Attractions in Italy

Tuscany and Umbria contain some of Italy's most photogenic landscapes. The two regions include the famed cities of Florence, Siena, Assissi, Perugia, and Pisa; miles of coastline; and the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. While Tuscany is known for its blend of cosmopolitan culture with classic architecture, Umbria is known as the "green heart of Italy,” perfect for walking, caving, hang-gliding and rafting.

CiaoBambino has gathered together some of the most useful online resources for Tuscany and Umbria. It’s a complete guide with some of the best links to online travel guidebooks, Pisa's best architectural sites, and information on Tuscany’s renowned archipelago.

Touring Italian Architecture
Two-thirds of the world's architectural heritage is located in Italy, and Tuscany is at the center of it all. A great way to take in the Tuscan heritage is on bicycle.

The Tuscan Archipelago
One of Italy's most untouched landscapes is the chain of islands in Italy's Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Some islands are only accessible by special permit, and some still serve as active prisons.

Traveling by Train through Tuscany and Umbria
Find rail travel maps and calculate distances. CiaoBambino has listed the sites that you need for your trip planning.

Eating Out: The Top Restaurants
Montepulciano is known for its incredible food. Chances are, if you're traveling between the two regions, you'll end up here.

Italy is a beautiful country but is one of those countries which you probably have some questions and preconceptions, before your coming to this special country. A place of olive oil, pasta, wine, mafia and sunshine, roman ruins and renaissance palaces, Italy has a lot to give its tourists. Although some of these conceptions are amazing and interesting, it would be a shame if that was the only thing you come away with. Italy is certainly much more complex and stimulating than these concepts.

Italy is a country full of interesting things for the casual tourist and the educated tourist, it has deep Roman Catholic roots. The tourists can stay weeks in important tourist centers without reason to feel bored, but it is equally simple to get off the beaten track. In the north, next to the Alps and the landscapes of the Po river, many cultural gems and highly developed industrial cities fascinate. In this exciting country the people live the "la vita Italiana".    

Lombardia is the capital of Milan, city of business organization and haute couture, the tourist can easily stay weeks without being bored. Bergamo is only an hour of distance and has an upper Old Town. On every corner you will observe something new. Venice and Verona are the most famous tourist attractions in the north-east of Italy, maybe you can think about romantic love affairs here.

The people can discover easily the beautiful landscapes of Italy, Verona province may be the more fascinating. Many persons say that the north-west of Italy is a paradise for every culinary interested traveler. For the people who adore the wine, Piemonte is related with Barolo and Barbaresco, the most famous wines made out of the Nebbiolo grape. Turin is the capital of Piemonte, this city provides more than just a starting point to visit these wine regions.

Lots of tourist attractions like museums, modern art, music and book fairs make of this city, one of the notable Italian cities concerning cultural life. At the same time it is a booming industrial and multimedia city. One of the most popular areas in Italy is Tuscany which is located in central Italy. Known for it's beautiful landscape and picturesque towns and villages including Florence, Lucca, Siena and Cortona.

Located in central Italy, Tuscany is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. Full of rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and medieval towns, you could spend unlimited time seeing the sites, tasting amazing food and wine, and experiencing all that Tuscany has to offer. Some of the most popular destinations in Tuscany include Florence, Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano, Arezzo, Lucca and the famous Chianti region. On our first trip to Italy we spent a week in Tuscany, and it was barely even enough time to scratch the surface of this amazing place.

Getting to Tuscany

If you're flying into Tuscany, the main airport is in Florence, however you can also fly into Pisa. If you are traveling from other parts of Italy, the train is your best option, unless you have already rented a car.

Transport

Just like the rest of Italy, Tuscany has an excellent public transport system, and you can get to most main destinations on the train, and smaller towns on buses. This however, can restrict you to only seeing the towns and cities of Tuscany. I found that the best transport option was to hire a car to travel around. Car hire in Italy is fairly cheap, and it gives you the freedom to go where ever you want and truly experience the beautiful Tuscan countryside. It also makes traveling to small towns a lot easier as you don't have to worry about changing trains and buses, which can be a bit of a hassle. Along with this, driving on the roads with the Italians is quite an experience!

