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ITALY
Want to visit an addicting place? The place that may get you addicted to its beauty and attractions? If so, be prepared to fall in love with an extraordinary country. The food, the wine, the history, the art and architecture and of course; the people, there is something for everyone.
Italy is situated in southern Europe and is one of the major attractions for tourists from all over the world. Visitors love it for the aesthetic experiences they have while on the go as it offers enchanting landscapes, beaches, and places of historical importance. It has become an established fact that one life is not enough to explore and enjoy its entire beauty. Here are a few noteworthy attractions in Italy.
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BEST TIME TO GO
Spring & Fall
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CLIMATE CHARTS
View Charts
TIME ZONE
ET + 6 hours
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FLIGHTS
Milan (MXP); Rome (FCO); Venice (VCE)
Rome
You must have heard the quote about Rome that “Rome was not built in a day”. If it was not built in a day, one cannot enjoy all its historical sites in a short tour and must keep at least 2-3 days visiting the most important ones. Being the capital of Italy, Rome is a heavily populous city. You can visit heritage sites like the Colosseum which is of great historical importance. Along with Colosseum, there are many palaces, ancient churches and basilicas, grand Roman monuments, statues, and alluring fountains. In other words, Rome has an immensely rich historical heritage.
Milan
One of the world's fashion capitals, Milan is often overlooked by tourists who flock to Rome, Florence, and Venice. But this gem of a city has a lot to offer, including the iconic Duomo di Milano, the world's largest—and most stunning—Gothic cathedral. It took six centuries to build this massive church: construction began in 1386, during the ruling of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the first duke of the city, and the final details were not completed until the 20th century, with the addition of the doors.
Napoli (Naples)
Southern Italy’s largest city, Naples is famous for its intoxicating mix of Old-World charm and modern grit. This is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with enough
art, architecture, and archeology to hold its own against other metropolitan cities. But it is the wood-fired pizza that really brings the crowds. Naples’ historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage site) offers plenty of attractions between pizzeria stops: Do not miss the Chiesa di San Gregorio Armeno, a 16th-century Baroque masterpiece, and the Duomo, a Roman Catholic cathedral that broke ground in the 13th century. View objects from Pompeii at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli or revels in the Rococo glory of Museo Cappella Sansevero, built in the late 1500s. End the day as locals do, taking a promenade as the sun sets over the Bay of Naples.
VENICE
Tour to Italy cannot be justified if you have not been to Venice. Talking about Italy without Venice would be like food without taste. It is a city located in northern Italy and is one of the most unique places in the world because the entire city is built on water. One must hire a water taxi called “Vapretto” or use their local elegant Gondola to see the city. It is small and compact, perfect to be explored in just a few days' time. Venice is romantic, historic, and gorgeous. In short, Venice is one of those amazing places one must visit at least once in a lifetime because it is not a place; it is an experience to perceive the world in a unique style. The Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Murano Burano, Torcello, St Marks Tower, Lido beach are all the major attractions of Venice.
Tuscany
Tuscany is a wealth of historic treasures considered one-of-a-kind worldwide: the region is full of art cities and little picturesque villages with a huge cultural heritage, but is also extraordinary because of its fascinating landscape, with its bucolic countryside and rolling hills. Not to mention its amazing islands and coastal areas, its protected parks and, last but not least, its food, simple with authentic flavors, and its wines, ranked among the best in the world: to put it simply, there are really many reasons to visit Tuscany.
As the capital of the Tuscany region of Italy, Florence has a population of 383,000 and a wider metropolitan population of 1.5 million. This wonderful city lies in the central region of Italy and has a well-developed rail network with connections to Pisa, and Bologna. Renowned as one of the most cultural and historical cities in the world, Florence is packed full of amazing architecture and places of significance.
During ancient history, Florence was once a Roman city and then developed into a thriving medieval commune. It is hailed as the birthplace of the Renaissance movement, and throughout the 12th, 15th, and 16th centuries, was one of the most important cities of the world. Notable residents of Florence included Machiavelli, Lorenzo Medici, Dante, Michelangelo, Donatello, Galileo, and Raphael.
Today, tourism is undoubtedly a major part of the economy of Florence and an average of 13 7) million people visit the city each year. Aside from tourism, Florence has a major industrial sector and is a producer of such goods as furniture, rubber, chemicals, and food. Industrial districts such as Prato-Pistoria have historically exported high-quality goods such as Vespa scooters. If you are looking for a dose of culture and want to see fantastic buildings such as the Duomo, Florence will not disappoint.
The most celebrated cathedral in the world, the Duomo as it is simply known in Florence is the jewel of the city. It was initially constructed in 1436, but the astonishing front facade wasn’t completed until the 19th century. Located in the center of the old city, the Duomo stands out for miles and creates an imposing sight amongst the other medieval buildings.
