“You may have the universe if I may have Italy”
– Giuseppe Verde
This one line is enough to signify the position enjoyed by the most beautiful of nations –Italy – in the minds and hearts of classical scholars and poets. It continues to be one of the most desired holiday destinations even to this day. Italy is possibly the one European country that modern man identifies as ancient and classical given its history and legends and it is also possibly the only country in the world where one can find a fascinating fusion of haute fashion, fast Ferraris and fabulous ruins. It is this wonderful cohesion of the modern and the classical that is one of the attractions of Italy.
There are many ways to see the real beauty of Italy. Most travelers choose the oft beaten path and go to widely known places like Pisa, Milan and Florence. If it is the leaning tower in Pisa, Milan entices with the latest fashions and Rome is quite literally the most beautiful of cities and lives up to its tag as the Eternal City. More recently travelers have been exploring all of Italy and not confining themselves to the boundaries of Naples. The Southern part of Italy is fast gaining popularity not just for the scenic beauty but for the most delicious food and beautiful accommodation facilities. The Amalfi coast is another favorite with other Europeans as it is an ideal blend of modern facilities with rustic and pristine charm. For those who would love to see the Italy that most travel operators do not focus then it is best to explore it on your own. This means that the traveler is exposed to the way the real Italy lives and breathes and where life is a lot slower and more fulfilling.
The first thing to do is to find a hotel that will fit into your budget. In Italy, accommodation of every type – 5 stars to quaint and cheap bed and breakfasts – is available to the discerning traveler. A little bit of online research will help on identifying all the possible hotels in Italy that one could stay in as he or she travels up and down the country side. Another way to enjoy one’s stay in Italy is to get an apartment on rent in whichever place one wants to see. Italians are fast awakening to the possibilities that exist in their tourism industry and serviced apartments are the best options to stay, especially in coastal places like Sardinia, Sicily and Palermo.
Italy is one of the European countries that are very well connected both by road and rail. There are a lot of budget airline options too making it possible for one to experience the real flavor of Italy in a minimum of 2 weeks. By making reservations early and getting the right flight and train connections, a holiday in Italy would be leisurely, blissful and bring a sense of contentment that would never be forgotten.