Starting from
per person
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.
Click To Make Map Interactive
Day 1
Arrive Florence
Day 1
Arrive Florence
To Be Determined:
Private Transfer to your Hotel
Afternoon/Late Afternoon:
Piazza del Duomo
Day 2
Florence
Day 3
Florence
Pinacoteca Nazionale
Highlight of Siena ExcursionMake time to visit this gallery holding precious art and history from the Gothic era, when Siena's power and influence peaked.
This is the main state art museum of the city and includes a rich collection of masterpieces from the famous Sienese school of artists, which created mainly large, majestic altarpieces with golden decorations. The "gold" background paintings include a piece by Master of Tressa which marks the beginning of the golden age of Sienese painting.
Duomo di Siena
Highlight of Siena ExcursionExperience a riot of the senses as you walk into one of Tuscany's most colorful and remarkable cathedrals.
Siena's Duomo is a fabulous conglomeration of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, delineated by encircling bands of black and white marble. It is the earliest of all the great Tuscan cathedrals, having been mostly completed by 1263. Before you enter, take a moment to admire the marble facade and its remarkable statuary. Once inside, you can invest in the audio guide to get the most out of a visit. The standout artistic treasure is the pulpit with columns resting on the backs of alternating lions and lionesses. The Piccolomini Library was added on to the cathedral in 1495 by the future Pope Pius III, and is one of the loveliest rooms in all Italy thanks to its cycle of crystal-sharp, brilliantly colorful frescoes.
Piazza del Campo
Highlight of Siena ExcursionStop and linger in one of the more glorious and satisfying urban spaces ever built.
With its remarkable fan shape and gentle slope, the Piazza del Campo is one of the more memorable and unique public squares in Europe. It has been heart of Siena since the mid-12th century when it was built on the site of a Roman marketplace. Cafes line the square offering coffee and aperitivo for the young and old alike who relax and take in the scene. The piazza is made doubly famous by the fact that it hosts the annual Palio horse race, a hotly-contested event which splits the city into competing factions.
Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico
Highlight of Siena ExcursionMake your way into the courtyard of this brick palace built in the 13th century and enter the Museo Civico, where you will marvel at the beautiful murals which adorn the interiors.
Dominating the Piazza del Campo, this 13th century palace and tower was built as a symbol of the independence and wealth of Siena by the Government of Nine (Governo dei Nove) - nine representatives of the people elected by the merchant class, not noble families. Looking at its façade from the Piazza del Campo, it's possible to immediately see its different periods of construction: on the lower level of the three-mullioned (triple-arched) windows the stone that was used and then later brick. The 400 steps to the top of the palace tower is no easy feat even for the fittest of travelers, but the view over the city and Piazza del Campo below make the narrow ascent worth it. Inside the palace courtyard you will find the entrance to the Museo Civico, a treasure trove of magnificent works of art which can be seen inside the palace. One of the most beautiful rooms in the palace is the Sala dei Nove, the Hall of the Nine, with the Allegories of Good and Bad Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti where you can see the medieval city with its workshops and artisans.
Pinacoteca Nazionale
Highlight of Siena ExcursionMake time to visit this gallery holding precious art and history from the Gothic era, when Siena's power and influence peaked.
This is the main state art museum of the city and includes a rich collection of masterpieces from the famous Sienese school of artists, which created mainly large, majestic altarpieces with golden decorations. The "gold" background paintings include a piece by Master of Tressa which marks the beginning of the golden age of Sienese painting.
Duomo di Siena
Highlight of Siena ExcursionExperience a riot of the senses as you walk into one of Tuscany's most colorful and remarkable cathedrals.
Siena's Duomo is a fabulous conglomeration of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, delineated by encircling bands of black and white marble. It is the earliest of all the great Tuscan cathedrals, having been mostly completed by 1263. Before you enter, take a moment to admire the marble facade and its remarkable statuary. Once inside, you can invest in the audio guide to get the most out of a visit. The standout artistic treasure is the pulpit with columns resting on the backs of alternating lions and lionesses. The Piccolomini Library was added on to the cathedral in 1495 by the future Pope Pius III, and is one of the loveliest rooms in all Italy thanks to its cycle of crystal-sharp, brilliantly colorful frescoes.
Piazza del Campo
Highlight of Siena ExcursionStop and linger in one of the more glorious and satisfying urban spaces ever built.
