The lovely Dipannita Sharma recently took out two weeks to travel Italy, covering Lake Como, Venice, Rome, Florence and Milan. She’s penned down 10 things she loved the most about her trip, so if you’re heading to Italy soon, keep her pointers in mind! xoxo
1) The little towns and hamlets in and around the Lake Como area, especially the little settlement of Bellagio. This whole area is full of little hamlets and settlements around the lake and you get across from one side to the other by boat. Very romantic.
2) Sitting at one of the open air cafés at St. Mark’s Square (Piazza Saint Marco ) as the sun is setting in Venice, while very well dressed musicians play lilting music – that stays with you long after you have left from there. Sip on a glass of wine, or if you are teetotaller like me, just have coffee and breathe the ambience in!
3) The colosseum. That, for me has always defined Rome, so spending close to half a day there was something that made my trip worthwhile. It’s a must for all history lovers. Just imagining what must have happened in there gives you goosebumps.
4) The architecture! Rome has more to offer than just the colosseum. It’s architecture at its best and every corner you turn, you can’t help drawing a sharp breath in because of the spectacular structures. The ‘must visit’s are: Piazza Venezia, Trevi fountain and the Spanish steps (just sit & watch the world go by). But before you leave, don’t forget to have at least one meal sitting in front of the Pantheon.
5) Florence – Tuscany was my highlight for this trip. I am glad I spent 6 days in this beauteous haven. I walked and walked and walked but never felt tired there. If there is one place in the world where you feel art in the air, it’s got to be this one. The walks by the river and across the many bridges will be etched in my memory forever. The must see places here are the Galileo museum and the Uffzi art gallery. And you must spend an entire day (or several days) in and around the Duomo (one of the most beautiful structures in the whole of Florence). Take a walk – it’ll be a long one – to the Piazzale Michelangelo, which is on a hill top with the most unbelievable view of Florence.
6) The Leaning Tower of Pisa. You may think it’s a must visit just because of all the hype, but trust me, you’ll know why it is one of the wonders of the world once you stand in front of it. 🙂 Breathtaking! Stand there for a while looking at it without taking pictures, and you will know what I mean.
7) The province of Lucca. Amongst the other towns in Tuscany, I loved this little province with the strikingly old city walls which have stood the test of time since the Renaissance era. Now the walls have become roads with greenery, parks, places to sit and jog! It was, for me, one of the most surreal places. Then you go down a slope and go into a street full of the most quaint little shops and restaurants which suddenly opens into a big oval area with homes all around.
8) The changing light of the sun on the Duomo Di cathedral. Although Milan is mostly known only for its shopping, I thoroughly enjoyed the changing light there. It is another unbelievably beautiful structure with intricate details and icicle-like tiny towers with statuettes on each of those towers. It has a calming and a satisfying effect.
9) The food! In general, I truly enjoyed the food, especially the apricot jam croissants, the choux pastries, the basic margherita pizza (never had them like that before) and this large bruschetta called ‘bruschette’ all over Italy. Amongst drinks, I discovered an amazing coffee preparation called marocchino, typical to italy. It’s an espresso but with milk foam and chocolate – quite delicious! 🙂 Every town had their own shape and size of the cups they served it in. The fresh orange juice (which by the way was red in colour) was yummy as well. They call it arancia!
10) The train journeys from one city/town. This is another must do . I felt and experienced the place a lot better because of that. The miles and miles of green , the clouds that look like they have been placed strategically in the blue sky, and the sudden appearances of estates/houses atop hills are unforgettable visions from my train journeys throughout Italy. The journeys are extremely comfortable and easy, so definitely make it part of the agenda.
Have you been to Italy? What are your favourite places? Tell us in the comments below!