Italy Blog
Discovering Italy: A Month Of Sunshine And Adventure
Italy, a treasure trove of iconic landmarks, rich history, stunning coastlines, and world-renowned cuisine, there is truly something for everyone. During our unforgettable month in this beautiful country, we realized we had only scratched the surface of what Italy has to offer. With an efficient and affordable rail system connecting its cities and towns, exploring Italy is a breeze, allowing you to immerse yourself in diverse experiences across various regions.
Cinque Terre: A Coastal Paradise
This stunning coastal region comprises five charming towns nestled on the rocky coastline of the Mediterranean sea; Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare—each boasting their own virbant characteristics and charm. Traveling between towns is made easy by an excellent rail system seamlessly allowing you to hop between each town.
For an unforgettable adventure, we recommend taking the train to the furthest town and making your way back on foot. Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for some elevation changes! Our personal favourite stops were Riomaggiore and Vernazza, each offering stunning postcard imagery.
We chose to stay in La Spezia, the gateway to the 5 towns, proving a convenient base for exploring Cinque Terre. One of the highlights of our visit was renting a boat to cruise along the coastline. Witnessing the breathtaking views from a new perspective provided an experience we’ll forever cherish.
Florence: A Food And Wine Lovers Dream
Florence, the heart of Tuscany, dazzles with its stunning architecture, particularly the magnificent Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore. Strolling through the city, we discovered charming shops, bustling markets, and scenic riverside views. A must-do is the walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views of the city—sunset here is simply magical.
Food lovers will rejoice in Florence’s culinary offerings. We savored the iconic Florentine steak and indulged in the famed foccacia sandwiches at All’Antico. For a homely atmosphere, Trattoria Sabatino stole our hearts with its handwritten menu and traditional delights. Arrive early; this popular spot fills up quickly!
Wine enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a trip to the local wineries, where you can sample the world-renowned Chianti wines amidst some stunning landscapes. Our tour also included a stop in Siena and also Pisa, giving us the chance to snap a photo with the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Venice: A Dreamy Maze
Next, we found ourselves in Venice, a city that lived up to its legendary status. Wandering through its winding streets felt like stepping into a fairytale. My best advice? Embrace getting lost! Each turn reveals new delights, from picturesque canals to hidden squares. It’s not new advice however it’s the best advice. Make sure to check out St Marks Basilica and of course spend time enjoying the delicious food, soaking up the scenery at each stop.
Although the iconic Gondalas were tempting, we instead took to the water on a tour to explore nearby islands, including Murano, known for its exquisite glass-making, and Burano, famous for its colorful houses. The vibrant streets of Burano were a highlight, bursting with charm and creativity.
Rome: A Journey Through Time
Rome, a paradise for history buffs, captivated us with its ancient sites, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Roman Forum. It’s easy to see why this city attracts millions of visitors each year. A refreshing gelato or limoncello was the perfect way to beat the heat as we moved from one iconic sight to the next. Rome is of course a large city so doing some basic research before you arrive. With its iconic status comes large crowds of people, so prebooking entry to some of the paid sites is best, hitting the streets early is advised to beat the crowds and the sun.
Don’t forget to pay a visit to Vatican City! Wave to the Pope from St Peter square and absorb St. Peter’s Basilica and marvel at the Sistine Chapel. Plus, you’ll even get a unique passport stamp to remember your visit.
Capri: A Slice of Paradise
Capri ended up as one of our favourite stops in our European Summer trip. You can reach this Island from Naples or Sorrento by ferry. After arriving at the port, we made the steep journey across the island to reach the island’s stunning waters over at Marina Piccola beach. While we’re usually not fans of paying for beach chairs, we decided to indulge and enjoyed a relaxing day by the sea.
As the sun began to set, we hiked back up to the lively streets above soaking in the atmosphere of Piazza Umberto as we waited for the last ferry of the day. If given the option, I would advise anyone to opt for the late option to maximize your time in this paradise. We found a gem of a spot for dinner at Al Grottino, where we indulged in an assortment of fresh seafood leaving us talking of this meal for weeks.
Amalfi Coast (Positano, Sorento, Amalfi)
For our time along the Amalfi Coast, we based ourselves in Sorrento, which offered a budget-friendly location and easy access to nearby attractions. There was plenty of food options around, but our pick of the bunch was a lovely family run restaurant called O’Schizzariello, where we had some of the best Gnocci of our lives.
We of course made our way to both Positano and Amalfi, each offering its own distinct charm. The coastline was absolutely breathtaking, leaving us to ponder whether we’d choose to stay in either place if given the chance. Our time there was mostly spent cooling off on the beach, even amidst the summer crowds, and we couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to explore more.
We had a car for one day before handing the keys and using the ferry services to get around. Driving along the narrow coastal roads was an adventure in itself. While we enjoyed having a car, the stress of navigating tight spots made us appreciate the convenience of the ferry for getting around.
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Italy is a land of endless exploration, where each destination offers its own unique story and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re indulging in local cuisine, soaking in breathtaking views, or wandering through charming towns, there’s no doubt that Italy will capture your heart. Plan your adventure and get ready for the journey of a lifetime!