the country i would like to visit italy essay

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The Country I Would Like To Visit – Italy (Essay Sample)

Whenever you ask a person about what they want to do the most in life, the most obvious reply they will give you is they want to travel the world. Every one of us has a fantasy to travel and explore the whole world. When you think about top countries to visit, Italy can never be overlooked. Italy is a beautiful country located in the south-central Europe region. It is rich with ancient history, culture, Italian art, and countless cuisines. Italy is home to the most number of UNESCO world heritage sites (55) in Europe. It is certainly a tourist destination that doesn’t require any introduction that is why it tops my list of countries that I want to visit. In this essay, I will explain why I would like to visit Italy before going anywhere else.

Table of Contents

Italy – The Country I Would Like To Visit – 700 Word Long Essay

Italy is a top tourist destination that requires no introduction. It is quite difficult to find a better country to visit that is more diverse, multifaceted, and rich in culture and food like Italy. The amazing thing about this country is that every traveler will surely find something of interest in a country like Italy. This country is unbelievably rich in culture, ancient history, beautiful natural scenery, ancient ruins, majestic mountains, and amazing Italian cuisines to name a few. These are some of the reasons why Italy tops my list of countries that I would like to travel to. In this essay, I would try my best to make you fall in love with this country so that it becomes a top destination for you too.

Secondly, I would want to visit Italy because of the mouth-watering foods and delicious Italian cuisine. Italian cuisine is said to be the finest and rare delicacies when it comes to food. As a food lover, I would love to taste the wood-fired pizzas, Tuscan pasta, good house wine, Italian spaghetti, famous Italian tomato sauce, and all other Italian foods. It is no secret that Italy also has the best red wine in the world. People travel from all over the world to go and taste the fine red wine the country offers. The Chianti, Lombardy, and Piedmont vineyards are indeed some of the world’s best with unmatched consistency.

I would like to visit Italy because of the ancient art and culture the country has. Italy is home to the 55 UNESCO world heritage sites, which is more than any other country in Europe. 50 of these ancient landmarks are cultural and 5 of them are natural. When it comes to landmarks Italy is full of beautiful churches and wonderful museums that are just too good to be overlooked.  In fact, you can’t even move around Italy without bumping into one of the world’s heritage sites. The Papal kingdom, the Renaissance of noble families, and smaller cities like Florence are also very rich in ancient history and culture. These cities will take you on an ancient roller coaster and you will also start to feel like an archeologist.

When it comes to beautiful natural scenery there is nothing that can beat Italy. The country is blessed with natural beauty all around with soaring mountains, great beaches, picturesque lakes, and off-course the longest coastline among all the European countries. The whole country is just magnificent with mesmerizing views. That is just one of the reasons why I would love to visit the country of Italy.

It is impossible to talk about Italian history without mentioning the poets and artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Donatello. Italy has the best crop of painters in the world. The pieces of art that Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo painted are currently worth millions of dollars. The ancient Roman ruins are also sites that I want to see. History is a big part of their culture and it played a key role in shaping Italy. It is also one of the reasons why I want to visit Italy before any other country

The Italian cities are also, for lack of a better word, legendary. The Italian cities boast modern as well as ancient looks which makes them unique and amazing at the same time. The beautiful cities of central Italy, southern Italy, and northern Italy add to the rich culture and traditions. Most popular Italian cities that include Venice, Rome, Cagliari, Siena, Florence, Naples, Genoa, Milan, and Palermo are all unique in their own way. Not to forget the beautiful yet small and independent Vatican city that is home to amazing architectural wonders like none other. As ancient as it sounds the city of Rome is home to the Colosseum that is one of the 7 wonders of the world. Rome is a city that is thousands of years older and is full of ancient history as well as archeological treasures. The roman empire is still known for the great roman army that ruled there for more than 1000 years. 

In conclusion, these are the reasons why I want to plan a visit to Italy before any other place in the world. It is truly a remarkable country filled with adventure, beautiful scenery, amazing restaurants, tasty cuisines, and ancient history that you don’t want to miss out on.

Short Essay About Why Visit Italy – 300 Word Short Custom Essay

When it comes to top tourist destinations in the world, no one can skip Italy as it is one of the most loved tourist countries in the world. Incredible natural beauty, amazing food, artistic cultural heritage, and history that dates back millennia are just some of the reasons everyone should visit Italy once. The country is full of archeological and cultural treasures. It’s one of a kind when it comes to beautiful beaches, ancient cities, legendary artists, and breathtaking architecture. Here are the reasons why everyone should visit Italy once in their lifetime.

Let’s start by talking about the diverse landscape of Italy. With over 8000 kilometers of coastline and more than 400 islands, you are never far from a beach. When it comes to landmarks Italy is home to 55 UNESCO recognized world heritage sites. It also has beautiful museums and breathtakingly amazing churches with unmatched architecture. Italy is so rich in history that you can’t even walk around without bumping into one of its archeological treasures.

Secondly, Italy is home to the best restaurants in the world making it nothing less than a food heaven for food lovers. The Italian cuisine, Italian red wine, Italian cheese, and the world-famous gelato along with other seafood are hard to say no to. The cities of Italy including Venice, Rome, and the Vatican City are also very rich in culture and traditions. It’s surprising how different these cities are from each other and visiting each one is a different experience.

In conclusion, Italy should be your first choice whenever you get a chance to travel around the world. The country is nothing less of a treat for all your senses and you will also agree with me once you visit Italy yourself.

Do you like these sample essays about Italy- The Country I Would Like to Visit? Reach out to Essay Basics to get a professionally written plagiarism-free and unique custom essay on any topic in less than 3 hours.

FAQ About Why I Want to Visit Italy

What’s so special about italy.

There are more than 55 UNESCO recognized heritage sites in Italy, which is more than any other European country in the world. Italy is also home to the Colosseum, ancient ruins, and other historical landmarks.

What Are Top 5 Places To Visit In Italy?

The Colosseum in Rome, canals in Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, and the large island of Sicily are the top 5 places to visit in Italy.

Essay on Italy

Students are often asked to write an essay on Italy in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Italy

Introduction to italy.

Italy is a country in Europe known for its rich history and beautiful art. It looks like a boot on the map and has seas on three sides. Many people visit Italy to see its famous cities, eat delicious food, and enjoy the lovely weather.

Famous Places

In Italy, cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence are full of old buildings and famous art. Rome has the Colosseum, an ancient arena, and Venice has canals instead of streets. Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, a time when art and learning grew a lot.

Italian Food

Italian food is popular all over the world. Pizza and pasta come from Italy. Italians love to use fresh ingredients like tomatoes, olive oil, and cheese. Gelato, a kind of ice cream, is a sweet treat many enjoy.

Italian Culture

Italians are known for their love of family, music, and celebrations. Football is the most popular sport. Italy also has many festivals that show its traditions and history. People from all over come to enjoy these events.

Italy is a country with a lot to offer. From its historic sites and tasty food to its vibrant culture, there’s something for everyone. It’s a place that many dream of visiting.

250 Words Essay on Italy

Italy is a country in Europe known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. It looks like a boot on the map and has seas on three sides. Many people visit Italy to see its art, monuments, and enjoy its famous food.

The Land and Cities

Italy has mountains, hills, and beaches. The Alps are big mountains in the north, and the Apennines go down the middle. Big cities like Rome, which is the capital, Milan, and Venice are in Italy. Rome has an old stadium called the Colosseum, and Venice has water streets.

Italian culture includes famous paintings and buildings. Long ago, artists like Leonardo da Vinci made great art. Italians also love music and opera. People all over the world like Italian food like pizza, pasta, and gelato, which is Italian ice cream.

Famous Italian Festivals

In Italy, there are many festivals. One is called Carnevale, where people wear masks and costumes. Another is the Venice Film Festival, where new movies are shown.

Sports in Italy

Football, or soccer, is very popular in Italy. The Italian football team has won many important games. People also enjoy car racing, especially Formula One.

Italy is a country with lots of things to see and do. From its history and art to its food and sports, Italy has something for everyone to enjoy.

500 Words Essay on Italy

Italy is a country in Europe that looks like a high-heeled boot on the map. It is known for its interesting history, delicious food, and beautiful places. Many people visit Italy to see its art, old buildings, and to enjoy the sunny weather.

