower) for panoramic views of Venice

Take a vaporetto to the Lido di Venezia island to relax on a sandy beach

Take a romantic gondola ride through the canals of Venice

Take a trip to Burano Island and take in the sights of the brightly colored houses, etc...

4. The Amalfi Coast

Known for its amazing landscape that stretches along the southern coastline of Italy the Amalfi Coast offers charming villages, delicious cuisines, unique art, and rich history. So if you're into one of these topics or all of these topics, the Amalfi Coast has you covered and is definitely a must visit.

Attraction:

The Amalfi Cathedral

Ravello's Historic Villas (Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone) offering gardens, medieval towers, and beautiful views, etc...

Restaurants:

Ristorante La Caravella (Amalfi)- Cuisine: Gourmet Italian

Da Adolfo (Positano)- Cuisine: Seafood/ Traditional Italian

Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890 (Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi)- Cuisine: Mediterranean/ Contemporary Italian

Activities:

Hike the Paths of Gods

Drive the Amalfi Coast Road

Visit Pompeii an ancient city, part of the city is still buried by volcanic ashes due to the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius back in 79 CE, etc...

5. Tuscany

Known for its rolling hills, vineyard, and medieval towns. Though Florence is in the region of Tuscany, Tuscany still has a lot to offer. If you're into sightseeing or nature, Tuscany offers jaw dropping landscape of beautiful mountain ranges and fertile plains.

Attraction:

Pisa (where the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa is located)

Volterra (an ancient Etruscan city) offering Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and Etruscan walls

San Gimignano (known as Medieval Manhattan) for it's medieval towers, etc...

Restaurants:

Osteria di Passignano (Chianti)- Cuisine: Tuscan Gourmet

La Tenda Rossa (San Casciano Val di Pesa)- Cuisine: Innovative Tuscan

Ristorante II Falconiere (Cortona)- Cuisine: Fine Dining/ Classic Tuscan

Activities:

Take a hot air balloon ride over Tuscany's vineyard, medieval towns, and rolling hills for breathtaking views

Take a thermal bath in the towns of Saturnia and Bagno Vignoni offering natural springs in these towns

Explore the Chanti region or the Val d' Orcia for some wine tasting tours, etc...

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