Travel Destination spots with magnificent view

Lake Como, Italy

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Capri, Italy

Amalfi Coast, Italy 

Capri

Positano Italy

Capri, Italy

Portofino, Liguria, Italy

Capri,Italy

View from Villa Fiorentino, Positano, Italy

Lake Garda, Italy

Florence, Italy's Open-Air Museum

Michelangelo and Machiavelli, Donatello and Dante, the Renaissance and romance are felt in every corner of Florence. A showcase of art and architecture, it is one of the world's greatest artistic capitals, with statues, sculptures, historic churches and palaces adorning the streets. But this is not an austere historical city stopped in time. Alongside the art galleries and beautiful piazzas are fine boutiques, designer shops, and lively cafes. The remarkable heritage and extraordinary art are the mains draws for its visitors, but as one of the most aesthetically pleasing cities in Europe, it is the views from its bridges and street life that are likely to stand out in your memory when you leave.

You'll also want to return, since it is impossible to see all of its artistic treasures in just one visit. Take your time, visit the Duomo and the historical center followed by the Uffizi Gallery, and dedicate your remaining moments to exploring the back streets seeking out your favorite restaurant, bar, or irresistible shop. 

 

1. The huge DUOMO and the views from its dome.
2. The extraordinary collection of the Uffizi Gallery.
3. Michelangelo's famous David in the Accademia Gallery.
4. The outstanding Renaissance paintings inside Palazzo Pitti.
5. The medieval PONTE VECCHIO lined with shops.
6. The monumental PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA.
7. The magnificent frescoes of CAPPELLA BRANCACCI.
8. SANTA CROCE BASILICA, Michelangelo's resting place.
9. SAN LORENZO CHURCH, the oldest in the city.
10. The rich SANTA MARIA NOVELLA BASILICA.

Look for the hotel or hostel that best matches your budget, type of trip or personality. Here you can guarantee a room but you do NOT pay anything at the time of booking. Payments are only made at the hotel and there are no booking fees. Most hotels allow cancellations with no penalty if done up to 24 or 48 hours in advance. You'll see that information at the time of booking and again in the confirmation email.

Anywhere in Florence, especially in and around Piazza della Signoria, you'll be able to enjoy some of the world's best ice cream, relax with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and taste some of the best Tuscan cuisine. Prices vary from reasonably-priced to expensive, but you can always rely on a good and inexpensive Italian pizza...

When in Italy, you won't resist looking for the major designer fashion shops, and in Florence they're mostly found in or around Via Tornabuoni. Once you take a look at all of the big names, a walk around the surrounding streets will take you past other attractive window displays. To look for everything under one roof, check out the city's branch of the national Coin department store. 

 

 

Venice, The Dream City

You'll find cities claiming to be "the Venice of the North," "the Venice of Africa," "the Venice of the East"... Any city crossed by canals or with colorful buildings sitting on the water's edge wants to be associated with the image of the world's most beautiful city. But the beauty of Italy's Venice is unrivalled and the entire city is one work of art. It's also one of only a few cities in the world that can be described as truly unique, where main "streets" are canals, there are no cars or traffic jams, and the mixture of Renaissance, Byzantine, Gothic, and Baroque architecture leaves anyone wondering if this magical cityscape is real at all. The fairytale or theatrical atmosphere is then enhanced by the carnival mask shops, romantic gondola rides, and colorful palazzos. Everywhere you turn is a postcard image of this unequalled urban masterpiece.

Nothing quite prepares you for Venice, even after seeing it a million times in tourist brochures, guidebooks, or films. You'll fall in love at first sight and will stand in awe of its architecture, piazzas, and canal views until the very last minute before you leave. You'll have the designer shops, sophisticated bars, classy restaurants, galleries, and other tempting attractions to go indoors, but nothing can prevent you from going back to standing by a canal admiring the most spectacular city ever created, over and over again.

 

1. Stand in the middle of PIAZZA SAN MARCO (one of the world's most beautiful squares), and marvel at its BASILICA.
2. Admire the magnificent architecture and interior of the PALAZZO DUCALE.
3. Take a vaporetto down the GRAND CANAL and a GONDOLA RIDE through the city.
4. Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Museum for its modern art.
5. See Renaissance masterpieces in the Accademia Gallery.
6. Cross the iconic RIALTO BRIDGE and browse the MARKET behind it.
7. Stand under the dome of the landmark SANTA MARIA DELLA SALUTE CHURCH.
8. Go inside Palazzo Grassi for the building and its art exhibitions.
9. See the impressive paintings of the Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
10. Admire the art found inside the SANTA MARIA GLORIOSA DEI FRARI CHURCH.

Look for the hotel or hostel that best matches your budget, type of trip or personality. Here you can guarantee a room but you do NOT pay anything at the time of booking. Payments are only made at the hotel and there are no booking fees. Most hotels allow cancellations with no penalty if done up to 24 or 48 hours in advance. You'll see that information at the time of booking and again in the confirmation email.

Window-shop down Calle Larga XXII Marzo west of Piazza San Marco for all the big-name fashion labels you expect to find in any Italian city. Other upscale shops line the streets collectively known as the Mercerie, but note that prices in Venice are generally higher than in Rome or Florence. The best buys in the city are its crafts, especially glassware from Murano, lace from Burano, and the famous papier-mâché masks. There are so many shops selling those crafts, that many are of mass-produced low quality and very likely even made in China. To make sure it's an authentic Venetian item, look at the price. If it's an astronomical amount, it's likely to be the real thing. You'll need to take some time to look around and find the truly original pieces, with a trip to Murano being the best idea if you're really serious about special glassware. You also can't leave Venice without visiting the bustling Rialto Market, taking place every morning from Monday to Saturday by the Rialto Bridge. You'll find Venetians buying their fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and a variety of cheeses. 

Mantova italy

Manttova, or Mantua, is a historic city in northern Italy surrounded on three sides by lakes with three lively squares in the city center. Mantova was one of the greatest Renaissance Courts in Europe and home of the wealthy Gonzaga family. The Palazzo Ducale is a huge complex of buildings and gardens that can be visited. Mantova was received the Most Livable City in Italy award in 2005 and was recently designated a World Heritage Site for its Renaissance architecture.

Padua, Italy

Padua is an easy day trip from Venice or can be used as a base for visiting Venice if you prefer to stay outside the city. Padua has Europe's first Botanical Garden, Giotto frescoes, and the Basilica di Sant’Antonio. Padua's main square is impressive and a nice place to enjoy a drink at a cafe.