WHY ITALY?

What isn't there to love about the country of Italy? we have all seen scenic pictures of the landscape, vineyards, coast & mountains.

here are eight compelling reasons why you should consider adding Italy to your bucket list if you haven't already.

1. The cuisine is more than likely the most classically known around the world. Each region boasts its specialties, from pasta to pizza sauces and pastries. I look forward to the authentic Galato and the fettuccine. nothing compares. How do they make it so special? The food has often been described as comfort food; it definitely warms the soul. sit in an outside cafe in one of Rome's squares, gazing at the passersby and the architecture. fell the buzz around you.

2. Rome & countless other regions in Italy are known for their architectural history. Some explain it as an "all-living museum," and truly, that is not an exaggeration. From the well-known Colosseum, the Pantheon, the leaning town of Pisa, to the understated hillside villages of Cinque Terre, Positano, and Taormina. The Vatican alone can take you days to dissect. make sure to step foot into the Sistine Chapel even if you are not religious.

   
   

3. Italy houses many famous, unique cities with unmistakable charm.

   The fashion industry capital of the world is Italy's own Milan. a bustling city with top-end everything. even kitchen showrooms can blow your mind. Have a classic suit or dress tailor-made just for you. venice is one of the most unique cities on the continent, with canals for streets and floating buildings. jaw-dropping to witness.

4. Florence, known for its gold and leather, is also adorned with lots of Byzantine stone work, the statue of David, and the Duomo. Don't miss any of it.

4. Between the length of the boot-shaped country, Italy has the longest coastline in Europe. people argue over the beauty of the northern or southern coast. even the sand is different in each region. the charming coastal towns make summer holidays inviting. sunbathing is a must if you travel to one of the sunny coasts. catch some high divers off of the cliffs while visiting the hilly coastal regions. free entertainment at its best.

5. Ancient Ruins are everywhere to be found. There are both Greek & Roman temples. Bath houses are either close to rubble or still intact. Pompeii is a preserved ruin archeological site that has been painstakingly excavated from an enormous volcanic eruption from Mt Vesuvius in

6. Festivals & celebrations are no strangers to this hearty country. There is always some sort of celebration, be it the chestnut festival near Sorrento or the pistachio festival near Taormina. Venice has a famous carnival, and the Jubilee happens in Rome every so many years. People in Italy are extremely traditional with their celebratory gatherings. I love that heartfelt sense of community. You can feel it everywhere.

7. Diverse & dramatic landscapes from top to bottom. Lake Cuomo boasts gorgeous mountainous terrain with blue lake views abound. The Italian Alps are breathtaking to see & ski down ( I have yet to visit there & ski the slopes). The north west coast harbors incredible winding narrow streets to lovely coves and ports such as Portofino & Cinque Terre. just north of Rome, you will find the ever-rolling vineyards & olive groves of world-famous Tuscany. The Cyprus trees add to the picturesque trademark of the region. south of Rome, many ancient walled cities are welcoming villages of history. Some sit atop large hills and are adorned proudly by those below. in the southern region, you will find condensed colorful homes painted like sherbert colors, draping the mountainsides, appearing to fall into the sea. I am still debating which end of Italy is my favorite. With that said, it just goes to prove there are so many favorites that one just can't decide.

8. shopping is like being a kid in a candy store on the streets of Italy. the boutiques of rising fashion designers are such a find if you're looking for something unique. I turned up a pair of leather mules that I kick myself to this day for not splurging. Purses, jewelry, scarves, shoes, belts, linen, you name it, they have it, and the quality can't be beat. I tend to stay away from the strip of high-end commercialized shops and seek out the next level of authentic boutiques where they sell small lots. these finds become one-of-a-kind mementos back in your hometown to relish for years.