Italy - 4 Cities in 4 Days!
- Naghella Melissa Falla Jurado
- Mar 1, 2016
- 5 min read
Since we are soon approaching the Easter Holidays I thought I'll talk about a fun get away, it is always exciting when you have a couple of days off work or University and for those of us that love to travel and appreciate the diversity of different cultures, Easter is the perfect time to get away… but where to go?? There are so many destinations one can think of that it can become a bit overwhelming! So if you still have not yet decided what to do this Easter but are devoted and eager to travel abroad with your loved one, friends, family members or simply yourself then this article could be a good guide and can turned out to be perfect for you.
Bella Italia… 4 Cities in 4 Days
One of the most desired destinations of all times, could it be historical evolution it holds? Could it be the home of all time religion? Could it be that it takes us back to the iconic films the Godfather or Romeo and Juliet? Or could it simply be the air of fashion and style this country breaths?.. No doubt to say that whatever the reason to visit Italy, it is bound to be an experience of its own.
ROME
First stop the historical Rome
The city of the Vatican and the capital of Italy, when it comes to sightseeing, the very obvious is a very good place to start. Unless you’re nonchalantly au fait with the Eternal City, don’t overlook its big-name sights: they’ve been famous for centuries for a very good reason, so make sure your camera is fully charged, take with you extra equipment if needed, this city has so many attractions waiting to be seen that you will regret not capturing it all!
There is so much to see in The Vatican City, make sure you start early in the day, if you’re religious and a catholic you will love the whole atmosphere of the Vatican city, you are unlikely to run into the Pope on your visit however if you do want to see him, Papal Audience are held on Wednesdays, giving pilgrims and visitors the chance to “see the Pope” and receive the Papal Blessing, if you’re not don’t worry you will appreciate the architecture and landscapes.
The II Colosseo is Roman Empire’s largest amphitheatre, having hosted gory battles between combinations of gladiators, slaves, prisoners and wild animals of all descriptions, it is almost a privilege to be there knowing that back in history it was such an immense and important place.
Trevi Fountain – legend holds that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome with their loved one, so don’t forget to take your coin, it is such a beautiful and romantic monument to visit at night time with the lights making the perfect feel and the crystal clear water it almost feels magical, although be aware that it will be very crowed most of the time and it will be hard not to jump into someone’s picture or someone getting into yours!
So make sure you wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to move around a lot, Rome can be seen in a day but you will have to be organized with time, if it helps get a tour guide that can guide you on the time of arrival, remember that Rome is a very popular destination to go on Easter so be prepared to gently nudge a few other tourists.
What to Remember
Dress appropriately for extensive walking and visiting sacred religious sites.
With a peak at Easter as Vatican pilgrims swell visitor numbers.
Florence
Full of astonishing buildings and striking status, Florence is full of fashionable residents, it almost feels like a small metropolitan city, at arrival you are presented with the unmissable cathedral, standing tall over the city with its magnificent Renaissance dome design, the exterior is covered in a decorative mix of pink, white and green marble simply making it hard not to want to take 100 pictures of it.
Amazing statuary to look out for are the reproduction of Michelangelo‘s statue David, housed in the Accademia di Belle Arti Firenze, if you are not able to see the original don’t be too disappointed, perfect replicas are situated among the city for you to get a feel of the original one.
The Foundation of Neptune situated on the Piazza della Signoria will give you perfect post cards pictures.
The Ponte Vechino, also known as the old bridge is a Medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River covered in jewellery shops and art dealers where you are sure to find the most expensive jewellery in Florence. Take note to go back in the night to see the quant shops closed looking like little treasure boxes resting beside one another, appreciate the musicians that play on the bridge, and the lights of the city reflecting off the water embody the simplistic elegance of the city.
Pisa
Now that you’ve visited Florence it’s simply impossible not to visit Pisa, they are an hour away from each other and you can travel by bus or train. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is just one of many other amazing sights to see, however it is without a doubt the most popular one, therefore if you want to achieve a great picture you will have be prepared to wait, it is not surprise you will find there are hundred other tourist probably doing the same stereotypical pose (which no matter what you do, it has to be done).
The Cathedral is an impressive monument and there are people that say it’s the best in Italy! Pictures do not do it justice and it’s an experience better lived than told.
We cannot think of Italy and not think of food, their historical pizzas and pasta trends have concurred our Saturday night take away and has made it to our top 10 most favourite international cuisine, and Pisa does not disappoint. After a long day of sightseeing you can enjoy a delicious home made pizza at restaurant Gusto 129, here your imagination is the limit as the variety of ingredients and toppings seem to be endlessly, if you’re looking for a friendly and authentic place to eat you sure will not get enough.
Venice
Last but not least Venice, the city of the Gondolas, this very well-known city has been built on water, divided by bridges and canals. Filled with innumerable narrow, maze-like alleys and small squares, the Grand Canal snakes through the city where no cars or roadways are to be seen.
Standing in the middle of the magnificent piazza San Marco is an experience in itself: Napoleon referred to it as the ‘drawing room of Europe’. There is so much going on but at the same time it can feel so relaxing just to sit and gaze at your surroundings, indulge yourself by wandering around its perimeter for a while, at night the illuminated buildings create an entire different atmosphere with music and performances in the background that you are sure to enjoy.
Put on your best outfit and simply be prepared to fell in love with Venice, let time simply slowly past by and enjoy the experience.
What to Remember
Like any big city, keep an eye on your valuables when you are in crowded places
All the cafes and shops around the square are overpriced
Each city offers something different, making sure that no matter where you go you get to explore and appreciate the characteristics of each without having that feeling of similar surroundings and repetitive views, so pack your bags and enjoy an amazing time in the arms of the italian experience.
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