What Is Italy's Most Important Waterway?

The Po River is the most important waterway in Italy. It is the country’s largest river, running for 405 miles from the Alps in northwestern Italy east through the regions of Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna and the Veneto, and into the Adriatic Sea. The Po is at the center of an expansive fertile plain that is home to more than a quarter of Italy’s population. The river has historically been important for agriculture, fishing, and transport since well before the days of the Roman Empire.

Outline of the Po River

• The Po River begins below the 12,600-foot peak of Monviso in the Cottian Alps that separate France and Italy. From its origins southwest of Turin, the river descends rapidly, some 5,500 feet in just over 20 miles. It then turns northward to Turin and from there, runs generally eastward for about 350 miles, and eventually into a delta featuring 14 mouths at the Adriatic Sea. Of its 141 tributaries, the main ones include the rivers Tanaro, Scrivia, Trebbia, Secchia and Panaro from the Appennines in the south, and the Dora Baltea, Sessia, Ticino, Adda, Oglio and Mincio from the Alps to the north. East of Turin, the river’s meanderings – which have included many severe floods throughout recorded history – have left islands and oxbows, u-shaped bends, along the way.

Cities Along the Po River

• Several important cities lie on or near the banks of the Po River. The first is Turin. The capital of the Piedmont region, it is home of much of Italy’s car industry, and also its most famous and popular soccer team, Juventus. Lying just over 70 miles due east is Pavia, which sits north of the confluence of the Po and Ticino. It is a provincial capital for a major agricultural and wine area. Downriver about 30 miles is Piacenza. As the river jags a slight bit north, Cremona lies 27 miles east from Piacenza, a city best known for its famous violin makers, including Stradivarius. The last is Ferrara, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its impressive, intact Renaissance city core.

Navigation

• The Po River provides the most significant inland navigation network in Italy. It has even connected Milan, through Pavia, to the sea. Although it is of much less importance today, commercial navigation still exists on the Po for smaller vessels from west of Cremona to the Adriatic Sea, about 180 miles.

Agriculture Near the Po River

• The Po River gives it name to the largest plain in Italy: the very fertile Po River Valley. Its breadth and productivity are at the core of the prosperity of the northern Italian regions. Protected from the harshest of the cold winter weather by the Alps to the north, the tributaries of the Po help provide continued richness to the soil of the area from the mineral-laden mountains. The irrigated plains of the Po River Valley produce large amounts of rice, wheat, corn, sugar beets, and fodder for cattle.

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Tours of Roman Ruins in Italy

The Roman Empire at its farthest reaches stretched from Scotland to Egypt and from Mauritania to Babylon, so the empire's remains are scattered on three continents. But some of the best Roman ruins, including many World Heritage Sites, can still be found in modern Italy -- where it all began with the founding of Rome, traditionally dated to 753 B.C., and where the Western Empire finally collapsed under the weight of its own overstretch and the Ostrogoth invasions in 476.

The City of Rome

• The Eternal City is studded with Roman remains, peeking from behind churches and sprouting between busy roads. Walk the vast sprawl of the Forum Romanum, where ruins of ancient temples, basilicas and public buildings vie for attention and understanding. Perhaps no other place epitomizes the endless layering of Roman history better than the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, where the baroque facade of the San Lorenzo in Miranda church appears to grow organically from the portico of the 2nd century Roman building. Nearby, the Colosseum stands as an embodiment of Roman pop culture, its brutal concrete arches a witness to the raw realities of carnage-as-entertainment. If you have time for more, tour the jumble of ruins on the Palatine Hill, other Imperial forums, numerous arches, as well as the Baths of Caracalla and the nearby Via Appia.

Ostia Antica

• Less than an hour from Rome by Metro and train, the ruins of Rome's ancient harbor of Ostia at the mouth of the Tiber were partially preserved in the river mud when the water silted up after the fall of Rome. The site gives a fascinating insight into the life of the ancient working port. Baths, temples, warehouses and dwellings still stand among the cypresses and pines -- some roofless and in ruins, others almost complete, with arches, mosaics and wall paintings. Don't miss the House of Diane, a well preserved example of an insula, a multistory tenement building of the type inhabited by most urban Romans.

