Italy, an idyllic country in Southern Europe, reckoned as the ‘Bel Paese’ (the beautiful country), is one of the top tourist destinations visited by over 40 million tourists. Italy tourist attractions are not only about beautiful cities, Renaissance art, architecture, heritage sites, and ancient ruins. On the other hand, this country also features majestic mountains, alpine lakes, volcanic islands, stunning landscape, a dramatic coastline, and delectable cuisine. There are so many amazing sites and attractions worth visiting, from Pantheon Temple and Trevi Fountain to the natural beauties like Lake Como and the Dolomites, from the fashion hub of Milan to the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.

To visit this beautiful country, you have to have a Schengen visa. Schengen is a group of 26 countries, and acquiring this visa allows tourists to travel to multiple countries with just one visa.

How to Apply Schengen Visa

1) Download the visa application form from the website of the Schengen Embassy.

2) Complete the details and submit them.

3) Prepare the necessary documentation, such as a flight reservation for Schengen visa application.

4) Schedule an appointment for the visa processing.

5) Attend the interview at a consulate, visa application center, or embassy and collect your passport. Only short-term visa applications (for a maximum period of 90 days within six months) such as tourist, visit, or business can apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa Online.

If you want to soak up the local culture or sunshine, there are plenty of things to do in Italy. From hiking the mountainous regions of Dolomites to visiting the sun-soaked coastline of Capri Island. From wine tasting in the countryside of Tuscany to visit the ancient monuments of Pompeii, read on to know the things to do in Italy for the most incredible experiences and memorable vacation.

Step Back in Time to the Colosseum

A visit to Rome is incomplete without a visit to one of the most famous attractions in the world, the Colosseum. It symbolizes Roman history and culture. The ruins of this magnificent amphitheater give you insights into its rich warfare memoirs. Well known for its gladiator matches, the Colosseum had a capacity of fifty thousand spectators. Taking an inside tour of the Colosseum, you will see where wild animals and gladiators waited before the encounters known as the hypogeum, where lions, leopards, bears, and elephants used in battles caged before being lifted on propelled pulleys to the floor of the arena.

Drink Wine in Tuscany

For wine lovers, Tuscany tops their to-do things in Italy. A dream place to visit with vineyards, rolling hills, and Tuscan villas. Taste the different types of wine along with Italian food and snacks. While in Tuscany, sample the local cuisine such as Cantuccini, fresh homemade pasta, Schiacciata with balsamic vinegar, and pappa al Pomodoro. Many family-owned properties let you sample selections of excellent vintage wines accompanied by roasted meats, cheese, olives, and truffles. Stroll around the lush olive groves surrounded by oak-covered forests and hills.

Take a Boat Trip along Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast, with high sea cliffs and a long stretch of sandy beaches, is one of the most scenic spots in Italy. The road trip passes through picturesque medieval villages like Positano, Ravello, and Praiano. The coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea is beautiful, with an expanse of blue and green waters. Taking a boat trip along the shoreline is the best choice if you are short of time. You can view the Lattari mountains and the coves and inlets. Food and drinks are included in the boat tours so that you can snack on the local produce as you take in the views of your surroundings.

Explore the Cave of Blue Grotto

Capri, a two-thousand-year-old stunning island with extraordinary beauty, is an experience you cannot miss out on during your visit to Italy. The highlight of Capri Island is the Blue Grotto or Grotto Azzurra, a cavern filled with water that glows a luminescent blue when the sun hits it through the shafts in the sides of the rock. The cavern rises to 14 meters and is around 60 meters long. You can take a boat trip to explore the cave and see the rock formations called Faraglioni. Round off the trip by enjoying a Caprese salad and almond chocolate cake. 

Hike up the Cinque Terra

Cinque Terra sprawls between la Spezia and Levanto. You will find traditional eateries, romantic olive groves, and azure sea views along the coast. The popular Sentiero Azzurro route is a 12 km stretch from Monterosso to Riomaggiore. Hiking the entire route requires good stamina, as in certain places, it has vertical cliffs above the sea with no railings. You can also take the shortest route, the two-km Via dell’Amore, between Riomaggiore and Manarola. Avoid hiking the trail during the Fall and Spring season. You will avoid the crowds and the heat from the blazing sun. 

Ride a Gondola in Venice

Riding an iconic gondola is the most romantic way to travel around the canal in Venice, the most romantic city in the world. The gondoliers gather along the Grand Canal by Doge’s Palace. Wearing their striped shirts and straw hats, they will be your guide as you explore the city and view the popular tourist attractions like La Fenice Theater and De le Ostreghe Canal on a gondola. Marvel at the little bridges and traditional Venetian homes as you glide through the canal waters. Go under the Rialto Bridge and Bridge of Sighs. Discover the famous architectural designs in Venice like the St. Mark’s Basilica and the Pala d’Oro.

Tour the Fashion Hub of Milan

Milan is the fashion capital of the world. Shopaholics will love going to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for haute couture shopping. Via Montenapoleone Street is famous for its designer boutiques and handmade collectibles. The famous brand stores that you can shop at are Antonia, Pinko, Gucci, Bvlgari, etc. Many visitors to Milan consider the mural of the Last Supper painted by Leonardo Da Vinci the highlight of their trip to Milan. The mural on display in Santa Maria Delle Grazie depicts Christ and the apostles at the last supper before Christ’s crucifixion. Do marvel at the Gothic architecture of Duomo di Milano cathedral when visiting the city.

Visit the Ruins of Pompeii

Located just outside Naples, Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Below Mt. Vesuvius stands the ruins of Pompeii, an ancient Roman city. In 79 AD, the city was buried beneath ash by the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. On a visit to Pompeii, you will find remains of houses, thermal baths, Roman Forum, Greek Theater with painted frescos, streets charred by the tracks of chariots, and relics of people who once lived here. Stroll around and see the temples of Apollo, Venus, and Jupiter and where coins, furniture, and jewelry of residents are stored. Capture a picture of the city with Mt. Vesuvius in the background. 

Go on a Culture Trip to the Vatican Museums

Vatican City is home to the Piazza San Pietro and St. Peter’s Basilica. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the Pope from St. Peter’s Square as he gives his weekly address on Wednesdays. Take a tour and marvel at the paintings and sculptures by Renaissance greats like Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Bernini at the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. The seventy thousand collections are displayed in over 54 galleries of the museum. Admission to all these sites is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month. On this day, you can participate in the gathering addressed by the Pope.

Moreover…

Apart from the things mentioned: you can climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa, stand on Juliet’s Balcony in Verona, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, go truffle hunting, tour around Rome in a Vespa, bask in the enchanting hot springs of Saturnia, and try delicious street foods like gelato. With so many different things to do, this land of pizza, pasta, and good wine offers a unique experience to travelers.

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