Michael Canzian — Great Sightseeing Adventures in Italy
Italy is known for its scrumptious food and wine selection, historical art, luxury lifestyle, grand canals, and much more. The country that translates to beauty; a neoclassical flair that justifies its history. A place that is deeply connected to its roots, honoring and glorifying it through preserved cultures and traditions. Some would even identify it as heaven on earth–as everything that one can wish for is already there. Hence, it’s definitely not surprising as to why it’s always on the list of top countries to visit. Here are some must-visit destinations if you wish to fall in love with Italy even more.
Friuli Venezia Giulia
This region can be classified as a hidden gem and one that is near and dear to my heart. I consider myself a Friulano at heart. It is situated in the Northeastern part of Italy, bordering Austria, Slovenia, and the Adriatic Sea, and is the smallest region in Italy and the least travelled. A place that will make anyone appreciate nature as it is surrounded by breathtaking mountains, wild rivers, ancient ruins and villages, and virgin beaches. A place that calls for an outdoor adventure for it is filled with various locations to explore and things to do. Its natural beauty can captivate the heart of its visitors just like it did with the locals who will always regard it as their home. Aside from this, the food in this region is abundant in flavor–Frico, Gubana, Polenta, Gnocchi di Patate, and Brovada e Muset — a deliciously succulent boiled sausage- are some of its traditional dishes. Its location also influenced their cuisine, explaining why they have a mixture of Italian, Latin, Slavic, and Mediterranean food. Moreover, this ravishing region involves a magical place within it such the wild horses on the island of Cona, Karst spring of Vinchiaruzzo, Waterfalls of Caprizi, Creta di Timau, and Arzino. One of the more enjoyable things to do here, and throughout Italy for that matter, is enjoying the local mercato where one can find fresh ingredients, conviviality and of course a local osteria for a glass of wine or a gelato to soak in the scene.
Cinque Terre
A coastal area located in Liguria sits in the northwest region of Italy. Its name translates to “The Five Lands” which are the five small coastal villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso in the region and is a favorite of tourists. It is known for colorful houses surrounding the coastline –these are the beautiful villages that capture the eye of many for their crowded yet pleasing structure. As expected, this vista has already appeared in many paintings, photographs, magazine covers, and even book covers. Aside from admiring its beauty, tourists usually go here for the Monterosso foothpath, Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre, Sentierro Vernazza a Corniglia, Church of San Francesco, and Cinque Terre Boat Tours. Make sure not to miss out on this place as it will surely remain well-known for its unique quality.
Venice
Of course, Venezia will always be on the list of places to go to in Italy. A city that holds countless names, La Dominante, La Serenissima, Queen of the Adriatic, City of Water, City of Masks, City of Bridges, The Floating City, and City of Canals–all derived from its unique elements. In fact, a local parish within the city bears my last name, and something that I wanted my wife and children to see for themselves. Venice is built on 118 islands separated by lagoons and linked by over 400 bridges. This explains the Grand Canal as it is the main waterway of the city. Tourists are enamored with the complexity of this city; they often look forward to riding the gondolas as they want to experience the essence of Venice. Aside from this, they also look forward to walking across the Rialto bridge, visiting St. Mark’s Basilica, going to Gallerie dell’Accademia, capturing the Bridge of Sighs, and many more. This city will ceaselessly be recognized for its classic beauty, architecture, and artwork. I would simply add that if your calendar permits travelling to Venice off-season (not in the summer), you will experience a more gentile and authentic Venice devoid of massive crowds. I find that early to late spring offers the best blend of weather and calmness. No surprise, Venice can be very humid. Fall can also be a good time to visit, although be forewarned that October can see regular flooding. — Michael Canzian