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The Best Place in Italy for First Time Travelers

vsaunders | Jun 8, 2010 |

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Italy is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. And with good reason. Few places have such incredible history, culture, and natural beauty.

And then there's Italian food. Who doesn't love Italian food?

The people are friendly. It's relatively compact, and you can get usually get from one destination to another in a few hours by train. Add it all up, and Italy is a fantastic place to visit.

But there are so many wonderful places in Italy, how do you decide where to go. With Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, the Lakes, the Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast to choose from, there are almost certainly more fabulous spots than you have time for.

If you're flying from the United States, you'll most likely land in Rome, so plan to spend a few days there. Ancient history buffs can explore the Coliseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman forums. And no visitor should miss St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Museums, where you'll see Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling.

Eating a gelato or Roman ice cream on the Spanish Steps or having a glass of wine near the Trevi Fountain are unforgettable travel memories. And don't miss the Piazza Navona, where sparkling fountains compete with street artists for your attention.

From Rome, you could head south to Naples and the Amalfi Coast. The city of Pompeii, which was frozen in time when Vesuvius erupted is not far away. Some of the best artifacts and mosaics from Pompeii are in the Archaeology Museum in Naples.

Naples is also the birthplace of pizza as we know it, so be sure to visit one of Naples legendary pizza restaurants like Da Michele of Di Matteo.

The charming seaside towns of Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi are nearby. And you can take a ferry to the enchanting islands of Capri or Ischia.

North of Rome, you'll find Umbria and Tuscany – regions know for lovely hill towns, and sensational food and wine. Lucca, Siena, and San Gimignano are all delightful.

Art lovers will want to spend some time in Florence, where they can see the work of Renaissance masters like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Brunelleschi, who designed the magnificent Duomo.

From Florence, you can head for the port city of Livorno, the tiny, coastal towns of the Cinque Terre, the Italian Riviera, Bellagio and the beautiful Italian Lakes outside Milan, or Venice, one of the most gorgeous cities in the world.

The good news is that no matter where you choose to go, you're likely to have a wonderful time.