There are plenty of reasons to come to Italy. As I said in my last post holidays in Italy are a celebration of the senses, and you would be justified to come here for the food, wine, weather and atmosphere alone. But it will be no surprise to you to find out that there’s more to Italy than that.

My name is Guido, Italian native, travel enthusiast and founder of Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. I’m proud to be able to share my love of Italy with others. Here are just some my favourite sights in Italy – they are the ones I love to share the most, and the ones I consider to be the must see sights in Italy. Seeing just some of these sights in the flesh would be, as we say at Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours, creating memories of a lifetime.

Ancient Rome.

Rome – the Eternal City – is brimming with history and one of the places you must see in Italy. Trace the footsteps of our ancient roman forefathers and marvel at the vast structure of the Colosseum – the biggest amphitheatre ever built and home to infamous gladiatorial battles. If you can, visit it at night for an extra special experience. Find out more here.

Spend at least a day in Venice.

It is a unique city and it is like no other because it is made up of 117 islands. Climb aboard a gondola for a trip along the Grand Canal and view it from dry land up on the Rialto Bridge. Explore the Basilica San Marco and stop at the Piazza San Marco – the place that Napoleon called the ‘the finest drawing room in Europe’. Find out more here.

Head off along ‘Amalfi Drive’

It is the most spectacular road in Europe. Winding your way along the cliff tops, you’ll be treated to the most fabulous views. Stop off at Amalfi – and ancient maritime republic – and Ravello. It is a tourist hot spot of the rich and famous, but I guess it is so for a reason and it is worth seeing these views and experiencing this exhilarating ride at least once in your life. Find out more here.

Contemplate the ‘Last Supper’

Milan is home to one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s greatest works of art – ‘The Last Supper’. Viewing the masterpiece will take planning as it’s something that you won’t be able to do on a whim – tickets sell out far in advance, but Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours can assist you with our tours that offer guaranteed advance reservations. Everyone who sees the painting will be limited to 15 minutes of contemplation but it is a beautiful experience, in my opinion. Afterwards, explore Italy’s most stylish city including the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping gallery and the medieval Sforza Castle. Find out more here.

Consider the fragility of life in the lost city of Pompeii.

Pompeii tells a sad but fascinating tale. Destroyed by an eruption from neighbouring Mount Vesuvius in 79AD, Pompeii was a city that was quickly suffocated by hot volcanic ash. The disaster took the inhabitants by surprise, and in so doing it preserved what life was like in Roman times until it was discovered again in the 18^th century. If you visit today it will be like viewing a window into that world – you’ll even see details like chariot tracks in the cobbled streets. Find out more here.

Explore the Vatican.

The Vatican State is the smallest country in the world in terms of size and population. Inside the Vatican state, take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums – this complex of museums covers 5 hectares of land and houses one of the world’s best art collections. Then explore St. Peter’s Basilica, and of course inside the Sistine Chapel you can gaze up at Michelangelo’s masterpiece on the ceiling. It is glorious. Find out more here.

Follow the evolution of Italian art in Florence.

The Uffizi gallery is arguably Italy’s most famous art gallery. Take a guided tour through the evolution of Italian art. Then in the renowned Gallery of the Accademia you can admire the famous David by Michelangelo and his other great works. Find out more here.

Admire Florence’s Duomo.

Whilst in Florence, take a look at the Duomo. Florence’s Santa Maria del Fiore or Duomo is a glorious building – unlike any other, with its magnificent dome, gilded bronze doors and the intricate ‘doors of paradise’. Find out more here.

Get close to the largest active volcano in Europe

Head to Sicily and its beautiful hillside towns and villages made famous by the Godfather trilogy. It’s one of the most authentic parts of the country and is quite untouched. At Taormina, you can explore the vicinity of Mount Etna and the Sylvester Craters and visit the villages that sit on ancient volcanic eruptions. Find out more here.

Sip Tuscan wine in the Tuscan countryside

Make your way to the Chianti region where the wine of the same name comes from. Here, the hills are full of vineyards and olive groves – a combination that makes for perfect scenery and perfect wine. There are seven regions here which all produce wine so you’ll be spoiled for choice on where to sample some of Tuscany’s most famous produce. Find out more here.

Catch a train in Cinque Terre

Explore the Cinque Terre area by local train or by walking on the hiking paths that are carved into the cliffs. Enjoy the fabulous views of the towns that cling to the cliffs themselves. Vineyards, bright coloured houses, coves and harbours – combined with fabulous local food and wine. A perfect combination and it has always been on my ‘must see places in Italy list’. Find out more here.

These are just a few of the must see sights in Italy. They are the highlights of a country that I love, and which has the most World Heritage sites.

Many of the highlights I’ve suggested above will be a place that Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours has the pleasure of taking visitors to. I have handpicked all of our tours and Italian vacations. They are based on my own experiences of this country.

If you would like information about tours in Italy or Italian holidays, taking in one or more of the must see sights in Italy, please do visit us at ciaoitalytours.com I am sure your Italian vacation will be one you’ll never forget.

Ciao,

Guido.