Timeless Italy

Posted 9 September, 2024 John Pedler. This content is sponsored by Cosmos Tours.

Italy is a heady mix of ancient history, vineyard-draped hillsides, gorgeous coastal scenery, and food and wine to cross the world for.

If you’re planning a trip to Europe’s famous boot-shaped peninsula, consider taking an organised tour. This removes the hassle of arranging transport and accommodation, and you’ll have experienced tour directors and local guides to show you around.

Here are some must-sees to include on your Italian adventure.

The eternal city

Central Rome is like an open-air museum, with ancient buildings, statues and monuments at nearly every turn. Walk a short distance from the mighty Colosseum and you’ll come across the ruins of Trajan’s Forum and the 38m-high column sporting a statue of St. Peter.

Around the corner is the Piazza Venezia, a broad plaza featuring the imposing, multi-columned Vittoriano and its massive statue adornments – a more recent addition to the city’s skyline.

From here, the Spanish Steps, Fontana di Trevi, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and countless other historic sites are all within walking distance.

Under a Tuscan sky

No trip to Tuscany would be complete without visiting the region’s capital, Florence. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, the city was the centre of a cultural and intellectual revival that marked civilisation’s emergence from the gloom of the Middle Ages.

Famous for its Renaissance art and stunning architecture, the city’s centrepiece is the enormous Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, with its distinctive orange domes.

In the heart of Tuscany, the town of Montecatini Terme is renowned for its soothing spas. After a session in the restorative thermal waters, head out for a feast of local food and wine. 

Away from the bustling cities, experience the Tuscan countryside with its gently rolling hills, rustic villages, olive groves, orchards and vineyards.

Coastal coves

Dotted along the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera are five ancient villages that form the Cinque Terre.

Hit the beach at Monterosso, wander charming Vernazza’s tiny harbour, and enjoy a coffee and pastry on a Riomaggiore terrace. Take in the stunning sea views from Corniglia and explore the narrow streets of Manarola beneath a jumble of colourful clifftop houses (main photo).

Dockside delights

Built around its substantial port, Genoa is an exciting maze of squeezy alleyways just waiting to be explored.

At mealtime, pull up a café chair and try the region’s signature dish, pasta with Pesto Genovese, plus a side of fresh, Genoa-style focaccia.

Waterworld

There’s simply nowhere in the world like Venice. You may have seen the movies and travel documentaries, but the entrance to the city via the Main Canal will still be a jaw-dropper.

While some destinations may not live up to the hype, Venice is the real deal. Yes, there are gondolas, and yes, there’s an intricate network of fascinating canals criss-crossing the town.

While the medieval Piazza San Marco and the ornate Rialto Bridge are major attractions, it’s also exciting to explore the city’s labyrinth of backwaters.

There’s no better place to get lost and then re-orientate yourself over a caffè latte at a canal-side coffee shop.

From the ashes

In 79 CE volcanic Mount Vesuvius erupted and rained ash down on the affluent city of Pompeii, entombing the town. The rediscovery and excavation of Pompeii in the mid-1700s uncovered an ancient lifestyle frozen in time.

A stroll among the extensive and remarkably well-preserved ruins reveals the size and opulence of this once magnificent city.

See artefacts and tools used in the daily lives of the townsfolk, as well as walls daubed with frescos and children’s drawings. Pompeii is a snapshot of local life from nearly 2000 years ago.

When you’re planning your European trip, keep in mind the northern summer is popular with travellers and the main attractions can be crowded.

Consider travelling in spring or autumn, when the weather is milder and there are less tourists about.

Whenever you go, your Italian adventure will leave you with cherished lifelong memories.