CAMPERVAN HIRE Italy

Italy is seen as the birthplace of some of finest foods, drink, fashion, culture, is the birthplace of the Renaissance, is Europe’s biggest country and most popular for Tourism in Europe and some would say birthplace of civilization...

Check out below the suggestions of Italy, it's history, places to go and things not to be missed....

The country ‘in the shape of a boot’ began to grabs world attention with a little empire call the Romans around the time Jesus Christ was born, some 2000 years ago. They conquered all before them across Europe, although some could argue where very forceful in their ways they did help establish governments, roads, religion and law across Italy and Europe (which can even be traced to today’s standards) before falling around the 4^th century. The fall of the Roman Empire meant Italy was left quite vulnerable for invasion by rival empires who jostled for the occupation in the new Italy once the Romans dissipated. Their legacy can be seen in many ruins and history spread across Italy and throughout Europe.

Italy recovered after the Roman and proceeding invasions, through the Renaissance period, being on the forefront in Exploring new worlds (Christopher Columbus for one!), couple of World Wars all the way to where we are today. Italy stands as one of the largest economies not only in Europe but the world with residents enjoying a high quality of life, lovely weather, democratic government and prominence on a world scale.

Check out what we think of Italy and some of our personal suggestions..

Rome

Italy’s capital and one of Europe’s most visited capital cities. It is both rich in history, culture, people and not to be missed. You’ll find ruins from empires lost, some of the best artwork known to man and a hub of activity from cars and bikes to locals and tourists...Rome will not disappoint.

Rome is located in the heart of Italy or halfway up the boot and houses around 3 million people.

Let’s check out some places we suggest:

1. 1)The Roman Coliseum – One of the more iconic Italian images and places to visit. It has even been in a couple of Hollywood movies or two. It is nearly 2000 years old and was once used by the Romans as an Amphitheatre for great spectacles and events. When you are inside you can imagine 50,000 Romans baying for blood.
2. 2)Vatican City – Whether you are religious or not this place is not to be missed. Give the Pope in St. Peter’s square a wave, look around the Basilica and learn about Italy’s premier religion, Catholicism. Don’t miss the Sistine Chapel for Michaelangelos famous artwork and the world’s most famous ceiling – the last judgement!
3. 3)Ancient Rome –Check out the Roman with many ruins still visible to this day and the ruin of the House of Augustus
4. 4)Trevi Fountain – Need some luck? Throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain. Turn around and you’ll see thousands have beaten you to the luck.
5. 5)Pantheon – A great piece of architecture once used as a church over 1800 years ago. It is known as the perfect sphere!

Check out our Spacestation in Rome for a great spot to stay for your travels.

Venice

Venice is set in the north Of Italy about 5 ½ hours north of Rome. It is the city on water and arguably the most romantic cities in all of Italy. Venice is known for its Gondola’s often attached with a singing Italian, moving through the many canals, it would be a mistake to miss a rid in one of these (especially if you are to impress the girlfriend). A couple of other places to check out are:

Piazza San Marco – The main piazza of Venice and home to a million pigeons. While standing in the middle you surround yourself in amazing Italian architecture and home to St. Marks basilica.

In reality Venice is the place to lose yourself in the many narrow laneways, tour the canals and dine out in the back alley restaurants. The most unique cities in the world!

Check out our Spacestation here at Camping Fusina, Venice.

Florence

Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world not just Italy. It is listed as a UNESCO site and regarded as the place Renaissance began. In this you can imagine the lovely architecture, history and art all are a major feature here.

Check out these places

Duomo – Popular cathedral known for its amazing architecture and beauty.

Ponte Vecchio – A famous bridge lined with shops selling all sorts of items which has withstood numerous wars and occupations for over 700 years.

Galleria dell’ Academia –  This gallery houses Michaelangelo’s David and hundreds of pieces of Art from the renaissance period.

Campanile- A huge bell tower with fantastic views over Florence. You need to pay to go up it but it is worth for the great pictures and overall perspective of Florence landscape.

We also recommend visiting the below places on your travels

Amalfi Coast

A Long Stretch of coastline south of Naples that is rate amongst some of the most beautiful coastline in Europe. A Spaceship will handle these conditions beautifully, navigate those small roads and set up an awesome shot of you sleeping in the back overlooking the water. Check out Sorrento for a great place to stay for a couple of days and take a boat out to the island of Capri.

Pompeii

Pompeii is located close to Naples, check out what happened when Mt Vesuvius got angry and spewed molten lava and ash on the poor citizens of Pompeii. An amazing insight on preserved town, highly recommend spending the day wandering the town.

Pisa

The leaning tower of Pisa. It has just been given a new facelift (but kept the lean). Standing by and pretending to push it back in a photo is probably the most common photo taken ever...but it has to be done! When you see this for real you must just think...how?!

Milan

Fashion capital of the world. Step out of your Spaceship threads and into some Armani, Gucci and pretend you are not on a budget for a day. There are a lot of beautiful people here...you have been warned. If you are a football fan then a game between arch rivals AC Milan and Inter Milan at the San Siro ground is one of footballs most amazing experiences. (if you can get a ticket)

Cinque Terre

This little place is getting more popular for tourists but you are just in time to head here and take a walk along the cliff tops of this breathtaking part of the coast. I bet you don’t have a better hike on a coastline anywhere!

This is our personal list of experiences in Italy – if you have anything you would like to add about Italy – what to do, see, comments, eat or drink then please let us know so we can write this in for other Spaceship travellers to read.