European Vacations

Travel to Italy for Vacations


  

Vacations in Italy

Travel in Italy VacationsTravel in Italy

 

In comparison to the rest of the European countries, Italy is probably the hardest to categorize as it is an industrialized and modern nation. It is the forerunner in terms of style with its designers taking the lead with the fashions of each season. At the same time, it is also a great place for Italy vacations in a Mediterranean country that caters for both the senses and the mind. Italy is mostly covered with agricultural activities especially the southern part which are still controlled by an almost feudal environment.

 

During the middle of the day, life usually stops for a long lunch time in most of the towns and villages all over the country. This tradition remains as a strength in the family-oriented customs, with emphasis placed on the Catholic Church rituals and traditions. It is common for parents to have their children staying with them until into their early thirties. To travel in Italy to have the best experience, simply live in the Italian style, enjoy eating regional foods, or enjoy the countryside.

 

Whenever Italy tours or Italy vacations are mentioned, it would brings forth the visions of Pompeii, the Renaissance which is Italy's rich treasure of art and architecture. One cannot missed Italy's national characteristic to live life to the fullest with all the never ending local festivals taking place all year round. Other than that, Italy also possesses an enormous cultural legacy. Nowhere in the world could anyone find more classified historical monuments compared to what is found in Tuscany alone. Moreover, every regions in Italy maintain their own remnants of an inspired tradition generally known to be the richest in the world.

 

Italy was not unified until 1861 and that is a fact that's resulted from the regional nature of the place today. The world's most advanced industrial societies could be found in the north while the most economically depressed areas is at the south. Turin and Milan in the northwest regions of Piemonte and Lombardy is the testament to this wealthy area.

 

Venice in the northeastern regions is a very unique attraction and beautiful city for an Italian vacations. This beauty is highly appreciated by many people. Other than that, you can also visit Verona, Vicenza and Padua in the nearby historical towns.

 

Tuscany in the center of Italy and with Florence, Pisa and Siena has earned the reputation as the most commonly perceived image of Italy and is a great place to wrap up a great travel for an Italy vacations.


Flag of Italy

Aeolian Islands

A volcanic archipelago off the north-east coast of Sicily. Get there by boat, ferry or hydrofoil from Milazzo, Sicily or Naples.

Agrigento

Lies on Sicily's south coast, it presents "The Temple of Concord", the temple of Juno and other monuments of ancient Akragas. The best time to visit is during spring or autumn.

Assisi

A superb example of an Umbrian hill town. Never miss the monastery of St Francis, the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Best time to visit is in early October.

Castel del Monte

A thirteenth-century castle 16 km (10 mi) from Andria, built for the Emperor Frederick II Barbarossa. Castel del Monte appears on the reverse of the Italian 1 cent coin.

Florence

Located in Tuscany, in the north of Italy. It is also known as the soul of Italy. The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can have a picnic in the Boboli Gardens, explore the wine-growing regions of Tuscany.

Gubbio

Known for the Eugubine Tables which is the largest surviving text in ancient Umbrian, Gubbio is located north-east Perugia in Umbria, central Italy.

Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este

It is two villas and gardens about 30 km (20 miles) east of Rome. Travel there by train or bus from Rome. Do not miss the Medieval Tivoli, with several tower houses, the temples of Hercules and the Tiburtine Sybil.

Herculaneum

A Roman resort destroyed by the Vesuvius in 79 AD, Herculaneum is located on the Bay of Naples in the Region of Campania in south-west Italy. Get there by train or bus from Naples or Sorrento.

La Scala

You will never regret visiting  La Scala Opera House, the theatre museum and the cathedral. Make sure you also visit the refectory of Santa Maria della Grazia, containing Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper.

Lake Maggiore

Enjoy the perfect semi-Mediterranean climate, with mild summers and winters. Do not miss the Stresa's cable-car for stunning views.

Lake Trasimeno

The longest lake in peninsular Italy. Take a boat over to the islands and get a closer look at the scenery. Get there by train or bus from Perugia, or hire a car.

Mt Etna

Europe's highest active volcano. Some of the trails lie along steep cliffs and extra care should be taken. Get there by bus or the Ferrovia Circumetnea railway from Catania.

Noto

Located in the south-east of Sicily, Noto is also known as The Baroque city of Sicily. If you are short of time, make sure you see Piazza Municipo. Get there by train from Syracuse, or by bus from Syracuse or Catania.

Orvieto

Known as being the last Etruscan city to fall to the Romans, Orvieto is also known as Oinarea, or 'where the wine flows'. Get there by train from Rome, Florence or Perugia.

Pantalica

Pantalica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of Sicily's special hidden surprises. Make sure you follow the trails through Anaktoron and see the rock tombs when visiting Pantalica.

Pompeii

One of Italy's most famous cities, frozen in time. Located on the Bay of Naples, in the Region of Campania in south-west Italy. Do not miss The House of Vettii as it is the best example of human life in Pompeii.

Rome

As the center for centuries of the Christian world, Rome has more than 900 churches and basilicas. It is hard not to be awestruck by its blend of noise, excitement and bustle threaded with sudden calms of tranquil reflection.

San Gimignano

Located north-west of Siena and south-west of Florence, it is also known as San Gimignano delle Belle Torri. Do not miss climbing the Torre Grossa for stunning panoramic views.

Siena

A classic image of Tuscany and about an hour's drive south of Florence, Siena sits on the northern edge of the Crete Senese, a landscape of soft, rounded hills bathed in warm, golden light.

Taormina

Sicily's most famous resort. You can reach Taormina by bus or train from Messina or Catania. Taormina splendor has attracted visitors for more then two centuries.

The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline 40 km (25 mi) long that runs along the south side of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Spring and Autumn is best as the area is really crowded during Summer.

Torre Annunziata

A modern seaport in the shadow of Vesuvius, between Pompeii and Herculaneum. Don't miss the Villa Poppaea for an unparalleled insight into the lives of wealthy Romans.

Urbino

The Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, one of the greatest collections of Renaissance paintings in the world. Visit during the flower festival in May or the Jazz festival in June.

Venice, History of Venice, Monuments of Venice

A 'floating' city built on wooden piles on a series of mud flats and islets. Take a water taxi down the Grand Canal for the best view of the city. Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 


More on European Vacations