Port Cities on Italy's Coast

This place has more history than the pizza in my fridge

While working on ship we were able to go to a lot of Italy's top port cities. For the purpose of creativity we shall call these places "Citaly's". They include Rome, Livorno(Pisa), and Venice. As Fanny Burney said, "There's no looking at a building here after seeing Italy." For the most recent hotel and cheap east information, check out the most recent Lonely Planet Italy.

Rome, Italy - What was once the capital of the world is now a great city full of history. The most notable aspect about Rome was pretty obvious, the historical architecture in contrast to its bustling contemporary image. It was not the most laid back if Italian cities, but you will find plenty of places to people watch while sipping red wine if you try. This is not a place to rush past either. Their is so much history you can plan on spending a week just to take it all in. Be sure to have a guide book to assist you putting it all together.

Pompeii, Italy - Pompeii was the most amazing historical ruins in the region. What was once a bustling seaport, is now only ruins after Mount Vesuvius covered its lands and people in ash. Pompeii has an amazing history which we are still learning about today. If you can plan it right, go to Pompeii on an off day, or a day when there aren't a lot of cruise ships in Naples. This was such a day to remember and it was great to have so many pictures which showed the emptiness that reflects this once successful city.

As a product of American public schools, I thought this is what all buildings in Italy looked like. Fortunately, I was proven wrong. Perhaps one of the most well known Italian buildings, the leaning tower is as much fun to see in person as it is to emulate with Cheddar. The Leaning Tower of Cheese-a!

Italy is well known for its Italian ice cream which is called Gelato.
And to the right is another great example of how not to do something.

Mount Etna, located on the Island of Sicily, Italy. Just like the people in Italy, smoking hot.

The most striking feature of Venice are the canals. They are the arteries that keep the city alive, just don't fall in. Bring a map if you plan on walking all around Venice. There are a lot of places you can easily get lost. And if you ever need directions on how to get somewhere, just put your forefinger and thumb together then shake it up and down as you talk. Then end every sentence with "a".

About the Author
Mike has been working and traveling abroad since 2005. Recent trips include 12 months in Australia, a month in China and another in Europe followed by a six week USA road trip. Mike isn't rich, just resourceful in finding work abroad. In additon to providing free information on working abroad, and travel photography for sale online, Mike is also available for speaking engagements on the benefits of world travel.

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