Romantic Italy is a destination many people dream of visiting. It's rich in culture and beauty, and it's one of those places that truly lives up to the hype. Vineyards cloak the rolling hills in Tuscany, and in the far north beautiful lakes are surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Alps. You can wander through the ancient ruins in Rome or get lost in the canals of Venice. Stunning coastal villages cling precariously to the rock coastline. You can get lost in the towns around Cinque Terre or head further south to the Amalfi Coast. Italy can easily be explored as a highlights tour, but if time allows, get of the beaten path. Many people hit the major sights like Rome, Florence and Venice, but to truly experience all that Italy has to offer you must see the countryside, the coastline, and the small villages. Spending some time leisurely lingering in Tuscany. See a whole different side of Italy in Sicily. Chat with the locals. But most importantly dine leisurely on pasta and sip wine by the vineyards. Italy really can surpass expectations, even though those expectations have often been set high.

Because of it's high popularity travel costs can be high in Italy. It's possible to find cheaper meal options and if you're on a particularly tight budget, order your food to go. Most restaurants charge a sitting fee if you dine inside. Transportation can also be somewhat expensive. It's generally comparable to elsewhere in Italy and like elsewhere, you will get the best deal on train tickets if you purchase them well in advance. Hotels are usually a high quality but the rooms are smaller than you might expect if you're used to traveling in the United States. Choose a hotel based on location, not size, and you won't be disappointed. Traveling in the off season or shoulder season can also save you lots of money. This will also help you avoid the crowds which can be overwhelming during the summer months. If you can visit the area during the fall or spring this is ideal as the weather is pleasant, the crowds are less, and prices remain low. Winter can be cold, but is also a fun time to visit. Traveling to Italy during the winter months helps you see a whole different side to this normally touristy country.

The Amalfi Coast: A stunning stretch of coastline on the Sorrentine Peninsula that is popular with tourists for its dramatic cliffs, historic towns, and picturesque vineyards.
Venetian Canals: The canals in Venice are idolized around the world, with several attempts to replicate them. But nothing can recreate the atmosphere of wandering the streets and canals in the city of Venice.
Cinque Terre: A rugged piece of coastline that is known as the "Five Lands" on which five villages are strategically positioned along a walking trail that is lined with vineyards.

Fegato alla Veneziana: A traditional Venetian dish made from thinly sliced veal liver and onions, sauteed and served together.
Gnocchi: A dumpling dish made with wheat flour, potatoes, butter, and egg. It's usually served with any number of sauces, anything from tomato to pesto to cheese based. It's a filling dish that is often part of a first course, but people many choose to make it their entire meal.
Risotto: An Italian rice dish made with Arborio rice which is usually cooked in a broth and served with cheese. It's often topped with vegetables or mushrooms and has a very rich flavor. It's a nice alternative to pasta, but still has a similar Italian flavor.