Italy is a beautiful country, an ideal destination for both lovers and backpackers writes Garima Dhir. It has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty, art and archeology. The place will totally win you over with its great taste for art and wine.
One of the most highly visited cities in Italy is Venice. However, most tourists spend their time walking around the city or doing the Gondola ride. A more interesting and affordable alternative is to take a tour of the 3 islands around – Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Do visit the glass factory in Murano where they demonstrate the technique of moulding glass into beautiful items (basically show pieces and jewellery items).
Burano and Torcello are equally beautiful if not more. Burano is famous for it’s lace work and colourful houses. Torcello, with a population of 11 people has been declared by UNESCO as a world heritage center.
If your next stop is Florence, be assured that you will not be let down. Spend your day visiting the The Basilica, the bell tower, the adjoining museum and The Academia Gallery.
Evenings, however, must be kept to just take in the culture and beauty of the city. You’ll find the main square filled with musicians and artists. A small merry go round makes the square picture perfect. And finally, a short walk along the Arno River will take you through the main bazaar of the city.
On the southern side of the country are the ruins of Pompeii and the notorious Mount Vesuvius. Use an audio guide to stroll along the streets of Pompeii and you’ll find yourself taking a walk through history.
If you are someone who likes to go a little off beat, one highly recommended destination is Sorrento followed by Amalfi Coast. Usually, tourists reach Sorrento from Naples or Pompeii.
To move further ahead to the Amalfi Coast, you could either take a ferry or a bus from Sorrento. Though the bus takes longer and might not be the best option for people with travel sickness, it is worth every bit of your time.
The bus ride to Amalfi coast is more beautiful than the coast itself. The cost does not have a beach but it’s the perfect place for a lazy afternoon, with abundant sun and blue water for swimmers to enjoy and non swimmers to sit by the coast and have a hearty meal.
PS: One great piece of advice by a fellow traveler, Piyushi Dhir – “I’d suggest don’t just run from one tourist spot to another. Spend some time just walking through lanes and alleys to get a feel of the place, you’ll see the culture best that way. Do keep a map at all times, so that you don’t get lost.”
Garima Dhir is pursuing her PhD in economics at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research in Mumbai and she loves to travel whenever she gets time. Her travel plans usually involve a lot of exploring, walking and learning about the place.
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