From north to south, Italy is a work of art. And not just for its architecture and works of art, Renaissance as in Tuscany, Roman as in Pompeii, Greek as in Taormina, Romanesque as in Modena, Byzantine, Venetian, Gothic, Phoenician... No, Italy is also a natural work of art, with its Alps, chiselled coasts and romantic, tragic or charming islands, and its active volcanoes. 58 sites are listed as Unesco World Heritage sites.
Later, we'll come back to the mountain version of Italy, with its extraordinary Dolomites and the Italian slopes of the Alps' greatest peaks.
Today, it's time to explore destinations along rivers and coasts, across gentle hills, or from island to island. On foot or by bike, these are ideal spring destinations. Here's a small selection.
Rome : The City of History and Culture
A timeless destination steeped in history and culture, Rome is a city that enchants every traveler. Italy’s capital is a living museum, offering a blend of ancient wonders and modern delights. Walk through history at the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, and toss a coin in the Baroque beauty of the Trevi Fountain. Don’t miss the Vatican City, home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the spiritual heart of Catholicism. With charming piazzas, world-class cuisine, and vibrant street life, Rome truly earns its title as the Eternal City.
Florence: The Cradle of the Renaissance
Florence is a masterpiece in itself, captivating visitors with its unparalleled art, history, and charm. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, this Tuscan gem boasts world-renowned treasures like Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery and Botticelli’s masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery. Stroll across the iconic Ponte Vecchio, admire the intricate beauty of the Duomo, and take in sweeping views of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Florence is also a haven for food lovers, offering traditional Tuscan cuisine and exquisite wines. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply seeking timeless beauty, Florence is an unforgettable destination.
Venice: The Floating City of Romance
Venice is a dreamlike destination, famed for its enchanting canals, historic charm, and romantic allure. Built on a network of over 100 islands, this unique city offers iconic experiences like gliding through the canals on a gondola and crossing the famed Rialto Bridge. Marvel at the splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica, the grandeur of Doge’s Palace, and the lively atmosphere of Piazza San Marco. Venice is also a hub of art and culture, hosting the world-renowned Venice Biennale and the historic Murano glass artisans. With its timeless beauty and captivating history, Venice is truly one of Italy’s most magical destinations.
Cinque Terre, a multicolored mosaic
Sea, hills, vineyards, ancient fishing villages and Genoese churches open up the enchanting landscapes of the Cinque Terre. In the Middle Ages, the word “terre” meant “village”. Hence the name Cinque Terre. Five colorful villages clinging to the mountains, rising from the sea in a multitude of steep terraces, linked by a marvellous panoramic path, over ridges, scrub and garrigue. Now a Unesco nature park and marine protected area, the Cinque Terre can be enjoyed on foot, along a winding path that takes you from one village to the next.
Emilia Romagna, from Parma to Bologna by bike
A week's cycling in a region little-known to the French, but oh so beautiful and rich, between the hills and the Po plain. When it comes to gourmet delights, discover the real Parma ham, Parmigiano Reggiano, Modena balsamic vinegar and Bologna lasagne. Small country roads and cycle paths along rivers and canals will also take you to the superb cities of Parma, Reggio, Modena and Bologna, via medieval villages and castles.
The Amalfi Coast, Naples, Capri, Pompeii
What a program! Is this region an archaeological treasure trove or a natural wonder? Art and nature have been intimately intertwined for centuries, giving us a region of incomparable beauty. First, Naples and its bay; then Pompeii and Herculaneum, a return to the past, open-air memories... Vesuvius and its panoramic view over the Gulf... Moving southwards, here's romantic Capri... Finally, the Amalfi Coast and its sheer cliffs plunging into the sea, where magnificent villages and countless terraced vineyards, lemon and olive groves grow, criss-crossed by the “path of the gods”. A beautiful part of the Italian coast to discover on your own or with a guide.
Aeolian Islands: land, sea and fire
Italy's volcanic lands are natural jewels whose beauty has been chiseled and enhanced by centuries of cohabitation with man: the duality of these lands of fire, in turn gods of the underworld and then of opulence for the local population. On the program: Vulcano, the island with the most closely guarded active volcano in the archipelago, secret Filicudi, elegant Salina, Panarea and its beaches, Stromboli and its sprays of fire: volcanoes in action, fumaroles, mud baths, charming ports, obsidian peaks, swimming, etc. And to complete this trip to “Unesco land”, a visit to Catania and the site of Taormina. A stay on these beautiful volcanic islands to discover on your own or with a guide, or by reading two travelogues by Matthieu and Kristiina.
Puglia: the heel of the boot!
This is the heel of Italy's boot, bordered by the Adriatic on one side and the Ionian Sea on the other. Puglia unfurls endless fields of olives, wheat and vines. By bike on quiet country roads, or on foot through the Guargano hills, you'll discover a region of remarkable, unspoilt beauty, alternating sea views and rural landscapes, but also incredible treasures like Alberobello and its trullis, those funny dry-stone houses, or Lecce, the Baroque Venice. An Italian region that can be explored on foot or by bike. pied.
Tuscany, an open-air museum
On foot or by bike, succumb to the charms of Tuscany's infinitely harmonious landscapes: gentle, curving hills streaked with cypress trees, criss-crossed by Chianti vineyards or cloaked in forests and olive groves, dotted with medieval and Renaissance villages, castles and monasteries... As for the cities, need we introduce them to you? Florence, Siena, Volterra, Pisa... They are home to many of the treasures of Italian art. And last but not least, Tuscany is also the art of good eating. To take a closer look at the Tuscan landscape, read Emma's illustrated account of her week-long trip to this magnificent region of Italy!
Sardinia, the green and blue island
Mountains covered with cork oaks, centuries-old olive trees, scrubland, myrtle bushes and arbutus; white cliffs overlooking white-sand paradises bordering an emerald sea; rocky, indented coasts... and, everywhere, thousands of nuraghes, small conical towers dating back to the Bronze Age, Phoenician, Roman and medieval remains... On foot or by bike, choose the part of Sardinia you want to discover: the Esmeralda coast, the Selvaggio Blu, the karst plateaus of the Supramonte, the granite hills of the Gennargentu. ..
The Dolomites, our favorites
We couldn't talk to you about Italy without mentioning the Dolomites, one of Grand Angle's great specialties. The “Dolos”, this alternation of dolomite massifs sculpted by an improbable giant artist, and green valleys with a unique culture, between Tyrol and Italy, offers destinations that are perfectly accessible from June onwards, among all our organized trips in the Dolomites. In doubt? Call Thomas, he'll be happy to help. Need inspiration about the Dolomites? Take a look at our comprehensive, well-illustrated travel reports.
If this story appealed to you, find out more about our stays in Italy.
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Written on 29/04/2022 by:
Anne-Marie Billault
