San Lorenzo

How To Travel Italy

Established in 1660, the Grand Tour put tourism on the map in Italy.   Oddly enough, travelers still enjoy the same travel sights that were onetime favorites on that tour. 

Florence was known as the jewel of Renaissance Italy, and is still a beautiful city.  The Medici controlled Florence for centuries.  Under their support, artists like Michalangelo, Leonardo, Donatello, Giotto, Pontormo, Boticelli, worked their wonders.  Some travel highlights to see in Florence would include Michelangelo’s David, Cappelle Medici, Palace of Bargello, Boboli Gardens, Basilica of San Lorenzo, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Pitti Palace and the San Lorenzo market. 

Venice is an amazing city, built on 117 small islands.  It has more than 150 canals, and 409 bridges spanning those canals. Certainly, the Grand Canal is a tourist travel favorite, and so is the Vaporetto. Other attractions you’ll want to see include the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto, St. Mark’s Basilica, Palazzo Pisani, the Clock Tower and San Rocco.

You will find Pisa on the right bank of the Arno River.  It’s most famous attraction by far is the Leaning Tower, but a few other sights worth seeing include the Baptistery, Campo Santo, Pisa Cathedral, National Museum, Santa Maria della Spina,and the Campo dei Miracoli.

Bologna complete with temples, Roman baths, and amphitheatres is a museum, in-and-of itself.  Add in the Baroque churches, palaces and squares, and it is a tourist favorite.  A few sights to include are Bevilacqua Palace, Palazzo della Mercanzia, St. Dominic’s Church, Casa Isolani, the Archeological Museum, San Martino, and the Basilica di San Pietro.

What can one say about Rome?  It is a vacation, all by itself.  While you’re there, be sure to visit the Vatican, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, Piazza Navona, the Roman Forum, Campidoglio, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Did you know pizza, originated in Naples? Not only that, but it’s close to lots of fabulous tourist attractions. Because of that, it makes an excellent base for touring the vicinity. While you’re staying there, be sure you check out  the Piazza del Plebiscito, Piazza Mercato, Via Toledo, the Duomo, Spaccanapoli, Castel Dell’Ovo and Santa Chiara Church.

Unearthed in the 18th century, the ruins of Pompeii gave us a look at 2000-year-old temples, villas and art.  While you’re there, be sure to see the House of Vettii, the House of the Mysteries, the Necropolis, the House of the Gilded Cupids, the House of Menander, the Stabian Baths and the Street of Tombs.

In modern Ercolano, you will find the remains of Herculaneum.  Much of the old town is buried under the modern day one, but it still offers peak at history.  While there, be sure to see the Suburban Baths, House of the Bicentenary, House of the Deer, Palestra, and Sacello degli Augustali.

Italy is rich in history, tradition food and wine, and offers an amazing vacation opportunity. From the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the Vatican, there is definitely something here to delight everyone.

Pat Metheny Group – San Lorenzo (1978)