With its remarkable fan shape and gentle slope, the Piazza del Campo is one of the more memorable and unique public squares in Europe. It has been heart of Siena since the mid-12th century when it was built on the site of a Roman marketplace. Cafes line the square offering coffee and aperitivo for the young and old alike who relax and take in the scene. The piazza is made doubly famous by the fact that it hosts the annual Palio horse race, a hotly-contested event which splits the city into competing factions.
Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico
Highlight of Siena ExcursionMake your way into the courtyard of this brick palace built in the 13th century and enter the Museo Civico, where you will marvel at the beautiful murals which adorn the interiors.
Dominating the Piazza del Campo, this 13th century palace and tower was built as a symbol of the independence and wealth of Siena by the Government of Nine (Governo dei Nove) - nine representatives of the people elected by the merchant class, not noble families. Looking at its façade from the Piazza del Campo, it's possible to immediately see its different periods of construction: on the lower level of the three-mullioned (triple-arched) windows the stone that was used and then later brick. The 400 steps to the top of the palace tower is no easy feat even for the fittest of travelers, but the view over the city and Piazza del Campo below make the narrow ascent worth it. Inside the palace courtyard you will find the entrance to the Museo Civico, a treasure trove of magnificent works of art which can be seen inside the palace. One of the most beautiful rooms in the palace is the Sala dei Nove, the Hall of the Nine, with the Allegories of Good and Bad Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti where you can see the medieval city with its workshops and artisans.
Day 4
Florence
Santa Maria del Carmine & Brancacci Chapel
Highlight of OltrarnoStand beneath the magnificent 14th century frescoes, still intensely radiant six centuries after they were first painted.
Dating back to the 13th century, a fire in the 18th century practically destroyed the church, but spared its magnificent Renaissance frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel – a treasure trove of paintings from the 1400's by Masolino da Panicale, Masaccio, and Filippino Lippi. After years of accumulated candle soot and mold, the frescoes which have been fully restored and have an intense radiance, making it possible to see very clearly the shifts in emphasis between the artists' work. The Brancacci Chapel entrance is to the right of the main church entrance. Only 30 people can visit at a time.
Giardino delle Rose
Highlight of OltrarnoLook down upon Florence from amidst the rose bushes.
The Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden) and the nearby Giardino dell'Iris (Iris Garden) are two free public gardens on either side of Piazzale Michelangelo. They are perfect for flower-lovers or anyone who wants to wander in a peaceful green space, free from the nearby crowds. You'll even find a Japanese garden and sculptures by the artist Folon.
Villa Bardini
Highlight of OltrarnoWander beneath the wisteria whilst gazing down upon the roofs of Florence.
Less crowded than the nearby Boboli Gardens, the Bardini Villa is a splendid Italianate Garden which enjoys panoramic views of the city. Wisteria covered pergola allow visitors to walk through tunnels of green while enjoying romantic views of the city and surroundings. Within the 17th century villa itself, you will find artworks by the painter Pietro Annigoni.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Highlight of OltrarnoCreate an unforgettable memory and see Florence from above.
No matter what time of day or weather, you will find that Piazzale Michelangelo truly offers a stupendous lookout over Florence. Not just a perfect photo opportunity, but a moment of wonder. You are looking at the city that gave birth to incredible artists, amazing scientists and an enthralling history of discovery and power that has filled novels and movie theaters. Many mistakenly believe that this piazza has existed since the birth of Florence or that it was designed by Michelangelo. Actually, it is a rather recent addition to the list of great monuments in Florence, created in 1869 by Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi, as part of a major restructuring of the city walls in 1869. In 1873, a copy of Michelangelo's David was taken to the square with the help of nine pairs of oxen. This monument occupies a privileged position, observing the city from above as a guard attentive to all the beauties that the city of Florence offers.
Basilica di Santo Spirito
Highlight of OltrarnoVisit a Renaissance church where Michelango once found refuge.
Usually referred to simply as Santo Spirito, this unassuming basilica is one of the main examples of early Renaissance architecture in Florence. Compared to other churches found on the north side of the river, the Basilica di Santo Spirito is very often ignored by tourists, despite offering some serious history and a wonderful interior. Notable pieces of artwork inside the church include its thirty-eight altars, almost all with painted altarpieces. The best have been cleaned and are almost all in the transept and behind the Baldacchino, this being where the most prestigious local families could afford to have chapels. Michelangelo found refuge in the convent of Santo Spirito in 1492 at the age of seventeen and it was within the walls of the convent that the curious artist had the opportunity to analyze corpses from the adjoining hospital to study the anatomy of the human body. As a form of thank-you, Michelangelo carved a highly realistic wooden crucifix which can now be found within the sacristy to the left as you enter the church.
