Our Personal Vacation Managers® rank Italy as one of their favorite destinations. When we asked them why, they had three words for us: Hidden Vacation Gems. We’ve been eager to share their list of must-dos for an Italian cruise vacation with all of you!
Below is a list of travel gems in Italy you won’t find in a guidebook.
The Best Time To Visit Italy Is…
It is said that the best time to visit Italy is during the height of Spring (May to June) or the start of Autumn (September to October). The majority of cruises are planned to sail during these months, so choosing your ideal itinerary is a breeze. If you’d like assistance planning your Italian cruise, contact our Personal Vacation Managers at 800-709-9507.
Regardless if you visit Italy during Spring and Autumn, we hope you will plan to enjoy these vacation gems while you’re sailing the Italian coast.
Portofino
The promontory of Portofino is the most northern protected coastal area of the Mediterranean. There is a gorgeous waterside trail formed by giant deposits of overlying limestone banks, which creates a varied environment of forests, mountainsides, and sunny cliffs. The park has been protected since 1935 and, therefore, hosts a vibrant population of flora and birds, as well as historical and architectural wonders, such as the Abbeys of San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte.
Florence
Museo degli Argenti (Silverworks Museum) remains Florence’s hidden gem… for now. Perhaps it is the museum’s nondescript name that keeps it hidden from tourists. At any rate, add this spot to your itinerary. Silverworks Museum boasts an impressive collection of treasures of the Medici Family, including renaissance cameos, chalices, Medici’s famous jeweled crowns, gleaming sculptures, colorful frescos, and much more. It is located at the Medici’s former summer palace (a sight in itself) and is a necessary visit for art lovers.
Naples
If you want to truly immerse in the Neapolitan lifestyle then you must learn to cook and eat Pizza Margherita like a local. There is no better teacher to have than an authentic Neapolitan Pizzaiuolo, and no better place to learn than an authentic pizzeria in the heart of Naples. During most Neapolitan cooking lessons, you will learn about Naples’ history, the origins of pizza, and the secrets and tricks that go into making their signature dish. Learning to bake an authentic Neapolitan pizza is a lovely introduction to this port destination. Not only do you get to embrace the Italian culture in an intimate setting, but this also gives you plenty of time to set out and uncover more of Naples’ hidden gems once your belly is full!
Our Personal Vacation Managers would be overjoyed to help you book a cooking class that is perfect for your vacation personality. Contact them online or call 800-709-9507.
Sicily
The city of Enna is one of Sicily’s best-kept secrets. Most tourists visit coastal areas; however, this gem lies inland at an elevation of 3,083 feet above sea level. From Enna, you will have 360-degree panoramic views of rolling hills below and an unparalleled view of Mount Etna Volcano towering over the island of Sicily. Enna also provides a rare opportunity to embrace gothic architecture at its finest. The ornate Duomo Cathedral boasts a remarkable collection that few visitors have observed.
Conclusion
There is so much to explore through Italy’s rolling countryside, exotic coastlines, famous riviera, and legendary cities. These are just a few of our favorite hidden gems that we hope you will make time to enjoy. If you need assistance planning your Italian cruise vacation, contact our Personal Vacation Managers® at 800-709-9507. For a list of upcoming sailing dates to Italy and the Mediterranean, click here!
