If you are someone who appreciates tasty food, gorgeous architecture and interesting history, then Italy could be the perfect destination for your next vacation. With that said, doing some research before booking your flight or packing your bags can make the trip more meaningful because it helps you better prepare. To make the most out of an adventure to Italy, consider these ideas.
1. Take a Boat
Whether you like the idea of kayaking in the Canal Grande or your family prefers to book Italy cruises, there are numerous ways to explore Italy from the water. When it comes down to choosing, the best activity depends on your personal preferences, how much time you have and what kind of experience you are looking for.
2. Board a Train
Like many other European countries, Italy is home to a robust train system. On your trip, you can plan a visit to Venice, Florence and Rome, all by train. With only three and a half hours between Rome and Venice, you should have plenty of time to enjoy yourself as much as possible. After checking out the more popular destinations, you can then take a train to some smaller towns and get to know the locals there.
3. Tour Sicily By Car
Trains, planes and boats can be nice, but sometimes nothing beats the urge to take a road trip. If you can relate, you might want to check out Sicily via car. From Messina, Catania, Syracuse and Trapani to Taormina and Palermo, you can explore many of Sicily’s cities by train. Keep in mind, locals use trains more than tourists, so you will need to be mindful of rural historic site touring times.
4. Walk Through Boboli Gardens
Being in the city can feel hectic at times. When you go to Florence, take a break from the hustle and bustle by going for a long walk around Boboli Gardens. Located next to Palazzo Pitti, these gardens have been around since 1954 and they are home to a lovely open-aired museum. In addition, this is the largest greenspace in Florence. Bring your camera to capture some unique shots as you walk around and pass by the many interesting plants and fountains.
5. Visit the Island of Capri
Few places in the world can brag about the weather quite like the destinations in the Mediterranean. Not only is the weather usually fantastic, but the sites can be breathtakingly beautiful with rugged landscapes and amazing cliffs. Just off the coasts of Sorrento and Naples, you can find an incredible getaway on the Island of Capri.
6. Observe the Ruins of Pompeii
Calling all world history buffs! If learning more about Italy’s ancient background sounds like fun, you do not want to miss out on the ruins of Pompeii. Located at the base of Mount Vesuvius, lava and ash from an erupting volcano buried Pompeii in 79 A.D. Today, visitors can walk through the eerily preserved city.
7. Explore the Museums
Speaking of history, you cannot leave Italy without exploring at least a few of the many intriguing museums. From the Vatican Museums and Galleria Borghese in Rome to the Galleria Nazionale in Perugia and the Galleria degli Uffizi in Florence, there is much to see and learn. Did you know there is even a museum about Egypt? It is true. You can explore Museo Egizio in Turin.
8. Taste the Delicious Food
Many people around the world love pizza and pasta, and these have become regular dishes in millions of households, including in the United States. Although some of these homecooked and restaurant chain meals might be tasty, the best Italian dishes are the ones in Italy. After walking around the Colesseum or touring the Leaning Tower of Pisa, make your way to a local restaurant and order a margherita pizza, arancini, ribollita or rofie with basil pesto.
With so many ways to explore Italy, it is unlikely that anyone in your group will get bored. Use these ideas as inspiration for your next vacation.