Ciao! Buongiorno! Buonasera! Italy, the European country that is famously known to be shaped like a boot, is a fantastic tourist destination. From the scenic coastal views to the food, there is much to do and experience. One of our very own team members, Flip, recently returned from a vacation in Italy and shared some of his favourite experiences and tips from the trip.
When planning a trip anywhere, you must consider the weather and tourist season. Tourist season in Italy starts picking up in May and the summer weather also starts coming in. Since there is so much to do and so many cities you might want to visit, there will be a lot of travelling around. Flip said, “My top tip is to travel light, especially in the hotter months. You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking and moving around. Keep it simple and pack the essentials. You’ll be happy when you’re trying to haul luggage from town to town.”
Now food is always one of the top 3 things you look for when planning a trip. Food is central to the Italian culture. But how do you know where to get the best foods from when there are choices everywhere? Flip’s advice for eating in Italy is, “Go where the locals go! Stay off the main streets and touristy areas. You will save money and enjoy much more authentic and local foods.”
Did you know that the different regions of Italy have their own unique food pairings and preferences? In the north, fish, potatoes, rice, and different cheeses are more popular while in the south their dishes are dominated by tomato. Pasta dishes are served in tomato sauces or with fresh cut up tomatoes. They also favour peppers and olives. Central Italy is known for pizza, especially in Naples.
Learn more about Italian foods by region.
There are many ways to cook and enjoy pasta and pairing it with a nice glass of wine is also an Italian norm. Who doesn’t love a good plate of pasta and a fine glass of wine for lunch or dinner? Italy is also well known for its vineyards and wineries. A few of the top wineries to visit are:
You obviously must plan some sightseeing activities and enjoy the beautiful scenery around the country. Some popular tourist spots are:
- Rome
The capital city of Italy is home to the Colosseum. You can visit other landmarks in the city like Palatine Hill and the Forum Romanum (the political and legal centre of the Roman Empire), The Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain.
- The Amalfi Coast
This beautiful coastal area is known for its natural beauty and beaches. You must visit the town of Positano here, the Villa Cimbrone Gardens, and if you’re looking for beautiful architecture then you cannot miss out on the Duomo di Amalfi.
What else can you do on the Amalfi Coast?
- Venice
This city is filled with activities and sights to see. Most famous for the gondola rides in the Venice canals, Venice also has great sightseeing spots such as St. Mark’s Square, and the Campanile di San Marco.
- Florence:
This city is Flip’s favourite because it has “such an amazing mix of culture, cuisine, and vibrant people.” If you’re a history buff and architecture admirer, be sure to visit the different cathedrals and historic buildings all around Florence.
Do you want to plan an Italian vacation now? It would definitely help if you knew a few key phrases in Italian then. Cudoo is the perfect place to learn some Italian before your trip. You can explore all the Italian course options offered at Cudoo at this link: https://cudoo.com/product-category/languages/italian/
Good luck and safe travels wherever you decide to go!
Leonie Ramkaran
Latest posts by Leonie Ramkaran (see all)
- BE YOUR OWN BOSS - August 25, 2023
- WHY YOU SHOULD LEARN PORTUGUESE - July 28, 2023
- RELAXATION TIPS & TECHNIQUES FOR ALL STUDENTS - July 21, 2023