History of Italy

Long ago, Italy was home to the Romans, who built a huge empire. The city of Rome was the center of this empire. Today, you can still see old Roman buildings like the Colosseum, where gladiators fought. After the Roman Empire ended, Italy had many different rulers and was divided into smaller states for a long time. It became one country again in 1861.

Famous Italian Food

Italian food is famous all over the world. Pizza and pasta are the most popular dishes. They come in many different types with various sauces. Cheese and tomatoes are often used in Italian cooking. In Italy, people enjoy their meals with family and friends, and eating together is an important part of their culture.

Beautiful Places in Italy

Italy has many beautiful places to see. Venice is a city with canals instead of roads, and people move around in boats called gondolas. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a tower that is not straight but tilted to one side. The countryside, especially in regions like Tuscany, has beautiful hills and vineyards where grapes are grown to make wine.

Italian Art and Culture

Italy is also famous for its art. Long ago, artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo made paintings and sculptures that are still famous today. Italian culture includes music and festivals too. Opera music started in Italy, and there are many theaters where you can watch these musical stories.

Italy’s Impact on the World

Italy has had a big impact on the world. Its history, art, and culture have influenced many other countries. Italian designers are known for making beautiful clothes and shoes, and many people like to buy Italian fashion.

Italy is a country with a rich history, tasty food, beautiful places, and a strong influence on art and fashion. It is a place where the past and present come together, and there is something interesting for everyone to see and learn. Italy teaches us about the Romans, gives us great food to eat, and shows us how beautiful our world can be.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Velvet Escape

go explore. experience. and be inspired.

Reasons to love Italy

My love affair with Italy began in the early 1990’s. I think it started the moment I had my first meal at a cozy trattoria in Florence. The food was absolutely divine. Simple, fresh and cooked with a passion that was almost tangible. There are so many reasons to love Italy : its food, wines, language, architecture, design, people, history, landscapes, beaches… the list is endless. These are all great reasons to visit Italy and I always try to plan a trip back every year.

Since that first trip, I’ve covered large swathes of Veneto, Lombardy, Piedmont, Liguria, Süd Tirol, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria, Abruzzo, Sicily, Sardinia, Campania, Puglia and Basilicata by car, foot and public transport; driven along the stunning coasts of the Amalfi and the Cinque Terre; strolled through cities and towns like Rome, Milan, Venice, Verona, Naples, Florence, Siena, Assisi, Lecce and Bologna; and yet, there’s so much more to see and do, so many more culinary secrets to discover and countless wines to taste!

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Reasons to visit Italy!

Historic heritage.

Italy’s history goes back thousands of years and the legacy of that long and often tempestuous history can be found throughout the country. I’m a big fan of history and art so it’s not difficult to imagine why Italy always fascinates me.

Read about things to see in Pompeii .

Read about things to do in Ravenna .

Read about the Art Cities of Emilia-Romagna .

Read more about things to see in Lecce .

Read about the highlights of Abruzzo .

Read about things to see in Gallipoli .

Read about things to see in Ferrara .

Read about things to do in Matera .

Cities and towns

From the hustle-and-bustle of cities like Rome, Milan, Naples and Bologna to extraordinary towns like Matera, San Gimignano, Assisi, Alberobello and Positano, Italy is awash with fascinating places to visit!

Read about the Duomo in Milan .

Read about things to do in Bologna .

Read about things to do in Bergamo .

Read about places to visit in Liguria .

Read about places to visit in the Itria Valley .

Read about my visit to Positano .

Read about visiting Civitella del Tronto .

Read about the best places to visit in Piedmont on a road trip.

Read more about the best places to visit in Puglia .

Martina Franca is another of my favourite towns to visit in Puglia! Read more about things to do in Martina Franca .

Read about the best places to visit in Emilia-Romagna .

Food & wines

Italy is heaven for foodies and wine-lovers. The diversity of dishes and wines is simply enormous and Italians are deservedly proud of their culinary heritage. Eating in Italy is always a joy for me!

Read about my Moscato di Scanzo wine-tasting .

Read about my Lambrusco experience .

Read about my food and wine experiences and the best places to visit in Monferrato , Piedmont.

Read about a food tour of Modena .

Street scenes

When I’m in Italy, one of my favourite things to do is sit at a café with a coffee or a glass of wine and simply watch people pass by or chatting animatedly with one another.

Read about things to see in Bari .

Read about how to spend a few days in Modena .

See more photos of Bologna .

Read about things to do in Casale Monferrato in Piedmont.

Italy is an incredibly colourful country. Wherever you go, a splash of colour is never far away.

Art and Design

From its countless historic treasures to cutting-edge fast cars, Italy is simply heaven for art and design lovers!

Read more about the Motor Valley .

Read about my visit to the Vespa Museum .

Read about a things to do in Emilia-Romagna .

With a length of more than 1,000km, boot-shaped Italy is home to a big variety of natural landscapes; from the jagged peaks of the Dolomites and the rolling hills of Tuscany to the thick forests of the Gargano Peninsula and the blindingly white beaches of Sardinia.

Yes, I have many reasons to love Italy! I always feel happy when I visit Italy. The food, wines, historic heritage and sights never fail to excite my senses. The whole country is simply one big Velvet Escape! 🙂

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24 Responses

Vatican City, Portofino, Bari, Tuscany, Milan pictures are my favorite! Magazine quality shots.

[…] See my photo essay on reasons I love Italy […]

It was great to have you here! I decided to keep the champagne bottle we opened for your birthday and transform it in a lovely candle holder. Will make me think at a wonderful night with an awesome friend! Ciao

Hi Simon, Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality and the many tips and recommendations! We had a fabulous time in Milan…yes, it was too short! I can’t thank you enough for the lovely birthday dinner! 🙂 Lots of hugs and hope you’ve recovered from your cold.

Hope you have the best time ever! 🙂 Saluti dalla Toscana!

Seeing how thrilled you are to travel to Italy and having some close friends who’ve visited this country (several times some), hearing only great stories and recommendations I have to admit that Italy is on the top list of my travel places to go to 🙂 Have a lovely trip and please share the amazing places you’ll visit 🙂

great picture, nice write up.

Sweet! Looking forward to following your trip. My favorite part of Italy is the Amalfi Coast, especially Positano.

Sounds like a great trip. My first time in Italy was in March, and I’m ready to go back! Loved Cinque Terre and Tuscany. Enjoy it- it’s certain to go by too quickly.

@Keith: it was so wonderful to eventually meet you in person! You’re as I had imagined you… no… better! I will never thank you enough, because if it weren’t for you I would not be joy blogging now. Enjoy every second of your Italian journey!

@Jeremy: I can’t believe it! Well… If you’re not a great fan of Italy maybe you’re a fan of good wine. Ask Keith… My home is simple but you’re welcome any time and you’ll always find here a glass of good red or white wine and a dish of delicious Italian pasta… 🙂

Gorgeous! I’m so in love with Italy too! Have a beautiful adventure in Italy!

We are looking forward to having you here! We have a couple of good restaurants in mind too…! LOL

I’m thrilled that you’re coming back to Italy and have included some of the best of Tuscany in your itinerary. You’ll love staying with Gloria @casinadirosa!! The Maremma is probably my favourite area of Tuscany and Gloria my favourite person. If you have a day in Florence, how about letting me take you to see something special TBA – a little known fresco or something – and doing a quick interview for one of the blogs of Tuscany’s official social media team?

PS @Jeremy B how can you NOT be a fan of Italy!! it’s a big country with so much to explore. Cinque Terre is…. well, not the best of it.

I’ve only visited Rome and its surrounding and a part of Sardinia, but I did fall in love with Italy the moment I stepped down from the plane on my first visit there 10 years ago. It’s an amazing country and I’d always go back there for a shorter or longer vacation. Have fun on your trip!

I will certainly follow this velvet trip. I too love Italy for exactly the same reasons you do. If I get the chance, I would love to live for at least a month there. Enjoy!

*sigh* ~ don’t we all love Italy? Well, with the exception of Jeremy that is!!! LOL 😉 Have a super time Keith. x

OMG, have fun!!!