Pompeii and Herculaneum

• The disastrous Vesuvius eruption of 79 A.D. buried the thriving cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under volcanic ash and lava. The ruins -- excavated since the 18th century -- present a unique snapshot of life as it was in the commercial city of Pompeii, where rich and poor lived side by side, and the posher resort of Herculaneum. Everyday life was caught at a particular moment of sudden interruption, from the political graffiti to everyday objects abandoned as people tried to escape from the shower of hot ash. You will need a day to properly explore the sites; Pompeii is larger and Herculaneum more intact. Both are about a half hour from Naples, whether by car or on the Circumvesuviana train line.

Villas

• Villas, either country mansions at the heart of large estates, or hedonistic retreats from the cities, are scattered through the Roman countryside. Visit Hadrian's villa at Tivoli near Rome, an imperial residence covering more than 200 acres. Hadrian himself designed many buildings, and was influenced by Greek and Egyptian styles. Tivoli is 20 miles from Rome, or an hour's bus journey. On Sicily, Villa del Casale was both the focus of a great rural estate and a luxury residence of the owners. The mosaics there -- note the modern-looking bikini girls -- are considered the best Roman mosaics still in their original location. The site is near the village of Piazza Armerina, a two hour drive southeast from Palermo.

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Famous Places in Valle d'Aosta, Italy

Located in the northwestern corner of Italy, the Valle d'Aosta area can feel very different from the rest of Italy. Valle d'Aosta borders Switzerland and France and the region is officially bilingual -- as you'll notice from the road signs printed in both Italian and French. What really sets the region apart, however, is its dramatic landscape of snow-capped mountains. While this rugged terrain makes the area a major ski destination, it also shelters a large national park, a unique culture and several fascinating historical sites.

Aosta

• The city of Aosta is the starting point for most trips through the valley and an attraction in and of itself. Dating back to the Roman Empire, the town contains a number of well-preserved Roman ruins, including the Arch of Augustus, the Porta Pretoria -- the eastern gateway through the original Roman walls -- and the remains of a theater and forum. The city's cathedral dates back to the 13th century. In addition, the monumental complex of Saint Orso includes a Gothic church, a crypt and a cloister. For a good view of the surrounding mountain peaks, head to Emile Chanoux Square and look in any direction.

Gran Paradiso National Park

• Gran Paradiso National Park, located between the Aosta Valley and Piedmont, was Italy's first national park. The wilderness area -- a habitat for species like steinbock deer, marmots and golden eagles -- includes pristine Alpine forests of red spruce, silver firs and larch trees. The easiest way to reach the park is by heading south a few miles from Aosta to the town of Cogne, where you'll find a visitors center that leads into the park. In addition, Cogne is home to the Paradisia Alpine Botanical Garden, a park that features approximately 1,000 different species of flowers and plants. The garden is well worth a visit in the month of July, when most of the plants are in full bloom.
• Mountains and Ski Slopes

• Some of the highest mountains in the Alps are located in Valle d'Aosta: Monte Bianco (also known as Mont Blanc and shared with France), Monte Cervino (also known as the Matterhorn and shared with Switzerland) and Monte Rosa (shared with Switzerland). In addition to fantastic alpine scenery, these mountains offer challenging ski slopes. The Checrouit-Val Veny ski resort in Courmayeur -- west of Aosta, near the French border -- has slopes running along the sides of Monte Bianco, the tallest mountain in the Alps.

Historical Sites

• Less than 30 miles east of Aosta is the monumental Fortress of Bard, a strategic military complex. The early 19th century stronghold -- built on older foundations -- includes 283 rooms contained in a number of defensive structures arranged on a hill. The citadel at the top is now home to the Museum of the Alps. Just 6 miles from Aosta, the 14th century Fenis Castle, with its tall square and cylindrical towers, was both a military stronghold and an ostentatious feudal mansion. The interior is open for tours and decorated with frescoes.

