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Index
- Northern Italy
- Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia
- Lake Garda, Lombardy – Veneto – Trentino Alto Adige
- Venice lagoon, Veneto
- Turin, Piedmont
- Verona, Veneto
- Center of Italy
- Assisi, Umbria
- Perugia, Umbria
- Rome, Lazio
- Urbino, Marche
- Pisa and Lucca, Tuscany
- Southern Italy
- Naples, Campania
- Tropea, Calabria
- Palermo, Sicily
- Lecce and Salento, Puglia
- Syracuse, Sicily
For us Italians, the May Day bridge represents the first real “taste of summer”, a sort of delicious anticipation of the summer holidays. The spring colors, the scent of flowers in the air, the sun high in the sky are all excellent incentives to organize a nice trip out of town .
But what are the ideal destinations for the May 1st bridge
? Italy may have a thousand defects, but when it comes to tourist destinations , the Bel Paese has nothing to envy to any other nation in the world. Eternal cities of art, delightful villages and mountain villages, wonderful seaside resorts… in practice you are spoiled for choice. Here are some solutions to the north ,center and south of the country for the May Day bridge .
Northern Italy
1 – Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia
We immediately propose Trieste , a very charming city in Friuli that extends at the foot of the Karst and overlooks the Adriatic Sea. It is a town rich in history, with splendid buildings and monuments that bring the memory back to the glories of a glorious past.
SEE ALSO : What to see in Trieste
- What to do : you can admire the natural areas of the Karst plateau or visit wonders such as the Miramare Castle and Piazza Unita d’Italia with the famous Caffe degli Specchi.
- Where to sleep: hotels and b & b from € 48.00 per night – Find out more
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours: City tour on foot with guide Excursion on Lake Bled from Trieste
2 – Lake Garda, Lombardy – Veneto – Trentino Alto Adige
Moving towards the central-northern area, here is another solution of interest perfect for families with children : a trip by camper in the territory of Lake Garda , a jewel located in the Alps capable of offering breathtaking views and a magical atmosphere.
SEE ALSO : What to see on Lake Garda: locations, attractions and the most beautiful villages
- What to do : visit the lakeside villages, such as Sirmione, on the south coast, Gardone Riviera, on the west coast of the lake, both full of greenery, villas, parks and charming historic districts. Not far away we find Gardaland, the most famous amusement park in Italy, capable of guaranteeing activities for the whole family.
- Where to sleep: hotels and b & b on Lake Garda from € 69.00 per night – Find out more
- Card, ticket and recommended tour: one day ticket for Gardaland and Sea Life Acquarium Day cruise on Lake Garda and villages Tour of the vineyards on the lakeside with tasting
3 – Venice Lagoon, Veneto
Another solution always on the north-eastern side: a visit to the Venetian Lagoon .
The city of Venice itself is a sort of archipelago, made up of a lot of small islets, including the famous Burano, Murano and Torcello , priceless milestones and traditional tourist destinations. Each of them has a unique character, so it is worth visiting them to fully appreciate the atmosphere.
SEE ALSO : What to see in Venice
- What to do : visit the historic center of Venice, Piazza San Marco, the bridges and canals by gondola. Take advantage of it for a short excursion to the delightful neighboring islets and, for art and culture lovers, there are plenty of museums to visit, such as the Guggenheim collection, Palazzo Ducale and the Accademia Gallery. Have some fun, enjoy the aperitifs and taste the local gastronomy!
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 70.00 per night – Find out more
- Card, ticket and recommended tour: Guided tour of San Marco and Doge’s Palace Guided excursion to Burano, Murano and Torcello 30-minute private gondola ride
4 – Turin, Piedmont
Fascinating, esoteric, mysterious. Turin is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Italy with its squares, its movements and its sparkling nocturnal activity. Cosmopolitan and multifaceted, it is a perfect destination for both kids and families !
SEE ALSO : What to see in Turin
- What to do : a tour of the center is a must. Whether you are teenagers or families with children, the Parco del Valentino is a delight in this period. If you have time, the Egyptian Museum and Venaria Reale are FABULOUS!
