Holidays in Italy attract many tourists from all over the world. This country is magnificent both from the point of view of the excursion program, and independent travels. Italy is considered a warm and hospitable country that carefully preserves cultural monuments and its history. On the territory of the state there are over fifty cities that are able to at least attract the attention of tourists. It is worth noting the fact that Italy ranks fourth in the list of countries for which tourism brings the highest income.
In order to get acquainted with all the iconic places of this state and spend the least amount of money, you should independently go on a trip. Thus, you will be able to build your individual itinerary, and not adapt to a large group of people, as well as book rooms to your liking, both in the design plan and in the price category. It's no secret that all travel agencies, as a rule, wind up a decent price on their tours.
In our article we will try to acquaint readers in detail with the best tourist routes in Italy, tell about independent travels and briefly go through the best sights of this country.
Visa
First of all, before you go on a trip to Italy, you must obtain the appropriate permission to enter a country called a visa. To cross the international border, it is enough to show a Schengen visa, since Italy is included in the list of Schengen countries. The package of documents for filing an application is quite standard, with a detailed list of everything you need can be found on the official website of the consulate.
All visas are divided into two categories: short-term and long-term. If you indicate in the application form that your main purpose of the trip is tourism, then the first type of visa will be issued to you. In this case, you are allowed to stay in the country for 30 days. Let's go further!
Flights
If you are going on an independent trip to Italy, then you need to choose the best flight. Today, there are many airlines offering individual special offers in various directions, the traveler can only spend part of his time searching. As for domestic flights in Italy, in Europe you can travel quite cheaply with the help of various low-cost airlines, an example is the world-famous Irish company Ryanair.
Let's take a closer look at the most popular destinations in Italy for independent travel.
Rome
Every year, the Eternal City attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. Such an abundance of architectural monuments, museums and fountains is nowhere else. It is here that harmony is maintained between the modern frantic rhythm of life and the remnants of the once great civilization. What you should see the Coliseum, Pantheon, Vatican or Trevi Fountain ... Many other historical monuments look quite aesthetically pleasing against the background of busy streets and modern buildings in the modern style. Definitely, Rome is able to surprise with its architectural heritage and fall in love with itself from the first minutes.
Venice
Venice rightfully takes pride of place among the most visited cities on the planet. This romantic corner of Europe, located on the north coast of the Adriatic Sea in Italy, acts as an open-air museum. It is worth noting the fact that the entire historical center of Venice is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The majestic architecture, the unique atmosphere of freedom and lightness, the lively labyrinths of the streets - all this creates a unique ensemble that you definitely need to see, hear, feel.
Florence
In the travel itinerary in Italy, this wonderful city must be present. Florence is the heart of Tuscany. Only here you can enjoy a real Florentine steak and walk through the streets of the Renaissance.
Probably, in no city on the planet there is such an abundance of masterpieces of architecture, painting and sculpture of the XIII century. Here they wrote their immortal works of Dante, Boccaccio and Machiavelli, honed the skills of Rafael, Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli, breathed life into the marble of Michelangelo, Cellini and Donatello.
When traveling in Italy on your own, do not ignore this city. Moreover, it must be on the top lines of your itinerary. Once you see Florence in all its glory, you will be fascinated and subdued by it, it will forever remain in your heart.
Pisa
Not a single trip to Italy is complete without a visiting card of this country - the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This city has already become a symbol of Italy and the embodiment of tourism in the country. Perhaps he would have won the contest of the most original photo, since tourists here manage to surpass themselves during a photo shoot on the background of a falling tower. Pisa has an excellent geographical position and is located a few kilometers from Florence, which can be an excellent option when planning a route for many travelers.
Naples
A world-famous city located at the foot of Vesuvius attracts travelers with its clutter and history. Being here, be sure to visit the world famous ruins - Pompeii and Herculaneum. The village is famous for its football club, numerous historical monuments and character. It’s no secret that Naples is a city with a temperament that can both surprise and upset.
Milan
If you want to talk about fashion and enjoy the architectural Gothic style, then you are definitely in Milan. It is the second largest city after Rome and an important trading and economic point of the country. Milan is a city that is perfect for independent travel in Italy. In this case, you have a unique opportunity to walk along the streets of the fashionable capital, get acquainted with the windows of branded stores in the Milan quadrangle, cross the gallery of Vittorio Emanuel II and walk along the main square, admiring the grandeur of the Duomo Cathedral. The next day can be devoted to exploring the art galleries and the main museums of the city, for example the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology.
