Peter D'Attoma, President of DaVinci Custom Travel & Tours
Part 1 of 2

Peter D’Attoma descrive le sue mete preferite di viaggio in Italia: Firenze per musei, arte e cultura; Cinque Terre per paesaggi costieri mozzafiato e scenari unici; Parma per gli amanti del cibo; la Sicilia per qualsiasi vacanza di mare e Milano per lo shopping.  Leggete la seconda parte delle preferenze di Peter nel numero di luglio della Gazzetta Italiana.

Italy is a country that is synonymous with history, architecture, food, fashion, style, art, striking landscapes, picturesque towns and villages and a coastline like no other in the world! From the mountains to the sea, for food and culture lovers, there’s something in it for everyone. Italy is a country that is very rich in diversity. Whatever reason you choose to make Italy your vacation destination, Italy is a truly rich tapestry of choices. With the height of the vacation season quickly approaching, I am pleased to recommend my personal favorites. Enjoy bella Italia!

FLORENCE: Best for museums, art and culture. It’s easy to see why travelers chose Florence as the world’s number one destination, as it is acknowledged as one of Italy’s most beautiful cities and one of the world’s greatest artistic capitals. Florence is a testament to the Italian capacity for genius. This was the birthplace of Dante and the model for the Italian language. The city was also the cradle of civilization, which fostered the humanist movement and the Renaissance in the first half of the fifteenth century. Florentines are very proud of their city and their cultural tradition -- and for good reason. After all, it was the Florentines that bestowed on Italy its language, its art and the earliest model of government.

The greatest development for Florence took place under the Medici family between the fifteenth and early eighteenth centuries. From the late fourteenth century, Florence was the school of Italian art, bringing the rest of the world such master sculptures and artists such as Donatello, Giotto, Rossellino, Ghiberti, Botticelli and of course the greatest genius of all, Michelangelo. The focal point of this city is the Piazza della Signoria, which contains fine monuments such as the Fountain of Neptune, a bronze statue of Grand Duke Cosimo by Giambologna, and the collection of the famous work under the arches of the Loggia della Signoria. And it doesn’t end here. The Accademia Gallery, the Uffizi and the Pitti Palace round out this exceptional artistic and intellectual city.

Florence tip: For the best panoramic view and photos that overlook the entire city of Florence, be sure to stop at the Piazzale Michelangelo. You will be amazed at the view from this point.

CINQUE TERRE: Best for coastal scenery and charm. For me this is an area that I just can’t seem to get enough of. The 15-kilometer stretch of coastline that is known as Cinque Terre (Five Lands) is the most beautiful coastline in a country that defines itself aesthetically. Words alone cannot describe just how beautiful and special this place is.

In 1998 UNESCO designated Cinque Terre as a World Heritage Site. This decision was based on the grounds that this area is a shining example of how the harmonious interaction between man and nature can produce a landscape of exceptional scenic quality, illustrating a traditional way of life that has existed for nearly a thousand years. Nothing has changed here. You will be amazed at the hilltop-terraced vineyards cascading down to the sea.

Cinque Terre is made up of a group of five coastal villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. These five villages are situated along the extreme eastern end of the Ligurian coast between Levanto and La Spezia. Each town conveys its own unique character and charm. If there were ever a place in Italy that you would use the term “picture postcard” it would best apply here. Cinque Terre is a place to walk along its spectacular coastline trails, admire its landscape and revel in its beauty.

PARMA: Best for food lovers. When it comes to food there is nothing quite like the region of Emilia-Romagna, the heart of Italian gastronomy. The area is rich in fertile farmland and lush grazing pastures. My favorite town for food in this region is certainly Parma. It is Parma and the surrounding area that has brought us the famous Felino salami, culatello di zibello (aged salted ham), the rare black truffles of Fragno, porcini mushrooms and the DOC wines. But the most famous of all, of course, are the two products that take their name from the area of origin: prosciutto crudo di Parma (Parma Ham) and Parmigiano Regianno, the most famous of cheeses. With such a long and distinguished history it is hardly surprising that Italians throughout Italy hold this region in such high gastronomic esteem.

Food in Parma is a way of life and people here celebrate it with every opportunity they have -- museums have even been dedicated to the subject! In the summer months, beautifully designed market stalls spring up in every piazza, proudly displaying and exhibiting all the big food contenders. In the month of May, the Castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza open their doors for the sumptuous banquets of the Ricordanze di Sapori (memory of tastes).

If you love food, you will love Parma.

SICILY: Best for sea holidays. While many people will tell you there is nothing quite the likes of Sardinia, for me it is hard to beat Sicily for its beautiful beaches. The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily boasts mountainous landscapes, Mount Etna volcano, rugged coastlines, charming fishing villages, blue waters and golden sands. Holiday resorts are plentiful here.

The jewel of course is Taormina. Standing high on a plateau of 240 meters above the sea, Taormina combines great climate, breathtaking views of the bay and beyond, fantastic facilities and great beaches. It is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and its beautiful monuments and gardens.

While you can spend a great deal of time sunbathing in Sicily, there is plenty to see and explore, from the third-century BC Greek amphitheatre to the Roman ruins, you can sample a variety of architectural styles.

There is also nothing quite like a visit to Mount Etna; its dramatic backdrop is a sight to behold. There is something very special about Taormina. It is a town that despite its tourism has still retained its magical charm and beauty.

MILAN: Best for shopping. Milan is a very cosmopolitan city. This is truly the fashion capital of the world. Here, fashion rules and for the serious shoppers no other place in Italy can compare. For those seeking the finest labels and top designer shops you simply have to go to the area known as the Golden Quadrangle, Milan’s equivalent to designer shopping nirvana. Virtually all of Italy’s top designers house their flagship stores here, including names the likes of Armani, Dolce & Gabanna, Missoni, Gucci, Valentino, Versace, Zegna and many others. You will also find brand name designer cafes, cocktail bars, hotels and restaurants nearby.

Even if you love to shop and you are on a budget, this city will still serve you well. The spirit of independent boutique and designer still flourishes in Milan, and not just fashion. Whatever you wish to take home -- kitchen items, contemporary furniture, lighting -- you will have no trouble finding the unmistakable, and unique, Milanese style. So when you have the urge to shop for those special items, hop on a plane and head for Milan.

Click here to read part two of Italy’s Top Ten Destinations.

Peter D’Attoma is president of DaVinci Custom Travel & Tours. He has over 25 years of planning and designing independent, custom and escorted tours of Italy for individuals, groups and incentives. For more information call 330-633-2292 or visit www.davincicustomtravel.com.