Top 10 Iconic Places in Italy You Must Include in Your Travel Itinerary

Italy has always been every traveler’s dream. Its rustic countryside, varied landscape, beautiful beaches, intricate architecture, appetizing food and charming villages enthrall you no end. This place endows you with a paradise on earth and so is obviously on every traveler’s bucket list. But while there is a lot to check out when in Italy, you need to know how to prioritize your stay here if you want to make the most of every moment.

These are the 10 awesome places in Italy that you must definitely visit to spend a great holidays time.

1. Florence

For all things romantic and iconic, you have to head to Florence, the capital of Tuscany. Here you can discover the regal Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, ancient buildings, wonderful museums and the marvelous Uffizi Gallery. You can even take a stroll across Ponte Vecchio and check the Piazzale Michelangelo where you can witness a mesmerizing sunrise, certainly a charming way to begin the day with!

2. Rome

Rome is where the modern and historic worlds combine. It is the capital city of Italy and when at Rome you definitely have to do as the Romans do! Wherever you go in the city you will find grand monuments, picturesque views, unusual shops, cobbled streets and romantic plazas. You can visit the Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, Basilica, Michelangelo’s Pieta and relax and unwind in the narrow streets of Trastevere and the Borghese gardens. It is a remarkable experience for your eyes and senses.

3. Siena

An architectural enthusiast’s dream, Siena is all about brick buildings, winding medieval streets and iconic sculptures. One of the must visit attractions is the glorious Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta that comes with a striped bell tower and inlaid marble façade. The Cathedral is home to the works of some great artists and sculptors. Siena is a great place to wander and get lost in.

4. Verona

Out of all the things that exist in Verona, it is infamously known for being the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. You simply have to witness the sunset at Piazzale Castel San Pietro and visit the Roman Amphitheater in Piazza Bra. Here, you will find many Roman arches among the Renaissance and medieval buildings. The place is a treat to literature as well as architectural buffs.

5. Sicily

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and is an autonomous region of Italy. Here you can revel in its coastal beaches, extensive wineries, art and history. The place is home to Europe’s tallest active volcano known as Mount Etna. Its landscapes perfectly compliment its world renowned attractions so it’s no wonder Sicily has earned seven places on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

6. Turin

For an industrial vibe Turin, a small city in the north, is the perfect place to be. On arrival, you notice a formal layout and structure that mostly comprises of architecture. When at Turin, you get to see the royal palaces, arcaded squares, avenues, Roman sites and even a riverside park that comes complete with a faux-medieval village. The Museum of Cinema that is in a skyscraper is also a favorite aspect to sightsee among travelers all over.

7. Sardinia

The adventure and fun loving traveler is sure to have a whale of a time in Sardinia. But other than lavish enclaves, white sand beaches and emerald waters, the place is also replete with hundreds of mystifying round stone towers that are better known as Nuraghe. Other than this, there is a lot more to explore. Prehistoric sites such as ancient structures, sacred wells, magnificent towers and giant tombs are sure to capture your fancy.

8. The Cinque Terre

There is nothing more aesthetically pleasing and visually enticing than the Cinque Terre. After all, it is a fascinating sight to watch the five towns in the region stick to the steep rocky Mediterranean coast north of La Spezia. The trail along these cliffs makes up Italy’s greatest hikes. Walking through the narrow streets that pave the way to the rock-bound harbors is an exciting and gripping experience. It’s no surprise why the Cinque Terre is one of the most famous places to be when in Italy. While here, you can even munch on the calamari that is fresh and cheap.

9. Lake Como

Lake Como is beautiful; there are no two ways about it. This is probably why it was a summer treat for the rich and the famous. Como may be an expensive city to move around in for the common traveler but there are ways where you can cut down the costs and yet have a good time. Catching a train to Como is comparatively cheaper. To get to Lake Como, catch the Como-Brunate funicular. The place is a breathtaking sight as you take in the scintillating lake against the backdrop of green environs. It certainly makes for a memory you can treasure for a long time.

10. Venice

Going to Rome and not heading for Venice is unheard of. Sure it can be an expensive place to spend at but it is one of the world’s most charming towns and was built over the Venetian Lagoon. This place is particularly fancied by gourmets, gondola fans, architectural enthusiasts and those struck by Cupid’s bow. It is a place filled with postcard scenes. You can see canals, have an intimate candlelight dinner and even ride the gondolas. There are certain sites you can check out for free. These include Torcello, St. Mark’s Square and the other beautiful historic monuments.

Italy is a brilliant country to visit. You can’t get enough of the rich history, marvelous wine, tantalizing food and beautiful countryside. Be it the ancient streets in Rome, the awe-inspiring Cinque Terre, the long history of Florence, the romantic canals in Venice, vineyards and serene nature of people and life here, Italy takes a lifetime to explore and unearth.

The trick lies in seeing its beauty leisurely and in an unrushed manner. Take your time visiting the place, do not rush from one thing to the other, enjoy the surroundings you are in and just relax. The entire experience is sure to be worth your while.

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