There aren’t enough words to describe how jealous I am. 😉

Have a fabulous time and please enjoy some pesto alla genovese in Santa Margherita on my behalf…

Oh! Your trip looks great! Have fun Keith! 🙂

Oh! Enjoy your trip and happy birthday to you! 🙂

Not a huge fan of Italy but I loved the Cinque Terre!

[…] Returning to Italy, one of my favorite countries in the universe … […]

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Are you planning a trip and wondering what are the reasons to visit Italy? We are here to help!

Italy is one of the most beautiful countries and no matter what, it should be on everyone’s travel bucket list!

Italy has so much to offer. Whether you love food, culture or art, you will find your happy place in Italy !

⏱️ IN A RUSH? Here is are the top 3 reasons to visit Italy

• 🍝 The food is delicious
• 🏛️ There are more UNESCO sites than in any other country
• 🎨 It’s a paradise for art lovers

Italy has a long and rich history, dating back to the ancient Roman Empire.

It’s also known for being the birthplace of the Renaissance and is one the most famous tourist destinations in the world, including Rome , Florence and Venice.

I’ve been to Italy over 10 times and I love this country more than any other which is why, in this article, I tell you everything you need to know about the best reasons to visit Italy.

By the end of it, you will want to book a ticket and go ASAP!

🔎 Table of Contents

1. Italian food is delicious

Italy is a paradise for all the foodies out there! Everything is delicious in Italy which is why you will want to taste everything!

No matter what you opt for, it will be good. You will rarely be disappointed when it comes to food here.

Each Italian region has some typical dishes so you will eat rather differently depending on where you go.

As a general thing, Southern Italy is known to have the most authentic and hearty food, especially Naples and Sicily.

Naples is the birthplace of pizza . It was where the famous pizza margherita was invented.

This was done to honour Queen Margherita at the unification of Italy. It only required three ingredients that represented the colours of the new Italian flag: Basil (Green), Mozarella (white) and tomato (red).

But Italian food is not just pizza. There are many other dishes you should try including spaghetti bolognese, carbonara, pesto, arancini, Foccacia…

Italy is also known for its desserts. Wait until you try a proper tiramisu in Italy! It will almost make you fall off your chair (in a good way!).

2. Nothing beats Italian coffee

Italy is also very famous for its coffee culture. While there are a couple of other countries that make delicious coffees (like Cuba), Italy simply sets the standard.

Making coffee is an art in Italy.

It’s not such something you quickly get in the morning to wake you up.

It’s almost sacred!

Italians don’t drink filter coffee in big cups like Americans or British people.

They savour a short but strong espresso.

Usually, they order it at the bar, pay there, drink it up and are on their way.

There are other types of coffees that you can drink in Italy including Cappucino, Latte Machiatto and Mocha.

However, these are considered breakfast drinks so you shouldn’t really be ordering them in the afternoon.

You can do so, but then it will be very obvious you are a tourist (nothing wrong with that, just giving you a heads up).

3. Italy is a paradise for history buffs

When it comes to history, Italy is such a fascinating country.

It’s been home to so many civilisations and movements. From Roman times to modern Italy, you will get to discover over 2,000 years of history and culture!

Italy is full of landmarks and historical towns that will amaze history buffs.

If you wish to discover the roman culture, Pompei and Rome will be perfect. Greek heritage will be particularly present in the South, particularly in Sicily.

Tuscany is home to the best of the Italian Renaissance and Milan to the modern ages of Italy.

So, if you are a history buff, you will be in for a treat in Italy!

PRO TIP: Make sure to book some walking tours in the cities you visit. It’s a great way to learn more about the local culture and history.

4. Art is everywhere

Italy is also one of the best places in the world for art lovers.

Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and many artistic movements, Italy was home to some of the most well-known artists in the world such as Da Vinci, Michelangelo and many more.

Here are some of the most famous pieces of art in Italy:

• The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli
• The Last Supper by Da Vinci
• David by Michelangelo
• The School of Athens by Raphael

Going to Italy will also give you the chance to visit amazing museums.

This includes the Vatican museums and the Uffizi Museum in Florence.

As the name might suggest, the Vatican Museums are located in the Vatican City in Rome. They are home to a huge collection of pieces that were accumulated by the Catholic church through the centuries.

As you may know, most artists (back in the days) were actually commissioned by the Popes and the church in general. For this reason, the Catholic church has amassed an incredible amount of beautiful pieces of art.

This is actually one of the main reasons why Italy and Rome have so much art!

The Vatican Museums are home to thousands of sculptures, paintings and maps.

As a visitor, you can get to see most of them and even walk through the beautiful Sistine Chapel (and look at the ceiling painted by Michelangelo).

Tickets to the Vatican Museums must be purchased in advance though otherwise, you will be queueing for hours.

The Uffizi Gallery is also a very famous museum in Italy. It’s located in Florence and is home to some of the most famous paintings in the world including La Primavera by Botticelli.

5. The architecture is simply marvellous

In terms of architecture, Italy leads the way!

You will find all kinds of architectural styles from Roman times to the modern age.

This includes unique landmarks from the antiquity such as the Coliseum and gorgeous renaissance landmarks such as Florence Duomo.

No matter what kind of building you want to look at, you will find it in Italy.

As you walk around, you will notice that all these different architectural styles are mixed together in some way. Of course, there is unity but there is also a lot of things going on!

Let’s take Rome for example. You can walk from the Spanish steps (Baroque) to the Trevi Fountain (Renaissance) and the Pantheon (Roman Empire).

In the space of 15 minutes, you will have seen so many different types of buildings and landmarks!

6. The natural landscapes are breathtaking

When we think of Italy, our mind usually goes straight to the history and architecture.

Yet, one of the best reasons to go to Italy is to explore the countryside and discover the natural landmarks.

Italy is full of beautiful places and they are all so unique!

In the north, you will discover the Alps and Dolomites. They are amongst the most beautiful mountains in the world!

The Alps are home to Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe and the Dolomites look like they are out of a fairytale (also pretty similar to the landscapes of the sound of Music).

Then, you’ve got beautiful Tuscany with its vineyards everywhere, the countryside at its best.

Then you get to central Italy and its authentic and rustic little villages.

After that, you discover the south and its beautiful beaches. Puglia, Amalfi coast… they are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world!

And then, you’ve got the islands: Sardegna and Sicily. There, it’s like being in another country. You get the best beaches in Italy, incredible food and volcanoes.

Italy is also home to the most active volcanoes in Europe (Mount Etna and Stromboli) but also to the most destructive volcano in Europe, Mount Vesuvius, in Naples.

You will get to enjoy some relaxing days on the beach, hiking on the volcanoes, skiing in the Italian Alps… Everything you can think of in terms of outdoor adventures, Italy has it!

7. Italian people are adorable

This is probably the best reason to go to Italy! Italians are adorable! They are very friendly and most of all, extremely welcoming.

They are very proud of their country and language and love the fact that of all places, you’ve chosen their home for your holidays.

They will be very helpful and try to give you advice and will make sure you are having the best time!

These people can give so much love, it’s unbelievable. They make you feel at home!

Of course, they are rude people everywhere and it’s true that when you go to the touristy areas of Rome or Venice, sometimes you don’t get to meet these adorable locals but they are very there.

If you want to meet them, the best way is to go out to the country and book a room in a local Agriturismo (particularly popular in Sardinia ).

These cute B&Bs are run by locals who will also make meals with local produce. It’s a great way to learn more about the local culture and exchange with Italians!

8. The Italian language is so beautiful

Italian is a beautiful language. If you listen to it for a bit, you will realise that it sounds like they are singing all the time!

More interestingly, Italy is home to many dialects. Sicilian, Sarde, Napolitan… you will hear all sorts of dialects during your trip to Italy.

These languages are all very interesting to hear and understand. History has shaped them.

In Napolitan, most words were stolen to other languages and pronounced in a southern Italian way.

For example, during WWII, a lot of American soldiers were in Naples and kids used to clean their shoes. They would always say “Shoe Shining”. These words because a Napolitan word “Ciuciana” and is the name for someone that cleans shoes.

To get back to ‘normal’ Italian, it’s such a nice language to hear and you will enjoy just listening to it.

We’d recommend you learn a tiny bit of Italian. Not much but just enough to say basic sentences in the local language.

