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An Italian Dream Vacation

It’s a natural association, you think of an Italian getaway and Rome will almost automatically pop up. With its many incredible attractions, it’s no surprise that Rome is top of mind for many would-be visitors traveling to Italy.

The city is a traveler’s delight. There’s fantastic art, architecture, history, food, and even great opportunities for retail therapy. One can navigate the highlights of the city easily by joining any of the popular Rome tours. There are so many places to see and things to do. Explore the city on foot, by bike, or via buses; go at sunrise or start your exploration as the night sets in.

While in Rome, Vatican tours are practically a standard. The Holy See is a must for the Christian faithful and for just about anyone who enjoys history and art. The walled city-state may be small but it is a true powerhouse. The Vatican’s edifices are awe-inspiring inside and out and contains some of the most renowned artworks in the world.

But Italy isn’t Rome alone. If you’re not sure of the where, how, and when of it all, a search of the best Italian vacation packages can give you a barebones outline or a detailed plan. A multi-day tour of the various destinations will let you enjoy the highlights of Italy in one trip. Think of all the popular Italian places you’ve read about or seen in the movies and deciding where to go in Italy will be a snap.

Tuscany

Of the Italian regions, Tuscany is one of the most sought-after. Any fan of Renaissance art and architecture will consider going to this part of Italy a pilgrimage of sorts; Florence, after all, is in Tuscany.

But as with Rome, Florence isn’t all of Tuscany. And while Florence is a must-visit destination, the region boasts of more places to add to the list. A Tuscany tour through this extraordinarily fertile countryside leads to many other cities.

SIENA

One of Italy’s most beautiful medieval cites, Siena is rich in Gothic architecture—with a bit of Renaissance mixed in as well—just look around the Piazza del Campo and you’ll see prime examples: the Palazzo Pubblico, and Torre del Mangia. Beyond the main square, you can explore the Piazza and Palazzo Salimbeni, the Pinacoteca Nazionale (National Gallery), and the many magnificent churches—include the Duomo di Siena and Basilica of San Domenico in your list.

PISA

Yes, take that forced-perspective photo holding up the leaning tower. You might feel silly and overly touristy while doing it but do it anyway. It’ll make you smile down the line and that’s worth it. The Piazza dei Miracoli is a sure thing; visit the Duomo (cathedral), the campanile (bell tower), the battistero (baptistry) and the campo santo (cemetery) all in one go.

Stop at the Piazza dei Cavalieri on your way to the River Arno and check out the Clock Palace/Tower with the passageway in the middle. The Palazzo de Caronava and the Chiesa di Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri are just a couple of other picture-worthy spots nearby.

Lombardy

MILAN

Head north to the foothills of the Alps for Milan. The capital of the Lombardy region, Milan is a hop, skip, and a jump to Switzerland; it’s also a great jump off point for a tour of Italy and France.

What’s to see and do in Milan? Go see Leonardo’s The Last Supper—If you can manage it or settle for the magnificence that is the Duomo di Milano instead. Its multitude of spires and statues is sure to fascinate.

Trundle slowly around the city by taking the other city icon, the tram, and visit the shops that make Milan one of the fashion capitals of the world.

Veneto

VENICE

Everyone knows about the gondolas that ply the Venetian canals. Whether you’ve encountered them in books, movies, or in Vegas, seeing the real thing and riding in one is much better.

Enjoy three of Venice’s major attractions just by standing in St. Mark’s Square. From this piazza you can view the Basilica di San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, and the Torre dell’Orologio. Make time for the Galleria dell’Accademia for the wonderful collection of Venetian, Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance art.

Venice is also a superb connection for popular tours of Central Europe, such as an express trip to Budapest, the Art Nouveau beauty of Hungary.