© TheRealDestinations 2013
Rome. The Eternal City. A major metropolis (it is the largest city in Italy, double the size of Milan), and yet also an open-air museum of the Antiquities.
Unlike other ancient imperial capitals, the traces of the Roman Empire are still very visible in today’s Rome. It is both Italy’s modern capital, a showcase of Renaissance architecture, and a giant archeological site sitting in the center.
Nearby, in Tuscany, Florence draws on its art and history, but little Siena steals the show. It’s set high atop a hill and still entirely ringed by its medieval-era walls. A proper tour of of the Tuscan countryside...might just have to wait for the next trip. With Italy, there will always be a next trip.
United MileagePlus: [Direct: United.] or connect via Lufthansa. Swiss. TAP Portugal. SAS. Brussels Airlines. Take your pick…
American AAdvantage: [Direct: American.] or connect via British Airways. Iberia. FinnAir
Delta SkyMiles: [Direct: American or ITA] or connect via Air France, KLM.
The Good:
All the iconic attractions, world class restaurants, and sophisticated cafés + shops you’d expect from a city like Rome or Florence.
Major cities stocked full of leading museums and historic sights, while still home to quaint, centuries-old neighborhoods and skylines that haven’t really changed in centuries.
The Tuscan countryside leading to one of the most perfectly preserved Renaissance cities still in existence: Siena.
The Bad:
Tourism, particularly in Rome, can be overwhelming in the summertime, alhough less-well known and more remote Siena escapes much of this over-tourism.
Rome’s traffic is notorious, sparsely served by a metro system in contrast to most major European cities. As expected, you'll need a car to get around the Tuscan countryside.
Despite Italy’s persistent economic woes, don’t expect to see any bargains while visiting here, thanks to the Euro.
the Summary:
While Italy does have amazing lesser-known sights to offer both in the north and south, it would be a disservice to skip the iconic sights of Rome or the perfectly preserved streets of Siena. Relaxing can come later, here it’s time to sightsee.
Many cities can claim a thousand+ year history, few still hold any tangible traces of it. (Looking at you, Istanbul). But not Rome. The sheer size of Imperial Rome (population over 1 million) combined with the unique ancient breakthrough of using concrete as a building material (not to mention centuries of relative abandonment during the Middle Ages) have left visible traces of the ancient past all over the city.
Florence and Siena were one-time rival city states during the Renaissance. Siena lost this rivalry, and faded into obscurity—one that contributed to its perfectly preserved state today. Its medieval walls still encircle the old city center, perched on top of a hill that towers over the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Larger Florence boasts truly impressive museums like the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries, not to mention its famous bridge with its shops growing out over the river. Its pioneering (very) early Renaissance Duomo, the Santa Maria del Fiore, and its dome anchors a picturesque stucco dominated skyline, while the more modern city extends outwards.
Pro Tip: Both Uffizi and Accademia are highly visitor constrained given their modest size and the sheer numbers of visitors. Book a space well in advance, otherwise rather than a long line, you just won't get in during your days in Florence!
Among the other super-attractions of Rome: The entire Vatican.
© YC 2008
One note about visiting Rome, and perhaps Florence as well: Think twice before visiting in the summertime. The daytime crowds—not to mention lines—can be overwhelming. Unlike Paris with its abundant wide open boulevards and spaces, Rome's volume of peak season tourists have far less space to gather around its older piazzas and narrow streets. Combined with hot summer daytime temperatures and not a whole lot of shade from trees, this can be an unpleasant experience.
Inside Siena's central Duomo. © TheRealDestinations 2009
When to Visit
Spring and Fall. Don't come during the peak summer season unless you don't mind wading through crowds in hot temperatures. Winter, while not freezing cold, lacks a lot of the vibrancy and color found during the warmer months.
Language Barrier
You won’t find Northern European levels of fluency, but enough people you'll encounter here will understand some English. There could be some exceptions though...
Price Level
Comparable to home.
Getting There
~$650 Roundtrip or 60K miles on Star Alliance or OneWorld carriers.
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Rome, where a 2,000 year old building still stands in the city center. © YC 2013