Accommodation

All main towns and cities in Tuscany offer a wide range of accommodation. Hostels and inns are very affordable, and there are all ranges of hotels available as well. One of the best options however, is to rent a villa or apartment to stay in during your time in Tuscany. This is a great way to experience Tuscan life and it can be very affordable, especially if you are staying for a week or more. We rented a villa in the countryside south of Florence, and it was a fantastic experience. Tuscany is small enough to base yourself in a central location, and do day trips from your villa or apartment. You can also save money on meals by cooking your own food in your kitchen. This will give you an excuse to buy some of Tuscany's fantastic produce, and shop with the locals.

So the best way to travel through Tuscany? I'd have to say hire a car, rent a villa and truly experience this wonderful place. Let yourself fall in love with Tuscany!

These days, an increasing number of single individuals are recognizing that it's completely okay for them toward tour alone plus increasingly more tour businesses are dispensing by the single traveler fees which have so long plagued people that tour without a companion. It's only fair! Nowadays, more people wait until their late 20s or later to tie the knot plus they take pleasure in spending their post-highschool or post-college time wandering the world and exploring wonderful destinations. At some time when one of every three adults in the United States is solo, solo travel is more popular than ever and an individual person ought to not at all be anxious regarding finding something to suit their needs.

An Italy vacation intended for singles is definitely a viable opportunity, and every year, various single travelers come in the country to see why so many individuals worldwide have fallen in love with this incredible vacation spot. An outstanding way intended for a particular person to view Italy is to enroll in a seat on an prepared escorted tour. Escorted tours are a good way to journey carefully particularly for unmarried women and these excursions can provide, if desired, the opportunity to meet other people with like travel interests. A lot of free people join many of these excursions each year, only to return home with email addresses as well as phone numbers of individuals as well as families they met on their travels. At times, these tourists become life-long friends.

Occasionally, it is possible to find an Italy vacation tour that is designed mainly for singles, however it surely isn't bizarre for a particular traveler to affix a trip that includes not just other singles but additionally couples and families. But, if the single person is adverse to traveling along with kids, he or she should hunt down an adults-only escorted tour that eliminates the need to journey along with children who may be less than well-behaved on the trip.

Another advantage of an escorted tour, especially intended for the single embarking on their first Italy vacation, is that these tours usually hit all of the highlights with the country or a specific part of the nation. Typically ranging from about seven or 8 days up to 2 weeks or additional in length, these Italy vacation trips will go to see venues resembling Rome's legendary Colosseum as well as Pantheon, Florence's Duomo, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the magnificent sites of Venice, Capri's Blue Grotto, and many others. Regularly, various meals are included in the price of the spree and are loved mutually by the whole crowd of travelers. This means the single will all the time have companions with whom to dine, if so desired.

The single explorer who's bearing in mind an Italy vacation may also consider joining a more specialized trip including possibly a bike trip, baking journey, wine-tasting tour, drawing outing, or perhaps even an Italy adventure tour, where extreme sports and other less-common actions are the name of the game. The probabilities are endless and no companion is important!

Where can be a better and more relaxing place to go for a family vacation or trip with friends than the region in Italy, Tuscany! It is the center and heart of the Italian culture.

Florence is the capital city of Tuscany and most popular for tourism. It is better to rent Florence villa as they are the perfect place of lodging if you are intending to save money besides living in a standard place. They are built in such an area that it makes them perfect for lodging of the tourists because they are mostly strategically situated in the centers of the population making the Florence villa establishments of commercial and tourist.

If you are interested to walk on the mountain paths or cycle around the hills which are rolling, then the Florence villa is simply perfect to serve your purpose. The rentals are available near the seacoast as well. It is the best way to live near the pieces of culture and the museums.

The villa would give you a feeling of being at home, which is not achievable by hotels, motels or other accommodations. No matter how many people you are on the vacation, a villa would charge you simply for the home only, unlike hotels. The system of the charge is usually on a weekly or monthly basis, unlike hotels or motels which charge you for your each day of stay. This is undoubtedly an intelligent way to save on money besides being benefited by the numerous advantages of renting a villa in Florence, Tuscany.

Tuscany is proving a very special lodging rental system of a variety of choices and opportunities for the tourists at a very reasonable cost and it will make your vacation more fun.

 Visiting Italy will always be an unforgettable experience, but those heading to this amazing country for the first time should be sure to hit all the major highlights before returning home, armed with hundreds of pictures, souvenirs, and memories that will last a lifetime.

