[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Italy is one of the countries that is on everybody’s bucket list. There is so much to do and see in a country full of history. From picturesque Tuscany countryside, to stunning sea views in Cinque Terre, you are never short of amazing views. I decided that next time I check out Italy I will make sure to check out one of the luxury houses in Italy! Enjoying some luxury on your holiday is always worth it!
From amazing architecture and art-filled museums, to absolutely delicious food, Italy has a LOT to offer to tourists! Check out the places where I have been and that I recommend with all my heart!
Tuscany
Tuscany is amazing and – if possible – make a trip entirely dedicate to its beauty! Last time I went there I spent around one week in Tuscany and I felt like I saw nothing. That’s how rich this region (and Italy in general) is. Don’t spend all your time in Florence, but explore the rest of Tuscany. Spend couple of days in small towns that have great views of old fortresses and cypresses. Check out Lucca, Sa Gimignano, Chianti, Siena…all worth seeing!
I already spent some time in Lucca & San Gimingnano and I consider them as two gems of Tuscany! Great places. Both were recommended by a colleague of mine and I am so glad I asked for her tips on Tuscany! Both Lucca and San Gimignano proved to be incredibly beautiful places, even though they were rather crammed with tourists.
The old city of Lucca is surrounded by 16th century walls, the city’s most distinctive characteristic and are accessible by both foot and car (there are certain restrictions regarding this). It’s great to walk around and discover the beautiful churches Lucca has to offer, my favourite being San Michele in Foro and the beautiful Piazza San Michele (former site of the Roman ancient forum of the city).
San Gimignano is a small town in the southwest of Florence, surrounded by 13th century walls. Its features are the old town center in Piazza della Cisterna, the 12th century dome and its famous towers. We arrived in San Gimignano quite early, as it is around 1h away by car from Lucca. After settling in our B & B (which had a gorgeous view of San Gimignano from the garden we went uphill to discover the gem inside the walls!
San Gimignano can be full of tourists, but with the town being such a beauty, I understand the hype! As you enter the city walls, you continue straight into Piazza della Cisterna, passing by shops full of cute and colourful souvernirs. Going further from Piazza della Cisterna, you will find the Dome, dominating the square in front of it. I recommend visiting the Dome and the Civic Museum. I particularly loved the depiction of the Stories of the Old Testament on the left wall and the Stories of the New Testament on the right wall inside the Dome. If you are an art and architecture lover (you must be, otherwise you wouldn’t check out Italy at all, right?), then this is a must. It will not take a long time and it will be worth the time!
You can keep continuing exploring the city without a map and an ice cream in your hand; you cannot get lost – simply walk along the walls and you will be back on track! Don’t forget to enjoy a nice dinner in the Piazza della Cisterna!
Venice
Some might say it’s overrated, some might say it’s romantic, but what is for certain is that Venice is a must on your Italian bucket list! You have to wander through it’s streets and along the canals. Enjoy delicious gelato, take day trips to the colourful island of Burano and simply take tons of photos. Venice is so photogenic that there is no way to take a bad photo. You can easily find it without a map, if you are on a major tourist route, you will see indications for the Rialto bridge, the Bridge of Sighs and Piazza San Marco. They will both be full of tourists, but that doesn’t make it less enjoyable, right? As a heavy traveler, you must find the beauty of the landmark beyond the crowds. As I said, you’re not coming to Venice everyday, so you might as well find ways to enjoy your time there.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3097″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre area is a truly magical place. Cinque Terre is a string of 5 beautiful villages along the Italian Riviera, full of colourful houses, cobbled streets and vineyards. You can get there by car (must be researched before hand) or by train(what we chose) from La Spezia. There’s a day ticket that allow you to use the train for 1 day in between the villages and costs around 16E per person. I have to tell you that visiting Cinque Terre in summer it very tiring – the sun, the walking around up and down the streets, the crowd, the not so punctual trains and so on. BUT it’s totally worth it! The views are amazing and not something you get to see every day. If you take your time, have a cold drink and dip your feet in the water from time to time, it will be better. Manarola is my personal favourite! Usually there’s Via dell’Amore (Lovers’ lane) that links Riomaggiore to Manarola but it has been closed for some time know and we coulnd’t access it. It was a shame, as the views would have been breathtaking.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2667″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Rome
If Florence is a heaven for Renaissance lovers, Rome will be heaven for Anqituity lovers. Have an espresso overlooking the Colosseum, visit it afterwards and then lose yourself walking through the Roman Forum. As usual, don’t forget to lose yourself in the streets of Rome. Stuff your face with bruschettas, pasta carbonara and pair them with delicious prosecco. Don’t forget to throw a coin in the Trevi fountain to guarantee you coming back to Rome!
If you haven’t been to Italy already, then you have to make it your travel priority as soon as possible![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Have you been to Italy already? If so, what would be your recommendations?[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3977″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Awesome read