It’s wine, dining, and everything is fine when you’re in Italy - the one place on earth with its streets, food, art, and architecture that invites nearly 60 million visitors every year, giving them an enchanting perspective of la Bella Vita. With scenic views of the coastal south and the historical cities that testify to its rich Renaissance past, it's no surprise that Italy has emerged as a one-stop holiday destination for tourists from across the globe. Rail holidays to Italy are a great way to explore the country also, not only because of the convenience that comes with it but also because you get to catch some breathtaking sights along the way.
Here's our pick of the best places to visit in Italy:
Venice
It has roads like a maze that you can only experience once in a lifetime! If you like adventure on foot, Venice is the place to be. Glide down the Grand Canal on the popular water buses, enjoy the lively glee on the narrow lanes and find the same enchantment of life, laughter, and colours at every other turn! No wonder then that Venice is a beautiful escape for making a memorable holiday. There’s more to the land of Venice than San Marco or the Galleria dell’Accademia. Roam around the lagoon and all its beautiful islands in popular water buses- Murano, Burano, and Lido. Also, visit the famous Santa Maria Della Salute, erected in the memory of Venice’s recovery from a devastating plague.
Sicily
Be it the Roman archaeological or historical remains like the Concordia Temple or the majestic Mount Etna, Sicily is like paradise in Italy. Relish the delicacies of the regional cuisine while you enjoy the Greco-Roman theatre looking over the magnificent Taormina. You can even live in some of the old independent castle-like properties on your beach break and enjoy the regal feel. Also, when it comes to food and drinks, Sicily is the queen! Don't forget to enjoy your food, lose your worries by the beach and explore the wineries of Tasca d'Almerita that are spread all over the dreamy island of Sicily.
Amalfi Coast
Located in the south of Italy, Amalfi Coast is one of the most scenic destinations that travel buffs will fall in love with. The steep, rocky cliffs alongside the deep blue sea make a perfect Instagram-worthy backdrop for a laid back vacation. Moreover, it’s one of those rare destinations that offer tourists a glimpse into the best of both natural bounty and cultural delights. From ancient temples that take you back in time to the beautiful coastline, soulful food and warm hospitality of the locals, Amalfi Coast promises a wholesome yet relaxing holiday experience for tourists. No wonder it's the favourite hotspot of many A-list celebrities worldwide!
Lake Como
Of late, Lake Como has emerged as a popular holiday destination in Italy. With Victorian gardens overlooking the restaurants on the lakeshore, you can’t find a better place to enjoy a quiet vacation. Here, you can enjoy the picturesque view of flowers painting the place in beautiful pastel shades and also indulge in activities like water-skiing, windsurfing or sailing in the dreamy lake where travellers flock every year in big numbers.
Rome
From the spine chilling feeling you get at St. Peter’s Church to the eternal Roman glory reflected in the Colosseum, Rome will transport you back when gladiators fought for their lives and the Romans believed the city would never fall. And remember, your trip to this city won’t be complete until you toss a coin into the famous Trevi Fountain, take a selfie on The Spanish Steps or enjoy a gelato desert and the lip-smacking local cuisine here.
Ligurian Coastline
Imagine mountains that are covered with gorgeous vineyards, away from the hustle-bustle of crowded city life. It's no surprise then that the Ligurian coastline is a dream destination for travelers. The Ligurian Coastline, also called the Italian Riviera, is an incredibly charming place to visit in Italy. It won't be wrong to say that it’s the dreamy and relaxed side of Italy. If you want to enjoy a quiet holiday, then this is the place to be. While the resorts in Portofino will give you a taste of luxury at its best, the fishing villages of Genoa, a prime Ligurian region, will make you feel grounded and relaxed.
Umbria
Umbria is one of the undiscovered marvels for travellers in Italy. It was here that the popular curated meat called Norcino was perfected! This makes Umbria the place to be if you want to taste and live your culinary dreams with prosciutto, guanciale, capocollo, salami and more! Make sure you visit the largest city in Umbria - Perugia, where you can enjoy the immensely popular Jazz festivals apart from delicious pastries, chocolates and medieval archaeological sites.
Milan
Milan is a little universe in itself. It is the city of the future. Most notably, this city is the perfect amalgamation of the old and the ultra-modern. The best thing about Milan is that you can easily go to one place from another on foot. The city boasts of the famous Duomo di Milano, stunning churches and castles, a wonderful Opera House and far too many places for you to escape from the hustle-bustle of life.
Vienna
Vienna is imperial. With palaces and cathedrals built and rebuilt over the centuries, it has a little bit of everything, making it the ultimate place for a holiday. With many museums, galleries, palaces, art exhibitions, food halls and more, there’s so much to do and so little time for travellers in Vienna. If you’re looking for a quick trip around the place, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, famous for its colourful roof, Naschmarkt - the popular open food market, and of course the House of Music and the Vienna State Opera. But remember, it’s always to have a good travel guide in Vienna because there are so many places to visit!
No matter where you go in Italy, you find enough to explore art, culture and beautiful landscapes. All you need to do is prepare your travel gear and make your bookings for a memorable holiday!