Italy’s Stunning Seven

Seven cities in Italy that you just can’t miss!

#1:  Cinque TerreThe Cinque Terre, (CHEEN|KWEH TEHR|REH), is located along the rugged coast of the Italian Riviera. The region consists of five small fishing villages along the Ligurian Sea — Riomaggiore, Manarola, Cornelia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. The five towns are close enough that you could stroll from one to the other in a few hours.  You would quickly realize that each small village has a personality all its own. The Cinque Terre is accessible by train with a connection in the nearby La Spezia.  Choose one village as a base, and get lost in this romantic region!

#2:  TuscanyThis Central Italian region is painted with picturesque countrysides bursting with olive trees and rolling vineyards!  How about go cycling through the countryside, with a stop at a vineyard for a picnic lunch?  For a truly authentic experience, stay in a Tuscan villa staffed with a local chef  who can offer cooking instructions on local cuisine.  A trip to the market to gather ingredients for the evening meal will be an unforgettable experience with the aid of your personal chef.  Small, Medieval villages, like Siena, must not be missed.  Villas, vineyards, villages, and vino — what’s not to love about Tuscany!
​

​#3:  FlorenceThe capital city of Tuscany and birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence boasts some of the greatest art and architecture in the world! Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia for a look at Michelangelo’s “David,” or the Uffizi to view da Vinci’s “Annunciation!”  Wander the streets of the old city, but take a map!  Cross the Ponte Vecchio for a little window shopping on the Gold Bridge, or climb Giotto’s Bell Tower (only about 400 steps!) for a magnificent view of Florence and the surrounding area!  Florence is easily accessible by train from Italy’s most popular cities!
​

​#4:  VeniceThe unparalled beauty of the more than 100 islands separated by canals and linked by bridges makes Venice one of the most exciting and romantic cities in the world!  Riding a gondola, weaving through the labyrinth of canals and bridges, listening to the sound of the water lapping on the side as a skilled gondolier sings into the night —  Wow!  What an unforgettable “Watercolor Memory!”  Stroll through Piazza San Marco tracing the steps of Galileo Galilei, who tested the first telescope on the loggia, high above the square.  And, do not forget to tour St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doges Palace, both enchanting “Must Sees!”   Believe it or not, you can arrive by train!

#5:  Rome“The Eternal City” and Italy’s capital, Rome is one of the most magnificent cities in the world!  How would you like to walk in the footsteps of the gladiators on the arena floor of the Colosseum, taking an underground tour that most tourists never see?  How about a visit to the Sistine Chapel before the doors actually open to view the spectacular, awe-inspiring frescoes of Michelangelo?  From there you can head over to the Vatican Museums and the unbelievable St. Peter’s Basilica!  Now,  your trip would not be complete without tossing a coin into Trevi Fountain, over your left shoulder with your back to the fountain!  This insures you will return to Rome!

#6:  Capri / Amalfi CoastOff the coast of Naples lies the small, rugged Isle of Capri.  After a beautiful ferry ride over,  you can take a boat tour to view the electric Blue Grotto, or hop a bus or taxi to Anacapri, the delightful city above Capri Town.  Here, you must be fitted for a custom pair of leather sandals,  a tradition made famous by the former first lady,  Jackie O!  For a breathtaking view of the Isle and the surrounding azure waters, take the chairlift up to the peak of Monte Solaro!

Along the southern coast of Italy lies the Sorrentine Peninsula, an area with a rugged coastline dotted with colorful fishing villages wedged into the jagged cliffs.  This coast, the Amalfi, is one of the most breathtaking drives in the world.  The main town in the area is Amalfi, but the picturesque Positano is the favored child in this region!  According to Steinbeck, “Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.”  Your senses will be engaged with the scents of luscious lemons looming in the air and the cool, salt breeze blowing your way.

#7:  Lake ComoThis wishbone shaped lake located in the foothills of the Alps in Northern Italy is sometimes thought of as a  playground for the rich and famous, and rightfully so! Beautiful villas and luxury hotels  line the mountains that make up the perimeter of the Y-shaped lake.  With the city of Como as your base, daily ferries are your connection to the charming villages of Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo, and Varenna, each with personalities of its own.  Although this cluster of cities around Italy’s deepest lake is a prime area for hiking cycling, and swimming, it is undeniably an amazing place to relax and rejuvenate.