I'm going to Italy on a family holiday for two weeks staying in Tuscany. What things would you rate as unmissable things to do and see while we're there? 1. The Colosseum, Rome
Colosseum (Colosseo), Rome, Lazio
From afar, the Colosseum looks impressive. But once you manage to get past the excruciating long lines, pickpockets, and "gladiators" who try to pressure you into having your photo taken with them, it's not much more than a gutted out arena.
2. Leaning Tower of Pisa
Leaning Tower of Pisa (La Torre di Pisa), Pisa, Tuscany
It's tall, and it leans, sort of like Lurch in The Addams Family. Take a picture of it and go have lunch in a less crowded area of Pisa.
3. The Pantheon, Rome
Pantheon, Rome, Lazio
Again, like the Colosseum, best viewed from outside. There's not much to see inside the Pantheon except the tomb of Italy's great king, Victor Emmanuele II. At night it's a magnet for aspiring rock stars and Hare Krishnas.
4. Sorrento
Sorrento, Campania
It's official: Sorrento is now an extension of the United Kingdom. There are enough English-style pubs, football jersey stores, and mediocre restaurants to make you think you're in some sort of Anglicized Little Italy. Sorrento lacks the charm and attractions of other Amalfi Coast towns.
5. Ponte Vecchio, Florence
Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Tuscany
Florence's famous bridge is a classic example of how we have spoiled that which we have loved: The Bridge is usually so crowded, even at night, that it is difficult at best to enjoy the views, the sights, and the sounds of Florence from this ideal vantage point.
6. Bridge of Sighs, Venice
Bridge of Sighs, Venice, Veneto
Claustrophobia-inducing, dark, and dank, this bridge was the connection from the Doge's Palace to its prisons. If you want to get a sense of what it's like to be a condemned prisoner heading toward execution, then this is your cup of tea!
7. The Blue Grotto, Capri
Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), Capri, Campania
A boat trip to view Capri's legendary Blue Grotto is a gamble: You risk nausea, long waits, crowded boats, and being seriously overcharged. In the end, it's not worth the hassle.
8. The Spanish Steps, Rome
Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna), Rome, Lazio
Not the place to try your Rocky impression. The excruciating climb to the top gives little to no payoff--you get much, much better views of Rome from the Capitoline or Palatine Hills.
9. Mount Vesuvius, Naples
Mount Vesuvius, Naples, Campania
Europe's only active volcano: Smoky and ominous, even from a distance. So why tempt fate?
10. La Pieta, Vatican City
La Pieta, Vatican City, Lazio
It is a shame that one of Michelangelo's best known and most beautiful works must reside behind smeared, bulletproof glass--that additionally catches the glare of camera flashes--to keep it safe from the multitude of visitors who view it every year. But sadly, you will see more detail of the sculpture by viewing the Pieta in a very good coffee table book. Rome, Venice, Florence, Siena, Portofino, Sorrento, Capri, Amalfi Coast, Taormina, Dolomites. 1) rome is the most beautiful city that we have. and it's so rich in history.
2) the leaning tower in pisa. it's awsome believe me. I've lived in pisa since I was born and it still impresses me.
3) florence is my favourite italian city. so elegant and fascinating. and not too big so you can enjoy it walikng
4) venice is unique in the world. you won't be disappointed. but it is also very expensive
5) amalfi coast. I've never been there but I've heard nice things about it. just pay attention at your wallet while in naples area
6) taormina in sicily. all sicily is nice, not only taormina but I guess you won't have enough time to add it to your trip
7) tipical places like san marino or san gimignano, which is in tuscany. they are small villages on the top of a hill. very old with narrow tiled streets...
8) cinque terre in liguria. very close to tuscany.
9) as you're staying in tuscany I also suggest you siena.
10) lake como in the north. As you are going to stay in Tuscany, don't miss San Gimignano and its best ice-cream in Piazza della Cisterna. The small gelateria where you cannot sit down. Then charming Siena. If you want to spend a day at the sea-side, a beautiful place is Golfo di Baratti nearby Populonia. This is a place out of the beaten paths but if you will be able to go there you will thank me for it! In Tuscany = Florence/Pisa/Lucca/Montalcino
but really everywhere you go you'll love it! 1. The Coliseum (Rome) - You can't miss this - so much history and so HUGE!
2. Venice in general - It is amazing to see a city where the streets are water - so romantic - a place I will never forget. One of my top ten places, in the world!
3. Cinque Terre - good hiking, beautiful scenery, great pesto!
4. Spanish Steps (Rome) - a great place to people watch
5. David (Accademia Gallery Florence) - just breathtaking - one of those things where your heart will just skip a beat when you turn the corner and see it
6. Leaning Tower (Pisa) - Climb to the top, but hold on - I was sure we were going over the edge!
7. Trevi Fountain (Rome) - buy a bottle of wine from a nearby street vendor, sit in front of the fountain, and enjoy!
8. Piazza della Signoria (Florence) - hold on to your wallet - but enjoy the activity around the square - the Ponte Vecchio is nearby
9. The Pantheon (Rome) - The size and magnitude is breathtaking!
10. Vatican City - Even if you aren't Catholic, it is a very moving place to visit.
Have a great trip! rome
naples
venice
milan
sicily 1-Turin
2-Rome
3-Florence
4-Venice
5-Udine
6-Sn Marino
7-Vaticano
8-5 terre
9-Val d'Aosta
10-try our food Hmmm....It wasn't easy, but I've narrowed it down to 10.
* The Forum (Rome) - I don't usually suggest patronizing a street vendor, but do yourself a favor and get one of those "Rome - Past & Present" books from one of them. The books use overlays to show you what each structure in the Forum used to look like, it's history and what it looks like today. Very useful.
* The Colosseum (Rome) - Much more than just a gutted arena. The history of this structure is amazing. Get a pass in advance, skip the line and stand in awe of the grand scale of this place. In the interior of the arena there are remnants of ancient graffiti on display, left by spectators for their favorite gladiators.
* Baths of Diocletian (Rome) - The size of this place is overwhelming. Must be seen to be believed.
* Pompeii - Hop on the train to Naples and transfer there for a train to Pompeii. Please note, you need a full day for Pompeii, at minimum! Don't attempt it if you only plan on spending a couple hours. You will miss out.
* Pisa
* Taormina (Sicily) - How can you not visit Sicily!?
* The Amalfi Coast
* The Pantheon (Rome) - Grab lunch at one of the restaurants with outside seating (Not the McDonalds, tho, please!), sit and people watch.
* Vatican City - You don't have to be Catholic to enjoy the beautiful museums!
* Cinque Terre - Go! You will not be disappointed.
* San Gimignano - ditto. Hello! if you are travelling with your family to Tuscany I suggest you to visit this website www.ariannandfriends.com, they will give you all information about Tuscany, and suggest many ideas to spend time in the right way, cooking classes, outdoor activities and many other tours and activities that will help you to enjoy Tuscany and learn about history, culture and lifestyle in Italy! |
