5 Things That Make Italy so Rome-antic
Date Posted: 08/11/2019
The romantic capital of the world, it’s clear to see why so many people gravitate towards Italy for Valentine’s Day, honeymoons, and anniversaries.
Sure, we haven’t even celebrated Christmas yet and we’re still seven weeks away from 2020, but it’s never too early to start planning your next adventure. Why not get something exciting pencilled in for Valentine’s Day next year for you and your loved one? Italy is oozing with reasons why it makes the perfect destination for romance…
Cruising the water canals of Venice
We’ve all seen the photos, but why not experience it for real? Venice is built on more than 100 small islands and operates only by canals – no roads. There are over 150 canals running through the city and more than 400 bridges connecting each part of this charming location.
Lined with stunning Renaissance and Gothic palaces, the Grand Canal thoroughfare is the most famous canal in Venice. Cruise slowly past the central Piazza San Marco, which is home to St Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile bell tower with its red roofs. With your travel companion, spot the traditional Italian architecture on your way, as well as an abundance of quaint waterfront bars and authentic eateries.
In most tourist areas, including Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace, and Piazzale Roma, you’ll be able to enjoy a gondola ride. They average at around €80 per person for a 40-minute ride and the price rises into the evening hours.
Fact: The canals were originally built for protection; sheltering the city from the mainland.
Touring vineyards and wine tasting
Italy has some of the best wine tasting and winery tours. Despite most of the wineries being quite small, it’s fascinating to see where and how the famed ambrosia of Italy is crafted.
If you’re a red wine drinker you’ll love Marchesi di Barolo. Barolo is one of the most famous and best-quality wines in Italy and takes its name from the town in which it is produced. A family business, it was established in the early 19th century and has been handed down over five generations. Its location makes the climate mild to allow the grapes to prosper.
Planeta consists of six different estates, located between Sambuca di Sicilia and Menfi, and its vineyards make up a total area of 363 hectares. It yields many different kinds of grapes, from the less-known Grecanico and Frappato to the internationally acclaimed Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet.
Wander through the lush green yards with a glass of fruity, woody, spicy, zesty, or soft wine – whatever your preference – and live in the moment with the one who makes you happy.
The passion of Italian culture; its people, fashion, and cars
Italians are passionate. Passion can be seen from every corner of this spectacular country; from its beautiful art, architecture, clothing, and cars. Family is also considered an extremely important value within Italian culture, which can be seen in their frequent gatherings.
Italy is home to a number of world-famous fashion houses, including Armani, Gucci, Versace, and Prada, which all have a real focus on quality and passion for producing only the best. Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, and Maserati are among the Italian car brands that originate here.
The time and effort that has gone into Italian architecture for almost 3,500 years is also something that cannot go a miss. It captures a range of styles, including Etruscan and ancient Roman style buildings to Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, and Empire styles as well.
Italian food
It goes without saying that Italian food just knows its way to our hearts. Pizza, pasta, risotto, steak, truffles, and bread… There’s so much to fall in love with.
Whether it’s sharing a bowl of spaghetti together in a cosy Italian eatery like a re-enactment of Lady and the Tramp, or experiencing authentic pizza together, it’s not difficult to find something to enjoy from an Italian menu.
Mastered with such thought, precision, and expertise, each dish born here combines the best quality meat, cheese, oil, and made-from-scratch sauces. Favourites include lasagne, spaghetti carbonara, fiorentina steak, polenta, ossobuco, and arancini.
Complete your meal with a generous helping of creamy gelato, slice of tiramisu, or a digestivo such as limoncello. And of course we can’t forget… Italian coffee. The best blends around, it would be criminal if you were to leave Italy without trying some.
Cosy farmhouses for romantic getaways
Traditional farmhouses are such a popular type of accommodation for romantic breaks in Italy. When we think of getaways in this breathtaking country we typically think grand hotels, however, cosy farmhouses are the perfect setting for you and your partner to take in beautiful landscapes, as well as the diverse culture.
Choose farmhouses with a swimming pool, near the lake, close to the seaside, or with the best cycle routes. Whatever you’re looking for, there are opportunities for unique views and plenty of trails for walking, hiking, and horse riding.
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