Wallowing on the Pizza 🍕: Italy

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Italy is a unitary parliamentary republic in Southern Europe, bordering several neighboring countries to the north and consisting of the entire Italian peninsula.

The beautiful country is rich with culture and a long history. It is home to some of the world's most famous art, architecture, food, and wine. With so much to see and do, visitors will never be bored. From city life to stunning beaches, there is something for everyone in Italy.

If you are planning a trip to Italy, here is some helpful information:

Italy is a large country with many different places to visit. You can travel around the country by train, bus, or car. There are also many flights available between the different cities. When deciding where to go, consider what type of activities you are interested in. But if you have a limited amount of time to spend in Italy, it is best to focus on the three most popular destinations: Rome, Florence and Venice.

Best things to do in Rome:

To really see Rome, you should plan to spend at least two or three days there. This will give you enough time to see the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Palatino, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Museums. You can also visit the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and do some shopping and people watching.

1. The Colosseum

The Colosseum, in particular, is an impressive sight, having been built nearly 2000 years ago. This 50,000 seat amphitheater was once used to host gladiator fights and other spectacles for frenzied crowds. Seeing it in person is an experience that cannot be adequately conveyed through photos alone. The Colosseum continues to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome because it so vividly symbolizes the power and drama of ancient Rome.

2. Trevi Fountain

A stop at Rome's largest and most famous water feature, the flashy Trevi Fountain, is a traditional rite of passage for visitors. Every day crowds gather to toss coins into the fountain's water to ensure that one day they'll return to the Eternal City. The fountain, designed by Nicola Salvi in the 18th century, is a gloriously over-the-top rococo affair depicting wild horses, mythical figures and cascading rock falls. It's an unforgettable sight any time of the day but is particularly spellbinding after dark when it's all lit up.

Best things to do in Florence:

Florence is home to some of the most incredible art in the world, and just a couple days in the city allows you to see some of the best of it. The Uffizi Gallery, the frescoes in the Duomo, and the Galleria dell'Accademia are all must-sees. You can also do some shopping on the chic Via de' Tornabuoni and enjoy a pre-dinner drink or two in the Piazza della Signoria.

1. The Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Galleries is showcasing some of its artworks in a new project called Uffizi Diffusi, which will see the pieces travel to various locations across Tuscany that have a connection to the piece or the museum. This is a great opportunity to see some of the gallery's treasures that are usually in storage, and to learn more about the pieces and their context.

2. Pisa

While the Leaning Tower of Pisa is the primary reason most people visit the city, many find the Piazza dei Miracoli madness to be overwhelming and simply want to leave. It's recommended that you save your visit to the tower and square for the end of the day, and instead explore Pisa's other charms. Stroll along the Arno river, over its bridges and through the medieval heart of the city. Once you've fallen in love with these parts of Pisa, then you can head for the tower.

Best things to do in Venice:

Venice is a unique and beautiful city that is best enjoyed by spending a few days there. You can travel down the Grand Canal by gondola or water bus, tour the Palazzo Ducale, see the Basilica di San Marco, and take lots of pictures of the amazing Venetian architecture. You can also shop at the Rialto Market, try some cicchetti (Venetian tapas), and get a little bit lost in the city with its 400 bridges and 150 canals.