Santa Maria del Carmine & Brancacci Chapel
Highlight of OltrarnoStand beneath the magnificent 14th century frescoes, still intensely radiant six centuries after they were first painted.
Dating back to the 13th century, a fire in the 18th century practically destroyed the church, but spared its magnificent Renaissance frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel – a treasure trove of paintings from the 1400's by Masolino da Panicale, Masaccio, and Filippino Lippi. After years of accumulated candle soot and mold, the frescoes which have been fully restored and have an intense radiance, making it possible to see very clearly the shifts in emphasis between the artists' work. The Brancacci Chapel entrance is to the right of the main church entrance. Only 30 people can visit at a time.
Giardino delle Rose
Highlight of OltrarnoLook down upon Florence from amidst the rose bushes.
The Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden) and the nearby Giardino dell'Iris (Iris Garden) are two free public gardens on either side of Piazzale Michelangelo. They are perfect for flower-lovers or anyone who wants to wander in a peaceful green space, free from the nearby crowds. You'll even find a Japanese garden and sculptures by the artist Folon.
Villa Bardini
Highlight of OltrarnoWander beneath the wisteria whilst gazing down upon the roofs of Florence.
Less crowded than the nearby Boboli Gardens, the Bardini Villa is a splendid Italianate Garden which enjoys panoramic views of the city. Wisteria covered pergola allow visitors to walk through tunnels of green while enjoying romantic views of the city and surroundings. Within the 17th century villa itself, you will find artworks by the painter Pietro Annigoni.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Highlight of OltrarnoCreate an unforgettable memory and see Florence from above.
No matter what time of day or weather, you will find that Piazzale Michelangelo truly offers a stupendous lookout over Florence. Not just a perfect photo opportunity, but a moment of wonder. You are looking at the city that gave birth to incredible artists, amazing scientists and an enthralling history of discovery and power that has filled novels and movie theaters. Many mistakenly believe that this piazza has existed since the birth of Florence or that it was designed by Michelangelo. Actually, it is a rather recent addition to the list of great monuments in Florence, created in 1869 by Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi, as part of a major restructuring of the city walls in 1869. In 1873, a copy of Michelangelo's David was taken to the square with the help of nine pairs of oxen. This monument occupies a privileged position, observing the city from above as a guard attentive to all the beauties that the city of Florence offers.
Basilica di Santo Spirito
Highlight of OltrarnoVisit a Renaissance church where Michelango once found refuge.
Usually referred to simply as Santo Spirito, this unassuming basilica is one of the main examples of early Renaissance architecture in Florence. Compared to other churches found on the north side of the river, the Basilica di Santo Spirito is very often ignored by tourists, despite offering some serious history and a wonderful interior. Notable pieces of artwork inside the church include its thirty-eight altars, almost all with painted altarpieces. The best have been cleaned and are almost all in the transept and behind the Baldacchino, this being where the most prestigious local families could afford to have chapels. Michelangelo found refuge in the convent of Santo Spirito in 1492 at the age of seventeen and it was within the walls of the convent that the curious artist had the opportunity to analyze corpses from the adjoining hospital to study the anatomy of the human body. As a form of thank-you, Michelangelo carved a highly realistic wooden crucifix which can now be found within the sacristy to the left as you enter the church.
Santa Maria del Carmine & Brancacci Chapel
Highlight of OltrarnoStand beneath the magnificent 14th century frescoes, still intensely radiant six centuries after they were first painted.
Dating back to the 13th century, a fire in the 18th century practically destroyed the church, but spared its magnificent Renaissance frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel – a treasure trove of paintings from the 1400's by Masolino da Panicale, Masaccio, and Filippino Lippi. After years of accumulated candle soot and mold, the frescoes which have been fully restored and have an intense radiance, making it possible to see very clearly the shifts in emphasis between the artists' work. The Brancacci Chapel entrance is to the right of the main church entrance. Only 30 people can visit at a time.
