OK, we’re biased. But we reckon Italy is the BEST place to holiday in Europe. The country offers everything. Delicious food! √ Stunning scenery! √ Incredible art and architecture! √ Wonderful people! √ Great weather! √ The list goes on… . But, one of the things that Italy can also definitely boast to have is incredible variety. The difference between each Italian region is simply huge. It’s important to remember that the Italian peninsular was only unified as recently as 1861. And still today, Italy really is a rich tapestry of regions, with each one having its own unique character and history.
As a result, what better way to spend your holiday in Italy than in two different places? You’ll get to enjoy two very different experiences and two very different holidays. Here are three suggestions for twin centre holidays in Italy.
Rome and the Amalfi Coast
Our first suggestion of a twin centre holiday in Italy is Rome and the Amalfi Coast. We love the combination of a city break with the lure of Italy’s beautiful coastline. And city breaks don’t get much better than Rome, Italy’s capital. Whilst you could arguably spend a week in Rome and still not exhaust the options of what there is to see and do, three days is more than enough to sufficiently explore its incredible sights.
After your stay in Rome, you can catch the high speed train to Naples, the capital of the Campania region of Italy. The journey will only take just over an hour. The third largest city in Italy behind Rome and Milan, Naples may have a more mixed reputation than most other cities in Italy but it’s nevertheless a fascinating place. For us, the fact that it’s the birthplace of pizza is the only reason we need to head there!
From here, it’s time to start your wonderful week on the stunning Amalfi coast. The laid back vibe down here will be a refreshing contrast to the hustle and bustle of Naples and Rome. Spend time exploring the many beautiful towns and villages that are dotted along this scenic stretch of coastline. There are thirteen towns in total – Vietri sul Mare, Cetara, Maiori, Tramonti, Minori, Ravello, Scala, Atrani, Amalfi, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Praiano and Positano – all clinging on to the cliffs and separated with beautiful coves and pretty beaches.
If you have time, then don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a trip to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum or to climb mainland Europe’s only active volcano, Mount Vesuvius. And definitely make the time to head into the Bay of Naples and to explore some of its islands – the glitz and glamour of Capri or the seductive beauty of Procida and Ischia. And of course, make sure you sample some of the region’s most famous tipple – limoncello.
Venice and the Italian Lakes
Our second twin centre holiday in Italy is Venice and the Italian Lakes. Time spent in Venice and the Italian Lakes is another great way to combine a city break with some relaxed time near the water, but this time on Italy’s inland lakes rather than its stunning coastline.
We recommend you opt to spend three days in Venice before spending a week in the Italian Lakes. Venice is Italy’s most visited city and it’s easy to see why. Truly unique, Venice is actually made up of a series of 118 different islands, separated by its canal system and linked by over 400 bridges. Some of these bridges are tourist attractions in their own right, such as the Rialto Bridge and Bridge of Sighs. Venice is also where you will discover St Mark’s Square, home to St Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile of San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace). And there are a number of excellent art galleries in Venice too including the Gallerie dell’ Accademia where you will discover Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, home to a number of surrealist art works. And if you have the time, take a boat trip out to the islands of Murano and Burano in the Venetian lagoon.
Venice is a city where you do a surprising amount of walking in spite of the canal network! As a result, a week in the Italian Lakes will prove welcome relief for the feet if nothing else! You have a number of lakes to choose from. Lake Garda is closest to Venice in terms of distance but we prefer the slower, quieter pace of Lake Maggiore, approximately four hours drive away.
For us, Lake Maggiore offers the perfect mix of beauty and authenticity whilst offering plenty to see and do. Highlights for us would include trips to the Borromean Islands, excursions to some of Lake Maggiore’s prettiest lakeside towns and villages – Arona, Ascona, Cannobio and Cannero – and a journey on the Lake Maggiore express. The latter takes all day and takes you by boat and train through some of the most beautiful scenery in Italy and Switzerland. And, of course, if you’re enjoying this twin centre holiday in Italy in the Summer months, then you’ll need to make the most of the lakeside beaches and fantastic water sports on offer around the lake too.
Tuscany and Cinque Terre
Our third recommendation for a twin centre holiday in Italy is to combine a trip to Tuscany with a few days in Cinque Terre.
Italy’s third most visited region, Tuscany, is home to some of Italy’s most famous cities. Siena, Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano are iconic and certainly need no introduction. However, Tuscany is equally famous for its incredible countryside. The Chianti vineyards of northern Tuscany move into the Crete Senesi hills and woods and down to the gentle rolling hills of the Val d’Orcia. Here, the grassy hills are interspersed with vineyards, olive groves, cypress, and chestnut trees, and are dotted with picturesque Medieval hamlets. And the good news is that, thanks to the Val d’Orcia being awarded UNESCO world heritage status in 2004, this landscape will remain unspoilt for centuries to come.
This Tuscan rural idyll is provides a beautiful contrast to the second part of your trip – the stretch of Ligurian coastline that is home to five pastel coloured fishing villages that cling to the rocks – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. These five stunning villages are linked by an 11 kilometre walking trail called the Sentiero Azzurro. You won’t need a car during this part of your twin centre holiday in Italy. So to reach Cinque Terre, you could either opt for a private driver and guide to take you or you could even catch the train from Pisa, a journey which will only take you just over an hour on one of the fastest trains.
And, if you can spare the time, then you could extend your stay in Liguria to a week, making your way north along the coast to some of Italy’s most fashionable sea side resorts such as Portofino. Or take the time to head further north still to discover the bustling port of Genoa, home to what is claimed to be the third oldest lighthouse still in operation in the world today. The city will surprise you. The Renaissance and Baroque architecture that fills the centro storico is beautiful.
Inspired to enjoy a twin centre holiday in Italy? Then get in touch with Italy villa rental specialists, Bookings For You. We can