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Suggestions for Must See Sites in Italy

Posted by (Lewis, WV, US) on

We just returned from another one of our wonderful European trips and have added to our wonderful memories and endless knowledge thanks to our travels.

We are compiling ideas for a spring trip to Italy after leaving Holland and its tulip season. May I have suggestions as to what we shouldn't miss seeing? We will be driving a rented camper van and can allow one month or longer to see as much as possible. We may rent in Italy, if we can find an affordable, reputable company or may have to go out of Germany as we have done before. Of course, we will be going with the Rick Steves guide in hand but would appreciate your first hand suggestions.

How might the weather be in northern Italy in early May?

Thanks for your help and keep traveling.

Posted by
1717 posts

Hello Charlene. What kind of sites and environments and experiences are of interest to you ?

Posted by
189 posts

Rome: The Vatican Museum, The Colosseum, The Roman Forum (we wish we had more time here - unbelievable), the Trevi Fountain. We couldn't see the Spanish Steps because it was so littered with people sitting on them. Rome was not our favorite place, but the sights are incredible. See these and get out.

Florence: Uffizi, Accademia, Ponte Vecchio, the city itself and the Science Museum with Galileo's 500-year-old finger in a jar.

Venice: Everywhere and everything! Also, Burano, if you only have time for one close island.

The Alps.

Enjoy! (And don't forget to carry your own water bottle with you everywhere)

Posted by
178 posts

Ron, we love in this order, drop your jaw gorgeous sites, history, art, and the people. Although we love food, when we are in Europe food is generally on the back burner and just to keep us going.

Our family has been to Venice and loved it! I have been to Rome but not with my family. I still open my mouth at the thoughts of The Sisten Chapel. WOW! But I am now older and love even more things, and I know my family will appreciate everything Rome has to offer.

We, as a family, have covered most of Europe and still need to experience Holland and all of Italy together. Therefore, we are looking for ideas to research before we compile our itinerary.

Keep traveling. :):):):)

Posted by
103 posts

Every part of Italy is beautiful, vibrant and exciting in its unique way. I'm so envious that you'll have a whole month! Of course Rome MUST be on your itinerary for its ancient history, Vatican experience, neighborhoods, and don't miss the Borghese Gallery. The Bernini sculptures will take your breath away.

And then there's Florence and it's historical Medici drama with an interesting religious character Savonarola, it's world renowned collection of art history including Michelangelo's David and the Uffizi museum. But be sure to visit the private chapel in the Medici Palace for a breathtaking fresco by Benozzo Gozzoli; then go to the Medici Church for the outrageously ostentatious tombs of several Medici's. Be sure to visit the Duomo Museum to see the original Ghiberti's panels - the ones that launched Renaissance art in 1400.

Then there are all the beaufiful little villages in Tuscany and Umbria. One of our favorites is Assisi. Everything you'd imagine a medival Italian village to be - charming and quietly peaceful with spectacular views,winding streets to wander along, artisan shops and, of course, the monumental Basilica San Francesco.

And what about the Amalfi coast. Now there is a place with mind blowing landscapes of the cliffs and the sea and the villages clinging to the mountainsides.

Posted by
178 posts

Linda, wonderful! I can tell you love those drop your jw gorgeous views also. I have copied all of the ideas given me from the postings and will put them in my notebook. Keep traveling!

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