Day 5
Florence
Archiginnasio
Highlight of Bologna ExcursionVisit one of the oldest university buildings in the world and admire its incredible library.
Bologna's University is amongst one of the oldest in the world. The Archiginnasio (Greek for “first school”), was built in 1563 and was once the ancient seat of the University of Bologna, established as a school of Law and Arts. It houses one of the most incredible libraries in Italy, containing over one million pieces. Its anatomical theatre is by far the highlight, a place where corpses were dissected for the first scientific studies of the human body.
Two Towers
Highlight of Bologna ExcursionClimb to the top of the Asinelli Tower for great vistas over the city of Bologna below.
Symbols of the city and its most popular and notable landmarks, the two towers (Due Torri) are sat in the heart of the city. They were built during the Middle Ages as noble and wealthy families competed against each other for dominance over Bologna's politics, a competition that often become violent. There was once 180 towers, but these are the only two that remain. At 319 feet (97m), The Torre degli Asinelli is the tallest leaning medieval tower in the world and the only one open to the public. Ascend the 498 steps for a panoramic view of the city.
Fountain of Neptune
Highlight of Bologna ExcursionAdmire this monumental restored marble & bronze fountain in the heart of Piazza del Nettuno.
Commissioned by Pope Pius IV, the Fountain of Neptune is one of Bologna's most famous landmarks and a popular meeting point. He was originally destined for the larger Piazza Maggiore but instead, he sits proudly on the Piazza del Nettuno as a symbol of the city. Standing at almost thirteen feet (4m) high and weighing in at nearly 5000 lbs (2,200 kg), the fountain is hard to miss.
Archiginnasio
Highlight of Bologna ExcursionVisit one of the oldest university buildings in the world and admire its incredible library.
Bologna's University is amongst one of the oldest in the world. The Archiginnasio (Greek for “first school”), was built in 1563 and was once the ancient seat of the University of Bologna, established as a school of Law and Arts. It houses one of the most incredible libraries in Italy, containing over one million pieces. Its anatomical theatre is by far the highlight, a place where corpses were dissected for the first scientific studies of the human body.
Two Towers
Highlight of Bologna ExcursionClimb to the top of the Asinelli Tower for great vistas over the city of Bologna below.
Symbols of the city and its most popular and notable landmarks, the two towers (Due Torri) are sat in the heart of the city. They were built during the Middle Ages as noble and wealthy families competed against each other for dominance over Bologna's politics, a competition that often become violent. There was once 180 towers, but these are the only two that remain. At 319 feet (97m), The Torre degli Asinelli is the tallest leaning medieval tower in the world and the only one open to the public. Ascend the 498 steps for a panoramic view of the city.
Fountain of Neptune
Highlight of Bologna ExcursionAdmire this monumental restored marble & bronze fountain in the heart of Piazza del Nettuno.
Commissioned by Pope Pius IV, the Fountain of Neptune is one of Bologna's most famous landmarks and a popular meeting point. He was originally destined for the larger Piazza Maggiore but instead, he sits proudly on the Piazza del Nettuno as a symbol of the city. Standing at almost thirteen feet (4m) high and weighing in at nearly 5000 lbs (2,200 kg), the fountain is hard to miss.
Archiginnasio
Highlight of Bologna ExcursionVisit one of the oldest university buildings in the world and admire its incredible library.
Bologna's University is amongst one of the oldest in the world. The Archiginnasio (Greek for “first school”), was built in 1563 and was once the ancient seat of the University of Bologna, established as a school of Law and Arts. It houses one of the most incredible libraries in Italy, containing over one million pieces. Its anatomical theatre is by far the highlight, a place where corpses were dissected for the first scientific studies of the human body.
Day 6
Florence
Day 7
Depart Florence
Museo di San Marco
Highlight of San Marco MuseumPainting as an Act of Love: Fra Angelico in the San Marco Friary
The crowds thin out slightly beyond the Galleria dell'Accademia, and not far beyond it rests the superlative frescos of Fra Angelico, in the Museum of San Marco. Tender, but never saccharin, gentle, but never sentimental, his paintings grace the walls of this former friary and expose another side of the Renaissance. Fra Angelico's subjects are always treated respectfully, and the breadth of facial expressions is remarkable, if subtle. With a peaceful atmosphere, and a lesser amount of people, this museum might provide the most intimate experience you will find with Renaissance masterpieces in Florence.
