Discover La Dolce Vita: - From Florence to the Amalfi Coast
Embark on a captivating journey from the Cradle of the Renaissance to Italy's *la dolce vita* capital with a road trip through central Italy.
Spanning five hours from Florence to the enchanting Amalfi Coast, this curated itinerary takes you through the picturesque regions of Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, and Campania, inviting travelers to savor historical gems along the way.
From the medieval charm of Siena and Renaissance elegance of Pienza to the dramatic clifftop village of Orvieto and the opulent Royal Palace of Caserta, each stop offers a unique blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty. Slow down, explore, and indulge in the quintessential Italian experience with these eight essential stops, making the journey as unforgettable as the destination.
In today’s email:
Top 10 Places to Visit in Italy
Discover La Dolce Vita: - From Florence to the Amalfi Coast
1. Siena:
- Explore the UNESCO-listed center of this Tuscan hill town.
- Marvel at one of Italy's most intact medieval cityscapes.
- Visit the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico town hall, Fontana Gaia fountain, and Torre del Mangia tower.
- Explore the art-filled Duomo, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
2. Pienza:
- Wander through Pienza's elegant old town.
- Discover a treasure of Renaissance architecture in the Val d'Orcia.
- Learn about the town's renovation by Renaissance architect Bernardo Rossellino.
- Visit Piazza Pio II, home to Palazzo Piccolomini, Palazzo Borgia, and the cathedral.
3. Orvieto:
- Marvel at the dramatic clifftop village and one of Italy's grandest cathedrals.
- Explore the Gothic duomo and the intact old town.
- Taste the excellent white wine for which Orvieto is famous.
- Visit the underground tunnels dating back to Etruscan times.
4. Tivoli:
- See ruins at the Villa Adriana estate.
- Tour the 16th-century Villa d'Este with its sumptuous gardens and fountains.
- Explore the ancient ruins of Emperor Hadrian's Villa Adriana estate.
- Visit the town of Tivoli, including Via delle Cascatelle, Via Quintilio Varo, Rocca Pia fortress, and the Romanesque Duomo.
5. Castelli Romani:
- Explore historic towns set in the lush hills south of Rome.
- Enjoy wine tasting and lunch in the vineyards outside Frascati.
- Tour the pope's summer palace in Castel Gandolfo.
- Engage in outdoor activities like kayaking on Lake Albano.
6. Caserta:
- Admire the opulent Royal Palace of Caserta, known as the "Versailles of Italy."
- Explore the palace and park with 1,200 rooms on five levels.
- Learn about its history and architectural significance.
- Take a guided tour to cover the highlights.
7. Pompeii:
- Step back in time at Italy's premier ancient site.
- Join an archaeologist-led tour to learn about daily life during the Roman Empire.
- Explore the preserved shops, villas, temples, and more.
- Consider visiting the nearby ancient remains of Herculaneum.
8. Sorrento:
- Take in views of the coast from the beautiful resort town of Sorrento.
- Enjoy the coastal scenery and the atmosphere of "la dolce vita."
- Relax and savor the final destination of the road trip.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Italy
Discover La Dolce Vita: - From Florence to the Amalfi Coast
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Love To Visit Italy to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.