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Plans & Vacation Ideas for a Florence, Italy, Trip

Arguably the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence can sometimes feel like an open-air museum. Turn at any corner in the city and you're drawn in by some masterpiece of art or architecture -- until you look over one block and decide to move on to the next masterpiece. The Botticellis and da Vincis scattered around the city, however, are just the beginning of a trip to Florence. Nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany and with a vibrant passion for style and life's pleasures, the city offers attractions for travelers of virtually every interest.

Architectural Tour

• The soaring red dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is probably the first thing you'll see as you near Florence. It's also a good first stop on an architectural tour of the city, especially if you take the small staircase to the top of the dome for a panoramic view of Florence. By the church, take a walk by Florence's baptistery, paying special attention to the brass doors designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti or the Donatello-designed tomb of Antipope John XXIII inside. For a full day of museum-going, head to the Palazzo Pitti, the monumental former residence of the Medici family that now is filled with museums and galleries. Pick a sunny day to walk across the Arno River on the medieval Ponte Vecchio and, on the other side, head to the beautifully landscaped and sculpture-filled Boboli Gardens for some rest.

Artistic Tour

• You don't have to go to a museum to see beautiful art in Florence. Some of the city's best-known works can be found in Florence's churches and palaces, like Giotto's frescoes of the life of Christ in the church of Santa Maria Novella. If you choose to go to a museum, the Galleria dell'Accademia holds priceless works. such as Michelangelo's David, while the Uffizi Gallery has a spectacular collection of Renaissance masters. Be prepared to spend several hours in either. For a glimpse of contemporary Florentine art and new talent, head to galleries like For Gallery or Galleria Alessandro Bagnai. The Oltrarno district across the Arno is rapidly becoming a hub for young designers and stylish boutiques, reports The New York Times.
• La Dolce Vita

• To indulge in the earthly pleasures that inspired Renaissance humanism, sit down to a three-hour Tuscan meal in a trattoria along the narrow streets of Oltrarno. Regional specialties include charcoal-grilled steak and bean stews, all washed down with locally produced wines. You can walk off the meal with some window shopping along the fashion-filled Via Tornabuoni or head to the San Lorenzo Market for handcrafted leather goods. At dusk, the bars around the Piazza del Duomo fill with performers and revelers, and you can finish off the night with opera at the Teatro Comunale or an open-air summer concert at the Piazza di Sant'Ambrogio.

Getting Outside the City

• The green hills of Tuscany are just outside Florence. You can hike up to Fiesole -- the walk featured in the movie version of E.M. Forster's "A Room With a View" -- directly from the city. For more fresh air, the hills of San Miniato and Bellosguardo are just south of the Arno River, and both offer stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside. In Tuscany, Frommer's recommends renting a car and taking a tour through the back roads of the province, stopping at tiny villages not found on any tourist map and at "vendita direttas" (direct sales) in the countryside to buy fresh cheese, home-pressed olive oil, local wines and herb-scented honeys directly from farmers.

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What Are Some Places of Interest in Florence, Italy?

Florence, Italy, a city rich in history, art and architecture, is an unmissable destination for visitors hoping to soak up some culture. For pleasure-seekers, Florence is also a cosmopolitan and stylish city, a place where food and fashion have been elevated to art forms. Whatever your interests, the city offers must-see sights and activities that are sure to capture your imagination. And should you need a break from this often hectic city, the idyllic Tuscan countryside, complete with its rolling hills, vineyards and red-roofed villages, is just a short drive from the city center.

Architectural Points of Interest

• The Piazza del Duomo, considered the heart of Florence, contains many of its most iconic architectural treasures. Start your tour by exploring the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore -- otherwise known as the Duomo -- in order to admire its richly decorated exterior and the frescoes inside. Right next to the Duomo, you can climb Giotto's Campanile for a panoramic view of the city. Head to the octagonal baptistery in front of the Duomo to view its imposing bronze doors designed by a young Lorenzo Ghiberti. For more, visit the churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Maria del Carmine; both churches contain masterpieces of Renaissance art. Cross the Arno River on the medieval Ponte Vecchio on your way to the Boboli Gardens, where you can take a stroll through a Renaissance garden filled with a myriad of sculptures and fountains.

