Italy
Unique Places To Visit In Italy
When it comes to unique places to visit In Italy – there is none. Sure, there are tons of hidden gems, but this entire country is unique. It’s the one country that I’ve been lucky enough to see the most of – and I’m not even remotely close to being done with this beautiful country.
Where does one start?
History. I’ve been to Rome twice, and both times archeologists were digging around some new ancient discovery.
Architecture. It doesn’t matter if it’s a big major city or a small town/village. They all have a beautiful cathedral and a story.
Food. I don’t even know where to start when it comes to food. But whether you are in a restaurant or lucky enough to be in someone’s Nonna’s (Grandmother’s) kitchen, that family feel surrounding food is its own delicious experience.
The art of the renaissance, leaning towers, canals, countrysides, beaches, fashion and animated hand movements while talking like a conductor with an orchestra. I love this country!
36 Best Things To Do In Naples Italy | The Ultimate Naples Itinerary
I love pizza, and I thought about writing a post about finding the best pizzeria in Naples since Naples is the birthplace of pizza. Of course, I’ll be talking about the best things to do in Naples Italy and giving you the ultimate Naples Itinerary. But first, pizza. I quickly learned from the locals here in…
Things To Do In Catania, Italy: 14 Attractions & Sicily Guide
After enjoying a three-day Malta itinerary in absolute sunny bliss, I arrived in Catania in torrential rain. I had just walked into my hotel when it started too. Whew! The weather cleared up, and all was right in the world again. The Catania, Sicily weather was beautiful, and I couldn’t wait to explore all the…
How to Spend an Awesome Weekend in Syracuse Sicily
When I spent a weekend in Syracuse, Sicily, it was purely fueled by The Godfather (you know, other than the fact that I was already in Malta). At the beginning of one of my YouTube videos about Syracuse, a girl is playing the Godfather theme on the accordion; one commenter even said: “For a country…
What To Do In Rome In 2 Days
Ah good old Italy, the place of classic cuisine, ancient history, and fine clothing. The place where using an “indoor voice” means…well who are we kidding? It means absolutely nothing and as soon as I checked into my Airbnb all I could hear was parents yelling at children, children yelling at children, children yelling at…
History Of Italy
The history of Italy covers thousands of years, encompassing numerous empires while influencing a vast range of international cultures.
Italy played a critically important role throughout the Middle Ages, and Italian art and architecture have significantly impacted Europe for centuries. As Italy’s regional states continued to unite under one government in 1861, Italy quickly became a major European power.
Here are 2 key moments from the long and fascinating history of Italy:
Unification in 1861
In 1848, King Charles Albert of Sardinia called for the independence of all Italian states from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Although he was later forced to back down by Austrian forces, his actions started a movement towards unification, eventually leading to Italy becoming its nation in 1861 – although it wasn’t until 1870 that Rome finally joined the fold.
Rise and Fall of Fascism under Mussolini
Benito Mussolini rose to power as a fascist dictator in 1925 with widespread support from powerful elements within Italian society, including the army and many wealthy citizens who wanted stability after years of political instability.
Despite restoring order to society, Mussolini’s regime came with its brand of ruthlessness – leading to losses against Ethiopia and Greece during World War II. Following Allied troops taking control over much of mainland Italy in 1943, Mussolini was arrested. Still, he soon escaped capture – fleeing firstly towards Switzerland before reality struck. He was arrested shortly afterwards and summarily executed by communist insurgents only two days later, in 1945.
Capital
Rome is the largest and the capital of Italy, as well as the capital of the Lazio region.
What in Rome In 2 Days
The Vatican is an independent state located within the city of Rome and is the only country within a city.
Currency
Euro
Food
Traditional Italian cuisine is an integral part of the culture, with different regions having their specialties. From pizza to pasta and anything in between, Italian food has long been among the most popular cuisines worldwide.
While many people might think that Italians are all about noodles and tomato sauce, there’s actually a lot more to the country’s delicious gastronomy!
Explore Various Types of Italian Food
Italian food is incredibly diverse, from northern dishes such as risotto alla Milanese to central kinds of pasta like spaghetti alla carbonara. No matter where you are in Italy, you will find something unique and delicious.
Be sure to try some of Italy’s regional specialities such as focaccia di Recco or pizza al taglio.
Sample Italian Delicacies
When it comes to Italian delicacies, there’s no shortage of choice! Whether you’re a fan of sweet treats like amaretti cookies or savoury antipasti such as bruschetta or carciofi fritti (fried artichoke hearts) – you’ll find something amazing to sample in Italy.
Electricity
Electricity in Italy conforms to the European standard of 220V to 230V, with a frequency of 50Hz. Wall outlets typically accommodate plugs with two or three round pins (the latter grounded, the former not).
Public Transit
Rome, Milan, Naples and Turin have a large Metro system, with smaller metros in Genoa and Catania. Cities and towns have an efficient urban and suburban bus system, which is generally limited on Sundays and holidays. You can catch taxis outside most train and bus stations.
Driving
Do you want to experience the romance and culture of Italy but are not sure how to get around? Driving in Italy can be an exciting, memorable experience, so long as you know what to expect and have all the necessary permits. Here’s a list of tips for driving in Italy:
Follow the Rules of the Road
The highway speed limit is 130 km/hr, while it can range from 70-90 km/hr in cities. Remember that Italian drivers prioritize traffic on their right when turning at an intersection, so yield if necessary!
Know What Documents You’ll Need
As with any country, it’s important that when driving in Italy, you have a valid driver’s license and insurance policy on hand. In addition, you must also have a valid International Driver’s Permit (IDP) before driving in Italy. This document includes translations of all your information into ten languages and requires special paperwork back home, so make sure to plan or buy online before departing for Italy.
Rent a GPS Navigation Device
Unless you are familiar with driving through foreign countries (or small towns), we recommend renting a GPS navigator device upon arrival at the airport or your hotel. This way, you won’t get lost trying to locate unfamiliar locations like that charming restaurant outside Rome.
Understand Parking Regulations
In Rome especially, there are designated zones where legal parking is available and many areas where stopping is prohibited unless otherwise indicated by signage; be aware otherwise ticketing and towing are common occurrences — costing much more than they would back home even though the rules remain similar everywhere else in Europe.
Be Cautious While Driving at Night
Italy has its share of narrow roads lined with blind turns and poor quality pavement, leading to less visibility at night; caution should be taken while driving during these hours as wildlife may behave unpredictably along with possible dangerous encounters with other drivers sharing these roads with you after dark.
Safety
Italy is a very popular tourist destination, and with that comes pickpocketing. Keep your valuables safe, keep things out of your back pocket, and keep all your money in different places. Also, be wary of scammers who like to take advantage of tourists and rip them off.
Lastly, with regards to terrorism, since both of Italy’s neighbours (France and Belgium) have experienced it, you will notice increased security (men and women with machine guns) – especially around major attractions.