“You can have the universe if I can have Italy.” — Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi
Italy has drawn tourists from around the world for centuries, enticing them with picturesque hills, majestic Roman monuments, the holy Vatican City, and some of the best food and fashion in the world. Whether it’s food, music, relaxation, shopping, culture, history, art or your heritage that interests you, Italy serves up the best of the world in an exuberant and vibrant style all its own.
A visit to Italy offers a glimpse into one of the largest and most influential empires the world has ever known. Italy’s rich cultural history dates back thousands of years and has its roots in the flourishing Roman Empire (27 BC to 1453 AD), which helped create the moral and cultural foundation for what is now the modern western world. Italy hosts the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (43) to date.
For a land so rich in culture, the hardest part of traveling to Italy is narrowing down your list of places to visit because there are so many historic sights to choose from, all surrounded by the beauty and charm of an artistically crafted setting.
No trip to Italy would be complete without a visit to Rome, the capital and largest city. Rome, founded in the 8th century BC. C., offers a tourist’s dream, full of larger than life relics of the great Roman Empire scattered throughout a lively and bustling city. The Colosseum still stands in the center of Rome, an impressive testament to Rome’s enduring culture. The amphitheater, the site of many gladiatorial battles and famous Roman theatrical performances, casts an impressive silhouette on the city’s exquisite culture.
For art lovers and religious and cultural travelers, the Sistine Chapel offers unparalleled beauty, splendor and architectural triumph. Home to the Pope in Vatican City, the ornate structure is filled with religious symbols and masterpieces and includes works by the greatest Renaissance artists, including Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini and Sandro Botticelli.
As well as offering unparalleled cultural opportunities, Italy gives women the opportunity to pamper themselves, and nothing says luxury quite like shopping all day in Milan, the country’s second largest city and, more importantly, the world capital of fashion and design. The streets are lined with shops bearing the names of famous designers who have defined fashion around the world. Breathtaking views of the Milanese Alps are paired in style with the abundance of budding trendsetters honing their skills at one of the city’s many fashion academies. Milan is also home to a wealth of culture, with a plethora of museums and historical sites that are just a short walk, metro or tram ride away.
Italy is also home to Venice, the picturesque city that has served as the setting for numerous movies and beautiful memories. The canals of Venice are legendary for their breathtaking romance, spaciousness, and sense of history. There is nothing in the world like a gondola ride through the city, an experience that will leave you transformed. The sights, sounds and smells will stimulate your senses and the impression they leave will stay with you for a lifetime. Plus, where else can you experience the blossoming of new love as you glide happily through the canals of one of the world’s most famous cities? Venice is also home to a host of extraordinary museums, palaces, churches and villas. The city also offers tourists the opportunity to people watch while enjoying a sun-drenched afternoon in the stunning Piazza San Marco.
Tuscany is a region of immense beauty and cultural influence. In addition, it is home to some of the most beautiful geographies, architecture and art in the world. Tuscany has six UNESCO protected sites. The region is also home to the most beautiful wine region in the world and contains the historic city of Florence. Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, is world-renowned for its rich artistic and architectural history. The impressive artistic legacy is found in the city’s museums, which are brimming with works by a who’s who of legendary artists. Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli are some of the names of pedestrians in these places and their work is displayed for the enjoyment of travelers.
And what would a trip to Italy be without Italian food, world-renowned for its tradition of tasty pasta, delicious seasonings and tempting array of desserts? Each city adds its own unique culinary flavor to the mix, offering a host of delicious dishes to suit all palates. Italians take pride in their cuisine and what better way to experience it than to dine at one of the hundreds of trattorias that line the streets, serving homemade ice cream and fresh pasta with sauces that will make you never want to leave because you won’t find such perfect concoctions anywhere. anywhere else in the world.
After experiencing artistic beauty, world-class shopping, miraculous architecture, wine and tasty cuisine, you will leave Italy with memories of a lifetime and a resolution to return soon.
Bye, beautiful!