- Where to sleep: hotels and b & b from € 60.00 per night – Find out more
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours: walking tour of the historic center with guide tour of the occult and esoteric Turin entrance with guide to the Egyptian Museum
5 – Verona, Veneto
Photo of Lo Scaligero. Actually Verona is a must at any time of the year. Romantic, fun, with a portfolio of experiences to offer for everyone! And then the geographical position is excellent … if you have a couple of days more, you can go anywhere from here!
SEE ALSO : What to see in Verona
- What to do : if we suggest the Arena and Juliet’s House we are discounted
Ok, try to go to Verona and not visit them! A tour of the center is a must, if you have a couple of days more, go to Mantua, Padua or Ferrara! - Where to sleep: hotels and b & b from € 55.00 per night – Find out more
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours: walking tour of the city with guide Verona Card 24 hours Walking tour of Mantua
Central Italy
1 – Assisi, Umbria
Situated on the slopes of Mount Subasio, Assisi is a medieval city famous for being the homeland of St. Francis , who was born here in 1181. Right in the burial place of the Saint, stands the immense Basilica full of frescoes beautiful paintings made by artists such as Giotto , Cimabue and Simone Martini
- What to do : visit the Basilica and the places linked to the life of San Francesco, such as the Church of San Damiano, the Hermitage of the Carceri and the Basilica of Santa Chiara. Do not miss the Romanesque Cathedral and the other buildings of Piazza del Comune, in the center of the town.
- Where to sleep: hotels and b & b from € 39.00 per night – Find out more
- Card, ticket and recommended tour: 3-hour guided tour of Assisi Day tour of the villages of Spello and Assisi Wine tour with picnic in the Umbrian hills
2 – Perugia, Umbria
While staying in Umbria , we propose a visit to Perugia, the Umbrian capital and one of the most romantic hill towns in Italy. It has an intimate and urban charm, thanks to the presence of several artistic treasures such as the Fontana Maggiore and the National Gallery.
- What to do : visit the historic center, and lose yourself in its delightful alleys. Do not miss the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the Palazzo dei Priori and the National Gallery. Of course, we are at Perugina’s house, so … a visit to the Casa del Cioccolato is a must!
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 49.00 per room – Find out more
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours: City tour on foot with full day chocolate experience guide
3 – Rome, Lazio
From Umbria we pass to Lazio; here the solution is almost obligatory: May 1st in Rome has always been an institution.
Between events and concerts , open-air museums and architectural wonders, parks and natural areas, you will have many possibilities that you will not know what to dedicate yourself to first.
SEE ALSO : May 1st concert in Rome What to see in Rome
- What to do : visit the center, at least the musts. Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Imperial Forums. Enjoy the concert on May 1st, savor the Capitoline atmosphere in its squares and in the areas of the nightlife. If you have time, visit the Vatican!
- Where to sleep: hotels and b & b from € 54.00 per night – Find out more
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Skip-the-line entrance to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sisitine Chapel and St. Peter’s Skip-the-line 48 or 72 hour city card
4 – Urbino, Marche
The latest proposal for central Italy is Urbino, a hilly city in the Marche region .
Its grandiose architecture is linked to the heyday of Federico da Montefeltro, during which it became the capital of a powerful Duchy.
It was the birthplace of the painter Raphael , whose first house is still located in the street of the same name.
- What to do : Urbino is a city of art; inside the Palazzo Ducale there is one of the best galleries in Italy. Do not miss the House of Raffaello Sanzio, the Cathedral and, if you have time, the surroundings of the town with the medieval village of Gradara.
- Where to sleep: hotels and b & b from € 42.00 per night – Find out more
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours: 2-hour private tour with a local guide
5 – Pisa and Lucca, Tuscany
Photo of Fra Ganda. Delicious, romantic, full of history, culture and gastronomy! Pisa and Lucca are the symbols of a Tuscany that is not only Florence, but also much, much more. From the Piazza dei Miracoli to the jewels of the Renaissance , they are an ideal stop for this period! And if you really want to take a trip to Florence … it’s not far away!
