By S. Herlihy
Italy, a long, narrow country located in southern
Europe, is home to some of the world's most celebrated religious and cultural sites. A visit to Italy may include time at Vatican City, the spiritual home of the world's Catholic population as well as time spent in the medieval cities of Venice or Florence. Italian regions vary greatly; some are more urban, such as the area surrounding Rome, while others are more rural in character, such as the area surrounding the Amalfi Coast. Seven to nine days is ample time to tour an Italian region in depth.
Rome and Amalfi
Rome was the center of an enormous empire for several hundred years. Rome today remains a city filled with attractions. Five days is enough time to explore many Roman attractions. During this time frame you can visit the galleries of the Villa Borghese, Rome's second largest park. Walk through the Roman coliseum, one of the best preserved coliseums in the world. After a tour of the coliseum, walk through the ancient forum site adjacent to it. Here you'll find many sites, including Julius Caesar's graveyard, the Arch of Constantine as well as the vestal virgin's ancient fire-tending area. Roman attractions include Vatican City, the fashionable streets of downtown and some of the world's best museums. After a visit to Rome travel to Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Naples is an old city built next to a volcano that still smolders. Further down from Naples lies the scenic Italian region of Amalfi. Many towns hug the coast, such as Sorrento and Positano. Swim in the clear blue waters, stroll the lemon groves and walk in the city center of Amalfi where you can buy locally-made ceramics.
Venice and Florence
Venice is a city built on islands. No cars are allowed. Instead, the city's over one hundred islands are connected by canals and bridges. Venice is filled with art museums such as the Peggy Guggeheim museum of modern art and ancient churches such as Saint Mark's in Saint Mark's Square, once called the "drawing room of Europe" by Napoleon. Plan on four to five days days to tour Venice. Florence is about two hours away from Venice by high speed rail. The trenititalia train leaves directly from Venice and brings you to the Florence train station. Florence was the capital of a Renaissance city state. Purchase tickets for the Uffizi, or the office, home to some of Italy's greatest art treasures, including works by Bottechelli and Leonardo Da Vinci. Visit the local science museum to see what Galileo thought and where he taught. Visit the Duomo, the magnificent medieval church where Medicis worshiped. Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, one of the oldest bridges in the world. Plan at least three to four days to fully see the treasure of Florence.
San Remo, Genoa and Cinque Terre
The Ligurian Sea is where the west coast of Italy meets the Mediterranean sea. Seven to nine days is ideal to get to know this area well. Start with a tour of San Remo, a resort town on the Italian Riviera. San Remo has many quaint streets and lovely beaches. Consider using it as starting point to spend a day or two touring nearby French Riviera towns such as Nice. After two or three days in San Remo take a quick trip to Genoa. Genoa was once home of an empire centered on the sea. Today Genoa is an attractive town and home to Europe's largest aquarium. After a day or two touring Genoa, head via train to the Cinque Terre or five lands. Each mountain town offers fine seafood, excellent beaches and views from nearby hills of the entire coast.
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About the Author:
S. Herlihy has been a freelance writer since 2001. Her work has appeared in many publications, including "USA Today," "The Women’s Independent Press," "Big Apple Parent" and "ComputorEdge Magazine." Herlihy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the City University of New York.
