“I love places that have an incredible history. I love the Italian way of life. I love the food. I love the people. I love the attitudes of Italians.” – Elton John
Why visit Italy
Try to find a person who did not like Italy after a trip to this European country. Even if you ask people who have never traveled before:” What foreign country would you like to see first?”, in most cases, their answer will be: “Italy, of course!”.
We visited Italy several times and have over four months of living and traveling in that country behind our belt. Alexander and I lived in Rome for 5 weeks. When our daughter was 7, the three of us traveled through Italy by car. The third time, I chaperoned a group of high schoolers (our daughter and her classmates) on a bus trip. And recently Alexander and I joined a group tour which lasted for over two weeks. There is much more to see in this country and we hope to revisit it soon.
Where else do they have so many historical monuments such as Coliseum and Forum in Rome; art gallery as Uffizi in Florence; sinking city of Venice; the ruins of Pompei; leaning, but still standing the Tower of Pisa?
If you love beautiful views, Italy will never disappoint. The bay of Naples, the valleys and mountains, the lakes, and the seas (Italy is surrounded by the four of them: Adriatic, Ligurian, Ionian, Tyrrhenian). The list of places to visit is endless.
Italy is world-famous for its’ fabulous wines and cuisine. When we traveled with a group tour, the wine was served with every single dinner. Cappuccino tastes better in Italy than anywhere else. The Italians love their pasta. But did you know, that many other delicious Italian dishes do not include pasta at all?
We found the Italian people to be friendly, warm, affectionate, and helpful. They like to sing and laugh and use a lot of gestures. Many of them speak English – a big plus for us, Americans.
Where to sleep in Italy
(select accommodation from the best hotel booking sites)
- HotelsCombined.com (Compare all the top travel sites in one simple search)
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- Booking.com (Over 2,119,000 hotels online. Hostels. Apartments. Motels)
- Priceline.com (Find a lower price, you’ll get a refund 100% of the difference)
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- Expedia.com (Sign up for member prices and you could save 10% or more)
- Agoda.com (Guaranteed lowest price on hotels, resorts,
hostels , homes & more) - HostelWorld.com (Stay in a hostel and meet the real world, not the tourist brochure)
Where to eat in Italy
Every year, millions of tourists flock to Italy. Unfortunately, in many restaurants and trattorias, frequented mostly by tourists, the quality of food and service can be disappointing. Therefore, try to choose eating establishments which are away from the popular excursion routes.
Go to the restaurants which are simple in decoration but filled with locals. The atmosphere at such places is relaxed, the dishes are delicious and generous. The food is prepared from fresh ingredients.
In Italy, you will encounter many types of eating establishments, and for your wallet and satisfaction, it is helpful to know the difference between them.
Book your flight to Italy
Best time to visit Italy
The best time to travel to Italy is in the fall (September and October) or spring (April to June)
Tip
In Italy, if you come to the restaurant for dinner in the early evening, most likely the restaurant will be empty. At that time, do not expect warm and fast service from the waiters. Italians eat late. Stop for dinner not earlier than at 8:30 – 9 pm. For lunch better to come after 1:30 pm.
