When you arrive at Venice Santa Lucia train station you know you are in a very special city. Know as, Queen of the Adriatic. City of Bridges. City of Water. City of Masks. La Serenissima. Whatever name you call it, the gold-encrusted, eccentric grand dame of Italy spreads herself out like an extravagantly embroidered cape over 118 islands and across 400 bridges in the Venetian lagoon.
Planning a trip to Rome? You’ll quickly learn that there are many efficient ways to get around the Eternal City. Read on for expert tips on navigating the city chariots and Vespas and those infernal, infamous paving stones that surely must have claimed their share of high heels from fashionable Italian shoes.
If you want to discover a corner of Italy away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowd, one of the best choices that you have at your disposal is Puglia. Sometimes referred to as “the heel of the boot,” Puglia remains one of Italy’s underexplored gems.
Instead of trying to take in as many famous locales as you can in a day, take a page out of Puglia’s book and explore Italy at a slower pace. From ancestral farmland to a dazzling sandy coastline, Puglia has many of the charms that you’d come to expect on an Italian adventure.
While many people will roam the Tuscan hills, at the heart of Tuscany lies its capital — the cultural, artistic, and culinary jewel that is Florence. Considered the home of the Italian Renaissance, Florence was Europe’s most important city for around 250 years, the delights of which remain today.
What to do in Florence? We’ll provide you with a quick Florence travel guide that covers the not-to-miss Florence attractions.
Art in Florence
Two of Italy’s most iconic pieces of art reside in Florence.
One of Italy’s most historic ports, Genoa has been a powerhouse of trade and commerce on the Mediterranean for thousands of years… and has the culture, architecture, and culinary scene to back it up. Voted the European Capital of Culture in 2004, this medieval city holds many delights for the curious traveller.
Things to Do In Genoa
What to See
The old town of Genoa is a sight to behold with the most significant medieval centre in Europe, due to its history as a key Mediterranean port of the Middle Ages.
Taking the train from Rome to Venice is one of the quickest and most relaxing ways to travel between the two cities. Sit back and enjoy the journey while the scenic Italian countryside glides past your window.
Unlike any other sort of transportation, traveling by train means you don’t have to wait for arrival at the destination to get your tourist on; you get a comfy, front row seat for the whole country.
The popular train ride from Florence to Rome is no exception. Put down your phone, tuck that riveting new novel back in your bag, and look out the window. Discover the towns, landscapes and landmarks when you travel from Rome to Florence (or from Florence to Rome) by train.
First, the practical stuff.
What’s the distance between Rome and Florence?
Italy is a wild and wonderful country with rich, varied and passionate history. It should come as no surprise: if you go beyond the usual wine festivals and carnivals, you can take in some truly remarkable cultural events in Italy. Here are just a handful of off-beaten-path Italian festivals to experience during your visit to Italy.
1. Battle of the Oranges (Carnival of Ivrea)
When: Late February to early March
Where: Ivrea, Piedmont
Some of the greatest moments in travel come from an unexpected surprise: you discover a fantastic restaurant by wandering down a strange alley, or you meet a new friend at the cheese shop who invites you on a hike with some of the best views you’ve ever seen.
Some of the more unpleasant moments during travel can also come from an unexpected surprise: you arrive in Venice, but everything’s closed due to a local religious festival; or you’ve gone for a beach holiday but didn’t realize how chilly the Amalfi Coast is this time of year.
There are lots of ways to save money when on vacation. Taking the train is a great, inexpensive and quick way to travel, especially in Italy. For example, did you know you can get from Rome-Fiumicino Airport to the center in just 32 minutes by train? But what about when it comes to hotels and accommodations in Italy? Let’s explore your options for staying in Italy on a budget!
