Shopping in Milan, gondola rides in Venice, basking under the Tuscan sun and enjoying ah-may-zing gelato… everywhere. Italy is a country as beloved for its passionate people as for its delicious cuisine and rich history. Claiming to have perfected the art of living, Italy’s recipe for La Dolce Vita is one we’d all like to know (its a mixture of food, family and good humour).
1. Pig out on noodles (and all manner of carbs)
Not that Italian food needs any introduction—it’s probably one of the most popular cuisines in the world. From prosciutto to pizza to pasta (there are over 300 different kinds) and risotto (rice: now that’s familiar), Italy is a foodie’s heaven—especially those who love carbs.
Tip: Refrain from asking for enhancements (i.e. salt and pepper, extra cheese or worse—Tabasco and/or chili flakes). The Italians are very proud of their cooking and most won’t tolerate you suggesting it isn’t flavourful enough.
2. Euro (as in the currency) Trip
Dig up your savings and don’t forget the credit cards. Being one of the world’s fashion capitals, you can shop till you drop. From Prada to Dolce & Gabbana, Italian brands are cheapest here and you’ll also find “unbranded” goods of high quality made by artisanal family legacies. If you don’t catch the shopping bug in Milan, you’ll definitely get it at the outlets just outside Milan, Florence and Rome where shopping paradise awaits: Luxury brands at a fraction of the prices. Buy them all! Nothing haunts us quite like the things we didn’t buy, right?
3. Culture vulture
While most Asian cities can boast the highest number of malls, Italy is home to 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the world’s highest number in a country. It goes to show that the country is incomparable when it comes to history and culture. And romance—13 of Shakespeare’s plays were based or partly-based in Italy. Visit the statue of David and Medici castles in Florence, the Colosseum and Vatican City in Rome, plus numerous others we don’t have space to mention—and it’s all so accessible thanks to Italy’s superb train network!
4. Sì, Pronto!
If you’ve spent some time in Asia, you’ll be familiar with ‘Asian timing’, which basically gives an allowance of between 15 to 30 minutes from any stated time. Like it or not, the similarity is uncanny because like Asians, an Italian’s world evolves around good food (and coffee) and their disregard for promptness. Timing is elastic so don’t be surprised (or too miffed) if your 10am tour only starts at 10.30 and public transportation is ritardo (read: delayed, not retarded).
5. Get wet
Don’t we all love a bath with a view? Though we’re sure the water in the hotel bathtub is just fine, we’re talking about the sulphurous hot springs in Tuscany and Ischia and thermal baths in Bormio and Lake Garda (the minerals and properties of the water is really good for the skin—another Asian obsession). In Asia where the warmer climes mean that perspiration is constant (hence the need to shower all the time), Asians take to hot springs like ducks to water.
6. No skyscrapers
Take out the selfie sticks! From Lake Como to the Amalfi Coast—dubbed the world’s most beautiful coast, if you haven’t already fallen in love with an Italian man, Italian cuisine or the rich history (are you feeling alright?), the stunning scenery will surely get you. From sparkling waters, dramatic coastlines to the natural beauty of the Tuscan terrains, Italy is picturesque at every turn. Bonus: The Amalfi Coast is also famous for its production of limoncello. Salute!
This story was originally posted at WanderLuxe by The Luxe Nomad
Dream a little, travel a lot. That’s our philosophy. We’re full-time nomads with a passport in one hand and laptop in the other, traversing the globe to find the best hideaways, eateries, and local scenes. And on our luxury villa and apartment booking portal TheLuxeNomad.com, you’ll know you’re always up for your best trip yet (with the best rates).
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