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<p style="font-size: 12px;">Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet world famous for its cuisine, art fashion Italy Destination Guide list of the best places to visit in the italian country.</p>
<p style="font-size: 12px;">What to See and Where to Go in Italy guide to travel and life in Italy attractions sights best top italian cities what to visit in Italy Rome Venice Florence Milan Naples best regions Tuscany Umbria Campania Liguria and Veneto also Sicily island Sardinia island.</p>
<h2 style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>ROME</strong></h2>
<p style="font-size: 12px;">The "Eternal City" is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Once the capital of western civilization, Rome has incredible antiquities, gorgeous piazzas, stunning fountains, great food, and a wonderful ambiance. The saying "All roads lead to Rome" was a truism during the Roman Empire and the city displays its heritage in a spectacular fashion. Rome is a fantastic destination; you will run out of time before you run out of worthwhile things to see and do.</p>
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<h3> <a style="font-family: Arial;" title="The_Colosseum" name="The_Colosseum"></a>The Colosseum <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="click to see this location on our map showing the Best Places to Visit in Rome" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/Romemap.htm?poi=6"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map.gif" alt="" width="25" height="25" border="0" /></a></h3>
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<li>The world famous profile of the Colosseum remains dramatic, but you need to tour inside for a revealing look into its history. The arena was designed to hold more than fifty thousand spectators while the lions and gladiators did their work. The area beneath the floor of the Colosseum is a complex of cells, holding areas and paths that were designed to allow animals, gladiators and human sacrifices access to the arena, all without mixing together.</li>
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<h3><a style="font-family: Arial;" title="Piazza_Campidoglio/Capitoline_Hill_" name="Piazza_Campidoglio/Capitoline_Hill_"></a>Piazza Campidoglio/Capitoline Hill <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click to see this location on our map showing the Best Places to Visit in Rome" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/Romemap.htm?poi=12"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map.gif" alt="" width="25" height="25" border="0" /></a></h3>
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<li>The Capitoline Hill was a seat of power in ancient Rome and remains a center of government even today. The Capitoline's Piazza Campidoglio, is a good place to start your tour of Ancient Rome. The Piazza and its buildings were either built or modified based on plans created by Michelangelo.</li>
<li> To ascend to the Piazza, take the lower steps (the "Cordonatta") to the right of the Monument Vittorio Emanuele II (which dates from the mid-19th century) up to the Piazza Campidoglio. The Piazza reflects its mid -15th century architecture.
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<li>The statues at the top of the Cordonatta represent Castor and Pollux, the twins from Greek and Roman mythology who were reputed to have aided the Romans in a historically significant battle. </li>
<li>The stately building in the middle is the Palazzo Senatorio and it features a famous double staircase designed by Michelangelo.</li>
<li>On the left is the Palazzo Nuovo (the site of the Capitoline Museum) and to the right is the Palazzo dei Conservatori, constructed according to plans developed by Michelangelo.</li>
<li>All three buildings are now part of the Capitoline Museums and contain artifacts from Rome's history, or from the era of the Roman Empire..</li>
<li>Visit <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" href="http://www.museicapitolini.org/en/index_msie.htm" target="_parent">Capitoline Museum</a></span><a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" href="http://www.museicapitolini.org/en/index_msie.htm" target="_blank">s</a><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" href="http://www.museicapitolini.org/en/index_msie.htm" target="_blank"> </a></span> for information on opening hours and exhibitions. There has been a spate of recent construction and renovation of key works, so be prepared for some galleries to be closed.</li>
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<p style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>VENICE</strong></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px;">Travel in Venice oozes romance and history. Canals, beautiful buildings, world famous landmarks - Venice is an experience unique in the world of travel. Whether taking a gondola down the Grand Canal or gazing at this romantic city's unique setting and architecture, Venice is a vision that you will never forget.</p>
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<h3>Piazza San Marco <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click for a map of Venice showing the location of this attraction" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/venicemap.htm?poi=12"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map.gif" alt="" width="25" height="25" border="0" /></a> </h3>
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<li>The Piazza San Marco (Saint Mark's Square), a large, broad public square, is the main meeting place in Venice and host to the most well-known attractions in tourist Venice. As you land at the dock of St, Mark's, you will see two columns. One is crowned with Saint Theodore, the patron saint of Venice, while the other is topped with the Lion of St. Mark.</li>
