I'm not a huge fan of Italy - but I've only ever been to Milan and Venice, both of which I found to be quite dirty. My opinion is obviously in the minority. After looking at Pete's photos of Sienna, Cinque Terre, and the Amalfi Coast, I'm starting to question the sanity of my opinion.
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MILANMilan may not register too high on a tourists agenda - it's much more of a business, commercial, and financial hub of Italy than a cultural hot spot. If you are visiting the Lakes Region, you'll likely pass through or near Milan. I spent three days here - one in Milan, one in Switzerland, and one in Lake Como.
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VENICE
Per Pete:
"Some people don't like Venice and think it's dirty and trashy, others love it. I thought Venice was amazing! Although tourist, it was like a playground for grown-ups with little alleyways, canals, and something hidden behind every turn it was so exciting to just walk around the town. What I would give to work / live in Venice for a summer..."
When Pete says "some people don't like Venice"...it's not some people, it's just me.
"Some people don't like Venice and think it's dirty and trashy, others love it. I thought Venice was amazing! Although tourist, it was like a playground for grown-ups with little alleyways, canals, and something hidden behind every turn it was so exciting to just walk around the town. What I would give to work / live in Venice for a summer..."
When Pete says "some people don't like Venice"...it's not some people, it's just me.
SIENA
Per Pete:
"Siena is a beautiful, medieval town with a lot of history. Over the summer it comes alive with its ll Palio, a bareback horse race through the town's main square. Every July 2 and August 16, the event allows bragging rights for the rest of the year as neighborhoods' horses compete.
Siena is a beautiful city regardless if you visit during the race. The ll Palio was one of the coolest sporting events I have attended. "
"Siena is a beautiful, medieval town with a lot of history. Over the summer it comes alive with its ll Palio, a bareback horse race through the town's main square. Every July 2 and August 16, the event allows bragging rights for the rest of the year as neighborhoods' horses compete.
Siena is a beautiful city regardless if you visit during the race. The ll Palio was one of the coolest sporting events I have attended. "
PISA - CINQUE TERRE
Per Pete:
"CInque Terre provides one of the best coastal walks in the world. The "Five Lands" can be reached by rail, but the best way to see the beautiful Italian towns is by hiking through them. Italy is one of the greatest countries to visit and Cinque Terre should be at the top of your itinerary. Plan at least two full days here if you can. Pisa is about an hour south of La Spezia. From La Spezia, you can catch a regional train to any of the five towns. The first one is only eight minutes away."
"CInque Terre provides one of the best coastal walks in the world. The "Five Lands" can be reached by rail, but the best way to see the beautiful Italian towns is by hiking through them. Italy is one of the greatest countries to visit and Cinque Terre should be at the top of your itinerary. Plan at least two full days here if you can. Pisa is about an hour south of La Spezia. From La Spezia, you can catch a regional train to any of the five towns. The first one is only eight minutes away."
AMALFI COAST
Per Pete:
"One of the best places in the world, the Amalfi Coast is a gorgeous piece of land on the west coast of Italy. From Amalfi to Positano, and Sorrento and Capri, this may be one of my most favorite places. I want to retire here. I want to own a Bed & Breakfast here. It's fairly easy to get around with the bus or ferry systems."
"One of the best places in the world, the Amalfi Coast is a gorgeous piece of land on the west coast of Italy. From Amalfi to Positano, and Sorrento and Capri, this may be one of my most favorite places. I want to retire here. I want to own a Bed & Breakfast here. It's fairly easy to get around with the bus or ferry systems."
PHOTOS
For additional Venice photos see Facebook Album.
For additional Siena photos see Facebook Album.
For additional Pisa - Cinque Terre photos see Facebook Album.
For additional Siena photos see Facebook Album.
For additional Pisa - Cinque Terre photos see Facebook Album.