For instance:

• Thank you = Grazie
• Hello = Buongiorno
• Please = Per favore

9. There are more UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy than in any other country

There are a lot of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy. In fact, with 58 sites in total, there are more than in any other country!

Some of the most popular ones are the Colosseum in Rome, the Tower of Pisa, the Leaning Tower of Amalfi and the Venetian Lagoon.

But there are many more and they are all very interesting to visit.

Altogether, you can find 53 cultural sites and 5 natural UNESCO sites.

That’s a lot to add to your Italy bucket list!

But don’t worry, nobody expects you to see them all, however, the fact that there are so many sites that gain that recognition from the UNESCO gives you a good idea of how interesting and important Italy is.

10. There are so many cute and quaint towns in Italy

If you love discovering quaint towns and cute villages, then Italy will be the perfect place for you!

There are so many authentic and simply adorable towns to visit in Italy.

For example, you can head to Liguria and discover the beautiful Cinque Terre. They are a group of 5 stunning clifftop villages on the coast of Italy.

They are colourful and such nice places to discover.

FUN FACT: If you’ve watched Luca, then you should recognise them since the Cinque Terre were the inspiration for the set of this movie.

The Cinque Terre are quite famous but they are not the only ones. No matter where you go in Italy, you will always find loads of towns and villages that are just as cute.

Some of them are incredibly quaint. It almost looks like time has stopped…

READ MORE: 6 Most Beautiful Towns in Italy to visit this year!

11. Discovering famous filming locations

A lot of movies were filmed in Italy including some very famous ones like The Godfather.

If you love movies set in Italy then travelling there to discover the filming locations will be an excellent reason to book a trip.

Let’s take The Godfather for example. Most of it was filmed in the USA (of course) but the scenes in Sicily were actually filmed in Sicily.

They were filmed in the small town of Savoca, near Catania. You can go there and see the bar where Michael Corleone meet his father in law. There also is the church where he gets married to Apollonia!

So yes, if you want to walk into Al Pacino’s footsteps, that’s entirely possible!

READ MORE: 40 Best Movies about Italy To Watch Before Your Trip

12. The beaches are fantastic

Italy may be mainly known for its landmarks and food but it’s also one of the best places in Europe for beach lovers!

Southern Italy is home to fantastic beaches and some of them are particularly unique.

For example, the Archipelago Della Maddalena in Sardinia is home to a pink beach (Spiaggia di Budelli).

Unfortunately, you can’t actually walk on it. It was closed to the public a few years ago but you can still see it if you take a boat tour.

In Sicily, you can find the Scala dei Turchi which is a very unique white cliff.

Another place that is worth mentioning is the island of Lampedusa which is known for its white-sand beaches.

Crystal-clear water, unique cliffs, pink beaches, quiet creeks, white sand beaches… Italy has them all!

If that’s not a good reason to visit Italy, what is?!!

13. It’s the perfect place to go to the Opera

The Opera is a style of music that was invented in Italy during the Renaissance. While it became pretty popular everywhere in the world, Italy is still the best place to go to the Opera.

Whether you like it or not, it’s worth giving it a go during your next trip to Italy.

It’s such a unique experience and you should try it at least once in your life.

Some of the most famous operas were written in the Italian language (like Puccini, Verdi or Bellini). Once you start hearing these incredible voices, singing in Italian, it’s like something clicks. Like if that language was invented to honour Opera.

It’s just wonderful and pretty magical.

There are quite a few famous opera houses in Italy and getting to see an actual Opera in one of them is pretty awesome. If you can, aim for these:

• Teatro alla Scala in Milan (definitely the most famous one)
• Teatro dell’Opera in Rome
• Teatro La Fenice in Venice

14. The lakes are beautiful

Again, that’s something that most people don’t realise but Italy is home to a lot of lakes (over 1,500 actually!).

Of course, the most famous lakes are Lake Como and Garda but there are many more that you can discover.

If you love outdoor holidays and rather be near a lake than on the beach, Italy will still be a great destination for you, especially the northern part of the country.

Whether you want to go on walks, kayaking or take a cruise, the Italian lakes will be an amazing place for you.

15. It can be a budget-friendly destination

This is the ultimate reason to visit Italy: it’s quite budget-friendly! I know a lot of people will disagree with this statement and if you just look at prices in the centre of Rome, indeed Italy doesn’t look that cheap.

But there is much more to Italy than Rome and Venice.

As soon as you get away from the super touristy bits, Italy becomes extremely reasoable in terms of prices and therefore, a pretty good place for backpackers.

If you are visiting Sardinia or Sicily, you’ll notice that there are many campings and if you rent a car and buy a tent in a local Decathlon, you can do a very nice road trip without needing that much money.

Food can also be pretty cheap. For example, locals in Naples wouldn’t pay more than 4 euros for a pizza Margherita (yes the whole pizza, not just a slice).

Hostels are pretty common as well so you can find cheap accommodation if you want to.

Finally, trains and buses are available to explore the country and if you opt for the cheapest option or a Flixbus , you can get around for very little money.

Of course, Italy is not as cheap as Hungary or Poland but as far as Western Europe goes, it’s still an affordable destination.

16. It can also be a luxurious destination

If backpacking isn’t really your thing, don’t be scared. Italy can also be a very luxurious destination. Some of the best hotels in the world can be found in Rome.

There are also some luxury locations such as the island of Capri where Hollywood stars come for a holiday.

If your kind of holidays rhyme with 5-star hotels, amazing views and Michelin restaurants, Italy is definitely for you too!

Here are some example of the most luxurious hotels in Italy:

• Rocco Forte Hotel De La Ville in Rome
• Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
• Il San Pietro di Positano
• Château Monfort in Milan
• The St. Regis Rome

17. It’s easy to get around

This is another practical reason for visiting Italy. It’s very easy to get around! There is no need for a private guide or anything of the kind.

You can rent a car and go on a road trip or use public transportation.

Public transport in Italy is pretty good, and it’s easy to get around the country using buses, trains, and boats.

The trains are particularly good, and there are a number of different types of trains that you can take depending on where you’re going (which also means different prices and therefore suitable for all budgets).

It’s very easy to buy tickets online . You can also do so from the machines in the train stations.

It can be difficult sometimes to travel to certain countries because you can’t get around that easily and need to hire someone. This is not the case here. Everything is super easy!

18. The wine… the wine!

There are many reasons to visit Italy, but one of the top reasons is to enjoy its delicious wine.

White, red, sparkling… Italy has something for everyone when it comes to wine!

Also, this may surprise you, but Italy actually produces even more wine than France!

With vineyards located all over the country, there’s always a new wine to discover here.

The main wine regions in Italy are Tuscany, Piedmont, Valle D’Aosta, Veneto, Umbria and Sicily.

They are excellent places to go on wine tastings or even stay in a local vineyard.

In terms of price, Italian wines are actually pretty affordable, especially for the quality. They are delicious wine and you will get a lot of bang for your buck!

So if you’re looking to explore some new lands and enjoy a good glass of wine (or two) while you’re at it, Italy is definitely the place to be.

So, now that you know why visit Italy, do you feel ready to go?

You may also be interested in:

• 40 Best Movies about Italy To Watch Before Your Trip
• 18 Best Places To Visit in Italy in winter

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

Top 12 reasons to visit Italy

For years Italy has been one of the most popular travel destinations for tourists from the world over. Culture, beauty, food, history, this small European country has it all and the reasons to visit Italy are endless.

Thanks to its huge cultural heritage, the places to visit in Italy can keep you busy for a lifetime. If thousands of years of history, the world’s highest ratio of artwork per capita and one of the most romantic languages is not enough to make you decide why you should visit Italy, read on and get inspired to book that ticket and plan that trip.

READ MORE: Need help? Check out our complete guide to planning a perfect 2-week Italy itinerary .

Table of Contents

So, why visit Italy?

If you are overwhelmed by the things to do and places to see and you haven’t booked your ticket yet, here are some good reasons to visit Italy as soon as possible.

1. Cultural diversity

Every region is a small “country”. Italy as a unified nation is relatively young, and before the unification, it was a collection of small states and kingdoms. That diversity is still present.

