Italy
March 11, 2017
When you think of pasta, pizza, and wine, what comes to mind? Italy! I went to Italy with my family of five in 2010. Italy is beautiful, and the food is even better than it looks. Almost everyone knows English, so ordering at restaurants is no problemo! Their culture, history, food, and language are all aspects that make the country so fascinating. There is so much to do, so many places to go, and so much to see! So pack your bags, grab your passport, and head over to Italia!
WHERE TO STAY
- ROME
- Villa Spalletti Trivelli Hotel. This elegant hotel is conveniently located in the center of Rome. It's just a couple minutes away from the Trevi Fountain, Rome's shopping districts such as Via Del Corso and Via Condotti, and other of Rome's fascinating historical museums and churches. This hotel features an interior decorated with antiques, showing a sense of Italy's artistry and history. It's curb appeal and top-deck floor that displays a beautiful view of the city definitely sways any tourist to stay here!
- VENICE
- Ca' Pisani Hotel. This hotel is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 due to a combination of it's tasty breakfast, prime location, friendly service, and large variety in picking the room that's just right for you. Located just behind the Accademia Museum (home of Michelangelo's David), this hotel provides prime location for tourists to sightsee and explore while located adjacent to the historical bridge over the Grand Canal.
- FLORENCE
- Santa Maria Novella Hotel. Just this hotel's eye-popping view of the Florence Cathedral Duomo Di Firenze is worth the bang for your buck. The luxury of having walking distance to Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo di Firenze, and San Lorenzo Church, all of which are individually important to Italy's history, makes this hotel a top destination for any tourist. It's interior is gorgeous and classy, and it's exterior displays the typical architectural look and beauty that Florence pertains.
WHAT TO DO
- ROME
- Tour the Colosseum! The Colosseum is a HUGE part of Italy's history and a mega tourist spot. You can't go to Italy and not see the Colosseum with your own two eyes. Taking a tour is the best way to go. Getting a tour guide to walk you around the arena and provide you with history and interesting facts (such as the fact that there are 32 trap doors underneath the floor of the arena) is the way to go. That way you avoid trying to teach yourself the history! The tour I went on was mind blowing, insightful, and it was amazing getting the opportunity to actually walk around inside the Colosseum.
- Check out The Sistine Chapel located just outside of Rome in Vatican City. The Sistine Chapel is the site used during the process of choosing a new pope. Inside you can look up and see the unbelievable ceiling that was painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. Aside from it's beauty, you can learn from informational pamphlets and tour groups waking around that Michelangelo painted the ceiling from a standing position. In order to reach the ceiling, he created a wooden structure that hung from the ceiling, allowing him to stand straight up with his back against the wooden structure.
- VENICE
- If you're tired of walking around but don't want to sit around in the hotel while you're vacationing, then taking a ride in a Gondola is the perfect route to take! Rates are as follows: $51 per adult, and children ride for $33 each. A ride in a Gondola will allow you to live a sight-seeing experience like no other. You sit in a cushioned boat, traveling on Italy's blue water, passing century-old buildings, gliding under bridges, and glaring at the most dazzling views Venice has to offer.
- FLORENCE
- Explore the Uffizi Gallery. This museum is one of the most famous of the world. This art museum features work that dates back to the periods between the 12th and 17th centuries with pieces from famous artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo Di Vinci, and Raffaello to list some of them. This gallery gets over a million visitors every year.
WHERE TO EATALY
- ROME
- Trattoria Monti. This casual restaurant serves homemade pasta, mouth-watering desserts, fresh salads, and warm bread. This busy restaurant is great for children and families. Typically, a person spends €11-21 for their meal. It is located next to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, another touristy hotspot. That being so, I recommend that you make a reservation since the waiting time is usually long.
- VENICE
- Ristorante Rosa Rossa Pizzeria. This restaurant is located in the prime of Venice; just a block away from the Grand Canal. This modern and hip restaurant serves great quality wine and many selections of meals fill the menu. However, stick to the pizza here. The pizza is delicious and what they are known for. Johnny Depp was also spotted here!
- FLORENCE
- Boutique Della Pasta Fresca. Word on the street is this boutique sells the best homemade pasta around town, and that stands. This pasta is complimented because of it's freshness and appetizing taste. The menu is simple and cheap, but make sure you beat the lunch crowd; this place closes at 2:30pm!
HOW TO GET AROUND
- Walk! Renting a car in Italy is not a smart move. The roads are narrow, jammed with cars, and the driving skills on the road are not up to speed. It's ironic because those Italians have no problem going above the listed speed.
- In places like Venice, traveling by Water Taxi and/or Gondola is super fun and a great way to get from Point A to B. I mean wow, you are in a boat on the gorgeous blue water while traveling through the city, sightseeing as you go.
- Do not get a moped. They seem fun, but they cause many accidents, especially if you are unfamiliar with how to drive one!
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