Italy: A must-see destination for travelers from around the world.

Visiting Rome, Venice and Pisa, as well as walking in Tuscany, were unforgettable experiences that shaped my trip to Italy. Each of these places offered me unique memories and magical moments.

Whether exploring the artistic treasures of Florence, enjoying authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples or navigating the romantic canals of Venice, Italy promises moments of discovery, delight and wonder.                                                    

Italy is a country located in southern Europe, famous for its rich cultural heritage, fascinating history, delicious cuisine and varied landscapes. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, the Gulf of Venice to the northeast and the Alps to the north, forming a natural border with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Italy includes many distinct regions, each with its own cultural identity and unique traditions.

Rome, the Eternal City

The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is the largest and one of the most famous fountains in Rome. (Photo Uguette Chiasson)

My journey to Italy began in Rome, the Eternal City, where each stone seems to tell a thousand-year story. Upon my arrival, I was struck by the imposing grandeur of the Colosseum, a powerful symbol of the ancient Roman Empire. Visiting the nearby Roman Forum took me back to the glory days of ancient Rome, where the remains of temples and public buildings testify to the past greatness of this civilization.

But Rome is not limited to its ancient past. The papal city is also home to the Vatican, a holy place for millions of faithful around the world. Saint Peter’s Basilica, with its magnificent dome designed by Michelangelo, is an architectural marvel that inspires respect and admiration. The Vatican Museums are full of artistic treasures, from the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel to the sculptures in the Gallery of Statues.

Getting lost in the cobbled alleys of the Trastevere district was an experience in its own right. Far from the tourist bustle, I discovered the authentic soul of Rome, with its ancient churches, family trattorias and picturesque squares where residents meet to exchange the latest news.

From Rome, my journey took me to Florence, a true jewel of the Italian Renaissance. This city is an open-air museum, where every street reveals an artistic treasure. At the Uffizi, I contemplated the immortal works of Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci, while the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore impressed me with its imposing majesty.

Tuscany and its jewel: the city of Florence, a beautiful discovery

The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Italy is commonly known as the Florence Cathedral or the Duomo di Firenze

Tuscany, a picturesque region in the heart of Italy, was one of the most memorable stages of my trip. As soon as I set foot in this land of vineyards and rolling hills, I was captivated by its mesmerizing beauty.

Florence, the jewel of Tuscany, welcomed me with its cobbled streets and elegant palaces. Every corner of this city breathed art and history. I found myself in front of the majestic cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, amazed by its imposing dome and its facade decorated with colored marble. Inside the Uffizi museums I admired Renaissance masterpieces, from Michelangelo to Botticelli, which seemed to come to life before my amazed eyes.

Then I criss-crossed the Tuscan countryside, where the vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. In the Chianti region, I discovered the secrets of wine making, tasting local wines in picturesque areas. Each glass of wine was imbued with the generous terroir of Tuscany, taking me to the heart of this iconic wine region.

The hills of Tuscany, lined with slender cypresses and green olive groves, were the perfect setting for peaceful excursions. I ventured into the hilltop villages of San Gimignano and Montepulciano, where time seemed to stand still. Each narrow street contained architectural treasures, from Romanesque churches to medieval palaces, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Finally, I tasted the delights of Tuscan cuisine, where simple and authentic flavours were in the spotlight. From fresh pasta, to truffles, to comforting ribollita, each dish was a celebration of local gastronomy. In the family trattorias, I shared hearty meals with friendly locals, discovering the true art of living in Tuscany.

My stay in Tuscany was a real immersion in the beauty, culture and gastronomy of this emblematic region of Italy. Every moment spent between its golden hills and historic cities will remain etched in my memory as an unforgettable experience. Venice, a magical city with winding canals and majestic palaces, was the highlight of my trip to Italy. Upon my arrival, I was captivated by the enchanting atmosphere that reigns in its narrow streets and lively squares.

Exploring the canals on a gondola in Venise

A Gondola in Venice (photo Uguette Chiasson)

Then Venice welcomed me with its winding canals and opulent palaces. Exploring the canals on a gondola was an unforgettable experience. Sliding gently on the calm waters, I was transported to a world where romance was king. The gondolier, with his Venetian charm, added a touch of poetry to this picturesque ride, deftly guiding us through the city’s water mazes.

Saint Mark’s Square, with its imposing basilica and elegant bell tower, was an architectural gem. When I laid eyes on this magnificent square, I felt my heart racing in front of so much splendor. It was as if time had stopped, allowing me to fully appreciate the beauty of this emblematic place.

Exploring the Doge’s Palace plunged me into the fascinating history of Venice. Each sumptuous room and each dark prison seemed to tell a different story, carrying me through the centuries into the city’s glorious past.

But Venice is not limited to its emblematic monuments. The picturesque districts of Dorsoduro and Cannaregio offered me an authentic vision of Venetian life. As I walked through their cobbled alleys, I discovered lively cafés, craft shops and traditional trattorias where I could enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

Finally, an evening at the opera La Fenice was the highlight of my stay in Venice. Surrounded by the splendor of this historic theatre, I was transported by the enchanting music that filled the air, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Venice will remain forever engraved in my memory as one of the most beautiful travel experiences.

The nearby islands of Murano and Burano offered me a fascinating insight into Venetian craftsmanship. In Murano, I was able to attend demonstrations of glass blowing and acquire unique pieces directly from the hands of talented craftsmen. In Burano, the colourful houses and peaceful canals transported me to another world, where time seems to flow more slowly.

