Tours in Italy: Bringing History Back to Life
Evidence of this demand is obvious in the statistics: Italy is the fifth most popular tourist country on the planet. Not only that, but tourism in the country generated $39 billion in revenue in 2010, and saw around 45 million international visitors. This has to come as no surprise, because country really is a must-see tourist destination. For many, tours in Italy consist of a visit to four of the country’s most widely known cities: Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan. Each city offers something different and something similar all at the same time.
Rome – This is one of the most well-known cities not just in Italy, but also around the world. This exciting metropolis is modern and classic all at the same time. Anywhere you look, you can find remnants of the past. From the numerous basilicas to the countless museums, each structure got its own story to tell.
Among the most popular attractions is The Colosseum. Completed in 80AD, this landmark is the oldest around from Imperial Rome. The structure once was host to extreme gladiator and animal fights. Today, thousands lineup every single day only to have a glance at the interior.
Rome is also home to the Vatican. This city-state is widely recognized as the center of Christianity, but more importantly, it also holds some of the earth’s greatest art works. This includes St. Peter’s Basilica, the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and an work of art in itself.
Venice – This northeastern city is probably best known for its canals and gondola rides. Many individuals see the place just to experience the city’s unique and remarkable architecture. Built on a lagoon, the locale has a little more than a hundred bodies of land connected by over 400 bridges. The Grand Canal ranks among Venice’s most popular points of interest. It is teeming with all kinds of boats, and is lined with awe-inspiring buildings.
Florence – Just like the majority of Roman cities, Florence has a number of the world’s most splendid architecture. However, just like most modern Roman cities, the sites are lined with many eager visitors as well. Visitors hoping to steer clear of long lines and crowded areas should look at getting Florence day trips. Considering that the city is within the Italian province of Tuscany, it’s the perfect point of entry into the nation’s countryside. Florence day trips can include wine tasting excursions in one of the numerous vineyards, or a visit to Boboli Garden, overlooking the metropolis.
Milan – Considered by many to be the fashion capital of the world, the pace here is quicker than other Roman cities. The city proper contains numerous big ticket fashion stores. For those planning to shop till they drop, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II is a shopping haven. For those who’d like to experience more Italian culture, there are plenty of attractions to visit including the Duomo and La Scala.
Catherine Nichols is a tour guide who has taken holidaymakers in various tours in Italy. For a more in-depth look at the places you could visit, please have a look at Florence day trips.