Museo di San Marco
Highlight of San Marco MuseumPainting as an Act of Love: Fra Angelico in the San Marco Friary
The crowds thin out slightly beyond the Galleria dell'Accademia, and not far beyond it rests the superlative frescos of Fra Angelico, in the Museum of San Marco. Tender, but never saccharin, gentle, but never sentimental, his paintings grace the walls of this former friary and expose another side of the Renaissance. Fra Angelico's subjects are always treated respectfully, and the breadth of facial expressions is remarkable, if subtle. With a peaceful atmosphere, and a lesser amount of people, this museum might provide the most intimate experience you will find with Renaissance masterpieces in Florence.
Museo di San Marco
Highlight of San Marco MuseumPainting as an Act of Love: Fra Angelico in the San Marco Friary
The crowds thin out slightly beyond the Galleria dell'Accademia, and not far beyond it rests the superlative frescos of Fra Angelico, in the Museum of San Marco. Tender, but never saccharin, gentle, but never sentimental, his paintings grace the walls of this former friary and expose another side of the Renaissance. Fra Angelico's subjects are always treated respectfully, and the breadth of facial expressions is remarkable, if subtle. With a peaceful atmosphere, and a lesser amount of people, this museum might provide the most intimate experience you will find with Renaissance masterpieces in Florence.
Museo di San Marco
Highlight of San Marco MuseumPainting as an Act of Love: Fra Angelico in the San Marco Friary
The crowds thin out slightly beyond the Galleria dell'Accademia, and not far beyond it rests the superlative frescos of Fra Angelico, in the Museum of San Marco. Tender, but never saccharin, gentle, but never sentimental, his paintings grace the walls of this former friary and expose another side of the Renaissance. Fra Angelico's subjects are always treated respectfully, and the breadth of facial expressions is remarkable, if subtle. With a peaceful atmosphere, and a lesser amount of people, this museum might provide the most intimate experience you will find with Renaissance masterpieces in Florence.
Museo di San Marco
Highlight of San Marco MuseumPainting as an Act of Love: Fra Angelico in the San Marco Friary
The crowds thin out slightly beyond the Galleria dell'Accademia, and not far beyond it rests the superlative frescos of Fra Angelico, in the Museum of San Marco. Tender, but never saccharin, gentle, but never sentimental, his paintings grace the walls of this former friary and expose another side of the Renaissance. Fra Angelico's subjects are always treated respectfully, and the breadth of facial expressions is remarkable, if subtle. With a peaceful atmosphere, and a lesser amount of people, this museum might provide the most intimate experience you will find with Renaissance masterpieces in Florence.
What's Included In Your Trip
Pre-Paid Tours and Activities:
Pre-Paid Transportation:
Accommodation:
Go Real Travel Mobile App:
Milan is Italy’s most forward-looking city. An international center for fashion, fine dining, and design, it seems as though Milanese people breathe style. From the gleam on your wine glass to the twists of its cathedral’s spires, everything in Milan is finished to perfection. Home to the Italian stock exchange, a world-famous fashion industry, and a frantic business district, Milan is fast-paced and commercially minded. The shopping in Milan is second to none. At the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, a glass-iron ceiling soars over brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Massimo Dutti, and Amani. Along with the fashion, Milan’s cathedral, castle, and canals are also must-sees. But to view the city’s most prized possession - Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, you must make an appointment. Tickets to view this mural sell out weeks in advance. It is truly a bucket-list worthy work of art. After a day taking in all the glamor and culture, take a seat in one of Milan’s well-appointed eateries. The Navigli Quarter is packed with restaurants, bars, and cafes, perfect for a relaxed Aperol spritz or pizza along the city’s canals.
Read More
Cinque Terre, a string of five fishing villages in the Liguria region of Italy, is a rare snapshot of a traditional way of life. Rustic and charming, these clusters of pastel houses clinging to steep Mediterranean cliffs hold a special allure. Hiking between the five villages is a popular way to experience the rugged Mediterranean landscape close up. There are no roads here — the only other way to get between the villages is by boat or train. Seafood, hauled in from the azure waters of the sea that laps against the rocky shore, is abundant and delicious here. It pairs well with the local wine, and perhaps a plate of olives. Cinque Terre is a place to take it slow, to breathe in the fresh sea air and bask in the balmy climate, many miles from the chaos and frenzy of the modern world.
