How I Would Describe It In One Sentence
An unmatched charm and lively culture keep this beautiful European country just as fresh and exciting as it was 2000 years ago.
Summary
There’s so much to like about Italy, that it is easy to see why so damn many people flock to it each year.
As the country which was once the center of the Roman Empire, it comes as no surprise that there are ancient artifacts strewn all across the land. There’s Roman history everywhere, which will certainly keep any history buff busy. And thanks to all of that history, the country has had plenty of time to develop a tasty cuisine that the whole world worships.
Those who don’t already have a significant other when heading to Italy might leave with one – as the locals love to express emotion in all ways imaginable.
What It’s Best For
There are few places in the world that offer a vibe as romantic as Italy. The Southern European country just seems to ooze romance in every way, making it the perfect place to go with a sweetheart or significant other.
But as everyone knows, Italy is also full of beautifully diverse landscapes and ancient history. From Milan to Sicily, there are icy glaciers, rolling hills, sunny beaches, and everything in between. And though the country has been under the same language for thousands of years, there has been plenty of time for each community to develop its own cultural trends.
For those who want scenic beaches, authentic Italian food, and warmer weather – then Southern Italy is a great bet. The prices are also far cheaper than in the north, as the economy isn’t quite as strong.
However, those looking for a cultural experience or more mountainous terrain, are best sticking to the north. While there are still beautiful oceanfronts at places like Cinque Terre, the real selling point is the mountainous lakes like Lake Como.
Cities/Events/Attractions I Visited
Cinque Terre
In many ways, Cinque Terre is exactly what foreigners expect of Italy. It’s got terrific food, scenic oceanfronts, and lush green vineyards fading into the horizon.
Cinque Terre, meaning ‘Five Lands’, consists of five major villages located along the Italian Riviera. They are a series of medieval towns that were built right into the coastline, that now adorn a colorful pallet of paint on their walls. Each town is jus
For those visiting, hiking to all of the towns is a must, and sort of a right of passage while exploring the area. With an early start, they can all be seen in one day, as long as a good pace is set. Along the way, hikers can see unbelievable views of the deep blue ocean, lush vineyards, and locals tending to their quaint homefronts.
Venice
Aquaphobes best steer clear of Venice, as the town was built entirely upon a series of canals.
The classical town was originally built upon small islands fortified with dirt, sand, and wood around the year 400. However, the materials weren’t compacted enough during the expansion, which led them to compact after the city was built on top. As a result, the beautiful city of canals has continued to sink into the ocean at a rate no other city can compete with.
Nonetheless, the city has tons of beautiful architecture, glasswork, and foods to keep a visitor busy for days. Even just walking throughout the town is interesting enough, as the series of canals constantly reveal new scenic sights. For beautiful hand blown glass, check out the nearby island of Murano, which can easily be accessed by ferry.
Rome
All roads lead to Rome. Which doesn’t seem that surprising after a visit to Italy’s capital city.
Rome may frequent movies, magazines, and artwork, but there’s much more to the ancient city than meets the eye. Sure, it has unreal amounts of history, and is a pretty perfect city for that. But for those who feel like having a big night on the town, it’s also got a lively and vibrant nightlife present in many of its neighborhoods such as Trastevere.
Best of all, Rome is a pretty cool place to just walk around and take in the sights. Entering any of the ancient buildings isn’t really a necessity, as much of their greatness can be seen from the outside.
Cities/Events/Attractions I’ll Return to See
Venice Carnival
Elaborate costumes and masks make the Venice Carnival one of the most exciting events the city hosts.
Venetian carnival is a grand celebration before Lent, allowing both locals and tourists to drink together and showcase costumes made especially for the event. The traditional costumes can be anything from colorful robes with feathers, to all black robes encrusted with jewels. And of course, any other exotic costume seems to be welcomed too, as long as it is classy and elegant.
Each year there is a competition for the owner of the most beautiful mask. A panel judges the contestants, and then proceeds to choose the mask which exerts the most beauty. Throughout the celebration locals and foreigners alike unite over drinks, food, games, and laughter.
JUST A REMINDER – Though I have been to every country that I write about, I occasionally throw places and events that I may have missed, or plan on going back to see. Those events/locations are in blue text.
Ryan Hicks' Travels 