lake Como
This country is a destination that most people dream of visiting at least once in their lives, and there are many reasons that support the above. It is a nation full of cultural and historic beauty, where each region has a twist that makes it more attractive in the eyes of the traveler.
Well you can go north and glimpse the huge lakes surrounded by the Alps if you like outdoor activities, or perhaps love history and prefer strolling through the ancient ruins in Rome, or maybe want a more romantic atmosphere and navigate the canals of Venice. You kill for being the beach? Head to the quaint seaside Cinque Terre area, west of Italy.
Pretty people visit the most popular
cities like Rome,
Venice and Florence, but if you plan to really experience all that this country has to offer, you should definitely spend more time in rural villages and in the coastal area, which is where lies the country and not so touristy Italy.
Due to the high popularity of Italy abroad, travel expenses within it may be high, although it is possible to deal with a low budget. The Italian south is less expensive than the north, and is also the least explored region.
The climate is very varied, being warm and dry in the south, while in the mountainous area of the north is cold and wet in places. The coasts are warmly welcome in July and is where the heat reaches its peak.
Traveling during low season (fall and winter) ensures you're saving money, and you'll avoid the hordes of travelers who are overwhelming in the summer months. The simple idea of a place to visit in winter may annoy more than one, but still a nice place to meet Italy, especially on dates near fall and spring season, when the intensity of the cold is less.
So much to do in this country who literally would need a lifetime to traverse from end to end. As in so many other great nations of the planet, ignoring the urge to want to know everything. Better yet, take your time, go slowly and only so enjoy every second for your trip to Italy.
Other Interesting Data
The St. Peter's Square, Vatican
Much of the country is a peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea, which shares a border to the north by France, Switzerland, Slovakia and Austria. Needless to say, the official language is Italian, but as you travel along the Italian geography find many regional dialects. The German and Slovak is spoken in the northeast, in places bordering Switzerland and Slovakia, while there are small villages northwest where French predominates over.
Two microstates within Italy: San Marino and Vatican. Although not belonging to the European Union, these two states are part of the Schengen Area, and Italian becomes official language. The currency of these micropaíses (as in Italy) is the Euro (EUR). Check this currency converter to find out to what is instead of Euro in relation to the currency you are using.
Another important fact is that Italians are mostly Catholics, and much of this influence see her in his manners and way of being. In general, they are informal dress when, but when it comes to social events opt for the formal, and if they attend religious events.
Approximate costs
Accommodations: Accommodations are not cheap, especially in major cities and tourist areas. In a shared hostel dormitory will cost between $ 20 and $ 40 a night, while a private room no less than $ 60. Of course there are lower prices, but they are somewhat hard to find. The most thrifty in this regard is Couchsurfing or camping, and the latter option are places for sleeping with your tent at a reasonable price. At present there is a tendency to stay in rural farms in regions such as Tuscany, Piedmont, Umbria and Sardinia at more affordable costs, allowing you to explore more closely within Italy.
In the following website you can separate your accommodation before arriving in Italy.
Transport: There is an extensive network of trains, as well as being economical and efficient, covering much of the country. The company almost always has ItaliaRail discounts between major cities, and prices ranges from $ 40 $ 80 (it also depends on if you go in first or second class). As for the bus system, it's pretty good because it allows you to arrive at villages or villas unfamiliar (Eurolines is the most used of its kind). Similarly, you can fly within Italy with airlines like Ryanair.
Food: The food concept is very different from what is known in the West. The truth is that Italian cuisine is nothing more pizza, pasta and lasagna, but includes one of the most diverse cuisines on the planet. Eating on the street, do yourself the idea that spending will be about $ 25 a day in the cheapest restaurants. It would cost an average of $ 60 a week to cook your own food. If you are looking for a good restaurant, go outside the tourist areas of the neighborhood to visit and so will taste dishes of quality at a reasonable price.
What to visit
One of the many canals of Venice
Amalfi Coast: The coast, located in the southwestern region of Campania, is famous for the diversity among its fishing villages, many of them set along picturesque cliffs. For its extraordinary beauty, all the municipalities that are part of this coast were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Florence: Known universally as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is the most populous city in Tuscany and is considered a cultural, artistic and architectural gem worldwide. As for the political, cultural and economic, was the most important city in Europe between the fourteenth and sixteenth century. Today, Florence entertain you with its old buildings, museums full of art, narrow streets and vibrant lifestyle.
Rome the capital of Italy is emblematic, like Florence, a destination full of history and art, from the fact that once was the capital of the ancient Roman Empire. Your visit to Rome will take you through palaces, plazas, alleys and ancient cathedrals witnessed great historical moments. Not every story is not as well abundant radiant cosmopolitan scene and an enviable nightlife.
Pompeii: Located near Naples, the ancient city of Pompeii was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, and buildings whose inhabitants were buried under a blanket of ash. The simple act of walking through the streets and see the bodies of people (whose poses at death have been preserved over time) is too impressive. Browse Pompeii is full is something that you can take at least two days.
Venice: When you think of a romantic destination, Venice is the first option that comes to mind, is that its canals and gondola rides are suitable for couples thousands of tourists have an unforgettable experience. Even if you are not going to plan so romantic, you can explore the different churches, palaces and plazas you find.
Cinque Terre: Cinque Terre, which means Five Lands in Spanish, consists of 5 villages (Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso and Vernazza) located along the shores of the Ligurian Sea. Despite being a rather expensive area, worth a visit for the picturesque and colorful houses and landscapes. You can make all the hiking you want to know the step and vineyards. Cinque Terre is in the same way as the Amalfi Coast, a Global Heritage.
The Vatican Today, the Vatican does not need any introduction. It is the central point of the Catholic religion, and besides being the official residence of the Pope, is a sovereign state (within the city of Rome) with a staggering amount of art and history. The most important sites are the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Square unequaled point of entry to the Vatican.
Sicily: This is the largest island of Italy and the Mediterranean, but its fame lies not in its size but in the thousands of activities you can do outdoors. Swim in the beaches of the island, walk around Mount Etna, visit the various temples Phoenician and Greek settlements scattered throughout Sicily are just one of the many things that occupy your time. The summer heat is pretty tough, so it is best to visit during fall and spring, when the temperature is still bearable.
Alberobello: Another of many World Heritage sites that abound in Italy. Alberobello is a town with a unique touch of architecture, whose conical roofs are well known among travelers. Alberobello is also the center of the annual report to the basilica dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damian pilgrimage. This site is worth visiting between November and April, when there are not many tourists crowding the streets and the prices are not so high.
Lake Como: Como No doubt the most famous is also the deepest (416 feet deep) lake and across the country. The same shaped letter "Y" inverted, giving it that length that makes it more attractive to take spectacular pictures. Like many lakes in Europe, as it is surrounded by mountains, where you will see beautiful villas and five-star resorts on the shore. Also, there are any number of paths for hiking, boating and water activities.
Siena: A charming medieval city like no other, Siena is located in the region of Tuscany, northern Italy. It has a large fan-shaped square called Piazza del Campo, which is where the unique and colorful horse race known as Il Palio, which arise twice a year during the summer is done.
Sardinia Island famous in Europe for its beautiful beaches, mountains and archaeological sites, Sardinia is an island that fill the tastes of nature lovers in particular. A good place to start exploring the island is Cagliari, capital of the island. There are many archaeological ruins scattered in Sardinia, some of them near the beaches.
(The prices quoted in this article are in USD)