Monday, May 05, 2008

My Five Favorite Italy Tours


Italy is a popular spot for summer vacations.  I was lucky enough to live and study in Italy for three years and I took full advantage and went on many tours in Italy.  A friend is heading there this summer, and she asked me to list my five favorite Italian tours (they are not ranked – that would be way too hard!).  Since she was so interested, I thought I’d write out this list and put it on the Internet for all to see!

  1. Venice Sightseeing Tour – Everyone should visit Venice at least once in their lifetime.  If you are short on time in Venice, I recommend a three-hour sightseeing tour that includes a scenic boat tour on the waterways of Venice.  Be sure to pick a tour that includes going past the San Giorgio Maggiore, the Public Gardens, the tip of Sant’ Elena and the Lido beach resort.  You might want to choose a tour that includes a visit to the lagoon islands of Murano, Burano or Torcello.
  2. Chianti Tour – Consider a bus tour to Greve in Chianti. The one I went on, organized through Virgin Vacations, included a stop to the ancient hamlet of Montefioralle and we had a chance to view the towers of the ancient castle.  Once in Greve, take a tour of the village and be sure to visit and taste the delicacies of a local butcher shop, such as Falornis.
  3. Best of Tuscany – To see Tuscany in the shortest possible time, I recommend a best of Tuscany tour.  These tours are about 9 hours in length.  The one I went on had us visiting Siena and San Gimignano.  Of course, any Tuscany tour needs to give you an opportunity to view olive groves, vineyards and the iconic Tuscan views.  Be sure to take the opportunity to taste the great wines and savor a delicious gourmet Tuscan meal.
  4. Ancient Rome Tour – No trip to Italy would be complete without a stay in Rome.  Consider booking an ancient Rome tour that will take you through Capitol, the Roman Forum, Capitol Hill, and the Titus Arch.  The tour I enjoy included a bus portion passing by the Primade Cestia, and St. Paul’s where the Apostle of the People is buried.  With so much history in Rome, it can be difficult to choose a tour because you want to see and do everything!
  5. Ancient Ostia – If you are a history or archaeological buff, a hidden treasure tour to add on to your stay in Rome is a trip to Ostia.  Just 30 minutes from the Capital, is an extraordinary archaeological site - Ancient Ostia.  This was the city harbor founded by the ancient Romans at the mouth of the Tiber, later it was hidden by flood and oblivion for years.  Its remnants are unbelievably preserved and give you an amazing view of the Roman civilization and evolution.  Definitely a tour not to be missed.

I hope this brief review of five of my favorite Italy tours will help you with your Italian vacation planning.  It is an amazing country that you could visit time and time again and never run out of things to see and do!

Posted by monk3yboy on 05/05 at 01:25 PM
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