Even though now we speak the same language, every region has its own dialect (in some like Sardinia it’s still a proper language. Sardinian, in particular, has been recognized by the European Union as minority language), cuisine, history, culture, and traditions.

2. Food

Very little introduction needed here. If you have to come up with even only one of the reasons why you should go to Italy is that Italian food is the most famous, appreciated and copied in the world. Wherever you go, you will always find “Italian restaurants” or Italian specialities on the menu of international eateries. How much Italian flavours are in those dishes, it’s debatable, but still, the “Italian” factor is always a winning sales pitch.

Needless to say, in the Bel Paese you find the real deal, so Italian food is definitely one of the reasons to visit Italy. Here too, region after region you will discover new flavours, recipes, ingredients, cheese, like Pecorino or Fossa cheese , bread, sauces and much more.

If you are planning a trip to Rome , you might want to check out my eBook for foodies “ Tasting Rome by Neighbourhood “. Here I suggest five daily itineraries with the best restaurants to try in five different neighbourhoods as well as the top landmarks to visit. Different types of restaurants chosen among the very best and where locals go. You won’t find these in mainstream guidebooks!

READ MORE: Check out our guide to what to do in 4 days in Rome .

3. Cakes and pastries

I know this should be in the above category, but cakes, pastries, and cookies deserve their own space and they definitely make it for one of the reasons to go to Italy.

In Italy cakes and pastries vary depending on the season, region and holiday or festival. Carnival, Christmas, Easter, every holiday brings different dishes and different sweets. In Sardinia for Carnival, you will find the typical zippole , fatti fritti and chiacchiere , while for Easter ricotta-filled pardulas are all over the place. For Christmas, you will find everywhere the Panettone or Pandoro and for Easter the Colomba (Dove), even though these traditions were born in northern Italy, Milan. While they are sold by the big brands in every shop and supermarket, these cakes are best bought in the traditional bakeries that have been making them for decades or centuries.

4. Style

If you are still wondering why travel to Italy, a full immersion in everything stylish can well be a good reason. From clothes to shoes to homeware furniture and accessories, any store that wants to attract customers in big numbers just needs to throw in some “Made in Italy” motto in their advertising. From the biggest brands famous all over the world like Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana or Valentino, to names that are more popular in Italy like Germano Zama, Marella, or even Sandro Ferrone, for clothes, or Nero Giardini for shoes (one of my very favorite), going window shopping in Italy can give you a headache.

Let’s face it, Italy is also worth visiting for its people. Loud, food-obsessed and friendly, during your trip to Italy you are likely to make some new friends. First of all, in Italy you can do Couchsurfing and this is one of the ways to know local people and lifestyle, but also hanging out at night in clubs or pubs, or participating in some local festivals and tours, going to the beach or ski resort, are all opportunities to meet and bond with the residents or domestic tourists.

6. Art and Architecture

Among the reasons to travel to Italy, art and architecture are a big one. While Florence is the undisputed star when it comes to the artistic heritage, the other cities stand quite imposing too in this field. From Rome to Venice, from Catania to Verona to Perugia , wherever you go in Italy you will be hardly met with a lack of art masterpieces. Bernini, Borromini, Michelangelo, Donatello, Caravaggio, Canaletto, Canova, Giotto are all big names all over the country, but traveling around different regions you will also enjoy paintings, sculptures, palaces and churches by local artists that are lesser known even though play a great role in making Italy the world’s number one destination for art holidays.

–>> Visiting Tuscany’s capital? Check out our Florence guide: THINGS TO DO IN FLORENCE

Partially connected to the point above, Italy has also a huge historical heritage. In this, too, different region different past.

Rome will show you the traces of a mighty ancient empire, the Papal Kingdom, and Renaissance noble families, in Florence you will travel through Middle Age and Renaissance times, Middle Age imprints also are shown in the towns of Viterbo, Bracciano, Perugia or even Venice, while Sardinia has a wonderful display of the Bronze Age with the nuraghi stone towers and villages belonging to the island’s ancient civilization.

If you are a history buff, you will definitely be spoiled for choice on the places to visit in Italy, but even if you want a diverse holiday and devote only some days to historic sites, this is one of the most fulfilling reasons to visit Italy.

8. Natural landscape

Alongside a huge cultural diversity, in Italy, you will find also a great diversity of natural landscapes. Despite being a small country, it boasts an incredible diversity of natural landscapes: in one region you have stunning beaches (see Sardinia), in one mighty mountain peaks that attract ski fans all winter (Trentino Alto Adige, Piedmont or Friuli Venezia Giulia), one region is all about soft rolling hills (I’m thinking about Tuscany here), and another is a thin stretch of rugged coast and steep mountains, just like France-bordering Liguria.

Try the Iconic Italy tour with GAdventures for a two-week exploration of the most important and iconic places that you can’t miss on your first trip.

9. Festivals

Every season has its own festivals in Italy. We are not talking only about the national holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Ferragosto or Carnival , that every city celebrates in a different way, but also and especially local festivals, usually organized in honour of the town’s saint patron or some other date important for the area. In every region, there are religious festivals and food “sagre” , fairs where the focus is on a particular dish or ingredient, from the sagra of the mushroom to one of the ravioli dumplings to the one of the asparagus!

Linked to all the points above, overall Italy hides beauty around every corner. Medieval towns, Roman cities, lakes, mountains, Italy is pretty all around and truly heaven for photographers.

This is also one of the reasons why tourists visit Italy more than once. Let’s say you traveled to Rome and you liked the Italian vibe but the capital is way too hectic for your next holiday. Problem easily solved, next trip can be to Sardinia , Sicily or some Tuscan countryside.

11. It’s not that expensive

Among all European or western countries, a trip to Italy is not that expensive. Prices vary depending on the cities and regions, and obviously on the season. Being popular for beaches and sea resorts, Sardinia and Sicily are more expensive during summer especially for hotels and renting a house. In Rome prices also change depending on the season, even though being popular all year round, the difference is less than in other places. The same applies to other big tourist draws like Venice and Florence, always listed among the places to visit in Italy.

12. It’s a must-see destination

Still wondering why go to Italy? That’s right, you need to visit Italy at least once in your life just because it’s a must-see destination. Not to brag about it, but with so much art, history and beauty, Italy has been a favourite destination for years. Such a wealth of options for places to see and things to do naturally makes it an easy travel choice. After your first Italy trip it’s up to you to decide if you want to come back or not, but here we are pretty confident you will.

I'm Angela Corrias, an Italian journalist, photographer, and travel writer located in the heart of Italy's capital. Welcome to my website, your comprehensive source for your travels and expert guidance for crafting your dream travel experience.

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Iran souvenirs: the ultimate guide to shopping in iran, 5 thoughts on “top 12 reasons to visit italy”.

What a fantastic blog I have ever seen. I didn’t find this kind of information till now. Thank you so much for sharing this information.

Thanks for the kind words Tarin. You can also check out our website Romeactually.com for information about Rome

Italy is magical! I couldn’t agree more with you, Sayed!

I agree It is magical in all ways

what a fantastic article, i’d love to visit Italy

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IELTS Speaking part 2, Cue card: A country you wish to visit; with model answer

Hello! In this post, I’m going to deal with IELTS Speaking Part 2 , also known as the cue card or topic card section. One of the most common topics of IELTS speaking is the country which you wish to visit . Here, I’m providing a sample answer which you can learn or follow and update according to your choice.

Model Answer:

There are many countries where I’ve had dreams of going to but the country which I have always wished to go but have not visited until now is Italy. So, I would like to talk about it. I’ve been dreaming of having a trip to Italy for more than 4-5 years. I’ll certainly visit the country as soon as my study is complete.

Italy is located in the Southern part of Europe. Rome, the prime city and the Capital of Italy has been the most important political and spiritual center of Western civilization. It has been serving as the capital of the both Roman Empire and Christianity. It is a famous country for its wonderful landmarks. I’d like to visit there to enjoy the museums, arts, streets, culture and other attractive places. Another reason I want to go there is to visit the Vatican City.

One of my favorite writers in the world is Dan Brown who has written extensively about this city in his book Angels and Daemons . I have also heard various stories and historical facts about this country and being face to face with them would be a great pleasure for me. Places like Cecily, Venice, Rome, and Florence will definitely fulfill my long wish. There are ample things to see: arts, museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pissa, Florence Cathedral, Milan Cathedral, Piazza SanMarco, Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, and many more.

