Getting to Know Rome and Florence While Travelling in Italy

When you're planning that dream holiday to Italy, the key is to research first and not try to do everything at once. There is so much to see while in the country, when it comes to travelling, Italy is best bitten off in small chunks. 

If you want to visit the countryside, take time to explore it properly by driving around one area and not overextending yourself when travelling. Italy lends itself quite well to a slow-paced ride through small villages and hamlets, stopping here and there as whimsy strikes. But, if you want to immerse in the art and history and love the hustle and bustle of a large city, you may want to explore the two cultural capitals of Rome and Florence. Here is just a taste of what you can encounter in these two very different, but equally impressive, destinations.

Rome

"All roads lead to Rome," so the saying goes - and it is mostly true. As the capital city, and the largest in Italy, Rome requires some time for a proper exploration when you are travelling. Italy's extensive history is on evident display everywhere here. Since its founding in 753BC, Rome has been inhabited since some 14,000 years ago. The centre of the ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site - with the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon and the arches, just to name a few attractions. There are also the markets, the museums and lesser-known sites like the catacombs and the "bone church". Whatever you decide to focus on, be sure to give yourself ample time, as you could spend months in Rome and not truly see it all.

Florence

Often considered as the true heart of the Renaissance era, Florence is well worth an extended stay when you are travelling. Italy has plenty of art and fascinating historical locations, but none have the presence and beauty (and the sheer volume of priceless art) as Florence.

The historic centre of the city was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, and the Duomo, with its stunning artworks, doors and impressive views over the city, is a must-see. Then you must head over to the Ponte Vecchio, to marvel at the many tiny traditional jewellery shops that line the bridge. Spend a few hours in the Boboli Gardens and the Pitti Palace, then take a stroll up the hill to the Piazza Michelangelo, to watch the sunset reflect under the bridges of Florence as they cris-cross the Arno. In terms of art you are spoilt for choice, but don't miss the famous statue of David and the stunning works of Renaissance artwork displayed in the city's many museums.

Italy Travel Skills

Pizza, Pasta And Powder - Ski Italy

When it comes to snow sports, Italians tend to be a little more laid back with their skiing compared to their French, Swiss or Austrian cousins. In Italy, rather than queuing to catch the first lift to the summit, skiers are more likely to rise late, take a long lunch and finish early for an après ski Peroni beer, a glass of Cinzano or a shot of dark espresso. 

On a sunny day, you're likely to find more sun seekers than snow seekers, and it's not uncommon to see people stripped down to the briefs and bikinis, sitting on a slope-side sun deck soaking up the rays.

Italy is normally overshadowed as a ski destination by the better known ski resorts in France, Switzerland and Austria, but the Italians have a superb selection of their own resorts and are perhaps happy to keep their skiing secrets to themselves.

Italian Travel - A Tourist's Paradise

If you are looking for a great place to travel this summer, whether for a city break or a full blown holiday, then you could do far worse than to check out Italian travel. 

Italy has it all, from skiing (which would obviously be more of a tourist draw in the winter) to summer sun to fabulous cities to the cool and beautiful Mediterranean Sea. It literally has it all! No matter what you look for in a holiday, you could find a handful of places that would suit you completely and make you feel at home.

Italy by Train

Italy Travel

Italy, located in southern Europe, is one of the most favored destinations for tourists from all over the world. It is also popularly called "the boot" due to its geographical shape. 

There is no dearth of places tourists can travel to in this small country, which has a rich cultural heritage. Apart from the great cities of Rome, Milan and Venice, tourists often travel to the majestic Alps in the northern part of the country. One of the most famous spots in Italy is the Bay of Naples.

Italy Travel Package on a Budget

Find the Best Deals to Travel to Italy without spending a lot of Money

Italy is a top tourist location, and for the sake of this article we will look specifically at Rome and find the best Italy travel package we can for minimal cost. First we will start with flights; next we will look at accommodations and following this we will take a look into travel within Rome and Italy and the tourist destinations you will not want to miss out on.