I'm traveling to Italy in 2023

Italy was born out of a series of city states. Today, each of its cities preserves that atmosphere that distinguishes them from each other, with its own collection of famous treasures, among which are beautiful cathedrals and important paintings by Leonardo da Vinci. Travel from one Italian city to another, see the relics of the Roman Empire, some of the largest and most spectacular churches in the world, and some of the most celebrated works of Renaissance art.
Start your journey in Roma, the center of the world, both for Catholics and for Renaissance. See historic Roman artifacts and architecture, including monumental Coliseum, the old administrative center in Roman forum, as well as the Pantheon. Afterwards, visit the Vatican City located in the central area of ​​Rome, where the Pope's residence is located. Head towards the St. Peter's Basilica, walking through the square of the same name. It is the largest and most important basilica in the Catholic world. Admire the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, located in one of the Vatican museums.

Head north to the region of the Toscana and visit the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, Florence. Tour the city's main art museums to witness the artistic wonders of Italian art, such as Michelangelo's David on display at the Galleria dell'Accademia delle Belle Arti, or the Birth of Venus in the Gallery Uffizi. In the nearby city of Pisa you will see one of the most important attractions in Europe, the Campo dei Miracoli, famous for its Bell tower inclined. Finally, tour the vineyards of Tuscany, including the famous region of Chianti.

The northernmost part of Italy has two other important cities for you: Venice y Milan. Take the opportunity to take a walk along the Canal Grande in Venice. Afterwards, arrive in Milan to contemplate the Duomo, one of the most fascinating Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Nearby is the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, with a simpler style, although its facilities house a very important work: the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.

Travel to Italy by plane and arrive at the international airports of Rome, Milan or Venice. Touring the country by car or train is an ideal option. To end your visit with a well-deserved rest after visiting the great cities of Italy, sail to the quiet Mediterranean islands of Sicilia o Sardinia.

Rome, the city on seven hills, is divided into districts that are often known for the key attractions each has to offer. The Italian capital is characterized by its cobbled streets and boulevards, but mainly by the Tiber River that runs through it. Carry a map while exploring the city, especially if you visit some of the older districts, as the addresses and streets can be a bit confusing at first. Walking is the best way to get around the narrow and intricate paths of the historic sites. Buses are the most practical option for public transport.
However, getting lost in Rome is part of the charm. You could discover a hidden treasure like an underground bakery that serves “cornetti” (little horns fresh from the oven) or an archaeological excavation in the center of a busy street.

In addition, a mandatory stop on your visit to Rome is to admire its artistic and architectural monuments. In the Vatican, you'll find Renaissance wonders like the Palazzo Senatorio (the Senate Palace) and the Sistine Chapel. And you will also find Baroque jewels such as theSt. Peter's Basilica, Plaza of Spain as well as theTrevi's Fountain. Travel to even more remote times to experience the Roman Empire up close: stroll through Roman Forum, which culminates in the imposing Coliseum. Between each of your walks, sit down and enjoy a coffee in one of the squares of the old city, such as the Navona Square.

Along with opera and other musical styles, soccer and architecture, Romans adore food and wine, and you can eat deliciously all over the capital. In Rome there is quite good Italian cuisine and wine. Spaghetti carbonara is a classic stew, however, true Roman cuisine is much more than pasta. It is simple and delicious food that is prepared with whatever is available in season.

Once you've visited the must-see landmarks each day, do as the locals do. Find a corner to eat your “gelato” (ice cream) and contemplate the pink tones of the sunset while you practice the Roman ideal of “il dolce far niente”, or “how sweet it is to do nothing”.

Walk the cobbled streets and bridges of this pedestrian-friendly “flooded city” and let your senses carry you away. Hear the water crashing against the gondolas. Breathe in the aroma of truly Italian food and savor exquisite wines on the restaurant terraces. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin as you walk through the St. Mark's Square (“Piazza San Marco”) and listen to street musicians singing serenades to lovers.
Venice is a very lively city even in winter. Summer is usually very warm and is when most people visit the city. If you prefer, come in private or autumn, when the weather is more temperate. It is easy to visit the main attractions in a matter of a few days. The St. Mark's Square(known as "La Piazza") is the perfect place to start. There you will see two of the most spectacular buildings in Venice: the St Mark's Basilica and Ducal Palace ("Palazzo Ducale", in Italian) In the Basilica you will find the best example of the Byzantine influence in Venice, with the golden mosaics and the complex domes. For its part, the Palazzo Ducale is sure to impress you with the luxury and power it reflects.

