Heart attack or vacation, which do you choose?
As if you needed more reasons to plan your dream vacation. Now, you can add having a healthy heart to the list of reasons to book a getaway.
Studies show that traveling for vacations can decrease the risk of heart disease in both men and women. On top of preventing heart disease, recreational travel is also attributed to helping reduce the risk of depression and promote brain health.
Traveling opens up our minds. Introducing us to things we’ve never seen before and creating memories we’ll never forget. Invest in your health and give yourself the gift of travel by planning a trip to see the best places to visit in Italy.
Planning an international trip is easier than you might think. In 2017 alone, over 420 million tourists successfully made their travel dreams a reality by visiting Italy. If they can do it, so can you!
Don’t miss out on your chance to see an amazing part of the world. Read on to learn about the top 5 places you should visit in Italy.
How to Pick Your Best Places to Visit in Italy
Before you can choose the best places to visit in Italy, you’ll need to decide what your trip goals are. What is it that you’re hoping to get out of your time away?
Here are some questions to consider:
- Do you care about historic sites?
- Is shopping in Italy important to you?
- What type of dining experiences did you want?
- Are you looking to spend time in nature?
- What time of year will you be traveling?
Simply being aware of the things you want, will help guide you during the entire trip planning process.
Let’s start by looking at the top places to see during the fall.
1. Mount Etna in Sicily
September is the perfect time for adventurous spirits to go to Sicily and visit Mount Etna, the king of volcanoes. Located on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna, rests a lovely village called Zafferana Etnea.
Travelers can start at Zafferana Etnea and than begin ascending upwards towards the volcano. You can drive straight towards the last place the lava traveled to after it’s a most recent eruption.
2. Naples in Campania
Are October or November your top choices for escaping to Italy? Then we suggest taking a stroll in Naples, one of the best cities around.
Naples is a city of dazzling contrasts. Nestled in the region of Campania, the city of Naples is best seen on foot.
As you walk the crowded streets, you’ll see many different colorful sights and sounds. The bustling city life is a place of both historic culture and beauty.
Plaza’s and Shops
We recommend you begin your day in Piazza del Plebiscito to see the Palazzo Reale and San Francesco di Paola. Next, treat yourself to a souvenir as you shop in Via Roma.
Feeling thirsty? The best coffee you’ve ever had is just a few blocks away at the Gran Caffe Gambrinus. On top of getting delicious coffee, you’ll also enjoy an elegant century turning setting.
3. Milan in Lombardy
So far, we’ve been discussing places you can visit in Italy during the fall season. Yet, what about the winter months? If you’re traveling to Italy during December, you definitely should check out Milan in Lombardy.
Christmas Festivities
Truth be told, Milan is an exciting city during the entire year. Yet, it’s during the Christmas season that some of the cities’ most charming festivities can be enjoyed.
It’s during this time visitors and townspeople all gather to enjoy the launch of the opera season. “La Scala” is the official beginning of the opera season. This event is highly sought after and attracts attendees from all over the world.
Yet, if you can’t get a ticket to the coveted “La Scala” ceremonies, don’t worry. The entire city will still be buzzing with Christmas festivities, decorations, and music.
4. Florence in Tuscany
January and February are both great times to explore Florence in Tuscany. The weather will be perfect for seeing adventuring into this historic wonderland. While the air may still have a chill in it sunny days aren’t unusual, especially in January.
Historic Culture
In Florence, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best historic cultures Italy has to offer. Many of the city monuments will have a blend of medieval and renaissance elements. Don’t be afraid to look into what tours are available to guide you on your journey.
If you’re not going to get a tour guide, at least carefully plan out each place you’ll be visiting in the city. Make sure while you’re there that you visit Brunelleschi’s church of San Lorenzo.
Renaissance and Baroque Periods
At the Brunelleschi’s church of San Lorenzo, you can see the funerary chapel of the Medici family. Next, you can hop on over to the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, a museum that reflects on the renaissance and baroque periods.
Finally, you can jump over to Santa Maria Novella to see an impressive gothic style architecture. While admiring the gothic form of the Santa Maria Novella church, be sure to look at the cloisters to the left of the church. It’s there in the cloisters you’ll be able to see the frescoes.
5. Perugia in Umbria
Summer vacation here you come! May, June, and July are supreme choices for traveling to Perugia in Umbria.
World Famous Jazz Theater
Located in the peaceful countryside, Perugia is a city to admire both art and ancient culture. Here you’ll find the theater for Umbria Jazz, one of Europe’s most important musical events.
Day and Night Activities
You can get lost in time as the atmosphere of this city surrounds you. During the day you’ll learn about an ancient culture dating back to the Etruscans. Then, during the night, you can drift away as you relax to the sounds of world-class jazz performers.
Travel Smarter Not Harder
Now you know more about the best places to visit in Italy. The next step is to start budgeting for your trip. One of the best ways to travel on a budget is to only purchase and pack the items you’ll need.
Instead of going out and buying a whole new wardrobe, work with the clothes you have. Find clothing items that will work well for the type of weather you’re traveling into.
Here at The Savvy Globetrotter, we love helping our readers plan the trips of their dreams. It’s our goal to help you travel the smartest way possible. That means travel plans that are cheaper, safer, and of course super comfortable.
Plan Your Trip
We have travel tips to help you with everything you can think of. Whether you need help packing, creating a travel budget, or scouting the best travel destinations.
Not sure what you should be packing? Check out our packing lists to make sure you don’t leave behind anything you need on your trip.
