Just like an evening spent drinking a bottle of Sagrantino di Montefalco and another of Brunello di Montalcino, a vacation that takes you from Rome to Tuscany is absolutely brilliant!
If we were charged with the task of picking the single place that has elevated the delights of Italy from first-rate to transcendental, it would be Tuscany. Within this region humanity experienced the spark of genius-perhaps the greatest in our history-that was the Italian Renaissance. And when we think of superlative Italian cuisine and wine, Tuscany is the ideal against which all other traditions are compared. Where else in the world do we have endless rolling vine-covered hills complemented by radiant golden sunflowers as our very own back yard? Italy is a country well endowed with the extraordinary-but it all begins here, in Tuscany.
If you want an authentic taste of southern Italian culture, Sorrento is as good a destination as any on the peninsula. Walking through Sorrento you'll be surrounded by the thrilling energy of Campania, complemented by the constant drone of Vespa motorbikes tearing through the city and rugged Italian men conversing heatedly in the cafés. Just like that of Naples, Sorrento's fare is mainly based on the holy culinary trinity of tomato, basil, and mozzarella, and the resulting dishes are any food lover's dream. And as the city pulsates with vivacity, Sorrento's cliffs invite you to admire a panoramic view of the Mediterranean, either hand-in-hand with your significant other or in solitary contemplation with a glass of wine.
We in America should find it easy to connect with and appreciate Bari and its culture. This city, one of the truly great and beautiful centers of southern Italy, is the very epitome of a "melting pot" society so valued in the United States. As a strategic port during the Crusades, Bari was invaded on several occasions by different cultures, some coming from as far away as northern France and Arabia. A vacation to Bari throws you right in the middle of this compelling heritage, the signs of which will be recognizable in everything from the features of its people, to its unique architecture, language, and cuisine.
Those familiar with Italy will sense that a noticeably different air permeates Palermo, one suggestive of being in an entirely different country. Ask a native whether he/she is Italian or Sicilian and hear the sweet sound of "Io sono siciliano/a!" tickle your ears! As you walk the Palermo streets, the city's distinctiveness will reveal itself to you, whether you are passing Arab or Norman architecture, traversing its famed food/spice market, or just observing the rituals and mannerisms of each native. But if you want to immerse yourself in the delicious culinary culture of Palermo, try each of this city's famous if unusual dishes and your palate will be more than pleased that you decided to visit this historic city!
This is a Suggested Vacation.
This suggested vacation is all about you and your independence. If you like what we’ve put together just the way it is, just click and your vacation is all planned; if not, amend, add, and replace anything you like. You may change the number of days in each city, add or remove options, even change our suggested means of transportation between cities. Do whatever you'd like, after all, it's your Italy Vacation!
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