The Italian Scene: Falling in Love with Italy

The beauty of Italy is both natural and man-made. The legacy of the Romans and the Renaissance thrives in cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence. In between these cities are the gorgeous Bay of Naples, the towering Apennines, and picture-perfect Italian Lakes.

We were fortunate to take in much of Italy a year ago. I delight in sharing our experiences with you in a five day hopscotch whereupon you are sure to fall in love with Italy just as we did.

Sightseeing in Rome ~ We visit the famous Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums. We observe the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica to view Michelangelo’s statue, the Pietà. We cross the Tiber in ancient Rome and view the mighty Colosseum and ancient sites of Rome.

Bay of Naples, Sorrento, & The Amalfi Coast ~ We head south to the Bay of Naples and drive to the nearby resort of Sorrento to visit an inlaid wood workshop. We spend the afternoon in Positano and enjoy a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast.

Assisi & Pompeii ~ We take in a guided walking tour of Pompeii which lay undiscovered beneath a layer of volcanic ash for centuries after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. We then continue north to the mystical town of Assisi, built on the fertile slopes of Mount Subasio in Umbria.

Venice & Burano ~ Our journey continues north across the dramatic Apennine Mountains to the romantic city of Venice. Here we also make an excursion to the colorful island of Burano.

Verona & Lake Como ~ We head west across the plains of the Veneto to Verona, the home of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers. View the vast Roman Arena, where concerts are still held regularly each year and walk to view Juliet’s balcony. We then continue north to the Italian Lake District to visit Lake Como, a favoured summer retreat of the rich and famous.

Pisa & Florence ~ We travel south to the famous town of Pisa where we explore the Square of Miracles, featuring the Leaning Tower, Cathedral and Baptistery. We then head to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance where we visit the Academie de Arte to view Michelangelo’s David.