<li>St. Mark’s is the only area with the name "Square" in Venice, the areas that one might be tempted to call squares are known as "campo".</li>
<li>Piazza San Marco is one of the lowest areas of Venice and may flood at times of high tides (usually in the winter or early spring). Except for unusual circumstance, the change of the tide reverses the problem, usually in a few hours.</li>
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<h3>St. Mark's Basilica <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click for a map of Venice showing the location of this attraction" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/venicemap.htm?poi=13"><img style="border-style: none;" title="Click to see this location on a detailed map of Venice, Italy" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map.gif" alt="Click to see this location on a detailed map of Venice, Italy" width="25" height="25" border="0" /></a> </h3>
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<li>St. Mark's was built to house the reliquary of St. Mark and the Saint's tomb is the focus of the cathedral. The Venetians reportedly smuggled St. Mark's body out of Egypt packed in pork to avoid searches by the port inspectors who were, of course, Muslim.</li>
<li>The cathedral, which combines elements of Byzantine, Romanesque and Arabesque architectures, has the most unique architecture of any church in Italy.</li>
<li>The cathedral's arched doorways and replicas of four bronze horses ( the originals were captured during the Fourth Crusade and removed from Byzantium) welcome the visitor. Examine the mosaics above the doors and then enter to see the cathedral.</li>
<li>Be sure to see the various chapels, the Sanctuary, the Treasury and the Museo (where the original horse statues from Byzantium are on display).</li>
<li>St. Marks is open all year - Monday through Saturday and on Sunday afternoons after services.</li>
<li>For more information, visit<span style="color: #0000ff;"> </span><a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" href="http://www.basilicasanmarco.it/" target="_blank">http://www.basilicasanmarco.it/</a></li>
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<p style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>FLORENCE</strong></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px;">Florence's art and architecture rivals Rome. During the Renaissance, Florence was the art center of western civilization. A list of past residents of the city represents the "Who's Who" of the Masters, including: Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, among others. Culture seems to ooze from the frescoes and statues; perhaps that is why Florence and its museums tend to be incredibly attractive to tourists.</p>
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<h3>The Piazza del Duomo <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click here to see this attraction on a city map of Florence" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/florencemap.htm?poi=9"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map3.gif" alt="" width="25" height="14" border="0" /></a> Piazza San Giovanni <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click to see the location of this attraction on a map of Florence" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/florencemap.htm?poi=11"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map3.gif" alt="" width="25" height="14" border="0" /></a> </h3>
<h5><span style="font-size: 12px;">The </span><strong style="font-size: 12px;">Piazza San Giovanni </strong><span style="font-size: 12px;">and the adjacent </span><strong style="font-size: 12px;">Piazza del Duomo</strong><span style="font-size: 12px;"> provide famous sights, including the Baptistery, the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, the campanile known as Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Duomo itself (the Cattedrale di San Maria del Fiore).</span></h5>
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<p class="MsoNormal"> <a style="font-family: Arial;" title="The_Duomo" name="The_Duomo"></a>The Duomo is considered an architectural masterpiece and is a sight to behold. The cathedral is impressive due to its size and the incredible dimensions of its amazing dome. If you want to see the original art from the Duomo, it is on display at the Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo. <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click to see the location of this attraction on a map of Florence" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/florencemap.htm?poi=2"> <img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map3.gif" alt="" width="25" height="14" border="0" /></a></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Hours of operation for the Duomo are: Monday through Wednesday 10:00 – 1700. Closes early on Thursdays (15:30) and Saturdays (16:45). Open Sunday from13:30 to 16:45. Closed Easter, Christmas and some other holy days.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>The Museo </strong><a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click to see the location of this attraction on a map of Florence" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/florencemap.htm?poi=3"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map.gif" alt="" width="25" height="25" border="0" /></a></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The Duomo Museum is a knockout and includes an unfinished pieta by Michelangelo (<em>the Pieta </em>in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican is acknowledged to be Michelanglo’s finest<em>). </em>Ghiberti’s original bronze panels for the Baptistery Doors and works by Donatello, including several magnificent statues, are on display in the Museo.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Hours of operation are: Monday through Saturday 0900 to 1800 and later in peak tourist season. Closed Sunday afternoon. Last admission 40 minutes before closing. Closed Easter and some other holy days.</p>