Art Museums and Galleries

• Florence was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, meaning, of course, that its museums are treasure troves of works by masters like Sandro Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. The Galleria dell'Accademia is worth a visit even if only to see Michelangelo's triumphant statue of David. The Uffizi Gallery holds a huge permanent collection of Renaissance art. The Palazzo Pitti -- once home to the wealthy Medici family -- holds much of the family's impressive art collection; combined tickets are available to see the sprawling palace's various museums. For Florence's vibrant contemporary art scene, "The New York Times" recommends heading over to Biagiotti Arte Contemporanea or Galleria Alessandro Bagnai to see what the city's newest masters are up to.
• The Countryside

• Florence is the regional capital of Tuscany, and the rolling green hills, vineyards and olive groves that make the region famous are located just outside the city. The hike to Fiesole -- a small town located in the hills above Florence, complete with a Roman amphitheater -- from the city was featured in the film adaptation of "A Room with a View." Just south of the Arno River, the hills of San Miniato and Bellosguardo will take you through more rural landscapes that offer commanding views of the city and surrounding countryside. When in Tuscany, Frommer's recommends renting a car and taking a trip off the tourist map, through small hilltop villages and "vendita diretta" -- direct sales -- stands, where you can buy local wines, honeys, olive oils and cheeses directly from local producers.

Other Places of Interest

• A trip to a Florentine market displays both the city's rich trading past and its vibrant present. The Mercato Centrale focuses on produce and food items for culinary enthusiasts. The nearby San Lorenzo Market is a good place for souvenirs and leather goods. To eat the way the locals do, seek out an appealing trattoria in the Oltrarno district. At sunset, head to the Lungarno -- Florence's riverside promenade -- for drinks and people-watching. You can top it all off with an opera or a show at the Teatro Comunale.

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How to Travel to Italy by Boat

A country filled with art, wine and food, Italy is a place many Americans have on their "To-Do" lists for future vacations. Milan is a fashion capital, Venice is the city filled with water and Rome is home to the coliseum and the Pope. If your vacation itinerary includes a trip to Italy you can go one step further and tour the country by boat.

Tips For You

1. Travel to Italy by boat. Choose your favorite cruise line and see if it travels to Italy. Many cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Norwegian Cruise Lines all take passengers on voyages to Italy. Cruise lines sail to Italy from multiple ports in various countries all over the world, including - but not limited to - the U.S., Scandinavia, Spain, Greece, Australia and the United Kingdom. Italian ports of call include Rome, Venice, Lake Como and Florence.
2. Book your cruise. Choose your travel dates, the length of your cruise and the type of stateroom you want to stay in for the duration of your Italian cruise. Confirm your reservation and print your cruise documents.
3. Board your cruise ship at your chosen departure port. You can pre-book Italian shore excursions through your cruise line's website or you can book Italian shore excursions while you are aboard your cruise ship.

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The Proximity and Attractions of the Sofitel in Rome, Italy

When choosing a hotel for your Roman holiday, you want to be centrally located in relation to the major sights so you can visit the city with ease. Many hotels in the center the Eternal City come with the noise and bustle of this ancient metropolis. The Sofitel, in the heart of Rome, provides a peaceful retreat without being far from must-see sights. Some attractions are just outside your door, while others are only a short Metro ride away.

Finding the Hotel

·         The Sofitel in Rome is in the northern part of the city center on Via Lombardia near where it intersects with Via di Porta Pinciana. This is an upscale area of Rome called the Ludovisi and only steps away from the Via Veneto -- a major shopping street known for its elegance and expense. The Ludovisi neighborhood is made up of embassies, banks and luxury residences. Because of the businesses nearby, the area is busy during working hours but calm at night and on weekends.

Touring the Villa Borghese

·         The nearest attraction to the Sofitel is the Villa Borghese -- a 4-mile expanse that contains the Borghese Gallery and Museum. The boundary of the gardens extends to just outside the hotel, at the corner of Via Lombardia and Via di Porta Pinciana. This 4-mile park contains formal gardens, artificial lakes where you can rent a row boat, temples made to look like ancient ruins, and a statue dedicated to the Romantic-era poet Lord Byron. Located at the eastern edge of the park is the Borghese Museum, which houses sculptures such as Bernini's "Apollo and Daphne," mosaics from the fourth century and paintings by Caravaggio and Titian. The best way to ensure you'll get into the museum is to make reservations at least a day or two before you want to go.

