The Very Best Things To Do In Italy Are Done With Eyes Wide Open

Under the Tuscan sun, for many, is the embodiment of all that is Italian. But, even wandering aimless, looking for things to do in Italy, its clear to see that off the beaten path there waits a treasure trove of natural beauty. Landscapes of sleepy hill towns and cypress trees or grandstand views over terracotta roofs to the Mediterranean Sea inspire the simple pleasures of 'la dolce vita'. But you won’t be able to experience this unless you have a U.S. Passport so be sure your passport renewal is in order.

Where Is Italy?

The 'boot' defines the shape of this southern European peninsula. Several islands, including the largest, Sicily and Sardinia, make up this territory. The locations that create landscapes are factors that determine the climate. High elevations of the mountains are cold and snow covered. The coastline is generally warm and dry and low-lying valleys are hot in summer. North is humid, but temperate. The quintessential Mediterranean meteorology graces southern regions.

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

The anticipated castle, cobblestones and flowerpots decorate Italian countrysides. The charm of medieval streets winds down to the lakeside where fishermen haul in fresh, local dining in the "catch of the day" in pike, eel and perch. Italian cuisine is among the most popular, desired and emulated in homes and restaurants worldwide.

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

Italian village life is tantamount to stepping back in history. Exploring the Bisentina Island by boat takes visitors to the dank cave called Malta dei Papi where heretics lived out their life sentences. Small villages, like Montefascione, have a rich history where a famous, white wine stopped a German bishop in his tracks.

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

Worldwide, haute couture recognizes Milan as the fashion capital with the distinction of surpassing New York, Paris, London and Tokyo. Rome followed 4th, making shopping an exciting, enviable experience. Likewise, Italian cuisine is one of the most popular in the world. Italian restaurants boast menus that offer the dishes that put "the boot" on the map. Cultural cuisine is enjoyed in pasta, pizza, focaccia, gelato, wines and their famous signature espressos.

True to its historical past, Italian culture thrives in its world-renown reputation as a mecca for art, literature, architecture and fashion. Italia boasts 100,000 monuments found in the vast number of museums, palaces, churches and galleries. The incomparable beauty of Italy offers a cornucopia for sightseers that go far beyond the museums. Seeing everything with eyes wide open is one of the most important things to do in Italy. Don’t be left out because you need a pasport renewal for your U.S. passport. Get ready to enjoy the trip of your life with the updated pass port.