The best way to get a taste of Italy is to be sure to include the Big Three on your itinerary; Rome, Venice, and Florence. These three cities have and always will be Italy's most popular tourist spots, each offering something unique for those who vacation there. With just 7 to 14 days of vacation time, travelers can get a good idea of what each city offers. In addition, travel between the cities whether by car or by coach provides a look at more of Italy's beautiful terrain since the cities are each located in a different region of the country.

The best way to see these three lovely cities, especially on a first visit is to book an escorted tour with a company that knows Rome, Venice, and Florence inside out and backwards. This way, you're hitting all the major attractions but also those little out-of-the-way places, like a favorite cafe or gelato shop you might not find on your own.

Rome

Rome remains Italy's most visited city. After all, The Eternal City is so full of things to see and do, no matter what your particular interest. Of course, if you're a history buff, you'll probably head straight to the buildings and remains of the Roman Empire and other early civilizations. You'll want to visit the Colosseum, built by Emperor Vespasian and his son Titus in 80 A.D.; the triumphal Arch of Constantine, erected in 315 A.D.; St Peter's Basilica with Michelangelo's renowned frescoes; the extraordinary Pantheon, the first temple built for the common people; and the Roman Forum, once the center of political and commercial life in ancient Rome.

Museums abound, including the wonderful Vatican Museums, housing the most extensive and impressive collection of fine art found anywhere in the world. You'll also want to include visits to The Spanish Steps, the renowned Trevi Fountain, the Via Appia Antica (Appian Way), Castel St. Angelo, and Rome's beautiful churches.

Dining is a joy, whether you're in search of a five-star restaurant experience or would prefer to take a seat in a small outdoor cafe on the Piazza della Rotonda and do a little people watching. Either way, the food is stellar!

Try to allow at least 4 full days to enjoy the capital city and if you're on an escorted tour, do a little research ahead of time to decide which sights you'd like to explore during your free time when specific activities are not scheduled.

Venice

Situated in Northern Italy, Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world and is often a top choice for honeymooners. But, of course, anyone can enjoy this spectacular city, which stretches across about 110 small islands along the Adriatic Sea.

You'll need at least two full days to see all the highlights. First time visitors to Venice will certainly want to hop aboard a gondola or a vaporetti (water taxi) and explore the city's system of canals, which take visitors past most of Venice's prime attractions. (The canals serve the same function as roads because Venice is a car-free city.) While on your canal tour, you can decide what you'd like to see once you're back on foot.

Top attractions include pigeon-filled St. Mark's Square, home to St. Mark's Basilica, the magnificent gothic Doge's Palace, and many other buildings and sites. You'll also want to make your way to the Bridge of Sighs, one of Venice's many bridges, known as such because it passes over the Rio di Palazzo and connects the old prisons to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace. It was often the last place prisoners could view the city before their incarceration or death.

Be sure to sample the local seafood as well as the innovative pasta dishes. Venice is also known for its wonderful sweets, so you'll want to include a stop at a patisserie or two while exploring this breathtaking city.

Florence

Florence, the gateway to Tuscany, has become more and more popular during the past few decades. Always Italy's most cultural city, it's been as such since the Renaissance, when Florence families such as the Medicis sponsored artists like Michelangelo and others.

The centerpiece of Florence is the Duomo, or Santa Maria del Fiore. A must see, with its magnificent dome and baptistery, this is the architectural jewel in Florence's crown. After you've seen the cathedral, head to the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), the only to survive World War II, lined with interesting shops help up by stilts. And stop at the Uffizi Gallery, one of the finest art museums in the world, or visit the Academia to view Michelangelo's David.

Wherever your first (or second or third) Italy tour takes you, you're sure to be mesmerized by all this wonderful country offers, from its vibrant cities to its bucolic countryside to its friendly people who welcome you with open arms. Take time to savor the moments!

Once the great center of the Florence Renaissance, Florence Italy is one of the world's most artistic & architecturally beautiful cities, with countless Florence museums and galleries packed with masterpieces, and with fabulous shopping and tremendous cuisine and restaurants. Florence dates back to the Etruscan era, when Fiesole, an important center in Etruria, dominated the valley. The Romans conquered the city in 59 BC, who set up camp by the River Arno in a place that became known as Florentia, "destined to flower". 

During the course of the next thousand years, a small population struggled under successive Byzantine, Goth, Lombard and Frankish rule. The number of residents began to grow from the tenth century onward, with the city being ruled by an autonomous commune from 1115. But the city soon became a battleground in the violent conflict between the pro-imperial Ghibelline faction and the pro-papal Guelphs. However, a strong merchant base, founded on wool and supported by a powerful currency (the florin) saw the city gradually grow.

