Italian Holidays, Italian Dream

Visit Rome

When you visit Rome (Roma), you should bear in mind that you are visiting the capital of both Italy and the ancient Roman empire. Not to mention of the Papal State for many centuries.

For this reason, one of the most iconic monuments is the Colosseum, the ancient stadium where all gladiators’ fights used to take place.

The second most important monument is the St. Peter’s Basilica, in the Vatican city. It is the seat of the Pope, monarch of the Roman Catholic Church.

Piazza di Spagna, with the renowned Fontana della Barcaccia, is also worth a visit (and more than one). The imposing Spanish steps of Piazza di Spagna offer a wonderful oversight on the center of the Eternal City, as Rome is known.

Go for a night walk in Piazza Navona, in the area around the Trevi Fountain or in Trastevere.

Piazza Navona hosts some of the most beautiful fountains of Rome, embellished by the sculptures of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Worth seeing is also the façade of the church opposite the fountain mastered by Francesco Borromini. The piazza was built on the site of a sumptuous ancient Roman stadium, hence is elliptical shape. The outline of the piazza corresponds to that of the arena, where musical venues and athletic and equestrian contests called the Agoni Capitolini were held.

Unmissable a visit to the Pantheon, one of the oldest temples of the Roman age, which has been re-used throughout the centuries as the tomb of the most prominent Italians: monarchs, intellectuals and artists.  The area around the Pantheon is a vibrant and atmospheric, a lovely place to hang out and have a drink or grab a bite.

Admire Florence

Symbol of elegance, art, culture and architecture, Florence flourished during the Renaissance. You cannot miss Piazza del Duomo, with the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore and the adjacent Giotto’s Bell Tower, and Piazza della Signoria, the latter being one of the oldest market squares and a wonderful place where you can admire some of the most beautiful Florentine architectural achievements, such as Palazzo Vecchio. Historically it was the political center of the Florentine Republic, while Piazza del Duomo was the religious one. 

Enjoy a long afternoon at the Uffizi Gallery, located in Palazzo degli Uffizi, a palace designed by the famous architect Vasari for the Medici’s family, where you’ll find some of the most famous paintings by Leonardo, Raffaello, Caravaggio, Tiziano and Giotto and many others.

Famous for its collection of small jewelry shops, Ponte Vecchio is the picturesque bridge that crosses the Arno river. 

Hike CINQUE TERRE

Travelling up North-West, the Cinque Terre (literally, the Five Lands) is a very popular destination, set of five perched villages linked together along a short stretch of cliffs along the Italian Riviera: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. The five villages and the coastline are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A panoramic hiking trail, known as the Sentiero Azzurro (“Light Blue Trail”), connects the five sites. The trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola is called the Via Dell’Amore (“Love Walk”). The stretch from Manarola to Corniglia is the easiest to hike, although the main trail into Corniglia finishes with a climb of 368 steps.

Discover magic VENICE

Built on a lagoon, surrounded by shimmering canals lined by marble palaces, Venice (Venezia) is a very poetic and romantic place filled with history and art, known for its Piazza San Marco, the Carnevale, its gondolas and its many bridges and magnificent palaces and churches.

Contrary to popular belief, we recommend you to visit the floating city at the beginning of autumn or late spring.

The AMALFI Coast and the Imperial Island of CAPRI

If you want to take a break, this is the ideal destination in a mix of elegance, lush nature, culture and a breathtaking coast. Go visit it during the off-season, in order to avoid the tourist crowds.

Amalfi’s golden age occurred between X and XIII centuries when it was one of the four Marine Republics ruling Italy (the other three being Genoa, Pisa and Venice). Places to visit are the Cathedral of Amalfi, Ravello and Positano.

You see Capri and you can die. You cannot deny the beauty of the scenery of this “Garden of Eden”, once the retreat of emperors (Tiberius specifically), seat of monasteries and (still) place of exile. From the north of the Island you can see the Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. Capri enjoys constant sunshine, tons of visitors and some eclectic villas, having being home to many celebrities, socialites, artists and writers.

Charmed by some of the highlights of the Italian peninsula? Planning a trip soon and in need for tips and advice and some daily conversational phrases? Don’t miss the chance to join one of our Italian language courses, specifically designed and conceived for those who are travelling soon to enjoy the dolce vita in Italy!