Lake Como
Lago di Como, as it is commonly called in Italy, is located a short drive from the fashionable capital, in the Lombardy region. This is a picturesque corner where you can stay alone with nature, admire the luxurious villas or climb the cable car to the highest point, which offers a beautiful view of the lake and its surroundings. Noisy settlements in this area simply do not exist, people come here to enjoy the silence and picturesque nature. Most of the tips and reviews about traveling to Italy relate specifically to Lombardy and the province of Como.
Lombardy
The surroundings of Milan, and the entire Lombardy region, are very popular not only among tourists, but also among local residents. Lombardy is a prosperous and rich region with beautiful nature. Going on a trip to the north of Italy, you should definitely visit cities such as Genoa, Milan, Bergamo and Venice. Not far from Milan is the beautiful Lake Como, which offers breathtaking views.
Traveling in Italy by car. Routes
Many advanced travelers who have an appropriate European standard document confirming their driving skills can rent a car and travel around Italy. You can rent a transport in the country almost anywhere and do not need to return through all of Italy in order to return the car to its place. Just park your car at a company branch in another city.
So, the best travel route in Italy will start from the Apulia region, and more precisely from the city of Bari. Getting to Bari by plane from Russia will not be difficult, since this is an important point for all Orthodox Christians. It is here that the Basilica of St. Nicholas is located, the walls of which carefully preserve the relics of the saint. The city is located on the Adriatic Sea and has beautiful beaches, which will be a salvation for many tourists in the sweltering heat. Why bari? The fact is that the best way to see the country is to cross Italy from south to north.
Traveling around Italy by car and not looking into Naples for at least a few days would be a crime. Believe me, this city definitely has something to see. Your next stops will be Rome, Florence and Pisa. After exploring all the sights, you can head higher north. Without changing direction, we move along the Ligurian coast to Genoa and enjoy the beautiful sea views along the way. From here it is close at hand to Turin and Milan - the main cities in northern Italy. It will take several days to study the main attractions, then you can take a one-day vacation on the shores of Lake Como, located in the vicinity of Milan.
Next we go to the open-air and water museum, to Venice. On the way, you can stop in Bergamo (it is believed that it is there that the most beautiful square in Italy is located). In the Veneto region, there is the existing Marco Polo International Airport, from where flights to Russia regularly depart.
Holidays in Italy
The route described above can be easily repeated without renting a car, probably this option will be even cheaper, since gasoline throughout Europe is quite expensive. As you know, car rental companies mean refueling a full tank at the time of returning the vehicle.
For backpackers in Italy, this route can be transferred to buses. For example, the bus carrier FlixBus is widely popular throughout the European Union, and their prices are reasonable.
Sea
Many travelers often come to Italy for a beach holiday, because this country has an excellent geographical position. To avoid the mistakes of many tourists and choose the best places for sea holidays, let's get acquainted with some of them.
On the Adriatic coast, the most popular resorts are Rimini, which can afford absolutely every layer of society, Riccione and the Catholic. If you move in the direction discussed above, you can relax in the Gulf of Naples. Exquisite resorts such as Ischia or Capri are located here.
On the Ligurian coast, San Remo is considered to be rather pathetic places for rest, where the world-famous music festival, Portofino and Genoa, takes place. The best beaches of Sardinia and Sicily await you on the Mediterranean Sea.
Reviews
Italy's main financial niche is tourism. Therefore, in this country, everything contributes to a favorable rest. Judging by the numerous reviews of independent travels in Italy, almost all tourists remain completely delighted with the local landscapes, cuisine and sunny weather.
Conclusion
The uniqueness of relaxation in this wonderful country is that it will be interesting for tourists of all ages: children, youth or the elderly. And no matter what kind of vacation you prefer! Love to ride like a mountain goat - climb to the crater of Vesuvius or take the funicular to the best observation platforms of Lombardy. More like "seals" rest - lie on the snow-white beaches of the Mediterranean Sea. Well, if you don’t think even a day without shopping, Milan will welcome you with open arms! As experienced tourists assure, here everyone will find something to their liking.
Italy is a great vacation destination any time of the year. In summer, sunny weather and warm seawater await you here, and in winter the best ski resorts in the world. We hope that our travel tips for Italy will be useful to most potential tourists. Discover Italy! Have a nice rest and great achievements!