The Best Of Italy

Italy is among Europe’s most attractive countries for tourists. There were more than four hundred million overnight visitor stays in the country during 2017 – an annual increase of 4.4%. But what makes Italy so special and where are the places you should really think about visiting? Let’s find out.

Why Should You Visit Italy?

With thousands of years of history, fantastic food and the gorgeous weather on offer, it’s easy to see why so many choose to pay Italy a visit. The capital, Rome, was the seat of power for one of history’s most influential empires. Then, later, this was the epicentre of a Catholic church that still claims more than a billion followers today. Indeed, a sizeable portion of those visitors to Italy are catholic pilgrims from across the world, looking to see their cultural and historical heritage up close.

Where In Italy is Worth Visiting?

Where you decide to stop during your travels will depend on your personal tastes and your particular interests. However, if you’re looking for a sample of everything that’s great about the country, Italy tours offer a convenient way to see as much as possible in a manageable timeframe.

The Cities

If you’re looking to experience the history of this part of the world, then it’s difficult to look farther than Rome as a starting point. Here, you’ll find the more significant Roman ruins, in the form of the Forum and the Colosseum. There’s also the Vatican City to consider, where you’ll find an extraordinary collection of priceless and beautiful artworks (which most tourists neglect, as they’re caught up in anticipation of the crown jewel of the city, the ceiling of the famous Sistine Chapel).

Visitors to Rome should be prepared to contend with large crowds of tourists, particularly around the more famous landmarks, such as the Spanish Steps. The same applies to Venice, whose canals are a consistent draw for visitors from around the world.

Certain Italian cities offer unique gastronomic experiences. Bologna, the capital of the Emilia Romagna region, is an obvious must-visit if you’re in search of an authentic Bolognese. Ragù alla Bolognese is usually served with tagliatelle and rarely served with spaghetti.

Naples should definitely be on your list if you’re a fan of pizza.

The Countryside

If you’d prefer something a little further from the beaten track, then a trip into rural Tuscany might be in order. While the Romans had their influence here, most of the cultural wealth in Tuscany can be credited with the artists and architects of the renaissance. There are many smaller art galleries tucked away across the region, and lovers of art will want to make time to see as many as possible. Tuscany is probably most famous for its fresh produce and this is something in which Tuscans take considerable pride.

Obviously, when in Italy, make sure you pay a visit to a vineyard or two during your stay.

The Coast

There are some stunning coastlines around Italy from the rugged coastline of Cinque Terre to one of the most beautiful, the Amalfi coast. A series of incredible towns and villages perch on the coast of the Mediterranean, nestled within mountainous crags and sheer rock formations dotted with greenery.