By the 13th Century, a merchant elite ruled Florence Italy. Powerful families such as the Albizi and then the Medici came to dominate the city. With this oligarchy interrupted by spates of republican rule - influenced by the likes of radical Dominican prior Savonarola and the nobleman Machiavelli - Florence grew ever stronger and richer. It is during this period when Florence assumes its decisive role in European and world history specially Florence history. Experts in both banking and commerce (the Medici financed many of the adventures that opened up trade routes around the globe), the city grew spectacularly rich. 

The families flaunted their affluence, and money was poured into patronage of the fine Florence art. The city became a home to sculptors, artists, architects and musicians. While scholars were rediscovering the fertile literature and archaic culture of Greece and Rome, Europe began to emerge from the Dark Ages; meanwhile the likes of Michelangelo, Donatello and Brunelleschi, as well as countless others whose works adorn Florence 

Italy today, were pushing the bounds of creativity and artistic creation to ever-greater heights. A literal explosion of intellectual power and creativity in the city saw a new crop of radical thinkers, and the spreading of their ideas through the new medium of printing. During this time, the Florentines' ever-growing expertise in banking, accountancy, and the creation of credit saw the entire system become ever richer. Florence, it is often said, was the cradle of all Europe.

Florence Italy next became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, but by the mid-1700's the city was consumed by Austria. In 1859 it was swallowed up by the kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont, and only two years later Tuscany proper became part of the new country of Italy. For six years (until Rome joined the union) Florence Italy was actually the capital of Italy. 20th century Florence thrived on the back of tourism, financial services, heavy industry and its old staple - trade. Occupied by the Germans between 1943 and 1944, the city suffered the further misfortune of flooding in 1966, when the Arno burst its banks.

Walking through its narrow, windy streets, it is hard to identify this city with just one symbol. It may be the sculpture of David by Michelangelo, or perhaps the romantic Ponte Vecchio, or Giotto's bell tower. Then again, Florence is equally synonymous with famous people such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo or Dante Alighieri, to name but a few.

Also, of course, there's the world-famous "Duomo" which is perhaps the most recognizable of Florence's monuments. Construction of the Gothic Florence cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore began in 1296 and was completed by Brunelleschi in 1436 with the famous Dome, which was painted inside with frescoes by Vasari and Zuccari. The square Bell tower designed by Giotto in 1334 stands on the right-hand side of the Florence Cathedral and is covered in white, green and red marble. The Baptistery of San Giovanni, one of the oldest monuments in Florence (1128), is located opposite the Cathedral and is built in Florentine Romanesque style.

Today, even though most of Florence's greatness lies in its enchanting Florence history, the city still thrives. It has marvelous shopping, airy gardens & parks, fabulous cuisine, an exhilarating artistic atmosphere and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

When you aren't admiring the works of artists and sculptors in churches, galleries and museums such as the Uffizi and Accademia, you can wander around the luxury of world famous boutiques, watch craftsmen at work on traditional Florentine leatherwork, and peruse numerous bustling street markets. You can eat in the finest restaurants or in simple trattorie with delicious home cooking. Or buy the ingredients for a quaint open-air picnic at the Mercato Centrale or Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio. Grab a bottle of Chianti, and make an excursion to the Boboli Gardens or to the ramparts of the Belvedere Fort with its stunning views. Florence Italy has endless fascination. There's nothing in the world quite like it.

Italy is a magical country to visit and spend time; every region has something new to offer whether it is its food, the people, the history or its architecture. Too many people the architecture of a country is it's main attraction and this could easily be said about Italy with it's millennia old stones, sumptuous remains of mysterious Etruscan kings, witnesses to ancient pagan rites, memorials to a history whose origins is lost in the mists of time. Ancient temples that have stood for thousands of years and have amazed all those who run a hand over their immortal columns, such as the temples of Agrigento and Selinunte. Entire cities that remain like some marvellous stage set to tell us about life as it was in the distant past.

