The moon is burning in the sky
And I am burning with love
The fire that is consumed
Like my heart

Who will I sing
My song to

If there is no one
Who shows herself
On the balcony

The moon is burning in the sky
And I am burning with love
The fire that is consumed
Like my heart

cities of art

“The Creator made Italy from designs by Michelangelo.”
– Mark Twain

Italy is a veritable open-air museum. From the impressive Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals of northern and central Italy to the ancient religious architecture in the Southern regions, Italy has it all. The splendour of Baroque architecture can be seen throughout the country, in the grandeur of the buildings and the richly decorated churches of Naples and Sicily.

The great archaeological wealth of the country includes the unique and fascinating valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the mysteries of Pompeii and Herculaneum in Campania all the way to the Etruscan civilisation around Tuscia in Lazio.

lakes, mountains and beaches

“You may have the universe if I may have Italy.”
- Giuseppe Verdi

For pristine beauty, there is no better place than the Italian outdoors. The Italian peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea with its boot-like shape kicking the island of Sicily surprises one with its stunning mountains, lakes and beaches. The Italian Alps and its plethora of options including skiing from the Dolomite region, home to the imposing Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc), Italy’s highest peak. The chic ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo in the same region is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In contrast are its beaches – stunning, surreal and just a few miles from the cities. In Abruzzo, the coastline boasts the sette sorelle (seven sisters) – seven seaside resorts from Martinsicuro to Silvi, while Pescara offers a harbour view and a promising nightlife. In Puglia there is the beautiful Isole Tremiti whilst in Liguria, one can find a quiet coastline secluded from the rest of the world. The Capri and the Amalfi coast attract the best of world travellers, especially to Positano. These places will make your visit rich in memories and undoubtedly magical.

But can the famous Italian romance be complete without a mention of Italy’s amazing countryside that has captured the imagination of hundreds of artists over centuries – Tuscany, Calabria, Basilicata, Molise, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia offer a feast for the eyes. Lake Como is surrounded with beautiful tourist resorts with fine gardens and impressive country homes all along the lakeside. Whether its Garda Lake or Maggiore, the lakes are surrounded by a rich countryside of vineyards, olive groves and citrus orchards. The lakeside towns Bracciano, Vicarello, Trevignano Romano and Anguillara Sabazia are also very romantic places to visit.

spas

“Italy and the spring and first love all together should suffice to make the gloomiest person happy.”
– Bertrand Russell

Honeymoons are synonymous with rest and relaxation and what better place to do so than in the spas of Italy. Some of the most famous spa resorts include Acqui, Pellegrino, Chianciano, Fuiggi and San Gemini in the north or Contursi, Lamezia and Santa Cesrea in the south. Water for the body and relaxation for the mind will help you achieve good health in perfect harmony.

gastronomy

A trip to Italy without immersing yourself in its gastronomy isn’t a trip to Italy! Italy is a land where food is made out of nothing but pure love so what better place for lovers to share a meal? Whether it is the pesto sauce of Genoa or the ‘original’ pizza from Naples, the delicious mozzarella di bufala, or the porcetto in Sardinia, each of the regions have unique cuisines that makes Italy an epicurean’s paradise. Plus, Italy offers vegetarians more choices than most of Europe with imaginatively served fresh seasonal vegetables and salads. Italy also has rich culinary traditions in sweets. Struffoli from Naples, caggionetti from Abruzzo, and panforte from Siena are extremely popular, along with Italy’s Christmas cakes from Milan and Verona - panettone and pandoro.

Italy’s love affair with wine and cheese is well known. And, whether its white, rosé or red, this country boasts a huge number of the world’s best wines. Amarone from Veneto, Barolo from Piedmont, Chianti Classico from Tuscany are but a few that you must savour on your journey.

shopping & leisure

When in Rome, do as the Romans do! If it’s fashion you and your soulmate are after, then there is no better way to splurge together than on the streets of Italy. It is not for nothing that Italy is the fashion capital of the world - Italy is home to some of the world’s most famous brands. Whether you are in Milan or Rome or walking through the cobbled pathways of Lucca or Capri, Italy is a shopper’s paradise.

In Italy there are a thousand ways to use your free time: expanding your cultural horizons, relaxing, going to a concert, a play, a traditional festival, or to watch a sporting event. Or, simply immersing yourself in la Dolce Vita, the sweet life - sitting in a bar and enjoying a cappuccino or a glass of good wine, or wandering around the beautiful towns - large and small - admiring and visiting their churches, palaces, monuments, castles, archaeological sites, museums, galleries, squares and streets. Once in Italy, just being there is already the best way to spend your free time.

Subscribe to Verve Magazine or buy the Verve issue on stands now!