The land of wine, pizza and pasta is usually high on the bucket list for most travellers and presents an allure that many countries find hard to rival. Here are the must see places for first timers to Italy.
Rome
This is a must. The history of this city and the great ancient empire it represents is so rare in a modern world. Stroll the cobbled streets with a gelato and be sure to check out the Colosseum, Palatine, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum and The Vatican (including the magnificent St Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel).
Florence + Pisa
Known for its unique architecture and Renaissance art, Florence is definitely worth a stop on your first Italian adventure. The views from the Piazzale Michelangelo are sensational and there are plenty of galleries, museums, cathedrals and historic sites to keep you busy for a few days.
Pisa is not worth an overnight stay but definitely a half day trip to get your shot of the iconic leaning tower. Trains from Florence to Pisa (run every half hour) take just over an hour and cost around 17 Euros return.
Venice
Full of canals and gondolas Venice is certainly a unique experience and a definite tic on the bucket list. From here you can take a day trip to Verona and enact all of your Romeo and Juliet Fantasies and visit Juliet’s house. You could even leave a letter just like the movie Letters to Juliet. I would only recommend 2-3 nights maximum in Venice, any longer wouldn’t be a valuable use of your time.
Naples
No trip to Italy is complete without seeing the ruins of Pompeii; the ancient city that was destroyed by the colossal volcanic eruption in 79 AD. Made famous by the devastation and plaster cast human remains that still exist, Pompeii is a fascinating day trip that should be added to every first time itinerary in Italy. Accessing the ruins of Pompeii is made easy by a quick stay in the coastal city of Naples. It is also a bonus that Naples is widely known for AMAZING pizza….and well you know…when in Italy! The pizza and Pompeii would be the only reason Naples would warrant an overnight stay. I didn’t think the city itself offered too much in the way of things to do and see. Alternatively, you could take a long day trip tour from Rome. Whichever option you choose, be sure to find a tour that not only takes you to Pompeii but also allows you to climb to crater of Mt Vesuvius…such a cool experience.
Tuscany
The Tuscan region is filled with lots of quaint villages. Sample some wines and get lost in the sunshine among the myriad of vineyards.
Bonus:
If you have the time and the budget, and maybe even your partner with you (yay for romantic vibes here) head to the Amalfi Coast and soak up the summer sun in Capri and Positano. If you are on a backpacker budget you could consider doing a small part of this region in a day trip from Naples, and make the most of the cheaper accommodation. Alternatively, you could spend a day or two in the Cinque Terre region, which is located around 200 kilometres from Florence.
Tips:
Driving
in the cities is hard (especially Rome) and I wouldn’t risk parking a hire car on these streets… the drivers are pretty nuts and people do not park their cars with respect for yours- I saw lots of scratches on vehicles and cars parked WAY TOO close together! As you move out to the countryside I think you would be fine to drive.
Trains
These are easy, comfortable and convenient…great way to connect between major cities.
Safety
Be wary of petty theft and pickpockets targeting tourists especially in Naples and Rome. I didn’t see any evidence of this on my trip but I have heard many stories of people losing phones and wallets etc.
Happy travelling, and make sure you have a glass of vino for me !
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