A heady mix of haunting ruins, awe-inspiring art and vibrant street life, Italy’s hot-blooded capital is one of the world’s most romantic and inspiring cities. Everyone knows Italy – Rome’s iconic ruins, Tuscany’s vine-clad hills, Venice’s romantic waterways. These have all been on the radar for centuries. Add fabulous food and breath-taking scenery, and you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable visit.
Arguably Europe’s most enticing country, Italy charms visitors with irresistible food, awesome architecture, diverse scenery, and unparalleled art. In fact, it’s so packed with possibilities it can almost overwhelm. Rome wasn’t built in one, and you certainly can’t see it in one. Instead allow at least two, preferably three. That’s time to take in the spectacular Colosseum, the 2000-year-old Pantheon, the palace ruins of the Palatino, sacred St Peter’s and the art-filled Vatican Museums. Trot up the Spanish Steps, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, shop in narrow lanes and indulge in prime people watching. Two days in Florence sees you cherry-picking the incomparable art in the Uffizi gallery, delighting in the frescoes in the Duomo and pondering the anatomy of Michelangelo’s David. It also allows for shopping on the ultra-chic Via de’ Tornabuoni and an aperitivo (pre-dinner drink) or two in locals’ favorite Piazza Della Signoria. To enjoy unique, utterly exquisite Venice, allow a few days. Glide down the Grand Canal, by gondola or vaporetto (water bus), tour the grand Palazzo Ducale, gape at the treasure-filled Basilica di San Marco and run out of camera space snapping the extraordinary array of Venetian architecture. There’ll also be time to join the locals shopping at Rialto Market, tuck into cicheti (Venetian tapas) and get a little lost amid the 400 bridges and 150 canals.
That’s just the beginning. Contact your Beach Bum Vacation Travel Concierge to plan your entire trip to perfection today.
