Hello Steemit Community,
It's a little risky to give advice on the things you need to do in Italy. One thing is certain - to visit Bel Paese – “the beautiful country”, as the Italians call it, is really one of the things you have to do in life. Then things vary depending on the tastes, the financial possibilities, and the length of your journey. Still, if you go to Italy for the first time, this list may be very useful, and if you are already in love with this beautiful country you can some ideas for your next visit.
Italy is not in any way a small country, maybe it is not as vast as China, Russia or The United States, but a preliminary plan is definitely needed. If you want to move inside the country, trains are a very good option. They are not very expensive and they are fast and comfortable (not to mention that they are equipped with AC). Your other option is to rent a car and bathe in the beauty of the Tuscany’s landscape, while cruising slowly to your next destination. Italy road network is vast and all highways are well maintained and fast.
Which are the best months? - It's hot in the summer, especially in August, moreover many of the restaurants are closed for a summer vacation. The best time to visit Italy is in the spring or the autumn. May, June, September, October are ideal for that purpose.
You will never stay hungry in Italy, this is the second sure thing. It is also true that the kitchen in Northern and Southern Italy is not the same. It is one of the most incredible cuisines on the planet, regardless if you eat at a fancy 5 star restaurant of at a local, small family place, your pallet will explode from the mix of spices, herbs, chesses…it is not a coincidence that the “Eat” part, from the book “Eat,Pary,Love” was exclusively concentrated around Italy!
Ok, so you are here, you have tried a locally made sandwiches with mushrooms and now know what real pizza tastes like, here are things that you have to do next:
1. Take Boat #1 around Venice canals
You probably imagined a gondola ride in Venice, but I do not recommend it. It's a pretty expensive pleasure that's only worth if you want to have a fancy pictures and in the end it isn’t as romantic. Instead, take boat No. 1(these are the local equivalent of Buses, in cities, where there are streets instead of canals) from the beginning to the end of the course. Take ice cream for the road and someone to cuddle under the Venetian night sky. Expect incredible night panoramas and the moon of Venice, which is reflected in the canals. It is enriching, beautiful and emotional experience!
2. Plan your stay to visit "The Last Supper" in Milan
Milan is not among the top destinations in Italy, unless you want to go shopping. But there is located Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece "The Last Supper". Every tourist has only 15 minutes to enjoy this wonder of art. Tickets are booked months before, but it's worth it.
3. Visit Uffizi Gallery in Florence
It is present in almost every list of mandatory things to see in Italy and there is a reason why. No other place in the world has such an incredible collection of works of art from the Italian Renaissance. Here the impressive heritage, once gathered and commissioned by the Medici, is kept and maintained.
4. Pay for a guided tour of the Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are the pearl of the Vatican. For that reason that best thing that you can do is to reserve your tickets well in advance. You can walk alone, but the museums are huge and you risk losing your time exploring minor exhibits, while the guide will direct you to the truly magnificent treasures. As a bonus, many guided tours include a tour of The St. Peter's Basilica. Also by doing so you cut the incredibly long queues and won’t hate to wait on the scorching sun, before entering the Museums.
5. Climb onto the roof of The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence
If you are afraid of heights and narrow spaces, do not do this. This recommendation also applies to the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, from where the Vatican Gardens and all of Rome are visible. In Florence you can enjoy the historic center of the city and explore the interesting architecture of the cathedral. If you want to see the temple itself from above, then go to Giotto's tower.
6.Eat a pizza in Naples
The feeling of eating pizza, in the place where it originates is incomparable. So eat a pizza in Naples. Here the Brandi Pizzeria is located, the place of the first pizza - Margarita, named after the Queen of Italy, soon after Her Majesty liked this meal.
7. Visit the Greek ancient ruins in Sicily
In Italy, Roman excavations are more common, but in Sicily there are many remains of the Greeks' settlements. The valley of the temples at Agrigento is definitely worth visiting. On top of that in Sicily you can try granite - ice syrup with a breakfast muffin or the famous cannoli all, known all over the world - something like sweet cucumber wafers.
8.Drive a car along the Amalfi Coast
In many places in Italy, driving is kind of adrenaline inducing experience. From all the pictures, you have seen, you have a vague image of how narrow are the streets. The Amalfi Coast is one of them, but the sights are worth it. The roads are steep and the bends are sharp, and under the rocks is the sea. But if you want an even more exciting walk - find a local motorbike for rent and drive along the cost.
9. Go to the beaches in Sardinia
Costa Smeralda - or the Emerald Beach, is one of the most beautiful beaches not only in Italy but also in the world. In the whole of Southern Italy the sea is nice, but in Sardinia it is the best. Italians love to go there, but foreign tourists are not so numerous.
10.Discover Trastevere district in Rome
When you get tired of walking around Rome or have had enough expensive poorly prepared meals around the tourist sites, go to Trastevere. This old, affluent neighborhood is full of winding streets, peace and tranquility, cheap dining venues and noisy groups of young people enjoying their night.
Whatever you choose to do in Italy, you can't get it wrong!
Just don't forget to have fun and travel on!