The Grand Canal forms an S and passes through the main points of interest. You could spend hours just looking at gondolas and “water buses” (the so-called “vaporetti”). Or, jump on one and take an unforgettable ride. The aquatic tour can take you past renowned buildings such as Ca 'd'Oro, the Basilica of Saint Mary of Health and it will allow you to pass under the representative Ponte de Rialto. Try a traditional dish made of rice and peas (risi e bisi) in a traditional “osteria” (a small restaurant that serves local specialties).

Be sure to check out other Venetian treasures, like the Church of Santa Maria de los Milagros (Chiesa Santa Maria dei Miracoli), a pure marble church dating from the XNUMXth century. Take a boat ride to the islands Murano y Burano. Both are known to the artisans who work with glass (Murano) and lace (Burano). The walk around the islands can be done quietly in one day from the always busy but irresistible heart of Venice.

Savor your days in the City of Canals and indulge in the food, romance and luxury of Italy.

Florence is often mentioned among the most beautiful cities in the world. The capital of Tuscany was the cradle of the Renaissance, where Michelangelo, Donatello, and dozens of Europe's most revered artists practiced their trades. Stroll the network of cobbled streets and visit its boutiques, historic cafes and extraordinary galleries.
Brunelleschi's dome at the top of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo, in Italian) dominates the horizon. Seen up close, the cathedral is no less impressive. The colorful marble facade occupies a prominent place in the cultural and physical heart of the city, the Piazza del Duomo. The central location of the square makes it the perfect starting point from where you can visit the main attractions of the city.

Walk in any direction to find more Florentine delights. To the south is the Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi), one of the most revered and important art museums in the world. Spend an entire day admiring the masterpieces of great Renaissance artists such as Botticelli, da Vinci, and Raphael.

Cross the Old Bridge, the famous pedestrian bridge that crosses the Arno River, to appreciate more artistic works in the Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti). The palace, once the residence of the ruling Medici family, houses a series of galleries containing works by masters such as Raphael and Caravaggio. In the Boboli Garden (Giardino di Boboli), nearby, you will discover one of the first examples of Italian garden design, a place that also offers you splendid views of the entire city. To the north you will find magnificent examples of harmonious and rational design, so important to Renaissance art. The Church of San Lorenzo (Basilica di San Lorenzo) it is distinguished by the artistic work of Brunelleschi and Miguel Ángel.

Several cafes located between the galleries and shops serve typical Tuscan delicacies such as prosciutto ham, tomato soups, and Florentine steaks. Sit back and watch locals pass by on their scooters or in the latest designer outfits. This is the home of the Gucci brand, and residents are very passionate about its style.

Florence has a hot, Mediterranean climate. There are only prolonged periods of bad weather during the winter months. The city attracts about 8 million visitors each year, so you are likely to always meet a lot of people even in the off-season. Book your tickets to the galleries in advance, especially the Uffizi, as you may not get them if you simply show up there on the day of your visit.

The main attractions in the city are within a 15 minute walk away from each other. Florence's public transport is efficient, and electric buses serve the main museums. Driving and parking can be problematic.

The Renaissance towers, medieval walls, and rooftops that bathe the city in a variety of stunning shades of red have all contributed to its reputation as one of the most photogenic cities in northern Italy. However, contrary to Florence, Milan and Venice which have huge tourist crowds, Bologna has a tight-knit community of local people, which gives the city a welcoming atmosphere. Bologna is home to the oldest university in Europe and its large student population makes for a lively nightlife. Although the history of Bologna is long and fascinating, its contemporary culture is alive and well, with some of the best restaurants, galleries and festivals in the country.
Bologna is beautiful all year round, but if you want to enjoy the magnificent landscapes for which it is known, and see the sun embrace its streets and rooftops, visit it between the months of April and October. If you come in winter you will love the city's famous covered walkways, known as I Portici. These make it possible to traverse the city center without directly experiencing inclement weather. Follow the corridors to reach the main monuments of the city, including the towers degli Asinelli and dei Garisenda, the twin towers of the Renaissance that can be seen all over Bologna.

Food is one of the most important aspects for an Italian; so the fact that Bologna is considered the gastronomic capital of Italy will excite even the finest palates. Thanks to the excellent quality of the products and the importance given to the kitchen, it is difficult to find bad food here. Look for pizzerias and trattorias with local people, as they are likely to be the best in the area. The pasta dish served with a rich meat sauce is a regional delicacy, now known around the world as spaghetti bolognese.

Bologna is well connected with the main Italian cities by means of the Italian high-speed rail system, but also internationally, thanks to its international airport. Once in the city you can get around by bus, taxi, on foot, or, you can do like the locals and rent a bike to visit the city in style.