If I could only go to one country on holiday it would be Italy. Italy has it all, spectacular scenery, beaches, lakes, mountains, volcanoes, summer and ski resorts. As well as history, culture and fresh, delicious food accompanied by world class wine and don't forget the gelato!
The people are friendly and passionate about their country and their food. Never try and update a traditional Italian recipe, you will make Italians very angry! Also don't ask for a cappucino in the evening, this is a morning drink. Food and drink in Italy is regional, Risotto in Milan, Focaccia and pesto from Genoa, Parma ham from Parma, Authentic pizza from Naples, Ragu (Bolognese) from Bologna, Cannoli from Sicily, Carbonara from Rome, Bellini from Venice, Limoncello from Sorrento and the Amalfi coast, Chianti from Tuscany and everywhere serves gelato, different flavours from different regions, but all delicious! Large cities do have a variety of food from different regions, but towns and small cities generally only serve food and recipes local to that area and season, keeping it fresh and flavourful.
When it comes to history and culture, Italy has such an abundant choice of places to visit. Whether it's buildings or performances of opera, ballet, concerts and and theatre, you will not be disappointed. You don't need to be a classics scholar to appreciate the history, although a little study before you visit via google or youtube will help you get much more out of your trip! When people ask which city is my favourite it is difficult to say. Florence is a must see place, don't forget Dante's place there, but all the cities/regions listed below are places I have thoroughly enjoyed! Rome is probably the number one destination as there is just so much to see there and you can eat food from all over Italy!
My daughter worked in Milan for a year, which gave me a good excuse to explore all of Northern Italy. Milan is a good base for that. There is a north /south divide, with the north a more wealthy region, but the whole country is worth exploring. I enjoy visiting different regions and the people are really lovely in the south. I look forward to exploring further south in the future.
One important word of advice in Italy when hiring a car is to make sure you rent the smallest possible car that you and your luggage will fit in. You will thank me for that advice after driving in Italy.
The people are friendly and passionate about their country and their food. Never try and update a traditional Italian recipe, you will make Italians very angry! Also don't ask for a cappucino in the evening, this is a morning drink. Food and drink in Italy is regional, Risotto in Milan, Focaccia and pesto from Genoa, Parma ham from Parma, Authentic pizza from Naples, Ragu (Bolognese) from Bologna, Cannoli from Sicily, Carbonara from Rome, Bellini from Venice, Limoncello from Sorrento and the Amalfi coast, Chianti from Tuscany and everywhere serves gelato, different flavours from different regions, but all delicious! Large cities do have a variety of food from different regions, but towns and small cities generally only serve food and recipes local to that area and season, keeping it fresh and flavourful.
When it comes to history and culture, Italy has such an abundant choice of places to visit. Whether it's buildings or performances of opera, ballet, concerts and and theatre, you will not be disappointed. You don't need to be a classics scholar to appreciate the history, although a little study before you visit via google or youtube will help you get much more out of your trip! When people ask which city is my favourite it is difficult to say. Florence is a must see place, don't forget Dante's place there, but all the cities/regions listed below are places I have thoroughly enjoyed! Rome is probably the number one destination as there is just so much to see there and you can eat food from all over Italy!
My daughter worked in Milan for a year, which gave me a good excuse to explore all of Northern Italy. Milan is a good base for that. There is a north /south divide, with the north a more wealthy region, but the whole country is worth exploring. I enjoy visiting different regions and the people are really lovely in the south. I look forward to exploring further south in the future.
One important word of advice in Italy when hiring a car is to make sure you rent the smallest possible car that you and your luggage will fit in. You will thank me for that advice after driving in Italy.
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