Read More
Gritty and chaotic Naples calls to travelers who want to experience the real Italy. Pressed along the coast of Campania, hilly Naples is jammed with maze-like streets, strung with outdoor clotheslines, descending toward the sea below. A much deserved UNESCO World Heritage site, Naples is famous for its churches, museums, castles, and catacombs. As you navigate the city, you’ll find yourself immersed by its culture and history. You can easily occupy a full day gazing at churches like the Naples Cathedral, San Francesco di Paola, and Cappella Sansevero. If you cast your eyes toward the Gulf of Naples, you’ll see Mount Vesuvius looming over the harbor. This foreboding volcano erupted in AD 79. Not far from the inner city — less than an hour by train — you’ll find the ancient town of Pompeii, its dramatic ruins still preserved in ash from the eruption. One of the best things you can do in Naples is to eat. This is the city where pizza was born. Propped up by its ripe tomatoes, local cheeses, and fresh fish, food from Naples has come to define what many see as the height of Italian cuisine. Everything you taste in Naples seems like a delicacy. Authentic and vivid, Naples is a true Italian city where the ancient world meets the modern-day with a bang.
Read More
Culture and history are thick in the air in Florence. Located on the banks of the Arno River in Tuscany, Florence’s past is deeply compelling. The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is where innovators like Dante, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci made their fortunes. Centuries of art, politics, and commerce have left their mark on every stone in this Northern Italian city. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Florentine banks funded new enterprises that went on to change the history of the world. Powerful families like the Medici’s financed some of the finest art in history and pioneered new ways of doing statecraft and politics. As you stand in the Piazzale Michelangelo and gaze upon the city below it’s hard to take it all in at once. It feels like behind every door in Florence might hide a work of genius. Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Primavera can be found just a short walk away. After a long day wandering the streets and gazing at art, fueled by exquisite coffee and gelato, relax like the locals do: with a glass of some of the best wine in the world.
Read More
Venice is a city with no equal. Built on a series of islands on a lagoon, it was once a powerful city-state. Echoes of that old magnificence can be seen everywhere here, from the stunning buildings that rise out of the canals, to the bridges that arc across them. Take a Gondola ride through the canals that form the city’s veins, or wander through the winding streets drinking in the sights. You’ll see Venice attracts tourists in huge numbers, and that’s with good reason. It’s home to a seemingly limitless amount of art, culture, history, and architecture. St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile di San Marco just barely scratch the surface. There’s a 700-year-old market, Rialto, which is still open today. The Ponte di Rialto bridge connects the neighborhoods of San Marco and San Polo, stretching across the Grand Canal. Venice has weathered the last several centuries with elegance and pride, a place that will surpass even your highest expectations.
Read More
One of the must-sees of Italy, and indeed all of Europe, Rome is a city with history flowing through its veins. There is an endless amount to see, do, and learn here, with something for every taste and disposition. Rome was the center of Western civilization for a Millenium and during that time, accumulated a list of historical and cultural treasures that no other destination can truly match. The Pantheon, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Cirus of Maxentius are just a few examples of what can be seen and experienced in Rome, which at times feels more like a giant outdoor museum than a city. At Rome’s heart, you’ll find the Vatican, home of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope. Here visitors can see the legendary Sistine Chapel. Transcending a mere building, the chapel is a walk-in work of art. Although historical sights can be found on just about every corner, it’s entirely possible to fill a day just wandering around Rome. The city’s charming streets and open Piazzas are filled with beautiful sights and places to sit, grab the best Cappuccino in the world, and enjoy the view.
Read More
Milan is Italy’s most forward-looking city. An international center for fashion, fine dining, and design, it seems as though Milanese people breathe style. From the gleam on your wine glass to the twists of its cathedral’s spires, everything in Milan is finished to perfection. Home to the Italian stock exchange, a world-famous fashion industry, and a frantic business district, Milan is fast-paced and commercially minded. The shopping in Milan is second to none. At the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, a glass-iron ceiling soars over brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Massimo Dutti, and Amani. Along with the fashion, Milan’s cathedral, castle, and canals are also must-sees. But to view the city’s most prized possession - Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, you must make an appointment. Tickets to view this mural sell out weeks in advance. It is truly a bucket-list worthy work of art. After a day taking in all the glamor and culture, take a seat in one of Milan’s well-appointed eateries. The Navigli Quarter is packed with restaurants, bars, and cafes, perfect for a relaxed Aperol spritz or pizza along the city’s canals.
