L' Italia Per Sempre!
Italy retains it’s status as an ideal vacation destination for good reason. It rivals all in art, history, cuisine, fashion, architecture, beaches and of course - people! Modern civilization, history and nature seem to merge there in an eternal harmony unlike anwhere else in the world. There are countless tourist attractions scattered throughout it’s four main regions as well as the major islands of Sicily and Sardinia. The Northwest is most noted for Milan and the Italian Riviera, the Northeast features Venice and Verona. Central Italy includes Rome, Florence, Tuscany and Pisa, while Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and island of Capri could be included in a Southwest tour. There’s also the islands of Sicily and Sardinia which could fill a vacation schedule all by themselves. Far too much to see in any one vacation, or even one lifetime, but once you've visited Italy, you'll be tempted to try!
All Roads Lead to Rome!
With some of the most famous landmarks in the world - including the Colosseum, Vatican City, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps - to name a few - it has vibrant, historic beauty emanating from every cobblestone. It's nicknamed "the Eternal City" and it's easy to see why. Five hundred year old drinking fountains are commonplace and each point of view could provide a frame from an ancient Roman epic, neorealist drama or modern thriller. A continuous, living art exhibition and thriving city of inescapable allure.
Venice - City of Dreams
Regarded among the most emblematic and magical destinations in Italy, Venice somehow exceeds even the most enchanted expectations. To journey through it's maze like, saturated alleys, cross over idyllic bridges and enter the stunning Piazza San Marco is truly awe inspiring. Only one of many captivating vistas you will enjoy there, along with the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge and meticulously crafted details that accent every new turn. Famous for gorgeous custom glass creations and centuries old carnival mask designs, the whole city is a potpourri of glittering inspiration.
Pisa - Magical Accident
Like it's mythical Babylonian counterpart, the Leaning Tower of Pisa seems to illustrate humankind's ambition, folly and redemption at the same time. Along with the adjacent Chapel it's an ode to idealized, harmonious structure. The graceful and ordered ascent appears qualified to reach the heavens - aside from that one glaring flaw - which somehow makes it even more extraordinary! A must see for anyone interested in iconic art and architecture, it makes a great companion piece to nearby Florence with it's plentiful renaissance marvels.
Pompeii - Window to the Past
Beyond the well known catastrophe that made it famous, Pompeii offers insights that can't be expressed in words. Within it's crumbled structures and dormant streets, an outline of a society that feels ubiquitous emerges, while artifacts that adorn it suggest a culture as alien as any science fiction fantasy. The impending presence of Mount Vesuvius puts it all in profound perspective. It is one of Italy's most visited locations, so prepare for crowds and give yourself time to explore the labyrinth of acute discoveries it has to offer.
Capri, the Resort of Emperors
Since ancient times, the island of Capri has served as a vacation getaway to the stars, including the Emperor Tiberius, who designed a permanent headquarters there. Jutting nearly 2,000 feet above the Tyrrhenian Sea it creates corresponding bays below a high promenade, Belvedere of Taagara, which offers views of unimaginable beauty. The southern bay of Marina Piccola, although a tourist enclave, feels isolated and remote. The hike to the islands' crest weaves through a network of stone lined alleys alive with decorative vegetation. Reaching the apex, you'll find a modern setting as vogue and trendy as any Tiberius could fathom. A tourist oasis in any era, Capri is incomparable.
Positano -Gem of the
Amalfi Coast
Dug into the rocky cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, Positano best typifies the vertical cities of that region. At its center, the majestic Santa Maria Assunta church is it's most recognizable landmark. With narrow stairways and passages that spiral in every direction, it's an explorers exotic paradise. Fashion, crafts and cuisine are found at the lower regions, but venture further up through terraces of lemon groves and you'll discover seemingly unspoiled hamlets of locals, unfazed by the thriving tourist district below. Each remarkable view is surpassed by the next and every offshoot offers new wonders to experience. The first pearl in a string of Amalfi Coast towns, visiting Positano is starting down a magical path without end and impossible to forget.
