Backpacking Through Italy is Amazing

Backpacking in Italy is an absolute must if you're planning on a backpacking through Europe trip. Italy is much smaller than other European countries such as France which allows you to see more of the beautiful country in less time. Backpackers simply cannot afford to miss a backpacking trip through Italy there's just so much to see and do. There is the wonderful history, the architecture and of course the great Italian cuisine! No I'm not just talking about Pizza's here although they are fantastic!

One of my favorite places to go when backpacking in Italy is amazing Venice! You may have heard that Venice is quite an expensive city and unfortunately this is true! If your budget can stretch however make sure you visit Venice. It’s worth it even for one view on a clear day from the top of the Campanile in Piazza San Marco. Have you had your heart set on a Gondola ride? They are also expensive. There is a way around this where you can still get to see the city by boat. Public ferries called traghetti – they look like a regular gondola only larger – cross the Grand Canal at points where there are no nearby bridges. The cost is nothing compared to that to a personal Gondola ride and you will get the same views of the city. Venice also has public transportation on water, which is called vaporetti. I know it’s not quite as romantic as the Gondola ride but the money you save might just buy you a gorgeous meal in another part of the country.

Sorrento would by my next stop, as it’s known as the peal of the Mediterranean. It’s easily accessible if backing through Italy. My favorite feature of Sorrento is the hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour of the city. You can hop-on and off as many times as you like aboard this open-top double-decker bus. There are 7 different locations you can get off at and if you stay on for the full ride it takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes. It’s well worth taking to see the amazing scenery in Sorrento and it’s a good way to get to know the city. If any of the locations look interesting then why not hop off and have a closer look.

Rome is of course the capital city of Italy and a must see location if you’re backpacking in Italy. It’s not only the capital of Italy; it’s the largest city, the seat of the Italian government and home to the Pope and the Vatican. The Vatican State - home to the Pope, the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, and the Sistine Chapel. Something you have to do when backpacking in Rome is Visit the Vatican Museums. The entrance to the Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani) is a 15-minute walk from Piazza San Pietro. The museums are huge, you could quite easily spend most of you trip having a look at the beautiful sites on offer. Each starts at the domed Quattro Cancelli area, near the entrance, and finishes at the Sistine Chapel, so if you want to cut to the chase you can head straight for the chapel.

Italy is a fantastic country to go backpacking in I would thoroughly recommend it.