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<h5><strong><a style="font-family: Arial;" title="The_Baptistery" name="The_Baptistery"></a>The Baptistery</strong> <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click to see the location of this attraction on a map of Florence" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/florencemap.htm?poi=0"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map.gif" alt="" width="25" height="25" border="0" /></a></h5>
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<li>The Baptistery, one of the oldest buildings in Florence, is at the front of the Duomo. It is known for Ghiberti's bronze door panels (see the originals in the Museo). In addition, the interior of this octagonal building is decorated with impressive mosaics and an extraordinary inlaid marble floor.</li>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Hours of operation: 12:00 - 19:00 but 08:30 to 14:00 on Sundays.</p>
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<h5><strong><a style="font-family: Arial;" title="Giotto’s_Bell_Tower" name="Giotto’s_Bell_Tower"></a>Giotto’s Bell Tower </strong><a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click to see the location of this attraction on a map of Florence" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/florencemap.htm?poi=5"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map.gif" alt="" width="25" height="25" border="0" /></a><strong> </strong></h5>
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<li>The Bell Tower, an 87-meter high campanile, is a building of architectural renown. The Bell Tower provides outstanding, aerial views of the Duomo. Construction started in the fourteenth century, outlasted Giotto and was completed by Talenti who followed Giotto’s design.</li>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Hours of operation are 8:30 to 19:30 daily with last tickets sold 40 minutes before closing. The Bell Tower closes earlier in off-season so be sure to check locally when you visit. </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>MILAN</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Milan is a glamorous city, but not quite in the same class as Rome, Florence, or Venice. The city provides the tourist a number of delightful explorations that are tightly clustered in the vicinity of the Duomo, Milan's ostentatious cathedral. Widely known as a fashion center, Milan is a great place for shopping</span></p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Be sure to see the Duomo, La Scala, Castello Sforzesco and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.</p>
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<h5> <span style="font-size: 12px;">The Piazza del Duomo </span><a style="font-size: 12px; font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click to see this location on a map of Milan" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/milanmap.htm?poi=8"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map.gif" alt="" width="25" height="25" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size: 12px;"> </span></h5>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The <strong>Piazza del Duomo</strong> provides several famous sights, including the Duomo (Milan's Cathedral), the Museum of the Duomo, the Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II and the Palazzo Real. The Piazza is a great place for pictures, if you can clear a small area of the ever-present pigeons and "doodad" hawkers who are trying to sell tourists anything Milanese (curiously, most of what they sell is made in China). On the western end of the Piazza, there are a number of neon signs that detract from the overall beauty of the square.</p>
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<h4><a style="font-family: Arial;" title="Duomo" name="Duomo"></a>Duomo <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click to see this location on a map of Milan" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/milanmap.htm?poi=2"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map.gif" alt="" width="25" height="25" border="0" /></a><strong> </strong></h4>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The Duomo is an impressive site. The gothic cathedral's architecture is decorated with numerous spires and more than three thousand statues. Construction started in the fourteenth century and was completed only fifty years ago. The massive cathedral is one of the largest in the world.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Cavernous is the word that comes to mind when one views the interior of the Duomo - it can hold over twenty-five thousand for services.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The Duomo does not have the sheer majesty that one would expect from a church of its size. The interior statuary and decorations are interesting but not extraordinary.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The red light near the roof is a reliquary that holds what is believed to be a nail from the True Cross.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Examine the statue of St. Bartholomew from the side to see that he is posed carrying his own skin over his shoulder, a result of flaying during his martyrdom.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Be sure the visit the small but interesting Treasury for some beautiful examples of silversmithing.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Take the elevator to explore the roof of the cathedral. The roof offers a great view of the gilded Madonna topping the Duomo, as well as a panorama of Central Milan.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Immodest dress (shorts, sleeveless tops, etc.) will disqualify you from entry to the Duomo.</p>