Once upon a time Italy was one of the most superior territories and contained lots of historically significant places to visit. I’ve heard and studied about those places so many times and heard stories from many of my friends that having a trip to this country has become a foremost desire for me. And I’m quite sure that this trip to Italy will be one of the finest moments of my life which I’ll cherish in my heart for a long time. And I’m quite optimistic about visiting this country very recently.

That’s all. Thank you.

That’s the end of this model annswer.

You can also cover some similar topics, if you learn this answer, such as:

• Your favorite country
• A country that attracts you
• Your dream destination
• A country where you would like to live/ stay
• A country with many tourist spots
• A place you desire to visit
• A country where you want to spend some time
• A desirable place to visit
• Your dream country etc.

Here are model answers to some other topic cards:

A building/structure with architectural interest

An inspiring speech you heard

A book that had a major influence on you

A new shop recently opened in your city

An English lesson you remember

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IELTS Speaking Part 1: General questions on Changes in life, Extra-curricular activities, Social issues; with model answers

This is the fourth set of general questions of IELTS Speaking Part 1 with example answers. If you wish to earn a good band score in the speaking module, you have to start with a great impression on the examiner’s mind and part 1 is the best place to do it. Practicing the general questions over […]

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Topic card; Describe a piece of information which you think is not correct; with discussion, model answer and Part 3 questions

In this post on IELTS Speaking Part 2, I’m going to discuss a topic card that has recently appeared in some IELTS tests around the world. Here we are going to describe a model answer for the topic ‘a piece of information which you think is not correct’. You will find a short discussion on […]

Why should you choose Italy for a study trip

Guest contributor: Cory Shilling

If you are looking for a unique study abroad experience , then look no further than Italy . Italy is an ideal destination for anyone thinking of studying in a foreign country. It has breathtaking views, vibrant culture, and world-renowned universities. That’s why Italy should be your top choice for a study trip and to pursue further studies. 

Good reasons to choose Italy for a study trip

Unique educational opportunities .

Italy is home to some of the world’s most renowned universities. Italy’s best universities – like the University of Bologna , the famous Scuola Normale in Pisa , Florence or Rome Universities – offer world-class education courses in Italian . This provides students with an opportunity to gain knowledge of Italian culture. Also, faculty members can are able to give valuable insight into socio-economic issues. 

Additionally, many Italian universities offer international student exchange programs . Students can spend a couple of semesters at a partner institution. They can choose from any of these educational establishments across Europe. This makes it easy for students who want to explore other countries. This way, they do not have to commit too much time away. 

=> Check out the Best Places to learn Italian in Tuscany, Italy .

Immersion into local culture

Studying abroad in Italy allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture . There is always something new that you can discover here. Choose to explore ancient ruins or go looking for hidden gems in small towns off the beaten path. You will have plenty of time to meet new people, sample authentic cuisine and attend the many cultural events and festivals . Some of the best art galleries on earth are situated in Italy, like the Uffizi Gallery in Florence or the Capitoline Museum in Rome. Take advantage of all that it has to offer. 

In addition to its beauty and cultural charm, Italy also offers educational resources that can help students excel in their courses. With guides on how to write an essay, the best quality support from professional writers, and online help available for students, Italy is an ideal choice for studying abroad. With help readily available from write my essay online service EduBirdie, you could even elevate your paper writing skills . It could be about the numerous historical landmarks, cultural artefacts, and art galleries of Italy. 

=> Check out the Top Museums in Italy

Italy has affordable living costs 

Another major perk of living in Italy is its living costs . Compared with other popular destinations, living expenses are lower in Italy. This makes it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travellers. 

For long-term study abroad, Italy has plenty of affordable accommodation . They range from hostels to apartments and guesthouses. Additionally, Italy has affordable food and public transportation. All these can help keep living expenses low. 

=> Check out some Tips and Safety Rules for students travelling to Italy

Career opportunities

Study in Italy to take advantage of the many career opportunities this country has to offer. It is an ideal choice for many students wishing to pursue their professional goals . Italy is home to many international companies . Students can gain valuable experience by engaging with these organizations. 

By networking with international companies, students can make crucial connections. These connections can be critical for success in their chosen field. Studying in Italy can give students a head start on the career path they have set out for themselves. They get to know the industry while gaining hands-on experience throughout their studies. 

Learn to speak Italian  

Italy is an ideal destination for students looking to expand their language skills . It’s home to one of the most popular languages in existence, Italian . The country offers many exceptional opportunities to learn and perfect this language. 

Italy is rich in history . Throughout history, many dialects, accents, and vocabulary have emerged. This offers students a unique chance to experience them. So, students who are serious about learning will greatly benefit from studying in Italy as it can deepen their understanding of the language.

Delicious food  

It is undeniable that for many American students, Italy is a great choice for a study trip and even long-term residency due to its renowned cuisine . Italians take their food seriously and know a thing or two about flavours and creating perfect combinations of tastes. Probably why Italian cooking has so many fans the world over.

In Italy, students can experience the culture hand in hand with delicious meals , incredible wines , local snacks , and many other peculiarities of Italian cuisine. Furthermore, many schools offer courses on wine tasting, cooking techniques, or gastronomy so that you can deepen your knowledge about the food. 

=> Best Places to Visit in Southern Italy

=> Why Tuscany is a Great Choice for a Study Trip abroad

To recap 

Studying abroad in Italy offers countless benefits that range from unique educational opportunities at world-renowned institutions to lucrative career opportunities. If you are considering a study trip or even staying longer term than originally planned, make sure that your first stop is in beautiful Italy. You will not regret it. 

=> Tips for student travel in Italy

Author’s Bio

Cory Shilling is a talented and dedicated writer who treats every writing gig as something valuable to the person who orders it. He understands the difficulty that non-ending school and college assignments present to the students, and this is why he is always keen to provide the best help. He has gained popularity with his hard work and exceptional writing skills. 

Your friendly online guide to Florence and Tuscany. Get our insider travel tips delivered to your mailbox every month.

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A hub for IELTS GT test takers to help them reach their goal.

Cue Card # 17: A place/country you would like to visit

Ielts cue card/ candidate task card # 17, describe a place/country that you would like to visit..

You should say:

• where the place/country is
• when you plan to visit the place/country
• how you know about this place/country

and explain why you would like to visit this place/country.

[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

Model Answer:

Life takes us to places whether we like to go to those places or not. But, sometimes, we just feel like we want to visit a particular place/country because we want to deepen our appreciation, understanding and respect for a particular country and its culture about which we already have some good knowledge about. You know, a country like Japan is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime when you hear about it so many times from your father from your childhood. I plan to visit this great country next year so that I can enjoy the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Killing two birds with one stone, so to speak.

Japan is a country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, this beautiful country lies off the eastern coast of the Asian continent.

So, why would I visit Japan? I could probably give dozens of reasons to answer the question and saying things like Japan is one of the most unique countries in the world because of its modern comfort, rich history and culture in a perfect mix, but that will not quite say how one should really view Japan as a country. I could also say thousands of words describing the amazing Japanese foods, but still, it wouldn’t portray Japan in its true image. Being home to the incredible Mount Fuji, we can say that Japan has some of the most marvellous-looking architecture, but it still wouldn’t quite say what Japan really has to offer to the world. We could also say that Japan probably is the most resilient country in the world because it survived the most horrific and devastating effects of 2nd world war, but still, it wouldn’t say what this great country is exactly all about – a country that arguably offers the most beautiful cherry blossoms in the world.

So, what exactly is Japan all about which arguably offers the most beautiful cherry blossoms in the world? Well… to answer, just when we think that we know all about this beautiful and super, super clean country, we are mesmerized with yet another bigger surprise. That’s Japan!

I wish I would be able to visit this country next year where I have always wanted to be. I have never been to an Olympic event before and it is a great opportunity for me that the next Olympics will be hosted by a country that is on the top of my must-visit country list.

2 Comments to “Cue Card # 17: A place/country you would like to visit”

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Travel to italy like an insider with the best local experts.

