DayDream about visiting these beautiful Italian cities

Travel with me and daydream about visiting these beautiful Italian cities and if you’ve been before now is the perfect time to reminisce especially as the travel industry is set to take another hit as new quarantine rules come into effect. From the first time I visited Milan (a wasted day), I had fallen in love with the culture and the food and I couldn’t get enough. Ever since then, I have visited at least one Italian city every single year and it has always been a highlight of mine.

With the international travel rules set to change again, I thought I invite you to virtual travel with me and daydream about visiting these beautiful Italian cities and hope to inspire you to travel to these destinations next time when you are able. As a frequent traveller, I love nothing more than being able to explore new places, discover something unique and enjoy the foods and culture. I invite you to daydream about these beautiful Italian cities with me and fall in love.

DayDream about visiting these beautiful Italian cities

Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe known for its incredible architecture, art, coffee, cars and food. Those who know me know I don’t like coffee in the slightest that is until I had a Latte Macchiato in Milan and my life changed for the better, since then, its all I ever have but only in Italy. It is easy for me to daydream about visiting these beautiful Italian cities because I have either been a couple of times or I recently ventured there and the memory is still fresh.

Every Italian city I have visited over the last 5 years, it has left an impression on me in its own way and though the Vatican is not considered Italy, I shall include it in this post as its an incredible country inside a country and worth a visit. Another thing I loved about Italy is how they take pride in the foods that they make plus the wine pairings are always a great idea, I always ask for recommendations on which pairings work best.

Beautiful Italian Cities: Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, historical city and central part of the Italian peninsula on the river Tiber. I have been fortunate enough to have visited the Italian capital and stay in the heart of it all. The Coliseum, the Trevi fountain and even the Vatican City – all beautiful locations that leave an impression on you. The last visit I made to Rome was marred with bad B&B experience resulting in me leaving after the first night and booking a hotel in the heart of the city. I do not regret the trip but feel the accommodation experience impeded my trip and I hope to return to the Italian capital soon and have a do-over.

Beautiful Italian Cities: Florence

Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region and home to the many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture (the Duomo – cathedral comes to mind). Located in central Italy, the city of Florence is the most populated area in the Tuscany region. Our last visit to Florence was as a day trip but my intention is to revisit the city and spend at least a weekend, exploring it, climbing the cathedral and eating as much gelato as I possibly can master.

Beautiful Italian Cities: Milan

Milan is not only a fashion and economical capital of Europe but also a beautiful city encompassed by art and culture. The last time I visited this city, I fell in love with the ‘latte macchiato’ and I am not a coffee drinker in the slightest. Even though the last visit was more fly-by type of visit, I was still taken back by the Duomo and the Santa Maria Delle Grazie convent. This is why when we spent the weekend in Milan, I made sure to explore all the places we didn’t last time and managed to climb the cathedral even though it was spitting it down.

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Beautiful Italian Cities: Pisa

Pisa Italy a truly underrated city and often missed for more glamorous cities like Florence. It is a historical city which seems to attract people of all ages from all walks of life. Mostly when people plan to visit Pisa, it’s all about the Leaning Tower of Pisa and not much else. Did you know that at the time of completion of the iconic Pisa tower in 1372, it was already slightly tilted? I actually was amazed by this fact that this 56-meter white-marble cylinder is the bell tower is still standing to this day.

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Beautiful Italian Cities: Verona

The city of Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Metropolitan city located in the north of Italy. Verona is considered a romantic city thanks to Shakespeare’s Rome and Juliet where the story is set. It is known whether Shakespeare ever made it to Verona but two of his plays {the second is called the two gentlemen of Verona} are set in the city. Everyone who’s visited the city of Verona has fallen in love with not only the story of the two star crossed lovers but rather the impressive architecture and the city’s history. Verona is a gorgeous city that I feel even after seeing these 21 things in Verona, there is more to be explored.

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Beautiful Italian Cities: Venice

Venice, located in the northeastern of Italy and arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. It’s nicknamed the city of water, it has no roads so no cars only boats and canoes. The city of masks, probably more than I anticipated and the city of bridges. It is considered the capital of the Veneto region – composed of 20 regions of which Venice is the capital. During my recent visit, everyone kept asking me if the city is expensive and the simple answer is yes and more complicated is sort of as it depends on where you stay, the type of accommodation and the foods you wish to try.