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<h4>Museum of the Duomo <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click to see this location on a map of Milan" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/milanmap.htm?poi=3"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map.gif" alt="" width="25" height="25" border="0" /></a></h4>
<p>The Museum of the Duomo is <strong>closed</strong> for restoration. A date from re-opening has not yet been announced.</p>
<p>(Open 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and 3 pm to 6pm, seven days a week) (across from the Duomo in the Palazzo Real)</p>
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<h4><a style="font-family: Arial;" title="Galleria_Vittoria_Emanuele_II," name="Galleria_Vittoria_Emanuele_II,"></a>Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click to see this location on a map of Milan" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/milanmap.htm?poi=4"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map.gif" alt="" width="25" height="25" border="0" /></a> </h4>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The Galleria, reputed as one of the finest shopping malls in Italy, is an extraordinary arcade that is as beautiful as it is impressive. The stores and restaurants are not of as high quality as one would expect, but the cross-shaped Galleria provides a great walk-thru and shortcuts to La Scala and the Duomo, depending on where you enter.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The well-known Savini restaurant is located in the Galleria, but there has been increased discussion as to whether the quality of its food still matches the steepness of its prices.</p>
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<h5>Palazzo Reale <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click to see this location on a map of Milan" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/milanmap.htm?poi=7"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map.gif" alt="" width="25" height="25" border="0" /></a></h5>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The Palazzo has had a checkered past having been altered by several conquerors (including the Spanish and the Austrians) and severely damaged in World War II. The Palazzo currently houses the Museum of the Duomo and Milan's Contemporary Art Museum. </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>The best regions and places to visit in Italy</strong></p>
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<h4 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="color: #008080;">Tuscany</span></h4>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Tuscany is the most popular area of the Italy, once travelers have exhausted the treasures of Rome, Venice, Florence and Milan. On a tour of the major cities, you will see some of the Tuscan countryside when driving between Rome and Florence, but it is likely that this will just whet your appetite for more. </p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Tuscany is an attractive agricultural area, replete with vineyards, inviting small towns, and a lazy but appealing pace of life.</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Be sure to see our Photo Guides. They provide additional information about attractions and some great photographs of places we think you will want to visit.</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click for our guide to the Best Places to Visit in Florence, Italy" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/itflonpts.htm">Florence</a> (<a style="font-family: Arial;" title="covered_in_" name="covered_in_"></a>covered in our city guide) is the crown jewel of Tuscany (Toscana), although the entire region is known for its contributions to art and culture. It is rare, however, that tourists visit the hill towns to see art. Instead, Tuscany itself is the attraction. The countryside of Tuscany is beautiful and varied, including coastal plains and mountains. In turn, the magic of Tuscany's landscapes has been used to establish the setting of many wonderful works of literature. Click for our photographic tour of the <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click for photographs of the beautiful Tuscan countryside." href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/itl/tusland.htm">beautiful landscapes of Tuscany</a>.</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Tuscany is a region to be savored and it has become the region of Italy most favored by visitors interested in taking lengthy vacations. Its hill towns are known for their scenic settings, interesting history, good food and pleasant quality of life. An increasing number of vacationers who visit Tuscany do so in hopes of savoring the pace and quality of Tuscan life, rather than flitting from one eye-popping attraction to the next, as is common when visiting Rome, Venice, or Tuscany’s own Florence.</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Tuscany is the ideal place to practice what we like to call “plop and hop”, that is, pick a pleasant town as a base and take day trips from there to see adjacent areas of interest. By using a town as a home base, you avoid packing and repacking, while accruing the advantages of experiencing towns when they return to normal after the day-tourists have left. In addition, by establishing a base you will fall into the local, rhythmic pattern of daily life, which allows you to better understand and appreciate Tuscany and the intensive bond that has been forged between this beautiful region and its people.