When I think of my time in this beautiful country I remember fondly strolling through tiny allies filled with hidden treasures and delicious desserts , smelling the fermented grapes and eating pasta made from recipes passed down over centuries, With an astounding 52.4 million foreign visitors a year, Italy is one of the most popular destinations for tourists all over the globe! It is one of the most popular ,but can also be one of the most expensive. Tip: as a traveler you want to budget and plan your trip in advance to get the most out of it! I was able to spend about eight days traveling throughout Italy and I am going to share the places that are a must to visit in Italia!
1. The Colosseum... at night!
The most iconic sight in Rome has to be the amphitheater known as The Colosseum. In it's prime it was able to host 50,00 spectators who enjoyed watching contests of strength between egotistical gladiators who were determined to prove they were the best (men just being men... am I right?) This sight is mostly visited early in the morning throughout the afternoon by tour groups. I remember being shuffled around like cattle through most of the exhibit barely able to hear the tour guide. If you want the ultimate experience I recommend grabbing a headset and walking around at your own pace. This way you are able to truly experience the breathtaking architecture. Tip: Pick up a copy of The Lonely Planet Italy Travel Guide for additional information! (These books are amazing!) On the way back from dinner we passed The Colosseum at night and it was even better than i imagined. It was lit from all angles and gave off a quiet and mysterious presence You see pictures of it in brochures and magazine ,but when you sit in in person it changes your perception completely.
Food Recommendation: If you want to enjoy dinner and a show check out : Le Terme Del Colosseo! Serving incredible dishes underground with a side of opera Le Terme Del Colosseo creates the ultimate Italian dinner experience!
Check it out!: http://www.letermedelcolosseo.it/index.html
2. Juliet's Balcony
Located in the fair city of Verona , Juliet's Balcony is a sight to see for any hopeless romantic! Famously known as Casa Di Guilletta, it attracts thousands of visitors a year who wait patiently to snap a picture rubbing the famous statue's bronze breasts. Thinking about it now... why do so many people rub her breasts for good luck? If rubbing breasts was good luck every man in Italy would be stupidly wealthy. Legend has it if you place your hands on the statue your luck with love will turn around. Hopeless romantics just like me hope to come to Italy and find their handsome Italian stallion. Love letters , locks and even plane tickets are left by heartbroken lovers who wish to find their one true love. If you believe in love and fairy tales , Verona is the city for you! The fairy tale city has much to offer with it's refined cuisine and it's own amphitheater still used for concerts today! Tip: If you want to experience the magic of Juliet's Balcony from your home I recommend watching in the movie Letters to Juliet (2010) staring Amanda Seyfried.
Food Recommendation: If you want to feast while enjoying the scenic views of the town square I recommend Osteria Verona! With outdoor seating overlooking a spectacular view of the city enjoy an amazing meal! Mangiare!
Check it out!: https://www.facebook.com/osteriaverona/?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=referral
3. Vatican City
Only covering 100 acres, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world! Vatican City is governed using a monarchy system with the pope as it's leader. One of the most historical sights to visit in Rome besides The Colosseum. Thousands of foreign visitors packed into tiny entryways and long lines to see the church known as St. Peter's Basilica My experience visiting The Vatican was unexpected and breath taking. Most tourists come in groups which are easily recognizable by a tour guide holding a selfie stick or umbrella in the air (when you see this... you know to run the other way!) As apart of their trip or excursion for the day the visit The Vatican museum first and then explore the church itself. The reason I had such an amazing experience is because I forgoed the museum and went straight for the gold. As I walked in it was completely silent and beautiful. I was able to enjoy the incredible architecture and art work while only passing five or six people. Tip: Come as early as possible to beat all the tour groups! I was able to see the whole church without being shoved , pushed or yelled at. This is the best way to see one of the world's most incredible historical sights!
Food Recommendation: If your feeling famished after walking around all morning treat your self to a delicious sandwich at a near by shop and save your euros for dinner! If you walk to the left of the Basilica once you exit there will be many sandwich and gelato shops for your enjoyment!
4.Historic San Gimignano
One of Italy's hidden treasures and one of my personal favorites is the historic San Gimignano! The small walled in city perched on a hill is located in Siena , Tuscany. San Gimignano is actually known as the town of fine towers due to it's stunning skyline filled with medieval tall towered homes. In 1990 it was also named one of Italy's' UNESCO World Heritage sites! The reason you should visit this city is for the beautiful view it has to offer. With valleys far and wide and wineries as far as the eye can see; San Gimignano is the perfect Italian get away; Tip: Climb as high as possible for the most amazing view!
Food Recommendation: Make sure to taste some delicious gelato while your out and about on the town! My favorite flavors are hazelnut/nutella , Ferraro Roche and raspberry!
5. Villa Machiavelli
We have all heard of Niccolo Machiavelli , author of The Prince. Although I do not agree with some of his ideas I do have to say that his beautiful villa is the true masterpiece. Sat on top of rolling hills overlooking the most gorgeous sunset is a true hidden gem. On a tour of his villa I was able to see the haunting wine cellar full of barrels of the most expensive fermented grapes, beautiful art work collected and restored , and learn about some of Italy's incredible history while enjoying a glass of Blumond blue champagne and looking out onto the vineyards in the distance. Tip: Come before sunset to enjoy a romantic evening full of wine and conversation!
Food Recommendation: Villa Machiavelli actually has it's own restaurant on the premises and serves a beautiful Italian dinner until you are so stuffed you need to be rolled out (lol).
Check it out: http://www.villamachiavelli.it/en/
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