We’re all here because we LOVE the country of Italy and what it has to offer, so we decided to share with you just some of the many, many reasons why we think that having going on a tour or vacation in Italy is something that everyone should get to experience. So, Italy, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways! Here are the top 10 reasons we love Italy!
Food
We think it goes without saying that Italian food is one of the top reasons we love Italy. After all, Italian cuisine is well-loved all over the world, and every day and everywhere, we see (and taste) the influence that this European country has had on our food choices and palettes. Pasta, pizza, gelato, cannoli, prosciutto, tiramisu, risotto, mozzarella… these are but a mere few of the virtual cornucopia of choices that Italy has brought to the world’s table.
Drink
Italy has such a veritable selection of lovely drinks that we felt it deserved a separate mention. How can we overlook such wonderful things such as the espresso and limoncello? Even the Italian soda, acqua e menta, is a treat to have, as well as their entire array of aperitifs, digestifs, and liqueurs. And let’s not even get started on the wine!
Art
As the birthplace of the Renaissance and the country that has produced some of the world’s most-celebrated names in the fields of painting and sculpture, it is difficult to not associate Italy with the art world. With such famous personalities such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, Botticelli, and Bernini, to name a few, gracing the Italian landscape with their work, it’s easy to see why almost every artist today hopes to follow in the footsteps of the Italian masters (both figuratively through study, and literally through art tours).
Architecture
Whenever anyone mentions Italy, the first images that automatically come to mind include things such as the Roman Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or the Pantheon. Other than the ancient buildings, there are also the medieval churches and palaces that have withstood the test of time (and heavy tourism), and each and every one of these marvelous structures, each a marvel of architecture and design, continue to awe and inspire to this day.
History
Speaking of ancient and medieval things, Italy is also a history buff’s paradise. With fascinating accounts and tales that go all the way back to the ancient Roman era, the country of Italy is steeped in history. In almost every city, every town, every village, down every street and every corner, more often than not, there is always a story to discover and tell.
Culture and Traditions
Italy’s long history has also produced a plethora of colorful traditions and cultural traits that have given just about every city and region of this country various, distinct personalities of their own. In fact, it’s quite possible that in a single region that is celebrating a holiday, each city and town in that region could actually be celebrating in a manner that is completely different from each other. While one town could be holding a procession and a mass, another could be holding a horse race or a food festival for the exact same reason or in honor of the exact same saint. This is why it is truly exciting to take your time when traveling in Italy, because each destination can bring a unique and exciting experience!
Scenery
Beautiful Italy! From romantic cityscapes, to towering castles and basilicas, to peaceful, rolling hills in the countryside, to crystal clear emerald waters… the Italian landscape is always fresh and breathtaking. Need we say more?
Shopping
Let’s face it. When we go to Italy, WE GO SHOPPING. And how could anyone resist? With items being produced by some of the best artisans who are continuing their craft which has been passed on from generation to generation, thus resulting in some of the best quality work in the world, it seems only fair to support these craftsmen by buying their goods. There are the leatherworkers in Florence (oooh, shoes..!), the glassblowers of Murano, the weavers of Burano, and the ceramics artists of Vietri sul Mare to name just a few of the crafts you can support.
Meanwhile, we won’t even get into the designer outlet shops in Milan…
Nightlife
Every city in Italy has a bustling nightlife, and depending on the season, the only thing that really changes is whether the people choose to party indoors or outdoors. Hangout spots can range anywhere from swanky nightclubs with international DJs and musical performances, to quaint little jazz or piano bars. Whatever your taste may be, there will always be a venue for you to just chill out and have a drink or two (or three). Oh, and have we mentioned that in the Italian Riviera, specifically in Rimini and Riccione, during the summer, they have a beach party that lasts a whole week..?
The Weather
From its warm and fun summers, to its clement springs, to its romantic autumns, and peaceful winters, just being able to enjoy Italy’s weather with your chosen drink in hand is always worth the visit.
How about you? Tell us what you think is the best way to fall in love with Italy! 😀
Priscila Siano is the Marketing Director of Tour Italy Now, an online tour operator specializing in Italy travel. She's a respected expert on making dream Italy vacations a reality for clients.
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