</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Noteworthy destinations</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> <a style="font-family: Arial;" title="Siena" name="Siena"></a>Siena is a lovely town that has managed to retain its medieval look and feel. Its Piazza del Campo, featuring the Palazzo Pubblico, is considered by many to be the finest town square in Italy. Siena has several interesting art museums (especially the Pinacoteca Nazionale) that are small but filled with treasures. The town's Gothic-style Duomo is a showstopper. Siena offers a variety of attractions and should be included in any tour of Tuscany. <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click for detailed Road Map of Italy" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italymap.htm?poi=22"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map3.gif" alt="" width="25" height="14" border="0" /></a></p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> Visit <a style="font-family: Arial;" title="Pisa" name="Pisa"></a>Pisa to the see the Leaning Tower, as well as its companions the Duomo and Baptistery. Other attractions in Pisa are limited.<a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click for detailed Road Map of Italy" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italymap.htm?poi=15"> <img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map3.gif" alt="" width="25" height="14" border="0" /></a></p>
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<h4 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="color: #008080;"><a style="font-family: Arial;" title="Visiting_Umbria" name="Visiting_Umbria"></a>Visiting Umbria</span><a style="font-family: Arial;" title="Visiting_Umbria" name="Visiting_Umbria"></a> </h4>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Although no part of Italy is undiscovered, many travelers believe that the region of Umbria, with its quilt of fortified hill towns, provides some the best vacation travel in Italy. </p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Predominately an agricultural area, Umbria is appealing from a variety of perspectives. Its attractions are interesting and several towns have noted architectural or artistic treasures, but you do not feel compelled to rush from here to there as you do in Florence, Venice or Rome. Instead, you feel your pulse slow, appetite return and a fascination begins to grow as you muse about what it must be like to live in this delightful section of Italy. </p>
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<p style="font-size: 12px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="font-family: Arial;" title="There_are_any" name="There_are_any"></a>There are any number of wonderful villages and towns in Umbria. We provide Photo Guides of the towns that we feel include the "best" of Umbria. Your choices may differ, but the beauty of choice means that you have to sample even more of this wonderful region. The cities we explore are</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click for our Photo Guide to Perugia in Umbria" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italy2/umbria1.htm">Perugia</a>,</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click for our Photo Guide to Assisi in Umbria" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italy2/umbria3.htm">Assisi</a>,</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click for our Photo Guide to Spello in Umbria" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italy2/umbria2.htm">Spello</a>,</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click for our Photo Guide to Orvieto in Umbria" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italy2/umbria4.htm">Orvieto</a>,</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">We feel that these Umbrian towns will reward your inquisitiveness.<a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click for detailed Road Map of Italy" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italymap.htm?poi=2"> <img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map3.gif" alt="" width="25" height="14" border="0" /></a> Also, if you have time, we highly recommend a visit to Gubbio. <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click to see Gubbio on a detailed highway map of Italy" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italymap.htm?poi=7"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map3.gif" alt="" width="25" height="14" border="0" /></a></p>
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<p style="font-size: 12px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Most of Umbria's towns are small and can be crowded during the day in high season. We recommend that you consider spending a night or two in one of the towns described above to understand the how wonderful a visit to Umbria can be. When the sun goes down, the tour buses rumble down the highway and life returns to normal.</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Most of the fortified towns were located atop hills for defensive purposes and grew in layers around their church. Towns in Umbria seem to feature winding walks, curvy, narrow roads and a mix of architectural styles that somehow seem warm and balanced. </p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">You will find a limited number of residents who speak English and communications may be a challenge. Conversely, the restaurants are wonderful, the people friendly and the pace of life enjoyable. A meal and a quiet afternoon seem to follow, since most shops will be closed after lunch until early evening.</p>
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<h2 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="color: #008080;">Best Places to Visit in <a style="font-family: Arial;" title="Campania" name="Campania"></a>Campania </span></h2>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Campania, a region popular with tourists, is known for its exotic seascapes and beautiful coastal villages. The noteworthy attractions in Campania include the Isle of Capri, the towns of the Amalfi Coast ( Amalfi, Ravello, Positano and we include Sorrento), and the archeological wonders of Pompeii and Paestum. Naples is the area's largest town, but least attractive destination in many ways. Each of these location is shown on our <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italymap.htm">map of Italy's Best Places to Visit</a>.</p>
