Italian capital Rome is a wonder of ancient relics and vibrant street life. Of course, your first stop should be a visit to the Colosseum, which is understandably the most visited site in the country, seeing over 5 million visitors each year. Expect it to be busy, which is why we suggest booking a tour for you or your gift recipient ahead of time, allowing you to skip the long lines. After being guided through the massive amphitheatre and hearing the harrowing stories of the gladiator era, make your way over to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where more ancient ruins and tales of the Roman Empire can be found. Next, pay a visit to the smallest nation in the world: The Vatican City. You could spend hours checking out the immense collections at the Vatican Museums, but no visit is complete without marvelling at Michelangelo's ceiling paintings at the Sistine Chapel or visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest and most beautiful churches in the world. Head back to the epicentre of Rome’s historic area and check out the best-preserved building from ancient Rome, the Pantheon, toss a coin over your shoulder at the Trevi Fountain and watch the sun set over the city whilst standing atop the Spanish Steps. With so much to cover on foot, a bike or segway tour is a great way to see the city and your gift recipient is sure to have a lot of fun exploring the city on wheels.
Slow down the pace and head north to Florence, capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance. Shop, dine, or simply just wander throughout the cobbled streets where, no matter which alleyway you turn down, you’re almost guaranteed a view of the magnificent Duomo, which dominates the city. Climb the 463 steps to the dome’s top and be rewarded with stunning views of Florence. Or, if you’d prefer a view with the dome in it, hike to Piazzale Michelangelo and watch the sunset over the city. Full of one-way roads and pedestrian-only streets, Florence is a walking city, so allow yourself or your gift recipient to see the city from a different perspective whilst on a bike or segway tour. Walk across Ponte Vecchio, a bridge lined with decadent gold jewellers. Spot the fake replicas of Michelangelo’s famed David sculpture at Palazzo Vecchio and Piazzale Michelangelo before checking out the real deal at the Galleria dell’Accademia museum. If you or your gift recipient want to live like a local, take a tour of Mercato Centrale, the central market where you can purchase your groceries as the locals do on the first floor and then make your way to the second floor to indulge in the delights of freshly prepared meals from a range of local vendors. While in Florence, don’t forget to treat yourself to a cup of gelato - the delicious treat was born here!
Turn up the romance dial and head northeast to Venice, a stunning city built on hundreds of small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. You could spend hours simply getting lost in the streets, although don’t be alarmed - Venice is a maze you won’t want to escape. An iconic Venice experience is, of course, to glide down the grand canal on a gondola ride. As you go see if you can spot the famous Rialto Bridge or the Bridge of Sighs. Hit up the Piazza San Marco, where you can visit the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica, step back in time at the Doge’s Palace or ascend St. Mark’s Campanile for mesmerising views of the city.
Venice is known for its glass and lace, so after exploring the main city, hop on a ferry and take the short ride to the island of Murano, and be wowed by a glass blowing demonstration. Afterwards, journey on to the island of Burano, a picturesque island known for its lace making and brightly coloured fishermen’s houses. Venice is a photographer’s dream, making a photography tour of the island the perfect gift for a loved one visiting the city.
Yet, perhaps the most iconic Italian experience of all is the food. Famous for its pasta and pizza, its cheese and wine, one cannot visit Italy without a food experience. The options are endless. Gift a loved one with a food tour, a wine tasting, or even a cooking class, where they can learn the secrets behind the perfect Italian recipe. A food experience will provide the ultimate immersion into Italian culture and is an opportunity available no matter where you are visiting.
So say Buongiorno to Italy, a country of culture and history, of dramatic mountainscapes and coastal views, of romance and delicious cuisine. No matter if you or your gift recipient visit the north or south, see the country in summer or winter, or stay for weeks or only a day, there’s no doubt you’ll fall in love with Italy.
