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Bon giorno ! But Barbara and me, in the meantime also Matteo, are enjoying the quite different type of landscape and people, which Italy provides, as well. It's the Southern way of life, which is fascinating, and you feel the fire behind the Nation everywhere (and from the sky - Italy is essentially warmer making it a favorite location for vacation trips in Germany) |
So far, we visited these areas and cities in Italy:
Rome (Roma), the capital of Italy with a vast amount of
historical highlights
Rome belongs to the cities with most flair worldwide (my statement), it's always
worth a visit, and you spend hours looking at historic sites, or just sit down
at one of the many fountains with a piece of pizza in your hands just bought from
one of the close
street sales.
Venice (Venezia), the capital of Italy's region Veneto, is lying in
the Venetian lagoon and for sure a "City of Water" or "City of Bridges" as often
referenced. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world
and is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Lovers enjoy the water
gondolas, where unfortunately prices are high and the known song costs extra.
However - narrow alleys, historic buildings, lot's of waterways, bridges and
known highlights such as Europe's largest urban car free area, the Grand Canal,
St Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs are more
than worth a visit . Avoid August if possible as it's simply too crowded, and
don't drink or eat at extremly touristic places such as St. Mark's square if you
are are no millionaire ...
South Tyrol (Südtirol, Trentino, Alto Adige), a natural environment with mountain
hiking and wonderful food. It's quite German, nearly all people also speak German there,
and you have to try the wonderful food such as Südtirol bacon or Williams pear
snaps.
Tuscany (Toskana, Toscana), an awesome Italian experience with world-wide reputation for it's rolling hills, historic sites and cozy villages (besides wine, olive oil and Pecorino cheese). Some well known locations are the Isle of Elba, Pisa, Volterra, Florence, Siena, San Gimignano and the Chianti region. It is worthwhile to visit the original small cottages with ancient ambiance, many are built on the tops of the hills (such as Roccatederighi, where we resided during our 2014 trip). Lovers of bathing will find their share at the various coastlines - ranging from rocky sections, where you have to climb down to reach the waterline, to sandy beaches with carribean ambiance. More the nature friend? Many natural parks invite for walks and experience- both inland as well as on the coastlines. One example is the Sterpaia coastal reserve between Piombino and Follonica: A humid forest as remains for the ancient coast of the Maremma. Italian feeling with attractions for any interest.
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Garda Lake (Lago di Garda), a beautiful, but touristic lake, with
mountains surrounding the water. You find beautiful pensions around the whole Garda Lake, but we used tent or caravan when being there. On the camping sites you often can also rent a caravan or hut. Our favorite city: Lazise. Our favorite region: South-Eastern area of the Lake with Sirmione, Pesciera, Lazise, Bardolino, Malcesine ... Link to the "Image-inations" post: Lake Garda images of 2018 |
Our latest trip to lake Garda was in June 2014 - ways less crowded than in August, but still extremely hot. The one before - during August 2008 - showed up less fortunate as flooded with tourists, the road around the
sea crowded and stop-and-go common feature. In any case the special atmosphere
of Lago di Garda trapped us and brought us an enjoyable time once more.
Bona sera,
Your Mr. Mooseman