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<h5 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="font-family: Arial;" title="Touring_the_Amalfi_Coast" name="Touring_the_Amalfi_Coast"></a>Touring the Amalfi Coast <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click for detailed Road Map of Italy" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italymap.htm?poi=0"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map3.gif" alt="" width="25" height="14" border="0" /></a></h5>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">One of the great drives in the world can be experienced by starting at Sorrento and touring along the Amalfi Coast through Positano, Amalfi and uphill to Ravello. These are some of the most scenic coastal villages in the world and we explore them further in our <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click to see our Photo Guide on the Best Places to Visit on the Amalfi Coast" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/itl/amalfi2.htm">Photo Guide</a>. Most settlements are terraced up steeps hills and utilize every inch of land available. The winding roads provide enjoyable views of the area's spectacular coastline. </p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Unfortunately, the Amalfi Coast's popularity continues to grow and the roads and towns are filled with countless tour buses in high season. </p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Under the best of conditions, the roads, with their numerous hairpin turns, are not that easy to drive. Italian drivers, who are notoriously aggressive, can make driving the Amalfi a tension-filled experience for those who want to view the sights.</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Be sure to see our <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/itl/amalfi2.htm">Amalfi Photo Guide</a> for photos and details on this charming area of Italy</p>
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<h5 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="font-family: Arial;" title="Relaxing_in_Capri" name="Relaxing_in_Capri"></a>Relaxing in Capri</h5>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">The Isle of Capri is a great place to kick back and enjoy the high life - assuming you can afford the high life! In addition to the pampering at classy hotels, the island offers a number of interesting antiquities dating from times when Roman Emperors had their summer palaces on the island. Also, be sure to see the Piazza Umberto (La Piazzetta) and spring for a boat ride for the best view of the island's breathtaking coast. Take the hydrofoil or ferry from Naples or Sorrento. <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click for detailed Road Map of Italy" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italymap.htm?poi=3"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map3.gif" alt="" width="25" height="14" border="0" /></a></p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">For a little change of pace, you might consider a stay in Ischia, another delightful island, but on the north end of the Bay of Naples. See<span style="color: #0000ff;"> </span><a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" href="http://www.ischiaonline.it/page.php?selang=EN" target="_blank">Ischia Online</a><span style="color: #0000ff;"> </span>for more detailed information.</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Be sure to see our <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/itl/capri.htm">Capri Photo Guide</a> for more details on the beauty that awaits you on the Isle of Capri.</p>
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<h5 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="font-family: Arial;" title="Pompeii_and_Vesuvius" name="Pompeii_and_Vesuvius"></a>Pompeii and Vesuvius <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/itl/vesv.htm"> </a><a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click for detailed Road Map of Italy" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italymap.htm?poi=16"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map.gif" alt="" width="25" height="25" border="0" /></a></h5>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Pompeii is a world-famous attraction for a reason and it should not be missed by any visitor to southern Italy. It can be visited as a long day trip from Rome, if your travel plans do not include stops in Campania.</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Frozen in time as a result of a cataclysmic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D., which buried it under ash and volcanic mud, Pompeii's history has been unearthed by archaeologists over the last two centuries. The time capsule-like nature of the remains of Pompeii provide interesting and poignant views of life in the Roman Empire</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Click for our <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/itl/vesv.htm">photo-guide to Pompeii</a>.</p>
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<h5 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Exploring Paestum <img style="cursor: pointer;" title="Click to see a stunning Greek Temple at Paestum" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/images/symb/cam.gif" alt="Click to see a stunning Greek Temple at Paestum" width="33" height="32" border="0" /> <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click for detailed Road Map of Italy" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italymap.htm?poi=13"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map3.gif" alt="" width="25" height="14" border="0" /></a></h5>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">If you are going to venture as far south as the Amalfi, you should consider adding another fifty miles to visit Paestum. The three fabulous Greek Temples at Paestum are the best preserved ancient Greek buildings in Italy and perhaps, the world. The temples date from the third and fourth century BC and were part of a large Greek town known as Poseidonia that was later occupied by the Romans. For many centuries, the temples at Paestum appear to have "fallen" off the map, which accounts for their unusual state of preservation.</p>
