Italy

Rome is the capital of Italy, one of its largest and oldest cities. It easily wins the hearts of connoisseurs of Antique culture and modern art, fans of romantic walks and mind-blowing parties. The endless list of world’s attractions is waiting for you here: the Colosseum (one of the New Seven Wonders of the World), Pantheon, Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant'Angelo, Trevi Fountain, Villa Borghese, and many other destinations. While being in Rome, you can’t miss visiting the spiritual mecca, Vatican. On its tiny territory (0.44 square kilometers), you can find a diversity of interesting museums with works by Leonardo da Vinci and Titian, and a unique library that stores the oldest copy of the Gospel. 

Milan is the main city in Northern Italy and the capital of the world’s fashion. It combined the extraordinary styles of the redbrick Lombard Romanesque, early Renaissance and Classicism that is not absolutely typical for the whole of Italy. Duomo di Milano made of white marble on the main city square and Sforza Castle are the main symbols of Milan. In Santa Maria delle Grazie, in Milan, you can admire the renowned fresco by Leonardo da Vinci “The Last Supper”. At the same time, you can shop till you drop in the boutiques and shops at Via Montenapoleone, ancient gallery of Vittorio Emanuele II, at Piazza del Duomo. 

Venice is not only a city on water but also the spiritual center of Italy. Mark the Evangelist is the saint patron of Venice. The Lion of Saint Mark became also the symbol of the city. Christians all over the world come to bow to his relics at St. Mark’s Basilica. Venice is a unique city. Together with the Venetian Lagoon, it is included in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Not separate attractions but the whole architectural look of the city! In Venice, you can attend the Venice Festival and Film Festivals that are being held here annually. And, of course, don’t forget to take a ride at the river bus or gondola to the romantic Italian tunes. 

Florence is the administrative center of Tuscany that was deservedly proclaimed to be “the miracle of the humans’ craftsmanship in the open air”. Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Niccolò Machiavelli were born here. The local dialect became the foundation for the Italian literary language. Besides, the Florentines gave rise to the epoch of the Renaissance. It’s one of the main tourist centers in Italy. Every guest in the country should visit this place to enjoy its magnificent architecture, especially beautiful at night. 

Naples is the homeland of the Italian pizza. Pizza Napoletana has been famous since the 80s of the XIX century. Every person has at least once tried one of the classical Napoletana pizzas: “Marinara” with garlic but without(!) cheese and “Margarita” with basil, cheese but without garlic. If you have not tasted them yet, you should fly to Naples immediately! Of course, being here, sitting in the Napoletana pizzeria, you will be admiring the marvelous views of the Palace of Capodimonte, San Carlo Theatre, Royal Palace of Naples, and Piazza Dante.

Verona, celebrated in Shakespeare's line attracts tourists with its majesty and huge cultural events. Summer Opera Festival at the Verona Arena Roman amphitheater is the most popular one. It’s incredible how the walls of Verona which were erected during the reign of the House of Habsburg (XV-XVI centuries), still remain standing. You can even touch them! A visit to the historical center of the city is a must. There, the architecture of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque slowly transforms into the contemporary technological city.

The Amalfi Coast. This place is a pure paradise for your eyes and where your soul feels like in the fairy tale. Motley colorful houses, valleys with citrus trees and vineyards are situated on the hills above the crystal clear sea and cozy beaches. At the Amalfi Coast, you can easily arrange a chilling beach recreation, explore the small towns like Amalfi, Atrani, and Furore. Hopeless fishermen should visit the city of Cetara and catch some anchovies and tunas.

Ski resorts. If you believe that Italy is a good country for summer vacations only, you are so wrong! Nowadays, the Alpine skiing tracks in Italy are one of the best in Europe. They don’t yield to the famous resorts in France and Switzerland. Pleasant prices and a diversity of additional services (spa, revitalizing complexes) attract more and more fans of active pastime every year. The most popular ski resorts in Italy are Breuil-Cervinia at the foot of the rocky mountain range of Matterhorn, Sestriere in the Piedmont region, Val Gardena in the heart of the Dolomites, and Livigno in the Italian Alps.

Italy will tell you all the secrets of “Dolce Vita” (the sweet life) with the national peculiarities of its local citizens. Once you are in Italy, you dive into the local color, Mediterranean traditions, and a wonderful spirit. But how are the Italians different?

• They are never in a hurry. The country of siesta, seas, and recreation simply can’t be in a hurry. The Italians enjoy the moment and live in reality. Therefore, if you are waiting for a shop to open at 10 AM, you should probably go and look for another one. In addition to that, no one canceled a siesta. Lunch in Italy can last for 3 hours.
• A family is above everything. Besides that fact that holidays gather all relatives in one house, Italy is renowned for family businesses. Taverns, farms, wineries, and cheese dairy relate to the family business. Even the Sicilian Mafia was born in one family.
• They pay a church tax. Italy is a cradle of Catholicism, and 90% of its citizens are Catholics. Almost every Italian gives 0.8% of his income to the church.
• They have national professions that can be found only in Italy. We are talking about the balsamic vinegar tasters, parmesan cheese listeners, or gondoliers.
• They are eco-conscious. And often choose a bicycle for getting around the city. A highly developed infrastructure is created for cyclists all over the country. It’s easy for the Italians to give up cars.
• They are temperamental. Perhaps, everybody knows this characteristic feature of the Italians. Citizens of Italy speak loudly, share their emotions, gesticulate frantically, hug and kiss. Clearly, they also have loud fights. However, to us, their arguments look like a scene from a romantic movie.

We recommend planning every trip in advance regardless of a season. Early booking will give you a chance to but flight tickets and book accommodation at pleasant rates.