Within Walking Distance

·         A 10-minute walk down the Via di Porta Pinciana and then up the Via Sistina leads you to one of Rome's famous gathering spots: The Spanish Steps. These flower-lined steps fill with people who want to take in the view of the Piazza di Spagna while resting their feet. Within the piazza is the fountain of Baraccia that resembles a boat sunk into the ground. Depending on when you go, the piazza may be filled with vendors selling their art. If you walk from the Spanish Steps toward the Tiber River, in about 10 minutes you'll come to the Ara Pacis, or the Altar of Peace, dedicated by the Emperor Augustus in 9 B.C. Another 10-minute walk heading south from the Sofitel takes you to the Trevi Fountain -- a Baroque work featuring Neptune and his horses bursting from the sea. The Trevi Fountain is best seen at night when lights make its detailed sculpture visible.

Hopping the Metro

·         The underground subway system of Rome, called the Metro, makes all the sights of city accessible. The red and blue lines intersect at Termini. The Sofitel is about a five-minute walk from the Barberini stop on the red line. Using only the red line, you can visit the Baths of Diocletian and the National Museum at the Repubblica stop, the Victor Emmanuel monument at the stop of the same name, or head the opposite direction and visit the Vatican from the Ottaviano stop. If you transfer to the blue line, you can visit the Colosseum and Forum from the Colosseo stop or travel down to see the pyramid of Gaius Cestius at the Piramide stop. Most of these sights can be reached within 15 or 25 minutes on the Metro.

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Hotel Splendido in Portofino, Italy

Incomparable shades of pastel light glisten over the calm Mediterranean waters of Portofino, creating ethereal reflections of the multicolored buildings lining the wharf. Once a quiet Italian fishing village, the beauty and charm of Portofino have attracted the rich and famous in droves for decades. When they come, they clamor to stay at the exclusive and opulent Hotel Splendido.

Location, Location, Location

·         The sprawling, 69-room Hotel Splendido is isolated near the top of Mount Portofino, overlooking Portofino harbor and the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. Lush terraced gardens and a backdrop of palm trees add to the scenery, and many guests prefer to simply lounge by the enormous saltwater pool and enjoy the hotel surroundings. Sibling hotel Splendido Mare is much closer to the harbor and has only 16 rooms, but guests have access to the luxuries and facilities of its bigger sister. A shuttle operates between the two hotels. Both hotels are closed from the beginning of November to the beginning of April.

Sleep Like a Movie Star

·         A favorite haunt for old-school movie stars like Rex Harrison and Elizabeth Taylor, Splendido now has a one-bedroom presidential suite with four terraces overlooking Tigullio Gulf and the Portofino cove. The marble bathroom is bigger than some New York apartments, and there is even a separate junior suite that can be connected if you want to bring the kids or some friends. Splendido Mare continues the movie star theme with the entire top floor dedicated to the Ava Gardner suite. Both suites include wide-screen cable TV with DVD player, CD system, fax, photocopier, printer and Wi-Fi.

·         Bring the Kids

·         Even at the mind-numbingly expensive Hotel Splendido, kids are treated to a special three-day package. Children get a double room, daily buffet breakfast, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks from their own minibar, loads of games and toys, and a children's pizza-making class. And the parents are not forgotten: The package includes four hours of baby-sitting and a grown-up gourmet dinner.

Relax Your Body

·         Stretch under the shade of a lemon tree for an outdoor massage or retreat to the indoor spa for intensive facial and body treatments for both men and women. Other treatments include couples massage, hair styling, manicure and pedicure, and special-occasion makeup for a night on the town.

