| 8 mins read
By Rachel Barac
A treasure trove of historical landmarks, art works and stunning scenery, Italy is firmly established as one of the top countries on many a visitor’s wish list. And while there is ample advice on the many attractions to see and things to experience, narrowing down to the special ones that leave you with lifelong memories is no easy task! Here are my top picks of what to do and see while in Italy, my treasure of unforgettable memories.
1. Hike from Amalfi to Ravello
Start your day in the historic town of Amalfi along the famous Amalfi coast. Choose one of the many seaside cafes and enjoy sipping on an aromatic cappuccino. Then meet with your Italy tour guide and stroll through the colourful streets of Amalfi as you are introduced to its rich history and beautiful architecture. Follow this with a guided walk up winding, overgrown paths through mountain valleys, towards the quaint fisherman’s town of Atrani. Here the alleyways have maintained their medieval charm and are far less crowded with tourists compared to the popular Amalfi.
Continue through narrow passageways, steps and little gardens uphill to the town of Ravello. Along the way, the rugged Amalfi coast, picturesque streams and hidden churches between mountain rocks provide stunning views. Breathe in the fragrant lemon scented air. Don’t be surprised if you hear a faint “ciao” from one of the farmers as they pick their lemons atop spindly wooden ladders. At Ravello, explore the 11th century Villa Cimbrone with its lush gardens, hedge mazes, fountains and sculptures, and the Villa Rufolo known for it’s beautifully landscaped grounds and architecture. Having familiarised yourself with the cultural vibe of this scenic town, make your way into the town square and settle in to one of the many restaurants or bars for a well-deserved aperitif.
2. Palio di Siena
This scintillating horse race takes place in July and August each year in Siena, Tuscany. Held in the Piazza del Compa against a backdrop of historic buildings, the Palio in Siena is it most important tradition in which ten of 17 contradas, or districts of Siena, compete against each other for the winning title. A procession of horses and riders donning medieval attire, each showing the emblem of their contrada, parade around the racecourse waving their flags before the race begins. The actual race consists of three laps of the course that is over in a matter of minutes. Nevertheless, there is plenty of time for riders to take a tumble against the treacherous turns, which is an accepted part of the race. Clearly, this is not an event for the faint of heart. The winning contrada celebrates with parades through the town accompanied by drums, singing and celebrations that continue well into the evening. Get there a few hours before the race begins to get yourself a spot. Remember to bring a hat and water as it can get hot waiting in the sun. Be aware that there are no bathrooms provided and once you leave your spot, someone else will take it!
3. See Michelangelo’s David
Visit Florence at sunrise. The streets are bare from the usual hustle and bustle of tourists that usually engulf Florence by day. Walk around the city centre, visit the Duomo and take photos without a soul in sight. But most importantly, be the first in line to marvel at Michelangelo’s marble statue David which can be found at the Galleria della Accademia. The original location of the David used to be in Palazzo Vecchio, though now a replica stands in its place. Take in the intricate detail of Michelangelo’s work, keeping in mind he was only 26 years old when contracted with this mighty task. This is a masterpiece not to be missed and one of the most famous works of art in the Western world.
4. Rome
A trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Colosseum and the Roman Forum in the country’s capital city. The Colosseum stands out, enthralling anyone who visits with its history and architectural grandeur. Get yourself a tour guide to take you back in time, and recreate the days of the bloody gladiator battles. Having a Rome tour guide also has the added benefit of skipping the long queues and the possibility of seeing areas of the Colosseum closed off to the general public. Then head over to the Roman Forum, the very centre of the Roman Empire, where historical relics abound. Your travel guide will be able to help make sense of it all, especially since the area is quite large and not well signposted. For the most breathtaking views of Rome and it’s famous landmarks head to the top of Gianicolo hill located just outside the city just above the Vatican and the Trastevere neighbourhood.
5. Vatican city
Whether you’re Catholic or not, visiting the world’s smallest country is an absolute must experience. Go on a Wednesday and receive a blessing from the Pope himself in St. Peter’s Square. Get there early to beat the crowds. For those with a ticket there is room for seating at the front, and if you have not purchased one, there is standing room at the back. If it’s a hot summer’s day then blessings start at 10am as opposed to 10.30am. Of course you cannot leave Vatican City without seeing the museum. There is so much art and history to absorb that it will be a good idea to engage a Vatican tour guide to ensure you see all of the key pieces and have an understanding of the rich history behind many of the paintings, sculptures and tapestries. Then finish your tour by gazing up at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Wear comfortable shoes as hours upon hours can be spent in the museum. Here again, prepaid tickets are the best to avoid the long snaking entrance queues.
6. Pizza and Gelato
Italy provides a smorgasbord of delicious cuisines that differ from city to city. However your trip wouldn’t be complete without trying pizza at its birthplace, Naples. Forget about fancy gourmet toppings or deep-dish bases. The home of pizza is all about simplicity with the humble margherita and marinara being clear favourites. Believe it or not there are strict guidelines that determine whether a pizzeria serves true Neapolitan pizza or not. These guidelines include the variety of tomato used, certification of the mozzarella, and stringent criteria about the dough. A few notable pizzerias are Pizzeria Da Michele, Antica Pizzeria E Friggitoria Di Matteo, and Pizzeria Starita. If you’re a real foodie then take a food tour with a Naples tour guide and get the low down on all things pizza. While on the topic of food, having gelato in Italy is a must no matter the weather, and what better place to eat gelato than in Florence where it is said to have been created. For creamy gelato made onsite with the freshest ingredients try Carapina, Perche No?, and Vivoli. Then sit outside and people watch before heading in for another scoop.
7. Venice Carnival
Venice is a magical city at any time of the year, but if you visit during the Carnival, which is held in the lead up to Lent, the atmosphere is electric. This ten-day festival has Venetians donned in elaborate costumes with mysterious masks parading the tiny alleyways and squares. Street performers entertain the crowds, as do the sounds of drums and fireworks. Don’t be shy about embracing the festivities by dressing up. There are plenty of shops selling costumes and masks. The masks especially make for a unique souvenir. Your experience can be as lavish or budget friendly as you like. Attend an extravagant masquerade ball held in one of the upscale hotels or enjoy the ample free entertainment out on the streets. The main events are held around Piazza San Marco but there is still lots going on all over town. Just remember to reserve accommodation well in advance. Carnival is a popular event and the city fills up fast.
Image Details and Licenses: https://flic.kr/p/xscHvd (Kārlis Dambrāns, CC BY 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/ec1fKF (Alessandro Tortora, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/hsGET (Alex, CC BY-NC 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/9Dducn (Saurabh Thakur, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/2rmkG (bgav, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/pK9Q7S (daryl_mitchell, CC BY-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/2gtQt6 (Jonathan Khoo, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/qyyy7b (Nemodus photos, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) https://flic.kr/p/cLxkmW (A H TCC BY-NC-ND 2.0) https://flic.kr/p/qt9xdK (Salvatore GeraceCC BY-SA 2.0)