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
In the central heart of "the boot" lays Lake Bolsena, amidst poppy fields and archaeological sites. Rome is within easy reach as long as you have a U.S. passport and the Tuscan border is within 20-miles of the lake. Flower, fish and wine festivals are celebrated with music and dancing on the piazza,showcasing small town Italy at its picturesque best. You won’t want to miss any of this because you forgot your passport renewal.
Italian Cuisine
Visiting 'the boot' wouldn't be complete without experiencing the quaint charm of the Italian countryside. Cobbled ancient streets snake down to the sound of busy fishermen at lakeside, collecting their fresh bounty for the evening's entree at the local eateries. Pride in the art of Italian cuisine is seen in the diverse, regional specialties.
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
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.
With your pass port 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 passports renewals so you can be on your way to Italy.
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