Things You Can Do In Italy Are Everything Underneath The Tuscan Sun

Italian living is big on enjoying life's little pleasures. It’s easily done when in the midst of vast, incredible beauty. Looking for things to do in Italy doesn't require an agenda but it does require a U.S. Passport. Just a pair of sunglasses and walking shoes will let you in on 'la dolce vita', the sweet life, making 'Arrivederci' the last word you want to hear. Be sure not to neglect your passport renewal so you don’t have to delay your adventure.

Where Is Italy?

Part of Southern Europe, 'the boot', is a peninsular swatch of land that includes several islands, the two largest being Sicily and Sardinia. The diversity of the landscape accounts for the collage of climates. Mountainous regions host skiers with cold, wet snow. The coast and valleys sees sun-worshippers with warm, dry summers. Northern regions are wet, with moderate temperatures. Mediterranean weather is seen in the southern locales.

Lake Bolsena

Lake Bolsena is situated in the center of the boot, surrounded by exquisite, wildflower meadows and historic digs. This locale puts Tuscany and Rome within easy access. Front and center, small town life celebrates with festivities revolving about the basics. Here, flowers, wine and fish are reason enough to fill the piazza with music and dancing.

Italian Cuisine

Cobbled streets, faded by time and wear, an antiquated castle and blooming flowerpots on every balcony is a picture postcard of the Italian countryside. Fishermen gather and provide what will set the tables of local restaurants as "catch of the day". Local cuisine might find carciofi (artichokes) and melanzane (eggplant) with a bottle of Chianti or carafe of house red, served on the garden terrace.

Villages

Small, storybook villages dot the hillsides, looking down at grand villas with arbors, heavy-laden with wisteria blossoms. At dusk, as the lights come on,the hillsides are alive with the magic of what appears to be a fairytale dusting of twinkling stars. The natural beauty of the countryside surpasses any typical sightseeing venture.

Bisentina Island

Most Italian lakeside villages have their own stretch of sand and water-sport activities. It is an adventure by boat exploring Bisentina Island, where the history of heretics is preserved in a musty cave cell known as Malta dei Papi. Visit a vineyard in Montefascione that produces a famous white wine that satisfied the legendary wine-loving palate of a German bishop.

Bagni Di Lucca

Near Tuscany on the River Lima is Bagni di Lucca, a spa town with thermal springs that has been visited by romantic poets such as Byron and Shelley. Bagni di Lucca as a famous market, tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool for cooling off under the hot Tuscan sun. Thirty-miles away stands Abetone, a mecca for skiers.

The Fashion Capital

When you are looking for haute couture or haute cuisine, Italian is the way to go. Milan and Turin have also succeeded as leaders in architectural and industrial design. Milan hosts Europe's largest design fair. Italian cuisine, notable for its regional diversity, is considered to be the most popular in the world. Espresso, now, the crème de la crème, is highly important in Italian culture.

With your passport in hand, the diversity of Italian history and all the limitless things to do in Italy are at your fingertips. Depending on your personal interests, the reputation of excellence in the arts, literature, architecture, fashion and cuisine offers something for everyone. The warm, friendly people are gracious hosts that make 'arrivederci' the only difficult part of the trip. Don’t delay your passport renewal so you can be on your way to Italy.