Food, art, architecture, wine, coffee, fashion - Italy does it all extremely well. It is also blessed with stunning natural beauty. Visiting Italy is all about immersing yourself in the Italian spirit of living well. Don't rush around ticking boxes. Ponder, touch, taste and enjoy! The best places to stay in Italy are invested in this spirit of living well. From converted farms in the rolling Tuscan hills ideal for a family escape to chic boutiques on the island of Capri, made for lovers, there's something for everyone here.
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The 'Eternal City', Rome has been a place of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages, both for those journeying to the headquarters of Catholicism and travellers in search of beautiful art and architecture. Rome is home to a number of the world's great museums and art collections, but Rome's collections don't just fill the museums, they also decorate the piazzas and the public spaces. Some of the most incredible relics are the ruins of ancient Rome, the Colosseum, the Forum and the Pantheon.
Naples (the birthplace of pizza) with its incredible bay and views of Vesuvius is and fashionable, beautiful, un-touristy Milan, are two of Italy's other great city break destinations. Naples is vibrant and frenetic rather than elegant and still has an impressive collection of Roman ruins, plus of course, it's close to Pompeii and Herculaneum. Milan, on the other hand, has world-class sights and is also a financial capital.
Then, of course, there's Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and for many the gateway to Tuscany. One of the world's most beautiful cities, Florence is packed with wonderful art and architecture on a grand scale. Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci have helped adorn the piazzas and palaces of Florence. Beyond the beauty of the city is the sunny, terracotta beauty of the Tuscan hills and Siena, Pisa, Montepulciano and San Gimignano.
That's before you consider the natural beauty of the Lakes Region, the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, the Cinque Terre or Capri. And the magic of Venice… It appears that the real challenge of planning your trip to Italy is choosing from too many incredibly promising destinations.
Given that it's constantly a tourist hotspot, so be sure to book ahead if you want to guarantee yourself a room in one of the best places to stay in Italy.