There are enough towers to climb, gelato to eat, and shops to visit that you do not have to feel like you are on museum overload on a visit to Florence.
The Amalfi Coast
The drive along the Amalfi Coast is said to be one of the most scenic drives in the world. It is a stretch of coastline in the Province of Salerno which is in the Southern part of Italy, and which has been blessed with great landscapes and natural diversity. Amalfi Coast is a picturesque spot to visit, you can enjoy stunning views, relaxing on the beach, and sample Italian food in small local restaurants.
Alberobello
It is a small town in Puglia having the population of only 11000 people. Since 1996, it has been one in the UNESCO World Heritage site where all the houses are conical in 9) shape. The city has a famous history. At a particular time in history, the local government put some extra tax on double story buildings. Therefore, the people of that area started building conical houses, having a straight roof from inside so that they have space in the cone to store their unnecessary stuff. All the houses were built in exactly same style from dry stone such as limestone from the surrounding area, without any mortar or cement and are called Trulli.
Sicily
It is also one of the major attractions for tourists, who are sea lovers. Sicily is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea having small islands surrounding it. Collective all these islands form Regione Siciliana, which is an autonomous region of Italy.
Liguria
It is a coastal region and its border touches France. It is famous for its food, beaches, and small towns. While traveling to the Ligurian coast, either you take a car or a train, be ready to experience a beautiful coastline with small villages.
There are thousands of places in Italy which are worth a visit since Italy offers its finest: beautiful architecture, delicious food, unspoiled beaches, and welcoming residents. Plan a trip and enjoy the beauty of Italy.
PLANNING AND PACKING BEFORE YOUR TRIP
Before you travel to Italy, pay a visit to Apex Physicians, and let our specialists determine whether you need to be vaccinated or not. In some instances, those traveling from overseas to New Zealand will require vaccinations, alongside routine vaccinations if you have not already received them.
Getting vaccinated is crucial so that you do not put yourself at risk of ruining your trip, and you also do not run the risk of bringing anything home. Although Italy is generally a very safe and healthy country, vaccinations are crucial not just for your own sake, but for the sake of those around you.
As you plan your trip, research your destination(s) - local laws, customs, and culture. Furthermore, stay abreast of travel advisories, alerts and review all travel tips from the US Department of State. It is also highly recommended that you enroll in STEP – Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Finally, pack as light as possible, and do not bring anything irreplaceable on the trip.
Should the need arise, plan on how to get medical care during your trip:
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Make a list of local hospitals and doctors at each of your travel destinations.
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After reviewing your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip, purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
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Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eyeglasses and contact lenses.
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In the local language, bring along a card that identifies your blood type, allergies, chronic conditions, and generic names of medications you may be taking.
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Call Italy’s embassy for verification that all medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you bring with you are legal in Italy.
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During your consultation with our specialists, request the necessary prescription refills you may need for your trip.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
HEALTH AND SAFETY ABROAD
Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Italy, so talk at length with our Physicians specialized in travel medicine regarding specific actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip.
Food and water safety
Food and water standards in Italy are like those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home. nonetheless, if you are in rural or remote areas that are served by unregulated water sources such as private wells, bring along bottled water, drink water that is served steaming hot, avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice as it was likely made with tap water or another unregulated water source.
Bug Bite Prevention
Italy is an industrialized country; however, bugs are still prevalent and bug bites here can still spread diseases, just as they would in the United States.
Wear clothing that covers exposed skin.
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Use insect repellent with higher percentages of active ingredients i.e. 20% or more DEET, Picaridin- for protection against mosquitoes and ticks.
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Consider wearing clothing that has been treated with permethrin.
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Always use insect repellent as directed.
Reduce Germ Exposure
Wash your hands often with soap and use hand sanitizer, especially before; eating, touching your face, and avoid contact with people who are sick.
Maintain Personal Safety
Always use common sense when traveling overseas by always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
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Do not walk around with expensive clothing or jewelry – store all valuables including your passport and entry stamp in your locked hotel room.
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Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp.
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Follow all local laws and social customs.
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If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
AFTER YOUR TRIP
Apex Physicians recommends a post-travel consultation immediately after your trip. Our specialists will perform an overall health/wellness and prescription evaluation. Be sure to tell our specialists about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. In addition, tell our specialists if you had any adverse interaction with bugs and/or animals; were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
US EMBASSY & CONSULATE IN ITALY
Via Vittorio Veneto, 121
00187 Rome, Italy
Telephone: +(39) 06-4674-1
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(39) 06-4674-1
Fax: +(39) 06-4674-2244
Email: uscitizensrome@state.gov