The journey through Italy is one that you will not easily forget. This glorious country has something to delight everyone and it is rich in history, glamour, fabulous sights, smells, and tastes. Here are seven things not to miss on your Italian Odyssey…
An Italian Odyssey – 7 Things Not to Miss
An Italian odyssey starting with the Amalfi Coast – Wikimedia Creative Commons
The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline in southern Italy. It is known for its mild climate, and breathtaking panoramic views and thousands of visitors flock here every year to take in the breathtaking scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Join a bus tour or rent a car and drive west along the 40 km stretch from Vietri sul Mare in the east to Positano. You could also consider indulging in a boat trip from Positano to explore the inlets of this breathtaking stretch of coast.
Italian odyssey moves on to Tuscany – Wikimedia Creative Commons
Tuscany
Travel to the vineyards of Tuscany and you will be delighted by the beauty that surrounds you. You can tour the vineyards and sample the local wine or stay in a villa and possibly help harvest the grapes.
The Italian odyssey moves on to Venice – Wikimedia Creative Commons
Venice
Venice is located in northeastern Italy and this romantic city has been has been made famous by its unique series of canals and the bridges that cross them. Take a peaceful gondola ride along the Grand Canal and pass the stunning architecture that lines the canal. Be sure to visit Piazza San Marco and St. Mark’s Basilica. The shopping is great here and you can pick up some famous Venetian glass blown by world experts.
Florence
The city of Florence is considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance. You will see the paintings and sculptures by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, and many other famous historical artists here. The historic architecture is also rated among the finest in the world. It is also known for its modern fashion. You will find that Gucci, Cavalli, Emilio Pucci, and Ferragamo all have set up their headquarters here. Be sure to take a stroll down the famous Via de’ Tornabuoni for some fabulous shopping.
Sicily
Play a round of golf in Sicily. There is a fantastic range of different levels of difficulty among the courses and it is great for beginners and pros alike. Relax on these beautiful courses, practice your swing and then sample some fantastic Sicilian cuisine afterwards.
Italian odyssey visits the Pope – Wikimedia Creative Commons
Vatican City
Vatican City is actually a separate country within the city of Rome and it is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Be sure to visit the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Gardens, and the Sistine Chapel.
Italian odyssey – Ruins of Pompeii with Mt. Vesuvius in the background
Pompeii
Take a journey back in time to see what life looked like nearly 2000 years ago. Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79AD and destroyed the bustling city of Pompeii by killing everyone and coating everything in a layer of ash and dirt that perfect preserved the site. The excavation of the site has uncovered animals, people, art, pottery, furniture, and glassware that it is thousands of years old but perfectly preserved. You can also still see the stone streets and the remaining buildings.
Adventure on!
The goal of Traveling Ted is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then sign up for the email newsletter. Notifications are sent out once or twice a month with what is new with Traveling Ted’s adventures. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).