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<h2 style="font-size: 12px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><strong><span style="color: #008080;">Wandering <a style="font-family: Arial;" title="Liguria" name="Liguria"></a>Liguria and the Cinque Terre</span></strong></h2>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><strong><a style="font-family: Arial;" title="The_Cinque_Terre" name="The_Cinque_Terre"></a>The Cinque Terre </strong> <strong><span style="color: #008080;"> </span></strong><a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click for detailed Road Map of Italy" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italymap.htm?poi=10"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map.gif" alt="" width="25" height="25" border="0" /></a> Located on the eastern end of the "Italian Riviera", the Cinque Terre is a band of five scenic towns nestled along a hilly, dramatic coast overlooking the Gulf of Genoa on the Ligurian Sea. The uniqueness of the Cinque Terre is reflected in the fact that it is protected both as a National Park of Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The five towns of the Cinque Terre (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Rigmaggiore) are noted for the harmony of their relationship with the surrounding environment and the scenic beauty that surrounds them. </p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">The towns are connected by trails and a great way to experience the area is to hike between the towns. Alternatively, a train connects the towns. In some locations you can also catch a boat and cruise between the towns. <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click to view the cities on the Italian Riviera" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italianrivieramap.htm?poi=4"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map3.gif" alt="" width="25" height="14" border="0" /></a></p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Liguria, is known by most vacationers as the home of the Italian Riviera <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click to view the cities on the Italian Riviera" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italianrivieramap.htm?poi=1"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map3.gif" alt="" width="25" height="14" border="0" /></a>. The Riviera is an arc of shoreline broken into three main sections that can be traveled by road or by sea. </p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Starting at the French border is the Riviera di Ponente, which continues to the Genoa area. The Riviera di Ponente is more developed from a tourism point of view than the eastern section of Liguria and has much the same feel as the French Riviera. The Riviera di Ponente includes the popular resort towns of San Remo <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click to view the cities on the Italian Riviera" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italianrivieramap.htm?poi=8"><img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map3.gif" alt="" width="25" height="14" border="0" /></a> and Ventimiglia <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click to view the cities on the Italian Riviera" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italianrivieramap.htm?poi=10"> <img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map3.gif" alt="" width="25" height="14" border="0" /></a> as well as scenic, small villages. </p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">San Remo carries on the tradition of the Italian Riviera of turning quaint fishing villages into spectacular resorts. Gardens, casinos, and an interesting Old Town are part of the attraction of San Remo. If you are looking for a place to "be seen", this is a good place to start.</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Genoa, located in the central section of the Ligurian coast, was one of the most powerful cities on the Mediterranean during the Middle Ages. Genoa became known as a sea power after defeating both the Republic of Pisa and the Republic of Venice in sea battles during the 13th century. Also, Genoa is know as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Today the city is a sprawling industrial area, but tourists are attracted to its Old Town, which is one of the largest in Europe. <a style="font-family: Arial; color: #0000ff; text-decoration: initial;" title="Click to view the cities on the Italian Riviera" href="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italianrivieramap.htm?poi=1"> <img style="border-style: none;" src="http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/symb/map3.gif" alt="" width="25" height="14" border="0" /></a> </p>
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<p style="font-size: 12px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><strong>SARDEGNA ISLAND ITALY</strong></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Sardegna (Sardinia) is the second largest island in the Mediterranean and is formed by a series of mountainous massifs, hills and narrow highlands. The coasts are jagged and rocky, interspersed with some of the most beautiful, clean sandy white beaches in the Mediterranean Sea in every shade of turquoise and sapphire. The seaside landscapes, especially on the Costa Smeralda (the Emerald Coast), are among the most beautiful in the world. Numerous small, enchanting islets are scattered in front of the coasts. </p>
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