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A trip to Italy is too special to get wrong. Here's how to do it right. (San Gimignano, Tuscany)

I absolutely love Italy, for many different reasons. But I hate the way in which many Americans go about planning trips there. Survey after survey shows it is the number one dream destination for U.S. leisure travelers, but the way those travelers get their information and advice gives me nightmares.

Throughout the years I’ve heard people say over and over that “I was told to do this in Italy,” or “I was told not to do this in Italy.” By who? “A friend.” I have close friends who recently planned their entire 12-day trip on the basis of another couple they knew who gave them advice—after their first visit. I’ve heard of many people who skipped Rome because “we heard it was too busy, just another big city.” Or passed on Venice, one of the world’s most magical destinations, because, “I heard it was touristy.”

There are American tourists who say you should skip Venice. They are wrong.

It goes on and on, but suffice to say, I have been to Italy in the neighborhood of two dozen times, summer and winter, for food, wine, skiing, golf, hiking, cycling and more food, from north to south and east to west and islands too, and I know a lot about Italian cuisine, but I still ask real experts for advice every time I go. I specifically ask for advice on where to eat, what to see, and who to choose as guides. And by experts, I mean people how live in Italy, specialize in particular areas of travel, and know their subject matter.

“We get multiple guests a year who want to wing it,” says Cherrye Moore, owner of My Bella Vita travel. Moore moved to Calabria two decades ago after falling in love with the region on a visit, and opened a bed and breakfast, learning about what her visitors were looking for. Her company now specializes in planning trips—especially foodie and ancestry trips—to the area in Southern Italy where many Italian Americans trace their heritage. “They say, ‘My neighbor just showed up in their family’s hometown and it went great for them,’ or, ‘Our friends went to Italy last year and said we don't need a driver.’ It’s true that you can rent a car and drive to your family’s hometown, but that experience is vastly different from having a dedicated driver and a heritage specialist who has done research on your family’s history, who has already identified the home your grandfather was born in, and who has arranged meetings with locals upon your arrival.”

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Anyone can tour the Vatican, but only the right guides can get you a private visit.

I just got back from an exploration of Turin followed by a weeklong hiking trip in surrounding Piemonte, Italy’s most prestigious wine region, which included multiple winery visits. For restaurants and guides and sightseeing in Turin I used an Italian-based travel specialist that is the choice of many of the best luxury travel agents/advisors in this country (the best travel agents are savvy enough to know what they do not know and regularly rely on local experts). For the hiking trip, I used an Italy-based active travel specialist that does nothing else, and does it with a food-centric spin. It was another fantastic Italy trip, one amazing day after another, featuring many meals, wineries and experiences I never would have found by myself, especially by asking random friends or watching You Tube influencer videos by people with far less Italy experience than myself.

“We don’t focus on stars or diamonds, we focus on really special one-of-a-kind experiences and lodging that lets you discover our Italy,” said Heather Dowd, who lives in Turin and along with her Italian husband Beppe Salerno. They run Tourissimo , the active travel company we used. We had several friends hiking with us who were on either their very first or second trip to Italy, and when we reviewed our experiences at the end for the trip, one place we stayed, an 18 th century castle turned boutique hotel, was the overwhelming favorite. It did not have whirlpool tubs or Frette linens, it did not have a concierge or room service, but it had excellent food and beautiful gardens in which we had an epic dinner. It had cooking classes, a great location, a fun aperitivo evening cocktail session, and most of all, incredible charm..

Everyone wants the perfect meal in Italy, but not everyone knows where the locals go to find it.

It was exactly what my first timers dreamed Italy would be like, and it was a place we never would have found online. It was perfect, and even in Italy not every place is, but the reality is that Heather and Beppe and their guides spend a lot of time behind the scenes visiting small hotels and vetting them, way more time than the people who rate their stays on booking websites. One of my friends was so impressed he is already planning an extended family hiking trip to Sicily with Tourissimo next year.

If you want to have an insider experience in Italy, and see the places locals go, you need a local insider to help you out.

“Our goal is for guests to experience Calabria like we do, so we’ve built experiences that aren’t available online,” said My Bella Vita’s Moore. “Nowhere else can you find a multi-course lunch hosted at Zia Pina’s or a picnic prepared and delivered by Signora Francesca. Lunch in the home of our friend, Chef Massimo, isn’t available on Google. When creating or reviewing experiences I always think of my sister in Texas. If she were visiting, would I take her here? If that answer is yes, I know we have a winner.” That is exactly the standard by which I’d like my Italy travels to be judged.

A trip to Italy is a beautiful, special, and almost sacred experience, so don’t screw it up by taking bad advice. I do not know every local specialist—and I hope to keep finding more—but I know several experts I would recommend for different kinds of travel. Or use a good travel advisor, something I recommend for all travel (Read my article Why You Need A Travel Agent More Than Ever here at Forbes ), and communicate with them to ensure they are on the same page in terms of sourcing these kinds of local experts. If they are good, they will already be familiar with several of these companies.

Active Travel

All of Tourissimo's cycling and hiking trips in Italy emphasize food and wine, which is how it ... [+] should be.

Italy has long been the dream destination of cyclists, with Tuscany atop the Bucket List for global road riding destinations. But for the past few years the fastest growing sector of cycling has been “gravel grinding,” and with hundreds of miles of its stunning unpaved “white roads,” Tuscany has also emerged as the world’s top travel spot for gravel lovers. There are also plenty of other amazing places to ride in Italy, including Piemonte, Sardinia, Puglia, the Lakes region, and many other areas. World class hiking abounds, especially the stunning Dolomites—a UNESCO World Heritage Site of beauty unmatched by most other mountain regions on earth. Beyond this there are the Alps in the east, the Cinque Terre, Sardinia, and many other great options.

Italy is so well known for cycling and hiking that every major active travel company in the world runs trips there. But for my last two active trips, one hiking and one biking, I chose a tour operator that is actually based there, founded by an Italian with a passion for cycling and food. Tourissimo may be Italian, but they cater to the American market, and founder Beppe Salerno worked for am American cycling company as a guide before realizing he could do the real Italy better himself—to me, the perfect startup rationale. Over the years since, Tourissimo has grown its library of offerings, with both with an array of scheduled group trips and private custom options. While they do mostly road riding, they are notably one of the only tour operators scheduling gravel trips, and can also arrange custom mountain biking itineraries, with years of expertise in cycling and hiking.

Superstar Chef Mary Sue Milliken has led about galf a dozen Chef's Cycling Tours in Italy for ... [+] Tourissimo.

In addition, Tourissimo has also been a pioneer in “Active Culinary Travel,” a hot new category I have written about here at Forbes (and for other magazines and newspapers). They offer an annual series of six group rides (and a hike) each hosted by an acclaimed chef like Mary Sue Milliken, an award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author (five!) and co-host of the popular PBS cooking show Two Hot Tamales . She is also an avid cyclist and has led the Tourissimo Chef Bike Tours for several years, along with other big names. These trips are a unique option for serious foodies who also ride, while the other trips cater to just about anyone. Otherwise they offer several styles of trips, from Bici Basics for new riders to Ambitious Tours for the more hard core.

Tourissimo puts a focus on local, choosing small and often historic hotels that they have curated and vetted (like the castle I just stayed at in Piemonte), places that you would never be able to distinguish from hundreds of other non-chain options online. Same for restaurants, wineries, and all the other ways they take you behind the scenes and into their real Italy. Their Mission Statement? “We don't want to be the biggest adventure travel company. We want to design and run the best tours in Italy. We strive to be the most authentic and the most beneficial to local communities.” Fantastico!

Bellagio on Lake Como is one of the most famous destinations in Italy — and the perfect place for a ... [+] food-centric bike tour!

Bike It! Bellagio offers another insider biking experience on a much different scale, providing a great one-day experience for visitors to Italy’s most famous lake town. This bike shop on Lake Como is run by a former pro racer and his wife. They rent bikes (road, mountain and e-bikes) out, but also offer one-day guided tours with multiple food and drink stops. Given that the owner grew up here and knows everyone, it’s not surprising that the food and drink spots are insider picks. The shop sits near the iconic Madonna del Ghisallo climb, the most famous in the Giro di Lombardia, a race more than a century old, and several days a week the shop offers guided group rides with a climb of the pass, on road or e-bikes—Bianchi bikes of course!