A life cut short, in ancient days, by the dramatic whim of a volcano, such as Pompeii and Herculaneum, or by the implacable advance of malaria, as in Ostia Antica and Paestum. Walls and buildings that have been witness to a boundless power, that of ancient Rome and its countless conquests. Places still capable of moving us deeply owing to the ingenuity of their construction and the peerless historical heritage that they embody. Italian squares or piazzas that seem to be picture perfect stage sets all complete with outdoor cafes to enable you to sit and watch the world un-fold in front of you. Buildings that were created to enchant and impress visiting dignities from an age gone by with luscious facades and interiors that house unimaginable riches and art treasures now have the same effect on those tourists visiting Italy.

Towers constructed to bear witness to power that now regale unforgettable panoramas to those bold enough to climb to the top. Streets resembling open-air museums. Bridges that create seem-less bonds between the banks of rivers such as the Rialto in Venice or Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Walls originally designed to defend a city have later been turned into wonderfully imposing rings that have been giving communities a sense of security for centuries. Ample flights of steps from which to savour the spectacle of a city's life. The taste for beauty is all pervasive, from the tiny village, to the old town, to cities great and small. Beauty touches every nook, every vista, everything. The ancient Italians left a world of elegant architecture and monuments behind for future generations to stare in amazement at.

Italy has a wealth of religious architecture, towers and churches launched towards the sky. Striking spires, dainty cupolas, artistic facades, and bell towers jutting up towards the blue sky and towards an Italian heaven, mysterious naves that guard artistic masterpieces ancient and modern. Visit any Italian city, town or village and you will see churches everywhere, guardians of and witnesses to a faith thousands of years old and then tiny chapels on the mountain tops, solitary shrines on street corners, statues and frescoes for the protection of the home. Small signs of popular devotion that stand as corollaries to the magnificence of the cathedrals. Italy loves religious architecture.

A series of masterpieces that tell the entire story of western architecture: from the elegant Romanesque forms of Santa Maria all' Aquila to the fanciful Gothic spires of the beautiful Cathedral in Milan, from the perfect example of Renaissance architecture in Florence Cathedral to the baroque wonder of Lecce Cathedral. Each one with its trusty bell-tower at its side to announce its presence; including the most famous one in the world: the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Firenze (Italian for Florence, as it is popularly known) is one of the most picturesque towns that Italy has to offer, with a rich tradition, and finger licking cuisine, Florence was once the capital of the kingdom of Italy. Florence was also officially declared a world heritage site by UNESCO and is known as the home of the Italian renaissance. Florence is a city that is synonymous with art and architecture, and there are specialized historic tours that discuss just the various events and places that are linked to Firenze, and not just art and architecture, Florence is fast becoming known for its quaint streets and its classy bed and breakfasts.

Things to do in Firenze

The biggest tourist attraction in Florence is the cathedral also popularly known as the Duomo, the cathedral has a massive dome like structure, and is not just a regular tourist attraction, but is also a place that most religious tourists should visit. Located in the heart of the city, is the statue of Neptune which is another tourist attraction, the water even today is provided by aqueducts systems similar to the ones used thousands of years ago in the Roman empire.

The Arno river has some of the most beautiful bridges located on it, and a walk through Florence is not complete without visiting some of the beautiful river bridges. The biggest contributing factor to Florence's destination as a spot that is loved by art lovers, is the fact that Firenze has art galleries that are dedicated to specialized art forms like painting, sculptures and more. It is a pretty good idea to enroll yourself with one of the specialized museum tours that take tourists to all the major museums that make Florence the special place it is.

Bed and breakfasts in Florence

Apart from the popular hotels that are located in Florence, more and more tourist recently have chosen to live in the quaint and comfortable bed and breakfasts that are located in and around Florence, the most attractive thing about these bed and breakfasts is that they are well known for their authentic Italian experience, and are also becoming more and more popular for the authentic Italian cuisine that they offer. No trip to Italy is complete without experiencing an Italian bed and breakfast.

The biggest advantage that bed and breakfasts have over Italian hotels, is that they are reasonably priced, and depending on your preferences you can either get a bed and breakfast that is located in the heart of Florence, of if you like the quiet countryside you can check yourself into some of the extremely popular bed and breakfasts that are located on the outskirts of Florence. Almost all bed and breakfasts are equipped with modern amenities like televisions, individual phones in each room, and some classical bed and breakfasts actually offer you swimming pools and patios to enjoy your time under the Tuscan sun.

So if you are planning a trip to Florence, you must look up some of the popular bed and breakfasts, and enjoy the authentic experience of Italian cuisine and an Italian bed and breakfast.