Exploring Italy

I have traveled to Europe a dozen times. I've stayed on and ventured off of the beaten paths laid down by millions of tourists over the years. Italy is my favorite location to explore. The "Boot" is easy to find on any map due to its unique shape. The weather is great most of the year, and the cuisine is unsurpassed ... serving up more than pasta and pizza.

The larger cities are full of energy, but they still maintain a laid-back vibe. Enjoy the incredible scenery when you venture into the countryside. Italy has many wondrous sites to see. Some can be very crowded, and others are all yours to enjoy alone. Here are five of my favorite destinations:

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5. Bologna

Bologna is the place for foodies. It's located to the north in the region called Emelia-Romagna. It is ideally located in Italy's largest fertile valley. Agriculture is king in this region. It is also home to one of Italy's largest universities: University of Bologna. The cafe scene is booming here. The youth love to see and be seen enjoying life. There are many great dining options including small and quaint to large and lively. You must take a food tour while visiting Bologna. A full- day tour includes delicacies like Parmigiana-Reggiano, aged balsamic vinegar, and prosciutto all locally crafted. Breakfast and lunch are also included with wine pairings. Later in the day, walk off your full-day tour under the beautiful portico's, protecting the shops downtown.

4. Cinque Terra

Cinque Terra is located south of Genoa and is best accessed by train. Here you will find five beautiful villages separated by a rugged coastline. They were originally built to keep villagers safe back in the early centuries. The five villages are traffic-free which makes exploring on foot ideal. Each village is laid out different due to the terrain and can be accessed by train, bus, or on foot. A hiking path was created to link all the towns where vendors sell a variety of goods which include: crusty breads, olive oils, fresh berries, and of course Lemonciello, made from local lemons lining the rugged coastal region. Farmers make the most of their space by terracing the land. Hiking between the villages you'll see all kinds of crops growing including grapevines. Be sure to visit some of the local vineyards.

3. Rome

Rome is an ancient city and packed with historical sites, making it one of Europe's busiest cities. The streets are packed. Watch out for the scooters, they are everywhere. Use the subway system to escape the throngs. Get to Rome's number one site early: the Colosseum. It gets crazy busy, so prepay for your ticket online. Once inside explore all the levels. You will notice that the arena was designed to replicate two theater seating spaces facing each other. Afterward, cross the street and take a stroll along ancient Rome's main thoroughfare ... the Forum. It was excavated in the early 1800's. The ruins and statues from ancient government buildings still stand.

If you're into amazing architecture you have two of the largest domed churches to visit. The Pantheon was built by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century. The other dome is located in the heart of Rome and is the smallest country in the world ... St.Peter's in Vatican City. Michelangelo was one of the architects so of course, it's beautiful inside. The Spanish Steps are a great meeting spot. Grab a cappuccino and relax while taking a seat among them. Rome is even more beautiful at night. Book an evening tour and visit Trevi Fountain. Don't forget to make a wish.

2. Florence

Florence is in the heart of Tuscany and nestled along the Arno River. You can't miss the beautifully tiled roofs that are predominant throughout the city. None taller than Florence's main site, the Duomo. The Duomo is another one of the largest domed churches in the world. Take a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio. This ancient bridge was lined with shops for butchers back in the day. The shops today are mostly occupied by jewelers. The Mercato Centrale is perfect if you love open-air markets. So many fresh products to choose from. For dinner, you must try a Bistecca. That's Italian for steak. You will savor 32 ounces of the best beef known throughout Europe. The beef is raised locally outside of Florence. A day trip to visit Pisa to the west is a must. If you want to ascend the tower you need to get tickets in advance. Within Pisa's walls, you will find artisan shops, tourist trinkets, and great dining options.

1. Venice

Venice is an incredible city to visit. It was built on a lagoon to protect its citizens from the barbarians to the north. It is an architectural marvel. No streets, no cars, just boats, and canals. It gets packed during the day. In the evening it will be all yours. My bucket list includes a hotel stay so my wife and I can have Venice to ourselves.

St. Marks Plaza and the Doges Palace are the starting points for most tourists. Tour the palace with a pre-paid ticket. Just beyond the Rialto Bridge along the Grand Canal is a fabulous fish market full of the local bounty from the lagoon. To avoid the crowds, visit the islands of Murano and Burano. These quaint seaside villages are known for glassblowing and traditional risotto dishes. Of course, no trip to Venice would be complete without a gondola ride. They can be pretty pricey so try to find a gondolier that's open to haggling the price down.

Treat yourself to the trip of a lifetime and visit this beautiful country. The best times of the year to visit are the spring and fall. The weather is perfect, and the tourists are fewer in number. If at all possible, travel between these places by car or train, the scenery is worth it. Take as much time as possible to discover it on your own. Get a good map and venture out. Sample as much Italian food as you can ... it's amazing.

Next week, I will be featuring my five favorite Italian dishes. I love pizza, but I hope to inspire you with some unique Italian inspirations. Until then ... Ciao.