10 Things to Do in Italy Beyond Rome

Italy is an eternal place, which is full of art, culture, food, and history. Although a majority of tourists fantasize about the possibility of traveling to Rome and its notable tourist attractions, which include Colosseum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain, visitors can explore so many other places outside the capital. Italy is a place of treasures, beaches, mountains, medieval cities and even gastronomical delights beyond the walls of Rome. 

When traveling to Italy, it is important as a traveler to know the Italy visa requirements before you can explore the countryside, coastal towns or the historical cities. Whether it is your fantasy to drink wine in Tuscany, explore the ancient streets of Matera or sail along the canals of Venice, Italy offers innumerable memorable things to do outside Rome. 

Here are the 10 Things to Do in Italy Beyond Rome

1. Explore the magic of renaissance in Florence 

The capital of Tuscany, Florence, is commonly considered to be the cradle of the Renaissance. The Uffizi Gallery and Accademia in Florence houses some of the greatest works of art created by Michelangelo, Botticelli and Da Vinci and are worth a visit. Have a walk along cobbled streets, appreciate architectural design of Duomo and take a beautiful panorama at Piazzale Michelangelo. In addition to art, Florence is full of colorful markets such as San Lorenzo, delicious Tuscan food, and well-known leather products. It is a city of history and civilization combined to make a time-less environment to any type of traveler. 

2. Sail Around the Venice Canals 

The romantic city of Venice, which is constructed on water, provides an experience which cannot be compared to anything. I know it is touristy but by leaving the main sights, one can find peace in simple neighbourhoods with plenty of charm and history. Venice is memorable by a ride in a gondola across the canals and a visit of attractions such as St. Marks Basilica, the Doges Palace among others. Be sure not to miss nearby islands of Murano and Burano, which are known by glass production and colorful houses. An Italian visit cannot be full without the floating city. 

3. Walking within the Cinque Terre Villages 

Cinque Terre is a sequence of five dreamy coastal villages on Italian Riviera, which is known because of its colorful houses and cliffside views. Villages - Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, are linked by beautiful hiking paths and a local train, and they provide a window into the traditional Ligurian lifestyle. Enjoy the local seafood that the region is so well-known of, devour the pesto-based food, and don not forget to watch the sunset over the Ligurian Sea with a glass of local white wine. 

4. Ancient City of Matera 

Matera is a well-kept secret in the south of Italy known by its Sassi, ancient cave houses carved into the limestone cliffs. Its distinct topography has made the city a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as a star in some such films as The Passion of the Christ. The culture in Matera is practically resurrected and its old-world character makes it an interesting destination worth visiting by any traveler. Amid its prehistoric caves are now fancy boutique hotels and new restaurants that provide a luxurious yet historical experience. 

5. Bask in the Glamour of Amalfi Coast 

Amalfi Coast is the ideal of the beauty of the Italian coast. It is a part of southern Italy where there are picturesque towns such as Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and other towns along winding roads along the coast on cliffs and blue water with a lemon fragrance. Rest at the beaches, make a boat excursion to Capri and eat fresh seafood. The Amalfi Coast is a great destination to spend some time with your significant other, family, and friends or alone, as you are guaranteed a relaxing yet picturesque getaway off the busy streets of Rome. 

6. Tuscany Go Wine Tasting 

Tuscany is heaven to wine lovers. Hilly countryside, cypresses and vineyards can be seen into the horizon. Go to Chianti to find big and juicy reds, to Montepulciano to find full-bodied wines and to Montalcino to have the famous Brunello. Tours of wine tasting, most of them held in estates that are centuries old, provide a glimpse into the history of winemaking, and are best enjoyed with such local specialties as pecorino cheese, pasta made by hand, and truffle-based cuisine. 

7. Verona Discover History 

Verona is most famously known as the host of Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet and has many other appealing features to offer besides the romance. The city has a well-upkept Roman amphitheater, which is used to perform operas and hold concerts in the summer. Take a walk along the Adige River, visit Castel San Pietro to have a panoramic view and eat the northern Italian food. Verona is a classical combination of history, culture and beauty. 

8. Ski or Hike at the Dolomites 

Dolomites are dramatic mountains situated in the northeastern part of Italy, which is a paradise to the outdoor enthusiasts. During the winter the region becomes a skiing paradise with beautiful alpine villages such as Cortina d Ampezzo. During the warmer months, it is perfect as a hiking, climbing and biking destination through breathtaking scenery. Not as famous as the Alps, but no less impressive, the Dolomites are what a person should visit in case he or she wants to see some nature and have some adventures when traveling to Italy. 

9. Explore the Bologna Streets 

Bologna is a food capital that is forgotten by tourists. Bologna with its medieval towers, its porticoed streets and its spirited student community is more local Italian. Indulge in the real Bolognese pasta, visit the oldest university in Europe and drink espresso in the bustling Piazza Maggiore. It also has a central location and hence it would be a very good base to explore other cities such as Modena, Parma, and Ferrara. 

10. Explore Trulli Houses in Alberobello 

Alberobello is a town in the southern part of Puglia, which is known because of its Trulli- the whitewashed stone houses with conical roofs. This is a fairytale town with a unique architectural experience, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go wandering in the maze-like alleys, make purchases of handmade items and enjoy orecchiette pasta and olive oil, which are Puglian specialties. Alberobello and the nearby towns of the Itria Valley offer a peaceful, genuine piece of rural Italy. 

Conclusion 

Italy is the country that still surprises the visitors by its colorfulness and rich culture. Whereas Rome is an exciting way to familiarize yourself with the greatness of the country, when the time comes to leave it, chances are that you will be able to visit something just as breath-taking. Whether it is the romantic canals of Venice or the medieval beauty of Verona, or the sun kissed Amalfi Coast, any corner of Italy has something spectacular to be enjoyed. 

It is necessary to get familiar with the Italy visa requirements depending on your nationality before you start on your trip to Italy. Make sure that your notes are straight in order to explore this great country without problems and inconveniences. So, as a novice tourist or an experienced traveler, the lesser-known Italy gems will offer you the most memorable experiences and moments you will ever have.