Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany, as well as the capital of the province of Florence. It lies on the River Arno and three other minor rivers that flow through the city. It is surrounded the Senese Clavey Hills. Florence has a population of 368 thousand people. The city is popular thanks to its monuments, churches and buildings. Many people call it the “cradle of Renaissance”.
Florence is a busy city. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself surrounded by horns honk and breaks squeal. Moped riders find their ways around larger vehicles. Florence has stunning views, fields of sunflowers, miles of vineyards, rolling hills, and mountaintop castles. When visiting Florence there is an awful lot to see. Highlights are the domed cathedral Santa Maria del Fore or The Duomo, the Campanile (Bell Tower) and the Baptistery buildings.
Florence houses a reproduction of the famous David of Michelango in front of the Palazzo della Signora. You might take your time to enjoy this masterpiece. Other things not to miss: gardens Giardino di Boboli, restaurant Carpe Diem, galery Galleria dell’Accademia, Museo di Storia della Scienza or Institute and Museum of History of Science, Pallazo Pitti, chapel Capella Brancacci, the hill San Minato al Monte with Cardinal of Portugal Chapel and Cappella del Crocifisso, the old bridge Ponte Vecchio.
Travelers to Florence need a valid passport. Tourists from the EU countries, such as France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain, don’t need a visa for visiting Florence. Travelers from other countries, including America, don’t require visas for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Visitors that come to Florence for anything other than tourism require a specific visa.
Rome is the capital and largest city of Italy. The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian peninsula, on the Tiber river in the Rome province. On the latest known count Rome had a population of 3 million people. The city of Rome and its charms attract over 26 million tourists each year.
This is not a surprise due the fact that Rome is one of the most photogenic cities in the world. Whether you spend your time taking pictures of the beautiful monuments and museums such as; The Trevi Fountain, St Peter’s Square, Spanish Steps, Colosseum… or sightseeing, shopping and lazing in cafes & restaurants watching the world go by. You will be guaranteed a good time in this fabulous and romantic city.
Whether you are catholic or not, a not to miss attraction is The Vatican City (Citta del Vaticano), located in the world’s smallest state; Vatican State. The city has thousands of years of history and is filled with beautiful gardens, fountains, fish pools which date back to medieval times. Together with its 11 Vatican museums and the restored Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel its a good location to schedule a few hours out of your roman holiday.
Travelers to Rome need a valid passport and visa. American citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. Transportation in Rome is widely available through buses, trams, metro and railways. They are all part of the same transport system called BIT, tickets must be purchased at any newsstand, tobacco shop, vending machines or bus/train stations before boarding. The summer time and its peak season are in the months June till September.
Venice, the Italian city of ”Water, Bridges and Light” is considered by many to be one the most beautiful cities on this globe. Its situated on 120 islands formed by 177 canals in the lagoon in between the mouth of the Po and Piave rivers. The city has a population of 270 thousand people and is the capital of the Veneto region.
In Venice, any form of transportation floats, from gondolas taxis to the vaporetti (public bus/ferries) and fire department speedboats to garbage scows. Its improbable cityscape where stone buildings seem like floating on water and places where cats nap on marble windowsills which are set on colorful walls. During the day, take stop for relaxation at a bacaro (wine bar) to consume un ombra (Italian wine) with cicchetti (tapas like snacks) as a traditional Venice local.
As Venice is a popular travel destination it can be somewhat overcrowded in the peak season, as well prices can double or triple than elsewhere in Italy. Yet, most travelers ignore this knowledge as they want the extraordinary, magical and worth every cent experience from Venice, the globe’s most unique city on water.
Travelers to Venice are required a valid passport and visa. American citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. The summer time and its peak season are in the months June till September, travelers are advised to leave high heels at home and bring clothes they wont mind getting wet. Be sure to toss a city map in your backpack.