Beautiful Italian Cities: Turin

Did you know that before Rome, Turin or Torino as its called by the locals was the capital city of the kingdom of Italy? Not many people know that Turin is an important culture and business centre in the Northern region of Italy and its also known for its architecture and fine cuisine.

Did you know that the car brand FIAT, chocolate brand FERRERO, the drinks MARTINI and LAVAZZAcoffee all call Turin home? I was certainly surprised by this but glad I learned something about the city during our girls weekend getaway to Turin.

The Vatican City

The Vatican City is a city-state that is surrounded by Rome and is home to the famous Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Even though my visit was brief (2-hours) I did not manage to enter the St Peter’s Basilica or the Vatican museums. I do however hope that my next visit to Rome, I shall dedicate a day to explore the Vatican City.

Italian Trip Abroad Recommendations

Because I did not wish to deny you the beauty that is Italy as a whole, I asked Ale who is one half of Italian Trip Abroad to share some of their favourite Italian cities outside the typical ones which I am covering. As Italians, I wanted them to share with us insider information on some cities/towns that you may not have considered during your trips to Italy.

Naples, Italy

Thinking about Italy for holidays, you might be inspired to plan a trip to Rome, or Milan, Venice or Florence. Instead, there is a bounce of underrated cities you have to know. It’s time to study your dreamy location in Italy and go over and beyond the popular places. Naples is one of those cities that not many consider thinking about a trip to Italy. This beautiful city is located in the southern part of Italy, where the sun shines almost all year.

The vibes and the atmosphere you will experience in Naples, will make you fall in love with the city and the locals. You won’t experience those vibes anywhere else in the “bel paese”. 

We love Naples, not only because it’s our home city but, also because there are so many beautiful places, unique spots and gorgeous landscapes. The breathtaking view from the top hill of Posillipo, will open you the window over the infinite blue mediterranean sea.

What makes Naples an unforgettable city, are the people, the food, art, architecture and weather conditions. This a perfect mix match that is giving Naples an international travel appeal. In every corner of the city, you’ll find someone helping you and giving you a hand if you need it.

Naples is famous for its pizza. You are not allowed to leave the city without trying the best pizza of your life. There are so many pizzerias worth visiting and if you are spending a week in Naples you can consider even to visit them all. Trust us, you will leave Naples with a couple of kilos extras!

Monopoli, Puglia

The beautiful Apulia Region (or Puglia in Italian) is well known for its beaches which are competing to be the most beautiful in Europe. Around the county, there are so many beautiful places where you can get tanned and enjoy the amazing blue water. Puglia is a tight part of the land, with waterfront on two sides, east is facing Greece and Albania, with crystal blue water. This side is well known for the instagrammable sea spot of Polignano a Mare. But like always behind a big popular spot, there is a hidden gem that is waiting for you. Monopoli is mostly known by locals, even Italian often, wrongly avoid visiting this white city. Located less than 30 minutes by train from Bari and 10 minutes from Polignano (Basically the train stop after), Monopoli has got some of the best beaches in Puglia. 

It is completely different compared to Polignano and in a certain way even better. In fact, Monopoli is maintaining its trendy Italian vibes, instead, Polignano is mostly to be the international jet set. It’s less touristy which makes the city ideal for spending a couple of days. 

Monopoli, it’s the perfect place where you can combine beaches and a bit of history. The city has been influenced by its east-facing location, showing to the seaside a gorgeous fortified sea-front walls and fortress, with cannons pointing to the enemies. If you are looking for an unforgettable holiday on the beach in Italy, please consider just a day trip to Polignano, and longer stays in Monopoli.

As much as I love Italy and can speak about what we did in each city and what I would recommend or I would love to re-do, I don’t think its fair of me restrict you only to my personal thoughts. I asked the best UK travel couple of 2020 award winners Alessia & Toti of Italian Trip Abroad, to share their favourite cities in Italy. And their recommendations are exactly the kind of places I want to explore on my next Italian adventure.

I hope you enjoyed this virtual trip to Italy and enjoyed daydreaming about visiting these beautiful Italian cities and hope we inspired you to add these Italian cities to your next Italian adventures.