There are scheduled tours Monday through Saturday, as well as wide range of customizable private tours. These are often taken by families with mixed ages, but for more aggressive riders they offer longer road tours, mountain biking and gravel riding, along with a wide range of less demanding e-bike tours, including some even more focused on food and wine. They also offer a handful of multi-day tours and can put these together as custom on demand, usually for groups, including an iconic coast to coast traverse of Italy. If you are a guest of one of the many stunning (and pricey) ultra-luxury hotels around Bellagio, and ask the concierge to arrange a bike tour, they are likely going to call this shop anyway (and mark it up) so just do it yourself.

Luxury Travel in Italy

From planning your entire itinerary with flights, hotels, and transfers to just booking the best tours, guides and VIP access (often to non-public highlights), it pays to use a top local specialist.

Last year I attended the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, which has been called “the Oscars of the travel industry.” Virtuoso is the leading global luxury travel consortium, and many of the best travel advisors on earth belong, So does just about every top hotel, resort, safari lodge, cruise line, and luxury tour operator. Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch was explaining the many advantages of using a travel advisor (I wholeheartedly agree) and something he said really stuck with me. He explained that with all of the new online tour booking companies, it was easier than ever to book a tour or guide in just about any destination on earth, but harder than ever to judge the quality. The caveat was that, “you can book a guide, but you can’t book my guide.”

One of Italy's greatest hidden gems, Turin was the nation's first capital and a Winter Olympic host. ... [+] It's worth getting a good guide if you visit.

The Vatican is the Vatican and the Colosseum is the Colosseum, so when you opt for a guided tour, what really matters and makes it a good, bad or great experience is the guide—and their special access, like a tour of the Vatican when no one else is there.

For my recent trip to Turin, I called Imago Artis Travel , an Italy-based luxury travel specialist. They are what is known in the travel industry as a destination management company or DMC, the same companies luxury travel agents call to arrange local details for their clients. There are great DMCs all over the world, and local knowledge is valuable everywhere, but many of them do not deal directly with travelers, while in Italy the best ones do.

I wanted a private day tour of Turin and its surrounding attractions for my wife and I, most importantly the Reggia di Venaria Reale, aka the “Italian Versailles” (one of two places in Italy with this lofty but accurate nickname). The guide they got for me was a licensed guide, and lifelong resident of Turin, and spoke excellent English, which was all good, but she was also an architect, which was great in a city where so much is driven by architecture. That’s not so easy to find on global tour aggregator website. Imago Artis also gave me a list of their favorite restaurant recommendations, which were spot on, then made my reservations for me. At a minimum this eliminates the language barrier of calling or the technology barrier of booking through often tricky (or non-functional) Italian restaurant reservation websites, but in many cases it also gets you a better table and instant VIP treatment—which definitely does not happen when I book myself.

Italy is rich in world-class crafts, and companies like Imago Artis can take you behind the scenes ... [+] to meet the makers.

Imago Artis Travel is a Virtuoso member, which means when you book through them, if you book your luxury hotel, you get extras like room upgrades, late checkout, spa credits etc., one of the big advantages of working with Virtuoso travel advisors. If you have a bigger budget than I do, they can handle all sorts of luxury transport, private jets, helicopters, boat charters, and also offer VIP Meet and Greet services at just about every airport in Italy. They can even arrange private security details. On a more accessible luxury level, they specialize in exclusive experiences, unlocking historic buildings and art collections not open to the public, and taking you behind the scenes with many artisans of Italy, from custom shoemakers to sculptors to jewelry designers. They know food, they know the guides, and I especially like their mission statement, “Our mission is simple: Getting You to the Heart of Italy.” That’s what it is all about.

Another top luxury DMC that is also a member of Virtuoso that I have used in the past with great success is IC Bellagio . They offer a similar array of luxury services and are very well connected, but they also specialize in Villa rentals as well as 5-Star hotels. Differentiating villas in Italy may be the single biggest challenge, more so than restaurants, with so many options and so few valid reviews. IC Bellagio has also boldly acknowledged the overtourism problems some of the most popular parts of Italy face, and are pushing “Slow Season Travel,” which varies in each of the country’s 20 regions but is something they are expert in. Last winter I went to Venice in the off-season, and it was spectacular, and I just traveled in a slow season to Piemonte. It was much, much better than fighting the crowds.

Skiing in Italy is awesome, and it's the best place in the world to stay in mountain rifugios — but ... [+] you need help for the perfect trip.

Skiing in Italy remains a bit under the radar for Europe, especially compared to France and Switzerland. Well, let the crowds go to other countries, because Italy has two different major ski regions, both of which have hosted the Winter Olympics, and the Games are returning to Milan and Cortina in 2026. The interconnected Dolomiti SuperSki lift and trail network in the Dolomites is arguably the largest “ski resort” in the world, and inarguably one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes on the planet. The towns are charming, the food is great, there are spectacular hotels from non-chain independent hidden gems to world-class luxury (Aman, Mandarin Oriental, Relais & Chateaux, etc.) and it’s cheaper than much of the rest of Europe. Did I mention the food?

I first went to the Dolomites to go hiking, and was so wowed I thought, “I have to come back and ski here.” I came back the next winter and skied, and the following year I got a group of friends together and went back. I have skied all over the U.S., and all over the world and never had the same compulsion to return to the same place immediately. That’s how good skiing in Italy is ( read much more in my Italy skiing piece here at Forbes ).

I’ve only used one company for ski travel in Italy and see no reason to switch gears, especially since the local logistics (a great guide/instructor, transfers, the best on-mountain meals and staying a couple of nights in the region’s unique on-mountain rifugios) is very hard to organize on your own. The company is Dolomite Mountains , a specialist in both resort ski vacations and backcountry touring trips (using skins and alpine touring or AT gear). They too are a U.S. facing company with mainly American clientele.

Like many active travel companies, they offer both group trip scheduled departure options and private custom trips to fit whatever you want. The group option is called the Dolomites Ski Safari and is a 7-day trip mixing stays in amazing rifugios with in-town hotels (4 and 5-stars on the Italian system) and includes all breakfasts and dinners, a full-time guide, ski pass, luggage transfers and more. Custom options include the same kind of trip for your own group, or anything you want, and while its name suggests local expertise—quite true—Dolomite Mountains also handles ski trips in the rest of Italy, like Courmayeur, and connected border regions of France, Switzerland and Austria, as many lift systems here know no national boundaries (ski with your passport!). They are also a Virtuoso member.

Calabria & Southern Italy

Many Italian Americans trace their ancestry to Southern Italy's Calabria, and if you want to visit, ... [+] make sure you do it right.

My Bella Vita travel focuses on this area, including both small group trips and custom privates. Their specialties include “Heritage Tours” for those interested in their ancestry, and a food focus for the rest of us. For instance, Taste of the South is a 12-day gastronomic journey through Calabria, Basilicata and Naples—the birthplace of pizza! Food & Wine of Calabria is an 11-daty trip and just what it sounds like.

These are some of the scheduled small group tours offered, but the rest of their business is private trip planning and custom options.

“Italy is deceivingly large, and travelers think two weeks is enough time to see everything. It isn’t,” insists Moore. “You can’t even experience all of Calabria in two weeks. Our team collectively spends about six months a year scouting new hotels, restaurants, and experiences in Calabria and we are constantly re-evaluating and tweaking our recommendations.”

There are some other Italy specialists I have not personally experienced, but that come highly recommended by some of my other experts:

My Bella Vita’s Cherrye Moore says, “ In Sicily, I recommend Lucia Davies of Sicily Tour , one of a trio of British expats who have lived in Siracusa, Sicily for decades.” A family-owned tour-guiding company based in Siracusa, they have nearly 40 years of experience on the island and create trips fostering cultural exchange between Italy and English-speaking visitors, specializing in small group and custom tours.

Food & Wine

Life is too short to go to Italy and not eat well.

Beppe and Heather Dowd of Tourissimo recommend Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures , a company that has also earned kudos from other travel industry folks I know. Owner Francesca Montillo grew up in Southern Italy where her father was greengrocer. An Italian-American cookbook author, she launched the company a decade ago, and she personally leads the tours. She does numerous scheduled tours to different regions each year, and also offers custom private itineraries.

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