Dine Like Royalty

·         Whether you choose to see a pizza made from scratch before your eyes by the pool or sup on sauteed local prawns with pumpkin and asparagus or spaghetti alla Elizabeth Taylor at the more formal La Terazza dining room, the cuisine at Hotel Splendido will not disappoint. Add to your stay a course on locally grown herbs that includes an excursion to Mount Portofino with a botanical guide, and you can display your new cooking expertise when you return home.

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All-Inclusive Vacations in Italy

Traveling to Italy on an all-inclusive tour is a stress-free and enjoyable way to experience the country without any of the hassles that independent travel can sometimes involve. Whether you wish to explore the countryside by cycling or walking, experience its cultural attractions or simply enjoy the cuisine, a preplanned, comprehensive vacation is an excellent option.

Cycling Vacations

A great way to see the countryside, cycling vacations are offered for various experience and intensity levels and in many regions of Italy. Vermont Bicycle Tours is a well-reputed company, founded in 1971, which offers 10-day biking and walking tours of various regions in Italy including Tuscany, the Dolomite Valley, Puglia and the Po River Valley. The guides are knowledgeable and fun, and this is a great option for families traveling together. Explore the Italian landscape at your own pace on a bicycle by day, and relax at your destination's hotel at night.

VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations 614 Monkton Rd. Bristol, VT 05443-0711 800-245-3868 vbt.com

Walking and Hiking Vacations

Bicycling is not the only way to see the Italian countryside. Walking and hiking vacations are another option for those travelers who desire a bit of physical or outdoor activity when they travel. Backroads has been ranked the “World’s #1 Active Travel Company.” Backroads’ tours in Italy offer walking, hiking and biking tours in Puglia, Cinque Terre, Piedmont and Sicily. They offer “classic” as well as “family” and privately tailored tours. Backroads offers "premier" or "casual" lodging options for their vacations, and their unique itineraries combine walking and hiking with local cultural and gastronomic attractions.

Backroads 801 Cedar St. Berkeley, CA 94710-1800 800-462-2848 backroads.com

Cultural Vacations

If you're simply interested in sight-seeing and experiencing the historical and contemporary aspects of Italy, a more comprehensive, a cultural vacation is a relaxing and informative option. Visit the vistas and archaeological sites of Sicily by boat with Peter Sommer Travels, which offers 8- and 15-day cultural vacations in Sicily. Whether hiking up Mt. Etna or arriving at a coastal town by sailboat, you'll experience Sicily's beautiful island coasts and rich historical attractions in a different way. Tours are expertly led and have received rave reviews from vacationers.

Peter Sommer Travels 96 Monnow Street Monmouth NP25 3EQ United Kingdom 011-44-16-00-88-82-20 petersommer.com

Gourmet Vacations

Indulging in the delicious cuisines and tastes of Italy on an all-inclusive vacation is another worry-free and enjoyable way to discover Italy. Le Baccanti Tours is a gourmet vacation and event company that offers week weekend-long wine- and food-focused vacations in regions such as Tuscany and Sicily as well as explorations of individual cities like Rome and Florence. Depending on the tour, vacationers are able to take cooking classes, visit local markets and enjoy great wine and sight-seeing. Day tours and luxury vacations are also offered.

Le Baccanti Tours Ltd. 210, Rivington St # 11 New York, NY 10002 347-284-6704 lebaccanti.com

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What to Wear in Italy in Winter

A winter trip to Italy will be one you'll always remember. Since you will be avoiding the tourist season, you will find lower airfares, cheaper rates at hotels and shorter lines at museums. That said, dressing for winter travel can be challenging, especially when you take into account that the Italians like to dress up for any occasion. Avoid being labeled as a tourist by steering clear of backpacks and torn jeans. Italians enjoy wearing black garments, so you might want to take that into consideration. Of course, your choice of clothing will also depend on your destination in Italy.

How to Dress for an Italian Ski Resort

• While skiers and snowboarders at your local American ski resort might make fun of expensive Bogner one-piece ski suits, they are quite common at Italian resorts. In fact, it's not unusual to see people using outdated gear but stylish ski outfits. Additionally, Italians tend to dress up for apres ski. Even in resorts such as Bormio, which is not considered an upscale ski area, you will see women walking through town wearing fur coats. While this is not always practical for travelers, you might want to bring along a long and more stylish coat to change into for apres ski.

