Rome, Florence, Siena, Venice

Your next visit to Italy has to encompass these four breathtakingly beautiful cities: Rome, Florence, Siena and Venice.

Rome

Rome was named the “Eternal City” by the ancient Romans because they believed that no matter what happened in the rest of the world, the city of Rome would always remain standing. Exploring the city center by foot surrounded by glorious monuments and colossal remains takes you back in time to the “glory that was Rome”. It is still a glorious city. Visit the Vatican, the famously beautiful Trevi Fountain, and the city’s impressive monuments and archaeological sites. Explore the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus and picture the chariots crashing into each other in order to be first in the race. The Roman Forum will give you an idea of what public life looked like.

Florence

Florence – the birthplace of the Renaissance – pulls some 10 million visitors each year for its frozen-in-time palaces and legendary attractions, to say nothing of its tourist-friendly Tuscan cuisine and gelato stands. There’s a reason that this city has thrived since the 14th century. Ever up for reinvention, Florence is modernizing. You can see it in the dining scene, where younger, well-traveled restaurateurs and chefs are loosening some of the stricter culinary rules alongside the enduring trattorie, and in the bar scene, where attention to a properly made cocktail in a swinging barroom is as common as a wine bar. It’s evident in new markets and museums, and behind those classic facades, be it hotels or boutiques, where you’ll find smart design and influential spaces.

Siena

In the heart of Tuscany in central Italy, Siena is distinguished by its medieval brick buildings. The fan-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo, is the site of the Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and Torre del Mangia, a slender 14th-century tower with sweeping views from its distinctive white crown. Discover Siena’s abundant wines, winding streets, and medieval architecture. The top sites to see there: 1) Siena Cathedral 2) Palazzo Pubblico 3) Piazza del Campo 4) Basilica Cateriniana 5)Santa Maria della Scala 6) Brolio Castle.

Venice

Venice is as much an ancient city of placid canals as it is a modern metropolis, full of fashion, art and culture. The top sites in Venice are 1) Doge’s Palace 2) Saint Mark’s Basilica 3) Grand Canal 4) Gran Teatro La Fenice. The most important working opera house and theater in the city, the Gran Teatro La Fenice is as stunning as it is historic. Imposing and majestic in all its neoclassical glory from the outside, you can only visit its truly beautiful interior if you’re lucky enough to have tickets to a performance, or by booking a guided tour. Nearby, the Campo Santo Stefano is the perfect square to stop for lunch, people watch, and let the city put on a show of its own. Get into a romantic gondola and take a ride across the Grand Canal. Enjoy a candlelight dinner cruise in the Venetian Lagoon. Take a guided tour of Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica with terrace access. There’s a Burano and Murano Boat Tour with a glass factory visit. Take in a magnificent Four Seasons Concert at Vivaldi Church.