7 Must-Visit Cities in Italy for First-Time Travelers

Italy. The name itself evokes images of ancient ruins, fine art, delicious pasta and sun drenched coasts. There are so many amazing cities, which can be paralyzing to the first-time visitor. Where to starter? Leave the pressure of planning behind and make use of this guide as your roadmap. We will bypass the intricacies of creating your own itinerary and concentrate on the places you must visit that are normally part of popularItaly tour packages.

Here are 7 cities, which you must visit, even as you take your first trip to Italy.

1. Rome: The Eternal City

Any first time visit to Italy cannot be complete without visiting Rome. It is not only a city but also a museum that is open to the air and in which history is experienced on every corner. You will be amazed by the Colosseum, the cheers of the people and the battle of the gladiators. You will also be able to trace the steps of emperors at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, an extensive set of ruins that made up the core of the Roman Empire.
But Rome is not all the ancient history It is also the religious nucleus of Catholicism. It is a must to visit Vatican City, which is a country within a city. The magnificence of St. Peter Basilica and the stunning art of Sistine Chapel will have you without words. Do not forget to drop a coin in the Trevi Fountain to make sure you will come back to this magical city.

2. Birthplace of the Renaissance- Florence

Florence is a paradise of an art lover, a city that actually breathes the Renaissance. Florence is the city of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli where the great artists of the past did their most famous works. Look at Michelangelo David at the Galleria dell Accademia, and lose yourself in the Uffizi Gallery, one of the famous art museums in the world.
The skyline of the city is dominated by the magnificent Duomo, the cathedral with its red-tiled dome that is an engineering marvel and still evokes wonder. To get the most fantastic panoramas, you can either take a hike to the top of the Duomo or, a bit less effort, go to Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset. It is also a foodie city, so do not forget to have a Florentine steak and local wines.

3. Venice: The City that Floats

Venice is a unique city in the world. This special city with its complex system of canals, gondolas, and bridges appears like a fairytale. A ride in a gondola along the Grand Canal is a traditional thing to do, but it is the magic of losing oneself in the labyrinth of small streets and small bridges that creates the real magic.
Visit the famous Piazza San Marco, the central square of the city and be amazed by the beauty of the St. Mark Basilica and the Doge Palace. Do not forget to visit the local islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is famous in the art of glass-blowing and Burano in its painted houses and lace-making business.

4. Milan The Fashion Capital

Milan is where you can taste the modern Italy. The city is a fashion and design capital of the world, so it presents a modern, urban contrast to the history of Rome and Florence. Whether you are a fashionista or not, you cannot leave Milan without visiting the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a beautiful 19 th century shopping arcade.
And no visit to Milan is also complete without a visit to the Duomo di Milano, a great Gothic cathedral that has an intricate facade and that offers great views of the city once you get to the rooftop. Art lovers will also be attracted to The Last Supper of Leonardo da Vinci but you will be required to book in advance. Milan is also a good starting point to make day trips to the neighbouring Lake Como, a tranquil retreat to the Italian lakes.

5. Naples: The Pizza Capital of the World

Naples is the place to go to get a really authentic, chaotic, and delicious Italian experience. This buzzing city is the origin of the pizza and you will get the best and the most delicious margherita pizza here. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow streets and a vibrant vibe that is intoxicating.
Naples also serves as the passport to some of the most dramatic and historically significant sites in Italy. It is a short train ride to the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum which were buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. It is a strong and sobering experience to be standing in the preserved ancient streets.

6. Cinque Terre: The Five Lands

Cinque Terre is a set of five colorful and impossibly beautiful villages located on the rocky Italian Riviera and dramatically set above the Ligurian Sea. All five of them are linked by picturesque hiking routes and a comfortable railroad, so it is not a problem to visit all five of them.
The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has some of the most beautiful coastline in the country. Climb the paths, rest on the tiny beaches, and have fresh seafood and a glass of local wine to see how the sunset paints the sky.

7. Amalfi Coast: The Beauty of Cliff

The Amalfi Coast is your dream destination in case you dream of beautiful villages perched on the cliffs, turquoise waters and lemon groves. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a playground of the wealthy and famous but anyone can get to enjoy this iconic stretch of coastline.
There are delightful towns such as Positano, Amalfi and Ravello which are clinging to the dramatic cliffs and give us a spectacular view at every corner. Take the winding roads (or even better get a bus or a boat and get the real feel of the scenery), visit boutique stores and chill out on the beaches. It is in the Amalfi Coast that one can relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the south of Italy.

Conclusion

The seven cities are the best of Italy, its ancient core, its art-loving soul, its food, and its stunning natural beauty. With these destinations, you will have a complete and memorable experience of the country. Whether you are going on a whirlwind tour or a leisurely stroll, these are the cities that must make up your initial Italian experience. There are numerous travel agencies, including Go Kite Travel, which have wonderful Italy holiday packages that will incorporate these major cities so you do not have to worry about planning it all out and just marvel at the beauty of la dolce vita.