Europe
ITALY
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Italian Tourism
BEST KNOWN FOR
Say “ciao” to passion and romance in Italy where lovers—and honeymooners—from all over the world continue to flock here time and time again. Pursue la dolce vita (the sweet life) in the Eternal City of Rome as you explore the manicured gardens fringing the Villa Borghese. That’s just the beginning: There’s the grandeur of the Colosseum and the Forum, and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Then head to the Trevi Fountain where you’ll find plenty of outdoor cafes where you can sip a foam-topped cappuccino. Head north to romantic Venice where you can cuddle together in a gondola as it glides past the Piazza San Marco. And after you have conquered the miles of halls in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence itself will continue to enchant you with its red-roofed maze of living history and Gothic cathedral galore. Hike through Cinque Terre and its rugged cliffs suspended between earth and sea. The Italian Alps are also inviting overlooking the beautiful shorelines and especially Lake Como. Don’t overlook the southern portions: There’s the amazing Amalfi Coast with its daredevil roads and breathtaking vistas. For pure enchantment there’s always Capri where you can frolic in the famed Blue Grotto by day and eat under the stars at night.
DON’T MISS
Prepare to eat plenty when you’re in Italy. Whether you’re nibbling a slice of thin-crusted pizza in a trattoria or digging into a pasta platter in a ristorante, you’ll find out what real Italian cuisine is all about. Fresh from the vine ingredients, hearty preparation and multiple courses—and always paired with wine, because mixed in amid the castles and cathedrals of Chianti, Piedmont, and the Veneto are the vineyards.
BEST STAY
If the notion of a 19th-century palazzo appeals to you, then check into the Hotel de Russie (hotelderussie.com), the former residence of a Russian ambassador. Wander the fragrant gardens, luxuriate in the Turkish steam bath, and indulge in an aromatherapy massage that will keep that honeymoon glow going when you explore the nearby Spanish Steps and the Piazza del Popolo.
