Where to Go?

Virtually anywhere on this booted peninsula will be a fabulous vacation. Did you know that Italy has more World Heritage sites than any other country in the world? Entire sections of Italian cities-such as Rome, Venice, Urbino, Venice, and more -have been listed as the best the world has to offer. There's not many places you can go in Italy without experiencing amazing architecture, unparalleled art, and a wonderful quality of life.

That being said, here are a few pointers about different places to visit in Italy, which should help you develop a clearer picture of what Italy as to offer.


Rome, Venice and Venice are the key places for tourists to visit. If this is your first trip to Italy you simply must visit these cities, or at least some of them.

Rome is a hustling and bustling metropolis of over 3 million people, and is packed with great museums, awesome sights such as the Forum, Coliseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter's, Vatican and much, much more.

Venice is a slower paced, more refined city of only 300,000 folks where you will find the Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo's David, the Ufizzi Gallery, and a wonderfully walkable and beautiful town. In the centro storico is the Duomo with its magnificent dome, inspiring baptistery doors, and imposing bell tower. Venice is filled with unforgettable sights.

Venice is by far the most unique city in the world; and the most romantic as well. A city of canals, bridges and gondolas, Venice is like something out of a fairy tale. It will fill your mind with wonder and your heart with joy.


Once you've savored Italy's big three, then its time to venture out to some other places, such as the stunningly scenic hill towns of Tuscany including Cortona, San Gimignano or Montepulciano. The nearby town of Orvieto is also a must see destination though it is just over the border in the province of Lazio. Sometimes people choose to rent villas in the countryside, and each of my books feature a number of agencies to help you find amazing places to stay.

Then there are the towns of Umbria to consider. Tucked high up on hillsides there are some truly memorable experiences to be found in Perugia, Spoleto, Todi, Gubbio and others. These are more medieval in structure than the Renaissance Tuscany towns, but the true Italy way of life exists here more so than in the more popular Tuscan region. Though not as replete with magnificent art, these towns more than make up for that lack by stunning vistas, charming locals, great food, and a convivial community life.

The sections of Italy that are generally overlooked are the Alpine regions, of which Sud Tirol is one. Spectacular is probably the best way to describe this area. With the Alps as a back drop, and only a cable car ride away from most cities and towns, here can be found much more stunning scenery that down in Tuscany, and a more diverse culture as well. Once part of Austria, Sud Tirol was integrated with Italy after World War I, and this diversity adds a luster, a unique flair to this region.

Then there's the Amalfi Coast, the isle of Capri, Pompeii, the Cinque Terre, Bologna, the Italian Riviera, Naples, Sicily, and so much more. It would take a book to describe all the beautiful places in Italy … so I wrote one. I hope you find it helpful in creating a memorable vacation. If you want any suggestions in that regard, send me an email at douglas.e.morris@gmail.com.
Copyright © Douglas E. Morris 2006-2012