Women's Styles in Winter

• Winters in the northern Italian cities can be cold but tolerable. Daytime temperatures hover around 35 to 40 degrees F. Women can stay warm and look stylish by wearing velvet pants, long low-heeled boots, wool or velvet gloves and a chic but warm hat. A shawl thrown over a long coat completes the look and adds warmth.

Men's Styles in Winter

• Men have a bit more leeway in terms of style. Jeans are acceptable for them, along with a dark turtleneck worn under a wool sweater. Italians specialize in attractive walking boots for men, so you might want to buy some while you're there.

Sleepwear

• If you are staying at an older hotel, the heating might be less than optimal. As such, bring along warm pajamas, long underwear and a pair of long socks.

Dressing for Southern Italy

• The South of Italy, such as Sicily and the Amalfi coastline, is warmer in the winter. Daytime temperatures average at 54 degrees F. Both men and women should bring comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight jacket. Women can bring along a shawl to throw over the jacket, in case the weather gets colder. Men can bring a sweater to wear under the jacket.

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Plans & Vacation Ideas for a Florence, Italy, Trip

Arguably the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence can sometimes feel like an open-air museum. Turn at any corner in the city and you're drawn in by some masterpiece of art or architecture -- until you look over one block and decide to move on to the next masterpiece. The Botticellis and da Vincis scattered around the city, however, are just the beginning of a trip to Florence. Nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany and with a vibrant passion for style and life's pleasures, the city offers attractions for travelers of virtually every interest.

Architectural Tour

• The soaring red dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is probably the first thing you'll see as you near Florence. It's also a good first stop on an architectural tour of the city, especially if you take the small staircase to the top of the dome for a panoramic view of Florence. By the church, take a walk by Florence's baptistery, paying special attention to the brass doors designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti or the Donatello-designed tomb of Antipope John XXIII inside. For a full day of museum-going, head to the Palazzo Pitti, the monumental former residence of the Medici family that now is filled with museums and galleries. Pick a sunny day to walk across the Arno River on the medieval Ponte Vecchio and, on the other side, head to the beautifully landscaped and sculpture-filled Boboli Gardens for some rest.

Artistic Tour

• You don't have to go to a museum to see beautiful art in Florence. Some of the city's best-known works can be found in Florence's churches and palaces, like Giotto's frescoes of the life of Christ in the church of Santa Maria Novella. If you choose to go to a museum, the Galleria dell'Accademia holds priceless works. such as Michelangelo's David, while the Uffizi Gallery has a spectacular collection of Renaissance masters. Be prepared to spend several hours in either. For a glimpse of contemporary Florentine art and new talent, head to galleries like For Gallery or Galleria Alessandro Bagnai. The Oltrarno district across the Arno is rapidly becoming a hub for young designers and stylish boutiques, reports The New York Times.
• La Dolce Vita

• To indulge in the earthly pleasures that inspired Renaissance humanism, sit down to a three-hour Tuscan meal in a trattoria along the narrow streets of Oltrarno. Regional specialties include charcoal-grilled steak and bean stews, all washed down with locally produced wines. You can walk off the meal with some window shopping along the fashion-filled Via Tornabuoni or head to the San Lorenzo Market for handcrafted leather goods. At dusk, the bars around the Piazza del Duomo fill with performers and revelers, and you can finish off the night with opera at the Teatro Comunale or an open-air summer concert at the Piazza di Sant'Ambrogio.

Getting Outside the City

• The green hills of Tuscany are just outside Florence. You can hike up to Fiesole -- the walk featured in the movie version of E.M. Forster's "A Room With a View" -- directly from the city. For more fresh air, the hills of San Miniato and Bellosguardo are just south of the Arno River, and both offer stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside. In Tuscany, Frommer's recommends renting a car and taking a tour through the back roads of the province, stopping at tiny villages not found on any tourist map and at "vendita direttas" (direct sales) in the countryside to buy fresh cheese, home-pressed olive oil, local wines and herb-scented honeys directly from farmers.

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