Read More
Cinque Terre, a string of five fishing villages in the Liguria region of Italy, is a rare snapshot of a traditional way of life. Rustic and charming, these clusters of pastel houses clinging to steep Mediterranean cliffs hold a special allure. Hiking between the five villages is a popular way to experience the rugged Mediterranean landscape close up. There are no roads here — the only other way to get between the villages is by boat or train. Seafood, hauled in from the azure waters of the sea that laps against the rocky shore, is abundant and delicious here. It pairs well with the local wine, and perhaps a plate of olives. Cinque Terre is a place to take it slow, to breathe in the fresh sea air and bask in the balmy climate, many miles from the chaos and frenzy of the modern world.
Read More
Gritty and chaotic Naples calls to travelers who want to experience the real Italy. Pressed along the coast of Campania, hilly Naples is jammed with maze-like streets, strung with outdoor clotheslines, descending toward the sea below. A much deserved UNESCO World Heritage site, Naples is famous for its churches, museums, castles, and catacombs. As you navigate the city, you’ll find yourself immersed by its culture and history. You can easily occupy a full day gazing at churches like the Naples Cathedral, San Francesco di Paola, and Cappella Sansevero. If you cast your eyes toward the Gulf of Naples, you’ll see Mount Vesuvius looming over the harbor. This foreboding volcano erupted in AD 79. Not far from the inner city — less than an hour by train — you’ll find the ancient town of Pompeii, its dramatic ruins still preserved in ash from the eruption. One of the best things you can do in Naples is to eat. This is the city where pizza was born. Propped up by its ripe tomatoes, local cheeses, and fresh fish, food from Naples has come to define what many see as the height of Italian cuisine. Everything you taste in Naples seems like a delicacy. Authentic and vivid, Naples is a true Italian city where the ancient world meets the modern-day with a bang.
Read More
Culture and history are thick in the air in Florence. Located on the banks of the Arno River in Tuscany, Florence’s past is deeply compelling. The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is where innovators like Dante, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci made their fortunes. Centuries of art, politics, and commerce have left their mark on every stone in this Northern Italian city. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Florentine banks funded new enterprises that went on to change the history of the world. Powerful families like the Medici’s financed some of the finest art in history and pioneered new ways of doing statecraft and politics. As you stand in the Piazzale Michelangelo and gaze upon the city below it’s hard to take it all in at once. It feels like behind every door in Florence might hide a work of genius. Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Primavera can be found just a short walk away. After a long day wandering the streets and gazing at art, fueled by exquisite coffee and gelato, relax like the locals do: with a glass of some of the best wine in the world.
Read More
Venice is a city with no equal. Built on a series of islands on a lagoon, it was once a powerful city-state. Echoes of that old magnificence can be seen everywhere here, from the stunning buildings that rise out of the canals, to the bridges that arc across them. Take a Gondola ride through the canals that form the city’s veins, or wander through the winding streets drinking in the sights. You’ll see Venice attracts tourists in huge numbers, and that’s with good reason. It’s home to a seemingly limitless amount of art, culture, history, and architecture. St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile di San Marco just barely scratch the surface. There’s a 700-year-old market, Rialto, which is still open today. The Ponte di Rialto bridge connects the neighborhoods of San Marco and San Polo, stretching across the Grand Canal. Venice has weathered the last several centuries with elegance and pride, a place that will surpass even your highest expectations.
Read More
One of the must-sees of Italy, and indeed all of Europe, Rome is a city with history flowing through its veins. There is an endless amount to see, do, and learn here, with something for every taste and disposition. Rome was the center of Western civilization for a Millenium and during that time, accumulated a list of historical and cultural treasures that no other destination can truly match. The Pantheon, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Cirus of Maxentius are just a few examples of what can be seen and experienced in Rome, which at times feels more like a giant outdoor museum than a city. At Rome’s heart, you’ll find the Vatican, home of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope. Here visitors can see the legendary Sistine Chapel. Transcending a mere building, the chapel is a walk-in work of art. Although historical sights can be found on just about every corner, it’s entirely possible to fill a day just wandering around Rome. The city’s charming streets and open Piazzas are filled with beautiful sights and places to sit, grab the best Cappuccino in the world, and enjoy the view.
Read More