While I cannot be considered an expert on either Italy, or traveling abroad, I would recommend visiting Italy at least once in your lifetime. There are many justified reasons as to why Italy is recognized as the most re-visited country in the world.
My wife and I vacationed there last Fall, taking part in one of those all-inclusive group tours, which included visits to the country’s most popular destinations. We immediately felt both welcomed and comfortable in each city, while traveling along this incredible journey. And while we observed the stunning countryside, consumed wonderful food, indulged in ritualistic wine tasting (both organized and non-organized), and enjoyed mostly favorable climate, it’s the people and their culture, both past and present, that have made this country so unique and intriguing. It just so happens to be set within a beautiful backdrop, in the heart of Europe. What has become quite apparent to me, over time, is that the real beauty of this country is being overlooked by its natural beauty.
After landing in Milan, and traveling to quaint Verona for a quick lunch, our first extended time was spent in Venice. A city that is literally sinking, and lacking roadways, transportation is via canals, bridges, and waterways, to the three main islands. Additionally, Venice is surrounded by many historically old buildings, apartments, hotels, businesses and neighborhoods. It’s a city that survived on its bodies of water for its livelihood, for transporting the goods and services they produced and delivered throughout the city and the country. The beauty (both real and natural), and the uniqueness of Venice is quite evident, from the numerous canals, to the craftsmanship and operation of the gondolas, to the world famous Murano Glass Factory, and to the unmistakable history and charm of St. Marks Square, which includes the Basilica, Doge’s Palace and, of course, all those pigeons!
Our next destination, where all 30 in our group stayed for three nights, was in Cortona, which is beautifully surrounded by Lake Trasimeno and the Appenines. Our accommodations included a wonderful 16th century villa, nestled in the mountains of Tuscany. Cortona may appear vaguely familiar to some tourists, as “Under the Tuscan Sun” was filmed here.
The next planned stop, during our 10 day excursion, included an afternoon in the every-street-looks-like-a-post card city of Florence, where art, tourism, and shopping are abundant. A magnificent city, rich
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