By Samantha Elise Jacobs
If you’re not studying abroad in Italy, then you’d be insane to skip this country while studying abroad in Europe. During your spring break, you can soak up the highlights of this magnificent country without breaking the bank. Navigating around Italy by yourself can be challenging, but there are a couple of spring break trips that will let you explore without trying to figure out the Italian train schedule.
Italian Getaway: Florence, Rome, and The Amalfi Coast
The first stop on the Italian getaway is Florence. No picture could ever capture the intricate details of the Duomo.
I walk past this building daily and I still notice something new every single time. If you’re going to splurge on anything new (guys, this can be you too—time for a new wallet?), then you’re going to want to hit the leather market while you’re here. It basically packs all of the things you’ve been passing by in stores lusting over and puts it all in one place—get ready to barter.
You’ll also want to hit the Piazza Michelangelo and view the beauty that Florence is famous for. If you’re in Florence, you also can’t pass up the opportunity to have a family style dinner in a true Tuscan atmosphere (wine on wine on wine). There are an endless possibility of activities and trust me, no one will know the city better than your guides (c’mon this is our home). Next, you’ll hit Rome. You can’t go to Italy without going to Rome.
THERE IS SO MUCH TO SEE IN ROME—the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain. We’ll make sure you get to take in all the sights and also have time to experience the culture and have your fill of some of the best food and wine in the world.
Last, the Amalfi Coast. This is hands down my favorite place in Italy. I actually can’t find the words to accurately capture it. You will never see something more beautiful than the views you’ll see as you’re cruising around Capri (would Giorgio Armani choose anything less to film a commercial?)
You’ll get the entire view of the Isle of Capri and find out how the Blue Grotto got its name. You know the kinds of pictures that look fake? Yeah, every single one you take here will seem like that.
This is the place that made Limoncello famous so you’re going to want to get as much of it as you can while you’re here. Plus, my mouth waters thinking about the seafood you’ll eat here.
Experiencing a night out in Sorrento is incredible. I’m not big into bragging, but when it comes to the Amalfi Coast, no one does it better than Bus2alps—it’s our award-winning trip. We’ve partnered with the best of the best in the Amalfi Coast to give you the best quality trip that you would not be able to find anywhere else, let alone on your own.
This trip hits the best aspects of Italy—the Tuscan vibes in Florence, the historical landmarks of Rome, and the beachy, gorgeous views of The Amalfi Coast. If you’re someone that likes a little bit of everything, this trip is for you.
Best of Italy – Rome, Florence, Venice, Verona, and Milan
If you’re wanting to cross even more cities off your list, Best of Italy is for you.
After exploring Rome and Florence (see Italian Getaway if you need to refresh your memory), our next stop takes you to the dreamlike city of canals: Venice. This city will make you fall in love with Italy. The second you walk into Saint Mark’s Square, you’ll be taken away by the atmosphere—every time I do there’s a musician stringing together a chilling melody and it feels like it’s my first time there all over again. You’ll get to experience a gondola ride through the city (and yes, your driver will really sing a melody to you like in the movies). You’ll also take a ferry out to Mirano and Birano (two islands off of Venice).
Venice is known for their glass bowls and Mirano is the reason why. You’ll get to watch the process of its creation with a glass bowling show and be in awe that something so beautiful can be created from what seems like virtually nothing in minutes before your eyes. In Birano, you’ll be struck by the quiet streets contrasting against a loud, vibrant array of buildings. The island actually governs the choice of house color among its residents and they definitely know what they’re doing because the buildings here are beautiful.
Our next stop is Verona. Made famous by Romeo and Juliet, Verona lives up to its culture. We’ll quickly make our way to Milan because we know you’ll want as much time as possible here. If you’ve kept some self-control throughout your travels (or really, even if you haven’t) you’ll let yourself take advantage of Milan’s Fashion District. You’re also going to want to visit the Santa Maria della Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, ‘The Last Supper’ and take in the pure art before you. Milan is also home to the Teatro della Scala, arguably the most famous opera house in the entire world.
Best of Italy is for those who really want to get the culture and history that makes Italy such a popular destination for people around the world of all ages.