- What to do : Piazza dei Miracoli by force. Leaning Tower, Duomo and so on. Enjoy Lucca walking with your nose up, between the Cathedral, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, Churches and Towers. And if you have a few more days … in an hour you can also pass by Pistoia, Prato and Florence!
- Where to sleep: hotels and b & b from € 57.00 per night – Find out more
- Card, ticket and recommended tour: guided tour of Pisa with entrance to the Tower Guided day tour to Pisa and Lucca
Southern Italy
1 – Naples, Campania
We move towards the south, precisely in the territory of Naples in Campania . Exuberant, picturesque, sometimes chaotic, Naples is one of the most charismatic cities of our nation, full of must-see attractions for tourists.
SEE ALSO : What to see in Naples
- What to do : it presents one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, which preserves the treasures of Pompeii inside. And yet churches, palaces and museums, narrow streets and characteristic neighborhoods. If you have time, visit the ruins of Pompeii and the Royal Palace of Caserta.
- Where to sleep: hotels and b & b from € 49.00 per night – Find out more
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours: skip-the-line entrance to the Royal Palace of Caserta One day tour of Pompeii and Herculaneum One day tour of the Amalfi Coast
2 – Tropea, Calabria
If the timeless charm of Naples doesn’t intrigue you that much, perhaps the right destination for you is Calabria , “the tip of the boot”. Let’s go to Tropea, which in this period offers an already excellent climate. The more daring can also indulge in some dives!
- What to do : absolutely visit the historic center and the church of Santa Maria on the rock spur. Taste the local specialties, from the Tropea Red Onion to the original Calabrian ‘nduja! If time permits … everyone on the beach!
- Where to sleep: hotels and b & b from € 46.00 per night – Find out more
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours: One day tour to the Aeolian Islands Spicy tour to Tropea and Capo Vaticano
3 – Palermo, Sicily
Capital of the island, Palermo is a city with a thousand faces in which, of course, you will always have something to do. Art and culture , excursions, food and street food a go-go, and more events, concerts … in short, there is something for everyone! And in May … you already know what a beautiful climate !
SEE ALSO : What to see in Palermo
- What to do : the historic center must certainly be seen, even on foot. From stage to stage, don’t limit yourself to tasting something typical, you will find it at every step: arancine, sfincione, panelle, pane ca meusa … bye bye diet! If time permits, an obligatory excursion to Mondello, otherwise up to Monreale!
- Where to sleep: hotels and b & b from € 50.00 per night – Find out more
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Palermo tour with local guide Half day tour to Monreale and Cefalu Palermo: 3-hour walking tour between street food and history
4 – Lecce and Salento, Puglia
Salento is one of the most famous regions of Italy, and with the arrival of spring it is as if it were blossoming. Lecce, known as “the Florence of the South”, as well as the coastal cities and the villages of Salento , are an ideal destination for a May 1st in the sun!
- What to do : definitely to visit the historic center of Lecce and its baroque. Then the ideal would be to take a short tour of the cities and beaches of Salento, such as Gallipoli, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, Porto Cesareo, …
- Where to sleep: hotels and b & b from € 54.00 per night – Find out more
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Lecce walking tour with guide day tour of Salento
5 – Syracuse, Sicily
Probably the most beautiful city on the island , after Palermo. Syracuse is bright, and history, and landscapes. It is an imaginative and refined intertwining of wonders to be discovered at every step and … at every bite! And if you hear the call of the mountain … Etna is 50km away, eh …
SEE ALSO : What to see in Syracuse and surroundings
- What to do : mmm … where do we start
Ok, from Ortigia, for sure. The cathedral square will dazzle you! Then the archaeological area of ​​Neapolis, the Maniace Castle, the Fonte Aretusa, the Ciane River Reserve … ok, ok … that’s enough! Ah, eat! Eat a lot! - Where to sleep: hotels and b & b from € 47.00 per night – Find out more
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours: 3-hour guided walking tour Etna excursion from Syracuse boat tour of Ortigia and the sea caves