Milan: Capital of fashion and design

Located in northern Italy, Milan is a modern and dynamic city that combines tradition and innovation in a captivating way. Explore Milan’s majestic cathedral, with its slender Gothic spires and impressive sculptures, and discover the city’s artistic treasures at the Brera Museum and Brera Pinacoteca. Go shopping in the famous Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, with its world-renowned designer boutiques and elegant cafés, and discover the trendy districts of Navigli and Brera, with their contemporary art galleries, design shops and trendy restaurants.

Naples: The city of passion and delicious cuisine

Nestled in the Bay of Naples at the foot of the Vesuvius volcano, Naples is a lively and colourful city known for its passion, culture and delicious cuisine. Explore the ruins of Pompeii, an ancient Roman city buried under volcanic ash during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, and discover the archaeological treasures of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, with its exceptional artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Don’t miss the authentic Neapolitan pizza, with its crispy crust, fresh tomato sauce and melting mozzarella, in one of the city’s many traditional pizzerias. Explore the narrow alleys of the historic district of Spaccanapoli, with its baroque churches, ancient palaces and lively markets, and discover the natural beauty of the nearby Amalfi Coast, with its steep cliffs, picturesque villages and crystal clear waters.

Pisa: The city of architectural wonders

Admire the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Piazza dei Miracoli (photo Uguette Chiasson)

Pisa is famous all over the world for its iconic leaning tower, but this Tuscan city has many other architectural treasures to discover. Admire the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Piazza dei Miracoli, with its Romanesque cathedral and ornate baptistery, and explore the picturesque alleys of the historic city centre, with its craft shops, lively cafés and traditional markets. Be sure to visit the Uffizi Museum on the Knights' Square, home to an exceptional collection of Italian Renaissance paintings and sculptures, and taste authentic Tuscan cuisine in one of the city’s many restaurants, with delicious dishes like ribollita (vegetable soup) and cecina (chickpea patty).

Bologna: The city of culture

Located in northern Italy, Bologna is a vibrant city that combines a rich culinary tradition with a fascinating cultural heritage. Explore the city’s medieval arcades, with their elegant shops, lively cafés and traditional trattorias, and visit the city’s iconic medieval towers, such as the Asinelli Tower and the Garisenda Tower, offering panoramic views of the city. Discover the artistic treasures of the city at the Modern Art Museum of Bologna and the Archaeological Museum, and do not miss tasting the culinary specialties of the region, such as tagliatelle with bolognese and tortellini with cream, in one of the city’s many restaurants.

Sicily: The island of beauty and history

Sicily is an enchanting island that seduces travellers (photo Uguette Chiasson)

Located in the south of Italy, Sicily is an enchanting island that seduces travellers with its spectacular scenery, fascinating history and delicious cuisine. Explore the ancient ruins of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, with its well-preserved Greek temples and breathtaking coastal scenery, and discover the artistic treasures of the city of Palermo, with its baroque churches, Norman palaces and lively markets. Be sure to visit the archaeological sites of Syracuse, with its ancient Greek theatre and Roman amphitheatre, and taste the island’s culinary specialties, such as arancini (fried rice balls), Sicilian cannolis (ricotta pastries) and granites (frozen desserts) in one of the city’s many cafés.

Italy is a country rich in history, culture and natural beauty, with iconic cities and spectacular scenery that captivate travellers from around the world. Whether you are passionate about art, history, gastronomy or nature, there is always something to discover in this enchanting Mediterranean country. So pack your bags and set off to discover the wonders of Italy, where every corner reveals a new story to tell and an unforgettable experience to live. Whether exploring the artistic treasures of Florence, enjoying an authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples, or cruising the romantic canals of Venice, Italy promises moments of discovery, delight and wonder.

Immerse yourself in the richness of Italian history and culture, and let yourself be seduced by the infinite beauty of this Mediterranean country that continues to charm travellers from around the world. Buon viaggio!

A 21-day tour in this beautiful country:

Day 1-3: Rome

- Day 1: Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine.

- Day 2: Explore the Vatican, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums.

- Day 3: Walk through the picturesque districts of Trastevere and the Pantheon, and visit the Trevi Fountain.

Day 4-6: Florence

- Day 4: Tour the Uffizi Gallery for Renaissance masterpieces, then climb to the top of the Duomo for panoramic views.

- Day 5: Experience the architectural beauty of Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio, then explore the art district of Oltrarno.

- Day 6: Day trip to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli.

Day 7-9: Venice

- Day 7: Explore St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.

- Day 8: Relax on a gondola ride through the Venetian canals, then visit the islands of Murano and Burano.

- Day 9: Explore less touristy areas of Venice, such as Cannaregio and Dorsoduro, and discover hidden treasures.

Day 10-12: Amalfi Coast

- Day 10: Transfer to Amalfi Coast. Relax on the beaches of Positano and explore the picturesque village.

- Day 11: Visit the nearby towns of Amalfi and Ravello, and enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

- Day 12: Hike along the God Trail for spectacular views of the coast.

Day 13-15: Tuscany

- Day 13: Visit the medieval town of Siena famous for its shell square, Piazza del Campo.

- Day 14: Explore the Tuscan countryside with wine tastings in the Chianti region and visit local wineries.

- Day 15: Discover San Gimignano, nicknamed the "city of beautiful towers," for its well-preserved medieval architecture.

Day 16-18: Cinque Terre

- Day 16: Hike along the coastal paths of Cinque Terre, passing through the villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.

- Day 17: Relax on the secluded beaches or explore the winding streets of the villages.

- Day 18: Take a boat trip along the coast to admire steep cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

Day 19-21: Milan

- Day 19: Visit Milan’s iconic cathedral, the Duomo, then stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade.

- Day 20: Explore the Brera area, known for its art galleries and elegant shops, then visit the Sforza Castle.

- Day 21: Enjoy a day of luxury shopping in Milan’s fashion district, then end your trip with dinner at a renowned Milanese restaurant.